THE DISCIPLESHIP 100 SERIES (Biblical Truths and Practices Every Christian Should Understand) Our goal for 21 studies is to know and understand the basics of the Christian life so that (1) the person of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17), (2) we may present every person complete in Christ (Colossians 1:28), and (3) every person is equipped to pass on these truths to other faithful men and women (2 Timothy 2:2).

WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM THE BIBLE ABOUT:

Discipleship, the Bible, Bible Study, the Biblical God, Prayer 101. The Christian as a Disciple Luke 14:25-15:2 For further study: Read “An Introduction to Discipleship”. 102. The Bible 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13 For further study: “Why Can I Trust the Bible?” 103. Bible Study Mark 4:1-20, How to study the Bible handout For further study: “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Bible?” 104. The Biblical God Ex 34:6-7 For further study: “What Can I Learn from the Bible about God?” 105. Prayer Luke 11:1-4 For further study: “Teach Us to Pray” by David Roper.

The Biblical Jesus, Faith, the Biblical Holy Spirit, Walking by the Spirit: 106. The Biblical Jesus Hebrews 1:1-14 For further study: “What Can I Learn from the Bible about Jesus?” 107. Faith Hebrews 10:36-38, 11:1-6, 12:1-2 108. The Biblical Holy Spirit John 14:16-17,26, 15:26, 16:7-11,14 For further study: “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Holy Spirit?” 109. Walking by the Spirit Galatians 5:16-25, ECRAT handout For further study: “How Does a Christian Practically Walk by the Spirit?”

Humanity and Sin, Deliverance!, Biblical Salvation, The Christian’s Identity: 110. Humanity and Sin Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-9 For further study: “Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin.” 111. Deliverance! Romans 10:9-15, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:20-24, Deliverance handout For further study: “Evangelism” 112. Biblical Salvation 1 Timothy 2:3-6, Romans 3:24-28, Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 3:2 For further study: “What Can I Learn from the Bible about Salvation?” 113. The Christian’s Identity IN Christ Romans 5:11-6:14 For further study: “More notes on Romans 5:12-21 and 6:15-23.” Forgiveness and Victory Cycles. 114. The Christian’s Identity IN the Spirit Romans 7:1-8:17 For further study: Review notes from Discipleship 109 on Walking by the Spirit and ECRAT

The Biblical Church, the Church’s Walk, Dealing with the World, the Flesh, and the Devil: 115. The Biblical Church Ephesians 4:1-16 For further study: “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Church?” 116. The Church’s Walk Rom 12:1-8 For further study: “Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire” and “Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts” 117. Dealing with the World 1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:2 118. Dealing with the Flesh James 1:13-18 For further study: “New Life in Christ” by Sally Rackets. 119. Dealing with the Devil Ephesians 6:10-18 For further study: “Spiritual Warfare” by Ray Stedman.

The Future for the Believer and the Unbeliever, Witnessing and Discipling 120. The Future Joel Berger’s 3-page handout on the future 121. The Christian as a Witness and Discipler 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Mt 28:16-20

Discipleship 101 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Christian as a Disciple (Luke 14:25-15:2)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) answer the following questions, and/or (2) you can read or listen to “The Christian as a Disciple” by Joel Berger.

STUDY A physician, Dr. Luke was a traveling companion of the apostle Paul during some of Paul's missionary journeys. Doing extensive research, Luke wrote this Gospel in the late 50s A.D. to a man named Theophilus. Written for Gentile (non-Jewish) readers, Luke presents Jesus as the perfect human. We see Jesus’ birth, childhood and preparation in 1:1-4:13, His ministry in 4:14-9:50, His rejection in 9:51-19:27, and His crucifixion and resurrection and appearances in 19:28-24:53. The key verse is Luke 19:10, ‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ Jesus was here to seek and save those lost in sin. During His ‘ministry’ phase, we have three sections of verses (Luke 6:46-49, 9:23, and 14:25-15:2) that explain the Christian as a disciple from Jesus’ own lips.

Questions specific to this passage: When you became a Christian, what did you see as the cost of being a disciple of Jesus? In 14:26,27,33 we see the three conditions for being a disciple of Jesus; what are they? In :25, draw a picture of the scene. In :26, what do Jesus’ words mean to us today? How does Matthew 10:37-38 help us better understand? In :27, what did a cross mean during Jesus’ time? How can we use this condition practically? In :28-30, what are the details of the first illustration? How do they fit in with Jesus’ teaching on discipleship? In :31-32, what is the second illustration? How do these two illustrations enable us to better understand discipleship? In :33, what does Jesus’ third condition for following Him involve? In :34-35, Jesus starts talking about salt; how does this fit in with the cost of discipleship? What good is tasteless salt? How can we remain tasty? In 15:1-2, who responded and who didn’t? Why?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “The best thing I did this past month was…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in Luke 14:25-15:2? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read Luke 6:40. What is the impact this verse has on your life? 3. Read Luke 14:16-15:2. As you consider what Jesus described as the “costs” of following Him, what was the first thing that came to your mind? What would occur if Jesus wasn’t first in each of these areas: your relationships, your own life, your direction, your possessions? In what areas do you struggle taking back control from Jesus? What excuses do you use for “not coming to the dinner,” for “not being a disciple of Jesus” in every area? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Christian as a Disciple” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The written message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also read the three-page handout “An Introduction to Discipleship” by Joel Berger.

Discipleship 101—THE CHRISTIAN AS A DISCIPLE (Luke 14:25-15:2) Page 1 of 4

Jesus in Luke 6:40 makes an amazing statement: A disciple is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. A disciple is a learner. For each of us, that means we need to be careful who we choose to follow because we’ll become like him/her! As Christians, our chosen teacher is Jesus! We’re to come to Him, learn from Him, and follow Him. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? I considered sharing Luke 6:46-49 or Luke 9:23, but I finally decided on Luke 14:16-15:2. We’ll cover the other two passages in D201.

Luke was a doctor. He traveled with the apostle Paul on part of Paul’s missionary journeys. Doing extensive research, Luke wrote this Gospel in the late 50s A.D. Writing to non-Jewish readers, Luke presents Jesus as the perfect human, the human who was absolutely dependent upon His Father while on this earth. The key verse is Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Here is the Christian as a disciple from Jesus’ own lips.

Please slowly, meditatively read Luke 14:16-15:2. Here Jesus states: “You can’t be My disciple unless…!” In :16- 24, it was an open, compelling invitation to ALL to come to Him. Now He turns to the huge crowd and gives three conditions for being His disciple. What Jesus says in these verses is mandatory to understanding what Christianity is about—both for initial salvation and for growth. I still remember the day when these three conditions struck me.

:25a Now large crowds were going along with Him. Jesus wanted these curious and sensation-seeking people to realize there was a cost to following Him, to coming to the dinner. This was a deliberate attempt to check the unthinking enthusiasm of the crowds. Why? True Christianity costs us everything!! It costs our relationships, our lives, our goals, our possessions. Then if they are given back to us by our Lord Jesus, we realize how gracious He is and that all these are His, not ours. Jesus lays down the demands because they are the way to life, to live as God intended.

:25b-26 And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” If you come to Jesus and don’t hate your closest relationships and your own life, then you can’t be Jesus’ disciple! Whoa! Hate is a strong word! And the word hate does mean hate! We must measure His words in light of His other words in Matthew 10:37, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” In other places Jesus tells His followers love others, even their enemies. Jesus often stated truths in a startling manner and left it to the common sense of His hearers. When we realize this is our Creator, our Life, our Savior, our Lord, who is saying these words, we realize the impact of His words. No person (including myself) can be permitted to take precedence over the Lord Jesus! He must be first! If it comes down to a choice as to where my loyalty lies, I must follow Jesus. We usually think of wicked sins as challenging loyalty, but here Jesus includes family relationships also. Remember :20—“I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come!” Jesus accepts no excuses! And in these verses, He’s listing several excuses people use.

Let me add a truth that has become clear over time. Our agapē love (God’s kind of love, of which He only is the source, a commitment kind of love that sincerely seeks the best for the one loved) for Jesus will cause us to love our families and parents and children and even ourselves with a greater love than we could ever have for them without Him! I can’t love my wife with God’s kind of love if I put her before Jesus. I can’t love our children and grandchildren with God’s kind of love if I put them before Jesus. By putting a relationship or my own life first before Jesus, I am cheating my family and myself of Divine love. At best it’s a selfish love, holding on at all costs. Jesus must be first, above my family and relationships, above my own life.

:27 Jesus hits us with a second condition in this verse. “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” If I’m not willing to carry my own cross and come after Jesus as He leads, I’m not His disciple. Doubtless Jesus’ listeners had seen condemned criminals executed in that fashion. It’s said that the land of Judea was filled with crosses because crucifixion was common. A cross doesn’t mean suffering but death, the emptying of my life of anything that would contest Jesus’ Lordship. That would include my goals, my dreams, my ambitions, my rights, my interests. Sometimes we hear someone say, “Well, this hardship is just my cross to bear!” or “Having this person in my life is just my cross to bear!” None of the crowd to which Jesus would have been

Discipleship 101—THE CHRISTIAN AS A DISCIPLE (Luke 14:25-15:2) Page 2 of 4 addressing these words would have thought of hardships or relationships in Jesus’ words. They would have thought of death. In order to be a disciple of Jesus, my life must end. I’m not to live for myself but for Him. The apostle Paul recognized this in Galatians 2:20, “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 gave Himself up for me.” Other places he says that Christians have died with the Lord Jesus. It’s no longer I who live, but He lives in me! The life I now live in this fleshly body I live by faith in Him, this One who loved me and gave Himself up for me. We follow Him wherever He leads, regardless of the death that means. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 says it again, “Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” When we’re carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus and are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, Jesus’ life is revealed through these bodies of ours! What an incredible concept! It’s my life at His disposal. It doesn’t mean we can’t have goals or interests or even rights, but it does mean that He’s always first and we’re willing to give up any of those goals, interests, and rights if He as Lord leads us to.

:28-32 In these verses Jesus gives a couple of illustrations of counting the cost, of being His disciple, of being invited to the big dinner. “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begins to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” We see what Jesus expects of His followers, and each of us needs to ask if we’re willing to pay the price. We’re to know the cost and think about it, but we should never let the cost keep us from buying! Just think, His life for mine! All that He is and has for all that I am and have! What a deal!

What Jesus is asking for is a conscious commitment, made with a realistic estimate of the ultimate personal cost—my family, myself, my direction, my possessions. There must be no bargaining or comparing or hesitating. Our basic aim is to be in every way a disciple of Jesus, a learner of Jesus. There is full commitment, with nothing knowingly or deliberately held back. You don’t want others to ridicule you because you ended up an unfinished structure, because you ended up losing the battle. You can see the slave in :16-24 going back to his master and saying, “So and so can’t make it because he bought a piece of land and is going to look at it! So and so can’t make it also because he just bought five yoke of oxen, and he’s going to try them out!” “You mean you didn’t come to the dinner or won’t accept the conditions of discipleship or didn’t finish the tower because you got married!! Or you’ve got kids or a new job or you’ve got a hobby or goals? You put one of those first before Jesus?” “Excuses!”, as Jesus says in :18.

The word calculate in :28 means to “cast a pebble.” Pebbles were used as counters. Plato once asked, “And you, would your vote (cast your pebble) with me or against me?” Jesus asks us the same. Calculate the cost and cast your pebble.

:33 In this verse Jesus gives His third condition of discipleship. “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” We must renounce everything that would prevent our dependence on Jesus alone. We know from other Scriptures that Jesus entrusts certain things to us, so this means yielding up the right of ownership rather than the outright disposal of all things. I may be given the use of things as a trust, but they are not mine. I don’t own them. He does. I’m to use anything entrusted to me—my relationships, my family, my spiritual gifts, my possessions—as a wise manager would someone else’s property. It’s to be a continual attitude of abandonment. I have to consider my house, my retirement account, my savings, my cars, my computer, my clothes, my family films and videos, my everything as His because they are! I must renounce anything that would prevent my dependence on Him alone. But what a deal! It’s an exchange of all that I own for all that He is. There’s no life, there’s no impact, when we’re not willing to do it Jesus’ way! Willing is the key issue.

:34-35 These verses begin with “Therefore.” What is that “therefore” there for? “Therefore, salt is good; but if

Discipleship 101—THE CHRISTIAN AS A DISCIPLE (Luke 14:25-15:2) Page 3 of 4 even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Jesus ties together salt with discipleship. Salt is good. I especially like salt on my popcorn! It adds taste. During Jesus’ time salt was especially used as a preservative. But if salt has become tasteless, how do you improve it? You don’t! You throw it out! It’s not even fit for the manure pile, which is pretty bad!! Even as a Christian, these conditions hit me hard. As I looked at each condition and what each meant, I knew I didn’t want to end up tasteless—thrown out in terms of ministry and impact. I wanted to be Jesus’ follower in every area of my life, with no excuses. That was a turning point for me!

Remember, everyone is invited, “Come, for everything is ready now.” “If anyone comes to Me…” Jesus wasn’t trying to drive people away, but He was urging them to count the cost and to follow Him with their whole heart. This is what the Christian as a disciple is. If we try to live as a Christian without yielding our everything to Jesus, we’ll become salt that has lost all of its characteristics. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” When it came time to apply, who had ears to hear? We see in 15:1-2.

15:1-2 Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” The outcasts, rejects, and others considered “sinners” who made no effort at all to live by the standards of Jewish law and traditions drew near. It was a constant stream of people. The collectors of taxes (those Jews working for the Roman IRS) were among those who were ostracized by nearly everyone because they were considered traitors by the Jews and were simply being exploited by the Romans. Yet these were the individuals who streamed to Jesus because of His inviting, liberating message. The next three parables in chapter 15 show God’s interest in the lost, the sinner, and the joy in heaven and on earth when one repents! Anyone, no matter how much you’ve sinned or what kinds of sins you’ve committed, can come. You’ve invited! But, no excuses!

On the other hand the Pharisees (the religious leaders of the day and separate from any sin and sinners!) and the scribes (the legal interpreters of the Jewish law and traditions) couldn’t stomach a man who was popular among the outcasts, the sinners, of society. They had many complaints about Jesus, but one of the worst was that Jesus received sinners and even ate with them! To go so far as to welcome them and especially to eat with them was unthinkable to these religious hypocrites. They had no heart for the outcast, no love for the sinner, no compassion for the lost.

Worse, they had no sense of their own sinfulness. “Give up family, life, goals, possessions—we don’t need to! We don’t need a Lord! We’re quite satisfied with ourselves.” They weren’t affected by what Jesus said, and were repelled by what Jesus did. It is a sad fact that many “religious” people are headed for an eternity separated from God, not willing to pay the cost to be a disciple of Jesus. They are tasteless. They never tasted of the big dinner. They never experienced the Life and Lordship of Jesus!

Jesus was telling these people what was best for their lives, even though it appeared painful and costly. Ray Stedman once wrote, “Jesus never tried to bribe men by the offer of an easy way. He wants us to understand that the cost of discipleship is going to shatter us, change us, make us into a different kind of person, because the cost of discipleship is ourselves.” Jesus is telling us what is best for us. It’s like a surgeon who tells his patient that he is forced to engage in radical surgery to help him. The patient’s response is not to come up with excuses but to yield himself to the surgeon’s hands. His terms, not ours! Yes, Jesus invites all, yet there is a cost. But what a deal for us!!

If we want to impact others, be the fragrant aroma of Jesus, point others to abundant life, we must know and accept Jesus’ conditions. Anyone can follow Him and become salt in our society, but it must be Jesus’ way: family, myself, direction, possessions. Jesus earlier said in Luke 6:46, “And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Yes, love your family, love yourself, have goals and interests, know your rights, be grateful for your possessions, but, keep Jesus first! It’s the only way you’ll have life and impact as Jesus intended. “And you, would you vote (cast your pebble) with Jesus or against Him?” Do you come near Him to listen or begin to grumble and find excuses not to be His disciple?

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You can just see the slave in :16-24 writing down the people’s excuses so he could accurately report to the master why people didn’t come: “Let’s see, you didn’t come because you bought a piece of land and you want to look at it!” “You aren’t coming because you bought five yoke of oxen and you’re going to try them out!” “You didn’t come because you got married!” “You didn’t follow Jesus because you have kids!” “You didn’t follow Jesus— because you got a new job! Or because you just got a job you’ve always wanted. Or because you don’t have a job. Or because you’ve got a girlfriend or boyfriend. Or because you’re going to school. Or because you just got a new set of golf clubs. Or because you just got a new RV. Or because Jesus receives sinners and eats with them. Or because you don’t agree with some of the people Jesus spent time with. Or because you had a hard upbringing. Or because you want to be popular. Or because you want to experience pleasure. Or because you’re too old or young.” If you are not coming to the dinner, if you are not a disciple of Jesus, what is your excuse?

As Christians, let’s quit the excuses. Let’s put Jesus as Lord in His right place. Let’s “become like our teacher!”

Discipleship 101—An Introduction to Discipleship by Joel Berger Page 1 of 3

In Matthew 28:18 Jesus commanded His apostles to “Make disciples!” I was discipled by a man named Bob Smith. He met with me weekly, and his input was life-changing. I was fresh out of seminary, but still felt unprepared to be a pastor-teacher. So, I interned at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California. Bob had just one intern that year, and I was that person! What a privilege. As we met weekly, he gave me different assignments, and as I carried out those assignments (counseling one morning a week, meeting with anyone who came off the streets; leading two Bible studies; building into a couple of young men’s lives; studying different passages to prepare for weekly classes), I found a great need to know what the Bible said about the different issues with which I was confronted. I would meet with a person for counseling, the person would share what he/she felt his/her issue was, and I wouldn’t have the slightest idea where to go in the Bible for help! I would give whatever advice I had, then schedule another meeting with the person the next week(!), and then desperately go to Bob for help! I had a list of questions that I would bring to Bob, and he would say, “Joel, why don’t we turn to such-and-such a passage.” And instead of Bob teaching me, he would let God teach me through His Word! I found that God and His Word were so practical and helpful and life- changing. I would meet with the counselee the next week and pass on GOD’s Word to him/her. As I spent time with Bob that year, I found that the Bible addressed whatever need the person had. “God, thank You for having the Bible writers put on parchment the kind of life You intend us to live and how to live it!” Having been discipled, I have believed in and practiced discipleship ever since that time back in 1973-74.

One of my greatest desires I have for my own family and for God’s family is that we know, understand, apply, and share God’s words. 1 Peter 2:2 says that we are to be like newborn babies, who long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it we may grow in respect to salvation. We as Christians are to be as hungry as a newborn babes for God’s truth! God’s Word must be pretty important! Since it's the Scripture that has been breathed out by God, it's the Scripture that is beneficial for instructing us, for showing us where we're wrong, for showing us how to make it right, and for training us. It's the Scripture that makes us adequate, equipped for every good work. In order to grow in our Lord, we'd better hunger for and get into His Word!

I realize that working with one person or a small group seems slow and maybe even insignificant when there are so many ways to reach "big" numbers!, but over the long run, discipleship develops many mature Christians. And it's mature Christians who are best able to reproduce. I can still remember the time when I offered my son the choice of either taking $1.00 a week for a year or one cent the first week and doubling the amount every week for 52 weeks. He readily chose the $1.00 a week, which most of us would probably do. Then we sat down with our hand calculator and began to see what doubling the one cent would result in. It wasn't very long before he quickly changed his mind and wanted to go with what seemed to be the slow and insignificant way! It's the same with discipleship. It is not very "impressive" in numbers if one only disciples, say, one person a year, but if you keep it up and your disciples do the same thing also with faithful men/women, in ten years you would have discipled 1024 and in fifteen years you would have 32,768 disciples and disciplers. If we knew that each of us had impacted directly or indirectly 32,768 people in our lifetimes, we'd look at each other in surprise and wonder! Yet that is possible by discipling just fifteen faithful people who will then disciple one person each year! If you want proof of this principle, just look at the impact Jesus had discipling twelve men for three years. Later, after Jesus ascended, the disciples in turn reached thousands of others. The apostle Paul explained this process to his son in the faith Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, "And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." And so I hope to detail this process of discipleship to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and show you how to use God's Word in making disciples.

What is the definition of discipleship? Allen Hadidian defines discipleship as "The process by which a Christian with a life worth emulating commits himself for an extended period of time to a few individuals who have been won to Christ, the purpose being to aid and guide their growth to maturity and equip them to reproduce themselves in a third generation." My definition is a bit shorter, "Discipleship is deep fellowship between two or more persons built on the foundation of God's Word." When a few people meet together to share what they're learning from their studies in God's Word, discipleship is taking place. When a more mature Christian meets with a less mature Christian for the purpose of discussing a passage or subject of Scripture that both have already studied, discipleship is taking place. In spending time together around God's Word, the discipler not only models a Biblical lifestyle but is also able to help

Discipleship 101 (An Introduction to Discipleship) Page 2 of 3 the new believer in weak areas and to capitalize on strengths. There is a commitment to spend time with one another, to be involved in each other's lives, and to be open to God's truth and with one another.

What happens when Biblical discipleship takes place? Jesus makes an amazing statement in Luke 6:40, "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher." The word "pupil" in this verse is the word many times translated "disciple." A disciple is simply a learner or a follower. For each of us, that means we need to be careful who we choose to follow because we'll become like our chosen leader. Our ultimate leader is our Lord Jesus Himself, but we often have role models who build into us and have tremendous impact in our lives. Bob Smith was someone like that to me. Every week during my internship he spent time sharing Biblical principles with me that would eventually grab me and change me. And I pray that if you haven’t been discipled by a Godly man or woman, that you would see the need to follow Jesus’ command.

Since we'll become like our teacher, perhaps each of us should consider the following questions: As you think about growing spiritually strong, who are those mature Christians who are impacting you? Who are you spending time with on a regular basis who is pointing you to Jesus? Who is pointing you to His Word, His truth? Who is leading you to become independent of him/her and totally dependent on the Lord Jesus?

Of course, if we look at Luke 6:40 from the teacher's point of view, we are to be sure we are good disciplers because the odds are great that our disciples will become like us. That's a sobering thought, isn't it? In the early stages of a Christian's walk, he and she will need individuals who invest in them, are available to them, model the Christian life to them, take them to the Word, point out the sufficiency of our Lord Jesus. As mature Christians we want to lovingly assist, encourage, motivate, reprove, evaluate, pray for, and everything else humanly necessary to help a disciple become a mature Christian. We want to help our disciples attain LIFE as Jesus came to give it. Our goal as disciplers is to train our disciples to become independent of us and totally dependent on the Lord Jesus. Another goal would be to equip the disciple to then disciple another. To do this, we personally need to know our Lord and His Word well.

That's what this Discipleship Series is all about, getting the basics under your belts, and then outlining the Biblical information that can be used to be discipled and to disciple others. Thus, these studies have a two-fold purpose: (1) to make sure your thinking has been transformed by what God has revealed in His Word, and (2) to enable you to know what to share with someone else who wants to grow in our Lord. Maturity—for your life and for others!

What is the definition of a Biblically mature person? A definition of Christianity has helped me answer this question. "Genuine Christianity is walking in line with the Word of God by the power of the Spirit of God for the purpose of the glory of God.” All three elements are necessary. When a person "consistently" chooses to make God's choices as revealed in the Word, "consistently" chooses to do so in the power of the Holy Spirit, and "consistently" has a desire to bring glory to God, he/she is a mature Christian. The key word is "consistently." Allen Hadidian, in his book, Successful Discipling, says the mature Christian has Christ-like character, is dependent on Christ, is independent of others, is consistent in his walk, and is stable due to a clear understanding of Biblical truth. Ray Stedman says, "Spiritual maturity is nothing more nor less than to be made ready for consistent use by the Spirit of God."

What causes maturity? The Biblical ingredients of the maturing process are time, pressures, the Word, other believers, the Holy Spirit, and a hunger for God’s truth. Each is necessary to become a mature believer. Some of these ingredients you can do something about (the Word, a hunger for God’s truth), others just happen (pressures, time). Since the Word is something you can do something about, these studies are designed to give you a healthy input of God's truths. Biblical discipleship should ultimately lead to spiritual maturity. And that's what we want, for ourselves and for others. Don’t forget, the end goal is to be equipped so you can then pass these truths on to other faithful men and women.

What does discipleship include? Discipleship covers the whole gamut from bringing a person to the Lord to building him/her up in the Lord to equipping him/her for service for the Lord. You are seeking to evangelize, edify, and equip. Evangelism deals with the birth of a Christian. As you spend time together, share God’s plan of salvation

Discipleship 101 (An Introduction to Discipleship) Page 3 of 3 with him/her to be sure he/she knows God's wonderful plan of deliverance. A review of how someone came to the Lord is always an enjoyable time. Obviously, if you discover that the individual isn't a Christian, you would seek to help him/her see his/her need of the Lord's salvation. Edifying deals with the raising of a disciple (Discipleship 100, 200). You are assisting in teaching and transforming his/her life under the guidance of the Lord Jesus. The goal of edification is to present him/her mature in Christ, a complete, whole, full-grown, fully-developed disciple. Equipping deals with training, sending out the Christian to reproduce (Discipleship 300). You want to cultivate a multiplier. The disciple in order to become a discipler must know how to evangelize, edify, and equip someone else, and then be committed to the task of reproducing his Christ-like life and God's Word in another's life.

As you read through each passage several times, be taking notes, asking questions, meditating on what is being said. There are several ways you can study a passage, either together with your group or another individual or by yourself. You can answer the questions on the assignment sheet. You can do a serious study (which we’ll learn how to do in Discipleship 103. Or you can read or listen to the message given on this passage by me! These written and audio messages are on our church website: http://hilltopchurch.net

Grow up! Make disciples! Have fun! Joel

My notes for going through D101:

Name and in 10 words or less, give highlight of past month. Write answer. Or divide into twos and have them share with each other. Get name and highlight. Marylee and I celebrated 45 years of marriage! Ask several who they met and what their highlight was. This study is based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18—Jesus said to His disciples: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The command is to “Make disciples!” That’s the main reason we stress discipleship, but there are a couple of other reasons for me. (1) After seminary I was discipled by a man named Bob Smith. He gave me assignments. As I carried them out (counseling, meeting with a couple of individuals weekly, teaching the career class), I ended up with so many questions. I’d ask Bob, and he’d take me to God’s Word to let God give me the answers. I’m still passing God’s answers on today. (2) Many years ago I compared church directories from different years, and I concluded that there was a 50% turnover in three years. So, if we only had someone for three years and he/she really wanted to grow, what would we do in those three years. We have 68 Discipleship studies. We’ll cover 21 of those from now until April 8 of next year. The word disciple means a learner. We are fellow learners. The number and ages of each of you are very encouraging to me. You younger will likely be on this earth longer than we older ones. We can all learn together, and grow and apply and share these truths with others. If you took a child or friend or less mature Christian than yourself, and you discipled that individual with these truths, and at the end of a year, both of you would then pass along those same truths to another faithful individual, by the end of 10 years, you’d have 1024 disciples and disciplers who were passing the God-given truths on! Make disciples! It’s Biblical and we learn and grow so much!

Let’s go through The Discipleship 100 Series outline. Notice the dates on the side. You’ll have seven weeks off for Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year’s. I would encourage you to look at the study in chunks: 101-105, 106- 109, 110-112, 113-116, 117-121. If you commit to chunks, you’ll have a much better chance of making it all the way through. Put on front page of binder. Anyone is welcome at any time, so if someone joins us after five or fifteen weeks, please make them feel our love. Let’s look at the 21 studies, especially those we’ll be covering the first five studies. Go through the sheet, concentrating on “Our goal for 21 studies is…” Now let’s look at the 101 assignment sheet to see different ways you can prepare for these weekly meetings. Emphasize different ways to study!

Since probably most haven’t prepared for this first study, let’s begin developing good study habits. We’ll look at this in detail in two weeks, but let’s read through the passage. READ Luke 14:16-15:2. If you had to summarize the main idea of :16-24 in 15 words or less, what would your summary be? What did you write? The master wants a full house but no excuses are accepted. Let’s do the same with 14:25-15:2. What did you write? Jesus gives three conditions for being His disciple; He must be first! What are those three conditions, and what does each mean? Which one causes you to make the hardest choices? Why? Go through the four-page handout, highlighting underlines. Conclude with a time of prayer, encouraging application!

Discipleship 102 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13)

To specifically study these passages, you can (1) answer the following questions, and/or (2) you can read or listen to “The Bible” by Joel Berger.

STUDY 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Paul was ready to go be with the Lord. As he nears the end of his days on earth, he writes this letter to Timothy to assure him of his continuing love and prayers. The two had traveled many miles together, and Paul is desiring his companionship. In this letter he reminds Timothy of his responsibilities, he gives characteristics of a faithful minister, and he tells him that in spite of coming days of forsaking the Lord by many, "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (4:2). In 3:16-17 he tells how to deal with the coming forsaking and how to be equipped for every good work. Questions specific to 2 Timothy 3:16-17: In :16, what do we learn about Scripture? The word inspired means "God- breathed." How does this encourage you to study the Scripture? The Scripture is profitable for four things. What are they, and what does each mean? This means that every time you're in the Word, it should? In :17, what is the end result of the Scripture's work in our lives? What is the importance of these two verses for you as a disciple?

Hebrews 4:12-13. In 1:1-2a, the writer to Hebrew Christians makes clear that GOD has spoken to us in His SON. In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as being better than the best of everyone and everything that preceded Him on earth. Jesus is GOD’S Son, His full and final revelation, far surpassing any other. Probably written around the late 60s A.D., the book was written to suffering Jewish followers of Jesus. The context of chapter four: The "Sabbath-rest" that is talked about in 4:1-11 is not the observing of a certain day of the week, but it's resting from our own fleshly efforts and resting in God to be at work in and through us in the normal concerns of life. By faith, we look to His life within to achieve His needed results. So :11 says to be diligent to enter God's rest. Make every effort to cease from our own labors and rest in Him. How does one do this? We let God and His Word deal with us as explained in :12-13. Questions specific to Hebrews 4:12-13: In :12, how is the word of God described? As it's used, what does it do? Why is it helpful to know these facts? Why must our emphasis be on God's Word? In :13, what are the truths we learn about God? Why is this reassuring, not intimidating? How do God (:13) and His word (:12) work together to cause our growth and to cause us to know the freedom we have to come to the throne of grace (:14-16)?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “My favorite vacation was/is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in 2 Timothy 3:16-17? In Hebrews 4:11-13? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Inspired means God-breathed. Why is it so reassuring to you that all of the Bible is breathed out by God Himself? The Scriptures are used by God to instruct us, show us where we’re wrong in our thinking, choices, behavior, and/or speech, show us how to correct what’s wrong, and train us to live righteous (right), God-pleasing lives. According to :17, God is using His Word to make us adequate, to equip us for every good work. How is God using His Word to make you adequate, equip you for every good work? For what good work do you think He’s equipping you? 3. Read Hebrews 4:11-13. What was your initial response to :12-13? As you’ve reflected on the passage, what are the practical implications for your life? From :12, what impact does God’s truth have in your life? If it pierces the division of soul and spirit and is able to judge your thoughts and motives, what does this teach you about the Biblical God, the Bible, and yourself? What did the Lord teach you about areas where you are resting in Him? About areas where you aren’t resting in Him? From :13, because of understanding the Biblical Jesus, why is understanding this verse reassuring, not frightening? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Bible” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also read “Why Can I Trust the Bible?” by Joel Berger. Underline and meditate on what is helpful to you.

Discipleship 102—THE BIBLE (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13) Page 1 of 3

The Bible was arranged more historically than systematically so we're taking truths from different passages of the Bible and putting them together so we can understand major themes. Christianity revolves around these crucial issues.

Read Joshua 1:7-9. These were Yahweh’s words to Joshua as he was going to be leading the people of Israel into the promised land. The Bible is God’s Word, His breathed-out Word. As the apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “…When you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe!” The apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:20b-21, “…No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” We need to have the same view of the Scriptures that the apostles had. “We find God’s resurrection strength, help, mercy, and grace in God’s Son. We find God’s wisdom in God’s Word.” God’s Word is our authority. God uses it to line up the Christian’s thinking, choices, actions, and behavior with His.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; :17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Paul was ready to go be with the Lord. As he nears the end of his days on earth, he writes this letter to Timothy to assure him of his continuing love and prayers. The two had traveled many miles together, and Paul is desiring his companionship. In this letter he reminds Timothy of his responsibilities, he gives characteristics of a faithful minister, and he tells him that in spite of coming days of forsaking the Lord by many, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (4:2). In 3:16-17 he tells how to deal with the coming forsaking and how to be equipped for every good work.

The immediate context of these verses: “Timothy, you learned these sacred writings, the Scriptures, from childhood. Continue in the things you have learned. These writings are able to give wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Timothy was a man of the Word, beginning as a child to know, understand, and apply the Scriptures.

All Scripture is God-breathed; it’s profitable in four ways; it results in a Christian being adequate, equipped for every good work. Wow! Scripture must be important and helpful!!

:16 Breathed out by God—it’s as though He breathed out His words and they landed on the written page. Although He used human writers, this is GOD speaking with us! What we have is inspired by Him, no one else. This means God chose even the very words to communicate to us. In the Bible we have the mind of God in written form. Scripture is the accurate recording of God’s thoughts and words that He wanted us to know, believe, and apply. Since these are His words, His very words, to you and me, then it has authority, His authority.

And it’s useful, beneficial. God uses it in various ways. His breathed-out words don’t just give information but practical wisdom, wisdom that will change our lives. The Scripture instructs, shows what is wrong, shows how to correct, and disciplines in God’s right ways. Teaching, instruction, means to give knowledge of God and His ways in an understandable way. Reproof is a rebuke which carries conviction of sin along with it. Reproof shows what is wrong in lives, whether it’s in the area of the heart, thinking, choices, behavior, or speech. Correction (literally to make straight; a tent-making term) means to show us how to correct what is wrong. It corrects false beliefs we may hold or wrong behavior we may be practicing or wrong choices we may be making. Training in righteousness means to be disciplined, brought up, in God’s right ways. We are trained in GOD’s way of thinking and living. It trains us in how to live God’s holy ways both inwardly and outwardly. Wow! So, this means that every time we’re in God’s Scripture, it should teach, reprove, correct, and/or train us. We should go away from such interaction with God and His truth that our thinking, choices, behavior, and speech are changed, really changed! We want our minds renewed, so we see all from God’s perspective. Whatever truth is needed is provided by God Himself in His breathed-out words. Selah! Stop and think about what’s been said so far!!

:17 When God’s breathed-out Scriptures are used as He intends, the end result is a disciple who is adequate, complete, sufficient, able to meet the demands. Equipped means finished, prepared perfectly, furnished completely. This kind

Discipleship 102—THE BIBLE (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13) Page 2 of 3 of maturity is available for any person who has come to salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s available for you!! “(Your name), please make the connection between God’s truth and your life! God’s truth is meant to be applied, used!” When we know and apply God’s truth, it will continually be changing our outlooks on life, the choices we make, and the way we live. The resource is the Word of God; the result is change in the person of God.

The Word will also help us minister in a profitable way with others. This means when serving others, make sure it’s God’s inspired Scripture that we’re sharing. Paul says to Timothy in 4:1-2, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… PREACH THE WORD; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. :13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. In 1:1-2a, the writer to Hebrew Christians makes clear that GOD has spoken to us in His SON. In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as being better than the best of everyone and everything that preceded Him on earth. Jesus is GOD’S SON, His full and final revelation, far surpassing any other. Probably written around the late 60s A.D., the book was written to suffering Jewish followers of Jesus. The context of chapter four: The "Sabbath-rest" that is talked about in 4:1-11 is not the observing of a certain day of the week, but it's resting from our own fleshly efforts and resting in God to be at work in and through us in the normal concerns of life. By faith, we look to His life within to achieve His needed results.

So :11 says to be diligent to enter God's rest. Make every effort to cease from our own labors and rest in Him. How does one do this? We let God and His Word deal with us as explained in :12-13. Our minds, emotions, and wills are not capable of living with the pressure of everyday life. But, God has provided a rest we can experience and enjoy every day, a rest where we cease from our own fleshly efforts and embrace Jesus and His ways. Jesus’ solution for rest was “Come to Me!” (Matthew 11:28-30). The weekly Sabbath day given to Israel to follow was only a shadow of the true rest of God. Colossians 2:16-23 is helpful in understanding the Sabbath. Jesus promised this rest now! This rest is not ceasing from activity, but trusting and doing what He wants us to do, confident in Him. :11 Be diligent to enter this rest. Make every effort, give focused attention toward entering God’s rest for us. Don’t be like the earlier Old Testament Israelites who didn’t trust and obey God!

:12 God’s word is described as living, active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It is full of energy to carry out God’s intentions. This isn’t condemnation in this passage but how God uses His word to reveal where we’re resting in Him and where we’re not! It even pierces as far as the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow. It's the Word that God uses to expose us, reveal the truth about us, that gets down to the real issues of life, whatever they are, whether the spirit or the soul. The Word’s action brings out the true nature of both the soul and the spirit. When God does spiritual surgery, the content of that person’s “insides” are revealed, and we’re able to face the situation as it is.

God’s word is also able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. God’s Word discerns every thought of the human mind and every motivation. God’s truth exposes any wrong thinking, our pockets of unbelief, and even our false intentions. There’s nothing hidden from God—motives, attitudes, practices, emotions, choices. It takes God to expose what is of the flesh and what is of the Spirit, what is false and what is true, and He uses His written Word and His indwelling Spirit to make known these issues.

The Word is able to penetrate beneath any outward show. It alone tells us what life is all about, how life is to be lived, how we're to trust God and His words. Only God's Word is capable of showing us how to function in a world filled with unrest. What will break us free from the old patterns of unbelief and disobedience and enable us to enter into God’s rest? His truth!!

:13 Through the Word, we’re dealing with GOD! All are open and laid bare to His eyes. The word opened means with the head thrown back and the neck bare. It's the impossibility of hiding one's face. It was the posture of a victim

Discipleship 102—THE BIBLE (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12-13) Page 3 of 3 right before being sacrificed! What is this telling us? We can stand before God exactly as we are, naked, without need of facades, masks, or pretenses. We can be real before Him because He already knows us completely. No one can keep anything hidden from God. He knows the genuine. He knows the false. He knows the obedience that comes from belief. Don’t fight the Surgeon! Run to Him for rest.

God works through His Word to let us know of our inadequacy, where those pockets of unbelief and disobedience are located, what needs to be dealt with, how we can draw near with confidence to God's throne of grace (:16), how Jesus is our great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and temptations (:14-15). As He points out these areas, we’ll find that in Jesus we'll receive rest and mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (4:11-16)

We must let God’s Word do its penetrating, teaching, reproving, correcting, training-in-righteousness work, then by absolute confidence in our great God, let’s act upon what He’s revealed.

God’s breathed-out words are indispensable in becoming a mature man/woman of God. Let Jesus and the words of God show you how to enter His rest and walk in faithful obedience. Commit to Bible study, a process of memorization, meditating upon God’s truths, letting God’s Word do its penetrating work in you. The end result is maturity, fully prepared to do the work to which God has called you, and a person who is resting from his/her own works and resting totally in Jesus.

What excuses do you use to not let God’s truth teach, reprove, correct, or train you? What excuses do you use for not being diligent to enter God’s rest? “I wasn’t in the Word today because…?”

Conclude by reading Psalm 119:97-104.

Discipleship 102—Why Can I Trust the Bible? by Joel Berger Page 1 of 4

To all who are beloved of God,

Cecil Dichard once said, "Give me a candle and a Bible and shut me up in a dungeon, and I will tell you what the world is doing." In 1 Timothy 4:1-6, it’s like the apostle Paul is saying, "Timothy, there are going to be people misled, by demons and by people who don't want God's ways; they're going to try to turn God's good things into wrong. Point out these things, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following." That's why we're studying these truths of God's Word together, to be nourished on God's words and doctrine.

The root question for Christians is: From where do we get our knowledge on which our faith is based? The authority of the Word is a crucial issue within Christianity today. It is only the Word which tells us about God, about Jesus, about the Holy Spirit, about mankind, about sin, about death, about salvation, about angels, about demons, about the church, about the future.

For the Christian, our faith is based on the knowledge gained from the Bible. Internal evidence includes Psalm 19:7- 11, Psalm 119, Matthew 5:17-18, Luke 24:27,32, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 1:1-2. External evidence includes the continuity of the Bible, that 40 writers living over a period of about 1500 years put together 66 writings yet one book. It begins with the creation of the present world to the creation of the new heavens and new earth. It reveals facts which only God could know. It deals as freely with unknown and otherwise unknowable things as it does with that which is known. It reveals the Person and glory of God as manifested in His Son Jesus.

In this study we'll look at why Christianity is rational and why the Bible can be trusted.

WHY IS CHRISTIANITY RATIONAL? There are two basic reasons for this. 1. Because of our personal experiences. There's the song He Lives which contains the words "You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart." The Bible (Romans 8:16) says, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." This is not just one person's experience or a few, but millions of people. However, this is subjective—the peace we feel, the assurance, hope, joy, love we have, the forgiveness we experience. If these sensations or opinions were all there was, it could be brainwashing, or it would be us versus others with different experiences. Our beliefs must be based on something more than experience. We thank God for the sense of belonging to Him, of sensing our worth and value in Christ and in the Spirit, of sensing we’re loved and accepted by Him. Yet there's another reason why Christianity is rational.

2. Because of the facts of history, especially Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This is objective; "Is it historically accurate?" is the question. It is not the prestige of an authority which makes a statement true or false, but rather the citing of evidence either to confirm or disconfirm the statement. We could say our current President doesn't exist, but our prestige does not make that statement right. No historian can legitimately rule out documentary evidence simply on the ground that it records remarkable events. We must examine the ‘facts’ of history.

CAN THE BIBLE BE TRUSTED, AND WHY? There are two sections to the Bible: The Old Testament (or Covenant), consisting of 39 books, and the New Testament (or Covenant), consisting of 27 books. The writing of the Old Testament covered a span of approximately 1000 years. The New Testament was written within the span of a century. Moses probably wrote the first book of the Old Testament about 1440 B.C. John probably wrote the last book of the New Testament around 90 A.D. So being written over 1500 years, by around 40 different writers, it is 66 books, yet 1. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew except for a very few sections written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in the Greek language. It is God's word in language we can understand.

Textual criticism. The issue is the Bible. Not having the original copies (the Jews buried copies which had become too old for use, showing that the emphasis was not on the book, but on the God who gave it), can we reconstruct them well enough to see what they say Jesus claimed? Are the right books in the Bible? This is called textual criticism.

Discipleship 102 (Why Can I Trust the Bible?)—page 2 of 4

Concerning the Old Testament, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran in 1947 took us back to the second and first centuries B.C.! These scrolls included fragments from all the Old Testament except Esther. These were essentially the same as the 895f A.D. copies, which were the earliest we had up until 1947. Jesus referred to the Old Testament as complete and dependable (Matthew 5:18, Luke 11:51, 24:44, John 10:35). Paul in Romans 3:2 characterizes the Old Testament as the oracles of God. By the time of Jesus, the Old Testament was viewed as complete. The questions asked were, "Was it written by a prophet or someone with the gift of prophecy? Was the book accepted and used by the Hebrew people?" The New Testament quotes every Old Testament book except four (there are quotes from around 245 Old Testament passages). Yes, some problems arise, sometimes with numbers because Biblical writers often used round figures. Other problems result from the fact that the Old Testament used only consonants, no vowels. (By the way, the Greek New Testament contains only small letters, no capitals.) But the integrity of the Old Testament was established by and in Jesus' time.

Concerning the New Testament, we have 75 main papyri fragments dating from 135 A.D. to the 8th century A.D. We have 13,000 manuscript copies of portions of the New Testament, 2000 church service books which quote parts of the New Testament, 86,000 quotes from the church fathers, and hundreds of parchment copies. Jesus predicted the writing of the New Testament in John 16:12-14; He said the apostles would remember His words and acts by the Holy Spirit. Peter said Paul's writings were Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul met with the apostles and there was agreement that Paul was an apostle (Galatians 2:1-10). Paul recognized his own writings as the Lord's command (1 Corinthians 14:37). In 1 Timothy 5:18 both Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7 are quoted as equally inspired Scripture. The questions asked were, "Was the book written or supported by an apostle? Was the book used and recognized by the churches? Did the book teach sound doctrine? Was it mentioned by the early church fathers?" The early church fathers simply recognized the authority the Bible already possessed. We can trust God to give us and preserve for us the words He wants us to have.

When there is doubt, the benefit is given to the document itself, not the critic. We should never assume fraud or error unless the author disqualifies himself by contradictions or known factual inaccuracies. Do other historical materials confirm or deny the internal testimony provided by the documents themselves? We have more reliable information concerning the Bible than other historical books. No classical scholar would doubt the authenticity of Caesar's Gallic War, written 58-50 B.C., yet the earliest copy we have is 900 A.D.; or the History of Thucydides, written from 460- 400 B.C., yet the earliest copy we have is 900 A.D.; or the History of Herodotus, written from 480-425 B.C., yet the earliest copy we have is 900 A.D. If we use doctor Luke as an example of historical accuracy, his history is unsurpassed. Our goal is to discover the Biblical Jesus and the picture His contemporaries had of Him, whether we agree with it or not.

One must start with the Bible as a historical book. Is it reliable historically? As we'll see, it does not conflict with science, archaeology has only proven its reliability, and fulfilled prophecy shows it's more than just a human book. If it's true that it can be trusted on what we can verify (60% of the Bible is history), then it's most likely to be accurate in areas which can't be scientifically checked out. If the Bible is an accurate historical book (and evidence indicates it is), then what does it say about Jesus, because He's the subject of the Bible? Jesus alienated His contemporaries by continually forcing them to think through their attitude to Him personally. On every important point, Jesus' conception of Himself as Messiah differed radically from the conceptions held by all parties among the Jews. Jesus was so unlike what all Jews expected the son of David to be that His own disciples found it almost impossible to connect the idea of the Messiah with Him. So His followers would not have made Him out to be as He was if it wasn't true.

The Bible teaches that Jesus is God (Jesus is the Word and the Word was God, John 1:1; the exact expression of who God is, Hebrews 1:3; He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, Philippians 2:6; in Jesus all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, Colossians 2:9). The earliest New Testament letters we have are the letters of the apostle Paul, and what did he say about Jesus? He applied the Greek word kyrios, Lord, to Him. Remember, this is from Paul, a monotheistic (one-God) Jew. He quotes sections of Isaiah 45:22-23 in Philippians 2:10-11, Jeremiah 9:23-24 in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17, Numbers 21:5-6 in 1 Corinthians 10:9. In 1 Thessalonians 3:11 where he says "our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord" he uses a singular verb; he does the same thing with

Discipleship 102 (Why Can I Trust the Bible?)—page 3 of 4

"our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father" in 2 Thessalonians 2:16. Also see Romans 10:9,13, quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel (2:32). In Mark 14:61-64, the high priest correctly recognized that Jesus was claiming to be no less than God incarnate. In Acts 4:10-12 it says there is salvation in no one else—this is a strong statement if Jesus was not God! Doubting Thomas in John 20:28 calls Jesus "my Lord and my God." What finally convinced the followers of Jesus that He was God? The resurrection from the dead. Some try to rule out the resurrection. Why? Because it is hard to understand and believe. Yet the problem of miracles must be solved in the realm of historical investigation, not in the realm of philosophical speculation. If the resurrection did occur—and the evidence for it is tremendous—then we cannot rule it out simply because we are unable to explain it. And this is where our faith stands, in the objective event of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

Since Jesus is God, then we find that the Bible is God's Word according to Him (Matthew 5:17-18, John 10:35, 16:12- 15). The Bible is reliable not only because it says so, but also because Jesus says so. With His words as our foundation, we find that Jesus' attitude is confirmed by our own experience as we study the Bible. Christianity can stand the test of history. You can be a Christian and use your mind; in fact, the Bible requires that you do. Textual criticism has proven that the right books are in the Bible. Now we come to fulfilled prophecy.

Fulfilled prophecy. Prophecy means to proclaim, to declare. There are declarations in the Bible concerning history, the Jews, and Jesus. 1. History: Josh McDowell has done an enormous amount of study concerning prophecies of the Bible being fulfilled. His book Evidence That Demands a Verdict contains much valuable information. For example, he records a prophecy concerning the ancient city of Tyre. In 592-570 B.C., according to Ezekiel 26:3,4,7,8,12,14,21, Nebuchadnezzar would destroy the mainland city of Tyre; many nations would be against Tyre; they would make her a bare rock and flat like the top of a rock; fishermen would spread their nets over the site; they would throw the debris into the water; it would never be rebuilt; and never to be found again. These prophecies were literally fulfilled. Peter Stoner in Science Speaks "If Ezekiel had looked at Tyre in his day and had made these seven predictions in human wisdom, these estimates mean that there would have been only one chance in 75 million of their all coming true. They all came true in the minutest detail."

There are also prophecies concerning Sidon, Samaria, Gaza-Ashkelon, Moab-Ammon, Petra-Edom, Thebes- Memphis, Nineveh, Babylon, Jerusalem, and Palestine. Just one more interesting example: Isaiah 44:28 actually gives the name of the man who would release the Jews from captivity; his name would be Cyrus. This was written 150 years before the Judeans were released! Let's see you predict the future 150 years down the road and even give the exact name of just one person involved.

2. Jews: McDowell includes this example: Leviticus 26:31-33 and Ezekiel 36:33-35 predict that Palestinian cities would resemble waste, desolation would come over the land, Palestine would be inhabited by enemies, the people of Israel would disperse, the Jews would be persecuted, Palestine would become reinhabited by Jews, the cities would revive, and the land would be farmed. These predictions were made 1520-1400 B.C. and 592-570 B.C. The fulfillments did not begin until after Christ. In 70 A.D. the Romans burned the Temple. Later the Jews were dispersed. As late as 1927 the land was considered a land of ruins. Jews have continued to be persecuted worldwide. The Jews since May 1948 have been regathering, rebuilding, and retilling the land of Israel.

3. Jesus: Micah 5:2 said He would be born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7); Zechariah 9:9 said He would have a triumphal entry (Mark 11:7-11); Zechariah 11:12 says 30 pieces of silver would be the price of betrayal (Matthew 26:14-15); Psalm 22:17-18 prophesies they would divide His garments (Matthew 27:35-36); Isaiah 52:13-53:12 talks about the torment of Jesus; Isaiah 53:9 forecasts Jesus would be buried in a rich man's tomb (Matthew 27:57- 60); Psalm 16:10 talks about His resurrection (Mark 16:6-7, Acts 2:31); Luke 24:25-27 shows that Jesus was all over the Old Testament. Did Jesus try to fulfill these? There are many He could not have done anything about— birthplace, garments, 30 pieces of silver, burial. Did they just happen by chance? 48 major prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus; the odds of this happening by chance are 1 in 1 with 159 zeroes following it.

Discipleship 102 (Why Can I Trust the Bible?)—page 4 of 4

Peter Stoner in Science Speaks says "We find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled just eight prophecies is 1 in 10 to the 17th. Suppose we take 10 to the 17 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one."

Archaeology. Archaeology is that branch of historical research which draws its evidence from surviving material traces and remains of past human activity—human remains, objects of art, buildings, inscriptions, tools, weapons, coins, cult objects, etc. Because archaeology by its very nature involves destruction of historical sites, detailed records are kept on every step of the operation. There are some 25,000 Middle Eastern sites, with 1000s of archaeological finds.

1. Old Testament examples: Many doubted king Solomon's wealth and greatness—a navy, staggering wealth, vast number of horses and chariots, a great builder. Excavations have revealed chariot cities (stables capable of holding over 400 horses), a seaport town on the shore of the Red Sea with a large factory for the refining of copper and iron. Another example was the existence of King Sargon (mentioned only in Isaiah 20:1). His authenticity was doubted. But excavations in the mid-nineteenth century uncovered King Sargon's palace. 2. New Testament example: It was doubted whether Luke was accurate concerning the census taken under Quirinius and everyone returning to his ancestral home. Archaeology shows there was a regular Roman census every 14 years. And, Quirinius was governor twice (7 B.C., 6 A.D.). Papyrus found in Egypt gave directions for the conducting of a census: everyone had to return home. By the way, William Ramsey was a man who doubted Luke's historical accuracy in the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He began retracing his writings and history and found Luke to be extremely reliable.

Since about 60% of the Bible is history, modern archaeology has done a great deal to confirm the accuracy of the history recorded in the Bible. The Bible has done nothing but gain from an increase in historical knowledge. We do not prove the Bible by archaeology, but it's gratifying to know that scientific evidence is consistent with the Scripture. Nelson Glueck, a Jewish archaeologist, writes "It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever contradicted or voided a Biblical reference.”

Science. Does science conflict with Scripture? Science is the knowledge of facts and laws arranged in an orderly system. The scientific method was actually begun by Christians in the 16th century. Their basic presupposition: the universe must be orderly since God is orderly. Science is limited in that it can't tell us why something works, only how it works. It's the Bible that tells us why man is the way he is. The Bible was written in popular language, not in precise scientific terms (example: sun rises in the east). Conflicts are often due, not to Biblical teaching and scientific facts, but to the interpretation of Scripture or the interpretation of science.

Reference books that may help you study these subjects further are Evidence that Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell; History and Christianity by John Warwick Montgomery; The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? by F. F. Bruce; The Christian View of Science and Scripture by Bernard Ramm; Focus on Fact by John MacArthur.

Keep thinking! Joel

My notes for going through D102:

Name and in 20 words or less, answer: “My favorite vacation was/is…?” Divide into groups of two and have them share with each other. Ask several who they met and what their answer was. Don’t ask anyone from last week! We’re learning how to grow as a disciple of Jesus and then how to share with another faithful person these same truths. How did you do with the homework this past week? Questions? PRAY Last week our study was “The Christian as a Disciple.” We learned that Jesus must be first before our families, our own lives, our goals, dreams, interests, rights, and our possessions. No excuses accepted! Come, learn, follow! Our study this week is “The Bible.” Let’s begin by READing Joshua 1:7-9. The Bible is the Word of God Himself. Now let’s READ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:11-13. What is one way this study impacted you?

Let’s look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 first. READ again. If you haven’t already done so, how would you summarize these verses in 15 words or less? All Scripture is God-breathed; when used, it results in being adequate and equipped. If you rephrased :16 in your own words, saying the same truths only in a different way, what would your rephrase be? The Bible is God-breathed; it is beneficial in instructing, showing where I’m wrong, showing me how to make it right, disciplining me in right thinking and behavior, with the end result being a complete, mature man of God, fully prepared for every helpful deed. How did you understand from these two verses how God’s Word can be used personally in your life? From the first page and part of the second of the handout or from listening to the recording of the message on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what stood out to you and why? “Since these are God’s words, His very words, to me, then it has authority, His authority. When we know and apply God’s truth, it will continually be changing my outlook on life, the choices I make, and the way I live.”

Let READ through Hebrews 4:11-16 again. How would you summarize :12- 13 in 15 words or less? God using His Word lays bare areas of rest and unrest, lays bare areas of my life that I need to deal with. If you rephrased :12 or :13 (choose one), how would your rephrase read? How is God using His Word to expose areas of your life where you are resting in Him and where you aren’t? From most of the second page and the third or from listening to the recording of the message on Hebrews 4:12-13, what stood out to you and why? “It’s God’s truth that exposes any wrong thinking, our pockets of unbelief, and even our false intentions. I can’t hide anything from Him. I need to run to Him for rest. I run to Him by practicing :14-16.” “Commit to Bible study, a process of memorization, meditating upon God’s truths, letting God’s Word do its penetrating work in us.” How was the handout “Why Can I Trust the Bible?” helpful to you?

2 Timothy 3:16-17—What is the importance of these two verses for you as a disciple? How is God using His Word to make you adequate and equip you for every good work? Hebrews 4:11-16—What did the Lord teach you about areas where you are resting in Him? About areas where you are not resting in Him? What is reassuring about Hebrews 4:11-16? What excuses do you use to not let God’s truth teach, reprove, correct, or train you? What excuses do you use for not being diligent to enter God’s rest? “I wasn’t in the Word today because…?” Conclude by reading Psalm 119:97-104.

Discipleship 103 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Bible Study (Mark 4:1-20)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) answer the following questions, and/or (2) you can read or listen to “Bible Study” by Joel Berger

STUDY Although Mark wrote this Gospel, it centers around the apostle Peter's eyewitness account. Written in the late 40s or early 50s A.D. to a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience, it is a practical, action-packed book. We see Jesus especially presented as a Servant, not coming to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. The book is like a DVD of Jesus in action, moving towards the cross. Chapter four is set in Jesus' second year of public ministry. Opposition is peaking and crowds are coming for wrong reasons so Jesus changes His teaching method from straight truth to parables. A parable is one thing placed side by side with another for the purpose of comparison. A parable is designed to provoke serious thought; it tests a person's spiritual responsiveness. With the Sea of Galilee becoming the study center for Biblical truth, let's examine this passage.

Questions specific to this passage: In :1, draw a picture of the setting. In :2-9, what are the elements of this parable? What was the purpose of sowing seed? What was the same in each of the four conditions? What was the difference? What did you "listen to" (:3) in this parable? In :10-12, what kinds of hearers are present in every crowd? What happens to the one who wants to know more? What happens to those who don't want to see or hear? Matthew 13:11- 17 gives us better insight on these verses. How was Jesus adjusting to their capacity to understand? In :13-20, Jesus explains the parable of the soils. The sower is anyone who spreads the seed; what is the seed? Why is it so important that it is the word that is sown? Why doesn't the hearing produce the same result in every life? In :15, what kind of person or what kind of mind is revealed? What happens to the word heard? Why is not only Satan but also the person at fault? In :16-17, what kind of people or mind is revealed? What happens when they first hear? What happens when pressure or affliction arises? In :18-19, what kind of person or mind is revealed? What's the problem? What would be examples of the worries of the world? of the deceitfulness of riches? of the desires for other things? How could these choke the word? In :20, what kind of person or mind is revealed? Why are they productive? Notice the growth is far beyond expectations. If Jesus did some soil tests on you, what would they reveal?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One of the qualities of Jesus I most appreciate is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writers in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read Mark 4:1-12. To which group do you belong—the insiders or the outsiders? How do you find yourself— eagerly desiring more understanding of Jesus and His word, OR, no desire to understand, with a dull heart or mind, calloused, rootless, worried to pieces, deceived by riches, not hearing, not seeing, not understanding? 3. Read Mark 4:13-20. In which areas of this parable are you most revealed? In what areas do you find yourself ‘calloused’ or ‘hard-minded’? In what areas do you find yourself ‘rootless’? In what ways have the ‘worries of this world’ or the ‘deceitfulness of riches’ or the ‘desires for other things’ choked the word in your life, resulting in unfruitfulness? 4. From these verses, why is it so important that you know how to study and respond to God’s truth? What does ‘accepting’ the word look like in your particular life? 5. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Bible Study” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Read through, meditate on, and memorize the main points of the one-page “How to Study the Bible” handout. Use it in studying Mark 4:1-20. (3) Also read and meditate on the three-page handout “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Bible?” by Joel Berger.

Discipleship 103—BIBLE STUDY (Mark 4:1-20) Page 1 of 3

In our last study we looked at The Bible, the breathed-out words of God and how God uses His truth in our lives— to mature us, equipping us for every good work, and to point out the areas in our lives where we are resting in Him and where we aren’t. In this study we’ll see what should be our response to God’s written truth: Bible Study. I considered using Acts 2:42, Ezra 7:10, Mark 4:1-20, and 2 Timothy 2:15. The apostle Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. When we handle accurately God’s word of truth, we’ll be approved to God; we won’t be ashamed. Handling accurately is a tent-making term (Paul was a tentmaker in his off hours!). It means “Cut it straight.” When cutting tent material, it had to be accurate, straight, no shoddy work. Cut God’s Word straight; handle it accurately. And be diligent—make every effort; do the hard work that Bible study requires. Be like the hard worker who isn’t ashamed of his work. Make sure that the thoughts you think and the words you share with others are based on God’s breathed-out words of truth. We’ll use Mark 4:1-20 and the one-page handout on “How to Study the Bible” as our basis for learning how to study the Bible.

Although Mark wrote this Gospel, it centers around the apostle Peter’s eyewitness account. Written in the late 40s or early 50s A.D. to a non-Jewish audience, it is an action-packed book. We see Jesus especially presented as a Servant, not coming to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Chapter four is set in Jesus’ second year of public ministry. Opposition is peaking and crowds are coming for wrong reasons so Jesus changes His teaching method from straight truth to parables. A parable is one thing placed side by side with another for the purpose of comparison. It tests a person’s spiritual responsiveness. With the Sea of Galilee becoming the study center for Biblical truth, let’s examine this passage. Let’s combine the “How to Study the Bible” handout and Mark 4:1- 20 and learn both how to study the Bible and some valuable, relevant truths about God’s Word and our responses.

