In this lesson I want to focus on our identity and who we ...
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More Biblical Perspectives
From God’s Word
By Ken L. Birks
This course features advanced lessons that are focused on three major areas of our Christian growth—doctrine, character, and destiny. These lessons are designed to give you a Biblical understanding that will strengthen your Christian foundation.
Romans 10 17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” My prayer is that as you give yourselves to the study of God’s Word, a greater deposit of faith will be imparted into your spirit.
Over the years I have been blessed to have had some great Bible teachers impart the Word of God to me. The revelation of God’s Word has been very rewarding and fulfilling. As a result, I have a great love and passion for His Word. Just as Paul the apostle told Timothy to commit what he had been taught to faithful men and women, my desire is to do the same.
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
May God bless you in the study of His Word.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken
from the Holy Bible, New King James Version
© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
For more Bible studies visit the website below.
Copyright © 2016
More Biblical Perspectives
from God’s Word
By Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
Table of Contents
|Lesson 1 |Discovering Your True Identity in Christ |Page 1 |
|Lesson 2 |Dealing with the Old and the New Nature |Page 9 |
|Lesson 3 |Ministries in the Body of Christ |Page 21 |
|Lesson 4 |Seven Major Faith Keys |Page 29 |
|Lesson 5 |The Healing Covenant |Page 35 |
|Lesson 6 |Predestination, Election and Foreknowledge |Page 47 |
|Lesson 7 |Eternal Security – What Does the Bible Say? |Page 73 |
|Lesson 8 |Maintaining Your Sense of Vision and Purpose |Page 87 |
|Lesson 9 |Destiny Lessons from the Beatitudes |Page 97 |
|Lesson 10 |The Second Coming of Christ |Page 105 |
|Lesson 11 |Our Spiritual Inheritance – Joint Heirs with Christ |Page 117 |
|Lesson 12 |Consecrated: What It Means to Live for God |Page 125 |
|Lesson 13 |The Dynamics of Biblical Change |Page 133 |
|Lesson 14 |Striving for Moral Excellence |Page 141 |
|Lesson 15 |Sowing and Reaping Principles |Page 149 |
|Lesson 16 |Kingdom Stewardship |Page 157 |
|Lesson 17 |The Weapon of Truth |Page 167 |
|Lesson 18 |The Ministry of an Armor Bearer |Page 175 |
|Lesson 19 |Dealing with Strongholds |Page 183 |
|Lesson 20 |Spiritual Warfare – Making a Determined Effort |Page 193 |
|Lesson 21 |Maintaining Your Sense of Focus |Page 201 |
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Discovering Your True Identity in Christ
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The focus of this lesson will be on our identity and who we are in Christ. Before we can fully take on a new identity we must first be willing to shed our old identity which was birthed in a worldly and ungodly environment. We must be willing to allow our old identity to be crucified before the new identity can take hold in our lives.
God’s desire and will for our lives is to translate us or rescue us from the kingdom of darkness and to bring us into the kingdom of His Son.
Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT) For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. 14God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
▪ The Source of our Old Identity
The identity that we developed before we came to Christ was a result of an accumulation of un-crucified thoughts and unsanctified attitudes that have ruled our lives during our formative years. As children growing up in a world that is under the influence and the sway of the enemy we received a steady stream of information and experiences that continually shaped our childhood perceptions.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, & the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
This is why the Bible says our minds need to be renewed once we are born again of God's Spirit.
▪ Much of our identity was a result of copying the worldly influences around us.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
The amount of love (or lack of love) in our home, our cultural environment, peer values and pressures, as well as fears of rejection and exposure – even our physical appearance and intelligence, all combine to form our sense of identity and our view of life.
Many of our opinions about life are ours only because we know of no other way to think. Yet we protect and defend our ideas, justify our opinions as though they were born in the wombs of our own creativity.
Proverbs 23:7 ...for as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
▪ The essence of who we are is an accumulation of our thought life.
For example, many of our thoughts and opinions were shaped by our parents and educators. As good of people as they may have been, if their opinions were not God's than they were wrong.
The media also has had a great effect upon who we are and our identity. We are constantly being bombarded in many ways from various sources of the media.
II. Changing Identities.
Isaiah 55:7-8 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways..."
▪ How Our Mindset was developed.