Read Mark 4:1-20 and then we’ll begin learning how to study. The first thing you look for as you study the Bible is WHAT DOES IT SAY? WHAT DID THE ORIGINAL WRITER INTEND HIS ORIGINAL READERS TO KNOW?

First, read the passage over many times, using several translations. Take God’s words literally unless it’s clear they are not. Let the passage begin to get a grip on you.

Second, be taking notes. Write down main details, questions, observations, the flow of the passage.

Third, summarize each paragraph (in this case :1-9, :10-12, and :13-20) in fifteen words or less. Your summary should be simple enough that if I knew this particular passage (Mark 4:1-20) and I heard your summaries, I’d be able to identify the passage you’ve summarized. It should include the main idea of each paragraph. Try summarizing :13-20 in fifteen words or less. Perhaps: “Four different responses to the sown word. Only one bears fruit.”

Fourth, rephrase each verse in your own words. Since our passage contains twenty verses, perhaps just rephrase :13-20. When rephrasing, you express the same truth only using different words. J. B. Phillips paraphrases :16-17 like this: “The seed sown among the rocks represents those who hear the message without hesitation and accept it joyfully. But they have no real roots and do not last—when trouble or persecution arises because of the message, they give up their faith at once.” Your rephrases are an essential ingredient in Bible study. As you continue your study, you’ll be constantly reworking your rephrases. When you are done rephrasing, if I heard your rephrases, I would be able to tell whether you truly know and understand the passage.

Fifth, pray back to God His message in this passage. What are you learning? Some thoughts I’m learning from the first part of Bible study: (1) Hearing the word is not an issue. Everyone hears it! (2) Both non-Christians and Christians are addressed, because sometimes I see these responses in non-Christians and other times I see them in me! (3) Only one response bears fruit: those who hear and accept the word! So I pray: “Spirit, thank You for starting to unfold this passage for me. Thank You that all hear; that’s reassuring for me. Thank You that this passage helps me understand the response of many non-Christians to Jesus and the Word, and also helps me understand why I sometimes respond the way I do. Thank You for letting me know how to bear fruit, because that’s my heart’s desire! As I continue my study of this passage, thank You in advance for additional truths I’ll

Discipleship 103—BIBLE STUDY (Mark 4:1-20) Page 2 of 3 learn. May I comprehend what the original writer intended his original readers to know and understand, and then may I understand how to apply this passage to myself and share this passage with others. Thank You for Your words!”

The second thing you look for as you study the Bible is WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHAT DID THE ORIGINAL WRITER INTEND HIS ORIGINAL READERS TO UNDERSTAND?

First, recreate the historical setting, establishing the contexts. What we’re trying to do with this step is discover the political, social, and religious climates of the day. There are four contexts to establish:

Historical context—the date, what was happening in the world at that time, what was happening to the readers. For the Gospel (good news) of Mark, this book was probably written around 50 A.D., which was within twenty years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The date of Mark 4:1-20 was around 28-30 A.D. The location was the Sea of Galilee, which was Jewish territory, even though the Jews were in bondage to the Romans.

The Bible context—where does this particular book fit in the Bible? Is it in the New Testament or Old Testament? Is it a historical book or a prophecy or a psalm? Is it one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)? Is it a book covering the time period after Jesus’ life here on this earth? Mark is in the New Testament and is good news about Jesus and His ministry on earth.

The book context—what is an outline of the book, and where does the passage I’m studying fit in that book? The first half of Mark (1:1-8:30) deals with coming to an understanding of Jesus, His identity. The apostles come to know Him as the Jewish Messiah. The second half of Mark gives us the cost of Messiahship for Jesus, His path.

The immediate context—what information is in the two or three paragraphs that come before Mark 4:1-20, and what comes immediately after? In Mark, Jesus has just appointed the twelve apostles. He has been formally rejected by the religious leaders and was thought by His family to have lost His senses. Opposition is peaking and huge crowds are coming mainly for the wrong reasons—to see the latest ‘show’! For these reasons, Jesus changes His teaching approach. After :1-20, Jesus continues to teach in parables and to explain everything privately to His disciples.

Context, context, context! I can’t stress how important setting the contexts is!! It prevents many wrong interpretations. When discovering what a passage means, we shouldn’t end up with a lot of different interpretations. We may end up with a lot of different applications, but there should basically be only one interpretation of a passage.

Second, do word studies, and then plug them back into your rephrases. On the web, there are a couple of sites that I use: www.biblelexicon.org and www.studylight.org. There’s also the written New American Standard Bible concordance that I use at times. I then use Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament words and The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. When done with your word studies, plug your definitions back into your rephrases. As I said, you’ll always be making your rephrases better, more accurate. For example, in Mark 4, there’s the word “worries” in :19. As I did a word study, I discovered that the word has the idea of distraction, being pulled apart, dividing and fracturing a person’s being into parts, drawn in opposite directions, to go to pieces!! The worries of this world will tear me apart if the world is what I concentrate on. That helps me in understanding what the writer in :19 is sharing.

Third, see what other reliable commentators say. After going through the initial steps, you should now know the passage well enough to recognize the false and the helpful when you read or hear other teachers. We want to do our own study first, THEN get help from others. I usually read many different sources. I use study Bibles, commentaries, www.pbc.org and www.pbcc.org. Remember to keep your finger on the text of Scripture while learning from others and writing down thoughts that are helpful in defining, explaining, and applying the passage.

The third thing you look for as you study the Bible is WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? WHAT ARE SOME PERSONAL WAYS TO APPLY THIS PASSAGE?

Discipleship 103—BIBLE STUDY (Mark 4:1-20) Page 3 of 3

As we saw in our study on The Bible, let the passage teach, reprove, correct, and train you in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Let God’s truth point out what needs to be dealt with, and how to Biblically correct the issue. There can be, will be, many applications of a passage. You may be at a place in your life where you need to apply the teaching in a particular way. I may be at a place in my life where I need to apply the passage differently. There may be changes in thinking or in choices or in conduct or in words that need to be made (in the Holy Spirit’s strength). As Curtis Mitchell asks, “Is there a command I’ve seen that He wants me to obey [in His strength]? Is there a promise that He wants me to claim? Is there a sin that He is warning me to avoid? Is there a new truth that He wants me to learn?” What changes in understanding, attitude, choice, action, or speech does this passage address? All the while keeping in mind: only the indwelling, enabling, strengthening Holy Spirit of God can truly live out these changes in and through us.

The last thing you want to do as you finish your Bible study is to WRITE A LETTER, EXPLAINING AND APPLYING THIS PASSAGE. A very practical way to help you know if you understand what the passage says and means and how you can use it in everyday life is to put down on paper your understanding and explanation. Imagine that a friend has a problem that is addressed by the passage you’re studying. Write him or her a letter explaining what the passage says and means, how it applies to your life, how the passage has helped you, and perhaps how the passage addresses something going on in his/her life. When writing this letter, don’t teach a “subject”. Just teach the passage you’ve been studying.

Along with the “How to Study the Bible” handout, there is an example of a sample letter written to a friend. Please read it through.

As you think about how to study and what you’ve learned from Mark 4:1-20, what are personal ways you can use these lessons in your life?

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

The apostle Paul said to his son in the faith Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15): Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. Through our diligent study of God’s Word, we pray that the Holy Spirit will give us understanding as we do our thorough, diligent work.

A. WHAT DOES IT SAY? or READ. What did the original writer intend his original readers to know? 1. Read the passage over many times, using several translations, such as New American Standard, Phillips, New International, New King James, Amplified Bible, New Living Bible, English Standard Version, etc. Take the passage literally unless it's clear it's not. What are the customary meanings of the words being used? 2. Be taking notes. Writing down what we discover helps us think and remember. What are the main details that are standing out to you? Perhaps look for “ten observations and five questions.” 3. Sum up the essential message of each paragraph in one phrase (15 words or less). Good summaries are brief and simple. If one knows the passage and receives our summary, he/she should know where that particular passage is. 4. Rephrase each verse in your own words. Say the same thing again, only using different words. 5. Pray back to God His message, sharing with Him your discoveries and questions.

B. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? or EXPLAIN. What did the original writer intend his original readers to understand? 1. Recreate the historical setting, seeing the passage in its historical context, the Bible context, its book context, and in its immediate context—writer and his circumstances, where written, readers, date, customs and culture of the people, reasons for writing. Use Ryrie Study Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, or NIV Study Bible, and Bible commentaries and dictionaries. Bible dictionaries help us reconstruct the culture, the problems of the readers, and the political, social, and religious climates of the day. 2. Do word studies, and then plug them back into your rephrases. On the web, www.biblelexicon.org (under ‘lexicon’) and www.studylight.org give some helpful word studies. Or, use the New American Standard Bible; New American Standard Concordance (the tools are geared to Strong’s numbers). Then use Vine's Expository Dictionary geared to Strong's numbers. Wuest's Word Studies in the Greek New Testament is excellent in NT word studies. For the OT, use the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, Archer, and Waltke. 3. See what other reliable commentators say. By this time, you should know the passage well enough to recognize the false when you read other helps. Use Wuest's Word Studies, Tyndale Commentaries, the two- volume Bible Knowledge Commentary, the MacArthur New Testament Commentaries, New Bible Commentary, the two-volume Expositor’s Bible Commentary (formerly the NIV Bible Commentary), Discovery Papers (650- 494-0623, www.pbc.org and www.pbcc.org); books by Ray Stedman, Charles Swindoll, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John R. W. Stott. www.scripturetext.com (under ‘lexicon’) and www.studylight.org are helpful tools for grammar. Be sure the Scripture text is your primary focus, lining up each writer's comments with the Word. Write down ideas that are helpful in defining, explaining, and applying the passage.

C. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? or APPLY. What are some possible ways to personally apply this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of us and our situations in life? The Bible deals in principles much of the time, and we as students are responsible to apply those Biblical principles to the specifics of life as we walk with God in the Word and in prayer. Also remember that only the Holy Spirit through us can live out these changes so they are pleasing to our Lord.

D. WRITE A LETTER EXPLAINING THIS PASSAGE TO ANOTHER. Finally, imagine that you're writing a letter to a friend explaining the discoveries you have made and what the passage says and means and how it applies to your lives. Remember, the Bible is God's Word and will not contradict itself. If necessary, clear up problem areas with the clear teaching of other passages relating to the same subject. Otherwise, stick with the one passage. We want our friend to understand this passage, not a general subject.

Sample Letter to a Friend

Dear friend, I hear that you are really on the grow and you want to bear fruit, God’s kind of fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, thankfulness, serving others. Mark 4:1-20 deals with how to be such a fruit- bearer, and mentions some areas that will tend to distract you. Thank you for allowing me to share some thoughts with you. The Gospel of Mark was written around the late 40s or early 50s A.D. to a non-Jewish audience. We see Jesus especially presented as a Servant, coming not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. The book is like a DVD, moving from one scene to another, with Jesus always serving. In 4:1-20, the opposition is peaking and crowds are coming for wrong reasons so Jesus changes His teaching method from straight truth to parables. A parable is one thing placed side by side with another for the purpose of comparison. A parable is designed to provoke serious thought. It tests a person’s spiritual responsiveness. With the Sea of Galilee becoming Jesus’ teaching center, let’s examine this passage. Why don’t you read Mark 4:1-9, and then let me share some thoughts. Jesus has been charged by the religious leaders with being possessed by Satan. Jesus is thought by His earthly family to have lost His senses. Yet the crowds are still coming, curious, wanting to be around this miracle-worker and healer. Such a crowd gathered that He got into a boat on the Sea of Galilee, sat down, and began teaching. “Listen! The sower went out to sow!” Perhaps there was a sower off in the distance. He’s sowing seed by hand. The seed lands everywhere, but there are different kinds of soil. Jesus gives four different responses to the sown seed. All the crowd had seen these kinds of conditions—seed falling and birds eating it up. Seed falling on shallow soil with rocks beneath it, springing up, yet when the sun rose, the plant was scorched. With no root, it withered away. Some seed fell among thorns and was choked, and it too yielded no crop. Other seed fell into good soil, and as it grew, it yielded a huge crop. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” A simple, easy-to-understand story. All of us may not have understood what Jesus was trying to communicate, but hopefully we would have been interested enough to pursue further truth. Let’s see what He was teaching. From :10-12 (read) we learn that the moment Jesus was alone, His disciples began asking Him about the parables. “Nice story, Jesus, but what did You mean? What are we missing?” Jesus answered, “To you who want to know, you will be given understanding of the kingdom of God.” (See Matthew 13:12) A mystery is something that was previously hidden but has now been revealed by God. “I’m explaining as you’re able to understand what GOD’s kingdom is all about.” “But to those who don’t really want more, I’m sharing everything only in parables. The reason why is listed in Isaiah 6:9-10, and explained in Matthew 13:11-17. ‘Whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.’” Friend, their hearts had become dull. They weren't listening with their ears. They had closed their eyes. They really weren't interested in Jesus with His straight-forward words, so He changed to teaching in parables to sort out the crowd. He was adjusting to their capacity to understand. Then it was up to them in terms of how they responded. If they wanted more, Jesus would give them further understanding! If you want to bear God’s kind of fruit, you must hear, seek further understanding, and accept Jesus’ words. Now read :13-20 to see Jesus’ explanation to His disciples about His parable of :3-9. In :13-14 it’s clear that the sower is anyone who spreads the seed. In this case it’s Jesus. The seed is the word. The potential for the crop or fruit is in the seed. The word must be sown! Jesus was sowing it. We can do the same. Also notice, everyone hears! Yet why wasn’t the ‘heard word’ producing the same result in every life? The quality of the response is dictated by (1) the nature of the heart, OR (2) the attitude of the mind that receives it. Not only are these four different groups of people, but we can see these different responses at different times in our own lives as Christians. So for the non-Christian, it’s a heart issue. For the Christian, it’s a mind issue. :15 Here is the first response to the word sown (and really to Jesus). These are “no-growth” people. The first cause of lack of growth or fruit is a (1) hard heart or (2) calloused mind, unresponsive, indifferent to Jesus and the word. These people hear but the word can’t penetrate, and the adversary comes and removes the seed by force. Realize, their hearts or minds were hard before Satan came. They have no use for Jesus and His words. They hear but they aren’t willing to change. What area is it for you? :16-17 Here is the second response. These are “shallow-growth” people. They too hear, yet there’s no growth because the soil is shallow. They are impulsive, emotional. They instantly spring up when they hear the word, but when pressure or affliction arises because of that word, it’s revealed that they have no root and they fall away. They were enthusiastic at the start but offended at any affliction or persecution that came with knowing Jesus and His word. Trials show what they’re really like. :18-19 Here is the third response. These are “stunted-growth” people. The third cause of lack of growth or fruit is over- crowdedness, wrong priorities. They’re putting too much time and energy into the wrong things. Worries of this world means overanxious (drawn in different directions, going to pieces!) about the course of life, what’s going to happen next. Deceitful of riches means getting caught up in pursuing money, trying to get ahead with money, giving the possessor a false sense of security. The desire for other things has the idea of being restless, shifting from one thing to another; nothing seems to satisfy. They’re over-involved with worries, money, or desires: thorns! These over-crowded lives are choking people to death. :20 In this verse, we have the secret of bearing fruit. These are “full-growth” people. They are productive because as they hear, they also accept the word. They want to understand! They draw near to Jesus because He has the words of life. They hear, understand, and act upon God’s words! And the harvest is sure, satisfying, far beyond expectations, God’s fruit! In conclusion, three truths greatly impacted me. (1) Inherent in the Word is everything I need to be fruitful. (2) God may use me to share His truth so everyone hears. (3) Only one response results in fruit. As I hear and accept the word, I end up bearing fruit, far beyond all expectations. Thanks for your great desire to keep growing, my friend. This passage tells us Jesus’ way!

Discipleship 103—What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Bible? by Joel Berger Page 1 of 3

Greetings, fellow seekers of truth,

Abraham Lincoln once said, "But for this Book we could not know right from wrong. I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to men." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "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 adequate, equipped for every good work." The word Bible means roll or book; actually it was written on scrolls made from papyrus, a reed-like plant whose inner bark was dried and fashioned into a writing material.

Knowing the Bible is most important because it is our basis for knowing as much as we do about God. The Bible is both a divine and human book, just as Jesus was both divine and human. Biblical inerrancy has been attacked for years. The watershed issue in many religious circles today is whether the Bible is God's Word. If God is going to communicate with us, we have to have His written Word, because other sources of authority—human reason or even the Church—fail. Human reason fails because of the pollution of sin. The Church fails also because it too is made up of fallible men and women.

The Bible reveals the Creator to the creature and discloses His plan by which all mankind in all its sins and imperfections can be reconciled to Him. It is our anchor of hope in our rootless, desperate age. Its purpose is to manifest God's glory, that God be praised. The main subject of the Bible is Jesus. Jesus is revealed as Creator, incarnate Word, supreme Ruler, Savior, Messiah, Lord, God. We'll learn more about Him in Discipleship 106.

The word REVELATION means unveiling. Biblical revelation is God revealing truth to mankind. Romans 1:18- 21, Psalm 78, Hebrews 1:1-3, and John 14:7,9 help us in understanding this concept. God has revealed truth in several ways. Revelation can be wrapped up in two categories: (1) general or natural revelation, and (2) special or supernatural revelation.

1. General revelation: Through nature, through history, and through conscience. Isaiah 40, Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:18-21, 2:14-15. Nature tells us of God's existence, the presence of beauty, wisdom, power. God also revealed Himself through history, especially through the nation of Israel (Psalm 78) and the nations surrounding her. We learn much as we study His interaction with the chosen people. Romans 2:14-15 also tell us God has written the work of the Law on people's hearts, and their consciences bear witness, and their thoughts alternately accuse or else defend them. How else would we know "That isn't fair!" or "I'm not as good as I should be!"?

However, general revelation does not tell us of God's love or holiness or many other attributes. There is enough light in general revelation so that mankind is left without excuse (Romans 1:20) if he or she does not act on the light he has. The Bible teaches that general revelation, if rejected, will bring just condemnation. If it's accepted, then God will bring the further necessary message of Jesus (Acts 8:26-40—Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 10:1-6,34-43—Peter and Cornelius. Romans 2:4-6). Only faith in Jesus and His work is sufficient for salvation.

2. Special revelation: Through Jesus and through the Bible. John 1:14-18, 5:39-47, 14:7,9, and Hebrews 1:1-3 tell us of God's supernatural revelation. Two Words: the Word of God becoming flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Word of God written, the Bible. God's fullest revelation came in the person of His Son, Jesus. Jesus is the Word and God (John 1:1), the exact expression of who God is (Hebrews 1:3). He existed in the form of God but took on the form of a bond-servant and was made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:6-7), and, is the One in whom all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). Through Jesus we learn of God's wisdom, power, love, goodness, holiness, grace. God has also revealed Himself through the Bible. It is the Word of God written that reveals the Word of God incarnate. God has revealed Himself as much and as fully as He wants us to know. We couldn't really know the fullness of God if He hadn't chosen to reveal Himself. “Thank You, God, for revealing Yourself and Your truth to us!”

What were the methods God used to communicate? Some writers were eyewitnesses to Biblical incidents, some were spoken to directly by the Lord, some words He dictated, some ideas were communicated through angels,

Discipleship 103 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Bible?)—page 2 of 3

some did detailed research, others copied records. The people God used to reveal His truth ranged from kings to shepherds. People's thoughts and feelings were recorded, yet God oversaw what was revealed so we got what He wanted us to have. The Greek term translated Scriptures is graphee, which means ‘that which is written’. He “graphed” His Word. God saw to it that His Word was actually written down, putting it in the language of the people.

How do we know what we have is God's revealed Word? INSPIRATION! Inspiration refers to the method of recording the revelation. The word inspiration means God-breathed. The Scriptures are the product of God's creative breath. God using man composed the original Bible so that it was without error. 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 help us understand this element.

Because God so directed the writers of Scripture, they wrote what He wanted them to write and were kept from error in doing so. Plenary means full—all of Scripture is inspired, not just parts of it (all forms of partial inspiration leave the reader the final judge!). One false view is the Bible is man's word about God; it is fallible, has errors, and its reliability is questionable. Another false view is that the Bible contains God's Word, especially where it speaks to you. When you "encounter" the truth, that is when "inspiration" occurs. We must realize that the Bible doesn't just contain the Word of God; it is the Word of God. Verbal means the very words, not just ideas, are inspired. Infallible means it is unfailingly accurate. When infallibility is abandoned, it opens the door to further departures from the faith. Infallibility and authority stand or fall together. Inerrant means no error is made as a statement of fact. Some of the Bible came directly from God. Some were events people had witnessed. Some used records already in existence. Some included words of evil and foolish men.

Inspiration guarantees that what each said was accurately recorded. God made sure we got what He wanted us to get! The living God is the author of Scripture. He has guaranteed the authenticity and reliability of the very words that were written, without depriving the writers of their individuality. The writers were not deprived of their personalities, literary styles, or personal interests. What we have is the inward work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of chosen men who then wrote the Scriptures so that God got written what He wanted. The emphasis is not on inspired writers as much as it is on inspired Scripture.

How do we come to what the Bible really says and means? ILLUMINATION and interpretation. A proper understanding of the Bible depends on the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit and the interpreting work of the reader. Illumination means the Holy Spirit makes clear the truth of Scripture, the written revelation, so we can understand and embrace His truth. John 16:12-15, 1 Corinthians 2:9-3:2, and 1 John 2:27 help us understand this concept. Look these verses up; what can you learn from them?

1 Corinthians 2:12 says, "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." What the Holy Spirit illumines is the Word of God, but He must illuminate it before it becomes meaningful. Illumination opens our eyes to what the Scripture really says and means, Scripture's teachings become clear, and we see how we can apply God's truths to individual life and circumstances. This teaching does not mean a non-Christian can't understand some things or that Christians understand everything, but the Holy Spirit must illumine Scripture in a person's life before it becomes meaningful. Through illumination sinners are saved (non-Christians can't be illumined because they are blinded to the truth of God) and Christians are strengthened. The Holy Spirit gradually illumines the receptive mind to understand and embrace more and more of the Bible, as the Christian matures in his/her spiritual walk.

The other part of arriving at what the Bible says and means is INTERPRETATION. Interpretation is finding the correct meaning of Scripture. The apostle Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” That should be the goal of each of us as we find the correct meaning of Scripture.

Psalm 119 shows the value of studying the Bible. When we read and study Scripture, our goal is to find out what it says, what it means, and what it means to us. We are to read it, explain it, and apply it. Our first goal is to find out

Discipleship 103 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Bible?)—page 3 of 3 what the original writer meant his original readers to know and understand. We can study the Bible ourselves or we can use the resources of another. The easiest way is using another's resources, but a better way is doing it ourselves. Perhaps a combination of the two approaches is best. We must study, using the abilities and means at our own disposal, then also learn from teachers God has given to the Church. However, no one person has all the truth; no single church owns exclusive rights to your mind. We bow to the Lordship of Jesus, not the headship of some individual or church. No specific interpretation is correct just because a gifted teacher says so. As the Christians at Berea (Acts 17:10-12), let us receive the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things are so. We can trace themes of the Scriptures through individual passages (that's what we're doing in Discipleship 1), or we can go through individual books.

1. READ—What does it say? Read the passage over many times, summarize each paragraph's main message, rephrase each verse, write out details that are standing out in the passage, and pray back the message to God. At the rate of two chapters a day, one can complete the New Testament in 19 weeks. 2. EXPLAIN—What does it mean? Establish the historical setting of the passage, do significant word studies, and use other resources such as commentaries and study Bibles. 3. APPLY—What does it mean to me? How can you use this in your own life—as a man or woman, husband or wife, single, child, parent, member of the body of Christ, neighbor, citizen, worker, servant of God, steward of God? 4. WRITE—Write a letter to yourself or a friend explaining the discoveries you have made and what the passage says and means and how it applies to your lives.

You can learn more about how to study the Bible in the one-page handout “How to Study the Bible” by Joel Berger.

As Charles Swindoll says, "Revelation occurred when God gave His truth. Inspiration occurred when the writers of Scripture received and recorded His truth. Illumination is when we understand and apply His truth. Because He superintended the process in its entirety, no error was present right down to the very words."

What is your final authority in life? When you're cornered, when you're forced to face reality, upon what do you lean? For the Christian, the Bible is authoritative. It is your only rule of faith and life, and all the opinions of men and women and groups and churches are to be tested against it. Truth for contemporary men and women is relative, but in the Scripture you have God’s absolute truth. God's Book is God's Voice. If your Lord were to make Himself visible and return to earth and speak His message, it would be in keeping with this Book. Why not take some time to make sure your authority in life is God's Word? Thank God for letting you personally know much about Himself, thank Him for communicating in words you can understand, thank Him for illuminating the Scriptures as you do your diligent work.

We believe that the Bible, consisting of all the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is the infallible, verbal, inspired Word of God. We believe the Bible is without error in the original manuscripts, and is the complete revelation of God's will for the salvation of individuals, and is the Divine, final authority for every age and every life. (Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 16:12-15, 1 Corinthians 2:9-3:2, 1 John 2:27; 2 Timothy 2:15)

Thanks for listening and thinking, Joel

My notes for going through D103:

Name and “one of the qualities of Jesus I most appreciate is…?” Find another and share your answers with him/her. Have several share who they met and what their answer was. Questions on the homework? PRAY The Christian as a disciple—Jesus must be first, above anyone or anything else. No excuses accepted! The Bible—it’s God-breathed, and profitable for instruction, showing us where we’re wrong, showing us how to correct it, and to train us in God’s kind of thinking and living. He uses His Word to point out exactly what needs to be dealt with because we’re laid bare before Him. In this study, we’re looking at the response to the Bible, God’s Word. We want to discover how to study God’s breathed-out words. READ Acts 17:10-12. Let’s begin by going through the “How to Study the Bible” handout. Now let’s apply this to Mark 4:1-20. What truths impacted you from Mark 4:1-20? What else influenced you from the three-page handout on Bible Study? Questions on How to Study the Bible?

If you read the optional three-page handout on “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Bible?”, what notes did you underline?

Let’s close in a time of conversational prayer. Repeat 2 Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Discipleship 104 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Biblical God (Exodus 34:6-7)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the following questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to “The Biblical God” by Joel Berger.

STUDY Exodus was written by Moses around 1440 B.C. Exodus means going out, departure, exit, and it refers to the exodus of Israel from Egypt after hundreds of years of slavery. This sequel to Genesis also covers the giving of the Law at Sinai and the directions for the erection of the Tabernacle. In this book Yahweh reveals His name, many of His attributes, His redemption of Israel, His law, and how He is to be worshiped. In chapters 3 and 33-34, we get to know God better. In chapter 3 He is introduced as Yahweh, a name that means “I AM that I AM.” He always has been, He always will be, He IS! In chapters 32-34, we see the nation of Israel committing the sin of idolatry. Then we see Moses intercede for the nation. After that we see God describe Himself and renew His covenant with the people. Let’s learn from God Himself who the Biblical God is.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize 33:12-16, :17-23, 34:1-4, :5-9, and :10-28 in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase 34:6-7 in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: Read Exodus 31:18-34:5 to get the context of our passage. Fascinating reading! In 34:5, paint the picture. In :6-7, how does God describe Himself? What does each descriptive word or phrase mean? How do these verses help you in better understanding the Biblical God?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “For fun I like to…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read Romans 4:17. How does this description of God help you in understanding and trusting Him? 3. Read Exodus 34:6-7. What was your initial response when you read/understood this passage? How does God’s proclamation of His name and character help you in your growth? What have you tended to “believe” about God that was contradicted by this passage? What are ways this passage is stretching your understanding of the Biblical God? 4. For which attribute of Yahweh are you most thankful at this time in your life? Why? Which attribute of Yahweh do you find most difficult to understand, grasp, or accept? Why? After ‘accepting’ this passage, how is Yahweh “bigger” to you today than He was a week ago? Why is it easier to trust God when you know His character, when you understand His words, and when you review His past actions? If you were asked to describe the Biblical God, what words and phrases would you use? 5. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Biblical God” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also read Joel Berger’s five-page handout on “What Can I Learn from the Bible about God?” (3) Learn more about the Biblical God from Lamentations 3:21-26, Daniel 2:20-22. Habakkuk 1:12-13a, and Romans 4:17.

Discipleship 104—THE BIBLICAL GOD (Exodus 34:6-7) Page 1 of 3

In the Chronicles of Narnia, there’s a scene where Lucy, who hasn’t seen Aslan for some time, meets Him again and says, “Aslan, You’ve grown!” And Aslan responds, “No child, you’ve grown. And the more you grow, the bigger I’ll be!” The more we get to know the Biblical God, the bigger He’ll be!! Who is the Biblical God? First of all, the Biblical God has a name. His name is Yahweh. We come to know Him through the Person and work of His Son Jesus and through His breathed-out words in the Bible. The description I like best for Him is Father. If we know Jesus as Lord, Yahweh (the Biblical God) is our Father. Yahweh our Father is described throughout the Bible. I especially like Romans 4:17, “…God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist!” Other descriptions are in Lamentations 3:21-26, Daniel 2:20-22, and Habakkuk 1:12-13a. But if we could hear directly from God’s own mouth who He is, that would seem even better! Moses in Exodus 33:18 said to God, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” And God in Exodus 34:6-7 answered Moses by revealing who He is.

Exodus was written by Moses around 1440 B.C. Exodus means going out, departure, exit, and it refers to the exodus of Israel from Egypt after hundreds of years of slavery. This sequel to Genesis also covers the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the directions for the erection of the Tabernacle. In this book Yahweh reveals His name to Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 3:13-15), many of His attributes, His redemption of Israel, His law, and how He is to be worshiped. His name means “I AM WHO I AM!” He always has been, He always will be, He IS! In chapters 32-34, we see the nation of Israel committing the sin of idolatry. Then we see Moses intercede for the nation. After that we see God describe Himself and renew His covenant with the people. Let’s learn from God Himself who the Biblical God is!

The context of Exodus 34:6-7: God had chosen Moses to lead His people (the Israelites) out of slavery in Egypt. God was going to take the new nation to the Promised Land. In Exodus 19-24, near Mount Sinai, Yahweh had made a covenant between Himself and the Israelites. Yet in Exodus 32, while Moses was up on the Mount receiving God’s instructions for the nation, the people rejected Yahweh. They committed idolatry by making and worshiping a golden calf! So soon after their deliverance they turned from Yahweh and created their own god. They broke the newly established covenant with Yahweh! In chapter 33, Moses pleaded with God on behalf of the sinful people, and, Moses sought to know Yahweh intimately. Because of Moses’ prayer, God withheld His judgment. But, He said He wouldn’t go up in their midst because of their sin. Again Moses interceded, “Please go with us!”, and “I pray You, show me Your glory!” Yahweh responded, “I’ll make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” In chapter 34, Moses went back up Mount Sinai and took two newly-cut stone tablets with him (he had broken the first two upon seeing the sin of the people!).

Exodus 34:5 says, “Yahweh descended in the cloud and stood there with him [Moses] as he called upon the name of Yahweh.” Often in Exodus and Numbers, the cloud is associated with and represents God’s presence. It was on Mount Sinai that God “proclaimed” His name and attributes, as He had promised in 33:19.

Exodus 34:6-7: “Then Yahweh passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.’”

God begins describing Himself by pronouncing His divine name “Yahweh” twice, followed by “El”, which is the Biblical word for Deity. The name of a person was very important in Hebrew thought; it was an expression of a person’s nature. “Yahweh, Yahweh God!” As early as Exodus 3, God had introduced Himself to Moses and the Israelites as Yahweh—“I AM WHO I AM!” God is the self-existent One. He is not dependent upon anything or anyone. This One speaking to Moses was none other than Yahweh! He’s the true and living GOD, the Biblical God!

Then the Biblical God describes several of His characteristics. Because the Biblical God is compassionate, He deals gently, out of deep, tender love, with us. This is a deep, strong love and bond God has with those who are

Discipleship 104—THE BIBLICAL GOD (Exodus 34:6-7) Page 2 of 3

His. He has a great concern for people’s needs. His tender sympathy allows Him to deal gently with the sufferings and miseries of human beings (even if of their own making!). What a God, the compassionate God!

Because the Biblical God is gracious, He freely gives favor to the undeserving yet needy! This is a heartfelt response by someone who has something to give to one in need. That was certainly the case in these verses. The Israelites were extremely needy but deserved nothing. Yet because part of God’s character is graciousness, He gives help to the undeserving. That’s the message of Christianity. It’s a message of grace. The Lord Jesus was the supreme revelation of God’s grace. What a God, the gracious God!

Because the Biblical God is slow to anger, He is actually patient in dealing with those whose sins have aroused His wrath. God has a legitimate basis for anger: the sin and disobedience of the people (32:10). Yet God’s anger is not sinful nor is He in a hurry to practice His anger. His righteous anger demands that He not leave evil unpunished, yet He’s slow to anger. In fact, 2 Peter 3:9 indicates His patience gives the evil person time and opportunity to repent. What a God, the slow-to-anger God!

Because the Biblical God is abounding in lovingkindness, He is abundant in unfailing love and loyalty. Without any sense of obligation, He freely loves. In His covenant with Israel, Yahweh promised His loyal-love. His loyal- love was an undeserved act by which He bound Himself to His people beyond anything they could even hope for. Abundant, abounding! What a God, an abounding-in-lovingkindness God!

Because the Biblical God is abounding in truth, we know He and His Son and His words can be fully trusted. The idea is of firmness, certainty, dependability. God and His words can be trusted. We know Jesus is the truth. Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Father, Your Word is truth!” God is truthful, faithful; He can be trusted. What a God, an abounding-in-truth God!

Because the Biblical God keeps lovingkindness for thousands, there is no limit to His abundant loyal-love. He extends this abundant lovingkindness for thousands. Perhaps because of the “generations” that are mentioned at the end of :7, He is referring to thousands of generations! What a God, a keeping-lovingkindness-for-thousands God!

Because the Biblical God forgives iniquity, transgression and sin, He is merciful, and will remember our sins no more. Yahweh forgives!! The word forgives means to lift up, carry, take away! Our sins, taken up and carried away, dealt with by Jesus on the cross. God forgives and forgets our sins. It’s the same thought as Hebrews 8:12, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Iniquity means crooked behavior, a turning away from the straight path. Transgression is a breach of relationship between two parties. Sin is related to “miss the way.” “There’s no question about it, Moses. I forgive sin, any sin, all sin.” Micah 7:18 says, “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love.” His forgiveness is based on the Person and work of His Son Jesus. The guilty receive forgiveness! What a God, a forgiver-of- iniquity-transgression-and-sin God!

Because the Biblical God will not leave the sinner unpunished, learn that the consequences of our sins will affect future generations. “I will not leave the sinner unpunished (clear, free, exempt from punishment).” Because God is holy and just, He does not exempt sinners from the consequences of their sins. There are God-given and natural consequences of foolish and sinful behavior. Yes, God forgives, but there are results when one sins. And, sin even affects future generations! We see this same truth in Exodus 20:5. This does not mean that God is punishing children for the sins of their parents and ancestors. Ezekiel 18 shows this is not the case. Some Jews were saying that in allowing the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem, God was punishing the people for the sins of their ancestors. God responds, “The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity.” Deuteronomy 24:16 indicates the same truth. YET children often reap the consequences of their parents’ and even grandparents’ sins. The reason that we need to know God in this way is to inspire us not to start a chain of sins and consequences. Deal with your sins before Yahweh. Learn how to walk in

Discipleship 104—THE BIBLICAL GOD (Exodus 34:6-7) Page 3 of 3 victory over temptation. What a God, a will-not-leave-the-sinner-unpunished God!

Look at Moses’ response to God’s revelation of Himself and His character in Exodus 34:8! Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. Moses had asked to be shown God’s glory. In response, Yahweh revealed Himself to Moses as He was. No longer could Moses stand in God’s presence. He was in awe at God’s description of Himself. He bowed low before the Biblical God and worshiped Him! May we do the same!

And then in 34:9 Moses says, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord [Adonai, Master], I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession.” In :10-28 Yahweh replies, “I’m going to make a covenant, just like before. I’ll perform miracles, just like before. I’ll do everything I said, just like before.” All these promises were connected with the original covenant. “The answer wasn’t just ‘Yes’, but ‘yes’ upon ‘yes’ upon ‘yes’!” Yahweh forgives, and the relationship continues! What a God!

Yahweh’s compassion, grace, patience, lovingkindness, truth, forgiveness, and justice pour over us. No badly how badly we’ve sinned, whether in thought, words, or actions, it isn’t too much for God’s grace. No matter how much we’ve sinned, we haven’t outsinned God’s grace. And, as we confess our sins and understand God’s forgiveness (based on Jesus’ death on the cross in our place and for our sins), we realize the fellowship with God is restored! Our relationship stands firm, not because of us, but because of Him! We are secure, assured, held.

As the prophet Habakkuk did in Habakkuk 1:12-13, when he was facing confusing, hard times, he first stopped to think and review God’s character. We can do this based Habakkuk 1:12-13, Lamentations 3:21-26, Romans 4:17, and especially here, in Exodus 34:6-7. Second, Habakkuk applied those factual truths to the problems he was facing. And when we do this, we realize we can trust Yahweh, that He knows best, that no mistakes are ever made by Him, that nothing is out of His control, that He only does right! Rest in the truth of who the Biblical God is and what He’s doing or not doing! Give our issues to Him, and leave them there! The Biblical GOD is the place to start. Get to know Him well! “My child, the more you grow, the bigger I’ll be!”

BECAUSE OF WHO THE BIBLICAL GOD IS, MAY WE MAKE HASTE TO BOW LOW TOWARD THE EARTH AND WORSHIP THIS GOD, WHO GIVES LIFE TO THE DEAD AND CALLS INTO BEING THAT WHICH DOES NOT EXIST!!

THINK ABOUT IT! Go through the “Application” questions on the Assignment Sheet.;

I received many helpful notes on this passage from Scott Grant (Peninsula Bible Church message) and J. Carl Laney (Bibliotheca Sacra 158). Thank you!

Discipleship 104—What Can I Learn from the Bible about God? by Joel Berger Page 1 of 5

Dear fellow worshipers of almighty God,

A. W. Tozer once wrote, "What we believe about God is the most important thing about us...I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble [dishonorable] thoughts about God." Knowing the Bible is most important because it is our basis for knowing as much as we do about God. In this letter we'd like to examine four major subject areas: The Existence of God, the Attributes of God, the Triunity of God, and the Fatherhood of God. We could spend weeks studying the God of the Bible but we'll try to wrap up the main thoughts in one letter. Thanks for learning along with me.

THE EXISTENCE OF GOD Does God exist? How do we know one way or the other? Of course, God can't be proven scientifically; science requires repetition. And even the Bible does not attempt to prove God's existence; it assumes He exists, and tells us about His character and His plans for mankind. Yet as we look at nature, history, and Jesus, we see that God exists. The infinite penetrated the finite; God took the initiative and made Himself known to mankind—mainly through nature, Jesus, and the Bible.

There are several natural reasons for believing God exists: As you look at the history of mankind, people have always believed God existed: (1) Every effect must have its sufficient cause (when you see a creation, you realize it must have had a Creator). (2) Every design must have its designer (Relationships "Ten octillion (27 zeros) stars out there, many of them big enough to hold a billion of our suns (which itself is large enough to hold more than a million earths)—yet this universe operates with such clockwork precision that scientists can pinpoint the exact position of any star or planet at any point in time, even thousands of years into the past or future."). (3) Life never arises except from life so we must have a superior life-giving Being (Acts 17:25-28). (4) The changed lives of millions over the years.

Let's look at the Scriptures. Psalm 14:1 "The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’" Psalm 19:1 "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." Romans 1:19- 21a "Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks."

In John 14:7-9 Jesus says, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, Show us the Father?" Hebrews 1:1-3 "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power." Matthew 1:23 says, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, 'God with us!'"

God lives! Nature, history (especially concentrating on the Jewish nation; see Psalm 78), and Jesus prove God exists. John 1:1,14 show us the Word was God and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. Based on the evidence, it takes more faith to believe that God doesn't exist than that He does! It is actually harder to believe that things just "happened," than to believe in the God who has always existed, the Creator of all that we know. The fool says, "There is no God." Perhaps we should take the initiative and start asking those who don't believe to prove to us that God doesn't exist! Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD God's attributes are those qualities of God as revealed in nature, through Israel, through Jesus, and in the Bible. His

Discipleship 104 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about God?)—Page 2 of 5 attributes reveal His character and nature. God has two kinds of attributes: personal and divine. Personal characteristics include those that are or can be shared by mankind; divine are those which are beyond mankind and true of God alone. By these we know what God is like. As we study these we'll recognize that God is more incomprehensible and beyond our human minds than we imagined. And, when we consider all of His attributes collectively, we say, "God, You are wonderful. You'll never make a mistake. You'll only act out of love. Your justice will be done. You don't owe anyone anything yet You act out of Your mercy and grace. We can rely on Your words. You know our past, our present, our future. Your plans will be completely carried out. Thank You that You'll do exactly what You say."

Let's look at some of the attributes of God that we can discover from His Word: God is spirit—like the wind, without form, without physical body, invisible. (John 4:24) God is self-existent—not dependent on anyone, He exists due to no other cause; He is the uncaused Being. Yahweh = I am Who I am! (Exodus 3:14) God is infinite—not limited by anything (such as space or time) except Himself, subject to no limitations. (Psalm 145:3, Jeremiah 23:24) God is changeless (immutable)—unchanging, He can't be changed to something less or other than what He is. Since He's consistent, He can be trusted to keep His Word, His love is constant, His wrath is fixed toward sin. (Psalm 102:27, Isaiah 46:9-10, James 1:17) God is truth—reliable, stable, constant, trustworthy, nothing false concerning the promises He has made and what He has revealed. (John 14:6, 17:3, Romans 3:4, Titus 1:1-2, Hebrews 6:18) God is love—seeks the best (His will) for the person loved. His love is unconditional. He will never act except for our benefit. No evil intent, always working out the best for His creation. (John 3:16, 1 John 4:8,16) God is light—He is both the source and strength of all illumination. (James 1:17, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:5). God is eternal—forever existing, time has no effect, no beginning or end. He’s not bound by the succession of events. He sees the past and future as clearly as the present. (Genesis 21:33, Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 90:2) God is holy—an absence of evil and a presence of positive righteousness, separated, no connection to sin, abhors sin and demands purity. He does not conform to a standard; He is the standard. When we remember this attribute, it should settle a lot of what is permitted to the Christian. (Leviticus 11:44-45, Psalm 99:9, Isaiah 5:16, Habakkuk 1:12, John 17:11, 1 Peter 1:16) God is righteous—fully right, fully just. He has full freedom and authority to act. It's impossible for Him to do or cause anything that is wrong. (John 17:25) God is wrathful—a right and necessary response to objective moral evil. His utter intolerance of whatever degrades and destroys. He is only angry where anger is called for. His indignation is righteous. He will take retribution, by whatever means He chooses, against those who have defied Him. (Nahum 1:2-3,6, Romans 1:18, 5:9, 12:19, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) God is fully present everywhere (omnipresent)—He is here, there, and everywhere, at the same time. We can't hide from Him but then again, there is no place where He can't rescue us. He never loses track of us. We may experience His presence at all times. (Psalm 139:7-12, Jeremiah 23:23-24) God is all-knowing (omniscient)—He knows all, the actual and the possible; no facts or thoughts can be hidden from Him. He is aware of all that ever was, is, or shall be. He knows all about us and still loves us! He has the best understanding of what is best for our lives. Obviously nothing can come to light after salvation which He didn't know when He saved us! (Psalm 139:1-6, 147:4-5, Matthew 10:29, Acts 15:8, Hebrews 4:13) God is all-powerful (omnipotent)—He can do anything. However, He will not violate His own character. He has the power to create, preserve, and keep secure. (Job 42:2, Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37, Revelation 19:6) God is good—beneficial in effect. This prompts Him to deal generously and kindly with all His creatures. Every gift we enjoy is a divine gift. (Psalm 31:19, 107, 145:7, Jeremiah 31:14, Acts 14:17) God is merciful—help for the helpless; the outward manifestation of pity. It is not getting what we deserve. There is a need, and there are adequate resources to meet the need. The Old Testament speaks of it four times as much as the New Testament. (2 Samuel 24:14, Psalm 136, Lamentations 3:22-23, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:3, Jude 21) God is gracious—help for the undeserving, unearned favor. It is getting what we do not deserve. (Psalm 111:4, Romans 3:24, 5:15,17,20-21, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 2:8)

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God is sovereign—exercises supreme authority, supreme power, highest, most powerful. He is the absolute ruler in the universe. He has the power to bring His purposes to pass. Nothing is out of His control. His plans do triumph. (Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 46:9-11, Romans 9:6-18) God is transcendent—separate from His creation, beyond comprehension, He is above and beyond His creation. He is distinct from His world, does not need it, and exceeds the grasp of any created intelligence that is found in it. (Psalm 139:7-12, Isaiah 57:15) God is immanent—at work and involved everywhere, He acts within and through His creation. He permeates the world in sustaining creative power, shaping and steering it in a way that keeps it on its planned course. (Psalm 139:7-12, Isaiah 57:15) God is personal—intimate, knowable, communication is possible, not at a distance. He knows us and we can know Him (Psalm 139:1-18, Zechariah 1:3, Malachi 3:7, Hebrews 4:16, 7:19, James 4:8) God is independent—free, not under any influence, never compelled by another force, independent of His creation. Anything God does is not out of obligation (He has none). (Romans 11:33-36) God is just—righteous, a state of being right, He loves holiness and hates sin. He will always do the right thing. Everyone will receive full justice (a comfort to believers, a warning to unbelievers). Since Jesus paid the price for our salvation, the Father can be just and justify the believer (Romans 3:21-26). (Genesis 18:25, Psalm 19:9, 75:7, Acts 17:30-31) God is incomprehensible—beyond our understanding. (Romans 11:33-36) God is all-wise—knows what is best and does it. “Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.” (Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 40:28, Daniel 2:20, Romans 11:33-36) God is faithful—will do exactly what He says. (Psalm 36:5, 89:1-2,8, 119:90, Lamentations 3:23) God is jealous—a zeal to protect a love-relationship or to avenge it when broken. (Exodus 20:5, 34:14, Nahum 1:2)

We could also look at the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. What a great God! When properly understood, our response to these facts is to fall on our knees and worship Him. True worship allows God to manifest His attributes in our lives. If one doesn't know Him, these thoughts are a source of terror and there is the tendency to try to explain God and His characteristics away. When problems in our thinking occur, often the reason is because we've abandoned these truths of God; we're unwilling to trust Him. Yet because of who He is (God!), because of His purposes for our lives (to conform us to the image of His Son), and in light of His attributes, we must let Him bring or allow into our lives (and others' too) the things that are best and which will bring glory to Him. How do you need to respond to God and His characteristics?

THE TRIUNITY OF GOD THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD. Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 "Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." James 2:19 "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder."

YET SEVERAL PASSAGES INCLUDE THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT AS EQUALS. Isaiah 48:16 (Isaiah 45:18 The LORD says) "Come near to Me, listen to this: From the first I have not spoken in secret, from the time it took place, I was there. And now the Lord Yahweh has sent Me, and His Spirit." Matthew 3:16-17 "After being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name [singular] of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." 1 Peter 1:2 "According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure."

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JESUS IS GOD. Isaiah 9:6 "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 20:28 "Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!" Philippians 2:6 "Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped." Colossians 1:15 "And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation." Colossians 2:9 "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." Titus 1:3-4 "But at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." Titus 3:4,6 "But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared...whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." Hebrews 1:3 "And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." 2 Peter 1:1 “Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD. Acts 5:3-4 "But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God."

I would harmonize and organize these facts in the following way: There is no question Scripturally that there is only one God. His personal name is Yahweh (Exodus 3:14-15). Yet several passages include the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as being equal. The Father is clearly God—John 6:27, Romans 1:7, 1 Peter 1:2. And, many verses make it clear that Jesus is God. And, Acts 5 says lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, plus the Holy Spirit clearly has attributes that are God’s alone. What the Triunity (the term trinity or triunity is not in the Bible) means is God is one Being, yet exists as three Persons. It is clear from the Bible that there are not three separate gods but only one: one God self-revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There's no question, God is beyond our human comprehension and definition!

Some additional thoughts on the Triunity: In the Old Testament—In Genesis we see plural personal pronouns (Genesis 1:26; 11:7 let Us... 3:22 like one of Us...). In Isaiah 7:14 (Son born; Immanuel means God with us), 9:6 (Son is Mighty God), Psalm 2:7 (Son). In the New Testament—At the baptism of Jesus, with the stating of the baptism formula, and with Paul's benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14, we see the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all mentioned. They have equal attributes, differing functions. The Son and the Spirit are subordinate to the Father but not inferior. We must agree on the unity of the Godhead, the full deity of all three, and the subordination of the Son and Spirit to the Father. Great scholars throughout the ages have argued these facts. It is outside our scope of knowledge and understanding. Yet, if God is as great as the Bible reveals Him to be, we should expect some things to be far too complicated for anyone to understand. As a friend remarked, "Try explaining a computer to an amoeba!" If we had a God that could be fully understood by finite mankind, then He wouldn't be God.

THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD GOD IS THE FATHER OF ALL MANKIND AS HIS CREATION. Genesis 1:27 "And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." The image is not physical because God is spirit, but image in the sense of personality: mankind can think, feel, choose. Acts 17:29 "Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man."

GOD IS THE FATHER OF ISRAEL. Exodus 4:22 "Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD, Israel is My son, My first-born."

GOD IS THE FATHER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Matthew 3:17 "And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." 2 Corinthians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of

Discipleship 104 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about God?)—Page 5 of 5 our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort." Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Also see John 3:16, 17:1, Galatians 4:4, and Hebrews 1:2.

GOD IS THE FATHER OF ALL WHO BELIEVE IN HIS SON JESUS. John 1:12-13 "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Romans 8:14-17 "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, Abba! Father! The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ..." Galatians 3:26 "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." 1 John 3:1-2 "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is." Ephesians 1:5 "In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself." Ephesians 4:6 "One God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Hebrews 12:5-11 "...God deals with you as with sons...Shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?...He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness."

God’s names also prominently explain who He is. In the Old Testament Yahweh—His covenant name meaning "I am the One who is, the self-existent One, eternal God." Elohim—refers to both the one true God and false gods; it means "strong One"; the word is plural, probably suggesting fullness of power rather than the Triunity. Adonai—master, lord. In the New Testament, He is called Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Biblical God is the Father of all creation (all owe their origin to Him). He's Father by intimate relationship (with Israel). He's the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. He's the Father of all who believe in Jesus (we're spiritually born into God's family). The Father sent His Son (John 5:37), loves (Romans 5:8), causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28), blessed us with every spiritual blessing, chose us, predestined us (Ephesians 1:3-6), is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:6), made us alive with Jesus (Colossians 2:13), disciplines us (Hebrews 12:1-13), bestows every good thing and perfect gift (James 1:17), caused us to be born again (1 Peter 1:3), and fellowships with us (1 John 1:3). What a God!

We know God only because He has revealed Himself to us. Beware of creating your own! Be sure yours is the one described in the Bible. People who know the Biblical God are those who pray, who have great thoughts about God, show great boldness for Him, and have great contentment in Him.

Everyone will face the one God. Yet realize this: People without Christ will face Him as a fearsome Judge. People with Christ will face Him as a faithful Father. Look at God with the eyes of a condemned person and then with the eyes of a forgiven child.

We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God, by His sovereign choice and out of His love for mankind, sent Jesus into the world to save sinners. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, James 2:19; Isaiah 40:28, Romans 11:36; Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2; John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10)

In our almighty God's name, Joel

My notes for going through D104:

Name and “For fun I like to…?” Find another and share your answers with him/her. Have several share who they met and what their answer was. Questions on how to study? Try different ways each week. PRAY The Christian as a disciple—must have Jesus first, above anyone or anything else. The Bible—it’s God-breathed and profitable for instruction, showing us where we’re wrong, showing us how to correct it, and to train us in God’s kind of thinking and living. He uses His Word to point out exactly what needs to be dealt with. Bible study—What did the original writer intend his original readers to know? To understand? Apply the truths of the passage to your own life. Write a letter to another, explaining the passage.

In this study, we’re looking at the Biblical God. READ Romans 4:17. (1) As you read these verses over several times, what details did you write down? What questions did you have? How did you summarize in 15 words or less? How did you rephrase these two verses? What was your prayer to this Biblical God? What did the original writer intend his original readers to know? (2) As we go on to what did the original writer intend his original readers to understand, what was the original setting or context of this passage? Where does Exodus fit in the whole Bible? Where does Exodus 34:6-7 fit in an outline of the book? What is the immediate context? What word studies did you do? What did you learn? How did they help in your rephrase? What other helps did you read? What did you learn from them? (3) What are some possible ways to personally apply the truths of God’s character to your life? (4) If you wrote a letter to another explaining these verses, what would you emphasize? What truths impacted you from this study?

From the three-page handout, what did you underline? What did you learn?

If you read the five-page optional material, what did you learn?

Write out a prayer to the Biblical God. Let’s read our prayers as we conclude.

Discipleship 105 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the following questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to “Prayer” by Joel Berger.

STUDY We pray because it’s natural to talk with a Father, and because Jesus, Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude told us to! Prayer was a vital part of the early Church (Acts 2:42). As we look at this subject of prayer, probably the best lessons are learned as we read the prayers of Biblical individuals. Please read and think about the prayers of Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 22:39-46, John 17:1-26, Acts 4:23-30, Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9- 14, and 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. We could also look at Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:4-11, David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, or Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12. As you read and meditate on these prayers, write down your observations, lessons learned, and applications. Luke 11:1-4. A doctor, Luke traveled with the apostle Paul. Before writing this letter (around 58 A.D.), Luke talked with eyewitnesses, read other accounts, and investigated everything carefully. He sent this letter to a man named Theophilus, especially describing Jesus as the perfect human. Written for Gentile readers, we read of Jesus' birth, childhood, preparation for ministry, ministry in the area of Galilee, journey to Jerusalem, and trials, death, and resurrection. In these verses, Jesus is in Judea, and His disciples ask Him about how to pray. We receive Jesus’ answer!

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In :1, what had Jesus just finished doing? What did one of His disciples ask Him? In :2-4, Jesus gives the disciples a ‘template’ for prayer. When Jesus begins with “Father”, what is He stressing? What does “hallowed be Your name” mean? Why is this included in this ‘model’ for prayer? What does “Your kingdom come” include as we pray? In :3, when moving from God to ourselves, how are we to pray in this area? In :4, after addressing God and His ways (:2), and then our bodily needs (:3), what are the next elements Jesus includes? What does “Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” include? What part does “And lead us not into temptation” play in meaningful prayer? From these verses, why and how do we pray?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “If you were given one day to do anything you wanted with your parents, what would you do?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read Luke 22:42. How does Jesus’ prayer to His Father impact the way you pray (or should pray)? 3. Read Luke 11:1-4. What was your initial response when you thought about this prayer? As you think about each of the six parts of the prayer, how do your prayers compare? What is one thing that needs to change about your prayer life? If you were going to share one part of this prayer with another, which one would you choose, and what points would you emphasize? How would you rephrase the disciples’ prayer in your own words? 4. How do these verses practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Prayer” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The written message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) In addition, review and study the prayers of the Bible listed above in the introduction. (3) There’s a brief article on “Teach Us to Pray” by David Roper. It’s a great read!

Discipleship 105—PRAYER (Luke 11:1-4) Page 1 of 3

Jesus in Luke 22:42 prayed: “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” My wife rephrased this: “Father, if there is any other way You can accomplish Your plan, then please deliver me and those I love from these circumstances. But I want what You know is best and believe that what is happening (even though it’s not pleasant!) is what is needed to give everyone involved an opportunity to choose You and turn to You in faith. This life is a breath. You are working for eternity.”

Prayer! How would you define prayer? Take a minute to write out your definition. True prayer is acceptance and dependence; an awareness of our own need, an acknowledgement of the Father’s adequacy, and talking with Him about everything. It’s a choice of acceptance and dependence, resting in our Father’s love, power, and wisdom.

Prayer was a vital part of the early Church (Acts 2:42, 4:24-30). Jesus, Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude tell us to pray. Paul says to pray without ceasing! We have Biblical prayers in Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 22:39-46, John 17:1-26, Acts 4:23-30, Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-14, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, Nehemiah 1:4-11, 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, and 2 Chronicles 20:6-12. Prayer should be part of our response to the Biblical God. Prayer is the way we communicate with our Father.

In this study we’ll concentrate on Luke 11:1-4. A doctor, the writer Luke traveled with the apostle Paul. Before writing this letter (around 58 A.D.) Luke talked with eyewitnesses, read other accounts, and investigated everything carefully. He sent this letter to a man named Theophilus, especially describing Jesus as the perfect human. Written for Gentile readers, we read of Jesus’ birth, childhood, preparation for ministry, ministry in the area of Galilee, journey to Jerusalem, and trials, death, and resurrection. In these verses, Jesus and His disciples are in the area of Judea, and His disciples ask Him about how to pray. Here is Jesus’ answer!

:1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” Jesus had just finished praying, spending time with His Father, abandoned to His Father’s will, seeking His Father’s direction. David Roper writes: “His [Jesus’] life was continuous prayer. No demands, only dependence; no clamoring for attention, only a quiet continual reliance on the Father who always heard Him (John 11:42).” Somehow one of His disciples connected Jesus’ prayer life with His amazing life. These men understood prayer was the secret of spiritual success in the One whom they willingly followed, whom they had acknowledged as the Jewish Christ. “Lord, teach us to pray just like John the Baptist taught his followers.” Some of His disciples had been the Baptist’s disciples.

In the first part of :2-4, Jesus concentrates our prayer on God. Only the second part deals with us. :2 And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.’” Jesus tells us to begin prayer by addressing God as Father. We are to address a deeply concerned Father who is interested in every aspect of our lives and desires to give us “good things” (Matthew 7:11). “Father! I’m Your child, and I love to speak with You. I have confident, personal access to You at any time, in any situation. Because I know You and I belong to You, I know You will answer, in Your time and in Your way, in ways that are best for me. I want the final decision to be in Your hands. I rest in, I’m abandoned to, You and Your ways, Father.”

Hallowed be Your name. The word hallowed means to be set apart, distinct, regard as sacred, treat as holy. It’s actually a command. “And Father, Your name Yahweh (meaning I AM WHO I AM) is distinct, unique. May I recognize that Your name Yahweh represents everything You are. I want Your name alone to be honored, regarded as holy, sacred, with awe.” In Daniel 2:20-23a, the prophet blessed the God of heaven, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs (seasons); He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise.”

Your kingdom come. Jesus at the beginning of His second year of ministry talked about the kingdom of God being at hand. “Repent and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15) “Father, may I know Your rule in my life at

Discipleship 105—PRAYER (Luke 11:1-4) Page 2 of 3 the present time. Jesus is King of Your kingdom, and I am Your loyal subject. May Your kingdom be evident in what I am going through at this very moment. May repentance and belief in You mark my life. Whatever I am praying about, behind it all is the longing for Your will to be done.” Prayer begins with a recognition of Who we’re talking with, and a yearning to satisfy God’s heart and realize HIS purposes in our lives and on this earth. Prayer with the Father refocuses our attention on what should be our focus—Him!

It’s only at this point that Jesus teaches us how to pray in regard to ourselves. :3 Give us each day our daily bread. “Today’s bread, bread for a day.” We may ask for our material needs. God doesn’t need to be told what our needs are but we need to tell Him! It is only His goodness and kindness that keep these essentials flowing to us each day. “Father, concerning my own body’s needs, give me what I need, materially or spiritually, to live the kingdom life You have for me today.”

:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Jesus moves into the area of the soul (the mind, emotions, and will) and our dealings with human relationships. What is the central issue in this area of our lives? Forgiveness! Don’t use another as an excuse, or to claim “I’m a victim!”, to elude responsibility, to blame. Instead, forgive everyone who is indebted to us!! Jesus states that forgiveness is a vital part of prayer and life. The key in this area is to lay hold of the forgiveness of God for us. All of our sins have been dealt with; all Christians are forgiven people!! When we lay hold of God’s forgiveness of us, then we can freely forgive those who have sinned against us. I have found a three-fold course of thinking that helps me in this area: (1) “God, You are forgiving; that is Your character. (2) You have forgiven me! (3) You will forgive through me as I trust You.” This way the issue becomes “Am I willing to let You forgive through me? Will I make this choice in Your strength?” No excuses accepted!

Because of the cross of Jesus and His freely-given forgiveness, we now have daily opportunities to pass His forgiveness on to others. As Christians, if we refuse to forgive, it’s not “I can’t forgive!” but “I refuse to trust You to forgive through me.” “Father, may we forgive as freely as You’ve forgiven us.” Matthew 18:21-35, Ephesians 4:32, and Colossians 3:13 have the same message. Forgiveness for the Christian is a trust and obedience issue.

Another thought: This prayer in Luke 11 was uttered before final forgiveness was provided by Jesus on the cross. No longer do we pray, “Forgive us our sins.” Now, after the cross, we realize Jesus has dealt with all of our sins. As followers of Jesus, our sins have been forgiven! We make His forgiveness personal when (as 1 John 1:9 teaches us) we confess our sins, agreeing with God that we have missed His mark. So we pray, “Father, thank You for Your forgiveness that was won on the cross by Jesus and His shed blood. Yet I can’t rightly confess my own sins and appropriate Your forgiveness unless I am also willing to forgive others’ sins against me. So, I make the choice in Your strength to trust You to forgive through me whoever is indebted to me, no matter what he/she has done.”

And lead us not into temptation. Jesus now moves into the realm of temptation or testing. If the Greek word is translated ‘temptation’, we realize from James 1:13 that God can not be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone to evil! This may be referring to ‘unrecognized’ temptation. For example, in Luke 22:40,46, Jesus said to His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” But Peter slept. Later, he found himself in a trap and denied his Lord Jesus. Of his own making, Peter was unprepared. He hadn’t prayed.

This same Greek word can also be translated ‘trial’ or ‘test’, so it would be “Father, keep me from falling away in the hour of trial. May I run to You, not away from You.” It’s just a test, to show us how we’re doing, whether we’re walking in line with His Word, by the power of His Spirit, for the purpose of His glory.

We need to pray this way every time because it’s often too late to prepare when the temptation or trial comes. Psalm 37:39-40 says, “But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh; He is their strength in time of trouble. Yahweh helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him!” “Father, be my strength in my moments of weakness or testing, all the time really! How I need You!” Only as we walk step by step in a continual sense of acceptance and dependence upon our

Discipleship 105—PRAYER (Luke 11:1-4) Page 3 of 3 living Father can any of these prayers be met!

Prayer is not an attempt to bring pressure upon Yahweh. It is an awareness of who He is, what He wants, and what we need—body, soul, and spirit. He alone makes us adequate. He alone can meet our varied needs. He alone can teach us to pray.

Following this pattern of prayer will truly change the way we pray. We'll be aware of who it is we're talking with, we'll pray in line with His will, for His honor, in His strength. “We'll be grateful instead of demanding, forgiving instead of bitter, conscious of our vulnerability rather than thinking we're invincible.” It'll impact the way we pray for ourselves, for others, and our world.

At times our prayers may only be our cries, when we just cry out, “Jesus, help!” (see Hebrews 5:7) If you struggle with prayer, perhaps begin by simply praying the Scriptures (like those mentioned in this study), or pray or sing the Psalms. It takes time to learn to pray like Jesus taught His disciples. “Lord, teach us to pray!”

Let’s finish by reading a paraphrase of this prayer: “Father! I’m Your child, and I love to speak with You. I have confident, personal access to You at any time, in any situation. Because I know You and I belong to You, I know You will answer, in Your time and in Your way, in ways that are best for me. I want the final decision to be in Your hands. I rest in, I’m abandoned to, You and Your ways. And Father, Your name Yahweh (meaning I AM WHO I AM) is distinct, unique. May I recognize that Your name Yahweh represents everything You are. I want Your name alone to be honored, regarded as holy, sacred, with awe. May I also know Your rule in my life now. Jesus is King of Your kingdom, and I am Your loyal subject. May Your kingdom be evident in what I am going through at this very moment. May repentance and belief in You mark my life. Whatever I am praying about, behind it all is the longing for Your will to be done. Father, concerning my own body’s needs, give me what I need, materially or spiritually, to live the kingdom life You have for me today. Thank You for Your forgiveness that was won on the cross by Jesus and His shed blood. Yet I can’t rightly confess my own sins and appropriate Your forgiveness unless I am also willing to forgive others’ sins against me. So, I make the choice in Your strength to trust You to forgive through me whoever is indebted to me, no matter what he/she has done. And finally, be my strength in my moments of weakness or testing, all the time really! How I need You!”

Teach Us to Pray (by David Roper)

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” —Luke 11:1 Jesus baffles us as He baffled others. We see Him hard at work—confronting the powers of demons and men and defeating them, vindicating widows and orphans, directed by an unknown source of strength and wisdom. We watch and wonder. Where did He get His authority? One of Jesus’ disciples overheard Him pray and determined that Jesus’ remarkable powers were related to prayer. Certainly this disciple, as everyone does, prayed now and then when the chips were down. Even the impious pray. But he wanted something more and so cried out, “Lord, teach us to pray!” The Lord’s Prayer follows, the prayer we’ve been taught to follow in form. But the prayer is more than ritual; it’s rather a revelation of the meaning of prayer. When Jesus called God Father, He was expressing utter dependence on Him. Jesus followed no form in His prayers. On those occasions when we hear Him pray, such as in John 17, His prayers are informal. But if we listen, we will learn His secret—He prayed out of dependence. Perhaps the most startling of all Jesus’ statements about Himself was His insistence that He too was a dependent being. Having laid aside the independent use of His deity, He declared, “By Myself I can do nothing” (John 5:30). And so He prayed without ceasing. Prayer was the environment in which He lived, the air He breathed. Subject to continual interruptions, busy beyond comparison, resisted by friends and foes, hassled and harried, He managed to keep in touch with God. Every situation was an occasion for prayer. When He held the small supply of bread and saw the multitude to be fed, He first gave thanks for God’s supply. When He called Lazarus from the tomb, He first called on the Father. When the Greeks came seeking Him, knowing He had to come through, He asked God to glorify His [the Father’s] name. Prayer was His principal work, and by this He carried on the rest. His life was continuous prayer. No demands, only dependence; no clamoring for attention, only a quiet continual reliance on the Father who always heard Him (John 11:42). Saints of the Middle Ages saw in everything a summons to prayer: a church bell, the flight of a swallow, a sunrise, the falling of a leaf. Our vision of ourselves as needy, dependent men [and women] makes life a matter of continuous prayer, so much a part of us that we can say with the psalmist, “I am a man of prayer” (Psalm 109:4). And so the quintessence of life is prayer, not to demand but to wait with patience and submission, to long for and expect. By it everything else is done.

Taken from Seeing God, © 2006 by David Roper, and used by permission of Discovery House Publishers, Grand Rapids MI 4950l. All rights reserved.

My notes for going through D105:

Name and “If you were given one day to do anything you wanted with your parents, what would you do?” Find another and share your answers with him/her. Have several share who they met and what their answer was. Questions on how to study? We’ll go through the three-page handout on Prayer this study and also Dave Roper’s article “Teach Us to Pray”. PRAY.

This is the last of the first five weeks of Discipleship 100. We’ve looked at the Christian as a Disciple, the Bible, Bible Study, the Biblical God, and now our response to the Biblical God, prayer. Last week we used the “How to Study the Bible” handout as our guide for studying the Biblical God. Tonight we’ll use READ OR LISTEN TO “PRAYER” BY JOEL BERGER. Prayer was a vital part of the early Church. Listen to Acts 2:42, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Jehoshaphat prayed in the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 20:6-12), READ. Or 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, or Colossians 1:9-12. READ Luke 22:39-46. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

READ Luke 11:1-4. Rephrase the prayer in your own words. Let’s go through the three-page handout on prayer. On page one (it takes five minutes to read out-loud through :1-2), what are the details and truths that stood out to you? Why were they helpful to you personally? On page two, when Jesus teaches how to pray in regard to ourselves, in :3 what does He emphasize in regards to our bodily needs? What are points that you underlined and reflected on? In :4a, what does “Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” include? How would you rephrase this part of the verse? What actions or choices do these words cause you to carry out? In :4b, What part does “And lead us not into temptation” play in meaningful prayer? This Greek word translated ‘temptation’ can also be translated ‘trial’ or ‘test’. How would this change the meaning for you? On page three, what notes were helpful, and what conclusions did you draw from these four verses? From the article “Teach Us to Pray” by David Roper, what stands out?

As you think about each of the six parts of the prayer, how do your prayers compare? What is one thing that needs to change about your prayer life? Now, after looking at the passage, go through your rephrase and put the prayer in your own words for you in your world today. Let’s close by reading our prayers.

Discipleship 106 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Biblical Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-14)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the following questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to “The Biblical Jesus” by Joel Berger.

STUDY In 1:1-2a, the writer to Hebrew Christians makes clear that GOD has spoken to us in His SON. In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as being better than the best of everyone and everything that preceded Him on earth. Especially thinking of Jews, the writer emphasizes that Jesus is better than any Old Testament person, any OT institution, any OT ritual, any OT sacrifice. Jesus is GOD’S Son, His full and final revelation, far surpassing any other. Probably written around the late 60s A.D., the book was written to suffering Jewish followers of Jesus. God’s Son is His final word, His most important word. The process is finished, complete. And instead of going on to describe the message, He goes on to describe the messenger, God’s Son, the Jewish Christ, the Lord of all, Jesus. Since God’s final word is Jesus, to fail to understand Jesus is to fail to understand God and His message. ‘Study’ Jesus, get to know Him well!

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize :1-4 and :5-14 in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses (especially :1-4) in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In :2b-4, how is GOD’s Son described? Carefully think through the meaning of each descriptive phrase. How would you say differently each phrase that is used in these three verses? When you are done, what are your thoughts, your applications, your wonder? In :5-14, the writer quotes many Old Testament Scriptures to prove to his readers that Jesus is much better than the angels. In :5-6, quoting from Psalms and 2 Samuel, what is the point of each OT quote? In :7-9, quoting from the Psalms, what is the intention of the writer? Carefully think through each quote, and then write down why Jesus is superior to all! In :10-13, quoting from the Psalms again, what is the writer’s emphasis? Throughout :5-14, why must Jesus be compared with God the Father rather than with human beings or angels? Using the truths from Hebrews one, who is the Biblical Jesus?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “What I appreciate most about Jesus and His work is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in Hebrews 1:1-14? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read Hebrews 1:1-4. What was your first thought when you read these verses? Since the Biblical Jesus is the God’s Son, His final, complete Word, the Heir of all things, the Creator of all, the Radiance of the Father’s glory, the exact Representation of the Father’s nature, the Sustainer, the Purifier or Savior, the exalted Ruler, better than the angels with a more excellent name, which one or two of these descriptions impacts you most? Why? What are the intentional ways you are getting to know Jesus better? 3. Read Hebrews 1:5-14. What was your initial response when you thought about these verses? What remarkable beings are God’s angels but their glory fades in the presence of the Biblical Jesus. How are your thoughts renewed as you contrast Jesus with the angels? The Biblical Jesus stands alone! There are no comparisons! How in your life (your thinking, speech, actions, choices) is it evident that Jesus stands alone? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Biblical Jesus” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also read “What Can I Learn from the Bible about Jesus?” by Joel Berger. Underline what is helpful to you.

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Most false teaching comes from either confusion over the plan of salvation (how to get right with God) or over the Person of Jesus. If Jesus isn’t who the Bible teaches Him to be or if He didn’t accomplish what the Bible teaches, salvation by faith in Jesus is an impossibility. If Jesus isn’t who He claimed to be, every person is lost, separated from God. Who is the Biblical Jesus? In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is presented as being better than the best of everyone and everything that preceded Him on earth. What a God, Savior, Lord! The apostle Thomas addresses Jesus in John 20:28: “My Lord and my God!”

The true Christian serves the Biblical Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Greek form of the Old Testament name Joshua, meaning “Yahweh saves.” Christ is a title meaning “The anointed one of God, the Jewish Messiah.” Lord is also a title meaning “Master, Ruler.” We could look at Jesus’ deity, humanity, death, resurrection, ascension, return. Jesus though God became man; Jesus the perfect man and God became sin on the cross; Jesus was raised bodily from the dead; Jesus returned to heaven from earth; Jesus will return from heaven to earth.

When I considered different Scriptures on the Biblical Jesus, one stood out to me: Hebrews 1:1-14. This book deals with the Person of Jesus Christ, His work as the permanent high priest of God, and the response which individuals should make to such a Person and work—faith in Him. Every person’s faith and hope is to be in Jesus alone, who has set up a new way, a better way, so anyone can confidently approach the very presence of God! Wow!

:1-2a God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son. (NASB) God’s Son is His final word, most important word, complete word. The process is finished; THE God’s message has come. Since God’s final word is Jesus, to fail to understand Jesus is to fail to understand God and His message. Get to know the Biblical Jesus, well! It’s a great study to look at the four Gospels to know the Word who became flesh and dwelt among mankind for a while as a man totally dependent upon His Father. Yet study Hebrews 1:1-14 to see how Jesus is described at this time!

:2b-4 Whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Examine how THE God’s final, complete message is described or identified!! Jesus is THE God’s Son, the Heir of all things, the Creator of the world, the Radiance of the Father’s glory, the exact Image of God, the Sustainer of the universe, the Savior, the exalted Ruler who is higher than the angels with a greater name. These are the strongest statements in the New Testament for the full deity of the Lord Jesus. Jesus—the end of all things, the beginning of all things, and the middle of all things!!

:2 Bow in awe before the Biblical Jesus! The Son whom God appointed Heir of all things. Jesus’ ultimate possession flows from His being Son, The God’s Son, unique, one of a kind. Since Jesus is THE God’s Son, then Jesus is the Heir of all that God the Father possesses. Everything will someday belong to and be subject to Jesus. Through the Son God also made the world. Jesus is the Creator of all! John 1:3,10, 1 Corinthians 8:6, and Colossians 1:16 verify this fact. Jesus created all things! The world means the ages, the entire universe and everything that makes it function.

:3 And God’s Son is the Radiance of the Father’s glory. Radiance means an outshining, to send forth light, brightness, the primary radiance coming straight from the Source. One can’t separate the brightness or shining forth from the light itself! Jesus shines forth perfectly the Person and worth, essence, splendor, majesty of God Himself, because Jesus Himself was fully man and fully God! And the exact Representation of His nature. Jesus is the exact expression of God. God Himself IS the mold, and Jesus IS His exact representation. Nature means essence. Jesus is not just like God, but is of the same essence or nature! Philippians 2:6 says Jesus existed in the form/nature of God!

By His own mighty word, the Son holds everything together. Jesus is the Sustainer. All things are constantly held together by the Son’s powerful word (Greek rhēma). Colossians 1:17 says the same thing: “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” All it takes for Jesus to uphold or sustain all things is a word! When He had made purifications of sins. Jesus is the Purifier or Savior. Jesus offered one sacrifice (His own body, He shed His

Discipleship 106—THE BIBLICAL JESUS (Hebrews 1:1-14) Page 2 of 3 own blood). It was the once-for-all sacrifice for sins. Jesus is the final, complete sacrifice who made forgiveness of sins and new life possible for every person. Whatever had to be done about sin Jesus has done! He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The Son is the exalted Ruler. The Majesty on high describes THE God’s power, greatness, and strength. For Jesus to be seated at the right hand of the Father is the place of ultimate honor and authority and power.

:4 Having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. The Son is better than the angels with a more excellent name. In becoming flesh, Jesus became lower than the angels for a while. But because of who He was and what He did, He “became” better than the angels. The name He was given is far greater than any of theirs. His excellent name could be “Son” or “Jesus” or “Lord.” No angel is the Son or absolute Lord, but Jesus is!! No angel is any of the things mentioned here of Jesus, but Jesus is!! This is how the Biblical Jesus is described. Rediscover the Biblical Jesus and be overwhelmed by His Person! “Study” Him! Practice His Presence!!

The writer goes on. Look at :5-14 in the Contemporary English Version—God has never said to any of the angels, “You are My Son, because today I have become Your Father!” Neither has God said to any of them, “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son!” When God brings His first-born Son into the world, He commands all of His angels to worship Him. And when God speaks about the angels, He says, “I change My angels into wind and My servants into flaming fire.” But God says about His Son, “You are God, and You will rule as King forever! Your royal power brings about justice. You loved justice and hated evil, and so I, Your God, have chosen You. I appointed You and made You happier [more joyful] than any of Your friends.” The Scriptures also say, “In the beginning, Lord, You were the one who laid the foundation of the earth and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes, but You will last forever. You will roll them up like a robe and change them like a garment. But You are always the same, and You will live forever.” God never said to any of the angels, “Sit at My right side until I make Your enemies into a footstool for You!” Angels are merely spirits sent to serve people who are going to be saved [who will inherit salvation].

In these verses, the writer quotes Old Testament Scriptures to prove to his readers that Jesus is much better than the angels. Perhaps some of the readers were worshipping angels or comparing Jesus with angels. In the Bible, angels are created, spiritual beings who primarily function as messengers for God, revealing His will or announcing key events. They also serve God’s people. What remarkable beings are God’s angels, but their glory fades in the presence of Jesus! Jesus is the writer’s center of interpretation!! “Open up your own Old Testament Scriptures, readers, and I’ll show you from them who Jesus is and that He is much better!”

In :5-6, the writer quotes from Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, and Psalm 97:7. :5a For to which of the angels did He ever say, “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”? Psalm 2:7. Jesus was declared to be the Son by the Father. (Begotten is not referring to chronology—Jesus has always existed. In the Old Testament a Davidic king was “begotten” by God when he was enthroned. Also see Acts 13:33 and Romans 1:3-4 in connection with the resurrection of Jesus.) Angels were collectively called “sons of God” in Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7, but the point of Hebrews 1:5a is that angels may be called sons but they are not THE Son, God’s final message!

:5b And again, “I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE SHALL BE A SON TO ME”? 2 Samuel 7:14. God was referring to the Coming One who would sit on the throne of David forever. In contrast to the angels, Jesus is Son and God is His Father. No angel can claim such a relationship. :6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.” Psalm 97:7. If God Himself says the angels are to worship the Son, then Jesus obviously is much better than they (:4).

In :7-9, the writer quotes from Psalm 104:4 and Psalm 45:6-7. The point of the writer is that angels worship Jesus. Angels are His servants. Jesus is God and King, worthy of their worship.

:7 And of the angels He says, “WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.” Jesus is superior to all! Psalm 104:4. The angels are His created servants, His winds and flame of fire, to carry out His will.

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:8 But of the Son He says, “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.” Psalm 45:6-7. God calls the angels servants, but He says something different about His Son. He calls Him God! The angels are referred to as servants of God. Jesus is depicted as God, Sovereign Ruler, using all creatures as His servants. (See similar claims in Titus 2:13 and 1 John 5:20.) God had made a promise that a king of the house of David would rule forever upon a throne of justice. A scepter is a staff carried by rulers denoting power. Jesus is God who reigns forever!

:9 “YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.” Psalm 45:7. Because Jesus loved righteousness, He hated lawlessness (wrong standards, beliefs, and practices). Because of Jesus’ character and His choices, God the Father has anointed HIM as King. Jesus is God’s Anointed One. No matter how wonderful the angels were (here called His companions), the Son is superior.

:10-12 And, “YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END.” Psalm 102:25-27. An incredible description of Jesus. In time, all these parts of creation will perish, grow old, be changed, but this will never happen to their Creator! Even when the present creation wears out like an old garment, the Son, the Lord of all, will remain unchanged!

:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET”? Psalm 110:1. The supreme position and authority of the Son, in contrast to everyone and everything else, even the angels. There are no comparisons. Even His enemies’ ultimate submission is not in question.

:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? The Son rules. The angels serve. The angels’ function is not to rule or be worshiped but to serve the heirs of salvation.

The Biblical Jesus stands alone! Throughout these verses, it is obvious that Jesus must be compared with God the Father rather than with human beings or angels. Yes, Jesus is subordinate to the Father, but only in relationship as Son. Once anyone begins to compare Jesus with even the greatest of persons or spiritual beings, that person is diminishing who Jesus is and the authority He as Lord alone has. There are no comparisons! The Biblical Jesus is true man and true God; He is Lord of all!! Worship Him! Trust Him! Serve Him!

Here are three excellent, thoughtful quotations: (1) “The world bristles at ‘Jesus only’. Yet Jesus is the point of reference by which all others, humans and spiritual beings, must be evaluated.” (2) “Jesus is called Son, Lord, and God. By divine works He creates, sustains, governs, redeems and purifies sin. By divine worth He is the One to be worshipped by the angels and all other creatures in the universe. By divine attributes He is omniscient, omnipotent, unchanging and eternal.” (3) “As God and King, Jesus sits on His throne, reigning over all. Nothing escapes His view; nothing is beyond His control; no circumstance is beyond His ability to direct according to His purposes. And if we believe what…Hebrews is telling us, we would stop worrying so much. And, we would worship Him!” Let us place our faith in Jesus alone.

Revelation 5:9-13 CEV :11 As I looked, I heard the voices of a lot of angels around the throne and the voices of the living creatures and of the elders. There were millions and millions of them, :12 and they were saying in a loud voice, “The Lamb who was killed is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.” :13 Then I heard all beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, “Praise, honor, glory, and strength forever and ever to the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!” May we join all of creation in saying these words!

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Dear followers of our Lord Jesus Christ,

We began this study for at least three reasons: to grow in our faith, to help us avoid error, and to better spread the Good News of Jesus. The Good News concerns God's love for us, proven by Jesus' death on the Cross. The title Christian means a Christ-follower, and that's who we are, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we became Christians, Jesus became our life. So Christianity is Jesus.

Jesus is the Greek form of the Old Testament name Joshua, meaning the Lord is salvation. Christ is a title equaling the Anointed One God had promised, the Messiah, the Deliverer the Jews had been waiting for. Lord is a title meaning master, ruler. We serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Most false doctrine comes from either confusion over the plan of salvation (how to become a Christian and walk as a Christian) or over the person of Jesus. In this letter, we'll concentrate on the person of Jesus. If Jesus is not who He claimed to be or if He didn't accomplish what the Bible teaches, salvation by faith in Jesus is a useless act, an impossible act. If Jesus isn't who the Bible teaches Him to be, every person is lost, separated from God, and must try to find his or her own way to God (and who can do that impossible task?). Let's find out who the Biblical Jesus is.

JESUS' DEITY Jesus, though man, was also God. Isaiah 7:14 says, "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel" (God with us). Isaiah 9:6 says, "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." In John 20:28, after seeing the resurrected Christ, Thomas said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Philippians 2:6, referring to Jesus, says, "Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped." Colossians 1:15 says, "And He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation." Colossians 2:9 adds, "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." Titus 1:3-4 in talking about our Savior reads, "But at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." Titus 2:10-13 says the same thing, "...that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect....looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." Hebrews 1:1-3 says, "God...in these last days has spoken to us in His Son....And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature." Hebrews 1:8 adds, "But of the Son He says, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom." Finally, 2 Peter 1:1 says, "Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Aren't these incredible Scriptures? They thrill us because they are convincing proof that Jesus, though man, was also God. Jesus claimed to be God (John 5:16-18, 17:5); in Mark 14:61-62 and John 5:18 He is accused of blasphemy. We see attributes of God credited to Him: He will judge all men (Acts 17:31), He's all-powerful (Ephesians 1:19-23, Philippians 3:20-21, Revelation 1:8, 22:13), He's all-knowing (1 Corinthians 4:5, Colossians 2:3), He's everywhere present (Matthew 28:20, Ephesians 1:23), He was pre-existent (Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:2, John 1:15, 8:58, 17:5, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:2-3,10), He's eternal (Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 13:8, 1 John 1:2), He's the Creator (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 1:2-3,10), He's self-existent (John 5:26), He's changeless (Hebrews 13:8), He's truth (John 14:6), love (1 John 3:16), holy (Hebrews 7:26), righteous (1 John 2:1), and life (John 1:4, 14:6).

Jesus accepted worship as God (the same Jesus who said worship the Lord your God and serve Him only—Matthew 4:10)—John 20:28, Hebrews 1:6. He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7; Deuteronomy 6:16 with Matthew 4:7, Psalm 110:1 with Matthew 22:42-45 and Acts 2:34-35, Malachi 3:1 with Luke 1:76, Joel 2:32 with Romans 10:13).

If you think about it, the disciples would never have deified Jesus because in their eyes He was a poor candidate for the Messiah. C. S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity, "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing

Discipleship 106 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Jesus?)—page 2 of 6 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 the level of a 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 teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

Why is it so important that Jesus is fully God?

JESUS' HUMANITY Jesus, though God, was also man. Luke 2:40 "And the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:52 "And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." John 1:14 "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." John 8:40 "But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do." Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst..." Romans 1:3 "Concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh." Galatians 4:4 "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law." Philippians 2:6-8 "Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

The word incarnate means in flesh. Jesus is called the Son of Man 80 times in the Gospels; God's Messiah was described as the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13. Jesus had the characteristics of a man—He was born, grew, was hungry, thirsty, weary, loved, angry, wept, troubled within, prayed, suffered, tempted. God used Jesus to perform miracles. By the way, the problem of this human performing miracles must be solved in the realm of historical investigation, not in the realm of philosophical speculation. Just because one doesn't believe in miracles doesn't mean they didn't occur!

Jesus' human life was sinless (John 8:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5); He was tempted as we are but He didn't sin. His perfect human life qualified Him to become the sacrificial offering for sin. In contrast to Adam's disobedience, Jesus was perfectly obedient. Thus, He could become the qualified, perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 2:11-18).

When He became a man He laid aside the practice of His godly abilities although He didn't cease to be God (Philippians 2:6-8); it was a veiling of His preincarnate glory (John 17:5). Constantly we read throughout John's Gospel that Jesus did only what the Father wanted Him to do, He said only what the Father wanted Him to say. His deity was not reduced although He didn't operate as God on earth. He came to show us how a human being totally dependent on the Father would live. Becoming a man, He became what He was not; as God, He continued to be who He was. Obedient, dependent, He let the Father direct His life; He lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. He operated with the same resources that we have! When the Bible says Jesus ‘learned’ obedience, it doesn't mean He was ever disobedient and needed to learn to obey. It means that in order to fully sympathize with us He had to experience what it was like to choose obedience.

He came to reveal God to man, to provide sacrifice for sins, to destroy the works of the devil, to be a merciful high priest, to provide an example for Christians, to fulfill the covenant of David, to give teachings to mankind, and to glorify the Father. Here we have one person, two natures (divine and human). We must not try to divide the person or confuse the natures. Jesus was very God and very man. If He wasn't man, He couldn't die. Perfect man, true God.

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Why is it so important that Jesus was fully human?

JESUS' DEATH Jesus, perfect man and God, became sin on the Cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Wow! This is one of the central themes of Scripture. Jesus died for our sins. He yielded up His spirit (Matthew 27:50), He uttered a loud cry and breathed His last (Mark 15:37), He breathed His last (Luke 23:46), He bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30). Isaiah 52:13-53:12 teaches, "His appearance was marred, He had no form or majesty, He was despised, He bore our griefs, He was pierced through for our transgressions, the iniquity of us all has fallen on Him, He was afflicted, He was cut off out of the land of the living, His grave was with wicked men, yet with a rich man, He poured out Himself to death, He bore the sin of many." Philippians 2:6-8 "Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Revelation 5:9-12 "Worthy are You to take the book, and to break its seals; for You were slain, and did purchase for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. And You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." Revelation 13:8 "And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain." Jesus really died!!

But He didn't die for Himself. He died for us and our sins. Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Romans 3:23-26 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus." His blood shed. Romans 5:6 "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 2 Corinthians 5:21 "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Galatians 1:4 "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father." Galatians 2:20 "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." Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 5:2 "Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." 1 Timothy 2:5-6 "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all." Titus 2:14 "…gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Hebrews 2:9 "But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." Hebrews 10:10 "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." 1 Peter 1:18-19 "Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit." 1 John 3:5 "And You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin." Jesus dealt with all the sin issues by His death on the Cross. What a wonderful Savior. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He became sin, and the righteous judgment of God against sinners and sins was borne by Jesus. God's holiness demands a sacrifice for sin; His love provided it! He is both just and the justifier of believers (Romans 3:26). Jesus was the fulfillment of the sacrificial system demanded in the Old Testament. His death made it possible to walk in victory over sins and Satan, the world, and the flesh. Hebrews 2:14 "Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who

Discipleship 106 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Jesus?)—page 4 of 6 had the power of death, that is, the devil." 1 John 3:8 "The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil." Revelation 12:9-11 "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death."

Jesus was the acceptable sacrifice, the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins. He was the ransom payment, providing complete freedom. He was our substitute, bearing the penalty of sin belonging to the sinner, dying in our place. He was the reconciler, making the great exchange possible, for believers to be right in God's sight. What Jesus did is a free gift (no one deserves it or can earn it); His death was a voluntary act of love. Luke 24:25-27 "And He said to them, O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory? And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures." He loved us so He died. He didn't have to die. What love! There could be no forgiveness, no new natures, no new representative, no salvation without Jesus' death.

Because of Jesus' death, what issues were dealt with, and how did we benefit?

JESUS' RESURRECTION/ASCENSION Jesus was raised bodily from the dead and returned to heaven from earth. His Resurrection from the dead makes Him unique, especially when compared with the founders of other religions. Several times Jesus predicted He would die and be raised from the dead. Matthew 16:21 "From that time Jesus Christ began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day." Matthew 17:22-23 "And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." Matthew 20:18-19 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up." And He truly was raised from the dead: the tomb was empty, and He appeared many times to many different individuals and groups. Matthew 28:1-15 "The angel appeared to women, Jesus is not here, for He has risen. Jesus met them. Take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee." Mark 16:1-8 "Women came, stone rolled away, saw angel, He is risen." Luke 24:1-11 "Women came, stone rolled away, body gone, angel appeared, told the eleven yet they wouldn't believe." John 20:1-18 "Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John came to the tomb; empty! Jesus appears to Mary." Acts 2:22-24 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." Acts 2:32-36 "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he [David] himself says: The Lord said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet. Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ "this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 10:40-43 "God raised Him up on the third day, and granted that He should become visible. This One has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:29-39 "And when they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared....He whom God raised did not undergo decay. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses." Acts 17:30-31 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all

Discipleship 106 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Jesus?)—page 5 of 6 everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." Romans 1:4 "Who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 4:25 "He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification." 1 Corinthians 15:1-24 "Raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, appeared to many. If no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; our preaching vain, faith vain, false witnesses of God, still in sins, all dead have perished, most to be pitied. But Christ has been raised from the dead!"

The Old Testament prophesies the Resurrection—Psalm 16:8-11 quoted in Acts 2:24-31, 13:35-37; Psalm 118:22-24 in Acts 4:10-11. Jesus bodily arose; He was flesh and blood, could eat, could be touched, could be seen. The Resurrection was the core of the apostles' messages.

Evidence for the Resurrection includes the empty tomb, His appearances (many different times at different places, to different people, in different circumstances), the silence of His enemies (they couldn't refute the empty tomb and the appearances; in fact, the soldiers at the tomb were bribed to say His body had been stolen.), and the changed lives, especially of the apostles. One doesn't die for what he knows is false; they were convinced against their wills (they didn't remember He said He would rise; they were hiding because of fear; Thomas wouldn't believe the others until he actually saw and touched Jesus). Other evidence includes the day Christians now normally worship on—Sunday, Resurrection day; the existence of the Christian church; the existence of the New Testament; and transformed lives today.

The Resurrection is important for several reasons: it's the mark of Divine approval; it confirms the truth and value of what Jesus taught and did; it's the guarantee of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:17); it's the guarantee of our own resurrection; it gives assurance to believers that salvation will be completed; it's the assurance of Christ's power in lives today; it's proof of a future judgment. The resurrected Jesus is our triumphant Lord!

The Ascension means Jesus returned to heaven from earth. Acts 1:9-11 says, "And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky which He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.'" His Ascension marked the end of His earthly ministry and the return to His glory and exaltation. What a reunion that must have been! Now He's at the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:20-21); He's our High Priest and Advocate, our Intercessor (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 John 2:1, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 9:24); He's preparing a place for us (John 14:2-3).

When He got to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, 16:7, Acts 1:4-5, 2:33), He indwells the church (Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:18-20, Romans 8:10, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:27), He's forming His body of which He is the Head (Ephesians 1:22-23), He's nurturing and cherishing His followers (Ephesians 5:29), He's interceding for us (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). He is now the believer's life (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:4).

Why is it important to have a resurrected Lord? Why is it important to have an ascended Lord?

JESUS' RETURN Jesus will return from heaven to earth. Acts 1:11 "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." There is a time known as the Rapture (the word is not found in the Bible) when Jesus will come again for His own, but apparently won't come clear to earth. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 "We'll all be changed, dead raised imperishable, mortal put on immortality, victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "The Lord will come again with a shout, a voice of archangel, trumpet of God; the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." Jesus will come in the

Discipleship 106 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Jesus?)—page 6 of 6 clouds, gather those believers who have previously died and those who are still alive on earth. This will be a great union of all believers from the Cross onward to be forever with our Lord. There is also a time when Jesus will literally, physically return to this earth. Matthew 24:29-31 "But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken, and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other." Revelation 1:7 "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen." Revelation 19:11-21 "Jesus on a white horse, in righteousness He judges and wages war. He’s called The Word of God. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations, and rule them with a rod of iron. King of kings, and Lord of lords. The Beast and kings gathered to make war against Him who sat upon the horse, and against His army. The Beast is seized, the false prophet is seized; both thrown alive into lake of fire. The rest were killed with the sword from His mouth." This return will be after a time known in the Scriptures as the Tribulation. He will return to reign on this earth for a one-thousand year period known as the Millennium; He will rule the earth in righteousness and fulfill His promises to Israel (Revelation 20:4-6). We'll learn much more of these end-time events in Discipleship 120.

Why is knowing Jesus will return from heaven to earth to gather His own and to set things right so significant?

Let's conclude. Acts 4:12 says, "And there is salvation in no one else [referring to Jesus]; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." To make personal what Jesus has done, Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Knowing Jesus as Lord assures us that we're eternally right with God, that we have forgiveness of sins, that we're now part of God's family, that Jesus is now our representative, that He is interceding for us daily, that we have a certain future with Him! Wow! Jesus is our Savior, our Lord, our Life!!

We believe that Jesus Christ in the flesh was true God and true man, God the Son, and the Son of God, that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, that He lived a sinless life, that He died upon the cross, the just for the unjust, as representative and substitutionary sacrifice for sinners and for our sins, and that He rose bodily from the grave the third day according to the Scriptures. Later He ascended to the Father's right hand where He is Head of the Church interceding for believers, and from where He is coming again personally, bodily and visibly to this earth to set up His kingdom of righteousness and peace. (Isaiah 9:6, John 20:28, Philippians 2:6, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:14, Acts 2:22, Romans 1:3, Philippians 2:6-8, 1 Timothy 2:5; Luke 1:27,35; 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5; Acts 20:28, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, 1 Peter 3:18; John 20:1-18, Acts 2:22-24,32-36, 10:40-43, Romans 1:4, 4:25, 1 Corinthians 15:1-24; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 4:14, 7:25, 9:24, 1 John 2:1, Romans 8:34; Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 19:11-20:6)

Worship the Biblical Jesus! Love Him! Serve Him! HE is the answer!

In our Lord Jesus’ powerful Name, Joel

My notes for going through D106:

Name and “What I appreciate most about Jesus and His work is…?” Find another and share your answers with him/her. Have several share who they met and what their answer was. This is Discipleship 106, “The Biblical Jesus.” We’ve looked at the Christian as a Disciple, the Bible, Bible Study, the Biblical God, and Prayer. Next week we’ll look at our response to the Biblical Jesus, Faith. PRAY.

We’re going to use the third approach for studying this passage (found on the assignment sheet—“Questions specific to this passage.” READ Hebrews 1:1-4. In :2b-4, how is GOD’s Son described? Carefully think through the meaning of each descriptive phrase. How would you say differently each phrase that is used in these three verses? Which one stood out to you? When you are done, what are your thoughts, your applications, your wonder? What are intentional ways you are getting to know Jesus better?

In :5-14, the writer quotes many Old Testament Scriptures to prove to his readers that Jesus is much better than the angels. In :5-6, quoting from Psalms and 2 Samuel, what is the point of each OT quote? In :7-9, quoting from the Psalms, what is the intention of the writer? Carefully think through each quote, and then write down why Jesus is superior to all! In :10-13, quoting from the Psalms again, what is the writer’s emphasis? Throughout :5-14, why must Jesus be compared with God the Father rather than with human beings or angels? How in your life (your thinking, speech, actions, choices) is it evident that Jesus stands alone?

Using the truths from Hebrews one, who is the Biblical Jesus? How does HE impact your life? What prayer would you write to our Father to express your love and gratitude? Let’s close by reading our prayers.

Discipleship 107 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Faith (Hebrews 10:38-11:6, 12:1-2)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the following questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to “Faith” by Joel Berger.

STUDY In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as being better than the best of everyone and everything that preceded Him on earth. Especially thinking of Jews, the writer emphasizes that Jesus is better than any Old Testament person, any OT institution, any OT ritual, any OT sacrifice. Jesus is GOD’S Son, His full and final revelation, far surpassing any other. Probably written around the late 60s A.D., the book was written to suffering Jewish followers of Jesus. Since God’s Son is His final word, we are to fix our eyes on this Jesus. Since our faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed, the writer spends 9½ chapters describing this Jesus. We see the Person of Jesus in chapters 1-4, the Office/ Priesthood of Jesus in chapters 5-7, and the Work/Ministry of Jesus in 8:1-10:18. From that point to the end of the book, the writer tells us how to respond to this Jesus. “Unite God’s truth we’ve heard with faith in Him. Endure by faith in Him.”

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize 10:36-39, 11:1-6, and 12:1-2 in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase 10:38, 11:1,6, and 12:1-2 in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In 10:36-39, what is the Hebrew Christians’ need? How does one endure? What does it mean to “live by faith”? What happens when one doesn’t? In 11:1, how is faith described? Think about that definition. In :2-5,7 who are some OT examples who walked by faith? What stands out about each person or group? Why does God bring in His creation in :3? In :6, what are the truths we learn? What are the two things every person must believe in order to please God? Think through the implications of this verse! In 12:1-2, since we have all the examples of faith given in chapter 11, what is the Christian to do? In :1, what two things are to be laid aside? What is then to be done? Meditate on the last part of :1. In :2, where are the Christian’s eyes to be continually fixed? How is Jesus described?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “Five words or less that describe my life at this present time are…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in Hebrews 10:38-11:6 and 12:1-2? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Read Hebrews 10:36-11:6. What are you going through where there is the need to “endure”? What steps do you take to Biblically “hang in there”? What does “enduring by faith in God” look like in your life? At this particular time in your life, if God summarized your life in one verse, how would your verse read? How do 11:1 and 11:6 impact you in this season of your life? 3. Read Hebrews 12:1-2. Let us lay aside…let us run with endurance…fixing our eyes on Jesus. On which one of these three actions steps do you need to concentrate most at this time in your life? What is a weight that is tripping you up? What is the “sin” which has held you captive? What part of your race requires the most endurance? In what area do you tend to lose your focus on Jesus? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Faith” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also, read and meditate on Hebrews 10:19-12:17.

Discipleship 107—FAITH (Hebrews 10:38-11:6, 12:1-2) Page 1 of 3

In our Discipleship 100 study we have reached Biblical Faith. We’ve looked at the Christian as a Disciple, the Bible, Bible Study, the Biblical God, Prayer, the Biblical Jesus. We’ll be looking at the Biblical Holy Spirit and Walking by the Spirit in the coming studies.

What should be our response to the Biblical Jesus? Faith, Biblical faith! In John 6:28-29, some Jews asked Jesus, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” We learn in Hebrews 11:6 that no one can please God without exercising Biblical faith. Trusting God is not only how the Christian life begins but also how it continues. Biblical faith is an active dependence, which affects our thinking, choices, actions, and words. By faith believers “did” something. We must begin with (1) God’s revelation of Himself and His ways, to be followed by (2) believing what we’ve heard, and finally (3) the choice to act on what we know and believe. Moment by moment, placing our lives in His hands so He can live out His life in and through ours.

Miles Stanford in Principles of Spiritual Growth states: (1) “True faith must be based solely on scriptural facts…The question is—whether God has spoken it in His Word.” In other words, Biblical faith rests upon Biblical facts. (2) “We cannot trust anyone further than we know him. So we must not only learn the facts involved but ever more intimately come to know the ONE who presents and upholds them!” Get to know Jesus and the Word well!!

There are several passages on “faith” that are wonderful to study. They include Galatians 3:1-6, Romans 1:16-17, and Romans 10:9-15, but the passage we’ll be looking at in this study stretches from Hebrews 10:36 to 12:2.

Probably written around the late 60s A.D., the book of Hebrews was written to suffering Jewish followers of Jesus. In Hebrews Jesus is present as The God’s Son, His full and final revelation, far surpassing any other. Since God’s Son is His final word, we are to fix our eyes on this Jesus. Since our faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed, the writer spends nine and one-half chapters describing this Jesus. From that point to the end of the book, the writer tells us how to respond to this Jesus. “Unite God’s truth we’ve heard with faith in Him.” “Endure by faith in Him.”

Hebrews 10:32-39 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, :33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. :34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. :35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. :36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. :37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. :38 BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. :39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Have deep, abiding, unswerving confidence in God and His words. “Yes, you have experienced a great conflict of sufferings, but you went through them knowing you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. You have a great reward that will be yours; keep looking forward to this possession which can never be taken away. In terms of your present conditions, you have need of endurance. God makes it clear that Christians are to handle suffering, pain, and pressure by enduring, hanging in there, by faith in God! God says, ‘Endurance is My will for you.’” How does one endure? Quoting the prophet Habakkuk, God says, “My righteous one, live by faith in Me. That’s My key. Trust Me no matter what is going on in your life.” Trusting God is His will also. On the basis of who God is and what He has done (His character and past actions), believe what He has said and live life on that basis. As those early Christians kept their eyes on Jesus and trusted Him, they endured, they ran well. Their attitudes toward people, things, and circumstances, and the decisions they made on a daily basis revealed their trust in Jesus. He’s worth it!

11:1-6 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. :2 For by it the men of old gained approval. :3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. :4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice

Discipleship 107—FAITH (Hebrews 10:38-11:6, 12:1-2) Page 2 of 3 than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. :5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. :6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Faith is the confidence in God which leads one to stand under, to go on, to endure. Biblical faith deals with future things that we’re sure of because of God’s words, and things unseen (unseen realities, which are as real as anything we can see with our physical eyes). The Old Testament believers exhibited assurance and conviction during their earthly walk. 11:27 says about Moses, “…for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.”

:2 “So much did the promises of God mean to the Old Testament believers that they regulated the whole course of their lives in their light.” The OT believers heard God’s words, united them with faith, and patiently waited for the fulfillment of them. They had faith in the ONE who had made the promises.

:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Notice, without faith it is impossible to please God at all! God-pleasing faith (1) takes God at His word, (2) trusts Him, and (3) lives obediently in the present and expectantly for the future. Biblical faith is a faith that (1) believes that GOD exists. The life of faith begins and continues by acceptance of God’s existence. From within, and from creation, history, the written Word, and Jesus, we’re given evidence of the existence of God (see Romans 1:18-20). One thing that proves God exists is creation! The writer in :3 looks back to something God did in the distant past. By faith we understand the worlds (literally ages) were prepared by the word of God! God spoke the word, and the world sprang into existence. If we do not accept God and His words concerning the past, it’s very unlikely we will trust Him in the present and for the future. Biblical faith is also a faith that (2) believes that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. There is an assurance and conviction that this God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Our faith is in HIM, and our walk of faith with Him is to be a way of life. Faith has always been God’s way. The rest of this chapter is filled with examples of Old Testament men and women who walked by faith in God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 spells out specifically what Biblical faith looks like in action. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. In these verses, the walk of faith is described as a footrace, a distance event. As we are running the race set before us, there are the dangers of persecution, suffering, ridicule, but especially in this passage, things that hold us back or a wrong focus.

:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us… “Therefore” gathers up all the examples of chapter 11, men and women who walked by faith in the Person and revelation of God, no matter what! The OT examples believed and lived life on the basis of knowing God and His truth. They are a cloud, a great mass, not of onlookers who are watching our every move, but of witnesses, inspiring examples, who indicate that the life of faith is the only way to experience life as God intended. Now they have completed their race, and they have handed the baton to the readers of Hebrews and to us, and it’s our turn to run.

BIBLICAL FAITH: (1) Lays aside every weight and sin. It refuses to be distracted! Two things are mentioned to lay aside: weights and sin. Literally “the weight”, any kind of weight. The problem is not in what the weight is but in what it does. It holds us back! A weight could be a sloppy attitude toward relationships, inadequate disciplines of preparation, or lack of commitment to excellence. Other weights could be pleasure (not that it’s wrong in itself but it becomes wrong if it holds us back from running with endurance and faith), self-indulgences, sports, making money. Weights could be a business or social activities or watching TV. A weight for some could be the ways of the world, habits we practiced before we became Christians, friends who draw us down. For the readers of Hebrews, the main weight seemed to be hanging on to their old religious ways. “It’s holding you back! Why did you put that ball and

Discipleship 107—FAITH (Hebrews 10:38-11:6, 12:1-2) Page 3 of 3 chain back on? Fixing our eyes on Jesus, let us together lay aside every encumbrance!” What is the weight for you?

Also lay aside “the sin”! Sin can get in the way of a runner’s feet and trip him or her up. Entangle means to place itself around, to encircle. “The” before the word “sin” seems to indicate a particular sin. In Hebrews, that sin was the sin of unbelief, of not trusting God, of not enduring by faith. Some of the readers seemed to be living as though they weren’t assured of things hoped for; they weren’t practicing the conviction of things not seen; they were living as though God didn’t exist, or that He didn’t reward those who seek Him; as if God’s words weren’t really true. Where do you tend not to trust God, taking your eyes off of Him, failing to take seriously His character or His past actions or His words? It could be in the area of your job or your family or certain relationships or when you’re in a particular situation. What is “the sin” for you? Whatever it is for you, by faith in the Lord Jesus, lay it aside!

BIBLICAL FAITH: (2) Runs with endurance the race set before him/her. It presses on to the end! After laying aside every weight and sin, we are encouraged to run with endurance the race set before us. The race course is life itself, and I’m convinced is designed by God Himself for us as individuals and as a church. There’s the need to go on— when you receive the call from the doctor with life-shattering news, when you go into an empty house, when the kids are acting up. This is a race that God wants us to finish, victoriously and well. Endurance means to abide under or to wait with patience. It’s not a race against anyone else. In God’s race everyone can win, can finish well. No matter how long or how hard or what the cost, endure, press on to the end, fixing your eyes on Jesus alone!

By the way, we get the word “agony” from the word “race”. The race is demanding, grueling, strenuous, and continuous, just right for each of us. We’re not to envy those whose struggles seem less severe. We’re not to look for a smoother course! These believers were beginning to weaken, grow weary, lose heart, shrink back. But realize it’s a race run by faith in God! Our strength is not in ourselves but in our Lord! The apostle Paul in Colossians 1:27b-29 writes, “I labor, striving according to HIS power, which mightily works within me.” Also Philippians 2:12b-16a …work out your salvation with fear and trembling; :13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. :14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; :15 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, :16a holding fast the word of life…

We’re to stick with the race, with dogged determination, but how can we do such a thing? BY FAITH first, lay aside every encumbrance and THE sin which so easily entangles us. Second, run with endurance the race that is set before us. And third, make sure our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Lay aside, run, focused on Jesus!

:2a BIBLICAL FAITH: (3) Fixes our eyes on Jesus alone. It focuses in order to gain His perspective and strength. Jesus is the matchless illustration of by faith enduring and running the race. He is both our example and our life! On this side of Jesus’ cross, we’re to keep our eyes fixed, not on the examples of the past, but on Jesus! Here is the perfect example of manhood, of faith. Jesus lived in total dependence upon the Father (10:7-10). Jesus laid aside every encumbrance and by faith He ran with endurance the race that was set before Him. A perfect example of His operating by faith was when He was praying in the garden of Gethsemane—“Yet not what I will, but what You will.” It was sheer faith in the Father and His words and ways, unsupported by any visible evidence. Because of who He is and what He’s done and is doing, let’s together keep our eyes fixed on Him, our life and example, on whom faith depends from start to finish! While running, don’t look at your feet or another runner coming up from behind or the crowd in the stands! Focus on Jesus alone.

Whatever weighs you down, diverts your attention, saps your energy—these are wrong for you if they keep you from running well, from exercising faith during the race of life. Set them aside since they hold you back. And, concentrate on Jesus! No matter how long or how hard or what the cost, endure, by faith fixing your eyes on Jesus alone! Let’s “believe in Jesus whom God has sent!” “Lord, because I trust You and believe what You have said is true, I therefore think this way…make this choice…obey in this area…speak these words.” This is ‘living by faith’!

Discipleship 108 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Biblical Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17,26, 15:26, 16:7-11,14)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the following questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to “The Biblical Holy Spirit” by Joel Berger.

STUDY The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John somewhere between A.D. 80 and 90. Known as the beloved disciple of Jesus, John's purpose is related in 20:31, "These [signs] have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." These signs include turning water into wine, the healing of the official’s son, the healing of the powerless man, the feeding of the 5000+, Jesus walking on the water, the giving of sight to the blind, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. These signs reveal the Person and mission of Jesus. On the eve before His death, Jesus met with His apostles, washed their feet, taught them to love one another, and instructed them concerning their earthly future, heaven, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Let’s learn along with them who the Biblical Holy Spirit is and what His ministries include.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize 14:16-17, :26, 15:26, 16:7-11, and 16:12-15 in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In the midst of Jesus telling His apostles that He’s going to leave them to go prepare a place for them and then He’ll return for them, He reassures them of what in 14:16-17? How is the “Helper” described? What is the astounding truth in the last part of :17? In 14:26, what will be the Spirit’s particular ministry to the eleven? In 15:26, how is the Helper described, and what will He do? Why is this news encouraging? In 16:7- 11, why must Jesus go to the Father? What will the Helper do when He is sent? In 16:12-15, what additional truths do we learn about the Spirit of truth?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One person from this past year for whom I’m especially thankful is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Romans 8:11b says, “…He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” What did you learn about the Holy Spirit from this verse, and why is this such an exciting truth for you? 3. Reread John 14:16-17, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-11, and 16:14. How does Jesus describe the Spirit of God and His actions in these verses? Why are His words helpful to you at this time in your life? In light of what John 14-16 and Romans 8:11 teach us about the Holy Spirit (the Helper), what are some areas where you are (or aren’t) trusting Him to be and do who He is? Who/what did the Holy Spirit use in your life to bring to light who Jesus is, and the necessity of trusting Him with your life? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Biblical Holy Spirit” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also, study and meditate on Romans 8:9-17a. Write down your thoughts. (3) Finally, read the five-page handout on “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Holy Spirit?” by Joel Berger. Underline what is helpful for you.

Discipleship 108—THE BIBLICAL HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:16-17,26, 15:26, 16:7-11,14) Page 1 of 3

In our study of Discipleship 100, we have arrived at the Person of the Holy Spirit. We’ve looked at the Biblical God from Exodus 34:6-7 and the Biblical Jesus from Hebrews 1:1-14. Who is the Biblical Holy Spirit? The average Christian is in a complete fog as to the identity and work of the Holy Spirit. My wife was interacting with our six- year-old granddaughter, and the subject of the “Trinity” came up. Our granddaughter said, “They’re all different but they’re the same. It just makes me dizzy!” There’s a fascinating statement in Romans 8:11b. “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you!” The indwelling Spirit will give LIFE to our mortal bodies, these bodies that are going to die. That means He gives LIFE, Jesus’ life, to us now while we’re still on this earth. Who can do that? The indwelling Spirit of God!

From the Bible we learn that the Holy Spirit is fully God and a true Person. He is the Executor of the purposes and plans of the Godhead. He worked in the Old Testament, in Jesus’ life, in the apostles’ lives. He works in our lives. He convicts, revealing a need to change, to turn to Jesus. He regenerates, imparting eternal life. He indwells, living within every believer. He baptizes, placing every believer into the one Body of Christ. He seals, making the believer eternally secure. He illumines Scripture, teaching the Word as we study it. He also fills believers as we walk in His strength. Finally, He gives to every believer spiritual gifts for serving the Father and others.

Jesus describes Him in John’s Gospel. The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John around A.D. 80. Known as the beloved disciple of Jesus, John’s purpose is related in 20:31: “These [signs] have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” There are seven signs contained in John’s Gospel that reveal the Person and mission of Jesus.

On the eve before His crucifixion, Jesus met with His apostles, washed their feet, taught them to love one another, and instructed them concerning their earthly future, heaven, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Let’s learn straight from Jesus’ mouth the identity and work of the Biblical Holy Spirit.

14:16-17 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” Jesus is going to be physically leaving His apostles on earth, but He promises in :18 that He won’t leave His apostles as orphans. “I’ll give you an indwelling, forever Helper!” This Helper will be one who moves alongside to help, a comforter, advocate, counselor, encourager, life-giver, whatever help is needed! “Because of My physical absence, I’m making arrangements for you—another Helper, who is of the same kind as Me. He’ll be with you forever. This Helper is the Spirit of truth—He’ll reveal truth, expose error. He is reliable. You can count on Him for truth, just as you’ve counted on Me. And, He’ll not only be WITH you as I’ve been, but He’ll also be IN you! The Helper will do for you what I’ve done for you, but He’ll be with you and in you permanently.” Wow!

After Jesus’ work on earth, He poured out the Spirit upon every believer to do His work in and through each of His followers. If you’re a disciple of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in you. He’s taken up residence in your body. He’ll be with you forever, wherever you go, providing whatever “help” is necessary, even filling us with Himself. We can actually walk in His strength and see His fruit (Galatians 5:16-25). The Spirit is to believers what Jesus was to His disciples during the days of His flesh.

14:26 “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 that I said to you.” “The Father will send the Helper, the HOLY Spirit, in My name.” The Spirit of God who is our Helper is holy. He hates sin. He loves what is right in the Father’s eyes. This Holy One lives within every believer! Enjoy and practice His holy presence! The Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach you and bring My words to your minds. You’ve been hearing truth from Me all along. The Spirit of truth will continue that teaching. And, He’ll help you eleven remember and understand words and events that you didn’t get when I first taught them.” We have the result of the Spirit’s work with the apostles in the New Testament writings.

15:26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who

Discipleship 108—THE BIBLICAL HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:16-17,26, 15:26, 16:7-11,14) Page 2 of 3 proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me.” “I’ll send this Helper to you from the Father! He is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. He’ll witness, testify, about Me.” The Spirit testifies that Jesus is the answer to sin, rightness, and judgment, to walking in victory over sin, to being free from law as a way to life or of life. The Holy Spirit is constantly pointing to Jesus as Lord! He’ll testify to an unbelieving, hostile world (sometimes through believers) of everyone’s need of Jesus. He reveals to the unbeliever that he/she needs a new heart. And, He assures believers that we’re doing the right thing, following Jesus as Lord. The Spirit can’t stop testifying about Jesus!!

John 16:7-11 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. :8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; :9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; :10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; :11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” 16:5-15 summarizes how the Holy Spirit continues the same work that Jesus Himself undertook during the days of His flesh. This coming Holy Spirit would be at work, both with the unbelieving world (:7-11) and with the believing disciples (:12-15). So, Jesus’ departure was for their own good. “When I go, I’ll send the ‘Helper’, the ‘Spirit of truth’ to you, and the Spirit will always be with you wherever you are, even if persecution or pressure or trouble is taking place.”

:8 The Spirit is a “Convicter” of mankind’s needs, concerning sin, what right truly is, and judgment. Convict is a legal term that means to expose guilt, to bring to light the true facts. This conviction is not so much with a view toward condemnation (unbelievers are already condemned!) but conviction that they are sinners, that they need a Savior and Lord and Messiah. We thank the Spirit that He did this convicting work with us when we were unbelievers. So even though the world is unbelieving and even hostile, the Spirit from the Father is at work. You’d think the Holy Spirit would rip the unbelieving world to shreds for rejecting Jesus, but that isn’t His ministry to them. He’ll do what is needed in their lives to get them to come to grips with “the gravity of sin, the reality of righteousness, and the certainty of judgment.” Only by the Spirit’s convicting work can the world recognize its mistaken ideas and unbelief. Of course, He uses God’s Word and God’s people, sometimes even the unbeliever’s conscience, but it is the Spirit who speaks to and exposes hard hearts. He’ll reveal that Jesus is the issue!

:9 Concerning sin. What’s the sin (singular)? They don’t believe in Jesus! The Spirit exposes their sin of rejection of Jesus so they’ll see their need. Apart from the Spirit’s work, people will not see themselves as sinners, that they’ve rejected Jesus. It doesn’t seem to be the role of the Spirit to convict the world of individual sins, because it is not our individual sins that separate us from God. Our sins were dealt with by Jesus on the cross. The only sin that separates an unbeliever from God is the sin of unbelief in Jesus. This makes Jesus alone the issue! The business of the Holy Spirit and the Church is not to convince the world of its sins but of its basic, fundamental sin. The Spirit testifies that Jesus is Lord, the Savior from sins. What will you do with Jesus? He is the issue!

:10 Concerning righteousness. Men and women do not ordinarily think of themselves as sinners but as essentially good, at least better than other people! Yet the convicting Holy Spirit makes clear: “You are NOT right before God. Look what you did with the Righteous One, Jesus!” Jesus was physically going to be leaving this earth so He would send Another of the same kind to do what He had been doing—convicting the world concerning righteousness. There is the conviction that there is a Standard of rightness (justice) which unbelievers fall short of. Sometimes the Spirit uses the Body of Christ to reveal what God’s rightness looks like. What the world once saw in Jesus it is now to see in the Spirit-empowered Church: the beauty of God’s holiness. As Christians we have been made righteous. Then that inner wholeness begins to be reflected in our lives. Jesus is the Righteous One (Acts 3:14, 7:52); HE is the Standard. The Holy Spirit continues to let people know this fact: Jesus is the issue!

:11 Concerning judgment. Just like Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of certain judgment, and that even the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged. Since Satan himself already stands judged in God’s sight, the judgment of all others who will not repent is equally assured. In one sense it’s happening now (read Romans 1:18-32), but there’s also a future day of judgment for all unbelievers known as the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The Spirit will testify that all unbelievers will stand before Jesus as Judge someday. Jesus is the issue!

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For believers in Christ there is real freedom from judgment. Jesus has taken our sin and our judgment upon Himself. He has become our righteousness. These truths are most visible when the Church is abiding in Jesus (or walking by the Spirit), loving each other, and testifying of the forgiveness and new life in Christ.

16:14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.” Another role of the permanent, indwelling Helper, the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit of God, the Convicter, is to glorify or bring glory, honor, splendor, to Jesus! The Spirit reveals to us the essence and beauty and wonder of who Jesus is! What the Spirit discloses and does will put the spotlight solely on Jesus. When we go to the Spirit for whatever it is we need, He shows us Jesus! The Spirit discloses Jesus to His own.

In Romans 8 we learn that the Spirit of God is the solution to our weak flesh, to the requirements of the Law being fulfilled, and to walking successfully as a Christian. As we saw at the beginning, He even gives LIFE to our mortal bodies! Amazing! In our next study, we’ll learn how to walk in His strength.

Who is the Biblical Holy Spirit? The forever, indwelling, abiding Helper, the Spirit of truth, the holy Spirit! He’ll testify about and glorify Jesus! He’ll convict the world! Recognize who He is, where He is, what He’s doing!

Our statement of beliefs states: “We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, is God, and possesses all the Divine attributes. His ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and at the moment of salvation He regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals all believers. As He places believers into the Body of Christ, He also gives them spiritual gifts, to be used in love and for the purpose of serving and building up the Body and reaching or impacting non-believers. He also fills and empowers as the believer walks by faith.” Doesn’t it just make you dizzy!!

What an amazing third Person of the Triunity!! “What do You want to do in and through me today, Holy Spirit?”

Discipleship 108—What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Holy Spirit? by Joel Berger Page 1 of 5

Dear fellow believers,

In this study, we're going to look at the most underemphasized or overemphasized Person of the Triunity. Our subject will be the Holy Spirit. The average Christian is in a complete fog as to who the Holy Spirit is and what work He does. Paul Little says, "When we neglect the Holy Spirit, through ignorance or indifference [and I would add fear], we insure spiritual poverty." When we don't understand the Holy Spirit's work, we miss out on living the Christian life. Only the Holy Spirit can live the Christian life, so if we don't know who He is, what He does, and how He works, we will struggle in our walk as a Christian, even though we may belong to the Lord Jesus. Let's study this amazing third Person of the Triunity. In this letter we'd like to cover the Holy Spirit's deity and personality, His work, His filling, and His gifts. We'll take a more in-depth look at His filling and His gifts in later studies (D109, 116, 220, 221).