We have a mindset and identity that has been shaped by our parents and educators as well as the ungodly environment in which we live.
As Christians, the only truth suitable for eternity is the truth of Christ. If we fail to realize this we will be like our teacher, never doing more than the deeds of our fathers. When we come to Christ, all that we are in nature and character is destined to change.
▪ Our old identity and mindset must die!
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.
Unless we are willing to die to our old identity and allow it to be crucified with Christ and everything it represented, we will never fully take on the wonderful new identity God has promised us as believers in Christ.
Matthew 16:25 (NLT) If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.
▪ The Birth of the New Identity.
Once we have come to the place where we are willing to lose our old identity we can begin the wonderful process of discovery that brings us into a complete and new identity that is born out of the beauty and the glory of heaven rather than the depravity of hell.
Knowing that our old identity was developed in our sinful nature, God now desires that our new identity be birthed according to His nature within us.
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Our identity is made up of how you are known on earth and how you are known in heaven. Our lives should be influenced by who God is in our lives, not by our fleshly nature and the circumstances of life.
III. What Does Our New Identity Look Like?
1. Our New Identity Will Be Shaped in Humility.
Philippians 2:5-11 (NLT) Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7He made himself nothing; (of no reputation NKJV) he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.
This is the hard part, because humility is the exact opposite of a reputation that is based on pride and ego. We will never come into the wonderful attributes of our new identity until we are able to humble ourselves, because God only relates to us according to our new persona – who we are in Him.
▪ Your new identity is how you are perceived perpetually by God.
Our new identity is our adopted role, which gives us the legal right to rule and reign over the enemy and our flesh; and to take possession of all great and wonderful promises that have been freely given to us as His divine nature and identity take root in our lives.
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
▪ The Purifying effect of God’s promises.
These “precious promises” have a purifying effect on the believer’s life. Conversion involves a definite break with the corruption caused by evil desire. In coming to know God through Christ, not only do we as believers escape the corruption of sin, but also Christ renews and restores the divine image in us.
2. Humility Will Produce the Fruit of the Spirit Within Us.
The manner that we are truly known as Christians is the spiritual fruit that becomes evident in our lives.
Matthew 7:17-20 “Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18”A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19”Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20”Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Matthew 7:20 (NLT) Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced.
▪ The Fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
2 Peter 1:5-9 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
3. You Will Receive Power, Authority and Confidence.
One of the big problems with our old identity was that it produced a poor self image and an inferiority complex in many of us. The new identity that God has to offer to us will have an opposite effect. You will be filled with power, confidence and authority.
As Christians with a new identity, we now walk in the same power and authority that Jesus Christ walked in. We have His mind and divine nature operating within us. This will produce a dynamic change in the way we relate to others and to God.
1 Corinthians 2:16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
The Holy Spirit comes into our lives to reveal the heart of the Father unto us and to give us the authority and power that comes from Him as well.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Ephesians 1:19-20 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
4. His Grace or Divine Ability Becomes a Natural Outflow in your Life.
2 Peter 1:4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
▪ The grace of God involves more than the dimension of it simply being God's unmerited favor towards us.
Faith is simply agreeing with God’s word. Believe His Word and watch it work in your life. As you begin to watch it work you will see that grace is also God's divine enabling through His Spirit.
Through God's grace we are enabled to cope with whatever adversity, trial, or dilemma we face in a godly manner. We are also equipped by His grace to perform the spiritual tasks He gives us to do.
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work.
The gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in 1 Corinthians 12 are supernatural manifestations of God’s Spirit that are to be evidenced in our lives. They are a part of God’s grace being poured into our lives.
5. We Receive an Overcoming, Conquering Mentality.
One of the great and wonderful aspects of our new identity is that we are able to be more than conquerors in anything we set our hearts to do within the confines of the sphere of influence God has given to us.
God’s desire is to develop within us a conquering and overcoming attitude. We are able to navigate through the issues of life with confidence.
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith.
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
IV. Concluding Remarks
Our new identity consists of everything mentioned above and much more as the windows of heaven open over our persona, but we have to be standing in it. Your inheritance can only come to your persona, which is your new identity in Christ.
When we get a taste of all that God has to offer us in our new identity with Him, the cost of dying to our old identity doesn’t seem that costly.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What was the hardest part of your old identity to let go of?
4. What part of your old identity were you happy to let go of?
5. How have you sensed the Holy Spirit working in your life to bring about your new identity?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Dealing With the Old and the New Nature
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
In this lesson we will be exploring the transformation process of putting off the old nature putting on the nature and why it is an important aspect of our salvation. This is more of a doctrinal statement on the need for change and letting go of past sins and the need for change by clothing ourselves in Christ and His nature than on how the transformation comes about.
In much of today’s Christianity there is a lack of true conversion and transformation in the lives of those who are attempting to follow Christ. Many are being seduced by a watered down version of Christianity that doesn’t challenge people to put off the old nature by being crucified to the world.
▪ The Ultimate Goal for the Christian.
We must keep in mind that the goal or the ultimate destiny for the Christian is to come into the fullness of Christ, being changed or transformed into His image.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:1-3 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
The above Scriptures not only show us how being changed and transformed into the image of Christ is our ultimate destiny, but they also show us that when we fail to change as we have been directed, it affects our ministry to those who are perishing.
II. The Foundation of Change – Colossians 3:1-4.
In this passage of Scripture the apostle Paul is dealing with the character of the new man that is being formed in every Christian who has come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and His saving power. Paul is making a transition from theological statements to practical precepts in Christ. He has laid a strong doctrinal foundation in the preceding chapters on Who Christ is and now his attention turns to how Christians should live their lives.
In these verses Paul lays the foundation for effective change in our lives. Because our lives have been raised with Christ, our lives are to be different. They are to reflect a new pattern of life.
1. Not Carnality but Christ.
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT) Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. 2Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.
▪ The operative word here is “Set.”
We are set our mind and affections on things that are above – the realities of heaven. If we are to see true and lasting change in our lives, it means setting all of our affection on Christ and His kingdom. The person who has been raised with Christ sees things from the eternal perspective, which should result in having their whole pattern of life on earth being dominated by this perspective.
We once walked according to the world, but now God has raised us up together in His likeness and made us to sit in heavenly places with Christ.
Ephesians 2:5-6 (even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Carnality does not produce faith but rather unbelief and defeat. Think of the ten spies who came back with a bad report after being sent out by Moses to spy out the land. They came back with a defeated report based on unbelief, because they were not seeing things through God’s perspective. On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb came back full of faith with a good report because they new where they were seated. They had set their minds on the realities of heaven. They knew where they were seated.[1]
2. We Have Been Hidden In Christ and Crucified to the World
The reason for the call to this new pattern of living and heavenly mindedness is the fact that, in Christ, the believer has died to the world and his life is now hidden in Christ.
Colossians 3:3-4 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
▪ Hidden expresses a permanent condition created by God in Christ.
The fact that the Christian's old sin nature has been crucified with Christ and buried together with Him in baptism and that he is now liberated, resurrected to live a life pleasing to God, must be accepted "by grace... through faith", just as was the initial salvation.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
3. Putting Away and Putting to Death the Sins of the Past.
Being crucified to the world means that we are now in a state where we are actually in the process of putting away or putting to death the sins of the past.
Colossians 3:5-7 (NLT) So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry. 6God's terrible anger will come upon those who do such things. 7You used to do them when your life was still part of this world.
▪ To be heavenly minded does not mean living in the clouds.
The believer who obeys the apostolic charge to aim at the things above will be involved in spiritual warfare here on earth as he or she puts to death the sinful flesh and allows the new nature to find outward expression in a godly life.
The word “so or therefore” found at the beginning of verse five signifies the transition from doctrine to practice. The connection between doctrine and duty is very important because in the end, we really behave as we truly believe. We express what we fully confess. In other words our actions are based upon what we believe and confess.
Romans 8:12-13 (NLT) So, dear Christian friends, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live.
1 Peter 2:11 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.
The idea in the above Scriptures is that we are to live in heaven so that we may really live on earth. As a result the following evil desires will be done away with.
▪ Fornication – Sexual sin between non-married people.[2]
▪ Uncleanness – Uncleanness or impurity embraces every manifestation in look, word, and deed of the immoral spirit. We are to avoid all appearances of evil.
▪ Passions – Inordinate affection and sensual appetites.
▪ Evil Desires – Lusts which lead to sinful actions[3]
▪ Covetousness – Idolatry, which is anything that is set up as an idol of their own making in place of God.