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S DEITY AND PERSONALITY He is fully God and a true Person. He is the Executor of the purposes and plans of the Godhead. Acts 5:3-4 says, "But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." The Holy Spirit and God are equated in this passage. Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." "Name" is singular, referring to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14 adds, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." All three of the Triunity are mentioned here, as the benediction to Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.

In the Old Testament the Spirit's name is ruah, meaning spirit, breath, wind; in the New Testament His name pneuma means spirit, breath or wind. According to John 14:26, He is our Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Paraclete (called alongside to help); He is called the Spirit of grace in Hebrews 10:29; of truth in 1 John 5:7, John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13; of promise (Ephesians 1:13,14); of glory (1 Peter 4:14); and, the HOLY Spirit in John 14:26.

He is God—According to Matthew 12:28,31-32, He can be blasphemed. In Acts 5:3-4, Romans 8:9, and 1 Corinthians 3:16 He's called the Spirit of God. If we tie together 1 Corinthians 3:16 with 2 Corinthians 6:16 (We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are the temple of the living God. The Holy Spirit and the living God are one and the same), and Jeremiah 31:31-34 with Hebrews 10:15-17 (Yahweh says....the Spirit says).

He has attributes of God—He's eternal (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), life (Romans 8:2), truth (John 16:13), all-knowing (1 Corinthians 2:11-12), and all-powerful (Genesis 1:2). Only God has these attributes, these qualities.

He has personal characteristics—A person has essentials of intelligence, emotions, will. The mind of the Spirit is talked about in Romans 8:27. He can grieve (Ephesians 4:30). He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). Masculine personal pronouns are given to Him in John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-15 so He's not a thing or an influence. He can be sinned against (Acts 5:3-4); He speaks (Acts 8:29, 10:19, 13:2); He strives (Genesis 6:3); He prays (Romans 8:26, Jude 20- 21). He reveals, searches, knows (1 Corinthians 2:10-11); He gives spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11); He teaches (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27). He leads (Acts 8:29, Galatians 5:18), performs miracles (Matthew 12:28, Acts 8:39), sets apart individuals (Acts 13:2), forbids (Acts 16:6-7), loves (Romans 15:30), gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6), guides (Romans 8:14), assures (Romans 8:16, 1 John 3:24, 4:13). He's a true Person. He's called "another comforter" in John 14:16-17; the word means another of exactly the same kind as Jesus.

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7, 20:22); this is referring to subordination, not inequality. The Father works through the Son, and the Father and Son through the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the executor of the purposes and plans of the Godhead. He serves the Father and Son, carrying out the purposes of the Godhead. He doesn't call attention to Himself. His purpose is to glorify Jesus as Lord (John 16:13-14, 1 Corinthians 12:1-3, 1 John 5:5-7). When He's doing His job in our lives, we'll be talking about Jesus, not the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is fully God and a true Person (not an it, an influence, or mere power). Why not take a few minutes to

Discipleship 108 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Holy Spirit?)—page 2 of 5 think through who the Holy Spirit is.

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S WORK: He is involved in many ministries. He convicts, regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals. He glorifies Jesus, illumines the Word, gives spiritual gifts, empowers, is forming the Church, and fills believers.

His work in the Old Testament: He was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2, Job 33:4, Psalm 104:29-30). He restrained sin (Genesis 6:3), equipped different individuals for service (Exodus 31:2-5, Numbers 27:18-19, Judges 3:9-10, 14:5- 6), inspired prophets (Numbers 11:29, Isaiah 61:1, Ezekiel 2:2, 36:26-27, 2 Peter 1:21), and foretold the Messiah (Isaiah 61:1 with Luke 4:18-21). Also see 1 Peter 1:11.

His work in Jesus' life: According to Matthew 1:18-20 and Luke 1:35, Jesus was conceived and born of the Spirit. The Spirit led Jesus (Mark 1:12), was involved in Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:13-17, John 1:32, Acts 10:38), filled Him (Luke 4:1), was upon Him (Luke 4:18-21), and cast out demons (Matthew 12:28).

His work in the apostles' lives: He taught them, saved them from error, reminded them of what they'd already been taught and seen, and revealed the rest of the truth which we have in the New Testament (John 14:26, 15:26-27, 16:13- 15, 1 Corinthians 2:9-13). He inspired and illumines the Scriptures (Matthew 22:43, Acts 4:25, 2 Peter 1:20-21).

His work in our lives: Redemption from the beginning to end is the work of God, and He's taken the initiative in approaching mankind. The Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation has convicted, then regenerated, indwelt, baptized, and sealed us. These are not experiences but facts to be accepted by faith because the Bible teaches them.

1. He convicts—revealing a need to change. John 16:8-11 says, "And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I [Jesus] go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged." The Holy Spirit works in salvation. He convicts unbelievers to either stop doing something wrong or start doing something right. He convicts unbelievers to turn to Jesus as Lord. He places the truth of the case in dispute in a clear light before someone so that it must be seen and acknowledged as truth. He makes the message clear. He convicts of sin, the righteousness of God, and judgment, enabling sinners to see the Gospel is God's truth, Scripture is God's Word, and Jesus is God's Son (Mark 3:29).

2. He regenerates—God's act of begetting eternal life in the one who believes in Jesus; He imparts eternal life. John 3:3-8, Titus 3:5-6 say, "He [God our Savior] saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior." Ephesians 2:1 teaches all were spiritually dead; now Christians are born again, spiritually new, new creations (Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:5, 4:24); we have received new natures.

3. He indwells—lives within a believer. John 14:17, Romans 5:5, 8:9-11 (: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."), 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, 6:19, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 1 John 3:24. One can't be a Christian without receiving the Holy Spirit, according to Galatians 3:2 and Romans 8:9. We're also going to see that one can't live the Christian life without Him. God takes these human bodies seriously, taking up residence in them. We are to be set apart for His purposes.

4. He baptizes—Baptism means to place into. The baptism of the Spirit is the Spirit placing a believer into the Body of Christ. In Matthew 3:11 and Acts 1:5 we see future references to the baptism of the Spirit. His baptism first happened at Pentecost (Jesus baptized the Church with the Spirit according to Acts 1:4-5,8, 2:1f). Then His baptism is talked about in Acts 11:16, Romans 6:1-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13 ("For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of

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one Spirit." The tense of the Greek means it is something that is done to us, not by us; we have nothing to do with it; and, it is an unrepeatable event), Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 4:5. It's never commanded in the Scriptures. There are no requirements for it. It's not talking about power but about our place in Christ's Body. There's a confusion today between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the filling of the Holy Spirit. The baptism bonds Christians together, insuring unity; it assures each believer a place and function in the Body of Christ.

5. He seals—making the believer eternally secure. 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30 ("And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."). It's a finished transaction. The Holy Spirit is the down payment, God's pledge. His sealing reminds us of security, protection, promise, ownership, and authority.

6. He illumines Scripture—teaching the Word as we diligently study it. He also uses people with different speaking or writing gifts to explain His Word. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5,9-14 (:12 "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 John 2:20,27.

Here are some other facts about the Holy Spirit: He is forming the Church (Ephesians 2:19-22). He is the power of the Church (Acts 1:8, Romans 8:11, Ephesians 3:16). He prays for believers when we don't know how to pray (Romans 8:26). He fills believers (Ephesians 5:18), giving life to our bodies just as Jesus gives life to our spirits (Romans 8:9-11). Jesus makes our spirits alive, the Holy Spirit lives in our mortal bodies and gives life to them. God has graciously covered all the bases so we can experience life, His life, abundant life, all the time. Review this section on the Holy Spirit's work, and thank Him for what He did and what He's doing.

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S FILLING: Ephesians 5:18 says, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Being controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Keep on being filled (be being filled) is the command, allowing Him to occupy, guide, strengthen, and control every area.

Both drunk and Spirit-filled persons are controlled persons (Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Spirit must live the Christian life; please read Galatians 3:1-6. Just as we can't save ourselves, neither can we live a life of victory or live a true life of love and service without the Holy Spirit. As we're filled, He delivers us from the power of sin as Romans 8:2 ("has set you free from the law of sin and death") makes clear. The filling is different from the baptism (see Acts 2:4, 4:31).

In Ephesians 5:18 the filling is commanded—keep on being filled, be being filled, present tense, continuous action. The filling is a repeatable occurrence; it's to be a way of life. In the following verses, we see that the same believers were filled over and over again (Acts 2:4, 4:8,31, 6:3,5, 7:55, 9:17, 11:23-24, 13:9,52). Sin is what breaks the filling of the Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit indwells us and wants to continually fill us, the Christian has no legitimate excuse for the habitual practice of sin. Another reason for continually being filled is because new areas will come to light and need to be dealt with. The filling is the Holy Spirit fulfilling all He came to do in and through the life of a believer. It's not receiving more of Him but allowing Him to occupy, guide, strengthen, and control every area. Growth is not more of Him but Him more of the time! His life through ours, making us fruitful for God, flooding our hearts with God’s love (Romans 5:5).

Five steps to being filled with the Holy Spirit: 1. Examine your life for sin. Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." We could also use 1 Corinthians 11:31. Be open to our Lord's searching for sins you are aware of but not dealing with, or areas of sin you are not aware of, but the Spirit will show you through His Word, another person, or your conscience. 2. Confess any known sins. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confess means to agree with God that you've missed His mark. When we confess our sins, we make personal Jesus’ forgiveness won on the cross. Praise Him!

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3. Review who you are in Christ and in the Spirit. Romans 6:11 says, "Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:11 says, "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." Remind yourself that you're now a saint by nature, not a sinner. You're part of God's family, not Adam's. You're not IN the flesh but IN the Spirit. 4. Allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Galatians 5:25 says, "If [since] we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." 5. Thank the Holy Spirit for His willingness to fill you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Also thankfulness is one of the results of being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:20).

When one is filled, one is walking with and being led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). When one is filled, he or she is not quenching, stifling, repressing, resisting, saying NO! to the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19); not insulting (Hebrews 10:29); not grieving (doing what the Holy Spirit doesn't want us to do; sin grieves Him; Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 63:10); not lying to Him (Acts 5:3). Being filled is a constant dependence on His life and power.

Look what happens when a Christian is filled with the Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides (Romans 8:14,16), empowers (Acts 1:8), fulfills the Law's requirements (Romans 8:4), teaches believers truth (1 Corinthians 2:9-3:2), assures of salvation (Romans 8:16). He causes worship, thanksgiving, submission (Ephesians 5:19-21), and obedience. Most of all, the fruit of the Spirit is seen. We’ll see our Lord Jesus’ life, seeing His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Amazing!

It's interesting, as we compare Ephesians 5:18-21 and Colossians 3:16, we see that the filling of the Spirit and being in the Word have identical results. There must be a connection between the Spirit of God and the Word of God. After all, the Spirit of God inspired individuals to write the Word of God.

The test of being filled is not an external sign or a particular gift. The test is whether you've given yourself wholly and without reservation to God at any moment. One can be filled without being spiritually mature. By the Holy Spirit's strength, being obedient to all that He makes known to us, we begin to achieve our potential as a child of God. To the extent that we disobey His leading and refuse His life, we grieve Him and reduce our lives to walking like spiritual infants. Walking by faith is the key to being filled with the Spirit. As you review the five steps, do you know them, do you understand them, and are you applying them?

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S GIFTS: Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities for serving Him and others. The Holy Spirit is the source of the gifts; every Christian has at least one gift; and, their purposes are to bring glory to the Father and to edify the Body of Christ. They are to be used in love by growing Christians. The lists of gifts are in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10,28- 30, and Ephesians 4:11. 1 Peter 4:10-11 lays the foundation for the gifts and their use.

Gifts are not a position in the church or a ministry or age group. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4,11, the Holy Spirit is the source of the gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 teaches us that the Holy Spirit gives the gifts, Jesus gives the areas of service, and the Father works out the results—all for the common good. This means all we need to do is be available. Each Christian has at least one gift (1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Corinthians 12:7). The purpose of the gifts is to edify (build up) the Body (1 Peter 4:10-11, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:7) and glorify the Father (1 Peter 4:11, Revelation 4:11). They are to be used for others and in love (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a).

God's Word, not experience, is our only authority concerning spiritual gifts. Be informed as to what the gifts are. Be willing to try anything. Be active (Philip in Acts 6:2-5 had the gift of service, later in 8:5, 21:8 the gift of evangelism). Live a Spirit-filled life, and see what God does through you over time! Don't use a gift as an excuse for not trying or doing something. What is your spiritual gift? How are you using it?

Discipleship 108 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Holy Spirit?)—page 5 of 5

Through the Holy Spirit we come to know Jesus, and by the Holy Spirit's life and power we live and grow in Christ. How thrilling to know that the Holy Spirit imparted to us eternal life, indwells us, has placed us in Christ's Body exactly where we can best bring glory to the Father, is the guarantee that we're eternally secure, illumines Scripture, convicts, gives spiritual gifts, empowers us as we're filled with Him, even prays for us when we aren't sure how to pray in line with the Father's will, is our Comforter, guides, assures, manifests His fruit through us, and causes us to be worshipful, thankful, and submissive. What a wonderful Person and God to know, rely on, and be empowered by.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, is God, and possesses all the Divine attributes. His ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and at the moment of salvation He regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals all believers. As He places believers into the Body of Christ, He also gives them spiritual gifts, to be used in love and for the purpose of serving and building up the Body and reaching or impacting non-believers. He also fills and empowers the believer as the believer walks by faith. (Acts 5:3-4, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Corinthians 2:11-12; John 16:13-14, 1 Corinthians 12:1-3; John 16:8-11, Titus 3:5, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:30; 1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:16-25, Romans 8)

Discipleship 109 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25, ECRAT handout)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the following questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to “Walking by the Spirit” and “ECRAT” by Joel Berger.

STUDY Galatians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to churches in the area known as Galatia. He had founded these churches on his first missionary journey. There were individuals known as Judaizers, legalistic Jews, who insisted that the Gentile Christians submit to the Jewish rite of circumcision and obey the Law, which included dietary restrictions. The apostle Paul tells these Galatian Christians not to mix Christian freedom with Jewish legalism. We've been called to freedom. This freedom enables us to experience “life” by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to serve one another, and to love one another. Let's look at Galatians 5:16-25.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize :16-18, :19-21, and :22-25 in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase :16-18 and :25 in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, choice, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: This is how to walk as the Christian you are! In :16, what does it mean to walk by the Spirit? What happens when you walk by the Spirit? How would you define the flesh? In :17, what is true about the flesh and the Spirit? How does this conflict show up in our everyday lives? In :18, what is true? What are the astounding implications of this verse for daily living? In :19-21, what does walking by the flesh look like? In the last part of :21, what are the chilling words Paul uses? “Practice” means habitual lifestyle. What can you learn from these words? In :22-23, what does walking by the Spirit look like? In :23b, why isn’t there a law against such things? In :24, what has happened to every Christian? What are the shocking implications of this verse?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One thing I’m looking forward to over the next two months is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. 5:16-18 What are the advantages of walking by and being led by the Spirit? What do these truths mean to you personally? Free—from the enslavement of the flesh! From the law! To live as God designed! How do these truths impact you? If someone asked you to explain to him/her how to “walk by the Spirit”, how would you answer? 3. 5:19-21 Which of the deeds of the flesh are evident in your life? These are simply evidences that you need to receive Jesus as Lord, OR that you are walking by the flesh, in your own strength, at that moment. How should/will you respond when you see any of these deeds in your life (remember :16-18!)? As you review the handout, “How Does a Christian Practically Walk by the Spirit?”, what do you need help understanding or implementing? 4. 5:22-23 Which of the fruit of the Spirit are evident in your life? These are simply evidences that you are walking by the Spirit, strengthened with power through Him, at that moment. What are the action steps you take to “walk by the Spirit”? 5. How do these truths practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, choices, actions, and/or speech change? Be specific, practical, personal.

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the two messages on “Walking by the Spirit” and “How Does a Christian Practically Walk by the Spirit (ECRAT! Or SCRAT!)” by Joel Berger. (2) Memorizing and using the main points on the handout “How Does a Christian Practically Walk by the Spirit?” would pay life-long dividends in your life.

Discipleship 109—WALKING BY THE SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16-25, ECRAT handout) Page 1 of 3

Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” This is one of the most mind-boggling statements in the Bible! Can it be that there’s a way to not give in to the flesh’s desires— anger, greed, sexual impurity, jealousy, divisiveness, drunkenness? Yes!! How? Walk by the Spirit!

Let me explain what happens when a person becomes a Christian. Before Jesus and the Holy Spirit enter your life (who both come to live in you when you by faith receive Jesus as Lord), you were dead spiritually, a sinner by nature. And in order for you to become right with God, that sinner by nature had to die! When you by faith received Jesus as Lord, you as a sinner died with Jesus on the cross (Romans 6:1-10)!! You were then raised IN Jesus, alive spiritually, with a holy nature, a saint. You no longer were who you used to be, and you no longer had to walk like you used to walk. YET, every Christian still lives in an unredeemed body (where sin still dwells); this unredeemed body is sometimes called the flesh. And because you still live in an unredeemed body, you are still capable of walking by the flesh. The person walking by the flesh thinks the only way to accomplish anything, even God’s things, is to do it by his/her own strength. “But if I still live in this inadequate-to-the-task body, how can I walk in a way that is pleasing to God because that is what I desire? God’s answer? By faith! One becomes a Christian by faith in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus. One walks as a Christian by faith in the Person and work of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

On the apostle Paul’s first missionary journey, he proclaimed the forgiveness and freedom found in the Lord Jesus Christ to people who lived in the area of Galatia. Many became Christians, Gentiles as well as Jews. Later some legalistic Jews followed Paul and insisted that believers in Jesus must also obey the law. Paul sent this letter to clarify God’s view of who the Christian is and how to walk as the Christian you are. “You are free from the Law with its impossible demands. And, you’re also free from the limitations of the flesh!” Galatians 5:13-15 teach us that God’s kind of freedom is a responsible freedom that leads to serving others out of love.

Why don’t you read Galatians 5:16-25, and then we’ll go on. God’s way of living the Christian life is by trusting the forever Helper, the Holy Spirit of truth, who lives within every Christian. As we walk in the strength of the indwelling Spirit, HE lives the God-pleasing life in and through us. What freedom and relief as we realize the Christian life is a walk of dependence upon Another, not a bunch of laws or trying to live the Christian life in our own strength.

:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Walk is a present command— “Keep on walking by the Spirit. Cultivate the Godly habit of living in continual consciousness of and dependence upon His presence!” Put one foot ahead of the other as you moment by moment trust Him—that is God’s way. You can’t obey some law or do what you think is best in your own strength and see the Christian life being revealed. It’s only by the Spirit’s life in and through yours that you see the life of Jesus revealed in everyday life. I like the beginning of Galatians 5:5, “For we through the Spirit, by faith, are…” That is the way to walk as the holy one you are!

When you walk by the Spirit’s strength, you will “definitely not” carry out the desire of the flesh. Desire means a strong desire of any sort, good or evil, and this desire is basically trying to live life in your own strength. Your flesh keeps saying, “You can handle it without God!” or “You can’t handle it even with God!” Yet the flesh is not our identity. It is NOT who we are! We owe it nothing!! For example, if you’re a Christian struggling with anger, it’s not because you are an “angry person!” Instead, you’re a saint, a holy one, who has a “flesh pattern” of anger. And the way (in fact the only way) to walk in victory over the fleshly pattern of anger is to walk by the Spirit. Recognize you’ve been freed from the law and the limitations 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. Our weak, inadequate flesh and the indwelling Spirit of God are in opposition to one another! The Spirit’s desire is to live pleasing to the Father. The flesh’s desire is to think it can (or can’t) do it! It “doesn’t need” God! Walking by the flesh is NEVER God’s way. The only way to do the things we as Christians really want to do is to walk by the Spirit.

:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Life by the Spirit is neither lawlessness nor legalism. The flesh is powerless to fulfill the law, and the law is powerless to control the flesh. As the flesh and law were

Discipleship 109—WALKING BY THE SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16-25, ECRAT handout) Page 2 of 3 completely ineffective in bringing about salvation, so they are utterly ineffective in producing Godly behavior. When led by the Spirit, we don’t need the law! The Christian life is an adventure, a day-by-day walk of dependence upon the Spirit of God who lives within every Christian. (Interesting, as we’re led by the Spirit, all of the law’s requirements are met—not by us, but by Him through us—Romans 8:4!)

This means that when you recognize something has triggered a “fleshly desire or urge,” that’s your moment of choice! You have a desire, perhaps a strong emotion; the strong desire is telling you to follow up on it. (Again, the flesh is YOUR way of dealing with life and people when you aren’t depending upon the Holy Spirit of God.) So you have a fleshly desire. But as a Christian (a new person IN Christ) you also have a choice. Either you try in your own strength to keep the law (which is legalism—“I won’t get angry anymore!”). OR, you let your anger all hang out (which is lawlessness). OR, for the Christian there is this wonderful third alternative—you are strengthened with power through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

You might pray, “Holy Spirit, thank You for permanently dwelling in me and for being my Helper. You are the only source of self-control, of life, of joy, of patience, of love. I can’t do it by my flesh. I can’t do it by law. I’ve presented My body to You. Here I am again, realizing my need of You. I want to walk in Your strength. I want to be pleasing to You. I want to be filled with You. And, I will assume You are living the life of Jesus through me—as I go on to make choices I know are in line with You and Your Word—until You let me know differently.”

Freedom to live as God intended! Can you imagine!!?

How can we KNOW when we’re walking by the flesh or walking by the Spirit? The deeds of the flesh or fruit of the Spirit listed in :19-23. After reading the verses, let’s look at a rephrase of them.

:19-21 The verses in the NASB read: Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, obvious, easy to recognize.” They are proof of the absence of the Spirit’s work in a person’s life at that moment. “Any immoral sexual relationship or conduct. Sexually unclean, impure, enslaving practices. Shameless conduct, an absence of restraint, living by your senses regardless. The worship of false gods, putting something or someone in God’s place. Drugs mixed with the occult. Hateful feelings, attitudes, and practices. Quarrels, rivalry, fighting. Wanting at any cost to have the same sort of thing another has. Temper tantrums, sudden and unrestrained expressions of rage. Going all out to gain supporters for your points of view. Standing apart by yourself or as a group. Conflicting, divisive ideas held by separate groups. Envy has the idea of “If you can’t have it, you don’t want another to have it either!” Becoming drunk. Drinking parties, wild parties with alcohol involved. And, there are many more deeds of the flesh! If a person continually, habitually, consistently practices these deeds as a lifestyle, the rule of God in that person’s life is questionable. Those who continually practice such sins give evidence of having never known Jesus as Lord and received God’s Spirit.” If you are a Christian and you’re seeing such evidence, you are walking by the flesh, not by the Spirit!

:22-23 When we “walk by the Spirit, by faith” (5:5), we won’t see the deeds of the flesh listed in :19-21. Instead, we’ll see the fruit of the Holy Spirit Himself listed in :22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. These pieces of fruit (a cluster) are evidence that the Spirit is in control at that moment. They are HIS fruit (only He can produce this fruit), not ours for Him!

“The fruit of the Spirit is: God’s kind of love, seeking someone else’s highest good. A deep, abiding inner rejoicing and delight in God. Wholeness, contentment, harmony. Long-temperedness that doesn’t give in under trial, doesn’t retaliate when it could, isn’t revengeful. Considerate of others, finding a way to serve, to actively show mercy. A

Discipleship 109—WALKING BY THE SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16-25, ECRAT handout) Page 3 of 3 readiness to do good, ready to extend help beyond the demands of strict justice. Trustworthy, reliable, dependable. Controlled strength, dealing with life in a non-threatening manner. Control of one’s tongue, actions, thoughts, and choices. Against such fruit there is no law!” The law exists to reveal sin, to condemn sin, to stimulate sin, and to drive us to Christ, but here there is nothing to restrain or condemn because this is God’s life, God’s character, God’s fruit! A Spirit-empowered, directed person needs no external law to produce the attitudes and behavior that please God. Because God’s character IS all of these qualities, as we walk by faith in the indwelling Holy Spirit, we’ll see God’s character revealed in and through us! “Since” it is by God’s Spirit that we live (:25), it only makes sense to walk in line with the Spirit.

The Spirit is our Father’s provision for living the Christian life (Romans 8:9-11). The Spirit of God is the only One who can live a God-pleasing life. He is the only One who can give you victory over the fleshly walk. He is the only One who can fulfill the demands of law. He is the only One who can give life to your mortal body. Step out in faith, Christian, based on the Biblical facts, depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit for the strength to live a God-pleasing life, assuming you’re strengthened and filled with Him until He lets you know differently.

How can we practically walk by the Spirit? On the last page of this study, there is a handout: “How Does a Christian Practically Walk by the Spirit?” Please read it, study it, and memorize its main points!

How Does a Christian Practically Walk by the Spirit? (ECRAT! or SCRAT!)

1. Examine (or Search) your life for sin (Psalm 139:23-24). a. Sin is missing God's mark. It may be in thinking, action, word, motivation, or power source. When you sin, the sweet fellowship with the Father is broken. The relationship remains but the fellowship is absent. b. Be open to God's examination to see if there are any sins that are obstructing your fellowship with the Father. If your sin is the result of something from the past, the Holy Spirit knows the past, and He can bring it to your attention. 2. Confess any known sin (1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:1-5). a. Confess means to ‘agree with’. You are to agree with God concerning your sin. "Father, I tried to find life or love or meaning in something or someone other than You, and that's wrong. I agree with You that I've missed Your mark." Focus on God, see sin as He sees it, accept responsibility for your sin, repent of it, and confess it. b. If it's a sin you committed from the past or present, when the Holy Spirit brings it to your attention, deal with it, make personal Jesus' forgiveness and cleansing that was accomplished on the cross, and then go on in His strength. When you fall, don’t stay there. Let go of the whole burden of your sin, rest on the atoning work of Christ, and resume walking. c. If your sin involved another individual, first confess it to the Lord, then go to the person, confess your wrong, and ask his/her forgiveness. 3. Review who you are in Christ and in the Spirit (Romans 6:11, 8:9, 8:11, Galatians 3-6). a. Because your old man in Adam died with Christ and you're now IN Christ, you are dead to sin and alive to God. You have a new nature, a new identity, a new heart, an alive spirit. Jesus IS your life! b. Because you're no longer in the flesh but IN the Spirit, you have no obligation to the flesh. You owe everything to the Spirit. Remember, the flesh is NOT who you are! c. Your thinking, choices, behavior, and speech should reflect that new person you are in Christ and in the Spirit. Jesus has taken up residence in your spirit. The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your body. d. When you sin, you can't blame the nature—it's new in Christ; and, you can't blame the flesh—the Holy Spirit dwells there to give you victory in your daily walk. So, when you sin, you should confess the sin, make personal the Lord's forgiveness, and review who you temporarily forgot or ignored you were (IN Christ and IN the Spirit). 4. Allow yourself to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:16). a. "Allow yourself to be continually being filled." It's a constant choice to be made, not a one-time act or event. b. At any moment, you're either filled with the Spirit or you aren't. Sin is what breaks His filling, His control, His strengthening. c. Having gone through the steps, assume you're filled until He lets you know differently. Go about your everyday life, making choices you know are honoring to God and realizing His Spirit is living the life of Jesus through you! You'll see His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 5:19-21), His life, through yours. d. Cultivate Godly trust, thinking, habits, and choices. You'll find yourself walking according to the Spirit more and more of the time. That's what walking is all about! 5. Thank Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20) Thank God for—revealing sins in your life, forgiving and cleansing you, making you who you are, and filling you!

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. You've examined my life for sin, and if You’ve revealed a sin to me, I’m to ‘1 John 1:9’ it—If I confess my sins, You are faithful and righteous to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I’ve confessed any known sin. Then I review my identity. Romans 6:11 says I’m to consider myself to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus based on the truths of Romans 6:1-10. Romans 8:9 says that if I’m a Christian, I’m not in the flesh but in the Spirit. Romans 8:11 states that if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to my mortal body through His Spirit who indwells me. I’ve reviewed who I am in Christ and in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 then says Be filled with the Spirit and Galatians 5:16 makes clear I’m to walk by the Spirit, and I will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:25 adds, Since I live by the Spirit, let me also walk by the Spirit. I’ve allowed the Spirit to fill me. Finally 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for me in Christ Jesus. I’ve thanked God for His searching, forgiving, reviewing, filling work. Praise Him! Then I assume that I’m walking in the Spirit’s strength until He lets me know otherwise. What an abandoned life of freedom! Freedom to live as God intended me to live, a life of love and service!

Discipleship 110 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Humanity and Sin (Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Humanity and Sin” by Joel Berger.

STUDY Most likely a circular letter written to several churches in Asia Minor, Ephesians is a letter from the apostle Paul. He probably wrote this letter from Rome during his two-year imprisonment around 60 A.D. In chapters 1-3, Paul covers God’s blessings on every believer, the power of God at work in individuals and races, and then prays that the Ephesian believers would be strengthened with power through His Spirit, that they’d lay hold of and experience the love of Christ, and that they’d be filled up to all the fullness of God. Concentrating in the first half of his letter on the Person and work of our Lord Jesus and the institution of the Church, he in the second half covers how the Church should walk, how individual Christians should walk, how a husband and wife should walk, how children and parents should walk, how employees and employers should walk—all in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called (4:1). In closing, he covers the full armor of God. What a letter!

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize 2:1-3 and 4:17-19 in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In 2:1, what is the description of every person without Jesus? Sin means to miss the mark. Trespass means to deviate from the right path. In :2, what was the walk of such a person? Think through each of the three phrases. In :3, what did our walk look like, and what was our nature? WHO is every person apart from the Lord Jesus? What has been helpful to you from these verses? In 4:17, in the context of “walking worthy” (4:1), what does the non-Christian’s walk look like? What does the last phrase of :17 mean? In :18, how does the writer Paul go on to describe the unbeliever’s walk? Explain each phrase in this verse. In :19, how does Paul make clear the end consequences of this kind of thinking and walk?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One thing about myself that you most likely wouldn’t know is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Ephesians 2:1-3 What is the nature of every unbeliever? How does this impact you? What is the walk of every unbeliever? How does this impact you? How does this help you in understanding non-Christians and their natures, thoughts, choices, actions, and speech? 3. Ephesians 4:17-19 What is the walk of every unbeliever? Trace the progression from a non-Christian’s futile thinking to his/her practice of every kind of impurity. How have you seen this progression even in your own walk? Again, how does this help you with your understanding of non-Christians and their thoughts, choices, actions, and speech? 4. How do these truths practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, choices, actions, and/or speech change? Be specific, practical, personal.

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Humanity and Sin” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also attached is “Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin.” Please read through and reflect on these pages.

Discipleship 110—HUMANITY AND SIN (Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19) Page 1 of 2

How grand our beginnings—made in the image of God, to do His will, to bring glory to Him. The beauty of God’s creation and His plan for man are in Genesis 1-2. Hebrews 2:5-8 says, For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. But one has testified somewhere, saying, “WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU REMEMBER HIM? OR THE SON OF MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM? YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.” For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. (NASB)

Look at that last sentence! Something went terribly wrong! We chose not to trust our Maker. It was like clay pots rebelling against the Potter! How devastating our fall— described in Genesis 3, Romans 1:18-3:20, 5:12-19, and Ephesians 2:1-3. God assesses the core of our beings as we are without the Lord Jesus and writes on the examination certificate: “DEAD! Son of disobedience! Child of wrath! A sinner!” Without the Lord Jesus, every person is a sinner by nature. His/her thinking, choices, actions, and speech simply reveal who he/she is.

In Ephesians 1, speak well of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing! Then the apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian believers, including “I pray that you will fully know the greatness of God’s power.” In chapters 2-3, Paul continues illustrating God’s kind of power: with individuals in 2:1- 10! Yet, Paul does not reveal the grace and power of God until he has made inescapably clear the universal sinfulness of mankind and each person’s desperate need. 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 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. 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. 2:1-3 is a factual statement of everybody’s spiritual condition apart from the Lord Jesus. Sin characterizes every life before Jesus, not just by practice but also by nature! Without Jesus, people are “dead”, sons of disobedience, and children of wrath. This is everybody’s spiritual condition and walk apart from the Lord Jesus. Staggering!!

:1 Dead is a state of separation from God and His life—without hope, powerless, lost, helpless, destined for an eternity separated from God. All human beings apart from the Lord Jesus are dead spiritually! This death is revealed in deviating from the right path (trespasses) and missing God’s mark (sins). Trespass means the conscious and deliberate failure to live as one should. Sin means to miss God’s mark, to fall short of His purpose for mankind. All fail to measure up to God’s perfect standard of life—Himself! This is because each individual is a sinner by nature.

:2 The non-Christians’ habitual thinking, choices, conduct, and speech reveal they are by nature dead in trespasses and sins. There were certain forces at work in these “dead” people’s souls and bodies. The apostle Paul identifies these forces as the world, the devil, and the flesh. (1) Dead people conform to this unbelieving world and its ideas and values, ignoring God. It is a course that unbelievers agree is right or wrong, valuable or worthless, important or unimportant for the particular time in which they live. (2) Dead people walk according to Satan, the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). The “dead” of :1 are—knowingly or unknowingly—subjects of a ruler they are powerless to resist. (3) Satan is also responsible for the spirit that is continually working in the unbelieving, who have the character or nature of being disobedient or unpersuadable. Unpersuadable to truth is who every person IS apart from the Lord Jesus Christ.

:3 And, the dead person’s soul and body (the flesh) are at the mercy of desires or urges. The non-Christian is determined to satisfy those drives. Limited to its own strength, the flesh opposes God (Romans 8:5-8). So, whether it’s a desire of the flesh or a thought in the mind, whether pressure from the world or influence by Satan, the non- Christian, the spiritually dead person, makes deliberate choices that defy the will of God and rely totally on him/herself. Children of wrath—this is who they are. This condition is a continuous state of being. By nature means innate, implanted in one by nature, people in their natural condition, as descendants of Adam. Wrath is God’s just, constant anger against sin and evil. When people consciously don’t honor God as God or give thanks, God out of His righteous wrath gives them over to bodies that are dishonored, passions that are degraded, and minds that are depraved (Romans 1:18-32). They can’t change! It’s not a matter of race or gender or age or education; it’s a matter of nature!

Discipleship 110—HUMANITY AND SIN (Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19) page 2 of 2

Without the Lord Jesus, every person is a sinner by nature. His/her thinking, choices, actions, and speech simply reveal who he/she is. Let’s go over to Ephesians 4:17-19 where we see how the unbeliever or dead person thinks, acts, and speaks. He/she can’t help it; it’s just who he/she is without the Lord Jesus! 4:17-19 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles [unbelievers] also walk, in the futility of their mind, 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; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

:17-18 The Lord Jesus and Paul agree: Don’t walk like the Gentiles (the unbelievers) walk! Referring to their walk, Paul doesn’t start with actions. He starts with the thought-life, the mind, the futile, empty, without-purpose thinking that precedes the non-Christian’s choices, actions, and speech. Human reasoning without the Lord Jesus is empty and without purpose. :18 A dead person, an unbeliever, also can’t comprehend spiritual truth; he/she has darkened understanding. The lights are off! His thinking is depraved (a result of rejecting God’s truth). There is also willing exclusion from God’s life. An unbeliever rejects the life of God and cuts him/herself off from WHO every person needs. Being cut off from God, his/her thinking, choices, actions, and speech reflect His absence. Inexcusable ignorance: they suppress the truth that God gives them. The blame of his/her ignorance falls on them, not on God or circumstances or anything else. Hardened hearts: calloused, cease to feel pain. Trace the progression: futile thinking, darkened understanding, willing exclusion from God’s life, inexcusable ignorance, hardened heart. How does this show up? Look at :19!

:19 The non-Christian, with the inability to feel, has become callous to the reality of God and the consequences of sin. There is no appreciation of God and His truth. A darkened mind and calloused heart and sensual lifestyle all go together. The non-Christian loses all sensation and can do the most shameful things without any feeling at all, with no shame in the face of evil. Totally enslaved to URGES, there is the absence of all restraint. No boundaries! Without regard for self, the rights and feelings of others, or even public decency, he/she gives him/herself over to sin, and then God gives him over to the sin which continues to enslave him. He/she makes a “business” of every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. This occupation becomes her way of life, irrespective of need or cost. The non-Christian exploits every opportunity to do all kinds of wrong. Their fleshly actions reveal their thinking and nature. All we can evaluate are their outward actions but God evaluates the heart. We may say one’s flesh is better than another but God says all are dead!

His/her walk is further described in 4:25-5:14—falsehood, unrighteous anger, unforgiveness, theft, unwholesome words, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice, hatred, immorality, impurity, greed, filthiness, silly talk, coarse jesting, idolatry, unfruitful deeds of darkness, unwise choices, actions and speech, foolish, drunkenness, messed-up marriages, disobedient and dishonoring children, parents provoking children to anger, disobedient workers, threatening bosses. Also see Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 1:18-32. Again, the walk reveals the nature.

We cannot understand history or current circumstances until we accept this divine revelation of the condition in which we live. Outside of the Lord Jesus, every person is (1) dead in trespasses and sins, (2) enslaved by the world, the flesh, and the devil, (3) unpersuaded by truth, and (4) condemned under the wrath of God. His/her walk simply reveals who he/she is without the Lord Jesus. Individuals without Jesus as Lord can’t help themselves. They can’t change! This is a picture of a hopeless, helpless person who needs deliverance! NEW LIFE AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS were then and are now every person’s needs. There’s only One—the powerful and gracious God—who can change such a person! The answer to the unbelieving world’s issues lies in what God has revealed about and done in His Son Jesus.

It is ONLY the good news of the Lord Jesus that offers life to the dead, release to the captives of sin, and forgiveness of the condemned. If you find yourself an unbeliever with the nature described in Ephesians 2:1-3 and the walk described in Ephesians 4:17-19, please recognize that there is no sinner nor any sin that Jesus didn’t die for on the Cross. He dealt with every spiritually dead person, son of disobedience, and child of wrath, every sinner. He also dealt with every sin, whether it was a sin of practice or a sin of thought or a sin of neglect. This message, the amazing message of Jesus as Lord, can penetrate even the hardness of unbelievers’ hearts and minds. By faith, please come to know the Biblical Jesus as Lord!

Discipleship 110—Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin by Joel Berger Page 1 of 6

Dear fellow student of God's Word,

What a privilege that you would let me instruct you by written words. Hebrews 2:5-8 says, For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. But one has testified somewhere, saying, “WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM? YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.” For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. Who is man and woman? Who are you? Who am I? Why are we here? Why does mankind fail to reach God's standards? Our answers to these questions influence the way we think, choose, act, and view life. These are very important issues to deal with. What is the origin, purpose, and nature of humanity? Why does mankind go his/her own way instead of God's? What is the origin and nature of sin? Why apart from Jesus is every individual condemned? In this letter I'd like to address those subjects. It is vital to understand the Bible's instruction on these topics because daily we're confronted with teaching that goes contrary to the Bible's information. As Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Ephesians 4:23 repeats this concept, "And that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind." Colossians 3:10 concludes, "...and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him." Our minds and what information we put into them are significant. As Proverbs 23:7 emphasizes, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is." Let's be Biblical thinkers. Let's expose ourselves to the Word and let it do its job—changing our thinking and ultimately our conduct. Now, what can we learn from the Bible about humanity and sin?

The ORIGIN OF MANKIND is related in many verses, but a few will suffice. Genesis 1:27 says, "And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." John 1:3—All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being." Colossians 1:16-17 adds, "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." These verses teach us that in the beginning God created—everything! Genesis 1:27 tells us that every person was created by God. Hebrews 11:3 says, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." Romans 4:17 describes God as "God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist." This is some kind of God we love and serve!

As we reflect on it, humanity has no certain information to explain the origin of man and woman other than the Scriptures. Creation and the first man and woman are treated throughout the Bible as historical facts (Exodus 20:11, 1 Chronicles 1:1, Psalm 8:3-6, 33:6,7,9, Matthew 19:4, Mark 10:6-7, Luke 3:38, Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 11:9, 15:22,45, 2 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 2:13-14, Jude 14). The Scriptures teach neither the universe nor man is the product of blind chance but a purposeful creation by God. In fact, Scripture conditions every person's dignity and value upon the doctrine of creation—each was created in God's image. This is an important truth to remember.

Humanity is the crowning work of God’s creation! Mankind was made in God’s image, according to God’s likeness. This is the only part of creation that was so uniquely made. An image is designed to represent someone else, which means that mankind was to represent God Himself. Likeness means similar, to resemble someone. We’re not God but we’re very much like Him. Our bodies contain spirits which carry the image of God. So we are spiritual beings, designed to have fellowship with God, to worship and love Him. We are moral beings, having a sense of right and wrong, good and evil, holiness. We have personality—we can communicate, fellowship, love. We can think and reason, we have feelings, we have choice. We aren’t just a step above the beasts as many today believe, but just a step below the angels! How grand our beginnings! How marvelous our God. Genesis 9:6 and James 3:9 indicate we are still created in God’s likeness. My specialness is not based upon my works or performance but upon who God has made me. Because all are made in God’s image and likeness, sanctity of life is more important than quality of life!

The PURPOSE OF MANKIND is told in Ephesians 1:6,12,14, 1 Timothy 6:17, and Revelation 4:11. All of

Discipleship 110 (Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin)—Page 2 of 6 humanity is to praise, enjoy, and glorify God forever. Ephesians 1 teaches that we are to live to the praise of His glory. 1 Timothy 6 tells us that God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Revelation 4:11 says, "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." We find our purpose, our meaning and satisfaction in life when we are living to please our audience of One—God our Creator Himself! Like Jesus said in Hebrews 10:9, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” When is the last time you consciously bowed before our God; choosing to lift Him up; choosing to enjoy Him and the gifts He's graciously given you; choosing to honor Him by loving, serving, trusting, and obeying Him? Why not take a few moments right now to express your love and thankfulness to Him for creating you and having a purpose for your life.

The NATURE OF MANKIND is both material and nonmaterial. According to Genesis 2:7, "Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." 2 Corinthians 4:16 talks about our outer man which is decaying and our inner man which is being renewed day by day. We definitely have material bodies. Concerning the dust of the ground, the thirteen most common elements in the body are also the thirteen most common elements in the ground. As we study Jesus' life in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we see that while on earth He had a physical body. The Bible speaks of Christians being rewarded for deeds done in the body. Our bodies (if we know Jesus as Lord) are the dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. At our physical deaths, our bodies will be redeemed (Romans 8:23-25); they will be resurrected. Our bodies are important to God. He created them. He is willing to indwell them. So part of the nature of human beings is material.

But according to 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12, we also are nonmaterial, having souls and spirits. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Hebrews 4:12—"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Our bodies, souls, and spirits are a unity, not just a soul imprisoned in a body as the Greeks thought. They came up with this division so their bodies could sin as they wanted, but their souls could supposedly be right with God. Admittedly, the precise distinction between the soul and spirit is sometimes difficult to separate, but both these passages talk about body, soul, and spirit. It must be Biblical! Our spirits are where Jesus dwells when He enters our lives (Romans 8:10, Colossians 1:27). Up until that time our spirits were dead, empty (Ephesians 2:1-3). Our souls include our minds, emotions, and wills; we are able to think, feel, and choose. Mark 8:36 tells us that our souls are worth more than the whole world! We should never take each other or ourselves lightly or tear anyone down or compare humans with "things."

We were created in God's image, not physically (because God is Spirit according to John 4:24; nothing physical could ever represent Him) but in personality. God has a mind; we have a mind. God can feel; we can feel. God makes choices; we can choose. God distinguishes between right and wrong; we can also. And this fact that we're created in God's image is true even though man and woman both sinned near the beginning of history. Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1,3, 9:6, 1 Corinthians 11:7, and James 3:9 all indicate that every person is still created in the image of God. Because that's true, no human life is ever to be taken unless one has taken another's life (Genesis 9:6). What this is saying is that we were made in God's image, and we only find our meaning and purpose in Him. Every person uniquely reflects God. Every life has value. Our bodies, souls, and spirits are together to reveal that we are followers of Jesus. They together are to fulfill the purpose of mankind, to honor and praise and do the will of God.

The FALL OF MANKIND is referring to man's sin against God. Genesis 3:1-24 is the actual account of the first sin against God, and you will probably want to take a few moments to read this chapter. I'll wait! If you take this account and add Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, we understand that when Adam chose to sin, it affected the whole human race. Adam was mankind's representative. He represented you and me. And when he sinned, all humanity was greatly impacted.

Before his fall into sin, Adam was intelligent, could reason, think, commune with God; he was holy, naturally inclined toward God. He had no sin nature so there was no inward urge to sin. He was in a position not to sin but he could.

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He named the animals, took care of the garden God had given him responsibility for, fellowshipped with God and the woman God had created for him. He had a perfect environment. His upbringing was by God Himself. His nature was holy. Everything was ideal, created by God. Because God didn't want robots, He gave man free choice. "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die." It could have been a stream not to cross or a bush not to go beyond, but the Yahweh God gave Adam choice. In order to love and fellowship with someone, you have to have the choice not to. That's what makes love so special, that someone deliberately chooses to give himself or herself on your behalf.

Genesis 3:1-6 This passage explains why there is suffering, why there is death, why we are powerless to do right in our own strength, why the course of history was altered toward the beginning. Free choice is part of that which makes us human and in God’s likeness, but it is also that which makes us temptable. Adam and Eve were created without sin natures, nothing was out of order, there was no pain, no disease, no disharmony, no sin, no death, but they still had choice. Sin can’t be blamed on environment or heredity or upbringing or another person or body chemistry or a situation in life. Sin was a willful choice by the first two people.

Sin had to come from outside Adam and Eve, and it did. Satan (apparently the highest ranking archangel of God. He chose to sin against God and was cast out of God's presence) in the form of a serpent tempted the woman. He began by trying to arouse a strong desire for something out of God’s will. He began with the emotions, the desires. He tempted Eve to dwell on the prohibition. “Look at this tree you’re missing out on! This is unfair! God is not good!” Temptation often begins by questioning either the Word of God or the goodness and love of God. Her answer was pretty good. They both knew if they ate of this tree, death would follow. There was no misunderstanding; she knew God’s words. Satan responds, “You won’t die! There will be no consequences.”, implying that God’s words can’t be trusted! It’s Satan’s word versus God’s. First Satan asked a question, then he told a lie. Then he suggests God isn’t even needed. “You will be like God!” Satan appears to offer something that God doesn’t. It was true, they would know good and evil; but they would know it by relating everything to themselves, not to God and His truth. “Who are You, God, telling me what I can and can’t do? Why is it any more dangerous for me than You to know good and evil?” (By the way, if God has spoken, you don’t need to experience something to know if it’s right or wrong.) Satan has succeeded in arousing desire, and that’s what he wanted. Desire isn’t wrong; neither is temptation. Yet desire is wrong when we use it as an excuse to focus on something to the exclusion of God. Sin results when with the will one says yes to the combination of strong desire and “bait”! You see this taught in James 1:13-18. It’s only at this time that the woman’s mind comes into play. Her desire has been aroused, but the mind must be engaged before we can sin. “It’s good for food!” In 2:9, we read that Yahweh God caused to grow every tree that is good for food. But God is no longer an issue. “It makes my mouth water!” The tree has become an end in itself. “It’s a delight to the eyes.” In 2:9, Yahweh God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight. “I like what I see!” The tree, not God, had become her focus. “It’ll make me wise!” God’s wisdom had already been given to her, but she’s forgotten God; she’s forgotten His word. She’s justifying her position by relating everything to herself, not God. Without God in her mind, she no longer thinks rationally, so she rationalizes. “How can I say no?” Desire is aroused, the mind rationalizes, and with free choice she with her will says “Yes!” (By the way, when God deals with us as Christians, He begins with renewing the “mind”. Then regardless of our emotions and desires, we can choose God’s way.)

Yet there’s still hope! Adam hasn’t fallen yet, and he’s the “head” of the human race; he’s mankind’s representative. What should he have done? He should have grabbed that snake and cast it out of the garden; after all, he had dominion over the animals. Then he should have said, “Woman, you’ve sinned. Let’s go to God for the solution.” According to 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:14, Eve had been deceived. Adam was not deceived. Yet he also ate! He sinned! His sin was deliberate and inexcusable. He chose to listen to his wife’s voice when her message was different from the voice of God. Because Adam represented the entire human race (Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22), when he sinned, sin passed on to the entire human race. Every human being from then would be born “IN Adam”. Every human being would be born a sinner by nature (Romans 5:12-14). “The Fall of Mankind!”

Adam chose not to trust God and His word; he chose to learn by experience. And he did! He also experienced shame, guilt, fear, blame (Adam blamed the woman, Eve blamed the serpent; ultimately both were blaming God!), separation

Discipleship 110 (Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin)—Page 4 of 6 from God (spiritual death), and the process of decay was set in motion (physical death). God didn't allow them to blame Satan; they were personally responsible for their sin. And, Adam's sin impacted every other human being who would ever live (and this was every human being because the race of mankind is one, all from the first couple—Acts 17:26). Adam was our representative. Let's not be too hard on him because if it had been us, we would have done the same thing!!

What were God's judgments as a result of the Fall? The serpent was cursed and humiliated, condemned to crawl on the ground. Satan suffered hatred and defeat, at enmity with the seed of the woman and defeat because although he would bruise Jesus on the heel, he'd be bruised on the head. The woman would have multiplied pain in childbirth and have problems with her role in marriage. The man would experience hard labor on a cursed ground and physical death. When mankind fell, nature/creation also fell (Genesis 3:17-18, Romans 8:21-22).

The results? Mankind would have the power to know good and evil without the power to do good (Hebrews 11:6 "Without faith it is impossible to please God." They wouldn't be indwelt by nor empowered by the Holy Spirit). They would be subject to both spiritual and physical death—separated from God, decaying bodies. Their natures were now sinful, slaves of sin. Notice, mankind has descended, not ascended. Mankind is NOT getting better! Romans 1:18-32 and 5:12-21 as well as life around us attest to this fact. Whew, unless God takes some action, mankind is in a heap of trouble! Take a couple of minutes to reflect on all the consequences of the first man's sin.

The ORIGIN OF SIN is apparently from the first sinner, Satan. Apparently sin first entered the universe in the rebellion of some of the holy angels led by Satan (Ezekiel 28:11-19, Isaiah 14:12-15), but that's about all we know. Scripture doesn't clearly reveal the origin of sin, but 1 John 3:8 says "The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning." Sin is first mentioned in Genesis 4:7 with Cain (Sin is crouching at the door), and last mentioned in Revelation 18:5 (for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities). God is obviously not the author of it (James 1:13-8). We just don't have a final answer. I think one reason for that is the Bible is the story of redemption, not a textbook on sin. It tells us that sin is the problem and what God has done about it. However, each of us faces the fact of sin, and that's what Scripture focuses on, the acts of human responsibility. God's redemptive program has to do with combating those acts because as 1 John 3:8 goes on, "The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil."

The NATURE OF SIN is found in Psalm 51:4, Romans 3:23, 14:23, and James 4:17. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 14:23 says, "Whatever is not from faith is sin." James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." Sin is active or passive rebellion against God. It's anything contrary to the character of God. It's a failure to act in accord with His will. Some deliberately disobey, others simply ignore Him, but it's all sin, rebellion, against God. Remember, active sin results when with the will one says "yes" to the combination of strong desire and bait (James 1:14-15).

Both the Greek and Hebrew word sin means to miss the mark or miss a way. Other words used for sin are unrighteousness, lawlessness, iniquity, depravity, disobedience, overstepping a forbidden line. Sin is always primarily directed against God—we both break His laws and fail to do good (could you ever have been kind to someone and weren't?). Psalm 51:4 "Against You, You only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight." So, sin is both direct disobedience and unholiness. Sin is always serious because it affects God, others, and ourselves. "There is probably no pride so despicable as that which resents the authority of the Creator and which presumes to devise a program of life and achievement which is a substitute for the original plan and purpose of God." God hates sin, and so should we. Lists of sins include Mark 7:20-23, Romans 1:18-3:20, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, Revelation 21:8. These are not all-inclusive. Sin is anything that is not in line with God’s Word, or is not empowered by the Holy Spirit, or doesn’t bring glory to God.

The CONDEMNATION OF MANKIND takes place because of personal sins, sinful natures, and imputed (charged) sin. Every human being is divinely considered to be without merit which might contribute toward salvation. This is because of our own sins, our sinful natures, and imputed sin. We're not discussing here whether a person is a good sinner or a bad sinner (Romans 1:18-3:20 deals with both kinds. Luke 12:47-48 talks about the issue of many or few

Discipleship 110 (Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin)—Page 5 of 6 blows for ignorant and knowing unbelievers). We're just seeing that every person is condemned because of sin. Because God hates sin and He is just, sinners and sin must be dealt with.

OUR OWN SINS—Isaiah 53:6 says, "All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." Romans 3:9-23 shows us that there is none righteous, none who seeks for God, there is none who does good, there is no fear of God before anyone's eyes, all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Sins declare that we aren’t right with God and they also rob us of the glory, the splendor, the majesty, the essence of who God is. Look at what we’re missing out on! The root problem of mankind is not ignorance or race or environment or poverty or sickness; it is sin. Ultimately every person deserves condemnation by God because we personally have sinned, either deliberately or failed to do the good. The penalty includes guilt and shame, but ultimately no relationship or fellowship with God. The remedy is justification by faith in Jesus. What we need is forgiveness for all the knowing or ignorant sins that we have committed. Just wait until our next studies on Deliverance and Biblical Salvation!

OUR SINFUL NATURES—Psalm 51:5 says, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." Romans 5:12-14 says, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—for until the Law sin was in the world; but sin is not charged to one’s account when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam." Because all die, it proves we're all sinners. Even those who didn't sin like Adam (babies, mentally disabled, ignorant) still die, which proves that we are born sinners. Not all people sinned LIKE Adam, but all people sinned IN Adam. Heredity is the problem. Even if we could clean up our lives from all personal sins, we'd still be guilty because we're born sinners.

Ephesians 2:1-3 says we were dead in our trespasses and sins, and are by nature sons of disobedience and children of wrath. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" Genesis 6:5—Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 8:21—The LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth." Ephesians 4:17-19 indicates that unbelievers walk in the futility of their minds, they are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God; they are ignorant and their hearts are hard. We are born sinners, and we can't change our natures. We are strangers in the world of the Divine. We sin because we are sinners. I personally never made the effort to teach my children to sin, but they have and do. Nobody taught me to sin, but I have and do. Why? Because we are born sinners.

The results? One, every person is depraved, which means he's not as bad as he can be, but every area of his life is affected by this tendency to do evil. All people are equally lost. Two, every person is spiritually dead. We are not right in God's sight; our natures are wrong. The remedy? Every person needs a new holy nature but how is that possible? Just wait until our next study on Deliverance!

IMPUTED SIN—Romans 5:12-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 tell us that Adam's sin was credited to our account. When Adam disobeyed, immediately all of humanity that would follow became spiritually dead. Since the race of mankind is one from Adam and Eve, that means everyone was charged with Adam's sin. Physical death, spiritual death, and the second death are resting on unbelievers because of Adam's sin. Just because we weren't there doesn't excuse us. Apparently we would have done the same thing. And even time has proven that each of us has ratified the decision Adam made to rebel and disobey God. So Adam's fall is ours. He was our representative. All IN Adam die. What is the remedy? Mankind needs a new representative but how is that possible? Just wait until our next study on Deliverance!

Before we conclude, let's take a quick look at what happens when we as Christians sin. We fail to reflect God's love, character, and glory. We become sin's slave. We go far beyond what we ever intended. We infect others with the same sin. We are limited in terms of loss of opportunities. Our minds and choices and actions reflect no understanding of God, ourselves in Christ, of Scriptural truths. Charles Swindoll says there is instant loss of fellowship with God, human misery, mental anguish, loss of personal testimony, sudden stoppage of growth, and habits of wrong begin to sprout, bud, blossom and multiply.

Discipleship 110 (Additional Thoughts on Humanity and Sin)—Page 6 of 6

When as believers we sin, the local church may have to take action (Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13), and it should if there is a consistent lifestyle of sin in an individual Christian's life. Discipline by God will take place (Hebrews 12:6, 1 Corinthians 11:31-32). Sickness or physical death may occur (1 Corinthians 11:30). God has provided a remedy for those Christians who have sinned; it's found in 1 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." But a better remedy is walking in victory over sin and not giving in every time we're tempted. That remedy is found in Romans 6:1-14. We're to KNOW that who we were in Adam died and we have been raised a new person in Christ. The purpose of that death and new life is so we can walk in newness of life. We're to CONSIDER those facts true—that we’ve died to sin and are alive to God in Christ Jesus—for the temptation we're facing at the moment. And, we're to PRESENT our bodies to God, so He can use them as He chooses. More on this “Victory Cycle” in a later study.

How can we wrap this up? We rightfully deserve to be judged because of personal sins, sinful natures, and imputed sin. Unless God out of His grace does something, all mankind is doomed and every person is forever separated from a relationship and fellowship with God. And rightfully so! There's no one that deserves to be right with God. I repeat, no one! Yet there's Good News in the Bible. The Good News is that when Jesus died on the Cross, He took care of all three problems—personal sins, sinful natures, and mankind’s sinful representative. Jesus came to save from sin (Matthew 1:20-21, John 1:29). He offers forgiveness of sins, new holy natures, and Himself as our representative. Just wait until our next study on Deliverance!

CONCLUSION If we are just the latest in a long evolutionary line, then we as human beings have no real value or purpose. Yet the Bible teaches that we are the unique creation of God, made to glorify, praise, enjoy Him forever, made to do His will. If we are just products of evolution, then mankind is getting better and will eventually reach perfection. ‘Sin’ would then just be a stage that will be overcome by education, government, refinement, definition, and time. But the Bible does not teach we're getting better. It teaches that man and woman were created perfect, but then chose to sin. In Adam's fall, the rest of mankind also fell so now everyone is condemned because of being born sinners, because of personal sins, and because Adam's sin was charged to our account. Sin is an issue that has to be dealt with. It is THE issue between God and mankind. We need new hearts! We need forgiveness of sins! We need a new representative!

It's vital that we understand the nature of man in creation and the devastating effects of the Fall of Adam because it's only then that we can begin to understand the grandeur of the grace of God. In our study on Deliverance, we'll see in detail what God has done to remedy humanity's deserved condemnation and our problems with sin.

We believe that man was originally created in the image of God. Through disobedience to God, the first man (Adam) sinned, allowing sin to enter into the world, thereby incurring not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is a separation from God. Now all human beings are born with sinful natures and are separated from the life of God. Therefore all human beings without Christ are under just condemnation, without defense or excuse. (Genesis 1:26-17, 2:7, 3:1-7,19, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Romans 5:12-14, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, Romans 1:18-20, John 3:16-18,36, 5:24).

Your fellow servant, Joel

Discipleship 110—What Can I Learn from the Bible about Humanity and Sin? Supplemental Scriptures

THE ORIGIN, PURPOSE, AND NATURE OF MAN Genesis 1:27—God created man. Psalm 8:3-6—God made man. Matthew 19:4—God created them from the beginning. 1 Corinthians 11:12—All things originate from God. John 1:3—All things came into being by Him. Colossians 1:16-17—For by Him all things were created. In Him all things hold together. 1 Corinthians 15:45—The first man became a living soul.

Ephesians 1:6—Praise of God's glory. Ephesians 1:12—praise of God's glory. Ephesians 1:14—praise of God's glory. 1 Timothy 6:17—God supplies all things to enjoy. Revelation 4:11—Receive glory and honor and power.

Genesis 2:7—Lord God formed man. Matthew 10:28—Able to destroy both soul and body. 2 Corinthians 4:16—Outer man decaying, inner man being renewed day by day. Hebrews 4:12—Able to judge thoughts and intentions

Genesis 1:26-27—Made in God's image and likeness. Genesis 5:1—Likeness of God. Genesis 9:6—Image of God. 1 Corinthians 11:7—image and glory of God. Colossians 3:10—image of 1 who created him. James 3:9—made in likeness of God.

THE FALL OF MAN Genesis 3:1-19—Temptation, fall of man, and judgments. Romans 5:11-21—Through Adam sin and death, condemnation.

THE ORIGIN AND NATURE OF SIN 1 John 3:8—devil sinned from the beginning. Psalm 51:4—Against You only have I sinned. Romans 3:23—All have sinned. Romans 14:23—Whatever is not from faith is sin. James 4:17—To one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.

JUDGMENT ON SIN Isaiah 53:6—Iniquity fell on Him. Romans 3:9-20—All accountable to God, no flesh justified by the Law.