Covetousness and idolatry are very dangerous and perhaps more so than the others because they may assume a cloak of decency or respectability.
Colossians 3:6-7 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
The wrath of God is directed against the devil, his angels, and sin, which destroy those for whom Christ died. But it is also coming upon those who are so full of pride that they refuse the only remedy for overcoming the power of sin: Christ’s atoning death.
In light of the reality of God’s coming wrath, Paul exhorts the believers to destroy the deeds of the flesh. If we don’t kill them, they will eventually kill us.
4. Putting off the Garments of the Old Nature.
Colossians 3:8-9 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
The expression put off is a strong one calling for a complete putting off from oneself of all that pertains to the old life. We are to strip off completely the former habits which cling to us like an old garment and fling them away like an outward suit of clothes. The following habits are as follows:
▪ Anger and Wrath – Associated with anger is wrath or vengeful rage. When anger boils up there is wrath.[4]
Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
▪ Malice – Anger and wrath are bad, but malice is worse because it is more rooted and deliberate. It is anger heightened and settled.[5]
▪ Filthy Communication – This would involve swearing, coarse talking and jesting. As Christians our language should be pure and holy.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
▪ Lying – A false statement or piece of information deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood. Lying is anything meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.
Lying is contrary to the law of truth and the life of love. It is both unjust and unkind and works to destroy faith and to weaken our fellowship with one another. Lying is a part of the devil’s image in the soul, for the devil is the father of lies.
John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
We see from the above Scriptures that it is being asserted that when in regular contact with fellow believers and even non-believers we must speak the truth since the old man and his practices have been put off in Christ’s death. We are to have no part with false speaking or any of these repulsive habits. They are not fitting for saints of God.
Our goal as Christians is to have our negative characteristics and habit patterns that have been formed in us by our sinful, fallen nature to be transformed into Christ like characteristics and for the new man or nature to come forth that God has created.
III. The Essential Characteristics of the New Nature.
Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT) Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
The above characteristics from Colossians 3:12-15 are essential characteristics that must be in each and every one of us if we are to grow into balanced and mature Christians with the power and anointing of God flowing through us. These are the characteristics that enable others to receive the gifts and callings in our lives. These are traits that keep us from becoming wild tares[6] in the kingdom of God.
• Brief Descriptions of the Above Character Traits.
1. Tender Mercies – This is a heartfelt compassion that is expressed with tenderness of the heart. Because God comforts us through His mercy, we are able to comfort those who are in need as well.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2. Kindness – Kindness has to do with being of a friendly nature, a person who is generous, hospitable, good and warmhearted. It is often exhibited in acts of kindness that show consideration, sympathy and understanding towards others. A kind person is very courteous and thoughtful towards others.
3. Humbleness of Mind or Humility – Humility has to do with being aware of your own shortcomings so that you don’t exalt yourself above others. It also has to do with showing an attitude of deferential respect. You are satisfied to be lowly and unpretentious.
Pride comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of us put ourselves on a pedestal from which we judge the faults of everyone else. Others are so self-effacing that they cannot take their eyes off themselves and their own inadequacies. A poor self-image is not humility. Still others swing like a pendulum from one extreme to the other. Paul exhorts us neither to exalt nor to belittle ourselves, but to think with sober judgment.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
We are to be clothed with humility, because God resists the proud.
1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
4. Meekness – Meekness is strength under control and has to do with a consideration for others and a willingness to waive your rights. It is important to keep in mind that neither meekness nor gentleness is to be confused with weakness.
The meek are those people who humble themselves before God, because they acknowledge their utter dependence upon Him. In consequence, they are gentle in their dealings with others. You can be tender and gentle with people because you have given control of your life to God and you don’t have to “win” all the time.
2 Timothy 2:24 (NLT) The Lord's servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.
5. Forbearing and Forgiving – To exercise forbearance means to endure, bear with, put up with by Christians towards one another. Forbearance and forgiveness are qualities of meekness and patience in action.
The forbearing person will remain calm whatever the provocation and will keep clear of unkind reactions. The forgiving person must go even further and wipe clean from his or her heart all bitterness and irritation.
If we expect forbearance and forgiveness from God, we must be able to forbear and forgive others as well.
▪ Forbearance and forgiveness go hand in hand.
Mark 11:25-26 (NLT) But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." 26 (NKJV) "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Luke 17:3-4 (NLT) I am warning you! If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him. 4Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him."