Psalm 51:5—in sin mother conceived me. Jeremiah 17:9—heart deceitful than all else. Romans 5:12-14—death to all men. Romans 5:18-19—made sinners. Ephesians 2:1-3—we're dead, by nature children of wrath. Isaiah 53:4-6—pierced for our trespasses. Matthew 1:21—save people from their sin. John 1:29—The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 2 Corinthians 5:21—made Him who knew no sin to be sin. 1 Peter 2:24—bore our sins. 1 Peter 3:18—Christ died for sins.

Discipleship 111 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Deliverance! (Romans 10:9-15, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:20-24)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Deliverance!” by Joel Berger.

STUDY The apostle Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter to the Roman Christians around 56 A.D. Probably writing from Corinth, he expresses his eagerness to visit the believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire. This letter is the best explanation of the Gospel message of any book in the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 deal with how to get right with God. Chapters 5-8 tell us who we are in Christ and in the Spirit. Chapters 9-11 stress God's free choice and mercy and Israel’s free choice and unbelief. And, chapters 12-16 cover how Christianity is to be lived out in a practical way. For the introduction to Ephesians, look back at Discipleship 110 under “STUDY”.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize each paragraph in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to these passages: In Romans 10:9-10, what is necessary for any person to be saved (delivered)? What is the message that must be believed and confessed? In :11-13, quoting from Isaiah 28:16 and Joel 2:32, what is the Old Testament message for all? What is the central idea in :11-13? In :14-15, including “calling upon the name of the Lord” in :13, what are the five conditions that are mandatory for a person to be saved? What does each mean? In Ephesians 2:4-10, what did God out of His power, mercy, love, kindness, and grace do? Think through the fact that we are His workmanship! In Ephesians 4:20-24, what has been put off, and why? Why is the renewed mind one of the keys for growth as a Christian? What has been put on, and why?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “A skill I have acquired is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Romans 10:9-15 What are the five conditions of being “saved, delivered”? Who was God’s messenger to you? What message did you hear? When did you believe? What were the circumstances of you “calling on the name of the Lord Jesus?” 3. Ephesians 2:4-10 What did God out of His power, mercy, love, grace, and kindness do? Name the three things that took place in your life when you called on the name of the Lord Jesus (:5-6). What do those three acts mean to you personally? What does it mean to you that “You are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works”? 4. Ephesians 4:20-24 Notice, the Christian’s walk is to be based on our new identity! What does learning the truth in Jesus and being a new “righteous and holy man” look like in your life? 5. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Be specific, practical, personal (please!).

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Deliverance!” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also read and meditate on the two-page handout on “Evangelism” by Joel Berger. (3) Cut out the half page on “Deliverance!” and put it in your Bible. Learn the main outline.

Discipleship 111—DELIVERANCE! (Romans 10:9-15, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:20-24) Page 1 of 3

It’s decision-making time! After looking at Humanity and Sin in our last study, it’s time to look at THE GREATEST NEWS EVER! As Christians, we’ve been Delivered! We’re going to look at Deliverance(!) from three passages, Romans 10:9-15, Ephesians 2:4-10, and Ephesians 4:20-24. In our last study, we looked at how grand mankind’s beginnings and how devastating our fall! God assesses our spirits as they are without the Lord Jesus and writes on the examination certificate: “Dead! Son of disobedience! Child of wrath! A sinner by nature!” We have need of a new life and forgiveness of sins. Why does anyone need “saving”? Because we’re sinners by nature, sinners by representative, and sinners by choice. First, every person born (and that is every person!) is born a sinner. As we saw in Ephesians 2:1-3, apart from Jesus, every human is dead in sins. Humanity’s first man, Adam, sinned, and ever since, every descendant of his is born a sinner (Romans 5:12-14). We are sinners by nature; we are IN Adam. The issue with this point is not behavior; it’s heredity. Second, we are sinners because of our representative. Since Adam was every person’s representative (he was a type; Romans 5:14), when he sinned, his sin was charged to the account of every one of his descendants. Third, we are sinners by choice, in our thinking and/or behavior. When we reach the age of choice, we choose to sin. Our thinking, behavior, words have missed God’s mark; they are not in line with His Word. This means that even if we could immediately stop doing certain things and start doing others, we still wouldn’t have forgiveness for the sins we’ve already chosen to commit. There’s not one thing anyone can do about any of these apart from God. Even if you could successfully change the outward, you’re not dealing with the inward! Helpless, hopeless, destined to separation from God for all eternity…UNLESS the God we’ve sinned against does something about it! And He has! Deliverance! How does one become “Saved, Delivered”? Let’s read Romans 10:9-15.

“…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’ How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’” (NASB)

From Romans 9-10, we learn that God’s free will and mercy are mankind’s only hope. We also see mankind’s free choice clearly taught and demonstrated. It’s only those individuals who confess with their mouths “Jesus as Lord” and believe in their hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead who are saved. If YOU admit with your own lips that Jesus is Lord, and if YOU believe in your own heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, YOU will be saved! When you come to the place where you recognize Jesus has the right of Lordship in your life and you’re persuaded at the deepest level that you have a living Lord, a triumphant Savior, you will be saved.

The conditions are repeated in :13-15. (1) God’s messengers must be sent. They may include us. (2) The messenger must announce the One who saves—the resurrected, Lord Jesus. (3) The message must be heard—“Jesus is Lord! He has been raised from the dead by God! The living Lord Jesus is the great issue of life.” (4) The message must be believed. The belief must be based on the Son and truth of God. A person must have faith in the One who saves. And, (5) the person who has heard and believed must call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Whoever calls will be saved, but the Lord must be called upon. This was true in both the Old and New Testaments. And when you call on Jesus’ name, you are saved, delivered!!! You become God’s workmanship and a new man in Christ, you are forgiven of all your sins, you have a new representative (His name is Jesus!), and you become part of a new family, God’s family! Wow!

Ephesians 2:4-10 puts it, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” The main subject is GOD! God out of His power, mercy, love, grace, and kindness changed us. The saving GOD (1) made us alive with Christ, (2) raised us up with Christ, (3) seated us with Christ, and (4) made us His workmanship—four things that only He can do!

Discipleship 111—DELIVERANCE! (Romans 10:9-15, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:20-24) Page 2 of 3

You remember the spiritually dead, son of disobedience, child of wrath, sinner by nature you were apart from the Lord Jesus? You remember the helpless, ungodly, enemy of God, IN Adam person you were apart from the Lord Jesus? YOU ARE NO LONGER THAT PERSON! If you’ve been delivered, you are alive spiritually, a saint, IN Christ!!

:4-7 But God…gives life to the dead! Only the Biblical GOD out of His mercy and love could reach the helpless, spiritually dead, sons of disobedience, and children of wrath described in 2:1-3. Not only did God love enough to provide forgiveness of our sins, but also to die for the very ones who had sinned against Him. That is God’s agapē love. He has made us alive in Christ! Alive! Saved! Delivered! Rescued from danger! This is who you are now. It’s a present reality. As a result of God’s grace and work, we are people who have been saved and remain saved forever! :6 But God…raised us up with Christ! Another complete, present reality. Just as He raised His Son from the dead, He raised us. But God…also seated us with Christ in the invisible realities of life. Because the Biblical, powerful, gracious GOD states these facts, we believe them. We ARE…now! :7 In making Christians alive and raising and exalting us, God displayed the super- abounding riches of His grace—and will continue to do so throughout eternity! Believers will be an eternal display of God’s character. Church, individual Christians, realize what God has done for You! This realization changes everything!

:8-10 Salvation rests upon God’s grace, not on ourselves. We did not deserve nor could we have earned God’s salvation. Deliverance is His gift, and our part is to simply by faith receive His gift, His Son Jesus as Lord. We heard God’s message of salvation, we believed it, and we called upon the name of the Lord Jesus. We relied on or had confidence in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus. Deliverance(!)—from the guilt, penalty, power, and someday even the presence of sin; from being dead, sons of disobedience, children of wrath to being alive with Christ, raised up with Him, seated with Him in the heavenlies, and being created His workmanship. What a remarkable disclosure of God’s grace and power! Christians are GOD’s masterpieces! The new person IN Christ is GOD’s creative work, His expression! And, we are created by God so good works will characterize us. Formerly we walked 2:2-3 and 4:17-19; now we’re to walk in line with the new man. Only in and by and through the Lord Jesus can any of these facts be true.

The “dead” made alive, the “sinner” saved. May our walk reflect (1) who our God has made us and (2) what our merciful, loving, gracious, kind, powerful God and Father has done. Speak well of Him!

The writer Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 4:20-24 that the Christian has been created a “new” man. “But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self (man), which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self (man), which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

:20-21 You(!) did not learn THE Christ in this way (see :17-19). We have learned and heard and been taught in Jesus. HE is the object and content of our learning. In Jesus we have the truth by which we examine everyone and everything else!

:22-24 In reference to your former walk, lay aside the old self (man). Colossians 3:9 makes it clear that we “have put off” the old man. This is not a command but a fact that we learned in Jesus. Because the old, deceived man was laid aside at the point of deliverance, we’re not to walk like we used to, like the old man. :23 Be renewed—let your mind be continually renewed, with a kind of thinking not known before. We must learn to “think” consistent with truth as it is in Jesus and with our new identity!! :24 Again, this is not a command. It’s having once for all put on the new man, entirely new (Colossians 3:10). God has created us new, righteous and holy persons. We’re new! We are the recipients of His one- time action. New, just, sacred, exclusively His—God Himself created us this way; now walk like it! This is foundational truth: Jesus and a changed nature should lead to changed thinking and newness of life as our walk. Realize who you are!!

(1) Remember who you are now in Christ, (2) be strengthened with power through the Spirit, (3) make sure you’re being renewed in the spirit of your mind, then (4) attend to the walk described in 4:25-6:18. The understanding of 2:4-10 and 4:20-24 must precede any “actions” we take in terms of speech or behavior or choice.

But God, being rich in mercy, has made it possible for everyone to be saved. This salvation is not just reserved for a certain race or color or category; it is for everyone! If YOU confess with YOUR mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in YOUR heart that God has raised Him from the dead, YOU will be saved! What glorious news! What a God!

Discipleship 111—DELIVERANCE! (Romans 10:9-15, Ephesians 2:4-10, 4:20-24) Page 3 of 3

When you’re “delivered”, you become a new person IN Christ and IN the Spirit! You have complete forgiveness of sins! You become part of a new family, God’s family. And, this is just the beginning of “learning” Jesus! With the Lord Jesus, every person is a forgiven saint by nature. Your thinking, choices, actions, and speech should reveal the new person you have become.

Here’s a message I often give at memorial services, and I give the message as though from the individual who is now with the Lord: “I’m with my Lord, I’m home! Please join me in thanking our Lord Jesus, this Jesus who is able to give life to the dead and call into being that which does not exist, our God to whom belongs all the honor and praise! And, if you know Jesus as Lord, you’ll join me and millions of other saints in being with Him and praising Him for our salvation, our deliverance. How I pray that each of you knows the Lord Jesus personally. You can, you know. He’s who saved me! How can you know Him? The same way I came to know Him.

I realized that God chose to love me! The Bible puts it this way in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His unique, one-of-a-kind Son Jesus, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” God’s love is also explained in another verse (Romans 5:8). “God demonstrated His love toward us, in that Christ died for us...” God’s love is an objective, historical fact. Not one of you should ever doubt this fact. GOD LOVES YOU!

However, in order to fully understand the good news, I need to share with you some bad news also. We as human beings messed up! When we were created, we were given the ability to make any choice we want. We like that freedom! But God gave us choice SO we would CHOOSE to love Him, choose to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him, choose to bring honor and praise to Him, choose to trust Him, choose to find in Him everything we need! However, we didn’t make those choices. We chose to not love Him. We chose to disobey Him. We chose to what the Bible calls sin. The Bible teaches that every person has disobeyed God. We’ve all done things He doesn’t desire in our lives. And our sin separated us from this loving, holy God. Does this leave us helpless, with no hope? The answer to that is “No!”

We’re back to good news again. That’s why God gave His Son Jesus. The wonderful, loving message of the Bible is that God did something about our sinful condition. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” in our place. The Bible also says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “The Father made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become right (just) with God.” On a cross Jesus died for us as sinners and for our sins. He took care of the issue of sin. Out of His love, He dealt with the issues separating us from Him. Isn’t that GREAT news?! But since every human being still has the ability to make choices, how can we make God’s message personal? The same way I did. Remember in John 3:16 it states that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. The belief that we have is based on the facts, the truth, that God has revealed to us in His Word.

Someday each of you will stand before God. If you were to die today and stand before God in heaven and He would ask you, “Why should I let you into My heaven?”, how would you answer? He won’t ask you of your sins (what kind, how many—those were dealt with on the cross by Jesus). He won’t ask if you’re a good or bad person, or if you’ve gone through some religious experience or some religious ritual. He won’t ask what church you belong to! He will ask, “What did YOU do with My Son Jesus who loves you, who died for you and your sins, was buried, was raised from the dead, and appeared to many? Did you believe in Him? Did you by faith receive Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior? Did you follow Him as Lord?” I made that choice to trust Jesus as Lord of my life in [whatever year the saint came to follow Jesus as Lord]. I pray you have or will also. You too can know Jesus as Lord, Savior, Life. He died for you and your sins, and was raised from the dead for each of you.

It’s the decision you make now, during your life on earth, that determines whether you spend eternity with Jesus or apart from Him. It’s a life-changing choice. The Bible says in Romans 10:9, “If YOU confess with YOUR mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in YOUR heart that God raised Him from the dead, YOU will be saved!” What wonderful news! It was my joy to know Jesus as Lord on earth. It is my joy to know Him now in His very presence! I pray you too have come to trust Him. PLEASE do so! What love I have for you. I look forward to you joining me in the presence of our Lord Jesus, where we will spend all eternity loving, praising, honoring, worshiping, learning, serving.”

Today decisions are being made—to hear, believe, and call, OR to hear and reject Jesus as Lord. Which are you making?

DELIVERANCE! “How I pray that each of you knows the Lord Jesus personally. You can, you know. He’s who saved me! How can you know Him? The same way I came to know Him. I realized that God chose to love me! The Bible puts it this way in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His unique, one-of-a-kind Son Jesus, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” God’s love is also explained in another verse (Romans 5:8). “God demonstrated His love toward us, in that Christ died for us...” God’s love is an objective, historical fact. Not one of you should ever doubt this fact. GOD LOVES YOU! However, in order to fully understand the good news, I need to share with you some bad news also. We as human beings messed up! When we were created, we were given the ability to make any choice we want. We like that freedom! But God gave us choice SO we would CHOOSE TO—love Him, enjoy intimate fellowship with Him, bring honor and praise to Him, trust Him, find in Him everything we need! However, we didn’t make those choices. We CHOSE TO—not love Him, disobey Him, what the Bible calls sin. The Bible teaches that every person has disobeyed God. We’ve all done things He doesn’t desire in our lives. And our sin separated us from this loving, holy God. Does this leave us helpless, with no hope? The answer to that is “No!” We’re back to good news again. That’s why God gave His Son Jesus. The wonderful, loving message of the Bible is that God did something about our sinful condition. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” in our place. The Bible also says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “The Father made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become right (just) with God.” On a cross Jesus died for us as sinners and for our sins. He took care of the issue of sin. Out of His love, He dealt with the issues separating us from Him. Isn’t that GREAT news?! But since every human being still has the ability to make choices, how can we make God’s message personal? The same way I did. Remember in John 3:16 it states that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. The belief that we have is based on the facts, the truth, that God has revealed to us in His Word. Someday each of you will stand before God. If you were to die today and stand before God in heaven and He would ask you, “Why should I let you into My heaven?”, how would you answer? He won’t ask you of your sins (what kind, how many—those were dealt with on the cross by Jesus). He won’t ask if you’re a good or bad person, or if you’ve gone through some religious experience or some religious ritual. He won’t ask what church you belong to! He will ask, “What did YOU do with My Son Jesus who loves you, who died for you and your sins, was buried, was raised from the dead, and appeared to many? Did you believe in Him? Did you by faith receive Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior? Did you follow Him as Lord?” I made that choice to trust Jesus as Lord of my life in [the year the saint came to follow Jesus as Lord]. I pray you have or will also. You too can know Jesus as Lord, Savior, Life. He died for you and your sins, and was raised from the dead for each of you. It’s the decision you make now, during your life on earth, that determines whether you spend eternity with Jesus or apart from Him. It’s a life-changing choice. The Bible says in Romans 10:9, “If YOU confess with YOUR mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in YOUR heart that God raised Him from the dead, YOU will be saved!” What wonderful news! It was my joy to know Jesus as Lord on earth. It is my joy to know Him now in His very presence! I pray you too have come to trust Him. PLEASE do so! What love I have for you. I look forward to you joining me in the presence of our Lord Jesus, where we will spend all eternity loving, praising, honoring, worshiping, learning, serving.”

Discipleship 111—Evangelism by Joel Berger Page 1 of 2

Our message as Christians is Jesus as Lord. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:5, "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake." Romans 10:9 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord." Acts 16:31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved." If we are dealing with Jews, our message is Jesus as Messiah, their king, ruler, master. But when dealing with Gentiles, our message must be Jesus as Lord of a person's life. Jesus is who every person needs in every realm of life. Are we convinced of that?

Instead of thinking of reaching the ‘world’, who is one individual on your heart that you would like to share the Good News of Jesus with? For whom are you praying by name every day, asking the Holy Spirit to open his or her eyes? This person could be a parent, a child, a mate, brother or sister, relative, neighbor, fellow-worker, boss, enemy, whoever God has placed on your heart and in your life on a regular basis.

Let's take five minutes to write out in outline form what you would tell him or her about Jesus if you could. From your outline, would they know of your love relationship with Jesus? Would they deal with the fact that they are sinners? Would they know what Jesus did for them on the Cross? Would they know that everyone who repents of sin and by faith turns to Jesus as Lord is made right in God's sight? Do you ask for a response? This doesn't all have to be shared at one opportunity, but over time those elements should be included.

Witnessing is sharing what Jesus is doing in my personal life; it involves all that we are and therefore do; it goes far beyond what we say at certain inspired moments. The question is not will we witness but how. Evangelism is sharing the message of the Gospel (the Good-News message of God). Joe Aldrich—As long as a man simply tells another about Jesus, he is a witness. But the moment he tries to get that person to do something with Christ, he shifts over to the role of evangelism." John R. W. Stott—To evangelize is to present Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit so that man shall come to put their trust in God through Him."

Aldrich says evangelism includes three parts: "Presentation is the beauty of the indwelling Christ as lived out in the daily relationships of life. Proclamation is the Gospel message, the truth of the Word, the good news that Jesus Christ has solved the problem of man's sin and offers the potential of an exchanged life, a life in which the resources of God Himself are available for his transformation. Persuasion is challenging them to respond to the message with repentance and faith, God's summons to come to Jesus as Lord and find life."

Two great forces in evangelism from an earthly point of view are a healthy church and a Christian lifestyle. Allowing Jesus to be who He is in our church and in our lifestyles is the indispensable backdrop to sharing the Good- News message of Jesus as Lord.

THE CHURCH. The most effective individual evangelism grows out of the context of a healthy, vibrant fellowship of believers. When the church meets together, the believer is experiencing fellowship and the unbeliever is seeing beauty. Christ works directly through the church's message, its fellowship, and its worship and service, to draw men and women to Himself. Corporate evangelism is basic to personal evangelism. Every body of believers must be responsible to its own community. Yet, presenting the Gospel to the unsaved is to take place primarily in the world, not in the church building.

Aldrich—If I am serious about beauty, I must be serious about the church; not only is it the bride (hopefully a beautiful one), but it is also the beauty parlor." Stott—The need for the church to be the church and exhibit its true nature as a redeemed community is far more important than the adoption of any particular evangelistic technique. When the church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it."

The world listens when Christians love and maintain unity. Gene Getz—by seeing love, non-Christians come to know and understand that people are Christians, followers of Jesus. By observing unity and oneness, they become convinced of who Christ really was and is—that He came from God, that He was truly the Son of God, Savior of the world."

Discipleship 111 (Evangelism)—Page 2 of 2

THE LIFESTYLE. There are two premises here: one, that your life has a style that will attract people, and two, that you are in contact with neighbors so your lifestyle can be seen. Joe Bayly—The great emphasis of New Testament teaching was not upon the ‘means’ of telling the Christian gospel, but upon the necessity of living the Christian life." Nonbelievers are first drawn to Christians and then to Christ. Aldrich—Christians are to be good news before they share good news. Low-pressure, long-range. At some point you'll get to share the words of the Gospel."

Be building friendships. When you've cultivated a friendship and become aware of some of your friend's needs, your gospel presentation becomes much more powerful because it becomes a potential solution to both his/her real and felt needs. It's not religious activity but loving God, people, and oneself that will lead to opportunities. Some people will respond to you and your love; some won't. Those who respond are those the Lord wants you to befriend. Invite them into your life and home. Be available to help when they hurt. Let them meet some of your needs. Be ready with the good-news message when the Lord opens the door. Time and trust are two keys to gradually stretching another's spiritual comfort zone.

Show genuine interest to whom you're speaking, ask questions, listen, look for a point of common interest. Their response to us and the Good News we proclaim depends a lot on whether they think we really understand and care. The right to talk intimately to another person about the Lord Jesus Christ has to be earned, and you earn it by convincing him or her that you are his/her friend, and really care about him/her. Stott—We need to come sufficiently close to people to make shouting entirely unnecessary."

Arouse their attention (again, this presupposes that non-Christians are around you). Felt needs are the starting point for communication. When we as Christians deal in basic needs, we're always needed. Look for a neighbor—a neighbor is someone in need that we can help. Draw near, find where he or she is, and begin there. Care for people as you find them. Find that point in the individual's life at which the Gospel becomes good news. This is the reason why there's not one blanket approach to witnessing. Possible questions at the appropriate opportunity: “At what point are you in your own spiritual pilgrimage?” “Suppose you died tonight and stood before God and He were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into My heaven?’, how would you answer?”

Relate the Gospel. God exists, and we were made to depend on Him. Two of the Spirit's ministries are to convict of sin and point to Jesus; we must be sure both those subjects are included. Every person is a sinner. Since the Gospel is the good news of salvation, and salvation is deliverance from sin, we can't bypass the subject of sin. The word sin means to miss God's mark, living independently of God. We've all fallen short of His holy, perfect mark. Every person without Christ is guilty before God; that's why he/she needs the Gospel. Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jesus dealt with the sin issues. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He has solved the problem of man's sin and offers the potential of a new life, a life in which the resources of God Himself are available for his/her transformation. By the way, if you can't answer a specific question, tell them you'll get back to them with the answer. Make note of it, and don't forget to get back to him or her.

Ask for a response, one of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus. "God commands all men everywhere to repent. On the basis of this, have you ever received Jesus as your Lord? Is there any reason why you wouldn't want to right now?" Or, "What have you done with Jesus, who loves you, who died for you and your sins, and wants to live in your life as Lord?" If the person is hesitant, don't panic. Back off, continue to be his friend, and wait for another opportunity.

Why do we evangelize? Because we love God and are concerned for His glory; we care whether others worship Him too. Because we love others and are concerned for his/her welfare; we tell the world what great things God has done for the salvation of sinners and that people without Christ are lost. Because we know the truth—both from God's Word as well as from experience. Because we want to be obedient to Jesus' command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

The love of God, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the work of Jesus, the power of the Word, and our availability as Christians assure that many will respond to His wonderful message of salvation.

Discipleship 112 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Biblical Salvation (1 Timothy 2:3-6, Romans 3:24-28, 12:1-2, 1 John 3:2)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Biblical Salvation” by Joel Berger.

STUDY 1 Timothy was written by the apostle Paul around A.D. 63-64. Paul calls Timothy his true child in the faith. Timothy ended up traveling with Paul, and they shared in evangelizing Macedonia and Achaia. He was with Paul during Paul’s three years in Ephesus. He was with Paul during the apostle’s first imprisonment. Eventually Timothy stayed in Ephesus to deal with some problems there. In chapter 2, Timothy is urged to pray for all, and especially for those in authority. For the introduction to Romans, look back at Discipleship 111 under “STUDY”. 1 John was written by the apostle John around A.D. 85-90, probably sometime after he wrote the Gospel of John. Most likely written to Christians in Asia Minor, John wrote to expose false teachers and teachings (Gnosticism) and to assure believers of salvation. He is concerned for the spiritual welfare of his spiritual children.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize each passage in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to these passages: From 1 Timothy 2:3-6, what is Paul’s main point? From Romans 3:24-28, what does Paul emphasize about righteousness or justification? From Romans 12:1-2, what does Paul emphasize about sanctification or growth in the Christian’s walk? From 1 John 3:2, what does the writer John tell us about glorification or the Christian’s future? Past (justification), present (sanctification), future (glorification)—we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved! What assurance do these truths give you?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “The most physically challenging thing I ever did was…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writers in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. On which one(s) of these four subjects (salvation, justification, sanctification, glorification) do you need to concentrate SO you can apply them? Why did you pick the one(s) you did? 3. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Biblical Salvation” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) For a more expanded explanation of Biblical Salvation, read the attached five-page handout “What Can I Learn from the Bible about Salvation?” by Joel Berger.

Discipleship 112—BIBLICAL SALVATION (1 Timothy 2:3-6, Romans 3:24-28, Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 3:2) Page 1 of 3

Recently we looked at Humanity and Sin, then Deliverance! In this study we’ll look at Biblical Salvation. Why does anyone need “saving”? (1) Because we’re sinners by nature, sinners by representative, and sinners by choice. (2) Because we aren’t capable of walking in a way that pleases God. (3) Because our future is a hopeless eternity separated from our Creator. There’s not one thing anyone can do about any of these apart from God. There’s the desperate need of deliverance, salvation. (1) We need new natures, a new representative, and forgiveness of sins. (2) We need a way of walking that is pleasing to God. And, (3) we need a certain future of spending eternity with God. We’re going to investigate four terms: salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification. We’ll look at them like the birth, growth, and completion of an individual. The Biblical God is at work in each of these four words!

SALVATION—WHAT DOES GOD’S SALVATION INCLUDE? The word salvation means deliverance or preservation; it has the idea of effecting successfully the full delivery of someone from impending danger. And that is what God has done. He has provided for all to be delivered. Listen to 1 Timothy 2:3-6, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” 2 Peter 3:9 adds, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” John 3:16 is a familiar verse, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Also, remember the truths from Romans 10:9-15 in our study on Deliverance! Whoever hears, believes, and calls on the name of Jesus as Lord will be saved! What a God!!

We, being totally undeserving, have been offered the free gift of salvation by God (Ephesians 2:8). Out of His grace and power, He reached out to us, working on our behalf, and then letting us know of His work on our behalf. “Our Father, Your love has depths we can’t fathom, Your work has breadth we can’t encompass. Thank You, O thank You for giving us salvation, for giving us Yourself, for delivering us from ourselves as sinners and our sins. Thank You for providing a way to walk that is pleasing to You. And thank You for a future that is certain. We long to know You more and trust You wholly. We express our gratitude in Jesus’ saving name. Amen.”

Salvation is an all-encompassing term which includes justification, sanctification, and glorification. It’s like salvation is an umbrella over these three terms. JUSTIFICATION—HOW IS GOD’S JUSTICE SATISFIED? Justification is like the birth of a Christian. If we are sinners and we sin, what could God (who is holy and just) do to satisfy His own justice? Key passages for justification are Romans 3:9-4:25, Romans 5:12-18, and Galatians 3-4. Romans 3:24-28 says, “…Being justified [made right, just] as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; :25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation [satisfaction; Jesus’ death satisfied God’s justice] in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [rightness, justice], because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; :26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness [rightness, justice] at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. :27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. :28 For we maintain that a man is justified [made right, just] by faith [in Jesus] apart from works of the Law.” In the midst of our sinful conditions, God did something about it. As a gift by His grace, God “justified” us through what Jesus did on the cross— because of Who He is and what He did. So, by hearing, believing, and calling on the name of Jesus, we are justified!

Jesus has dealt with us as sinners and our sins. God’s justice was fully satisfied by the Person and work of Jesus on the Cross. Because of who Jesus was and what He accomplished on the cross, God the Father did what the case demanded and freed us from the penalty of sin. Justification is a legal term which means to be acquitted and made right. It includes forgiveness of sins, receiving holy natures, and securing a new representative. The main thought is we have been saved, freed from God’s penalty on sin. FORGIVEN SAINTS, we’re now IN Christ, absolutely saved! We have great assurance that we have been justified because the work is dependent on Him, not ourselves. We by faith in Jesus and His work receive Him and His gift of deliverance.

And, we are not only declared by God to be right; we ARE right! (By the way, a forgiven “sinner” is not someone who is justified. Yes, a person must be forgiven in order to be justified, but he/she must also become new! He/she

Discipleship 112—BIBLICAL SALVATION (1 Timothy 2:3-6, Romans 3:24-28, Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 3:2) Page 2 of 3 must be made right!) By Jesus’ death and resurrection and our faith in Him, we became new people—saints, holy ones, IN Christ. We ARE forgiven saints! Incredible! “Jesus, our Lord and Savior, thank You for who You are and what You did! I believe the message of You as Lord and call upon Your name!”

May we be thankful for our past but not live there! Don’t be a 20-year-old spiritual baby! It’s wonderful to be born, but don’t stop there. Go on to experience life as God intended!

SANCTIFICATION—HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN WALK? Sanctification is like the growth of a Christian. As justified Christians, forgiven saints, how are we to walk? Key passages are Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:20-24, and Galatians 5-6. The apostle Paul, the writer, is not talking about nature/identity in these verses. He’s dealing with the walk of the Christian. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 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.” (To make this even more understandable, review the truths of our studies on “Walking by the Spirit” (D109) and Ephesians 4:20-24 (D111).) By the way, sanctification is used 31 times in the New Testament. Holy is used 12 times of believers. Saint is used 62 times of believers. Each of the three words is from the same Greek word which means “holy”!

Sanctification is a term which means to be holy, set apart for a holy purpose, for God’s exclusive use, to be put to one’s intended use. It includes becoming outwardly in our thinking, behavior, and words who we have already become in our natures. The main thought is we are being saved, freed from the power of sin. GROWING SAINTS, we’re being conformed to the image of Jesus. The indwelling Holy Spirit—as we are strengthened with His power—is giving us victory over the flesh and the law and the world’s pressures and demonic influence, and freeing us to walk in a way that is pleasing to our Father Himself. We have great assurance that we are being sanctified because the work is dependent on Him, not ourselves.

As Christians, we have been created by God holy, set-apart people. When we became Christians, we were made holy in our natures (remember, we’re saints!). But since our bodies weren’t changed, the “new we” still live in unredeemed bodies. Because we still live in unredeemed bodies (where sin still dwells), we must learn how to walk (1) by the strength of the Holy Spirit who lives within every Christian; (2) in line with God’s truth; and, (3) in a way that honors and pleases God. This “learning” is a life-long process of growing. Our responsibility is to know the Biblical facts, believe them, and act on them. Growth and maturity in the Christian’s life come from by faith learning to walk by the indwelling Holy Spirit and feeding on and obeying God’s Word. Not to be dependent on the indwelling Holy Spirit or not to feed on God’s Word are going contrary to who we’ve been made in Christ and in the Spirit. Why would we do that!! Paul says in Galatians 2:20, "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 gave Himself up for me." Our responsibility as Christians is to walk (live) by faith. What this means: We are becoming outwardly who the Lord has already made us inwardly. What a wonderful process! God isn’t wasting anything!

“Father, thank You for Your sanctifying process. You know exactly what each of us needs to grow. You use Your Word, Your Spirit, fellow Christians, time, pressures, and a hunger for Your truth as part of Your building tools. May we accept and even anticipate how You’ll mature us, believing that everything is necessary in this process. We trust You. In our Intercessor Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.” We can experience His life now—abundant life!

GLORIFICATION—WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN? Glorification is a term which means that someday we will be like Jesus (1 John 3:2), receive redeemed bodies (Philippians 3:20-21), and inherit our reserved-in-heaven inheritance from our Father (1 Peter 1:4). Key passages are Romans 8:29-30, 1 John 3:2, Philippians 3:21, and 1 Peter 1:4. Romans 8:30b says, “…and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” 1 John 3:2 declares, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” Philippians 3:20- 21 adds, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Discipleship 112—BIBLICAL SALVATION (1 Timothy 2:3-6, Romans 3:24-28, Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 3:2) Page 3 of 3 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” 1 Peter 1:4 states, “...to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” Wow! The Hebrew word for glory means to be heavy, laden down with riches, power, position. “That’s heavy!” The Greek word means to exhibit a honorable opinion. The main thought is we will be saved, freed from the very presence of sin. COMPLETED SAINTS, we will be like Jesus, we will have redeemed bodies, and we will receive our guaranteed inheritance! Again, we have great assurance that we will be glorified because the work is dependent on Him, not ourselves!

At the present time, we’re being conformed to the image of Jesus, we’re learning how to walk, we’re eagerly waiting for our inheritance, and in these mortal (going-to-die) bodies, we’re groaning and decaying (Romans 8:18- 25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). But someday (when Jesus returns for His own or we physically die), we will be like Jesus, we will receive our inheritance, and we will receive resurrected, imperishable, redeemed, glorious, immortal, powerful, spiritual, heavenly bodies, equal to every task and that can meet every need (1 Corinthians 15:42-49). What a glorious day that will be! The Father has even dealt with our future so we are certain that we’ll someday share His glory. “Our Father of glory, someday we’ll somehow share Your glory, Your splendor. You’ve given us this certainty, this assurance, and we long for that day. As we get to know You better, we find our anticipation increasing. May we realize You have numbered our days so that glorious day will come right on Your schedule. In the meantime, while we wait, may we obediently trust You. In our transforming Lord Jesus’ name we pray.”

Again, may we be thankful for our future but not try to live there. God has made us to live NOW, in line with His Word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and for the purpose of bringing glory to Him!

God has supplied all parts of salvation for us—past, present, future. When we were justified, we were forgiven of all our sins and we became new people, saints, followers of Jesus with holy natures. Jesus is the key. When we are being sanctified, we are progressing in our thinking and conduct so it becomes obvious in our walk that we are set apart from all that is unholy and set apart for God’s exclusive use. The Holy Spirit is the key. When we will be glorified, we will fully be and receive all God has promised for His own. What a future awaits the Christian. The Father is the key. What a God we have! “Thank You, Father and Jesus and Holy Spirit, for Your love and grace and complete salvation. It’s far beyond what we could ask or think. May You receive the praise and glory which is Yours alone!”

Discipleship 112—What Can I Learn from the Bible about Salvation? by Joel Berger Page 1 of 5

Dear fellow disciple of our Lord,

Thank you again for letting me teach you by letter. I'm sure after last week's subjects (humanity and sin), you're looking forward to God's solution. What we're looking at today is salvation. The word in Scripture simply means deliverance or preservation, it has the idea of effecting successfully the full delivery of someone from impending danger. That's what God has so graciously done for us; He has saved us. And He not only wants to save us, He has provided for all to be delivered. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow about His promise (to return to this earth), as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." 1 Timothy 2:3-6 says, "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time." Followers of Jesus should master this particular teaching of the Christian faith. God's salvation discloses the full measure of God's love and grace; our personal salvation depends on it; we must understand it before we can defend it with those who attack and with those who are in error; and, we must know it before we can share it. Let's get to it.

In our time together we could look at many Biblical subjects—redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, forgiveness, regeneration, imputation, security, election, predestination, foreknowledge, call, conviction, conversion, repentance, faith, substitution, remission, adoption, grace—these are all worthy subjects to consider. However, we'll just look at a general overview of what salvation is, then examine three parts of salvation, and hopefully many of the other truths will be covered also. The three parts of salvation we'll examine are justification, sanctification, and glorification. I look at them like the birth, growth, and perfection of an individual.

SALVATION means deliverance, preservation, to effect successfully the full delivery of someone from impending danger. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." Someone is perishing and lost and needs to be saved; someone is able and willing to save. Of course, we are the ones needing to be saved; our Lord Jesus is the One able and willing to save. Hebrews 7:25 says, "Hence, also, Jesus is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." In simplest form, Acts 16:31—"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Romans 10:9-10 concludes, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Aren't those great verses? They tell us that God has done something about our sinful condition. "Salvation represents the whole work of God by which He rescues individuals from the eternal ruin and doom of sin and bestows on them the riches of His grace, including eternal life now and eternal glory in heaven." In these five verses just read, notice who our Savior is and how we are to respond to Him.

Salvation is all of God, on our behalf. Salvation is extremely valuable because the worth of salvation depends on the worth of the Savior. The Father designed the plan in eternity (the Bible teaches the Father foreknew us, chose us before the foundation of the world, predestined us to become conformed to the image of His Son, called us, justified us, and glorified us). The Son discharged the plan in the fullness of time (Romans 5:6 says, "at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." Galatians 4:4-5 seconds this idea, "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."). The Holy Spirit witnesses to this plan daily (convicting, comforting, encouraging, enabling people to be born again, setting apart Jesus' followers for holy purposes). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are at work for us. Reflect on the fact that God is at work (not only was He in the past, but also in the present) for you and me and our deliverance!

We sometimes wonder why there aren't several ways to God or why didn't He choose a different plan. If a better plan could have been put into operation, God would have chosen it. God always acts in accordance with His character. We know He is loving, all-wise, holy, good, all-powerful, gracious, just, sovereign (these are just a few of His characteristics), but because He is all these things and will never operate apart from them, we know we can trust Him

Discipleship 112 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Salvation?)—Page 2 of 5 to always put in motion the right plans. Will we trust Him even when we don't always fully understand His ways? That's a serious question to ponder, isn't it? As the song says, "Every joy or testing comes from God above, given to His children as an act of love; we may trust Him fully all for us to do—those who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true."

God offers salvation to everyone; Romans 10:13 says, "For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." However, keep in mind that no one is ever saved against his/her will, and no one disbelieves against his/her will. It isn't that individuals who desire salvation aren't able to secure it, but that those who are unsaved choose to be unsaved. Romans 1:18-21 teaches that everyone knows about God, that everyone is without excuse, but many choose not to honor God as God or give thanks to Him. They don't follow up on the truth they have. God is the Judge of all the earth, and He will do right. By His very character He must and will punish evil. But no one will ever be able to open his/her mouth before Him and truthfully say he/she got cheated or if only I had known or if only I had had one more chance. We must take seriously the truth we know about God, knowing that He wants everyone to repent from his/her sins and turn to His Son Jesus as Lord.

Salvation is a free gift. God is not obligated to love us, help us, save us, extend His grace to us. Only justice can be claimed from Him. But out of His grace, proceeding from One who was free not to be gracious, He reached out to us, letting us know of His work on our behalf. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." We, being totally undeserving, have been given the gift of salvation by God. Let's just take a moment to thank Him! "Our Father, Your love has depths we can't fathom, Your work has breadth we can't encompass. Thank You, oh thank You for giving us salvation, for giving us Yourself, for delivering us from ourselves as sinners and our sins. We long to know more and trust You wholly. We express these thoughts in Jesus' saving name. Amen."

JUSTIFICATION is a legal term meaning to be acquitted and also made right. It is the just proclamation that the believer in Jesus is perfectly right before a holy God. It includes forgiveness of sins, receiving holy natures, and securing a new representative. The main thought is we have been saved, freed from God's penalty on sin and sinners. Can you imagine this! This is like the transition from the status of a condemned criminal on death row to that of an heir awaiting a fabulous inheritance, and even receiving much of it now!

Many passages could be looked at (John 10:27-30, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:8, Colossians 1:14, Titus 3:5,7, 1 John 2:2, Revelation 5:9), but the key passages are Romans 3:9-31 and 5:12-18. Why don't you take a few moments and read these two passages. I'll wait! These passages reveal that all are sinners by thought and practice, that all are sinners by nature, and that all are sinners by representative (because our first representative was Adam). However, in the midst of all that sin, God did something about it. As a gift by His grace, He justified us through what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus redeemed us, which means He paid the price in His death so we could be free from sin's slavery. This holy God has been sinned against by every individual. Yet out of His love, He has chosen to do something about mankind's hopeless, helpless condition. 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches that on the cross Jesus became sin for us so we could become right (just) with God. On the basis of our faith in Jesus as Lord, we can stand before a perfect God and be set free from His penalty on sin and sinners. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, God the Father did what the case demanded and yet still freed us from the penalty of sin.

Out of His love, God sent His Son Jesus to die for the sinners and sins of the whole world (past, present, future—no one was missed, no sin was missed; John 1:29, 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 1 Timothy 2:6, 4:10, Hebrews 2:9, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 2:20). Jesus paid the ransom. His death was as our substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22-24, 3:18), in our place, satisfying the claims of a holy God against sin. So the issue is no longer a sin issue, it's a Son issue. What one does with Jesus determines where he/she will live—forever with God or forever separated from Him, heaven or hell. We might have tried to devise another plan, an easier one (we often do!), but the all-wise, all-just God said Jesus is the way, the only way.

So how is one justified? It's surely not by any law, either the Law of the Bible or any other legislation. Just a side note: The Bible teaches that the Law was not given to provide salvation but to point to our need of being saved, to our

Discipleship 112 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Salvation?)—Page 3 of 5 need of a Savior. Through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. In fact, when the Law is applied to a person, it actually increases sin, it doesn't decrease it. The Law reveals sin and condemns sin; we can't be made right in God's sight by any law.

So what is the requirement to be justified? Faith in Jesus as Lord. In 115 Scriptural passages (I don't know who takes the time to count all these!) salvation depends only upon believing in Jesus, 35 passages refer to faith. Belief/faith must be important, huh? Faith/belief is taking God at His Word and then living life on that basis. It is a choice to trust Jesus as Savior and Lord. Romans 3:28 says, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith (in Jesus) apart from works of the Law." Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." John 1:12 says, "But as many as received Jesus, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." Freely by God's grace, every human element excluded. It's just like receiving a gift from someone, you just accept it and say thanks! You realize you are a sinner and have sinned, and that on the cross Jesus dealt with those issues, and out of humble appreciation, you make the decision by faith to follow Him as your Lord. You make personal what He accomplished on that cross 2000 years ago.

When you trust Jesus as Lord, you find that God the Judge has become God your Father. And the Father accepts us completely because of our dependence on His Son. We actually become part of God's family. Jesus becomes our new representative, replacing Adam. Jesus forgives all of our sins, all those thoughts and acts of disobedience and ignorance. Even our natures are changed, going from having sinful natures because of our ancestor Adam, to having holy natures because we become partakers of God's nature (2 Peter 1:2-4). We can rightly be called saints, which means holy ones! Now don't forget to call me saint Joel!

I've come up with a list of some immediate benefits of justification. Just read through these and be overwhelmed with all God has done on our behalf. We have peace with God, the war is over; we have free access to God and His resources; we have a certain future of actually being able to share God's glory; we can even exult in our present pressures because we learn they're out of God's love and part of His growth process for our lives (Romans 5:1-5). As I stated earlier, who we were in Adam dies (Romans 6:1-10, Galatians 2:20) and we receive God's nature (2 Peter 1:2- 4). We're made complete in Christ; that means nothing is missing to experience all He wants us to experience (Colossians 2:9-10). Every spiritual blessing is ours (Ephesians 1:3). We're cleansed from all sin by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7). We become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We're citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). We're part of God's royal priesthood; we don't need anyone except Jesus to have access with the Father (1 Peter 2:5,9). We're spiritually born again (John 3:5). We're part of God's family (Ephesians 2:19, 3:15)—children of God (1 John 3:1-2), adopted sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:5), heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17, Ephesians 1:13-14, Colossians 1:12). We're accepted by God (Ephesians 1:6) and never condemned (Romans 8:1). We're the dwelling place of God; actually at different places in Scripture it indicates that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all make their home in us (Romans 8:9-11; can you believe that God HIMSELF would make His home in you and me!). We've been made alive with Christ, raised up with Him, and seated with Him in the heavenly places; how this can be I can't explain but Ephesians 2:4-7 teaches these truths. We are God's workmanship, which means poem (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus is now our very life (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:4). We're a people for God's own possession (1 Peter 2:9-10). Now if these thoughts don't light you up, nothing will! Just take some time to reflect on these facts. We don't deserve them, we did nothing to earn them, but they are ours because we are Christ's. Why doesn't everyone receive Him as Lord and Savior? Justified by faith in Jesus—what a gift!

SANCTIFICATION means to be set apart to a holy purpose, to be put to one's intended use. It's like a chair; if it's being sat in, it's sanctified; if it's not being sat in, it's not sanctified. We could look at Romans 5:10, 8:2,4, 12:1, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Galatians 5:25, or Colossians 2:6, but the key passages are Romans 6:1-14 and Ephesians 4:17-24. As Christians justified by faith in Jesus, we have an intended use. It has to do with our thinking, words, and conduct. We have been made by God to be holy people. When we became Christians, we were made holy in our natures (remember, we're saints!). What growth in the Christian life is all about is becoming outwardly in our thinking, behavior, and words, who we already have become in our natures. This is a life-long process. That's the reason

Discipleship 112 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about Salvation?)—Page 4 of 5 sanctification is progressive. So it can be said we are being saved, freed from the power of sin. From God's perspective we're already sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:2, 6:11) and even glorified (Romans 8:30), but actually sanctification is a process, and again the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all involved (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Ephesians 5:26, Hebrews 2:11, 9:14, 13:12, Romans 15:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The word is used 31 times in the New Testament. The word holy is used 12 times of believers; the word saint is used 62 times of believers. There must be something to this holy living that is important to God! So when we were justified, we became new people, saints, followers of Jesus with holy natures. While we are being sanctified, we are progressing in our thinking and conduct to be separate from all that is unholy.

Sanctification, living holy lives, is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Peter 1:14-16), but how does one do it? Growth and maturity in the Christian's life come from feeding on and obeying God's Word and by faith presenting our bodies to the Holy Spirit. Just as we were justified by faith, so we are sanctified by faith (Galatians 3:1-6, Philippians 2:12-13, Colossians 2:6). Sanctification takes place in daily experience because we use the Word (Psalm 119:11— "Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."), because of Jesus' interceding ministry (Hebrews 7:25—"Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."), and, because of the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16—"Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh..." :25—"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."). It has the idea of metamorphosis, like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly; we are becoming outwardly who the Lord has already made us inwardly.

Being sanctified doesn't mean we can't sin; Scripture never teaches this (Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:17-24, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 John 1:8-2:2). To think and behave in line with our new holy natures, we must make moment by moment choices to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit. We are to choose to live Christ-like lives, not to secure God's favor because we could never do enough, but because we're accepted fully by Him. We obey because we were first loved by Him, and obedience is an expression of our love. We make Biblical choices because of who we are now in Him. Not to be dependent on the Spirit is going contrary to who He has made us in Christ. Love awakens love in return; and love once awakened desires to obey. Thankfulness will cause any person who has truly received God's grace to do as God requires. "Father, thank You for Your sanctifying process. It's best for us, and it gives great value to everything we're going through. You use Your Word, Your Spirit, fellow Christians, time, pressures, and a hunger to grow as part of Your building tools. You know exactly what each of us needs to grow. May we accept and even anticipate how You'll mature us. In our Intercessor's name we pray. Amen."

When we're walking by obedient faith, this truly brings glory and honor to our God. He's given us Himself so our conduct and thinking will be indistinguishable from our holy natures. When we sin (when it's not Christ-like behavior, empowered by the Holy Spirit, or motivated to bring glory to God), it breaks the intimate fellowship we enjoy with the Father and Son and grieves the Holy Spirit. Why don't you take a few moments to think through the sanctifying process going on in your life. In what area is God challenging your thinking and behavior? In what areas have you seen growth? In what areas have you seen ungodliness? What needs to be done in your life to ensure you keep growing? "Thank You, God, for what You're doing in our lives, for how You're growing us up!"

GLORIFICATION means that someday we will receive resurrection bodies, and be like Jesus. It means we will be saved, freed from the very presence of sin. The Hebrew word for glory means to be heavy, laden down with riches, power, position, etc. The Greek word means to manifest an honorable opinion. We could look at Romans 8:23, 13:11, 1 Corinthians 15:43, Ephesians 5:26-27, Colossians 3:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Peter 1:5, or Jude 24-25, but the key passages are Romans 8:29-30, Philippians 3:21, and 1 John 3:2. Romans 8:29-30 says, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." Philippians 3:21 says, "Jesus will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." 1 John 3:2 says, "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is."

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At the present time, in these mortal (going to die) bodies, we're groaning and decaying (Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). But someday (when Jesus returns for His own or we die) we will receive resurrected bodies, bodies that are equal to every task and can meet every need. What a glorious day that will be. It will be at this time that we actually share our God's glory. "Our Father of glory, someday we'll share Your glory. You've given us that certainty, and we long for that day. As we get to know You better, we find our anticipation increasing. May we realize You have numbered our days so that glorious day will come right on Your schedule. In the meantime while we wait, may we be faithfully obedient. In our transforming Lord's name we pray. Amen."

CONCLUSION In His compassion, God provided for every person to be forgiven of his or her sins, be made righteous in His sight, be set apart for His holy use, and someday be saved from the very presence of sin because he or she will no longer live in an unredeemed body. Jesus dealt with the sin issues on the Cross; and if we exercise the God-given faith we have, we are made right before God. The glory of the Good-News is that God did something for us in Christ that we could never do for ourselves. This full salvation is available to all by faith in Jesus Christ, and if any person refuses God's provision or tries another way, that person bears full responsibility. Jesus in John 5:39-40 said, "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life!" Thank God for His love and grace!

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God, a relationship in which they are eternally secure. We believe that such salvation with its forgiveness of sins, its impartation of a new nature, and its hope of eternal life, is entirely apart from good works, baptism, church membership, or man's effort, and is of pure grace. We believe that true salvation will result in a Christian desiring to grow in spiritual maturity through obedience to the Word of God and faith in the indwelling Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18, Revelation 5:9; John 1:12, 3:16, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 7:25; John 3:3,5; John 10:27-30; Romans 3:9-31, 5:11-19, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 3:5,7; Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:11-14, Colossians 2:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:3a, 1 Peter 1:14-16, Psalm 119:11, Hebrews 7:25, Galatians 5:16,25)

All because of Jesus, Joel

Discipleship 113 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Christian’s Identity IN Christ (Romans 5:11-6:14)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “The Christian’s Identity IN Christ” by Joel Berger.

STUDY The apostle Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter to the Roman Christians around 56 A.D. Probably writing from Corinth, he expresses his eagerness to visit the believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire. This letter is the best explanation of the Gospel message of any book in the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 deal with how to get right with God. Chapters 5-8 tell us who we are in Christ and in the Spirit. Chapters 9-11 stress God's free choice and mercy and Israel’s free choice and unbelief. And, chapters 12-16 cover how Christianity is to be lived out in a practical way.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In 5:11, why is the Christian to exult? In 5:12-21, how does the writer explain the reconciliation (change, exchange)? Make parallel columns to contrast who we were and what we had IN Adam with who we are now and what we have IN Christ. You can continue this throughout chapter six also. In 6:1-10, how did the reconciliation take place? How is the Christian described? In 6:11-14, how is the Christian to respond to the amazing facts of 6:1-10?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “My favorite game to play is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in 5:11-14? 5:15-21? 6:1-2? 6:3-10? :11-14? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Romans 5:11-21. Who were you and what did you have IN Adam? What are the practical implications for you? Who are you and what do you now have IN Christ? What are the practical implications for you? 3. Romans 6:1-14. How do the FACTS in :1-10 affect your thinking and choices? On which of the action steps in :11-14 do you need to concentrate? Why? 4. How do these truths practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, choices, actions, and/or speech change? Be specific, practical, personal.

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Christian’s Identity IN Christ” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also attached is “More notes on Romans 5:12-21 and 6:15-23.” Please read through those pages.

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If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17a). One of the most under-emphasized truths in our day is the Christian’s identity now that he/she has been justified by faith in Jesus as Lord. Today’s Christian tends to still see him/herself as a sinner, maybe a forgiven sinner, but definitely still a sinner. OR, he/she may understand him/herself to be half-sinner, half-saint, or half in Adam, half in Christ. As Christians, we must take God’s Word for it in terms of who His new creation is. GOD SAYS THIS is who you are: A saint (a holy one), IN Christ (instead of being IN Adam), a partaker of His nature, His dwelling place, His workmanship, complete in Christ, a new man, a citizen of heaven, part of God’s royal priesthood, part of Christ’s one Body, clothed with Christ, part of God’s family, His child, His adopted son, His heir, a fellow heir with Christ! The question we then face as we now know God’s facts: Are we going to believe these truths and in the Holy Spirit’s strength begin incorporating them into our thinking, choices, behavior, and words?

From the city of Corinth around 57 A.D., the apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write these words to the saints in Rome. The first four chapters deal with the need to become followers of Jesus and how to do it—by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then in chapter 5, the apostle assumes we’ve made that choice to trust Jesus (His Person and His work) and begins to unfold who the Christian is IN Christ and IN the Spirit. In 5:1-10, because of God’s love, we know that we’ll be (1) saved from God’s wrath and (2) saved by Jesus’ life—now!

As in Ephesians 2:1-3, in Romans 5:11-6:23, we learn that not only what we DID was wrong, but WE were wrong, and what God did about it. We were sinners IN Adam, sinners by nature, dead spiritually, slaves of sin. Nothing we could DO or REFRAIN FROM DOING could change our natures. But, in Romans 5:11 we have an “Exult!”: And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (NASB) Why exult or leap for joy in God? Since we’ve been justified by faith in Jesus as Lord, we’ve also been reconciled through Him. Reconcile means a change or exchange. Exult in God! Through the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, a great change or exchange has taken place! 5:12-6:23 are an explanation of 5:11.

In 5:12-14 we learn that through one man (Adam), sin entered into this world, and through sin, death. In this way death spread to every person, to the whole human race, because all sinned IN Adam. When Adam sinned, we did also! Death proves it. Not everyone who has died sinned “knowingly” LIKE Adam (examples would be babies, people who ignorantly sinned), yet all people sinned IN Adam. What this is proving is that “WE” are wrong. We can’t improve our natures. We can’t make ourselves other than a part of Adam. Behavior isn’t the issue in these verses; heredity is! Everyone has the same problem. Unless we change hearts, natures, identities, unless our ‘dead’ spirits are made alive, there is NO deliverance; we’re doomed to be sinners forever. Yet there’s hope from the last part of :14, “who is a type of Him who was to come”. Just as Adam was humanity’s representative (here referred to as a type, pattern, mark of a blow), so is Jesus!! Jesus is another type or pattern. And, Jesus has dealt with sins, sinners, and Adam (as humanity’s type or pattern). Exult in God! He’s reconciled us!

In :15-21 we have a series of contrasts between Adam and Jesus, between what we received from Adam and what we receive from Jesus, between who we were IN Adam and who we are now IN Christ. From Adam—helpless, ungodly, sinner, enemy, death (physical, spiritual, eternal), judgment, condemnation, slave of sin, shame, death. From Jesus— adequate, godly, righteous, friend, life, free gift, justification, slave of God, slave of righteousness, sanctification, eternal life. What staggering contrasts! Because of who a person is IN Adam and what he received FROM Adam, the only possible outcome is death (no life from God). Yet if a person is IN Jesus, experience the “MUCH MORE” life that God intends—abundant, eternal, overflowing LIFE, right now! Exult in God! We’ve been reconciled!

By the way, Law is not God’s solution for making us right with Him. Law was never given to make us better. It doesn’t or can’t help in dealing with sin. It gives us knowledge of sin (3:20) but it also increases sin. BUT, where sin increased, GOD’s GRACE (His undeserved favor) abounded all the more! The work of Christ was so complete, dealing with sins, sinners, and Adam, that the grace of God more than exceeds the worst of sins and sinners. No one can outsin God’s grace. Exult in God!

The apostle Paul goes on to describe how each Christian’s nature was changed in chapter 6!! When we were justified by faith in Jesus, not only were our sins forgiven but also our old natures IN Adam were dealt with. Outwardly we

Discipleship 113—THE CHRISTIAN’S IDENTITY IN CHRIST (Romans 5:11-6:14) Page 2 of 3 remained unchanged, but inwardly we’ve started completely over (a new man in the old suit!).

6:1-2 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? Since we can’t outsin God’s grace, since we’re no longer IN Adam but are now IN Christ, since Jesus is our new representative, what does it matter if we continue in sin, if we conform to the world’s pressures, if we live how we did before we became Christians? Are we to continue in a “lifestyle of sin”…? :2 May it never be! NO WAY! What poor thinking! Why? How shall we who died to sin still live in it? We have died to sin! Realize who you are now IN Christ and what’s taken place. You’re not who you used to be. You’ve died to sin! Play that fact over again and again. Sin is no longer the Christian’s nature nor does it have power over us. It’s not so much “Can we go back?” but “Why would we go back or continue in sin?” God’s grace is never to be used as an excuse to sin.

He goes on to explain the truth of :2 in :3-10. :3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Baptized means immersed or placed into something. KNOW this, if you’re justified by faith in Jesus as Lord, you were “placed into” the one Body of Christ Jesus! Since that is true, then you were also “placed into” His death! God found no good in the old self (man). It had to die, or else we’d always be IN Adam and slaves to sin. We died with Christ (:6)! :4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Since the old man IN Adam died with Christ, he/she’s also been buried with Christ. Pay attention! Who we were in Adam is dead and buried! Our old man IN Adam ended with the Cross! Our new man IN Christ began with Jesus’ resurrection! God says it! We’re to believe it based on the historical facts of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Have you had your funeral yet? Have you had your resurrection party yet? It was all SO THAT newness of life (not a lifestyle of sin :1) would be our walk. God began a whole new race—IN Christ. And newness of life (fresh, new, never-experienced-before life) should characterize every one of His family.

“Our Father, Your ways are so far beyond us. We would have tried to somehow improve the old man in Adam; You killed him! We would try to revive the old dead person; You buried him! We can’t bring life out of death; but You can and did! You began a whole new race SO newness of life could/would be our walk. Amen!”

:5-7 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, :6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; :7 for he who has died is freed from sin. United means to implant, grow together with, like a vine and branch. Jesus’ life and ours are inseparable in both His death and resurrection. Since we HAVE become united with Him in the likeness of His death (:2-4a, :6-7), we are CERTAINLY also united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection (:4b, :8-10). KNOW our old self (the old man IN Adam) was crucified with Jesus SO THAT the body of sin might be rendered powerless, and SO THAT we should no longer be slaves to sin. Remember :2—you’ve died to sin! Sin has no power over a dead person! We are no longer under sin’s power (although the memories don’t cease)! We are no longer sin’s slaves! Understand who you AREN’T! If you’re justified by faith in Jesus as Lord, no longer are you IN Adam, a sinner by nature, a slave to sin. “Praise the Lord, who I was IN Adam is dead!”

:8-10 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. :8 Since we’ve died with Christ, we believe we’ll also live with Him—now and in the future! We fully know that we are united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection. Jesus was raised; we were raised! Jesus saves us by His life (5:10); we shall live with HIM. (Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”) :9-10a KNOW (:3,5) that Christ, having been raised from the dead—He’s a risen, living Lord; He’s the victorious conqueror of sin and death—is never to die again. The certainty of our new life with Christ is rooted in Christ’s once-for-all death and resurrection. At His death, Jesus abolished sin’s penalty and broke sin’s power. But now the point of :8- 10: :10b But the life that He lives, He lives to God! He died, to sin, once for all (only once, that’s what it took). But the life that He lives, He lives to God (an ongoing life). And He lives it in and through people like us (5:10, 8:10)! Jesus’ life, lived to the Father, in and through us! Alive to God in Christ Jesus. “Praise the Lord, who I am now IN Christ is alive!”

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“Father, these are facts we’re looking at. They are not debatable; they are not based on how I “feel” at the moment. I may “feel” like a sinner right now, but Your truth teaches me that I am new in Christ. I may not “feel” like I’m dead to sin, but Your truth teaches me that I am. These facts are grounded in Your Son’s death, burial, and resurrection. Please teach us all they mean and how they impact our daily living. We want to know, believe, and act, based on these truths. Thank You that because You’ve changed us, You have provided for newness of life to be our daily walk.”

Now in :11-14 we have the response to these facts of :1-10. We must first KNOW them before we can walk in the way pleasing to God. The Biblical responses are to (1) consider the facts true (to believe them) and (2) present our physical bodies to God. :11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Consider is a financial term that means to take into account, to look at the books, to calculate something to be true. Look at the facts of God and come to a settled conviction and confidence in our minds. God has stated these truths. We are to believe them based on who He is and what He’s done and said. We’ve died with Christ; we’ve been raised with Christ. You died to sin. You are alive to God in Christ Jesus. These are God’s facts! Know them, believe them, and…

:12-13 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts. Therefore, because we’re dead to sin and alive to God and we believe these truths, don’t let sin reign! Don’t let sin be king in your mortal body so you obey its desires. It doesn’t make sense based on the facts. Don’t let sin’s desires rule in your body; those are not who you are IN Christ. :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. “Stop offering (handing over) parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness.” God says, “I’ve made you this new person in Christ. I put to death the sinner you were and raised you a saint. I’ve made every provision for you to walk in newness of life. So, present your body to Me, as the person who has been brought from death to life. Offer the parts of your body to Me, as instruments of rightness.” Present means to put yourself at the disposal of another. We’re to present our unredeemed bodies to God, to be used as He sees fit. Yes, sin still dwells in our bodies and it tries to rule through these physical bodies (the flesh), yet KNOW God’s facts, BELIEVE them to be true for the temptation you’re facing at the moment, and PRESENT your body to God. (1) Go through the facts of :1-10. (2) Come to a settled conviction in your mind concerning them. And remember, (3) you’ve presented your body to God.

:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. If you are still under “law”, sin is still your master (remember 5:20, the law makes sin increase!). But as we’ll see in chapter 7, we’re not under “law” any longer. We’re under grace, God’s grace, His undeserved favor. There are no external controls needed. You’re alive to God Himself. We act because of our relationship with God, not because we have to!

“Our Father, thank You for giving us Your truths. We know who we were in Adam no longer exists. We are now new in Christ. Thank You! We believe we’re dead to sin and alive to You in Christ Jesus. We’ve presented our body members for You to use as You see fit. May our knowing and considering and presenting be based on You and Your words. You have made full provision to walk in victory. May our personal choices reveal who we are IN Christ and that we belong to You! We exult in You because we’ve been reconciled and we’re under Your grace. Amen.”

Discipleship 113—More notes on Romans 5:12-21 and 6:15-23 (The Christian’s Identity IN Christ) Page 1 of 3

5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— Through one man Adam, sin entered into this world, & through sin, death. In this way death spread to every person, to the whole human race, because all sinned IN Adam. It’s from this first man that the great issues of sin and death entered the world. The first man fell short of God’s glory, and since he was the representative of the human race, when he sinned, we did too. Death proves it. Paul will finish the thought in :18!

:13-14 for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. :14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. Even before God’s written law was given, sin was in the world. Yet it was not charged to the account of those without law. But everyone was still proven a sinner! How? They all died, clear from Adam the first man until Moses the Law-giver. Not everyone who has died sinned “knowingly” LIKE Adam (examples would be babies, people who ignorantly sinned), yet all people sinned IN Adam. Adam is the father of the whole human race. He sinned, and his sin nature was passed on to every human being following him. Again, what proves the fact that all sinned IN Adam? Death reigned! What this is proving is that “WE” are wrong. We can’t improve our natures. We can’t make ourselves other than a part of Adam. Behavior isn’t the issue in these verses; heredity is! Everyone has the same problem. All are born sinners. Someone might say, “I’m not so bad”; but that isn’t even the issue in these verses. There are bad sinners and good sinners, but every person IN Adam is a sinner! It’s not how bad or good you are, but that you are IN Adam. Unless we change hearts, natures, identities, unless our ‘dead’ spirits are made alive, there is NO deliverance. Our natures can’t get better. We can’t educate them, correct them with laws, can’t overcome them. It’s a hopeless, helpless situation—apart from a loving God.

Apart from the Lord Jesus, (1) we sin by thoughts and practices. We need forgiveness. (2) We are sinners by nature. We need a new nature. And, (3) Adam’s sin was charged to our account. We need a new representative, a new “type”. Yet there’s hope from the last part of :14 “who is a type of Him who was to come”. Just as Adam was humanity’s representative, here referred to as a type, pattern, mark of a blow, so is Jesus!! Jesus is another type or pattern. And Jesus has dealt with sins, sinners, and Adam (as humanity’s type or pattern). Exult in God! He’s reconciled us!

In :15-21 we have a series of contrasts between Adam and Jesus, between what we received from Adam and what we receive from Jesus, between who we were IN Adam and who we are now IN Christ. :15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The believer doesn’t receive his payment due; he receives something he doesn’t deserve, that she didn’t earn, and that’s eternal life. God’s free gift is very different from Adam’s deviation from truth. Adam’s sin resulted in many dying; that’s the penalty for sin. BUT, MUCH MORE (:9,10,15,17), God’s free gift by the grace of Jesus abounded in the midst of all that sin and death. :16 The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. The gift’s results were far different from Adam’s results. From Adam and his sin: inevitable judgment resulting in condemnation. Out of God’s grace, sins were met with Jesus’ gift, and the result was justification, rightness, God’s justice achieved! :17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. For if by Adam’s sin, death reigned, MUCH MORE (it is a far more wonderful truth) those who receive God’s grace and gift of justice will reign in life through Jesus Christ. Instead of death reigning, WE reign in LIFE!

In :18-21 Paul finishes the thought begun in :12 (reread :12!). :18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. Adam’s sin resulted in condemnation to all people. Jesus’ one act of righteousness resulted in justification that brings life to all people. :19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Through Adam’s disobedience, many were made sinners. So also through Jesus’ obedience, many will be made righteous. From Adam—sin, death (physical, spiritual, eternal), judgment, condemnation, death reigns, sinners. From Jesus—free gift, grace, justification, reign in life, righteous. What staggering contrasts! Because of who a person is IN Adam and what he

Discipleship 113—More notes on Romans 5:12-21 and 6:15-23 (The Christian’s Identity IN Christ)—Page 2 of 3 received FROM Adam, the only possible outcome is death (no life). Yet if a person is IN Jesus, experience the “MUCH MORE” life that God intends—abundant, eternal, overflowing LIFE, right now! Exult in God! We’ve been reconciled!

Where does law fit in all this? Why was it given? :20-21 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Law is not God’s solution for making us right with Him. Law was never given to make us better. It doesn’t or can’t help in dealing with sin. It gives us knowledge of sin (3:20) but it also increases sin. The harder one tries to obey law, the greater the failure. BUT, where sin increased, GOD’s GRACE abounded all the more. Grace means undeserved favor. God’s favor is given although we don’t deserve it and can’t earn it. In the midst of increasing sin, grace superabounds and then some on top of that, beyond all measure!! :21 So that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Instead of death reigning, grace reigns, the purpose to bring people to God and make them right with Him. The end result is eternal life. The work of Christ was so complete, dealing with sins, sinners, and Adam, that the grace of God more than exceeds the worst of sin and sinners! No one can outsin God’s grace!

Exult in God! When we by faith received Jesus as Lord (were justified), we moved out of Adam’s sinful, death-reigning, condemned family, and into Christ’s justified, reigning, righteous family—talk about The Great Exchange! That’s why we exult in God! Out of His love and grace, He has made Himself and the great exchange available to every person.

By the way, if a person’s nature hasn’t been changed, if a person is still IN Adam (a sinner by nature), that person is not right with God. Instead he/she is condemned, with death reigning in his/her life. So the apostle Paul goes on to describe how each Christian’s nature was changed in chapter 6!! When we were justified by faith in Jesus, not only were our sins forgiven but also our old natures IN Adam were dealt with. Outwardly we remained unchanged, but inwardly we’ve started completely over (a new man in the old suit!). God didn’t overhaul the “old” you in Adam; He made you a “new” you in Christ. See what Jesus did out of His grace—forgiveness of sins, a new family, a new representative, a new nature. Once we were born into Adam, but now we’ve been born again into Christ, and it’s birth, not behavior, that determines our identity. His grace exceeds the worst of sin and sinners.

6:15-16 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! “Okay, I see that I shouldn’t live a lifestyle of sin (6:1-2), but what about an occasional sin?” Paul answers, “NO WAY!” Why? “Because you’re a slave of the one whom you choose to obey!” :16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? The word slave means one whose will is swallowed up in another’s. Fully KNOW that when you present yourself to another’s will, you are slaves of the one whom you obey. Now remember, Paul has just said to present your body to God, as those alive from the dead (because we are!). Our obedience is to reflect our nature. Obedience to sin results in death—the hopeless, discontented, guilty, fearful, condemned, despairing kind of life. Obedience to God results in righteousness—the right kind of living, thoughts, actions, and words from God’s perspective. Your choices should reveal who your master is.

:17-18 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, :18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Thank God that you, who were at one time slaves of sin, from the heart obeyed the form (the pattern) of teaching to which you were delivered, given over. You once were slaves of sin by nature; that’s who you were and you had no choice but to sin. But thanks be to God(!), you wholeheartedly responded to the message of Jesus as Lord and what He had done. Now we’ve become obedient from our very core to the good news of Jesus Christ! We have hearts of obedience! We’ve been given over (passive) to that good news, the teaching, which now molds and shapes us. This is why we love God and His truth; we can’t get enough! We’ve been freed from sin (we’ve died to it); we’re not its slaves anymore. We’ve become slaves of righteousness! Our choices should reveal who we belong to. DO who you ARE!

:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. Paul puts this in human terms because we

Discipleship 113—More notes on Romans 5:12-21 and 6:15-23 (The Christian’s Identity IN Christ)—Page 3 of 3 understand things better when he talks of ‘slavery’. The word “present” is not a command. We’ve already presented our bodies, but it’s wise to remember and review the fact. We’ve been set free to do what our Master pleases. Just as our body members used to be presented as slaves to impurity and lawlessness, resulting in ever-increasing lawlessness, SO, recognize that you’ve presented the members of your body to righteousness, which will result in sanctification (being set apart for God’s exclusive use!). Act the slave of the One to whom you belong!

“Our Father, since we’re not under law but under grace, we should not make provision for even one sin. Because of the enslavement of our choices, because our obedience is to reflect who we are in Christ, because even one sin results in death, and obedience to You results in LIFE, because we’ve been given over to Your Word which now molds and shapes us, because we’re slaves of Yours and slaves of righteousness, our thoughts, actions, words, and choices should reveal these facts. We realize it’s only as Jesus lives His life in and through us can this kind of life be lived (5:10, 6:10b).

:20-21 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. When slaves of sin, we were free from righteousness; that was our condition. Everything we did was sin. Yes, we were free to do whatever sin wanted, but no freedom to do what God wanted. We were sin’s slaves, revealed by sin’s consequences. “Don’t go back, even once in a while!” :21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. There was no benefit from those practices, those things of which you are now ashamed to recall. They resulted in death—the barren, no-hope, no-life, only gutting-it-out type of existence. So why would you, IN Christ, God’s slave, obey sin? It only results in more sin, shame, and finally a death-walk.

:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Now a change of life has taken place. Deliverance is available to all. KNOW this—you were freed from sin (past tense). There’s no penalty of sin and we’re free from its power. KNOW this—you have become enslaved to God (past tense). The benefit of this new life is being set apart for His use. The outcome is eternal life. Now as a slave of God, when you sin, it’s because you choose to, not because you have to!

:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The pay (used of rations given to soldiers) for sin is death (spiritual, physical, and eventually eternal). Sin pays off all right—in death! Even one sin should not be considered. Look at what sin leads to, and, it’s not who we are slaves of any more. KNOW who you are, Christian! God’s free gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The believer doesn’t receive his payment due; he receives something he doesn’t deserve, that she didn’t earn, and that’s eternal life. It’s found only in Jesus (see John 17:3) Eternal life is the quality of life, newness of life, that God has made full provision for living. It begins now!

God has made every provision for walking in newness of life. He’s even changed who we are. We’re now slaves of God and righteousness. So, our bodies are intended to be instruments of righteousness. As Ray Stedman asks, “What good is it to be set free from sin by Jesus Christ and have every opportunity and possibility of walking in holiness and righteousness, if at the moment of choice, we ignore those facts and go right on as though we were slaves to sin?”

According to Romans 6, a believer should not continue in sin for two reasons: (1) he/she has been united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection and has died to the power of sin. (2) He/She is a slave of God, and obedience should demonstrate his/her master. “Our Father, we know who we were in Adam no longer exists; we are now new in Christ. We are Your slaves. Thank You! We believe we’re dead to sin and alive to You in Christ Jesus. We’ve presented our body members for You to use as You see fit. May we continue to know You and Your truths well. May our personal choices reveal who we are and Who we belong to! Saved by Jesus’ life! Amen.”

Discipleship 114 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Christian’s Identity IN the Spirit (Romans 7:1-8:17)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “The Christian’s Identity IN the Spirit” by Joel Berger.

STUDY The apostle Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter to the Roman Christians around 56 A.D. Probably writing from Corinth, he expresses his eagerness to visit the believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire. This letter is the best explanation of the Gospel message of any book in the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 deal with how to get right with God. Chapters 5-8 tell us who we are in Christ and in the Spirit. Chapters 9-11 stress God's free choice and mercy and Israel’s free choice and unbelief. And, chapters 12-16 cover how Christianity is to be lived out in a practical way.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: Please read all of Romans 7 and 8. We’ll be concentrating on 8:1-17a. What is the main point of 7:1-6? 7:7-13? 7:14-25? 8:1-4? 8:5-8? 8:9-11? 8:12-17a? What great truth you will understand as you put all your points together! What did you learn about the Law? About the flesh? About the Spirit? Who is the Christian “IN the Spirit”? What is God’s plan for the Christian’s walk?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “Between the ages of 7 and 12 I…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in 7:1-25? 8:1-17? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Romans 7:1-25. Why isn’t “Law” the way to walk as a Christian? Why isn’t the “flesh” the way to walk as a Christian? What are the truths that impact you personally? 3. Romans 8:1-17. What is God’s way to walk as a Christian? On what basis can we walk in a way pleasing to Him? How do the teachings of this chapter affect your thinking and choices? 4. How do these truths practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal.

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Christian’s Identity IN the Spirit” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also carefully review the notes on Walking by the Spirit and ECRAT (Dshp 109).

Discipleship 114—THE CHRISTIAN’S IDENTITY IN THE SPIRIT (Romans 7:1-8:17a) Page 1 of 3

Now that we’re new creations IN Christ, how are we to walk in line with who we are? To begin with, we have to know who we are—IN Christ and IN the Spirit. In Romans 5-6, the subjects are who we were and what we had IN Adam, and who we are now IN Christ and what we have in Him. But in chapters 7-8, there’s a change of subjects. The main subjects of chapters 7-8 are law, the flesh, and the Spirit. Law is a standard of conduct which is expected of people. Flesh is our unredeemed bodies where sin still dwells; it is trying to handle life without relying on God. The Spirit is the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who lives within each Christian. God’s truth makes clear: You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you (Romans 8:9a NASB). In the Spirit, you are free from the limitations of the flesh and the condemnation of the Law. Romans 7:1-8:17a spells out how to walk as a new creation IN Christ and IN the Spirit!

Here are the highlights of chapter 7, bringing us to the point of desperation! 7:1-6 Knowing the law (either through God’s Word or His law written on our hearts), we understand when it says, “Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives!” The law of marriage is an illustration. Each mate in a marriage is bound by the law of marriage to the other until one dies. How can we be released from the jurisdiction of the law that we can’t keep in our own strength? Only by death! We’ve died to the Law. Christians died to the Law IN ORDER THAT (1) we might be joined to the resurrected Jesus, (2) we might bear fruit for God, and (3) we can in the Spirit’s strength serve God and others. Released from the Law, joined to the Lord Jesus, and serving in the Spirit’s strength—this is the authentic Christian life.

7:7-13 There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Law. But sin (which indwells every person’s fleshly body)—using the commandments as its base of operations—produces sin of every kind, deceiving us and resulting in the rotting fruit of death. We had to die to God’s law or any law, not because it was bad but because (1) our flesh is not capable of living up to the law’s demands and because (2) the law is not how God designed us to walk. Paul uses his own life as an example. “The 10th Commandment says, ‘Don’t covet!’ Yet sin in my flesh, making the Law its base of operations (its starting place, its headquarters) produced in me strong desires of every kind. It was through that good commandment that sin found its opportunity! Law requires perfection, and no one’s flesh is capable of such perfection! Sin took advantage of the commandment about coveting to mislead me, deceive me, and kill me.” Sin in our flesh is powerful (:8). It is deceitful and deadly (:11). It is utterly sinful (:13). Sin, as revealed and stimulated and condemned by the Law, is forced to reveal its true colors in the extreme, so we might be horrified by what we see in our lives apart from the life and work of God. Even though forgiven, new IN Christ, holy ones by nature, we can’t deal with sin by law or by the flesh. Sin is too powerful, deceitful, and sinful. We had to die to it!

7:14-25 Paul says, “Again, look at my life! I want to do the good, but I don’t end up practicing it. The problem is not the ‘new me’ but sin which dwells in my flesh.” Paul describes his soul in conflict, wanting to obey, yet seeing the inability of the flesh to keep God’s standards. A Christian trying by law and the flesh ends up walking like a slave to sin, walking like he used to IN Adam. “The new I IN Christ isn’t responsible but I still live in a fleshly body, and, sin still lives or resides within my flesh.” The writer Paul is not making an excuse. This is the reality, revealing what needs to be dealt with. “The law of sin always wins! And the law of sin not only wages war but also takes me prisoner (helpless at the point of a spear). Look at my walk; it looks like I’m a slave to sin! Wretched, miserable, exhausted- from-hard-labor person that I am! Who will deliver me from this physical body still subject to sin and death?” You may say, “These verses describe me!” But if they do, all they mean is you’re trying by the flesh to live a life pleasing to God. We’ve all been where Paul is describing. Many are convinced this is all there is. But Romans 7:7-25 is not the end of the story! Being convinced of the inability of the flesh and that we’re free from the Law sets us free to know and follow GOD’s plan for the Christian walk. 8:1-17 gives God’s answer to the dilemma expressed in chapter 7.

8:1-4 Therefore there is 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 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. If you’re IN Christ Jesus, you’re not condemned to walking by the flesh. The Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and of death. God did what the Law couldn’t do. Through sending His own Son for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh. He didn’t condemn you; He condemned sin in the flesh. One result is that the requirement of the Law that we want to keep is fulfilled, not by us, but by Him in us, as we are walking by the Spirit.

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:1-4 In this context, the Christian is not condemned to a life of sin and death, of trying and failing in his/her own strength. Because we’re IN Christ, we’re delivered from the bondage of sin and the condemnation of the Law and the limitations of the flesh. A new law, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has permanently set us free from the law of sin and death that we couldn’t defeat in our own strength. This is a new way! GOD freed us from that law we couldn’t cope with because of sin in our body members! He replaced that law with a Life, the Spirit’s. Believe the facts! Live the facts! What the Law could not do—not because it was wrong but because the flesh is weak (because sin still resides there)—God did!! Sending Jesus, His own Son, in the likeness of all humanity and for sin (temptable yet without sin), He condemned sin in the flesh. Amazing! Sin in the flesh has been fully dealt with. And, the Spirit who gave the Law fulfills it in us as we walk by Him, are filled with Him, are led by Him. It’s a walk, step by step, day by day! We may think it’s enough to be IN Christ, but we must also learn what it means to walk according to the Spirit. Being IN Christ I’m no longer condemned. Walking by the Spirit I now have life, His life! The Christian is IN Christ and can walk according to the Spirit. This should be the normal Christian life. The Holy Spirit is how we can WALK as the Christians we saw we ARE in 5:11-6:23!

God’s solution is not by our trying harder, but trusting in what God has done in Christ and does through the Spirit. “Holy Spirit, I’m commanded to walk by You. Thank You for Your life in my unredeemed body. You are the only One who can live the life of Jesus! I will go on with my everyday life (walking by Your power, for Your glory, in line with Your Word) assuming that I’m filled with You until You let me know differently.” This is life-changing truth! Do we KNOW these facts? Do we RECOGNIZE: (1) We’ve died to the Law (7:4). (2) The flesh can’t fulfill the requirements of God’s Law (8:5-8)? (3) God’s astounding plan of the Holy Spirit indwelling our bodies so He can give life to our mortal bodies (:9-11)? (4) We owe nothing to the flesh (:12-13)? (5) Who we are in the Spirit (:14-17a)? Awesome!

8:5-8 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. :6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, :7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, :8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. The mind set on the flesh is death; it is hostile toward God; it doesn’t subject itself to God’s law (it’s not even able to do so); and if you’re “in” the flesh, you can’t please God. By the flesh you can’t possibly please God! As Christians, the flesh is simply how we operate when not relying upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. The fleshly person thinks the only way to accomplish anything (even God’s things) is to do it in his/her own strength. That thinking only ends in death—fear, hostility, guilt, emptiness. The flesh doesn’t, won’t, can’t, subject itself to the Law of God. So, be convinced and act upon the fact that our flesh can’t live a life pleasing to God! The flesh can’t be improved or controlled by our own strength or methods. The life the Christian will experience walking according to the flesh is described in 7:7-25, Galatians 5:19-21, and Romans 1:18-32.

8:9-11 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. :10 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 dwells in you. You are not IN the flesh but IN the Spirit. The proof of this is that both Christ and the Spirit are in us—Christ in our spirits, the Spirit in our bodies. God’s plan for the Christian’s WALK is not by law nor by the flesh but by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who gives life, real life, to our mortal bodies. YOU! (emphatic!) are not IN the flesh. YOU! are IN the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. To wrap up the Christian’s identity: We are no longer IN Adam; we are now IN Christ. We are dead to sin; we are alive to God. We are no longer IN the flesh; we are now IN the Spirit. We have died to the Law; we are to live by the Spirit. Renew your mind with these life-changing truths. Otherwise we’ll think the tug of the flesh is a tug we can’t resist, at least not consistently. A Christian is one in whom Jesus and the Holy Spirit dwell. This new identity—who we are IN Christ and IN the Spirit—should determine how we think and walk!

Our bodies now are mortal (still to physically die), yet they are where the “new we” still live while on this earth. God’s solution? His Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, has made His home in our bodies. HE will live the character and beauty of Jesus through our mortal bodies! The Christian life isn’t performance (laws) but Presence (relationship)! And the Holy Spirit dwells within your body to make it alive—now! As we through the

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Spirit by faith walk (Galatians 5:5), people will see Jesus’ life, lived again through us. It’s not by our flesh producing good behavior; it’s by making sure we’re walking by the Spirit, in His strength. And, every time we walk by the Spirit, we will not carry out the desire of the flesh. The Spirit of God Himself is the solution to our weak flesh, to the requirements of the Law being fulfilled, to walking in a way pleasing to God! Instead of Law, God’s indwelling Holy Spirit is the answer to the flesh and powerful, deceitful, indwelling sin.

Just as we trusted the Person and work of Jesus for our salvation, so now trust the Person and work of the indwelling Spirit for our walk. “Holy Spirit, I can’t handle this situation. Please give me Your perspective on this and fill me with Yourself. May it be Your good fruit that is evident in and through me.” When we are strengthened with power through the Spirit and thinking Biblically, our choices, words, and actions will reveal Who we’re trusting.

8:12-17a So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— :13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. :14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. :15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” :16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, :17a and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. The main point of these verses: We are under obligation, not to the flesh, but to the Spirit. Remember your new identity in the Spirit—sons of God, children of God, heirs of God, fellow-heirs with Christ! The Spirit assures us that we belong—to God! Live in light of these truths!

Know who you are IN the Spirit! The solution to change in your life is to see who the Biblical God is, who He has made you IN Christ and IN the Spirit, and by faith look to the Holy Spirit within to produce whatever is needed at the moment.

Discipleship 115 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Biblical Church (Ephesians 4:1-16)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “The Biblical Church” by Joel Berger.

STUDY Most likely a circular letter written to several churches in Asia Minor, Ephesians is a letter from the apostle Paul. He probably wrote this letter from Rome during his two-year imprisonment around 60 A.D. In chapters 1-3, Paul covers God’s blessings on every believer, the power of God at work in individuals and races, and then prays (1) that the Ephesian believers would be strengthened with power through His Spirit, (2) that they’d lay hold of and experience the love of Christ, and (3) that they’d be filled up to all the fullness of God. Concentrating half of his letter on the Person and work of our Lord Jesus and the institution of the Church, in the second half Paul covers how the Church should walk, how individual Christians should walk, how a husband and wife should walk, how children and parents should walk, how employees and employers should walk—all in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called (4:1). In closing, he covers the full armor of God.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In Ephesians 4, summarize the main thought of each paragraph: :1-3, :4-6, :7- 10, :11-13, and :14-16. Notice how the writer focuses on the unity of the Church in :1-6 and the variety in the Church in :7-16. What impact do these truths have on your thinking? As a Christian? As part of the Church?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One thing I appreciate about my church is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in Ephesians 4:1-16? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Ephesians 4:1-16. In what area(s) do you need to concentrate: Walking worthy? Making every effort to preserve the unity? Recognizing the variety in the Body by the differing spiritual gifts? Making sure you’re being equipped? Getting involved in serving and building up? Truthing it in love? Keeping your focus on your Head, Jesus? 3. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Biblical Church” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Also read “What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Church?” by Joel Berger. Underline and meditate on what is helpful to you.

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The Biblical Church. The word Church means “called-out ones.” This clearly indicates the Church is not a building but made up of Christians. We could talk about the universal Church, the totality of all true believers in Jesus as Lord. We could look at local churches, made up of groups of believers who meet together regularly for equipping, fellowship, prayer, learning, worship, mutual building up, loving, practicing unity, making disciples, and using spiritual gifts. The purposes of believers scattered are to serve, build up, witness, make disciples, use spiritual gifts, and, relying upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, to live the life of Jesus, whenever, wherever!

Ephesians 4:1-16 and Acts 2:42-47 help us understand the Biblical Church as a whole and local churches. In the first half of Ephesians, the apostle Paul teaches us about God (speak well of Him who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing), His power and grace (with us as individuals and corporately), and who He has made us (His workmanship, one new man). Now in chapters 4-6, Paul begins to deal with application to daily life. For the Church and for individuals, this is the process of becoming in our thinking, choices, speech, and behavior who God has made us by nature.

4:1-3 :1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, :2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, :3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. A prisoner of the Lord Jesus, Paul says, “I beg of you please; I call you to my side. Walk worthy!” Walk worthy means to balance the scales so one side is equal to the other. “Give equal weight in your lives to Biblical truth and your walk!” Because we are one single Body, His workmanship, one new man, now we’re begged to walk worthy of that calling. This is what strengthened with power through the Spirit, laying hold of and experiencing the love of Christ, and being filled up to all the Father’s fullness (Paul’s prayer in 3:16-19) will look like in a local body of believers: (1) Regarding one another and his/her interests as more important than my interests. (2) Strength under God’s control. (3) Long tempered. (4) Patiently enduring or bearing with one another in the spirit of God’s agapē love, which seeks another’s highest good. (5) Recognize, we’re already one. We are to strive to maintain a unity that is already ours!! Then Paul gives some examples of our unity:

:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; :5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, :6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Here are the essentials that hold us together. One Body—the Body under one Head Jesus. We were placed into the one Body when we became Christians. Nothing can separate us. One Spirit—each believer is indwelt and sealed by the same Holy Spirit. He’s made our bodies His dwelling place, individually and collectively. One hope of your calling— every believer has been called to share one common hope. Jesus is our hope, our certainty, both now and in the future. :5 One Lord—whose name is Jesus, one Master, King, ultimate Authority. One faith—the faith by which all saints enter into salvation, Jesus being the object of our faith. One baptism—to place into. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, placing each believer into the one Body of Christ. :6 One God who is our Father, the Father of all who believe. We are one family, with one God and Father. These seven essentials are the basis for the unity we are to make every effort to preserve! When together, we can’t create spiritual unity, but we can recognize and practice the unity we already have! :1-6 In the Church: There’s a basic unity. Maintain it!

In 4:7-10, the writer Paul turns from “all” of us in the one Body of Christ to “each” of us in the Body, and so from the unity in the Church to the variety, revealed by different spiritual gifts Jesus has given. :7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. :8 Therefore it says, “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.” :9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? :10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) The grace given in :7 includes the power and ministries and gifts that enable us to function best exactly where we are in the Body. The “balanced” walk of the Church includes Christians discovering and lovingly exercising their Christ-given gifts. This is like an orchestra with different members and instruments and music, directed by the Head of the Church! :8-10 are like a parenthesis to explain how Christ received the right to graciously give the gifts. Paul uses this Old Testament picture of God and relates that this is what Jesus also did in His incarnation, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation. As Conqueror, Jesus received gifts that He can give. As the Victor, He fills the Body with everything necessary to make possible the worthy, united walk. Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities that have been given to every

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Christian to minister to others. We are to trust the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and just “show up!”

:11-13 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, :12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; :13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Unity yes, but also variety. Each Christian has been equipped by God with certain gifts to play an important role in the beautiful Body of Christ. Be equipped so each of us can use those gifts to serve and build up others. The end result of God’s plan is maturity!

:11 None other than the ascended, exalted Lord Jesus Christ gives His Church grace and gifts. Some apostles— ones sent forth. “I commissioned them to lay the foundation of the Church, proclaim My words, and be witnesses of Me.” Some prophets—ones who speak forth God’s truths. “They received My message for My people that was appropriate to their situation.” Some evangelists—proclaimers of God’s good-news about Jesus. “Evangelists, boldly invite listeners into a personal relationship with Me, Jesus the Lord and Savior. You’ll mainly use your gift outside the church gathering, but be sure to equip other believers to share their faith also.” Some pastors and teachers—ones who both pastor (shepherd) and teach. “You’ll have the spiritual ability to shepherd, feed, and equip the flock to find and use their spiritual gifts.” The four gifts of :11 are to equip the saints, so the unity and the variety of the Body will show up in everyone serving, building up, maturing, and loving.

:12 The ultimate work of the Body of Christ among Christians and in the world is to be done by equipped saints (holy ones, every Christian), all of them! This is God’s plan for His Church: equipping the saints so all together we can serve and build up others. Equip means to complete what is lacking and perfect what is already there. Train Christians in who God is, His work, who they are in Christ and in the Spirit, their gifts, to be involved in serving and building up. As each Christian then functions as Jesus intends, people will see Him at work! Being equipped, we begin to serve others and build up fellow believers, using our gifts wherever!! :13 “The Church comes of age…and looks like Jesus!” “The Church is here on earth, not to do better what other groups can do, but to do what no other group can possibly do. We’re here to manifest the life and love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ!” :7-13 In the Church: There is great variety, revealed by different spiritual gifts. Use yours!

:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; :15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, :16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. As a result of understanding and practicing God’s plan revealed in 4:1-13, we are to no longer be infants, “childish, wind-blown, duped, and deceived.” “Stop being naïve infants, preyed upon by cunning and deceitful schemers.” Grow out of infancy. Yes, be child-like in your walk of faith, but don’t be childish. Don’t be spiritual infants entirely at the mercy of your emotions, circumstances, and others. Make sure you’re truthing it in love with each other. Christ’s kind of love determines that each member will seek the building up of all. Every word we say should reflect that kind of love. :14-16 In the Church: In love maintain the unity and practice the variety!

Let’s see how the early Church in Acts practiced these truths. Acts was written by Luke, the traveling companion and friend of the apostle Paul. It was in a world of one universal language (Greek), an unusually stable government (Rome), a time of peace, freedom to travel, and longings for a deliverer, that Christianity first came. In this world, Acts was written. The book gives us the “acts” of the Holy Spirit and all that Jesus continued to do and teach through His Spirit in the early Church. It covers about thirty years of time. An outline: Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8—“You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem (1:1-8:3), and in all Judea and Samaria (8:4-12:25), and even to the remotest part of the earth (13:1-28:31).”

In Acts 2:14-41 the apostle Peter quoted from the Old Testament Scriptures and gave eyewitness credibility to who Jesus was, what He had done, and where He currently was. “The Old Testament told you this would happen” (Joel

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2:28-32). Then Peter focused his entire message on Jesus—His life and ministry, His death on the cross, His resurrection from the dead (“We’re witnesses to that fact!”), His many appearances, and His exaltation to the right hand of God. 2:36 “Let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” 3000 people responded to Peter’s message of Jesus. 3000 people with only Jesus in common, the same Jesus who has changed our lives! These early believers were immature, untrained, untaught in this new faith, with no New Testament to follow, no church building in which to meet. What were their priorities?

:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. The 3000 were intensely committed (giving themselves continuously, continuing to do something with intense effort) to three things: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayer. (1) The early Christians were intensely committed to the apostles’ teaching (God’s Word). The authority of God’s words was recognized from the very first. It is an authority we still recognize today. We too are committed to understanding the teachings laid down by the apostles. See 1 Peter 2:2. They hungered for God’s truth! (2) The early Christians were intensely committed to fellowship. Fellowship means holding all things in common, sharing together. They recognized they were one in Christ, and they lived that way. They practiced the “one another’s” of Scripture. The ‘breaking of bread’ seems to be part of the fellowship, whether observing the Lord’s Supper or just sharing a meal. (3) The early Christians were intensely committed to prayer. We have the privilege of deep communion with the God of the universe, whom we address as Father! He invites us to talk with Him, when alone and when in community with other believers. Learning, sharing, and praying were the basic priorities for the early Church. Let’s be sure they are ours also.

In :43-47, we have a beautiful picture of the effects of Christianity. Notice, these are results, not the priorities themselves. As we practice :42, we may not have exactly the same results, but we know the Lord will be at work. :43 Literally they were caught up with a sense of fear, an awareness of the greatness of God. AWE because it was GOD at work! :44-45 Another couple of results: They chose to be transparent in their relationships and generous with their possessions. :46 For these early Christians, JESUS was their life! JESUS was their message! Every worship service (and whenever, wherever they got together) was a joyful celebration of HIM!—who He is and what He’d done. Their love for Jesus and each other as well as their unity in Jesus impacted them and their community. And, the Church continued growing spiritually and numerically. Their only means of influence was through love and good deeds, yet people around noticed God at work!! Continually look for ways to live out in practice who God has made us as part of His Body.

Every believer is important, a vital part of the Church or Body of Christ. The growth and ministry of a local church are not the obligations of a few Christians but the responsibility and privilege of every Christian. Each of us is responsible to follow God’s plan as laid out in Ephesians 4:1-16 and Acts 2:42.

Make sure your priorities are Biblical! Even if you haven’t been growing, begin today! Walk worthy! Make every effort to preserve the unity! Recognize the variety in the Body by the differing spiritual gifts! Make sure you’re being equipped! Get involved in serving and building up, truthing it in love, using your spiritual gifts! Together let’s keep our focus on the Head of the Church, Jesus our Lord.

Discipleship 115—What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Church? by Joel Berger Page 1 of 4

Dear called-out ones,

It's fun to be writing you about the Church. What is the Church? We usually think of it as a building located in a certain place. The word defined Church in the Scriptures is the Greek word ekklesia. It literally means "called-out ones." That's how I addressed you in my greeting. It was used in Biblical times for any assembly gathered for religious purposes. For Christians, the word came to mean those "called out" to Jesus Christ. The word is not used in the Bible for a building but mostly for local congregations of Christians, such as the churches at Galatia (Galatians 1:2) or the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2) or the church at Philippi (Philippians 1:1). The word ekklesia (from which we get ecclesiastical) occurs 114 times in the New Testament (I didn't count them; I took someone's word for it!), all but five referring to the people of God. In this study we are going to look at the universal Church, the local church, the purpose of believers gathered, and the purpose of believers scattered. Note the distinctions between the universal Church and the local church; they help when discussing the Body of Christ and where we as individual Christians fit. Let's get to it!

THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH Colossians 1:18 says, "Jesus is also head of the body, the Church." The universal Church is a company (formed of both Jews and Gentiles) of believers in Jesus who are called out of the world and joined together with Christ in living union by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The universal Church is the totality of all true believers in Jesus as Lord. Because these believers are of all races, from all countries, from the beginning of Christianity until the present, because the universal Church is supernatural and spiritual, it needs no organizing; it is an organism. It is composed of all those who have been saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some references in the Scriptures referring to the universal Church include Matthew 16:18, where Jesus said, "You are Peter (petros—a small rock), and upon this rock (petra—large massive rock, referring to Himself) I will build My Church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it." Ephesians 1:22-23 says, "And He (the Father) put all things in subjection under His (Jesus’) feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Ephesians 5:23-25 adds, "As Christ also is the head of the Church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the Church is subject to Christ....just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself up for her." Jew and Gentile believers alike are united to be the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We're not looking at buildings or denominations; we're looking at people, the Body of Christ.

One can't be saved by Jesus and not be a member of His universal Church. One becomes part of this Body of Christians by the Holy Spirit placing us into Christ at the moment of salvation. This is what is referred to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). This means the universal Church began when the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers on the day of Pentecost. From Jewish believers in Jesus to Samaritan believers to Gentile believers, the Church spread. It is open to everyone who has faith in Jesus. Look at it now, world-wide, encompassing any race or class, male or female, slave or free. What a great plan! It is an illustration of what the grace of God can do.

Analogies of Jesus and the Church are interesting: shepherd and sheep, vine and branches, cornerstone and stones, high priest and believer-priests, last Adam and new creation, bridegroom and bride, head and body, first fruits and harvest, and, master and servants. These analogies show the intimate fellowship believers have with each other as well as with Jesus. As the apostle John said in 1 John 1:3, "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." All fellow believers in Jesus Christ are part of God's Church, God's family, brothers and sisters in Christ. That's the reason that often when we meet a fellow believer for the first time, there is instant rapport, a recognition that we share the same Lord Jesus.

THE LOCAL CHURCH Local churches consist of groups of believers who meet together regularly for equipping, fellowship, prayer, and mutual edification. Although the meetings may include non-believers, it is a gathering where true believers come

Discipleship 115 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Church?)—Page 2 of 4 together. This reveals that the church is not a building; the church is where its members are when meeting together for building up and service. Local churches have stated meetings, Biblical leadership, membership discipline, and practice the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. This means there is organization in local churches.

Local churches have stated meetings. Acts 20:7 says, "And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread,..." 1 Corinthians 16:2 says, "On the first day of every week let each of you...." Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking our own assembling together...." The records of Scripture tell us that the believers met regularly. The day they met was Sunday. Just a side note: The Sabbath has always been and still is Saturday, but the Sabbath was never imposed on the Gentiles. In fact, the Sabbath was a sign between Yahweh and Israel (Exodus 31:12-17). Romans 14:4-5, Galatians 4:9-10, Colossians 2:16-17, and Hebrews 4:1-13 warn against misunderstanding the Sabbath or raising it above other days.

Why do we Christians usually worship on Sundays? Because it was Sunday that Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1); it was on the first day of the week when the believers met to break bread and Paul preached in Troas (Acts 20:7); it was on the first day of the week that the Corinthian believers were told to give their offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2); and, it was on the first day of the week that Jesus appeared to the apostle John on Patmos (Revelation 1:10 says, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day..."). The main reason most Christians celebrate on Sunday is because it is Resurrection Day! However, every day is to be lived in the Lord's strength and for His glory; every day should be dedicated to God and His purposes; any day can be used for the gathering of believers.

Local churches have leadership. The early churches had elders and deacons (Acts 11:30, 14:23, 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 5:17, Titus 1:5-9, Hebrews 13:17. 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 6:5-6, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23). Elders are to shepherd the flock of God, leading by example. They are also to instruct and warn fellow believers, feed the flock of God, stand up to those who teach false doctrines, oversee the local church and administer the affairs of the church, and when called, go where the sick are and pray for their spiritual and physical well-being. 1 Timothy distinguishes between teaching elders and ruling elders. Where we see elders in Scripture, there is a plurality of leadership (not just one elder but several). The early church also had deacons. Deacons were involved in ministering to the needy and in physical things (such as finances, buildings, technology, etc).

In recognizing these two positions of leadership, let's keep in mind that there was never a distinction made between clergy and laity. 1 Peter 2:5-9 and Revelation 1:6 indicate that all believers are priests, not just certain individuals or positions. Even the four gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 (apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teaching-pastors) are not better or more important; they just have specific functions—they are to equip the saints so the saints can serve and build up the Body!

Local churches have membership discipline. When a member of a local body commits a sin clearly spelled out in Scripture, there are steps to take to restore that believer back to fellowship with the body. Those steps are given in Matthew 18:15-20. There is a specific example of church discipline in 1 Corinthians 5, where a man was having sexual relations with someone other than a mate. Romans 16:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15 also give guidelines and examples. The Body of Christ is to conduct itself in holiness. If any member disrupts this by the practice of a continual sin, there is to be church discipline. The purpose of discipline by an individual or a church is the restoration of the brother or sister to fellowship with the Lord and fellow believers. These words are easy to write because the basis is found in Scripture. These words are hard to carry out when it involves a fellow member of the Body of Christ. Yet God's way is best, and we need to obey Him.

Local churches practice the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Ordinances are outward observances prescribed by Jesus to be performed by His Church. Matthew 28:19-20 says, "As you go, or wherever you go, make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 1 Corinthians 11:23- 26 teaches us of observing the Lord's Supper: "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you,

Discipleship 115 (What Can I Learn from the Bible about the Church?)—Page 3 of 4 that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." We could also look at Matthew 26:26-28, where Jesus practiced this ordinance with His apostles.

We observe these two ordinances because they are reminders of precious historical events. Baptism is the outward practice of showing what took place inwardly when you became a Christian—that you died with Christ, you were buried with Him, and you were raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-15), He commanded baptism as part of making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and the early believers were baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:12,26-39, 9:18, 10:47-48, 16:15,33, 18:8). The practice is only for believers but every believer in Jesus should be baptized.

The Lord's Supper is partaking of bread and juice, reminders of Jesus' death on our behalf. We are to practice the Lord's Supper until Jesus returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). It's a time of letting the Lord examine us for sin; it's a time of confession of any known sin; it's a time of remembrance of Jesus' death for us. Again, this is only for believers. Nothing magical happens to the elements as some believe; Christ's death was once for all, not every time the Lord's Supper is observed (Hebrews 9:12, 10:10). The bread and juice are just symbols, yet great reminders.

THE PURPOSE OF BELIEVERS GATHERED The main purpose of believers gathered is to equip, to edify, to build believers to maturity. The local church is the primary means by which edification (a big word that simply means to build up) is to take place. Ephesians 4:12,16 says that the four gifts in :11 are "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing." Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds." Colossians 1:28, “We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”

When gathered, several different practices are to take place. First we're worshiping. True worship is letting God demonstrate His attributes, His character, His qualities, through you and me. Worship is what the Christian is to do all the time (see Romans 12:1). When the local congregation gets together, it should be collective worship, just reflecting what's going on in each individual's life on a daily basis.

Then we're to learn, fellowship, remember, and pray. Acts 2:42 says, "And they (the first believers in the Body of Christ) were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Teaching is imparting information, making the Bible understandable so we can grasp what it says, what it means, and how it applies to our lives. It includes education and training, edifying and equipping. Fellowship has the idea of sharing in common. We gather together because we share in common the life of our Lord Jesus. Praying together and observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper are also part of our life together. All this should result in service to Christ from Christ-like servants. All believers should be equipped for service because all believers are necessary for the Body to function at peak level. Let's learn, fellowship, remember, pray, and serve together and see how the Lord functions through our local body of believers!

Local churches should be known for their love of Jesus (Revelation 2:4), for their love for and unity with each other (John 13:34-35, 17:21,23, Ephesians 4:2-6), be serving one another and building each other up (Ephesians 4:12), be stimulating one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), be the central agency for carrying out the commission of Jesus to "Make disciples," and be caring for its own who are in need (Galatians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 8- 9, 1 Timothy 5:1-16, James 1:27). The church is also to do good in this world (Galatians 6:10). Local churches should be producing knowledgeable, growing, mature believers (Ephesians 4:13-16).

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Billy Graham says, "Each Christian should select his church because he is convinced that within its particular structure he will find the greatest opportunity for spiritual growth, the greatest satisfaction for his human needs, and the greatest choice to be of helpful service to those around him." I would also add “be equipped to serve and build up.”

THE PURPOSES OF BELIEVERS SCATTERED The purposes of believers scattered can be wrapped up in witnessing and using your spiritual gifts. Salvation through the Lord Jesus is the one thing that believers can offer the world that no one else can. Believers are to go out in love, as Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), to share with sinners the truth of the good news of Jesus. Presenting the good news to the unsaved is to take place primarily in the world, not in the church gathered.

The evidences of Jesus' work in history, our own personal experiences with Jesus, and body oneness, love, and holiness are powerful testimonies to God's work. Our message includes the historical facts of Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances. We are to be witnesses to what Jesus has done in our lives. And, we are to proclaim the good news of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, some have the spiritual gift of evangelism, but all are to be ready and able to tell the good news of Jesus and the Cross. Be sure you share Scriptural truth along with your testimony. Use Romans 10:9-15 and/or 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 as the Scriptural basis for witnessing and sharing.

The local church's love for one another and our unity in Christ are basic to personal evangelism. In other words, corporate evangelism is the best backdrop for personal evangelism. We should recognize those with the gift of evangelism within our body and in the community and provide the resources to enable them to freely spread the good news of Jesus. This might include sending missionaries from our own body to be church planters, praying, sending interested parties for further schooling, and/or providing finances.

We need to look at those without Christ as sinners who can be saved by the Lord Jesus’ Person and work. The sinner must repent of his or her sins and turn by faith to Jesus as Lord. The love and grace of God creates the certainty that evangelism will be fruitful. Our motives need to be our love for God and concern for His glory, and our love for mankind and concern for his or her welfare. Of course, when someone comes to know Jesus as Lord, we want to integrate them into the life of the local church as soon as possible to enable them to be nourished and provide solid foundation for growth.

In terms of using your Holy Spirit-given spiritual gifts, discover what your gift is and where your passion for service lies, and then get busy developing and using your gift in the Holy Spirit’s strength.

We believe that the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that every local church has the right under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs. We believe the local church is a body of believers in Christ who gather to build believers to maturity through worship, instruction, fellowship, prayer, and service, and who scatter to proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during this present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. (Colossians 1:18, Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23-25, 1 Corinthians 12:13; Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11-13,16, Hebrews 10:25; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:14-15; Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41, 10:47-48; Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)

Discipleship 116 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Church’s Walk (Romans 12:1-8)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “The Church’s Walk” by Joel Berger.

STUDY The apostle Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter to the Roman Christians around 56 A.D. Probably writing from Corinth, he expresses his eagerness to visit the believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire. This letter is the best explanation of the Gospel message of any book in the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 deal with how to get right with God, chapters 5-8 tell us who we are in Christ and in the Spirit, chapters 9-11 stress God's free choice and mercy and Israel’s free choice and unbelief, and, chapters 12-16 cover how Christianity is to be lived out in a practical way. These verses in Romans 12:1-8 are practical!

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In :1, what is every Christian to do and then use as a benchmark? In :2, what are the two commands, and what do they mean? We’ll look at :2 in more detail in D117. In :3, where is the Christian to start in “renewing his/her mind”? In :4-5, what is the practical example Paul uses to illustrate his point? What does it mean that “we are one body in Christ and individually members one of another”? How is every Christian to be involved in serving others and building up the Body of Christ? In :6-8, how does the variety of the one Body of Christ show up in everyday life? What spiritual gifts have you identified as God’s gift to you?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “I think one spiritual gift I may have is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in these verses? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Romans 12:1-3. What are Christians told to do in these three verses? How can you make practical “Present!”? “Don’t be conformed!”? “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind!”? “Don’t over-think!”? “Think with sound judgment!”? 3. Romans 12:4-8. Where do you fit in the Body of Christ? What do you think are your spiritual gifts? How are you using them? Take the four-page “A Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire.” What were your results? Go through the two- page handout on spiritual gifts which is attached. 4. How does this passage practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “The Church’s Walk” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Be sure you take the “Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire” and go through the “Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts”. (3) Also review Ephesians 4:1-16 from D115. (4) You can also study 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and 1 Peter 4:7-11.

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Now you are Christ’s Body, and individually members of it (1 Corinthians 12:27, NASB). Where do you fit in the Body of Christ? In our last study we looked at the Biblical Church. In this study, we’ll examine The Church’s Walk. We could examine worship (Romans 12:1-2), letting God demonstrate His attributes through us as we are daily not conformed by the world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. We could look at love (Mark 12:28-31, John 13:34-35), a commitment of the will to seek God’s best for the person loved. We could look at the one another’s of Scripture—devoted to, honor, of same mind, accept, admonish, greet, serve, bear burdens, submit to, encourage. We could look at serving one another (Mark 10:43-45), servants by nature which should be seen in our words and deeds. We could look at stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Peter 4:10), understanding that everything(!) we have has been entrusted to us by our Lord and we are to be faithful managers of each area. During this study we’ll look at spiritual gifts. This subject was introduced in our last study on The Biblical Church.

As we are “equipped”, trained, prepared (Ephesians 4:12), we are to discover and use our Holy Spirit-given spiritual gifts, in our Jesus-appointed areas of service, relying on the Father to take care of both the energizing and the results (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Romans 12:1-8 tells us what this looks like in a local church. Be transformed by having our minds renewed by His Word and by His Spirit. KNOW—who God is, what He’s done, who He’s made you, and now how He’s gifted you.

The apostle Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter to the Roman Christians around 56 A.D. Probably writing from Corinth, he expresses his eagerness to visit the believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire. This letter is the best explanation of the Gospel message of any book in the New Testament. Chapters 1-4 deal with why and how to get right with God, chapters 5-8 tell us who we are in Christ and in the Spirit, chapters 9-11 stress God's free choice and mercy and Israel’s free choice and unbelief, and, chapters 12-16 cover how Christianity is to be lived out in a practical way.

:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Because of God’s mercies recorded in chapters 1-11 (examples: justified, new IN Christ and IN the Spirit, freed from sin’s power and slavery, free from the condemnation of the law, free to experience life by the Spirit), Paul begs us to present our bodies to God as living and holy sacrifices, SO He can use them as He pleases. This is acceptable to Him; this is truly a ‘worshipful’ act. Present and then look back on that decision as a constant memory, a bench-mark, a mile-stone, a snapshot.

:2 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. Don’t let the world conform us into its way of thinking and operation, its “we don’t need God” attitude, its excusing of sin, its emotional way of making decisions. On the other hand, let God transform us by renewing our minds, so we see life from His point of view, as Jesus saw it, using His life and Word as our standard, relying on the indwelling Holy Spirit to enlighten and strengthen us.

:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Where do we begin practicing the renewing of our minds? With how we see ourselves and where we fit in the Body of Christ. We’re not to over-think or under-think; instead we’re to realize we are who we are, we have the spiritual gifts that we have, we fit in the Body of Christ where we do—all because of God’s grace and work, which leaves no room for pride or competition or jealousy.

:4-5 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. We are one Body in Christ but have different functions. In these two verses, Paul moves from proper, sound thinking about ‘ourselves’ to thinking about our life in the ‘Church’ or the ‘Body of Christ’. The great wonder of our bodies is seldom appreciated or even noticed. How many of us appreciate that we just took a breath or our hearts beat without us even thinking about it? We’re able to write with our hands, walk with our feet, see with our eyes, hear with our

Discipleship 116—THE CHURCH’S WALK (Romans 12:1-8) Page 2 of 3 ears, touch with our fingers, smell with our noses. The blood is coursing through our bodies, our hearts are pumping, our stomachs digesting. It’s all part of one body, ours!, but each part has its individual responsibilities. This is what Paul says the Church, the Body of Christ, is like.

:5 Just as the one human body is made up of many members, so is the one Body of Christ. Just as each member of the human body has a separate function, so do the members of the Body of Christ. Yes, a unity, but also different functions. We share a common Life, a common purpose, a common power, and above all, a common Head (Ephesians 4:1-6 is helpful). Yet there are different functions and great variety. Picture the one Body of Christ as an orchestra in which everyone is given an instrument to play. As you came in the door of salvation, you were given an instrument, just right for you to play. God has given every Christian a spiritual gift-mix, no one was missed, and you have a function in the Body of Christ that you’ve been equipped to do. We can’t legitimately say: “I’m not gifted! I don’t fit! I don’t belong!” Or, “My gift is better than yours!”

We must see ourselves as needed and gifted (sound judgment), but we must also see ourselves as part of a greater whole. That is renewed thinking! We’re one Body in Christ. Yet, we don’t all have the same gift-mix. When you became a Christian, the Holy Spirit placed you into the one Body of Christ, giving you a spiritual gift-mix that is perfect for where you are placed. Every believer has a Spirit-given ability to minister to the Body of Christ through some spiritual gift. This is the way God wants us to operate. We’re just to move into people’s lives using our giftedness, and God will carry out His desired results, good and acceptable and perfect.

In :6-8 we have several of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Scriptures. Let’s see ‘how to think’ concerning spiritual gifts. I summarized these three verses as “The differences in function are revealed by the spiritual giftedness each has.” Yes, we’re all to serve, we’re all to give, we’re all to exhort, we’re all to show mercy, but some Christians have been gifted by God in these areas so this should show them where to spend the bulk of their ‘ministry’ time.

:6a Here we have seven of the twenty spiritual gifts mentioned in the Scriptures. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. Through God’s grace we have different gifts. We have the gifts we have because of God’s undeserved favor, no other reason! If He hasn’t given you a certain gift, you don’t need it. If He has given you a certain gift, you need to exercise it. That’s true for us as individual Christians and it’s also true for us as a local church. It is GOD’S good and acceptable and perfect WILL that you use what you’ve been given!

:6b If you’ve got the spiritual gift of prophecy—this is the Spirit-given ability to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. (see expanded definitions on the “Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts”, page 2). The gift of prophecy was an especially important gift during the formative years of the Church because people didn’t yet have the New Testament in written form. Along with apostles, prophets laid the foundation that we are still building on today. Exercise it according to the faith you have. Whatever your spiritual gift, it must be done in the Spirit’s strength; it must be used for the benefit of others; it must line up with God’s Word; and, it must bring glory to God—Biblical principles for using any gift. But it’s by faith that we are to use whatever gift we have (in this case, the gift of prophecy). See 1 Peter 4:10-11 for a further description on how gifts should be used. Speak God’s mind!!

:7 If you’ve got the spiritual gift of service, serve! Service—this is the Spirit-given ability to help with the material needs of the Body. It means to wait upon. It’s referring to one who serves, a gift shown more in action than by word. It’s practical help we can give to others in Jesus’ name. Serve—in the Spirit’s strength. If you have the gift of service, concentrate on serving! Serve!!

If you’ve got the spiritual gift of teaching, teach! Teaching—this is the Spirit-given ability to clearly communicate the details of the Word of God so that others learn. It includes the ability to impart Biblical information, to instruct the mind, to interpret and present God’s truth understandably. Teach!!

:8 If you’ve got the spiritual gift of exhorting, exhort! Do what you’ve been called and equipped to do!

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Exhorting—this is the Spirit-given ability to inspire others to action, to awaken spiritual interest, or to steady those who are faltering. Literally it means to “call to one’s side.” It’s the arm around someone’s shoulder, encouraging, comforting, urging on, warning. “God is faithful, He can be trusted, He’s your Refuge, your strength, your life.” This gift calls the gifted person to know, believe, and share the truth of God. Exhort!!

If you’ve got the spiritual gift of giving, do it with liberality, generously. The Greek word means to give a share of. Giving—this is the Spirit-given ability to generously distribute money to further the cause of God, to give so others are helped spiritually. It’s to be done with liberality—without mixed motives, simply, generously, sacrificially. Give a share of what God has entrusted to you. Give!!

If you’ve got the spiritual gift of leading, do it diligently, thoughtfully, eagerly, zealously, putting forth effort, making haste, responding quickly. Leading—this is the Spirit-given ability to stand before a group and lead it. The word means to stand before, placed in front. These individuals give direction to an organization or gathering. Lead!!

If you’ve got the spiritual gift of showing mercy, do it with cheerfulness (hilarity comes from this Greek word), hilarious abandon! Showing mercy—this is the Spirit-given ability to joyfully render aid to the downcast and ignored. It includes special sensitivity to suffering and sorrow, distress that may go unnoticed by others, and the desire and means to help alleviate such afflictions. It may include caring for the sick, the poor, the aged, the neglected. Show mercy!!

Just think if each of us was involved—with the Body of Christ and in our community—each using our gifts! Jesus would be clearly seen!!

An equipped saint knows his/her spiritual gifts and puts them to use, serving others and building up the Body of Christ. We have what is needed to exercise our spiritual gifts in our particular ministries. There is nothing lacking, either in the gift or the resources necessary to utilize it. Attached are a four-page “A Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire” that helps you discover your spiritual giftedness and a two-page “Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts” that further describes spiritual gifts. Please take the questionnaire first and then go through the two-page handout.

Growing in our Lord (maturing) and being available to assist (serving) are two keys to discovering your gift-mix. When you are maturing and serving, you’ll be using your gift-mix, even if you aren’t aware of what your gifts are. In fact, others may observe your gift-mix before you do. Often how we are burdened to love others indicates what spiritual gifts we have. If you’re in the Body of Christ (and you are if you’re a Christian), you are in the exact right place to use the spiritual gift-mix you’ve been given by God Himself! It is the wise person who stays within the boundaries of service for which the Holy Spirit has fitted him or her. This statement doesn’t mean you don’t make sure needs are met, but for the majority of your ministry, feel free to focus on what you have received from the Lord.

How should the Church walk? In the strength of the Spirit. In love. In unity. In variety expressed by the differing spiritual gifts. By constantly being renewed in our thinking. By proper thinking concerning ourselves and the Body of Christ. By being involved in serving others and building up the Body of Christ. By exercising our spiritual gifts. Everything needed is present for walking in a way that is pleasing to God Himself! Incredible!!

Discipleship 116—Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts Page 1 of 2

A spiritual gift is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to every member of Christ's Body according to God's grace for service within the context of the Body of Christ. According to Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6-8, and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10,28-30, the gifts are: apostles, prophets, evangelists, teaching-pastors, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, showing mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, effecting of miracles, distinguishing of spirits, kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, helps, and administrations.

The purposes of spiritual gifts are to love others, serve others, build up others, exalt Jesus as Lord, and glorify God.

Some basic principles from Scripture: Every Christian has received a spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:7). Our gifts are to be used, shared, not hoarded (1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:7). Gifts are not for one's private use but are to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). We're to use our gifts as good stewards of God (1 Peter 4:10). If we have a speaking gift, make sure the statements we make are undergirded by what God has revealed in His Word (1 Peter 4:11). If we have a serving gift, make sure it's used in the Lord's strength (1 Peter 4:11). The Bible's focus is the Giver of the gifts, not the gifts themselves (1 Peter 4:11). The Holy Spirit gives Christians their gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4,11); the Lord Jesus gives Christians their areas of service, where the gifts are to be used (1 Corinthians 12:5); the Father works out the results (1 Corinthians 12:6). As Ephesians 4:1-10 makes clear, there is a basic unity among Christians; maintain it. In the midst of the unity exists variety, shown by the gifts.

The four gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 are support gifts, given to the Church for the equipping of the saints. All of the saints are then to do the work of service and build up the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).

How to discover your gift-mix: (1) Accept the fact by faith—You are gifted by God. (2) Pray—"Father, I do trust You and want to know my gift so I can better serve others, love others, build up others, exalt the name of Jesus, and honor You." (3) Be aware of what gifts are available to you. (4) Get involved in service. (5) Consider your desires and interests. Consider how you want to respond when you hear a need expressed—do you want to teach, encourage, show mercy, help, give, etc.? (6) Consider the confirmation of others. (7) Evaluate your effectiveness. Do you function better with practice? (8) Share your desires, gifts, and interests with another individual. Commit to praying for each other. Here’s the key: If maturity is taking place and you are actively serving others out of love, your gift will become obvious, perhaps more to someone else than to you! Just keep maturing and serving. Also, tell others what you think their gifts are and encourage them to use them. May we be used as our Lord intends!

We’ve been given what it takes: God’s Word, God’s character, God’s love, God’s power, God’s gifts! When a Christian uses his or her spiritual gifts in the power of the Spirit, his or her life becomes an extension of the life of Jesus Himself. We each have a spiritual gift. We each have a ministry. Discover them, develop them, and use them!

Please take the four-page “A Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire” to help you discern your spiritual gift-mix.

Discipleship 116 (Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts)—Page 2 of 2

FROM EPHESIANS 4:11-13 A. APOSTLES—ones sent forth. Those sent forth by Jesus to preach, plant churches, write Scriptures, and formulate doctrine concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Must have been with Jesus from baptism of John until the day of Jesus' ascension. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) missionaries sent forth to establish new churches, lay down the Scriptures, and equip the saints with the Word. B. PROPHETS—ones who spoke forth. The Spirit-given ability to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) the Spirit-given ability to proclaim the Word of God, to communicate revealed truth, to speak God's message from His Word to the world in which we live. C. EVANGELISTS—ones who proclaimed the good news of Jesus as Lord. The Spirit-given ability to communicate the good news of Jesus in relevant terms to those not yet Christians. The message? Jesus died for our sins, was buried, was raised from the dead, and appeared to many eyewitnesses. The method? To go where unbelievers are. The purpose? To offer the wonderful message of Jesus as Lord. D. PASTORS-TEACHERS—ones who shepherd and instruct and equip. The spiritual ability to shepherd the flock of God, to feed them the Word of God, and to equip them to serve and build up others. They bear God's people on their hearts, feed them with the truth, seek them when they stray away, defend them from all that would hurt their faith.