No matter how much you are sinned against you must be willing to forgive. We must continually be willing to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us and continues to forgive us.
6. Love – Love is the crowning grace of the new nature, because love is the glue that holds everything together.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
Each of these character traits show how we as Christians are to be clothed and how we are to behave in our dealings with others, particularly with fellow-believers. These are character traits that will enable the body of Christ to come forth as one new man.
IV. Simple Faith Principles For Transformation.
Think of Peter, a man who was a profane fisherman who later became a powerful man of God as his character was transformed – a man whose very shadow healed people. This is the kind of transformation God.
1. Believe In Christ and What He Has Accomplished.
The first step of faith in this process of becoming new is that of believing in Jesus Christ – Who He is and what He has accomplished for you. You must believe you are a new creation in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
The incorruptible seed[7] of God’s word has been planted in your hearts, which is intended to bring forth the new creation and divine nature of God within you.
Let this be the confession of faith that comes out of your mouth. You are no longer in bondage to sin. You have been made completely new in Christ. Believe and speak what Christ what Christ has made you to be.
2 Corinthians 4:13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
2. Understand that God is the Enabler.
Romans 8:11 (NLT)The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, He will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you.
The Apostle Paul’s ambition was to present every man perfect in Christ understanding that it is God who is working mightily on our behalf. It is the Spirit of God that quickens us and then we respond in obedience.
Colossians 1:28-29 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Notice that it says: “His working which works in me mightily.” God is working in a mighty way, but if we are not exhibiting an intense exertion in a violent manner we end of frustrating the grace of God. “The violent take the kingdom by force.”[8]
The important thing to keep in mind when pressing into the character of Christ is that it is His Spirit who is working mightily on our behalf, taking us through the metamorphous or character transformations, but we must co-labor with Him in the process otherwise we will frustrate the grace of God
3. Understand that Habits are a Part of Your Makeup.
Habits are a part of our makeup. Whenever one does something long enough it becomes a habit. Habits can be hard to change because of the fact that they have become unconscious responses.
The key to change is to start becoming aware of your habit patterns by allowing God to reveal them to you.
Putting on new clothing is not always comfortable. You old clothes were comfortable even though they may not have looked very good. Your old ways may have become comfortable, but they no longer look good in the kingdom of God.
You may say, “I’m not comfortable with being kind or forgiving is not natural to me and humbleness of mind is not natural.”
The answer is to keep doing them until they become comfortable. That’s how change comes.
Illustration: How do baseball or football players do what they do so well? By practice, disciplined practice until it becomes second nature. Your new nature must become second nature to you, but that will only happen as you add diligence to your faith.
2 Peter 1:5-6 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
V. Concluding Remarks.
Galatians 6:14-15 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
If we have truly been saved and converted the New Creation in Jesus Christ will begin to come forth in our lives; and our character will have gone through a transformation.
Remember, these traits start out in their infancy and mature more and more as we grow in the Lord Jesus Christ. The seeds of the transformation process were planted when you were born again with the incorruptible Word of God.
Journal
1. What did you find most encouraging about this lesson?
2. What aspects of the old nature do you still struggle with?
3. What aspects of the new nature do you find difficult to put on?
4. Do you believe God can give you the strength through His grace to deal with the areas you are still struggling in?
5. How will you apply the truths from this lesson to your life?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Ministries in the Body of Christ
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks
In this lesson we will be focusing on the glory God wants to reveal in the Body of Christ and the ministries in the church that must be embraced for God to reveal His glory in the manner in which Jesus manifested the Father's glory.
Psalms 102:13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come. 16For the LORD shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory.
I believe we have entered into the time that has been set by God to manifest His glory in His church. This is something that is happening all over the earth and I believe God wants to favor this local church as well as any church throughout the land. Therefore we must prepare our hearts for His glory.
Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; For your light has come! and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.
In this lesson, I want to focus on the importance of each member finding his or her place in the Body of Christ and operating in the ministry God has given to each of us. It will take members being knit together in ministry to bring forth the glory God desires to pour out on His church.
1 Corinthians 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
II. Leadership Ministries.
Leadership ministries are very important in the local church and are very much needed. There may be some of you who are called to one of these ministries.