FROM ROMANS 12:6-8 E. SERVICE—to wait upon; the Spirit-given ability to help with the material needs of the Body; more task-oriented than people-oriented. F. TEACH—to instruct; the Spirit-given ability to clearly communicate the details of the Word of God so that others learn. G. EXHORT—to call to one's side; the Spirit-given ability to inspire others to action, awaken spiritual interest, or steady those who are faltering. Calls believers to know, believe, and follow God and His truth. H. GIVE—to give a share of; the Spirit-given ability to generously distribute money to further the cause of God. With liberality—without mixed motives, simply, sacrificially. I. LEAD—to stand before; the Spirit-given ability to stand before a group and lead it. With diligence—eagerly, responding quickly. J. SHOW MERCY—to help the helpless; the Spirit-given ability to joyfully render aid to the downcast and ignored. With cheerfulness—hilarious abandon, of good cheer.

FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10,28 K. THE WORD OF WISDOM—insight into the true nature of things. The Spirit-given ability to perceive life and truth from God's perspective and then apply that wisdom to specific situations. L. THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE—in-depth investigation, research. The Spirit-given ability to research, organize, and summarize the teachings of the Word of God so that others are enabled to acquire deep insight into divine truth. M. FAITH—conviction based on hearing the truth, a visionary. The Spirit-given ability to see something through when no one else can and to raise the vision of others. N. GIFTS OF HEALINGS—different kinds of healings. The Spirit-given ability to heal one who is without strength— physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially. O. THE EFFECTING OF MIRACLES—activities of power. The Spirit-given ability to perform those events outside and beyond the realm of nature and mankind's ability. P. THE DISTINGUISHING OF SPIRITS—The Spirit-given ability to discern between the spirits of truth and error, Spirit and flesh, the Spirit of God and a spirit of evil, before the fruit is evident. Q. KINDS OF TONGUES—different languages. The Spirit-given ability to speak a foreign language without learning it beforehand to someone who knows the human language you are speaking. R. THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES—The Spirit-given ability to translate a foreign language without learning the language beforehand. S. HELPS—The Spirit-given ability to come alongside others and support them and their ministries in different ways. T. ADMINISTRATIONS—The Spirit-given ability to understand clearly the immediate or long-range goals of a local church, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.

Discipleship 116—A SPIRITUAL GIFTS QUESTIONNAIRE (circle “yes (Y),” “no (N),” or “maybe (M)” Page 1 of 4

First, answer this question—“When I hear of a need, the way I want to respond is…?”

Second, answer this question—“I am passionate about (which of the 20 spiritual gifts)?”

Third, go through this questionnaire, and think through your answer to each question. If you mark “Y”, give yourself 2 points; if “M” 1 point; if “N” 0 points. Under each gift add up your total and divide by the highest possible score. For example, under “A”, the highest possible total is 8. If you scored 6, divide 6 by 8 = 75%. If you have 80% or higher, it’s probable that this is part of your gift-mix. If you score 60-80%, it is likely that this is part of your gift-mix.

A. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M I’d like to be a missionary, beginning new churches, introducing the existing Scriptures, and equipping the saints? 3. Y N M I’d be willing to leave my surroundings to minister to other cultures on a long-term basis? 4. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a missionary or church-planter?

B. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M I like to proclaim God’s words to build up, encourage, comfort, and equip others? 3. Y N M I have a passion to lovingly share God’s truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment—to the Church at large and to the unbelieving world? 4. Y N M Dorman Followwill (DF): God seems to bring me opportunities to speak in public often, especially to share about Christian topics that are pertinent to the problems of the area of society in which I live? 5. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a prophet?

C. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M I go where unbelievers are, available to share when opportunities arise? 3. Y N M I’m able to sensitively turn a conversation with an unbeliever toward the message of Jesus as Lord? 4. Y N M I want to make sure unbelievers “hear” the message of Jesus as Lord so then they have the choices of “believing in Him” and “calling on His name”? 5. Y N M I’m able to equip/train others to share the Good News of Jesus as Lord? 6. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by sharing with them the Good News of Jesus as Lord, and I regularly do so? 7. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an evangelist or “good-news teller”?

D. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M People come to me, seeking my understanding on specific questions or problems? 3. Y N M It seems that people learn when I teach them? 4. Y N M I’m involved in people’s lives over a long-term basis? 5. Y N M My heart is to see people’s lives transformed by the Spirit and Word of God? 6. Y N M I like to give spiritual guidance and direction to a group of Christians? 7. Y N M I desire to lead, protect, guide, and feed believers so they become spiritually mature? 8. Y N M I help fellow believers by guiding them to relevant portions of the Bible and by praying with them? 9. Y N M (DF): God seems to put me with groups of people who need to be guided and protected, and He seems to want me to help them grow through Bible study and keeping them accountable? 10. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an instructing shepherd?

E. 1. Y N M I enjoy doing behind-the-scenes jobs? 2. Y N M I enjoy meeting the practical needs of others? 3. Y N M When I hear of or see a job that needs to be done, I am eager to do it? 4. Y N M I would rather do things with my hands than talk to a person with a problem? 5. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by working with them to alleviate their physical burdens, in order to uplift them? 6. Y N M (DF): My mature Christian friends have noticed how available I am to help meet the physical needs of believers and non-believers alike? 7. Y N M (DF): I love and get great inward joy from aiding others in a quiet way, and my inward joy is more than adequate reward? 8. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a servant?

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F. 1. Y N M I’m excited to help people discover God’s truths in the Scriptures? 2. Y N M It seems that people learn when I teach them? 3. Y N M Others have told me that I ought to be teaching on a regular basis? 4. Y N M I am willing to study the Bible intensely to make sure my statements are true and accurate? 5. Y N M I react to people who make Biblically unfounded statements? 6. Y N M I’m interested in the details of the Scripture, point by point? 7. Y N M When I hear of a problem or a question, I’m concerned to both find and give a Biblical answer? 8. Y N M I’m able to communicate Biblical truth clearly and concisely so that others easily understand it? 9. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by explaining passages of the Bible to them as accurately as I can? 10 Y N M (DF): God often brings me opportunities to speak to individuals/groups on the truths He has shown me in my own Bible study? 11. Y N M (DF): I love to study a certain passage, making sure my study is accurate in light of the historical and grammatical context, and then getting an opportunity to share that truth with others? 12. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an instructor?

G. 1. Y N M It is a joy to give encouragement to people who are discouraged? 2. Y N M I see the potential in others, and I try to motivate them to become what I see they could be? 3. Y N M I identify with people where they are in order to counsel them? 4. Y N M I find that I am a patient listener, and people who are hurting often come to me for encouragement and comfort, and, the counsel I give causes them to move toward faith and obedience? 5. Y N M People have often expressed to me how much I have helped or encouraged them in time of need? 6. Y N M When I hear of a believer who has fallen away, I’m eager to go to them and try to help? 7. Y N M I am sensitive to troubled and discouraged people and enjoy helping them see God’s answers to life’s problems? 8. Y N M (DF): My mature Christian friends have noted my ability to befriend those who are weak or young in the faith, and help them grow into a place of greater maturity? 9. Y N M (DF): God seems to bring believers who need to grow in my life, and they grow through my comforting or challenging them? 10. Y N M (DF): God often uses my advice to spur people to new actions of obedience or to a renewed hope that God will use them? 11. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an encourager?

H. 1. Y N M I find great satisfaction in giving generously and sacrificially for the Lord’s work? 2. Y N M I appreciate the opportunity to financially support someone or some group in need? 3. Y N M I find it easy to give my money or possessions to others without thought of what I will receive in return? 4. Y N M I look for opportunities to give without hearing any appeals? 5. Y N M When I hear of someone in need, I immediately think of sending them some money? 6. Y N M I give cheerfully and generously, often above what is expected? 7. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by making the physical blessings God has given me available for others to use? 8. Y N M (DF): God often brings me opportunities to contribute to the monetary or physical needs of people through the resources I have? 9. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a giver?

I. 1. Y N M I find great joy in leading people to accomplish group or individual goals? 2. Y N M People seem to follow me in doing an important task or making an important decision? 3. Y N M I usually take the leadership in a group where none exists? 4. Y N M When I speak, people seem to listen and agree? 5. Y N M I have discernment of people’s needs, goals, and desires, and of the plans necessary to accomplish them? 6. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by ensuring that Christian meetings and ministries run as efficiently and effectively as possible? 7. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have noted how “on track” things seem to be when I am the one up in front of the people? 8. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a leader?

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J. 1. Y N M I have great compassion for people who are rejected or unloved? 2. Y N M I enjoy ministering to a person who is sick or needy or confined or disabled? 3. Y N M I am patient with those who are suffering? 4. Y N M I have a knack for turning my compassion into cheerful acts of kindness? 5. Y N M I can sense when people are hurting, and I act upon that realization? 6. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by practicing the true religion James 1:27 mentions: to visit the widows and orphans of our society in their distress? 7. Y N M (DF): God has allowed me to cheer up or “lift the countenance” of needy people who need to know God cares for them? 8. Y N M (DF): I love to bring a cup of cold water to the needy, and watch them respond to God’s love and concern working through me? 9. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a mercy-giver?

K. 1. Y N M People with problems seem to come to me for advice and counsel? 2. Y N M I enjoy providing practical, Biblical solutions to difficult problems in life? 3. Y N M With individuals and groups I find myself wondering, “Now how would God see this”? 4. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by bringing the truths of the Bible to the practical problems they face? 5. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have noted how easy it is for me to apply Biblical truth to problems? 6. Y N M (DF): I have seen God resolve conflicts or debates through my Scriptural insight from Him? 7. Y N M (DF): I love it when God gives me practical insight from His Word into a problem and I get the opportunity to share it? 8. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a counselor?

L. 1. Y N M I am eager to learn the Word and share the results? 2. Y N M I have a long attention span? 3. Y N M I’m able to absorb and retain unusual amounts of information? 4. Y N M I enjoy attacking Biblical problems and researching the issues? 5. Y N M I want to put in order the facts of Scripture so that truth on Biblical subjects is more readily understandable to others? 6. Y N M I’d enjoy being allowed to do helpful research rather than another ministry? 7. Y N M I can make deep Biblical truth understandable to others? 8. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by helping them understand what the key themes of Scripture are so they can have a Biblical framework for living? 9. Y N M (DF): God seems to give me opportunities to study Biblical truths in a methodical way that makes the complex or mysterious truths of God clear and understandable? 10. Y N M (DF): I love it when God allows me to discover the theological threads that bind His Word together, and I especially enjoy it when my explanation of complex concepts seems to enlighten others in the body? 11. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a researcher?

M. 1. Y N M I am often ready to believe God will lead us through a situation when others feel it is impossible? 2. Y N M People seem to view me as a great optimist? 3. Y N M When people are discouraged, I enjoy giving them a positive, Godly outlook? 4. Y N M I see difficulties as opportunities for God to display His glory? 5. Y N M I enjoy having people give me prayer requests? 6. Y N M I’m potential-centered rather than problem-centered? 7. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by praying specifically for them, because I’m persuaded of the great power of prayer? 8. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have commented on how easy it is for me to see God at work in many different ways? 9. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a visionary or pray-er?

N. 1. Y N M I enjoy the opportunity to pray with and for a person who is “without strength”? 2. Y N M I like to participate in ministry to the physically or emotionally or mentally or spiritually hurting and pray for their recovery? 3. Y N M I have seen permanent results of healing in people’s physical, social, spiritual, mental, or emotional lives as a result of God’s work through me?

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4. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by being used of God to restore them to health when they have a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual illness of some sort? 5. Y N M (DF): God has brought “without strength” people to me and I have been used by Him to play a key role in their healing process? 6. Y N M (DF): I love it when God specifically uses me to bring healing to someone who suffers. 7. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a healer?

O. 1. Y N M I find God using me to do things beyond mankind’s natural abilities? 2. Y N M God has used me to perform supernatural signs and wonders? 3. Y N M I find God using me in this way to gain a hearing for and to authenticate His Word? 4. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a miracle worker?

P. 1. Y N M I seem to know very quickly whether something is right or wrong, true or false, Biblical or unbiblical? 2. Y N M I can sense when a particular teaching is not Biblical? 3. Y N M I find myself using God’s truth to check people’s words and actions? 4. Y N M Others have noted that I was able to see through a phony before his/her phoniness was evident to others? 5. Y N M (DF): God seems to put me in places where I feel compelled to ask a lot of questions to figure out where someone’s coming from? 6. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a discerner?

Q. 1. Y N M I have had occasion to speak in a foreign language that was previously unknown to me? 2. Y N M There was someone present who didn’t understand English and did understand the language I was speaking? 3. Y N M There was someone present to interpret my language for the edification of the others present? 4. Y N M (DF): God has used the interpretation of languages I speak to edify others or to stimulate the interest of unbelievers in the gospel? 5. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a linguist?

R. 1. Y N M I have interpreted languages with the result that the Body of Christ was built up? 2. Y N M I have had the experience of hearing someone speak in a foreign language that I didn’t know and found myself able to translate its meaning? 3. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by making foreign languages understandable? 4. Y N M (DF): God has allowed me to interpret languages at public meetings? 5. Y N M (DF): God has edified believers by my interpretation of languages? 6. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a translator?

S. 1. Y N M I look for opportunities to assist people in their work? 2. Y N M I sense when others need a helping hand and am ready to give it promptly and cheerfully? 3. Y N M I enjoy performing support tasks that free others for things they do best? 4. Y N M Others have told me that I have helped them become more effective in their ministries? 5. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by taking over manual tasks for them that they and most others don’t want to do? 6. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have noted how much I have a zest for being the one to do the behind-the- scenes work that frees up others to serve more ably? 7. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a helper?

T. 1. Y N M I like to organize people and tasks for more effective ministry? 2. Y N M I enjoy the responsibility for the achievement of group goals? 3. Y N M The development of effective plans for church ministry gives me great satisfaction? 4. Y N M I see past the surface of an activity to the broader picture of details that makes everything fit together? 5. Y N M I have a sense for how and when projects or ministries need to be better organized? 6. Y N M I know how to delegate tasks to the right people at the right time? 7. Y N M I find myself thinking about ways in which things could be run better? 8. Y N M (DF): God often brings me opportunities to coordinate all the details in a ministry so that everyone serves more freely? 9. Y N M (DF): I love it when a ministry is guided around various pitfalls because God has allowed me to master the details and make sure all the little things are in order? 10. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an administrator?

KEY FOR THE “SPIRITUAL GIFTS QUESTIONNAIRE” Page 1 of 2

A. Apostles—Ones sent forth. Those sent forth by Jesus to preach, plant churches, write Scriptures, and formulate a belief system concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. According to Acts 1, they must have been with Jesus from the baptism of John until the day of Jesus’ ascension. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) missionaries sent forth to establish new churches, lay down the existing Scriptures, and equip the saints with the Word.

B. Prophets—Ones who spoke forth. The Spirit-given ability to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) the Spirit-given ability to proclaim the Word of God, to communicate revealed truth, to speak God’s message from His Word to the world in which we live.

C. Evangelists—Ones who proclaimed the good news of Jesus as Lord to the non-Christian. The Spirit-given ability to communicate the good news of Jesus in relevant terms to those not yet Christians. The message? Jesus died for our sins, was buried, was raised from the dead, and appeared to many eyewitnesses. The method? To go where unbelievers are. The purpose? To offer the wonderful message of Jesus as Lord.

D. Pastor/teacher—Ones who shepherd and instruct and equip believers. The spiritual ability to shepherd the flock of God, to feed them the Word of God, and to equip them to serve and build up others. They bear God’s people on their hearts, feed them with the truth, seek them when they stray away, and defend them from all that would hurt their faith.

E. Service—to wait upon. The Spirit-given ability to help with the material needs of the Body; more task-oriented than people-oriented.

F. Teaching—to instruct. The Spirit-given ability to clearly communicate the details of the Word of God so that others learn.

G. Exhorting—to call to one’s side. The Spirit-given ability to inspire others to action, awaken spiritual interest, or steady those who are faltering. Calls believers to know, believe, and follow the truth of God.

H. Giving—to give a share of. The Spirit-given ability to generously distribute money to further the cause of God. With liberality—without mixed motives, simply, sacrificially.

I. Leading—to stand before. The Spirit-given ability to stand before a group and lead it. With diligence—eagerly, responding quickly.

J. Showing mercy—to help the helpless. The Spirit-given ability to joyfully render aid to the downcast and ignored. With cheerfulness—hilarious abandon, of good cheer.

K. The word of wisdom—insight into the true nature of things. The Spirit-given ability to perceive life and truth from God’s perspective and then apply that wisdom to specific situations.

L. The word of knowledge—in-depth investigation, research. The Spirit-given ability to research, organize, and summarize the teachings of the Word of God so that others are enabled to acquire deep insight into divine truth.

M. Faith—conviction based on hearing the truth, a visionary. The Spirit-given ability to see something through when no one else can and to raise the vision of others.

N. Healings—different kinds of healings. The Spirit-given ability to heal one who is without strength—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially.

O. The effecting of miracles—activities of power. The Spirit-given ability to perform those events outside and beyond the realm of nature and mankind’s ability.

ANSWERS FOR THE “SPIRITUAL GIFTS QUESTIONNAIRE” Page 2 of 2

P. The distinguishing of spirits. The Spirit-given ability to discern between the spirits of truth and error, Spirit and flesh, the Spirit of God and a spirit of evil, before the fruit is evident.

Q. Various kinds of tongues—different languages. The Spirit-given ability to speak a foreign language without learning it beforehand to someone who knows the human language you are speaking.

R. The interpretation of tongues. The Spirit-given ability to translate a foreign language without learning the language beforehand.

S. Helps. The Spirit-given ability to come alongside others and support them and their ministries in different ways.

T. Administrations. The Spirit-given ability to understand clearly the immediate or long-range goals of a local church, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.

WITH ANSWERS A SPIRITUAL GIFTS QUESTIONNAIRE (circle “yes (Y),” “no (N),” or “maybe (M)” Page 1 of 5

First, answer this question—“When I hear of a need, the way I want to respond is…?”

Second, answer this question—“I am passionate about (which of the 20 spiritual gifts)?”

Third, go through this questionnaire, and think through your answer to each question.

A. Apostles—Ones sent forth. Those sent forth by Jesus to preach, plant churches, write Scriptures, and formulate a belief system concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. According to Acts 1, they must have been with Jesus from the baptism of John until the day of Jesus’ ascension. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) missionaries sent forth to establish new churches, lay down the existing Scriptures, and equip the saints with the Word. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M I’d like to be a missionary, beginning new churches, introducing the existing Scriptures, and equipping the saints? 3. Y N M I’d be willing to leave my surroundings to minister to other cultures on a long-term basis? 4. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a missionary or church-planter?

B. Prophets—Ones who spoke forth. The Spirit-given ability to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) the Spirit-given ability to proclaim the Word of God, to communicate revealed truth, to speak God’s message from His Word to the world in which we live. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M I like to proclaim God’s words to build up, encourage, comfort, and equip others? 3. Y N M I have a passion to lovingly share God’s truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment—to the Church at large and to the unbelieving world? 4. Y N M Dorman Followwill (DF): God seems to bring me opportunities to speak in public often, especially to share about Christian topics that are pertinent to the problems of the area of society in which I live? 5. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a prophet?

C. Evangelists—Ones who proclaimed the good news of Jesus as Lord to the non-Christian. The Spirit-given ability to communicate the good news of Jesus in relevant terms to those not yet Christians. The message? Jesus died for our sins, was buried, was raised from the dead, and appeared to many eyewitnesses. The method? To go where unbelievers are. The purpose? To offer the wonderful message of Jesus as Lord. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M I go where unbelievers are, available to share when opportunities arise? 3. Y N M I’m able to sensitively turn a conversation with an unbeliever toward the message of Jesus as Lord? 4. Y N M I want to make sure unbelievers “hear” the message of Jesus as Lord so then they have the choices of “believing in Him” and “calling on His name”? 5. Y N M I’m able to equip/train others to share the Good News of Jesus as Lord? 6. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by sharing with them the Good News of Jesus as Lord, and I regularly do so? 7. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an evangelist or “good-news teller”?

D. Pastor/teacher—Ones who shepherd and instruct and equip believers. The spiritual ability to shepherd the flock of God, to feed them the Word of God, and to equip them to serve and build up others. They bear God’s people on their hearts, feed them with the truth, seek them when they stray away, and defend them from all that would hurt their faith. 1. Y N M I believe my spiritual gift is an equipping gift? 2. Y N M People come to me, seeking my understanding on specific questions or problems? 3. Y N M It seems that people learn when I teach them? 4. Y N M I’m involved in people’s lives over a long-term basis? 5. Y N M My heart is to see people’s lives transformed by the Spirit and Word of God? 6. Y N M I like to give spiritual guidance and direction to a group of Christians? 7. Y N M I desire to lead, protect, guide, and feed believers so they become spiritually mature? 8. Y N M I help fellow believers by guiding them to relevant portions of the Bible and by praying with them? 9. Y N M (DF): God seems to put me with groups of people who need to be guided and protected, and He seems to want me to help them grow through Bible study and keeping them accountable? 10. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an instructing shepherd?

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E. Service—to wait upon. The Spirit-given ability to help with the material needs of the Body; more task-oriented than people-oriented. 1. Y N M I enjoy doing behind-the-scenes jobs? 2. Y N M I enjoy meeting the practical needs of others? 3. Y N M When I hear of or see a job that needs to be done, I am eager to do it? 4. Y N M I would rather do things with my hands than talk to a person with a problem? 5. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by working with them to alleviate their physical burdens, in order to uplift them? 6. Y N M (DF): My mature Christian friends have noticed how available I am to help meet the physical needs of believers and non-believers alike? 7. Y N M (DF): I love and get great inward joy from aiding others in a quiet way, and my inward joy is more than adequate reward? 8. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a servant?

F. Teaching—to instruct. The Spirit-given ability to clearly communicate the details of the Word of God so that others learn. 1. Y N M I’m excited to help people discover God’s truths in the Scriptures? 2. Y N M It seems that people learn when I teach them? 3. Y N M Others have told me that I ought to be teaching on a regular basis? 4. Y N M I am willing to study the Bible intensely to make sure my statements are true and accurate? 5. Y N M I react to people who make Biblically unfounded statements? 6. Y N M I’m interested in the details of the Scripture, point by point? 7. Y N M When I hear of a problem or a question, I’m concerned to both find and give a Biblical answer? 8. Y N M I’m able to communicate Biblical truth clearly and concisely so that others easily understand it? 9. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by explaining passages of the Bible to them as accurately as I can? 10 Y N M (DF): God often brings me opportunities to speak to individuals/groups on the truths He has shown me in my own Bible study? 11. Y N M (DF): I love to study a certain passage, making sure my study is accurate in light of the historical and grammatical context, and then getting an opportunity to share that truth with others? 12. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an instructor?

G. Exhorting—to call to one’s side. The Spirit-given ability to inspire others to action, awaken spiritual interest, or steady those who are faltering. Calls believers to know, believe, and follow the truth of God. 1. Y N M It is a joy to give encouragement to people who are discouraged? 2. Y N M I see the potential in others, and I try to motivate them to become what I see they could be? 3. Y N M I identify with people where they are in order to counsel them? 4. Y N M I find that I am a patient listener, and people who are hurting often come to me for encouragement and comfort, and, the counsel I give causes them to move toward faith and obedience? 5. Y N M People have often expressed to me how much I have helped or encouraged them in time of need? 6. Y N M When I hear of a believer who has fallen away, I’m eager to go to them and try to help? 7. Y N M I am sensitive to troubled and discouraged people and enjoy helping them see God’s answers to life’s problems? 8. Y N M (DF): My mature Christian friends have noted my ability to befriend those who are weak or young in the faith, and help them grow into a place of greater maturity? 9. Y N M (DF): God seems to bring believers who need to grow in my life, and they grow through my comforting or challenging them? 10. Y N M (DF): God often uses my advice to spur people to new actions of obedience or to a renewed hope that God will use them? 11. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an encourager?

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H. Giving—to give a share of. The Spirit-given ability to generously distribute money to further the cause of God. With liberality—without mixed motives, simply, sacrificially. 1. Y N M I find great satisfaction in giving generously and sacrificially for the Lord’s work? 2. Y N M I appreciate the opportunity to financially support someone or some group in need? 3. Y N M I find it easy to give my money or possessions to others without thought of what I will receive in return? 4. Y N M I look for opportunities to give without hearing any appeals? 5. Y N M When I hear of someone in need, I immediately think of sending them some money? 6. Y N M I give cheerfully and generously, often above what is expected? 7. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by making the physical blessings God has given me available for others to use? 8. Y N M (DF): God often brings me opportunities to contribute to the monetary or physical needs of people through the resources I have? 9. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a giver?

I. Leading—to stand before. The Spirit-given ability to stand before a group and lead it. With diligence—eagerly, responding quickly. 1. Y N M I find great joy in leading people to accomplish group or individual goals? 2. Y N M People seem to follow me in doing an important task or making an important decision? 3. Y N M I usually take the leadership in a group where none exists? 4. Y N M When I speak, people seem to listen and agree? 5. Y N M I have discernment of people’s needs, goals, and desires, and of the plans necessary to accomplish them? 6. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by ensuring that Christian meetings and ministries run as efficiently and effectively as possible? 7. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have noted how “on track” things seem to be when I am the one up in front of the people? 8. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a leader?

J. Showing mercy—to help the helpless. The Spirit-given ability to joyfully render aid to the downcast and ignored. With cheerfulness—hilarious abandon, of good cheer. 1. Y N M I have great compassion for people who are rejected or unloved? 2. Y N M I enjoy ministering to a person who is sick or needy or confined or disabled? 3. Y N M I am patient with those who are suffering? 4. Y N M I have a knack for turning my compassion into cheerful acts of kindness? 5. Y N M I can sense when people are hurting, and I act upon that realization? 6. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by practicing the true religion James 1:27 mentions: to visit the widows and orphans of our society in their distress? 7. Y N M (DF): God has allowed me to cheer up or “lift the countenance” of needy people who need to know God cares for them? 8. Y N M (DF): I love to bring a cup of cold water to the needy, and watch them respond to God’s love and concern working through me? 9. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a mercy-giver?

K. The word of wisdom—insight into the true nature of things. The Spirit-given ability to perceive life and truth from God’s perspective and then apply that wisdom to specific situations. 1. Y N M People with problems seem to come to me for advice and counsel? 2. Y N M I enjoy providing practical, Biblical solutions to difficult problems in life? 3. Y N M With individuals and groups I find myself wondering, “Now how would God see this”? 4. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by bringing the truths of the Bible to the practical problems they face? 5. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have noted how easy it is for me to apply Biblical truth to problems? 6. Y N M (DF): I have seen God resolve conflicts or debates through my Scriptural insight from Him? 7. Y N M (DF): I love it when God gives me practical insight from His Word into a problem and I get the opportunity to share it? 8. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a counselor?

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L. The word of knowledge—in-depth investigation, research. The Spirit-given ability to research, organize, and summarize the teachings of the Word of God so that others are enabled to acquire deep insight into divine truth. 1. Y N M I am eager to learn the Word and share the results? 2. Y N M I have a long attention span? 3. Y N M I’m able to absorb and retain unusual amounts of information? 4. Y N M I enjoy attacking Biblical problems and researching the issues? 5. Y N M I want to put in order the facts of Scripture so that truth on Biblical subjects is more readily understandable to others? 6. Y N M I’d enjoy being allowed to do helpful research rather than another ministry? 7. Y N M I can make deep Biblical truth understandable to others? 8. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by helping them understand what the key themes of Scripture are so they can have a Biblical framework for living? 9. Y N M (DF): God seems to give me opportunities to study Biblical truths in a methodical way that makes the complex or mysterious truths of God clear and understandable? 10. Y N M (DF): I love it when God allows me to discover the theological threads that bind His Word together, and I especially enjoy it when my explanation of complex concepts seems to enlighten others in the body? 11. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a researcher?

M. Faith—conviction based on hearing the truth, a visionary. The Spirit-given ability to see something through when no one else can and to raise the vision of others. 1. Y N M I am often ready to believe God will lead us through a situation when others feel it is impossible? 2. Y N M People seem to view me as a great optimist? 3. Y N M When people are discouraged, I enjoy giving them a positive, Godly outlook? 4. Y N M I see difficulties as opportunities for God to display His glory? 5. Y N M I enjoy having people give me prayer requests? 6. Y N M I’m potential-centered rather than problem-centered? 7. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by praying specifically for them, because I’m persuaded of the great power of prayer? 8. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have commented on how easy it is for me to see God at work in many different ways? 9. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a visionary or pray-er?

N. Healings—different kinds of healings. The Spirit-given ability to heal one who is without strength—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially. 1. Y N M I enjoy the opportunity to pray with and for a person who is “without strength” that they may be made well? 2. Y N M I like to participate in ministry to the physically or emotionally or mentally or spiritually hurting and pray for their recovery? 3. Y N M I have seen permanent results of healing in people’s physical, social, spiritual, mental, or emotional lives as a result of God’s work through me? 4. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by being used of God to restore them to health when they have a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual illness of some sort? 5. Y N M (DF): God has brought “without strength” people to me and I have been used by Him to play a key role in their healing process? 6. Y N M (DF): I love it when God specifically uses me to bring healing to someone who suffers. 7. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a healer?

O. The effecting of miracles—activities of power. The Spirit-given ability to perform those events outside and beyond the realm of nature and mankind’s ability. 1. Y N M I find God using me to do things beyond mankind’s natural abilities? 2. Y N M God has used me to perform supernatural signs and wonders? 3. Y N M I find God using me in this way to gain a hearing for and to authenticate His Word? 4. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a miracle worker?

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P. The distinguishing of spirits. The Spirit-given ability to discern between the spirits of truth and error, Spirit and flesh, the Spirit of God and a spirit of evil, before the fruit is evident. 1. Y N M I seem to know very quickly whether something is right or wrong, true or false, Biblical or unbiblical? 2. Y N M I can sense when a particular teaching is not Biblical? 3. Y N M I find myself using God’s truth to check people’s words and actions? 4. Y N M Others have noted that I was able to see through a phony before his/her phoniness was evident to others? 5. Y N M (DF): God seems to put me in places where I feel compelled to ask a lot of questions to figure out where someone’s coming from? 6. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a discerner?

Q. Various kinds of tongues—different languages. The Spirit-given ability to speak a foreign language without learning it beforehand to someone who knows the human language you are speaking. 1. Y N M I have had occasion to speak in a foreign language that was previously unknown to me? 2. Y N M There was someone present who didn’t understand English and did understand the language I was speaking? 3. Y N M There was someone present to interpret my language for the edification of the others present? 4. Y N M (DF): God has used the interpretation of languages I speak to edify others or to stimulate the interest of unbelievers in the gospel? 5. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a linguist?

R. The interpretation of tongues. The Spirit-given ability to translate a foreign language without learning the language beforehand. 1. Y N M I have interpreted languages with the result that the Body of Christ was built up? 2. Y N M I have had the experience of hearing someone speak in a foreign language that I didn’t know and found myself able to translate its meaning? 3. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by making foreign languages understandable? 4. Y N M (DF): God has allowed me to interpret languages at public meetings? 5. Y N M (DF): God has edified believers by my interpretation of languages? 6. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a translator?

S. Helps. The Spirit-given ability to come alongside others and support them and their ministries in different ways. 1. Y N M I look for opportunities to assist people in their work? 2. Y N M I sense when others need a helping hand and am ready to give it promptly and cheerfully? 3. Y N M I enjoy performing support tasks that free others for things they do best? 4. Y N M Others have told me that I have helped them become more effective in their ministries? 5. Y N M (DF): I want to love people by taking over manual tasks for them that they and most others don’t want to do? 6. Y N M (DF): My Christian friends have noted how much I have a zest for being the one to do the behind- the-scenes work that frees up others to serve more ably? 7. Y N M Others and myself think of me as a helper?

T. Administrations. The Spirit-given ability to understand clearly the immediate or long-range goals of a local church, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. 1. Y N M I like to organize people and tasks for more effective ministry? 2. Y N M I enjoy the responsibility for the achievement of group goals? 3. Y N M The development of effective plans for church ministry gives me great satisfaction? 4. Y N M I see past the surface of an activity to the broader picture of details that makes everything fit together? 5. Y N M I have a sense for how and when projects or ministries need to be better organized? 6. Y N M I know how to delegate tasks to the right people at the right time? 7. Y N M I find myself thinking about ways in which things could be run better? 8. Y N M (DF): God often brings me opportunities to coordinate all the details in a ministry so that everyone serves more freely? 9. Y N M (DF): I love it when a ministry is guided around various pitfalls because God has allowed me to master the details and make sure all the little things are in order? 10. Y N M Others and myself think of me as an administrator? ORIGINAL QUESTIONNAIRE I USED TO USE

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1. Apostles—Ones sent forth. Those sent forth by Jesus to preach, plant churches, write Scriptures, and formulate doctrine concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. According to Acts 1, they must have been with Jesus from the baptism of John until the day of Jesus’ ascension. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) missionaries sent forth to establish new churches, lay down the existing Scriptures, and equip the saints with the Word. Questions to answer: I believe my spiritual gift is a speaking and equipping gift? I have a heart for people who have never heard the Gospel? I long to plant a church, starting a church from scratch with people who’ve never heard of Jesus? I’d be willing to leave my surroundings to minister to other cultures on a long-term basis? I think I could learn another language well in order to minister to others? I’m excited and challenged at the thought of living in another culture in order to use my spiritual gifts? I’d like to be a missionary, beginning new churches, introducing the existing Scriptures, and equipping the saints?

2. Prophets—Ones who spoke forth. The Spirit-given ability to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. Today perhaps (in a secondary sense) the Spirit-given ability to proclaim the Word of God, to communicate revealed truth, to speak God’s message from His Word to the world in which we live. Questions to answer: I believe my spiritual gift is a speaking and equipping gift? I like to proclaim God’s Word to build up, encourage, comfort others? It is important for me to speak God’s words of warning and judgment in the world today? I find myself thinking about what certain Scripture passages reveal about God’s will for people? I like to deal more with themes and great principles of the Bible than with books of the Bible? I’m not afraid to speak boldly from God’s Word about evil in worldly systems and people’s lives? I communicate truth from the Bible to people to secure a response to God? I have a directness and persuasiveness in speaking God’s Word? I desire to call people from sin to righteousness? I believe my outreach is more to the Church at large than with a local church? I sense a responsibility to lovingly correct those who do wrong? Some other questions from Dorman Followwill: “I want to love people through making the Bible come alive for them as it relates closely to their main problems. My mature Christian friends have said that when they hear me teach, it is ‘like hearing directly from God.’ God seems to bring me opportunities to speak in public often, especially to share about Christian topics that are pertinent to the problems of the area of society in which I live. I have seen a specific message from God’s Word that I have spoken to the body of people to whom I feel called produce sweeping changes in their view of God or themselves. I have sensed God’s anointing of my speech with great power and penetrating relevance when I have been in a preaching setting, and I loved it.”

3. Evangelists—Ones who proclaimed the good news of Jesus as Lord. The Spirit-given ability to communicate the good news of Jesus in relevant terms to those not yet Christians. The message? Jesus died for our sins, was buried, was raised from the dead, and appeared to many eyewitnesses. The method? To go where unbelievers are. The purpose? To offer the wonderful message of Jesus as Lord. Questions to answer: I believe my spiritual gift is a speaking and equipping gift? It is a joy for me to proclaim God’s plan of salvation to non-Christians? I am burdened to share the Gospel with people? I have a deep concern for the unreached people in my community? I go where unbelievers are, available to share if opportunities arise? I’m able to sense when a person does not know Jesus as Lord and am challenged to share the message of salvation with him/her? I’m able to turn a conversation with an unbeliever toward the Lord Jesus and zero in on the salvation message? I desire to share with others how Christ has brought me to Himself? I’ve led others to face Jesus as Lord and they knew they had a choice to make concerning Him? I’m able to equip/train others to share the Good News of Jesus as Lord? Some other questions from Dorman Followwill: “I want to love people by sharing with them the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I regularly do so. My mature Christian friends have commented on how I seem to relate naturally and well with unbelievers, and how boldly I share my life and faith with them. God puts me in the lives of unbelievers, and He gives me many ‘divine appointments’ to share my faith. I love to share the Gospel to anyone who will listen. My concern for witnessing to a lost and dying world is evident. I comfortably share the Gospel with results.”

ORIG

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4. Pastor/teacher—Ones who shepherd and instruct and equip. The spiritual ability to shepherd the flock of God, to feed them the Word of God, and to equip them to serve and build up others. They bear God’s people on their hearts, feed them with the truth, seek them when they stray away, defend them from all that would hurt their faith. Questions to answer: I believe my spiritual gift is a speaking and equipping gift? It is enjoyable and challenging to have the responsibility of leading other people in their spiritual lives? People like to bring their concerns to me because they sense I care? People come to me, seeking my understanding on specific questions or problems? I’m excited in helping people discover important truths in the Scriptures? It seems that people learn when I teach them? I’m involved in people’s lives over a long-term basis? I enjoy teaching another the Word in order to help them grow? Others have told me that I ought to be teaching on a regular basis? My motive is to see people’s lives transformed by the Spirit and Word of God? Others tend to follow me? I like to give spiritual guidance and direction to a group of Christians? I desire to lead, protect, guide, and feed other believers so they’ll become spiritually mature? I reach out and help when I see a Christian straying from the truth? I help fellow believers by guiding them to relevant portions of the Bible and by praying with them? I like to study material in a systematic sequence? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love a specific group of people by staying with them through thick and thin, faithfully studying the Word with them. My mature Christian friends have noted how deeply I care for the welfare of those people God gives me to minister to, and how effectively I seem to follow-up with them. God seems to put me with groups of people who need to be guided and protected, and He seems to want me to help them grow through Bible study and keeping them accountable. I love it when the folks I have invested in and been concerned over start to grow through my teaching and input. I feel strong about spiritual health.”

5. Service—to wait upon. The Spirit-given ability to help with the material needs of the Body; more task-oriented than people-oriented. Questions to answer: I have a serving gift? I enjoy doing behind-the-scenes jobs? I like to do things without attracting much attention? I enjoy meeting the practical needs of others? I usually detect ways to serve before anyone else does? I don’t wait to be asked; I just pitch in? I don’t mind doing jobs by myself? When I hear of a job that needs to be done, I am anxious to do it? I find myself alert to practical needs of others? I would rather do things with my hands than talk to a person with a problem? I like to put “extra touches” on the jobs I do? Dorman Followwill adds the following: “I want to love people by working with them to alleviate their physical burdens, in order to uplift them. My mature Christian friends have noticed how available I am to visit the sick, provide food for people, and help meet the physical needs of believers and non-believers alike. God seems to always let me in on ways in which I can assist others by tangibly meeting their physical needs, giving them a sense that God cares about those needs. God has allowed others to see His care for their physical needs through my serving activities, and they have been uplifted and renewed by a sense of not feeling so alone. I love and get great inward joy from aiding others in a quiet way, and my inward joy is more than adequate reward.”

6. Teaching—to instruct. The Spirit-given ability to clearly communicate the details of the Word of God so that others learn. Questions to answer: I have a speaking gift? I’m excited to help people discover important truths in the Scriptures? It seems that people learn when I teach them? Teaching a Bible class is one of the most enjoyable things I do? I enjoy studying the Bible intensely? I make sure my statements are true and accurate according to God’s Word? I react to people who make unfounded statements? I am willing to put in hours of research? Teaching a Sunday school class or Bible study interests me? I’m interested in the details, point by point? I like to break down the whole, put it back together, then select the best of my discoveries to share? When I hear of a problem or a question, I’m concerned to both find and give a Biblical answer? I find it easy to explain things to people? Others have told me that I ought to be teaching on a regular basis? I’m able to communicate Biblical truth clearly and concisely so that others easily understand it? I earnestly desire to explain Biblical truths to others? I tend to be silent on a matter until I check it out Biblically? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by explaining passages of the Bible to them as accurately as I can. My mature Christian friends have noted how clearly I have instructed them from a passage I have been studying. God often brings me opportunities to speak to individuals/groups on the truths He has shown me in my own Bible study. God has used my communication of Biblical truth to change the attitudes, values, or moral actions of others. I love to study a certain passage, making sure my study is accurate in light of the historical/grammatical context, and then getting an opportunity to speak that truth to others.”

ORIG

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7. Exhorting—to call to one’s side. The Spirit-given ability to inspire others to action, awaken spiritual interest, or steady those who are faltering. Calls believers to know, believe, and follow the truth of God. Questions to answer: I have a speaking gift? It is a joy to give encouragement to people who are discouraged? People who are hurting often come to me for encouragement and comfort? I’m likely to generate enthusiasm among others? I would rather call on a delinquent individual in my church than an unchurched individual? I see the potential in others? I give counsel in logical steps of action? I identify with people where they are in order to counsel them? I find that I am a patient listener? People have often expressed to me how much I have helped or encouraged them in time of need? When I hear of a believer who has fallen away, I’m anxious to go to them and try to help? Others come to me when discouraged and the advice I give causes them to new action of faith and obedience? I am sensitive to troubled and discouraged people and enjoy helping them see God’s answers to life’s problems? I enjoy verbally encouraging and challenging the weak and the wavering and the spiritually apathetic? I would enjoying spending time each week in a counseling ministry? Others have told me that my example strengthens and encourages them? I try to motivate people to become what I see they could be? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by keeping them accountable to live the morally upright lives God wants them to live. My mature Christian friends have noted my ability to befriend those who are weak or young in the faith, and help them grow into a place of greater maturity. God seems to bring believers who need to grow into my life, and they grow through my comforting or challenging them. God often uses my advice to spur people to new actions of obedience or to a renewed hope that God will use them. I love it when people start to take hold of God’s truth and apply it to their lives so that they really grow.”

8. Giving—to give a share of. The Spirit-given ability to generously distribute money to further the cause of God. With liberality—without mixed motives, simply, sacrificially. Questions to answer: I have a serving gift? I find great satisfaction in giving generous amounts of money for the Lord’s work? I appreciate the opportunity to financially support a critical situation? I give sacrificially because I know God will meet my needs? I find it easy to give my money or possessions to others without thought of what I will receive in return? I look for opportunities to give without hearing any appeals? When I hear of someone in need, I immediately think of sending them some money? I’m thrilled when someone asks me to help financially in some project? I am motivated to give when confronted with financial needs of people or ministries? I am very free with my possessions? I give cheerfully and generously, often above what is expected? I am concerned that the money I give be used as efficiently as possible for God? I enjoy investing money in the lives and ministries of others? I don’t need to be asked? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by making the physical blessings God has given me available for others to use. My mature Christian friends have commented on how free-handed I am with my personal resources and property. God often brings me opportunities to contribute to the monetary or physical needs of people through the resources I have. God has allowed my funds to play a critical role in underwriting Christian ministries of various sorts. I love to provide money or goods freely to people in need, since God has blessed me with so much.”

9. Leading—to stand before. The Spirit-given ability to stand before a group and lead it. With diligence—eagerly, responding quickly. Questions to answer: I have a speaking gift? I find great joy in leading people to accomplish group goals? People seem to follow me in doing an important task? I like the responsibility of making decisions for the benefit of a group? I usually take the leadership in a group where none exists? When I’m in charge, things seem to run smoothly? When I speak, people seem to listen and agree? I have discernment of people’s needs, goals, and desires, and of the plans necessary to accomplish them? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by ensuring that Christian meetings and ministries run as efficiently and effectively as possible. My mature Christian friends have noted how “on track” things seem to be when I am the one up in front of the people. God often allows me to head up ministry events or meetings. God has authenticated my leadership of ministries or meetings by having His people readily line up to follow me. I love to be the one God chooses to put in front of a meeting or ministry, since I have a sense for how things should go.”

ORIG

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10. Showing mercy—to help the helpless. The Spirit-given ability to joyfully render aid to the downcast and ignored. With cheerfulness—hilarious abandon, of good cheer. Questions to answer: I have a serving gift? I have great compassion for people who are rejected or unloved? I enjoy ministering to a person who is sick or needy or confined or disabled? I am patient with those who are suffering? I am willing and eager to spend time, money, and resources to help those in need? The sight of misery makes me want to express God’s love? I have a knack for turning my compassion into cheerful acts of kindness? I am drawn to hurting people who others shy away from? I react when others are insensitive to other people’s needs? I attract those with struggles because people think I’ll understand and take action? I can sense when people are hurting? I am drawn to people others might consider outcasts? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by practicing the true religion James 1:27 mentions: to visit the widows and orphans of our society in their distress. My mature Christian friends have noticed how well I am able to relate to and care for the “misfits” or the “unlovely.” God often brings helpless and destitute people to my door for help, and He gives me great compassion for them. God has allowed me to cheer up or “lift the countenance” of needy people who need to know God cares for them. I love to bring a cup of cold water to the needy, and watch them respond to God’s love and concern working through me.”

11. The word of wisdom—insight into the true nature of things. The Spirit-given ability to perceive life and truth from God’s perspective and then apply that wisdom to specific situations. Questions to answer: I have a speaking gift? People with problems seem to come to me for advice and counsel? I enjoy providing solutions to difficult problems in life? I have an ability to select the best alternative in a difficult situation? I find it easy to reduce Biblical truths down to principles? I can arrive at Biblical solutions to fairly complicated problems? With individuals and groups I find myself wondering, “Now how would God see this”? I find others agree with my Biblical insights? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by bringing the lofty truths of the Bible down to the practical problems they face each day. My mature Christian friends have noted how easy it is for me to apply Biblical truth to problems in a concise way. God seems to put me in places where believers and unbelievers alike ask my advice when they have identified a problem area and need advice on how to deal with the area. I have seen God resolve conflicts or debates through my specific Scriptural insight from Him that I voiced in a concise way that produced quick agreement. I love it when God gives me practical insight from His Word into a problem and I get the opportunity to share it.”

12. The word of knowledge—in-depth investigation, research. The Spirit-given ability to research, organize, and summarize the teachings of the Word of God so that others are enabled to acquire deep insight into divine truth. Questions to answer: I have a serving gift? I am eager to learn the Word? I have a long attention span? I’m able to absorb and retain unusual amounts of information? I usually have a low need for people? I’m more comfortable with ideas than with individuals? I have a clear understanding of Biblical teachings? I enjoy attacking Biblical problems and researching the issues? I especially enjoy reading scholarly works and debates on Biblical issues? I want to put in order the facts of Scripture so that theology is more readily understandable to others? When people talk to me about great truths of the faith, my answers seem to enlighten them? I’d enjoy being allowed to do research rather than other ministry? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by helping them understand what the key themes of Scripture are so they can have a Biblical framework for living. My mature Christian friends have commented on how I seem to be able to grasp the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament and draw clear conclusions from my studies. God seems to give me opportunities to study theological or Biblical truths in a methodical way that makes the complex or mysterious truths of God clear and understandable. God seems to make the results of my systematic Bible studies available to others for their growth in understanding the whole counsel of God, or for use in Bible teaching. I love it when God allows me to discover the theological threads that bind his Word together, and I especially enjoy it when my explanation of complex theological concepts seems to enlighten others in the body.”

ORIG

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13. Faith—conviction based on hearing the truth, a visionary. The Spirit-given ability to see something through when no one else can and to raise the vision of others. Questions to answer: I have a tendency to try the impossible? I am often ready to believe God will lead us through a situation when others feel it is impossible? People seem to view me as a great optimist? When people are discouraged, I enjoy giving them a positive, Godly outlook? I find it easy to ask God unconditionally for things? I find a secret satisfaction in seeing God answer prayer? I see difficulties as opportunities for God to display His glory? I enjoy having people give me prayer requests? I accept God’s promises at face value and apply them to specific situations without wavering? Others have told me that I have faith to accomplish what seemed impossible to them? I’m potential-centered rather than problem-centered? I can visualize the final result of a major undertaking? I can break down a large task into achievable pieces? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by praying specifically for them, because I’m persuaded of the great power of prayer. My mature Christian friends have commented on how easy it is for me to see God at work in many different ways. God seems to allow me to be on the ground floor of many projects or ministries, since I seem to easily see how He is going to complete the project or build the ministry. God has allowed me to see specific results from my prayers or the ministry ideas I have envisioned or championed. I love to see something I have envisioned come to fruition through God’s handiwork.”

14. Healings—different kinds of healings. The Spirit-given ability to heal one who is without strength—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially. Questions to answer: I enjoy the opportunity to pray with and for a person who is ill (or “without strength”) that they may be made well? I have prayed for an ill person and seen the person get better? I like to participate in ministry to the physically or emotionally or mentally hurting and pray for their recovery? I have seen permanent results of healing in people’s physical, social, spiritual, mental, or emotional lives as a result of God’s work through me? I find it easy to identify with those who are hurting? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by being used of God to restore them to health when they have a physical, emotional, or spiritual illness of some sort. My mature Christian friends have noted how they have seen God use me to make a sick brother/sister whole again. God has brought sick people to me and I have been used by Him to play a key role in their healing event or process. God has allowed me/others to see how He has restored the physically or emotionally or spiritually sick through me. I love it when God specifically uses me to bring healing to someone who suffers from a debilitating illness.’

15. The effecting of miracles—activities of power. The Spirit-given ability to perform those events outside and beyond the realm of nature and mankind’s ability. Questions to answer: I find God using me to do things beyond mankind’s natural abilities? God has used me to perform supernatural signs and wonders? I find God using me in this way to gain a hearing for and to authenticate His Word?

16. The distinguishing of spirits. The Spirit-given ability to discern between the spirits of truth and error, Spirit and flesh, the Spirit of God and a spirit of evil, before the fruit is evident. Questions to answer: It seems easy for me to perceive whether a person is honest or dishonest? I seem to know very quickly whether something is right or wrong, true or false? I am uncomfortable when I hear error being spoken in an apparently truth-like manner? I can sense when a particular teaching is not Biblical? Others have noted that I was able to see through a phony before his/her phoniness was evident to others? I find myself using God’s Word to check people’s words and actions? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by helping them to see when a fast-talking teacher is not in line with what the Bible says. My mature Christian friends comment that I often sift through truth and error, and usually determine the truth. God seems to put me in places where I feel compelled to ask a lot of questions to figure out where someone’s coming from. God has allowed other believers to be steered into His truth by my ability to identify His truth or power at work in difficult, entangled, or even bizarre circumstances. I love to sort through someone’s true attitudes in order to determine what they are really saying.”

ORIG

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17. Various kinds of tongues—different languages. The Spirit-given ability to speak a foreign language without learning it beforehand to someone who knows the human language you are speaking. Questions to answer: I have had occasion to speak in a foreign language that was previously unknown to me? There was someone present who didn’t understand English and did understand the language I was speaking? There was someone present to interpret my language for the edification of those present? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by having the tongues I occasionally speak interpreted for them so they can hear my praise to God. My mature Christian friends have heard me speak in tongues, and have been built up by its interpretation. God seems to allow me to be used to speak in other tongues and He usually provides an interpreter to translate for me. God has used the interpretation of tongues I speak to edify others or to stimulate the interest of unbelievers in the gospel. I love to speak in tongues in such a way as to glorify God through another believer’s interpretation.”

18. The interpretation of tongues. The Spirit-given ability to translate a foreign language without learning the language beforehand. Questions to answer: I have had the experience of hearing someone speak in a foreign language that I didn’t know and found myself able to translate its meaning? I have interpreted languages with the result that the Body of Christ was built up? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by making tongues understandable. My mature Christian friends have seen me given an interpretation of someone’s utterance of tongues which glorified God. God has allowed me to interpret tongues at public meetings. God has edified believers by my interpretation of tongues. I love it when God allows me to have divine insight into the message of praise to God someone has spoken through a tongue, and I get to tell other believers the message.”

19. Helps. The Spirit-given ability to come alongside others and support them and their ministries in different ways. Questions to answer: I have a serving gift? I look for opportunities to assist people in their work? I desire to do the tasks which will free others for ministry? I appreciate a ministry of helping other people bear their burdens? I sense when others need a helping hand and am ready to give it promptly and cheerfully? I enjoy performing support tasks that free others for things they do best? Others have told me that I have helped them become more effective in their ministries? Rather than seeking a leadership position, I desire to serve under or with someone else? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by taking over manual tasks for them that they and most others don’t want to do. My mature Christian friends have noted how much I have a zest for being the one to do all the behind-the-scenes work and labor that frees up others to serve more ably. God seems to show me ways where I can take over and easily accomplish physical tasks or other errands by myself, providing great assistance to a brother/sister. God seems to produce a lot of joy and relief in others as I help them by shouldering tasks they consider burdensome, but I consider fun as I easily get them finished myself. I love it when I can do things by myself to help others in any way, especially when they didn’t want the job.”

20. Administrations. The Spirit-given ability to understand clearly the immediate or long-range goals of a local church, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. Questions to answer: I have a serving gift? I like to organize people for more effective ministry? I enjoy the responsibility for the achievement of group goals? The development of effective plans for church ministry gives me great satisfaction? I like to see things organized? I like to see others organized? I find enjoyment in seeing the successful operation of an activity? I see past the surface of an activity to the broader picture of details that makes everything fit together? I have a sense for how and when projects or ministries need to be better organized, and know how to help? I am especially sensitive when things get off course or distracted? I am motivated to organize that for which I am responsible? I know how to delegate tasks to the right people at the right time? I enjoy working with plans, figures, systems? I find myself thinking about ways in which things could be run better? Dorman Followwill adds, “I want to love people by ‘putting the wheels’ on a ministry so that things run smoothly and details are ironed out. My mature Christian friends comment on how good I am in completing ministry tasks that would bog others down. God often brings me opportunities to coordinate all the details in a ministry so that everyone serves more freely. God has blessed ministries or projects where I have been entrusted with properly taking care of the details or paperwork. I love it when a ministry is guided around various pitfalls because God has allowed me to master the details and make sure all the little things are in order.”

Discipleship 117 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Dealing with the World (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-17)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Dealing with the World” by Joel Berger.

STUDY See the Discipleship 116 Assignment Sheet for the introduction to Romans. 1 John was written by the apostle John around A.D. 85-90, probably sometime after he wrote the Gospel of John. Most likely written to Christians in Asia Minor, John wrote to expose false teachers and teachings (Gnostics—believed that the spirit is entirely good and that matter is entirely evil) and to assure believers of salvation. Righteousness (justice) and love are heavily emphasized. John is concerned for the spiritual welfare of his spiritual children.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to the 1 John 2:15-17 passage: In 2:15a, what is the command? In :15b-17, what are the reasons why we shouldn’t love the world and why we should love the Father alone? According to these verses, how is the Christian specifically to deal with the world’s pressures to conform? Questions specific to the Romans 12:2 passage: In 12:2, what are the two commands? What does each mean? Meditate on each command. How is the Christian to deal with the world’s pressures to conform?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One person in my life who influenced me greatly was…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in 1 John 2:15-17? Romans 12:2? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. 1 John 2:15-17. In what ways are you saying “No!” to the love of the world and its urges and its pride in its manner of life? In what choices that you are making is it evident that you love the Father and not the world? In what ways is it evident in your life that you are doing the will of God? 3. Romans 12:2. In what areas do you need to stop letting the world squeeze you into its mold? What are the areas of thinking in your life that you need to have “the mind of Christ” instead of the thinking of the world? Are these areas “ignorance” issues or “disobedience” issues? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Dealing with the World” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. If you can grasp the meaning and application of these two sets of verses, you’ll be doing well!!

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Christians are under attack! There are forces that don’t want us walking in light of our new identity or in a way that is pleasing to God. These three forces—the world, the flesh, and the devil—are part of the 21-week study, Discipleship 100. The world tries to pressure Christians into conformity with its current way of thinking, talking, and behaving. The flesh tries to pressure Christians into operating by our desires/urges, in our own strength, without taking God into consideration. The devil tries to mislead and destroy Christians by deceptive schemes. For the next three studies, we’re going to look at these three subjects and how to Biblically deal with them.

Dealing with the World. One Biblical scholar defined the world as “all that floating mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, speculations, hopes, impulses, aims, aspirations, at any time current in the world.” The world’s thinking is always changing. It changes from generation to generation, many times even more often. It reflects thinking that excludes the Biblical God. Yet remember what Solomon concludes in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, “There is nothing new under the sun!” 1 John 2:15-17 and Romans 12:2 give us answers on how to deal with the world and its pressures. Temptation strikes each of us, no matter our gender or position or age. Temptation means to allure or entice to something unwise or wicked, something not in line with God’s will. In what areas are you extremely temptable, and who/what do you tend to blame? What excuse do you use? Circumstances? “You’d have done the same thing if in my shoes!” The pressures to conform? “Everyone else is doing it! It’s politically correct!” It’s interesting in Scripture that the word translated temptations can also be translated trials. This means the same situation which is a trial for me can be a temptation for you, and vice versa. How do we distinguish? Here are some helpful differences between trials and temptations: (1) Who does the inciting. (2) What does it incite you toward. (3) The context of a passage. (4) Your response. A trial is from God and designed for your growth. A temptation is from the world (or the flesh or Satan) and is designed to get you to sin.

The apostle John once wrote in 1 John 2:15-17: 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. (NASB) The world tries to pressure everyone, including Christians, into conformity with its current way of thinking, talking, and behaving. It is what is “Politically Correct” at the moment! The things of the world include the urges (passionate longings, strong desires) of the flesh, the urges of the eyes (what we see and concentrate on), and the boastful pride of life (an arrogance that comes from a manner or way of life). John says you can’t love (agapē) the world and its things and also love (agapē) the Father. The two are incompatible. Why would the Christian love something that makes loving the Father impossible, that consists of urges and pride, and that is passing away? The world’s thinking and ideas and urges come for a period of time but then pass away. But listen to this: the one who does God’s will lives forever! That’s one of the reasons we as humans are here: To do God’s will!! To give in to the world’s urges and to not do the Father’s will is the opposite of why we were created by our Creator. The world and its current way of thinking should never be the basis for making a decision. God’s will as revealed in His Word should be the basis for making the choices we do. God’s remedy for the world and the things of the world: love the Father with all we are and seek to do His will! There’s another part of God’s remedy in Romans 12:2.

Listen to Romans 12:2, “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.” Conform means an outward expression that does not reflect what is within. “Don’t let the thinking and behavior of this age cause you to pose as a worldly person.” “Stop assuming an outward expression that doesn’t come from within and is not representative of what is within.” “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.” Stop it!

F. LaGard Smith writes in When Choice Becomes God, “In just one generation we have moved from intolerance of homosexuality to giving special recognition to “gay rights”; from the social stigma of divorce to recognizing broken marriages as being a permanent fixture in society; from censorship of suggestive movie ads to slick pornography on the front shelves at the local convenience store; from hush-hush back-alley abortions to widely accepted legal abortions.” You could include the current attempt to redefine marriage and the family or how sex outside of marriage is viewed and accepted or how cheating or lying are acceptable unless you are caught! Through the

Discipleship 117—DEALING WITH THE WORLD (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:2) Page 2 of 3 ages we’ve heard: “You have the right to be happy.” “Whatever feels good, do it!” “You need THIS to be fulfilled!” The world tells us we have no worth if we aren’t beautiful or rich or smart or if we don’t have athletic ability or if we don’t have a career. The world today says “You aren’t responsible; you’re just a victim. Blame the environment, your upbringing, your parents, your mate, God, the devil, your circumstances.” Convenience is a key word: “If something or someone like an unborn child is not convenient, remove them! If in the way, choice overrules. The pro-choice movement makes mates or children (born or unborn) expendable! This world says charisma, not character, is what counts. This world says truth is always changing, relative, “There is no such thing as absolute truth.” The world usually starts with the emotions. Then when a person is emotionally engaged, the mind begins thinking. But instead of thinking rationally (because the emotions are already at a high level), the mind rationalizes and justifies and excuses. So the choice made ends up an emotional one, not a logical one.

The world and its beliefs and practices have tried to shape the Christian’s thinking and even interpretation of God’s Word. The world defines a Christian as someone who lives in a Christian nation or was born in a Christian family or just believes there is a God. The world is trying to tell churches what they can or can’t teach: “You can’t teach against this particular sin because it’s now legal or recognized as acceptable and you’d be considered intolerant, mean! It’s a hate crime!” You have to do what we tell you to do, like subsidize abortions. The world tries to tell people that God doesn’t care, is removed from us, is dead, or doesn’t exist. The world tries to say Jesus was just a nice guy, a prophet, a good teacher. Even Christians are led to believe that the church is to address a person’s every desire, and if it doesn’t, go elsewhere or stop going, blaming the church! Even Christians often say that Biblical counseling is not enough; people need more than God’s truth. Even Christians are led to believe that a certain person’s thoughts and/or experiences have a higher standing than God’s truth. Even Christians often overlook acts of sin in others because “Pointing out another’s sin is judgmental and unloving!” Even many Christians think the church should just be a social agency or political forum instead of being an evangelizing, edifying, and equipping place. Even Christians often believe that the pastor should be an entertainer and say only soothing words: “One should never come away from a message convicted!” Even Christians believe that worship is how you feel, not what you choose. What part of the world’s pressures are you listening to?

Paul says, “Don’t be conformed to the world’s entertainment, fashions, vocabulary, music, attitudes. Stop thinking like that!” Fellow Christians, we can’t go around thinking as the world around us thinks and not be conformed by it. Don’t let the world dictate your thinking and choices and actions and speech! There’s a continual battle for the Christian’s mind. What are you filling yours with? Where can we go to get clear direction? Where is the Christian’s authority? On what basis can we make decisions that are godly? God and His recorded words are the foundation on which we think, choose, speak, behave, regardless of our emotions, circumstances, relationships, or what the world believes. The apostle Paul says to replace being conformed with being transformed! Allow your thinking to be renewed so it’s in harmony with God’s truths! Romans 12:2b is how to deal with the “world’s” pressures and temptations. :2b …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. Be transformed! Keep on allowing yourselves to be changed outwardly into harmony with our new inner natures. DO what you ARE! It comes from the inside out because it’s who you are on the inside, a new person IN Christ and IN the Spirit! The world wants uniformity, even if someone has to play an unnatural part. God wants you to do who He’s made you in Christ and in the Spirit.

The way this is to take place is by the renewing of your mind. The mind of Christ (which every Christian has) looks at life as Jesus does. The mind of Christ says: Jesus and the Bible are God’s truth. The Biblical God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, abounding in truth, forgiving, just. The Biblical Jesus before He ever came to earth was the Word, with God, was God, Life, Light. That is who came to earth. Jesus existed before He ever became flesh. This is true of no one else! The Biblical Jesus is God’s beloved Son, Heir of all things, the Creator, the Radiance of the Father’s glory, the exact Representation of the Father’s nature; He upholds all things by the word of His power. He’s the Purifier for sins, the exalted One who is at the right hand of the Majesty on high; better than the angels, worthy of worship, the God on the throne, the One who has no human or angelic comparison. The Biblical Holy Spirit is the forever Helper, the Spirit of truth, the Teacher, who indwells every Christian; He’s the Convicter, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The one who has been justified by faith in the Lord Jesus is forgiven, a

Discipleship 117—DEALING WITH THE WORLD (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:2) Page 3 of 3 holy one, a member of God’s family, blessed with every spiritual blessing, complete, IN Christ, IN the Spirit, a new creation, His dwelling place, His workmanship, a citizen of heaven. The mind of Christ tells us who we are in Christ and in the Spirit, and how to walk. The mind of Christ recognizes we’ve died to sin, we’re alive to God, we’ve died to the Law, we can’t walk by the flesh and please God, that we’re to walk by the Spirit. The mind of Christ says: The reason for living is not to make money or be beautiful or be happy; humans are here to please God, to bring honor to Him, to do His will. The mind of Christ doesn’t advance self. The mind of Christ realizes we’re here to serve God and follow His will. The mind of Christ doesn’t see people as objects to use or exploit but as God’s creation and loved ones. The mind of Christ doesn’t see people as things to serve you, but individuals God wants us to love and serve. The mind of Christ sees the need to be equipped so we can serve others and build up the Body of Christ. The mind of Christ understands that everything we have has been given to us by God. The mind of Christ understands that we can and should put another’s interests ahead of our own if it’s not a Biblical issue. The world says be bitter, get revenge, lie, steal, vent your feelings. The mind of Christ says be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving each other as Christ as forgiven you, walking in love just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for you!!

This outward transformation (DOING who we ARE) is effected by an inner change in your thinking. God’s Word is the instrument His Holy Spirit uses to renew our minds, which in turn He uses to transform our choices and actions and words. Our minds must be continuously exposed to and renovated through God’s Word and by God’s Spirit. This is the only way to discover the will of God. When our minds are renewed, our thinking ability is able to properly assess everything, and to accept and act on only what conforms to the will of God. And we’ll find the will of God is good, acceptable (without blemish), and perfect (complete, wanting nothing necessary to completeness).

First, as we see in 1 John 2:15-17, don’t love the world and its things. Instead, love the Father with all you are! Second, don’t operate by the world’s urges and pride. Instead, operate by the Father’s will. And third, as we see in Romans 12:2, don’t be conformed by the world. Instead, become outwardly who you are inwardly by letting your mind be continually renewed. The end result will be that your thinking, choices, behavior, and speech will be reflecting who God has made you within—a new creation, IN Christ and IN the Spirit. What/Who do you love above all else? How do your thinking and choices reflect that you are a new person in Christ and in the Spirit and that you want God’s will more than anything else? What are some deliberate, intentional ways you are allowing your mind to be renewed by God’s Word and through His indwelling Holy Spirit?

Discipleship 118 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Dealing with the Flesh (James 1:13-18)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Dealing with the Flesh” by Joel Berger.

STUDY The writer of James is James, the Lord Jesus’ half-brother, who became a follower of Jesus after Jesus’ resurrection. He was an important leader in the council of Jerusalem. The recipients are converted Jews who had been spread out from Jerusalem and Judea because of persecution. To James, God’s Word is the rule of the King. 54 commands in 108 verses, Christians are to respond to our King! In this book, James assumes you already claim a relationship with Jesus; now he tells us how to walk that way. In some ways, James is a series of tests by which the genuineness of salvation can be determined. Such as how do you respond: When trials come? When temptation occurs? When exposed to God’s Word? What do your works reveal? What does your tongue? Written sometime between A.D. 45-50, it was probably the earliest New Testament document written. The readers knew truth but were failing to translate it into daily life. This book tells us how faith in God works in everyday life.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In 1:13, why can no one use the excuse, “I am being tempted by God”? What are the two reasons given? In :14-15, what is the process or course from being tempted to death? Think these verses through carefully because there’s a moment of choice. Where is the moment of choice in these two verses? In :16-18, what are we to learn about God in these verses? If you combine :13 with :17-18, what kind of God do we have?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One of the happiest days of my life was…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of James in James 1:13-18? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. What are the temptations of the “flesh” with which you struggle the most? In other words, in which areas of the flesh are you especially temptable? What practically have you learned from these passages that help you in dealing with your fleshly patterns? 3. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk—your thinking, choices, actions, speech? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Dealing with the Flesh” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) I would strongly encourage you to spend some long moments of reflection on your flesh patterns and how this James passage helps you deal with yours. (3) Also reviewing ECRAT (Dshp 109) will greatly help you in dealing with your flesh. (4) You can also read the 28-page booklet “New Life in Christ” by Sally Rackets. It’s a great read!

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What are your “flesh patterns”? When you are in a tempting situation, how does your “flesh” urge you to respond? The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, :8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 5:7-8). Christians are under attack by the world, the flesh, and the devil. The flesh is this unredeemed body where sin still dwells. Both non- Christians and Christians still live in fleshly bodies. The flesh tempts a person to operate according to its urges, in its own strength, apart from the life of God. As a Christian, the flesh is simply how you operate when not relying upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. Romans 8:5-8 makes it clear that the flesh can NEVER please God. If we’re attempting to please God with our own human resources, it can’t be done! Be convinced and act upon the fact that your flesh can’t live a life pleasing to God! God’s plan is that we walk by the Spirit. The flesh tries to allure or entice us into something unwise or wicked, something not in line with God’s will. You could read Romans 1:24- 32 or 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 or Galatians 5:19-21 or Ephesians 4:25-5:5 or 1 Timothy 1:9-10 or 2 Timothy 3:2-7 or 1 Peter 2:1, 4:2-3 to see some examples of temptation and sin. Or you can take the following test!

How does your flesh respond when: your baby cries—a lot? Your mate snores? Your child disappoints you or has sinned? You go to church and there was too much music, not enough music, the wrong kind of music, we sang the same song too many times? You go to church and the pastor sits on a stool or uses a lectern or doesn’t make eye contact with every person or uses a lot of notes or goes too long? You go to church and a cell phone rings in the middle of the message or someone is distracting or a baby cries or two people are talking or people don’t meet your expectations? You are enticed by something you see on the web or on a TV ad or by someone at work or at school or on the street? You are offered sex outside of marriage or drugs or alcohol or the opportunity to cheat? You are misunderstood? The government makes foolish decisions or no decisions at all? Someone doesn’t meet your expectations? You see something at a store that you don’t have money to pay for? Someone says “I hate you!” or “You’re stupid!” or “You aren’t politically correct!” or “You could never do that!” Someone says “I love you; I’ll meet your every need.” Someone is always calling you for help? Your child or someone else doesn’t listen to you? You find out someone has lied to you? Someone doesn’t keep his word? A person doesn’t do what he/she said he/she would do? Someone interrupts you when you think you’re making an important point? You don’t seem to have any friends? A book or video game seems to play out your flesh’s desires—you get the girl, you kill or pound the enemy to a pulp, you win? Someone evaluates you based on what he/she thinks your motives are? You see the world collapsing around you? Someone acts like they are superior to you or another? Someone cuts you off in traffic? The phone rings when you’re in deep thought? Someone is constantly criticizing? Someone is always late? Your parents don’t listen to you? Someone says “You’re operating by the flesh!”? How you respond are your “flesh patterns.”

Did you know that as a Christian you can make a different choice than the one your flesh is urging you to make? As a Christian you don’t have to give in to the flesh’s urges. There’s a moment of choice where you can walk in victory over the flesh’s desires. When you face “the moment of choice”, which do you choose? And, in what areas are you extremely temptable, and who/what do you tend to blame? What excuse do you use? God? “Why did You put me in that situation?” Your humanity? “I’m only human! I couldn’t help it!” By the way, your flesh is not who you are! A sinner tends to think that his/her flesh patterns are who he/she is! A Christian tends to think the same! “I’m just an angry man!” No! You are a saint who has a flesh pattern of anger!

The areas of the flesh to which you are susceptible have been described as “flesh patterns.” These are areas of sin to which you are especially vulnerable. If you were to name your top five “flesh patterns”, what would you include? Keep in mind, anything that is (1) not in line with God’s Word or (2) not done in the Spirit’s strength or (3) not done to honor God is sin. Galatians 5:16-25 and James 1:13-18 give us answers on how to deal with the flesh. We looked at Galatians 5:16-25 in D109. It would be very helpful to review that study! The writer of James 1:13-18 is James, the Lord Jesus’ half-brother, who became a follower of Jesus after Jesus’ resurrection. The readers knew truth but were failing to translate it into daily life. This book tells us how faith in God works in everyday life. “But it’s so hard! Surely when I face trials or enticements to sin, if God is God, He must have something to do with it! Why didn’t He stop this from happening? Why did God allow this in my life?” In order to understand temptation we have to begin with the kind of God we have.

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James 1:13 says, Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. Remember, a test is an experience which God brings or allows into our lives in order to build us. A temptation comes from the flesh (or the world or Satan) in order to deceive and/or destroy us. And it’s not ‘if’ we’re tempted, but ‘when’! As long as on this sin-scarred earth and in these earth suits and the devil is around, we’ll be tempted to pursue courses of action or thinking contrary to God’s will. But, no one should ever have the attitude that, “God is to blame. He made me do it. It’s all His fault! God doesn’t care for my needs and desires, so I’ll have to look out for myself. If You, God, hadn’t allowed this to take place, if You hadn’t allowed me to meet her, if You hadn’t put me in this place at this time.” Why isn’t God to blame? (1) God can’t be tempted by evil. Why not blame God? Once we understand His character, we can’t. He by His very nature can’t be tempted to do evil. Because He’s absolutely holy, there is nothing in Him for sin to appeal to. He’s untemptable! Therefore, (2) God would never tempt anyone to sin. God is of such holiness that He cannot be tempted with evil, and of such goodness that He tempts no one. Realize what kind of God you have! More in :17-18!

:14-15 If I can’t blame God when I sin, what has happened when I find myself giving in to sin? Is there a process that takes place before I give in? Is there a moment of choice? Is there help? YES! In :14-15 we learn that the course of temptation is from strong desire to sin to death. :14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. :15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Notice two things before we get to the process or course of temptation. (1) Temptation in and of itself is not wrong. (2) We alone are responsible when we sin. There are no acceptable excuses! Now the process or course of temptation and sin. Temptation and sin follow a consistent course: bait is dropped, fleshly desire draws you toward it, you grab the bait, sin is born, and death eventually follows! When the aroused desire gets a positive response from the mind (which rationalizes it: “I can’t live without it. You’d do the same if you were in my place. It’s someone or something else’s fault. God’s holding back on me. I’m being cheated.”) and the will, conception has taken place. And its child is always sin. And when that sin matures, its consequence is always death.

:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. “Carried away” means to draw away, lure forth; it’s used to describe wild game being lured into traps. “Entice” means to lure by a bait. It’s used of a fish being lured from its course by bait (like an attractive worm!). It may not be attractive to you, but it is to a fish! Our flesh knows exactly what bait you respond to. “Lust” means a strong desire for something, whether good or bad—love, meaning, fulfillment, fame, fortune, power, pleasure. When these desires aren’t controlled by the Spirit of God, they easily become the basis for sinful thinking and action. Again, the desires are not necessarily wrong, but they become wrong as a person’s feelings and mind are carried away and enticed, and you choose to give in. So, you have (1) the alluring bait plus (2) our desire. We each have our flesh patterns by which we respond to some kind of bait. We learn by the use of these words that temptation is not something forced upon us but something that persuades us. “It looks so good! I need it! It will satisfy me! I can’t live without it!” Temptation is a thought or desire toyed with! It is so fascinating that it bewitches those of us who concentrate on it even for a moment.

Listen carefully! When your flesh responds to some kind of bait, this is the moment of choice. If you don’t deal with that desire or feeling or thought at that moment, it will kill you! This is the moment of belief or unbelief, the moment where we walk in victory or give in to defeat, where we see it as a trial to grow us and trust God, or as something we can’t resist (“I just couldn’t help it!”) and give in. This is the moment of choice, to trust the untemptable and untempting God, to be strengthened by the Spirit, OR to walk according to the flesh.

:15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Look where the path of temptation will lead you if you choose not to walk by the Spirit! Literally, “Desire, having conceived, continually gives birth to sin, and sin, when it reaches maturity, continually gives birth to death.” If you choose to not trust God at that moment and you choose to give in to your desires, sin is conceived and then born. We’re learning that sin is not a spontaneous act, but the result of a process. And this course of desire leading to disobedience will eventually lead to death—in the sense of hostility, emptiness, guilt, fear, loss of fellowship with God. Death! At that moment of choice I can either remind myself of God and His truth and trust Him to strengthen me, OR, I can entertain, cultivate, rationalize my thoughts and desires, which gives birth to sin.

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Once that process is set in motion, it takes over (there are no abortions in this process!). The end is known from the beginning. When sin is mature, full-grown, it brings forth death. Remember, the consequence can’t be avoided or changed. It is always death!

:16-18 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. “Stop being deceived! Think straight! Temptation flourishes on inconsistent, non-Biblical thinking. Force yourself to face the facts, to apply the truth, to see the consequences of your lustful thinking.” But, just knowing the consequences is not enough. Many of us know the death-like consequences of sin and still give in. You need to keep your focus on the God who would never tempt you, the Father who only gives good gifts, and the Savior who has brought you forth, making you part of His family!! A. W. Tozer observed, “That which comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” We either give in to Him OR we give in to the urges of the flesh or the pressures of the world or the schemes of the devil. The flesh? Death! God? Life!

:17-18 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. :18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. Here James resumes the thoughts of :13. So far from God being the source of temptation, He is your Father and the Author and Giver of every good! Everything we need is found in Him and our new life in Christ and in the Spirit. Everything we need is always available; He holds nothing back. God is our Father, and He never varies in His gifts—they’re always good! “Good” means lovely, designed to bring benefit. “Perfect” means that which reaches its mark or matches its objective, lacking nothing. True life is finding everything you need from Him. In these verses we see God for who He really is—an untemptable and untempting God, a generous, unchanging Father, a loving Savior who is the very source of life. (1) Keep your eyes on Him!! And, (2) choose Him and His way at your moments of choice. There will never come a time when you go to your trustworthy God with your need and find that He is unavailable, unwilling, or unable.

:18 The greatest proof that God is good is our own salvation history. This was something God Himself decided upon. He chose to make us His offspring. God is not the tempter; He’s our Father and Savior. He caused us to be born again, and He gives life, never death! The means used by God to accomplish this good work was His word of truth. We heard His word, believed it, and called on the name of Jesus as Lord. He brought us forth so we might be the first fruits among His creatures. The earliest produce of the year was offered to God as a sign that ‘all’ belonged to Him. If He’s brought us forth, has He brought or allowed this circumstance into our lives to destroy us? Of course not!! He intends it for our good. Realize, when we do give in to the flesh’s urges, Jesus has made it possible due to His death on the cross for our sins to walk in freedom again. We are to agree with God that we’ve missed His mark, we are to recognize His forgiveness, review who we are IN Christ and IN the Spirit, and walk on in His strength. Yet in this study, notice that we don’t have to give in; we can walk in victory, continually!

Temptation is a powerful and deceptive process. Recognize your moments of choice! Our God will make them known! Write down the areas of your life that are most susceptible to temptation. Write out the temptation process that occurs in a particular area of your life. Include the outer bait, the inner desire, and how you are tempted to yield. Don’t make decisions based on desires/urges. Also, as far as possible, control the situations in which you place yourself. Keep your mind occupied with the untemptable and untempting God and His Word. Victory comes from mentally dwelling on God and those good things and perfect gifts that He has provided for us. He’s our God and Father and Savior, and He wants the very best for us. Not only does He want the best for us, He has provided it! Are He and His good gifts your focus? A person occupied with the Lord and His Word as a way of life and being strengthened with power by the Holy Spirit will not give in to temptation at the moment of choice. This is how to walk in victory over the flesh—walk in the Spirit’s strength and keep your focus on our God and Lord! SO, be filled with the Spirit, focus on God and your Christian identity (remember, your flesh is not who you are!), think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely (Philippians 4:8). “God, how do You want to live Your life and love and patience and peace and forgiveness and gentleness and self-control through me at this moment?”

Discipleship 119 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Dealing with the Devil (Ephesians 6:10-18)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Dealing with the Devil” by Joel Berger.

STUDY Most likely a circular letter written to several churches in Asia Minor, Ephesians is a letter from the apostle Paul. He probably wrote this letter from Rome during his two-year imprisonment around 60 A.D. In chapters 1-3, Paul covers God’s blessings on every believer, the power of God at work in individuals and races, and then prays (1) that the Ephesian believers would be strengthened with power through His Spirit, (2) that they’d lay hold of and experience the love of Christ, and (3) that they’d be filled up to all the fullness of God. Concentrating the first half of his letter on the Person and work of our Lord Jesus and the institution of the Church, in the last half he covers how the Church should walk, how individual Christians should walk, how a husband and wife should walk, how children and parents should walk, how employees and employers should walk—all in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called (4:1). In closing, he covers the full armor of God.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to this passage: In :10-13, what are the three commands, and what does each mean? Who is the Christian’s enemy, and how are he and his forces described? In :14-17, what are the six pieces of armor? What do truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and word of God mean? How would the devil possibly attack each piece? How can the Christian, using the particular pieces of armor, stand firm?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One thing God has used in my life to grow me is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in Ephesians 6:10-13? In 6:14-18? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. Ephesians 6:10-13. What are the three commands? How are you or should you be practically applying these commands? What is one important application you have made from these four verses? 3. Ephesians 6:14-18. What does each piece of armor mean? How would the devil attack each piece? How are you or should you be practically applying each piece? What are two important applications you have made from these verses? 4. How does this passage practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: (1) Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Dealing with the Devil” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. (2) Ray Stedman’s book “Spiritual Warfare” was very helpful for me. You can pick up a used one for $4.00 at Amazon. (3) Also listen to the four-message series on Ephesians 6:10-18 given by Joel Berger on 1/15/12, 1/22/12, 2/12/12, and 2/19/12. Available on the website or on CD. To order, the church number is 775-267-3020.

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2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “…for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” (NASB) Christians are under attack! There are forces that don’t want us walking in light of our new identity or in a way that is pleasing to God. The world tries to pressure Christians into conformity with its way of thinking, talking, and behaving. God’s answer is love Him with everything we are, do His will, and be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The flesh tries to pressure Christians into operating by our desires/urges, without taking God into consideration. God’s answer is to walk by the Spirit, keep your focus on the Biblical God, and recognize the course of temptation (the moment of choice). The devil tries to mislead and destroy Christians by deceptive schemes. We’ve looked at dealing with the world and the flesh. Now we’re going to learn how to deal with the devil and his demonic forces!

God has made every provision for walking in victory even over the devil and his demons!! Ephesians 6:10-18 explains the Christian’s adversary and his evil schemes, and, how to deal with him. Admittedly we are not used to thinking about invisible foes and combat. John Stott describes this as “shocking reality harsher than dreams!” Yet we can only understand life when we see it as the Bible describes it. If you are a new recruit to Christianity, there is a battle-scarred veteran of the faith, the apostle Paul, who greets you. “Welcome to the struggle, fellow soldiers! I’ve got God’s solution for victory in every battle. I’ll teach you who our enemy is and his forces and schemes. I’ll teach you how to stand firm, no matter the attacks. To arms, fellow soldiers! To arms!”

:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. :11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Wrapping up how to walk worthy, be strong in the Lord (a command!)! Be continually strengthened in the Lord. We can’t fight spiritual warfare with human resources, supernatural battles with natural strength. Yet through the Lord, every Christian has this mighty life and power available to him/her. Walk in His strength (see 1:19, 3:16)! :11a Here’s a second command: Put on God’s full armor, His life-long gear, with no part missing. Defending us against strategy as well as assault, you can stand your ground when under attack.

:11b Who is the Christian’s opponent, adversary? The devil and his spiritual goons of evil. Devil means one who accuses or slanders another. Satan means adversary. The devil is described by Jesus in John 8:44 as a liar and a murderer, a deceiver and a destroyer. There is NO truth in him! Apparently once the chief of angels, he is described as the ruler of demons, the ruler of this world. He’s an evil, cunning, powerful, invisible, organized foe against whom no human being in his/her own strength and resources is a match. Yet, let us never think that Satan and God are equal opposing foes.

Once governed by the evil one (Ephesians 2:2), no longer are Christians in the devil’s kingdom. We are part of a new kingdom; we have a new Lord; His name is Jesus! Be strong in Him! Put on God’s full armor that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. But sometimes we can mistake the enemy. Don’t fight the wrong enemy! :12-13 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. :13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Take up God’s full armor so we’ll be able to resist and stand firm, no matter the foe or scheme.

:12-13 If we mistake or underestimate our spiritual enemy, we’ll see no need to suit up or be strengthened by the Lord. Our struggle is not against any human being! Our greatest enemy is in a world we can’t see. Our enemies are demonic. Our struggle is spiritual. Organized, rulers are first ones, preeminent ones, leaders. Powers are authorities. World forces, they cover the territory of the whole earth, and they hate the Light. Wicked, powerful, spiritual beings, they operate in the heavenlies, the invisible realities of life. Demons are fallen angels. :13 Here we have a third command. It is urgent—Take up God’s full armor in order to use it! Because of formidable enemies and because conflict is inevitable, take up. We can’t lose the ultimate war, because we belong to the Lord Jesus and He won! Hebrews 2:14 says “Jesus through death rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” But, on an individual battle front, take up God’s full armor. In the Lord’s strength, using His armor, we’ll be able to resist (stand one’s ground). When encountering evil periods of time, intense periods of struggle against the forces of evil, take up! Stand firm! Now let’s see what God’s full armor is and how to practically use it.

In many ways, Jesus IS the armor, at least the first three pieces. We already have those first three pieces on.

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Recognize that they are always there and remind ourselves of what each means. :14-15 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, AND HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, :15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.

:14 “Stand firm!” is a command, which heightens the urgency. This command is followed by three participles, which means they are the logical results of standing firm—having girded, having put on, having shod. Having truth as a belt around your waist. The first piece of armor, the foundational piece is the belt of truth. The belt— the thick leather belt the Roman soldier wore was to hold his tunic in place while fighting and also to which was attached the breastplate and the sheath for the sword. It’s the belt of ‘truth’! This is the truth of God as revealed in the Bible and in Jesus. Everything hangs on the truth. Truth is a growing knowledge and understanding of Jesus (and the Word) and how He works in our daily lives. “What has GOD said?” is the question to be asked when attacked in this area. Satan’s attacks. When the devil attacks the truth, he tries to deceive through error, ignorance, saying that there is no such thing as absolute truth, no final authority, no one you can absolutely trust. How to practically use the belt of truth. In John 8:31-32 Jesus says, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” There IS an absolute authority, a Person and place we can go to get pure truth. We can trust God’s truth as revealed in Jesus and in His Word. When attacked, stand firm and continue in the Person of Jesus and the authority of God’s truth revealed in the Scriptures.

Having put on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of the Roman soldier was made from large pieces of metal, like a sleeveless vest. Of ‘righteousness’. Righteousness or justification means that all the demands of Divine law and justice have been fully satisfied. Because of Jesus’ Person and work, we have been made righteous, just, fit for God! We’re to stand firm in Jesus and His justifying work. Satan’s attacks. When the slanderer accuses us; when he hisses at us that we are no good, not just; when he tries to bury us with a vague sense of guilt but you can’t put your finger on it; when he tries to make us “feel” worthless or like a failure and that God is certain to reject us—It’s all a lie!!, from the father of lies. Remember, there is NO truth in him! How to practically use the breastplate of righteousness. Romans 8:31-35a says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” Jesus is the One who died in our place and for all our sins (He is our righteousness)! All demands of God’s justice are satisfied. Believe it! Act on it!

:15 Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. The Roman soldier had sandals with sharp nails or studs on the bottom to secure firm footing. Of ‘peace’. Peace means contentment, wholeness, calmness of soul, even when under attack. So the gospel of peace is the firm footing of the good news whose content is peace. It is God’s peace in the face of the Christian’s enemy. In John 14:27, Jesus said to his apostles, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” His peace: In knowing that God accepts us and is pleased with us. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, even when under attack from the evil one. Satan’s attacks. The devil tries to use worry, discontentment, tension, disharmony, disunity to deceive and/or destroy us. How to practically use the sandals of peace. Romans 5:1 and Philippians 4:6-9 are helpful. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). We have firm footing (Jesus), the God of peace and the peace of God!

These last three pieces are to be taken up with each battle. :16-18 In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. :17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. :18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

:16 In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. In addition to the first three pieces, taking up the shield of faith. The word for shield

Discipleship 119—DEALING WITH THE DEVIL (Ephesians 6:10-18) Page 3 of 4 means a 4’ by 2½’ door! The Roman shield was used to ward off blows and also withstand a shower of flaming arrows. When these shields were lined up side by side, it was like an antimissile system! Of ‘faith’. Faith is believing what God has said and committing ourselves to live by what we believe. Faith is only as reliable and helpful as the trustworthiness of its Object, the Lord Jesus. Satan’s attacks. The devil attacks with a steady rain of temptations, launched to shake our confidence in God. He will say that God’s words aren’t true. An example is in Genesis 3:4-5, where he told the first woman that if she ate of the tree, she would NOT die. God had earlier told the first couple that they WOULD die if they ate of that tree. She had a choice to make, to believe God or believe Satan. Another way the devil attacks is by immoral thoughts or any sinful thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere. Of course, there would also be the fear that would result from seeing flaming arrows headed toward you! These attacks ‘seem’ to arise out of our own thoughts. How to practically use the shield of faith. The apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” Faith is always based on Biblical facts. Evaluate the attacks by what GOD has said. What does GOD SAY in His written Word? God’s words are the truth, the facts. “Yes, I believe the Lord Jesus is the truth. He is my righteousness. He is my peace. THEREFORE, this attitude and choice and action and word must follow. Stand firm by faith, in our Lord and Savior who is everything we need.

:17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION. The Roman soldier’s helmet was made of thick leather covered with metal plates. Perhaps it included a neck guard, a cheek piece, and a brow guard. The helmet guards our minds and thoughts, the ability to think and reason. For the Christian, it is to preserve us from mental confusion. Of ‘salvation’. As we learned when we studied “Biblical Salvation”, the word salvation means deliverance and includes justification, sanctification, and glorification, our past, present, and future. When we look at another of the apostle Paul’s writings (1 Thessalonians 5:8), he refers to the helmet as the “hope” of salvation. In the Bible, hope is referring to something that is certain but still to come. This helmet would then be referring to the assurance of future and final deliverance. Since justification has already been covered in the breastplate of righteousness, and sanctification has already been covered in the sandals and shield, the helmet of salvation refers to glorification. Satan’s attacks. The devil tries to get us to rely on the unreal and groundless expectations of the world around us. He tries to make us fearful of how things are going or of what is coming. How do we handle such lies and deceptiveness? How can we practically use the helmet of salvation? Hebrews 2:8-9 indicates we don’t yet see all things subjected to mankind, but we do see Jesus! Hebrews 12:1-2 says the man or woman of faith lays aside every weight and sin, runs with endurance the race that is set before him/her, fixing his/her eyes on Jesus. If our eyes are fixed on anything other than Jesus, we’ll be fearful or feel hopeless or give up. Use the facts of the Lordship and return of Jesus as guides in evaluating the movements of our day. We have this confident certainty of full salvation on the last day. God is summing up all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Our enemy Satan can never stop God’s purposes from being fulfilled!!

And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Roman soldier’s sword was short (from 6” to 24”) and double-bladed; it was used in hand-to-hand combat. It’s the Spirit’s sword, and He inspired the Scripture writers to write these truths. The word translated ‘word’ is the Greek word rhēma, which refers to GOD’s words, God’s specific, individual words, specific truths of the Bible, words given by the indwelling Holy Spirit to meet the critical need of the moment. Satan’s attacks. The devil tries to deceive us by quoting Scripture verses or phrases out of context. He tries to keep Christians out of the Bible. He tries to get us to NOT know or believe or act on God’s specific words. How can we practically use the sword of the Spirit, the word of God? When we’re under attack, it’s not effective to shout out, “I believe the whole Bible!!” Realize that the Holy Spirit inspired and gave us God’s written words; He helps us understand them; He brings them to mind. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes by a word (rhēma) of Christ.” Our lives are changed by knowing and using God’s specific words for specific attacks. Know which passages deal with specific issues, such as who God is (Exodus 34:6-7); who Jesus is (Hebrews 1); who the Christian is in Christ (Romans 5:11-6:23); spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18); how to deal with the flesh (Galatians 5:16, Romans 7:1-8:17, James 1:13-18); how to deal with the world and its values (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:1-2); how to deal with worry (Philippians 4:6-9); how to deal with fear (Mark 4:35-41); etc!!

:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all

Discipleship 119—DEALING WITH THE DEVIL (Ephesians 6:10-18) Page 4 of 4 perseverance and petition for all the saints. PRAY! Keep in constant contact with the Commander: “Your will be done!” Pray for all the saints and ask others to pray for you. Praying, according to the Scripture the Spirit inspired and in His strength. Keeping alert! Be sleepless, alert, vigilant! And, give constant attention, intense effort, to praying for all the saints. We can’t put on God’s armor for another, but we can pray for him/her. All of us praying for each other! Wow! What a scene!

Every Christian has an enemy who is invisible and extremely powerful and clever. YET, we can be strong in the Lord and put His full armor. Know these Biblical facts, believe them, and live life on the basis of Jesus being each piece or example. In what ways are you being attacked? Remind yourself of which piece of armor deals with that particular scheme and then use it!

In closing, a quick quiz! Which piece of armor should you use if attacked like this: (1) “How could someone like you be right with God when you just failed as you did?” (2) A greedy or revengeful or prideful or sexually lustful thought seems to come out of nowhere? (3) You hear a specific passage of Scripture quoted out of context? (4) “There are no such things as absolutes. Everything is relative, always changing!”? (5) You are restless, discontent; you feel incomplete, like something is missing in your relationship or walk with God? (6) “The future is absolutely hopeless; it’s only as you trust the government or a certain human that all can be set right?” My answers: Righteousness, faith, word of God, truth, peace, salvation.

Know each piece. Have a working definition of each piece. Figure out a couple of ways the devil would attack each piece. And, have one or two practical Scriptures (words of God) that deal with each piece.

Discipleship 120 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) The Future: for the Believer and for the Unbeliever (various Scriptures)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “The Future” by Joel Berger.

STUDY There are many, many references in the Bible to the future. Sometimes they refer to the future for the believer. Sometimes they refer to the future for the person who hasn’t followed up on God’s truth that he/she knows. It is probably best in this study to read the four-page message or listen to the two messages on “The Future” by Joel Berger. Then if there are particular verses that you want to know more about, use our usual study method.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these verses in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One thing I’m anticipating in the future beyond this earth is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:9-10? Revelation 19:5-10? Revelation 19:11-20:6? Revelation 21:1-11,22-27, and 22:1-5? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make? 2. As you think about these events for every believer, what comes to mind? What is each writer’s application as he shares these astounding truths? What are some important applications you have made from these verses? 3. What is the main emphasis of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 and John in Revelation 19:11-20:15? If you were sharing the future for the unbeliever with another, what are three points you would make? 4. As you think about these events for every unbeliever, what comes to mind? What is each writer’s application as he shares these astounding truths? What are some important applications you have made from these verses? 5. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: Be sure you read the message and/or listen to the two messages on “The Future—for the Believer and the Unbeliever” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. Go through each page, read each Scripture, and highlight key points. Then think about how these points help you understand God’s plans for the future.

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“Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) A great deal of the Bible when written was future prophecy. Because the prophecies of God have always proven 100% accurate when fulfilled, we can know with certainty that the remaining prophecies (still future) will be fulfilled just as literally. For example, some of God's covenants with Israel still remain to be finally fulfilled. His covenant with Abraham was unconditional: land, seed/descendants, and blessing in Jesus (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:8). His covenant with David: his lineage, throne, and kingdom would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16, Psalm 89:30-37, Jeremiah 23:5-6). Another promise: The angels said in Acts 1:11 “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven. Jesus is returning! Jesus said in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” We can count on God to keep all of His promises, both for the Body of Christ and for the unbelieving world.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR THE BELIEVER? We saw in our study on Deliverance (D111) that the Christian has a certain future. Someday we will (1) be like Jesus (1 John 3:2), (2) receive redeemed bodies (Philippians 3:20-21), and (3) inherit our reserved-in-heaven inheritance from our Father (1 Peter 1:4). We will be saved, freed from the very presence of sin. Amazing! There are some other events that will take place for every Christian—the coming of the Lord for His own, the bema seat of Christ, the marriage supper of the Lamb, the return with Jesus to earth, and being with Jesus in the new Jerusalem, the new heaven, and the new earth. We’ll be with God forever!

The Biblical God is not only the God of the past. He is not only the God of the present. He is also the God of the future. Titus 2:11-14 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, :12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, :13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, :14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” 2 Peter 3:10-15a further describes the Christian’s future. Context: people were asking, “Where is the promise of Jesus’ return?” But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. :11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, :12 looking for and hastening the coming day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! [That’s global warming!] But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. :14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, :15a and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation…

FIVE FUTURE EVENTS FOR THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST: 1. The Coming of the Lord Jesus for His Own (sometimes called the rapture, a Latin word meaning to catch up or take away. The term “rapture” is not found in the Bible). Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. Believers in Thessalonica were concerned about what happened to those Christians who had physically died before the Lord Jesus returned. Here’s the apostle Paul’s answer: The Lord Jesus will descend with a shout, a voice, and a trumpet. The dead in Christ, then alive Christians, will rise. Together we'll meet the Lord in the air (it will happen in a moment, the Greek word atom, indivisible). This coming will include all believers, who will be given redeemed, imperishable, immortal, glorious, powerful, spiritual, heavenly bodies (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:42-49). The Bible clearly indicates that Jesus is coming back for His own, and, His coming could occur at any moment. “Come, Lord Jesus!” 2. The Bema Seat of Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:9-10. It is only for believers, but it includes all believers. It is like an awards or athletic banquet. This is a time of reward for all service done in line with God’s Word by the power of God’s Spirit for the purpose of God’s glory. The Lord will deal with Christians as stewards—how we treated others, how we used our spiritual gifts, our money, our time, the suffering we did, our sharing Jesus with others. Different crowns are mentioned—of rejoicing, for bringing people to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19); of righteousness, for loving His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8); of life, for enduring testing with love for the Lord (James 1:12); of glory, to elders who are faithful (1 Peter 5:1-4). Some believers will suffer loss, not of salvation but of awards. “Come, Lord Jesus!”

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3. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Read Revelation 19:5-10. Since saints are described in 2 Corinthians 11:2 as “betrothed to one husband” and compared to Christ and His Church in Ephesians 5:22-33 (a passage that explains God’s roles for each mate), what a wedding and reception this will be, such joy and festivities and praise and adoration of the Lamb!! We’ll forever be with our Groom (Jesus). “Mrs. Jesus!” “Come, Lord Jesus!” 4. The Return with Jesus to Earth. Read Revelation 19:11-20:6. It appears Christians will return with Jesus to earth, and we’ll then reign with Him 1000 years during a time known as the Millennium. Verses on Jesus' Second Coming include Matthew 19:28, 24:3-25:46, Mark 13:24-37, Luke 21:25-28, Acts 1:10-11, Romans 11:25-27, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2 Peter 3:3-4, Revelation 1:7-8, 2:25-28, 19:11-21, 22:20. Also see Isaiah 59:20-66:24. “Come, Lord Jesus!” 5. With God and the Lamb forever in the New Jerusalem, New Heaven, and New Earth! Read Revelation 21:1-11,22-27, 22:1-5. Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:10,13 also refer to this. Sin, death, Satan destroyed for Christians. We'll forever worship, learn, fellowship, reign, and serve. This is when 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 will take place—Jesus will deliver up the kingdom to the God and Father. It will be wonderful because we’ll forever be with our God and Savior. “Come, Lord Jesus!”

In Revelation 22:12-13, Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, :18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. “Come, Lord Jesus!”

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR THE UNBELIEVER? Jesus said in Matthew 12:30, “He who is not with Me is against Me.” There is no neutral position! The person who is not with Jesus suffers what 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 describes: “…When the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.” Retribution means right, just. These individuals don’t want to know more about God; they’ve heard the gospel but rejected Jesus and His good news. The penalty? Ruin! Exclusion! A Christ-less eternity! These words make me shudder! As C. S. Lewis states, “We will have the terrible freedom that we have demanded.” These unbelievers are eternally separated from God, from whom comes every good gift. These individuals who deliberately reject God and His truth and who choose not to respond by faith to the good news of our Lord Jesus have an awful eternity as a result of their choice. Why would anyone ever choose to be separated eternally from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power?

After the Cross, Jesus ascended into heaven, and people who trusted Him as Lord and Savior became part of His Body. It was promised that Jesus would return again (Acts 1:9-11). Before that could happen, one event that had to take place on earth was that Israel had to become a nation again. On May 14, 1948, Israel became a recognized nation again. Now at any time the Antichrist (the head of a ten-nation European confederacy) could secretly or openly sign a peace or protection treaty with Israel. This firm covenant will begin a seven-year period known as the Tribulation (Daniel 9:27).

FUTURE EVENTS FOR UNBELIEVERS: A. A 7-Year Tribulation Period. Daniel 9:24-27, Revelation 11:2-3. Seven years in length, it will be worldwide. This period has several purposes: An exhibition of the wrath and judgment of God (Revelation 6-18). Mankind is punished for rejecting Jesus (Acts 17:31). Satan's true character is revealed (Revelation 13). Israel is purged and a remnant is brought to Jesus as their Messiah/Christ (Zechariah 12:10). The nations are punished for their despicable treatment of the Jews (Genesis 12:3). Multitudes are also saved (Revelation 7:13-14).

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1. The Antichrist Signs a Protection and Peace Treaty with Israel. Daniel 9:27. The spirit of the Antichrist is now present (1 John 2:18,22, 4:3), but this will be a person (known as the Antichrist) who signs a treaty with the nation of Israel. This could be done secretly, with no world-wide publicity. 2. False Religious System at Work. Revelation 17-18. It will have tremendous political influence. This system will even control the Antichrist for a time. It will be centered in Rome. Today one can see how astrology, the New Age movement, major religions, false cults, and liberal “Christian” denominations, are leading toward this kind of “religious” influence. You wonder how much of this time will be a “religious” war! 3. Russia with Arab Allies Invade Israel; God Destroys this Coalition. Daniel 11:40-45, Ezekiel 38-39. The participants will include Egypt, Iran, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and southern Russia. They will challenge the authority of the Antichrist. This will occur during the first part of the Tribulation. After an initial victory over Israel (with Israel apparently receiving no aid from the Antichrist), God will supernaturally destroy the opposing army. The Great Tribulation is talked about in Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21, and Revelation 7:14. Israel will stop sacrificing (which means there must be a temple). (Daniel 7:25, 9:27, 12:11-12, Matthew 24:15-20, Revelation 11:2, 13:5). 4a. The Antichrist Breaks His Treaty with Israel and Declares Himself God. Daniel 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:1- 12, Revelation 13:1-10. This is the abomination of desolation (Revelation 13:7, Daniel 7:8,23, 9:27, Matthew 24:15). Also called the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction, the beast, a counterfeit Messiah, the Antichrist is head of a ten-nation alliance from the former Roman Empire (which included Spain, France, England, Italy, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Assyria, Syria, Judea, Egypt, North Africa). Apparently he is killed and comes back to life. He signs a peace treaty with Israel, but doesn't seem to protect Israel when Russia and allies invade. He probably will take credit when God destroys the united Russian/Arab forces. He then sets himself up in the Jerusalem temple (which indicates it must be rebuilt!) as God, and will demand worship from all or else. He will be a political, religious and economic leader—what people think they need! This setting himself up as God is at the middle of the Tribulation period. 4b. The Antichrist Will be Aided by the False Prophet. Revelation 13:11-18. The false prophet will work miracles, make an image to the beast "alive", control the economies of the world (666), and kill Christians. What the “mark of the beast” is we don’t know, but as Christians if we’d happen to be around during this time, the Lord would let us know. 4c. Both the Antichrist and the False Prophet are controlled by Satan. Revelation 13:2,11-12. Sometime together they overthrow the false church (Revelation 17-18). See Matthew 24:23-29. 5. Sometime during the Tribulation, the seals, trumpets, and bowls of the wrath of God are released. Seals— world government, war, famine where 1/4 of the earth dies (in 2013 world population is 7+ billion, U.S. population is 315.6 million), martyrs die, great disturbances in the heavens (Revelation 6). Trumpets—1/3 of the earth fire, 1/3 of the sea becomes blood and 1/3 of the sea creatures are destroyed, stars fall on 1/3 part of rivers, 1/3 part of the sun, moon, stars are darkened, unsaved are tormented five months by demons but can't die, 1/3 of mankind is killed (in seven years ½ of the population is gone!), 200 million from the Orient (Revelation 8-9). Bowls—last bowl levels great cities of the world, islands and mountains disappear, hailstorm with stones over 100 pounds (Revelation 16). 6. Antichrist and Kings of the World Come Against Kings of East and 200 Million Soldiers at Armageddon. Revelation 16. This will be near the end of the Tribulation. So great is the Tribulation that if God didn't shorten the days, no one would survive (Matthew 24:22-23; also see Daniel 11:40-45 and Revelation 9:13- 21). At some time in the second half of the Tribulation, 2/3 of Israel are killed (Zechariah 13:8-9) and 1/3 are saved (Revelation 12:14). God protects 144,000 of His own. 7. Jesus Returns to Earth. Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 19:11-21, Zechariah 14:1-9. At the time the nations are ready to fight against each other, Jesus comes again with angels and saints. The sun and moon are darkened; the powers of the heaven are shaken. There will be a sign of Jesus in heaven; every eye will see Jesus (Revelation 1:7). The Antichrist and his nations will join forces with the kings of the East with 200 million to fight Jesus. Jesus arrives on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4-5). There will be a great earthquake splitting the Mount of Olives. Jesus will destroy these opposing armies with the word of His mouth (Revelation 19:21). The False Prophet and the Antichrist will be condemned to the lake of fire forever (Revelation 19:20).

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B. The Elect Gathered and Unbelievers Judged. Revelation 19:20-20:3. See Joel 3:2, Matthew 24:29-31, and Matthew 25:31-46. Those who became followers of Jesus during the Tribulation period and are alive at its end will be gathered from all over the earth. Unbelievers (including any remaining unbelieving Jews, Ezekiel 20:34- 38) will be judged by Jesus. Satan will be bound for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). Israel will recognize Jesus as its Messiah (Romans 11:25-6). C. 1000-Year Millennium; Only Believers Go Into It. Revelation 20:4-6. The Millennium will be a time of perfect, ideal conditions on earth where all is right. Perfect justice, environment, long life, no disease, a time when the curse on earth is reversed (Isaiah 60-66). Jesus Christ will reign on earth (Revelation 20:4-6), ruling in righteousness and fulfilling to the Jews and the world the promises of the Old Testament covenants (to Abraham, David). Apparently believers left over from the Tribulation will have children. Incredibly, many of those children won't trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and Messiah even though they experience Jesus’ perfect love and justice and conditions, even though they have to obey because of Jesus' rule. The Church apparently will rule with Christ and have resurrection bodies. See Psalm 2, Isaiah 2:1-5, 11:1-9, 35:1-2, 65:20, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 39:25-29, Daniel 7:14, Joel 3:17- 21, Amos 9:11-15, Micah 4:1-5, Zechariah 14:9, Luke 1:31-33. D. Satan Is Released, Millions Follow Him, All Are Destroyed, Satan Is Condemned to the Lake of Fire. Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:7-10. At the end of the 1000 years, the fallen angels are judged (Jude 6, 1 Corinthians 6:3). When unbelievers born during the Millennium (who had to obey Jesus during the 1000 years) have the opportunity, they reject Jesus and His rule and follow Satan. An unbeliever who rejects Jesus as Lord and Savior on earth would never choose Jesus as Lord no matter how many opportunities he/she would have. A change in outward conditions doesn't meet mankind's basic need; it is the heart of a person that needs change. Jesus loves us but won’t force a person to receive Him as Lord. You’re either for Him or against Him! All those who follow Satan will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment. Satan will be condemned to the lake of fire. E. Present Heaven and Earth Destroyed by Fire. 2 Peter 3:7,10,13, Revelation 20:11. F. Great White Throne Judgment for Unbelievers. Revelation 20:11-15. Only unbelievers will be there. Jesus will be the Judge (John 5:27, Romans 2:15-16). All unbelievers from all the ages will be condemned by the books of deeds and the book of life (Daniel 7:9-10, Matthew 12:36-37). This will result in eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Unbelievers will end up in the lake of fire forever. C. S. Lewis says, "Nothing but yourself for all eternity." There will be different degrees of punishment (Luke 12:47-48). This is the resurrection of the unjust (John 5:28-29). Now (from a time and historical perspective) these unbelievers are awaiting resurrection in a state of suffering (Luke 16:23); conscious—there would be no need for prison if unconscious (1 Peter 3:19). There is no purgatory mentioned in the Bible. Everyone will be raised at some time (Daniel 12:2). This resurrection is not to determine the unbeliever's character but to disclose it.

God is not only the God of the past. He is not only the God of the present. He is also the God of the future! World events, as they continue to unfold, will only prove that God is in control, that all things are working out for His purposes. He will return for His own. He will restore Israel. He will punish mankind for their sin. He will make all things right. And, Christians will reign with Him and serve Him forever. But, if you are not “with Jesus”, you are against Him. Please, be sure you know God as your Father and Jesus as your Lord! Your future—with the Lord forever or away from Him—depends on how you respond to the good news of the Lord Jesus. These truths should give those of us who know Jesus such hearts for those who don’t believe, for those who haven’t received Jesus as Lord.

We believe in the personal, premillennial, and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the believers' blessed hope and is a vital truth that is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. We believe that there will be a time of judgment of the whole earth known as the Tribulation. This period will be climaxed by the return of Christ to the earth at which time Satan will be bound, the curse will be lifted from the earth, and Jesus will reign for 1000 years. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead: of the believer to everlasting blessedness, fellowship, and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever, who has persistently rejected God’s truth in the present life, to judgment, everlasting punishment, and separation forever from God.

Discipleship 121 ASSIGNMENT SHEET (to be completed before the study) Witness! Make Disciples! (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:16-20)

To specifically study this passage, you can (1) complete the “How to Study the Bible” outline, and/or (2) you can answer the specific questions, and/or (3) you can read or listen to the message on “Witness! Make Disciples!” by Joel Berger.

STUDY 2 Corinthians is most likely the fourth letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the believers in the city of Corinth (around 56 A.D.). Paul had founded this church on his second missionary journey, spending eighteen months in intensive ministry in this city known for its immorality and commerce. Because of Paul's proclamation of truth and the Holy Spirit's conviction in lives, many Corinthians had come to know Jesus as Lord. Paul describes this ministry of reconciliation (a change, an exchange) in 5:17-21. Really, there are two tracks Paul is on as he explains these truths: (1) how God reconciled us to Himself and what that means (:17, :18a, :19a, :21); and (2) that we have the ministry of reconciliation and we are to share the good news of Jesus with others (:18b, :19b, :20). The Gospel of Matthew was written by a former tax collector! The apostle Matthew, also called Levi, wrote this probably between 60 and 70 A.D. The book is strongly Jewish, emphasizing that Jesus is the King, the Christ, of Israel. In 21:1-28:15 we have Jesus' last week in Jerusalem; and in 28:16-20 we have Jesus' appearance in Galilee and what is known as the Great Commission. To set the immediate context: Jesus has died, been buried, been raised from the dead, and appeared to many eyewitnesses. Let's examine some of Jesus' last words on this earth.

A. What did the original writer want his original readers to KNOW? 1. Read the verses over several times. What is the main point of the writer in these verses? 2. Be taking notes. What are the main details that are standing out to you? What is the flow of the passage? 3. Summarize these passages in twelve words or less. 4. Rephrase these verses in your own words. 5. For what did you thank God from these verses? B. What did the original writer want his original readers to UNDERSTAND? 1. What is the historical context? The Bible context? The book of the Bible context? The immediate context? 2. What were a few word studies that were helpful to you? 3. How did other references help you better understand this passage? C. What are some possible ways to personally APPLY the truths of this passage? What changes in understanding, attitude, action, or word does this passage require of you? D. Finally, write a letter to explain this passage to another. What are the main points you’ll stress?

Questions specific to 2 Corinthians: In 5:17, what is true of every person “in Christ”? Think through the implications of this verse. In :18-19, what has GOD done? Reconcile means a change or exchange. What does God’s message of reconciliation include? What are we as Christians to do with His message? In :20, how are Christians to share God’s message with others? In :21, how were the details of the reconciliation worked out? Questions specific to Matthew: In :16-17, what is the setting for this meeting of Jesus with His disciples? In :18, what do we learn? What does this practically mean? In :19-20a, there is one command; it is to “Make disciples!” Go, baptizing, and teaching are elements that are included in making disciples. What does each element mean? What in a specific way does it mean to “Make disciples”? In 20b, what is the other truth these disciples receive? Why are Jesus’ authority and presence so reassuring to the person who is making disciples?

APPLICATION Icebreaker question: “One thing I want to take with me as I leave this study is…?” 1. What is the main emphasis of the writer in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21? In Matthew 28:16-20? If you were sharing these truths with another, what are three points you would make from each passage? 2. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. What is the message that you, a witness and ambassador, are to share with others? Write out your testimony, using these verses as your foundation. 3. Matthew 28:16-20. Have you been or are you being discipled? Who by? Are you discipling another? Who? What is your plan of being discipled or discipling another? 4. How do these passages practically impact your everyday walk? How should your thinking, speech, actions, and/or choices change? Please be specific, practical, personal!

For further study: Be sure you read and/or listen to the message on “Witness! Make Disciples!” by Joel Berger. You can get hold of these resources on the hilltopchurch.net website. The message is also attached to this assignment sheet. Both of these passages are extremely to understand and make your own.

Discipleship 121—WITNESS! MAKE DISCIPLES! (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:16-20) Page 1 of 3

Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” A witness is one who bears witness, one who can proclaim what he/she has seen or heard or knows—everywhere!! Jesus also said in Matthew 28:19, “Make disciples of all the nations.” A discipler is one who takes what he/she has learned from God and His Word and passes it on to faithful men and women who will be able to share the same truths with others.

As a witness, share how the Lord Jesus has changed you, and, use a passage of Scripture that is the foundation of your sharing. You could use Romans 10:9-15 or 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Since we looked at Romans 10:9-15 in Discipleship 111, for this study we’ll use 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 as the message we’re to share with others. 2 Corinthians is most likely the fourth letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the believers in the city of Corinth (around 56 A.D.). Paul had founded this church on his second missionary journey, spending eighteen months in intensive ministry in this city known for its immorality and commerce. Corinth was a traveler's paradise, offering anything and everything a person could want or desire. Because of Paul's proclamation of truth and the Holy Spirit's conviction in lives, many Corinthians had come to know Jesus as Lord. Paul describes this ministry of reconciliation (a change, an exchange) in 5:17-21. Really, there are two tracks Paul is on as he explains these truths: (1) how God reconciled us to Himself and what that means (:17, :18a, :19a, :21); and (2) that we have the ministry of reconciliation and we as witnesses are to share the good news of Jesus with others (:18b, :19b, :20).

:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. This is our good-new message as we witness: any person ‘in Christ’ is a new creation, someone who never existed before. Through Jesus our Savior and Lord, God dealt with who we were (sinners, IN Adam). He has made us new creations! The old has been fully dealt with. We need to live with this mentality—IN Christ, new creations, reconciled, forgiven.

:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Reconcile means a change or exchange. It means going from enemies to friends, from old to new, from IN Adam to IN Christ, from sinners to saints, from guilty to forgiven, from condemned to righteous. The Great Exchange has taken place! Only GOD could do this!

And, God gave us this ministry. Paul is referring to himself and other messengers, but really this can apply to every Christian because we have the privilege and responsibility to pass on to others what was freely given to us. We are responsible to God (He’s our audience) to pass this wonderful message on. We are witnesses. "People, listen. Through the Lord Jesus and His work, I’ve been made right with God; I’ve become a new creation; I’m forgiven! A loving God has done everything that was needed. And this same offer is made to you. Through hearing, believing, and calling upon Jesus as Lord, it is possible for ‘anyone’ to become part of the GOD’S family!” Incredible!!

:19 Namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. The whole world was included. Jesus' death was for all sinners and sins, not just some. And, He’s not counting their sinful falling off the path against them. The old has been fully dealt with, not only in terms of who we were, but also in terms of our sins (how many or what kind). New creations and forgiven! Our message isn’t about sinful issues. Our message is a SON issue. What will any person do with the Lord Jesus? Jesus, not sin, is the issue of life. And…

HE has committed that message to us. We both know and have experienced the message. Now we're to pass it on. :20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Just as an ambassador represents his country or another person, so we are ambassadors for Christ. What we do, what we say, and how we live reflect on the One we're representing. “In Christ's name, I beg you, be reconciled to God." May God use us as His witnesses and ambassadors so people both ‘hear’ and ‘see’ the message in us and make a choice to ‘believe’ and ‘call upon the name of the Lord Jesus’!

Discipleship 121—WITNESS! MAKE DISCIPLES! (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:16-20) Page 2 of 3

:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. How did God reconcile us? God the Father made Jesus His Son who knew no sin (He never sinned; He was a perfect sacrifice) to be sin for us. Jesus became sin. If Jesus hadn’t been who He was (sinless), if Jesus hadn't died for our sins and for us as sinners, if Jesus hadn't been a perfect sacrifice, we couldn't have been reconciled. He died for us as sinners and for our sins. He took our place. Why? So that in Jesus we can become right, just, new, reconciled with God Himself! All we need to do is believe this message and call on the name of Jesus the Lord. Be My witnesses, everywhere! Let’s share who Jesus is and what He did for us (and include how to become a Christian) with those God brings into our lives. As said before, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 or Romans 10:9-15 are both good to share in your witnessing. That way you are sharing your experience plus God’s truth.

Now let’s look at the Christian as a discipler (Matthew 28:16-20). The apostle Matthew, surnamed Levi, wrote this, probably between 60 and 70 A.D. To set the immediate context: Jesus has died, been buried, been raised from the dead, and appeared to many eyewitnesses. Now some of Jesus' last words on this earth.

:16-17 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated (26:32). Now the eleven were at the mountain which Jesus had designated. Imagine their feelings and thoughts! When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. When the disciples saw Jesus, they dropped to their knees before Him; He was the resurrected Lord! Our Lord, Master, Authority, Savior is the One we should fall down before (worship) in reverence and awe. But some were doubtful, hesitant, uneasy, perhaps because He had been appearing and then disappearing for forty days. Even Jesus' resurrection didn't instantly transform men of little faith and faltering understanding into spiritual giants.

:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Jesus' first words were that He had been given all authority, freedom of action, the right to act, power of choice. He was and is free to do whatever He wants (within the boundaries of who He is and what the Father wants). While on earth, He was willingly limited. Now after His resurrection, all authority (final, ultimate) is His. We can trust Him.

:19a “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” With His authority, Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples. As we go, wherever we go, we are to make disciples, we’re to be building into the lives of others. This gives great meaning to whatever we do, wherever we are. With Jesus’ authority behind us and His presence in us, Jesus’ one command is to “Make disciples.” Disciple means a “learner”. Making disciples should be ongoing, no matter what the culture, the people, the location. Evangelism, building up, and equipping are included.

:19b-20a “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” Baptism and teaching should characterize our making of disciples. The NT can scarcely conceive of a disciple who is not baptized or is not being instructed. ‘Baptism’ is a sign, that we're part of Jesus' community of believers. It is part of being His disciples and our willingness to follow Him in all things. It is also an outward symbol of what's taken place within—that we've died with Christ, been buried with Him, and been raised to walk in newness of life. Disciple means to be a learner, so ‘teaching’ is the next ingredient. Jesus' words are our textbook. There's no liberty to pick and choose. What He taught is to be obeyed. As we follow Him and His teaching, our lives will change!

:20b “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” As we disciple others, no one less than Jesus Himself is with us, always! The secret of the early disciples' success was not the size of the group nor their material qualifications—it was Jesus’ authority and His presence. Jesus practiced discipleship, and commanded His followers to practice it also. This means every one of us should either be being discipled and/or be discipling others.

2 Timothy 2:2 says, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Timothy was to pass on the truths which he had

Discipleship 121—WITNESS! MAKE DISCIPLES! (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:16-20) Page 3 of 3 heard from Paul. Timothy had heard these truths over and over, as they traveled to different cities and established churches. Now Timothy was to pass these same truths on to others. We have these truths recorded in the Scriptures so we can pass on the same, identical facts. “Entrust (means to deposit as in a bank) these truths to faithful men, men who will then pass these same truths on to others”—an endless chain. Faithful men are those trustworthy individuals who can be depended upon to make disciples of others. Don't just look for the needy (because all are needy!); look for individuals who are hungry for God’s truth and who want to faithfully share that truth with others. The transmission of Christian truth must never be left to chance. In what way are you either being discipled or making disciples? God’s plan is so simple and yet has been largely ignored.

Disciple one person a year who will be faithful to disciple another faithful person a year. The results will be phenomenal. By discipling just one faithful person a year, in ten years, there will be 1024 disciplers or disciples!! If you don’t know where to begin, use the CDs or written messages of Discipleship 100. Listen to and/or read these messages, then share with one another what you’ve discovered and how you can apply. So, a person becomes a follower of Jesus, and you begin spending a couple of hours a week with him/her, loving him/her, entrusting God’s truths to him/her, encouraging him/her to apply these truths personally and to be equipped to disciple another. You not only teach them from the Word but also by example as you spend time together. One faithful person a year after you’ve been discipled. That’s all I ask!!

Jesus’ witnesses and disciplers! Share with others who Jesus is and how He and His work have impacted you. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Romans 10:9-15 are a solid basis for sharing your testimony. Matthew 28:16-20 and 2 Timothy 2:2 are the foundation for making disciples and how to do it. Making disciples involves bringing a person or group to Jesus as Lord, and also includes following them up until they are equipped to pass on Jesus' truths to others. Discipleship and witnessing should be a way of life for the Christian. Let's be part of the chain. Let’s keep the process going! What does your witnessing look like? In what way are you involved in making disciples?