1. The Five – Fold Ministry Gifts.
These are ministry gifts that were given to the church by Jesus. As we will see, these ministries come under the category of elders or deacons and are for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ...
▪ The purpose of these gifts.
The five-fold ministry gifts have been placed in the church for the purpose of equipping and government; and for bringing the Body of Christ into the unity of the faith as well as into maturity. They are also to bring doctrinal stability to the Body of Christ and to help see the Body knitted and joined together.
▪ These gifts can be either in the category of elders or deacons.
They are filled by those who meet up to the elder and deacon qualifications in 1Timothy and Titus. Elders and deacons are very much needed to help in the overseeing of the church. These are offices one can desire and work towards.
• The ministry of an apostle – an apostle is one who is sent forth with a special commission. His primary function is to establish congregations, both in the founding of new churches and also the strengthening of those already in existence. In established churches the apostle ministers and presides in a church at the invitation of the senior pastor. He functions in an advisory capacity, as well as in spiritual ministry.
2 Corinthians 8:23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers (apostles) of the churches, the glory of Christ.
Philippians 2:25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger (apostle) and the one who ministered to my need;
• The ministry of a prophet – a prophet is one who speaks for God, bringing revelation and direction from God to the Church. The gift of prophecy and the word of knowledge will operate in the prophet. This allows him to reveal present facts otherwise not known and to reveal the mind of God.
Acts 11:27-28 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
It is important to note that a prophet ministers in a different level of authority than those who are used in the gift of prophecy. The gift of prophecy is primarily used for edification, comfort and exhortation, whereas the prophet can be used in areas of guidance. (See 1 Corinthians 14:2)
• The ministry of an evangelist – An evangelist is a proclaimer of the good news of salvation. The gift of faith characterizes this ministry. Not only does the evangelist strengthen the Church and stir the believers, but also is gifted with a strong public ministry in reaching the unsaved. Philip is a New Testament example
Acts 8:5-8 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city.
• The ministry of a pastor – A pastor is a shepherd of the local church flock; a ministry of tender concern that cares for the spiritual state of the congregation – shepherding, correcting, admonishing, teaching and disciplining. There can be many pastors doing this work in one congregation.
1 Peter 5:2-3 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
• The ministry of a teacher – The teacher’s ministry is to explain, in easily understood terms, the things concerning God and His Word. The doctrine that comes to the Church through the wisdom and revelation of the apostles and prophets must be explained to the people in meaningful terms.
The apostle Paul functioned as a teacher as well as an apostle. As a teacher Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years and in Corinth for one and one-half years.
Acts 19:10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Note: Five-fold ministers can either be elders or deacons.
2. The Ministry of Elders.
The local church should be comprised of a plurality of elders with one elder as the presiding elder. Elders oversee the spiritual matters of the church.
• Elders were appointed in every church – Acts 14:23
• Paul exhorted the elders to shepherd the church – Acts 20:28
• James seemed to be the presiding elder at Jerusalem – Acts 15:13
• The Book of Revelation addresses the letters to the churches, to the presiding elders – Revelation 2:1,8,12,18, 13:1,7,14
• Paul went into James and all the elders were present – Acts 21:18
• The Presiding Elder.
The presiding or lead elder must be properly related and submitted to the plurality of the elders. He is not a law unto himself.
Just as James, the Lord’s brother, made the final decision concerning the circumcision issue in Acts 15:13-19, the presiding elder makes the final decisions in the local church after carefully weighing over the counsel from the plurality of elders. The goal should always be to have a unanimous decision, but this is not always the case.
Acts 15:19 "Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,
An elder is a man of mature age and experience who is recognized as a spiritual overseer in the local church. Three terms are used to describe this ministry: “elder” describes the position and maturity; “bishop” describes the same ministry in terms of its function of oversight; “presbyter” comes from the same word as “elder” and means the same thing.
The elders work in close harmony with the senior pastor in ruling and leading the church. An elder should be a person whose ministry is one of the five “ascension gift ministries.”
3. The Ministry of Deacons.
Just as elders oversee the spiritual matters of a church, deacons are needed to oversee the natural and physical elements of a church. Deacons may also be one of the five “ascension gifts.” We have many pastors in this congregation who are deacons rather than elders.
Acts 6:2-4 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
The basic meaning of the original word is “servant” or “one who serves or waits on others.” This is actually an advanced ministry of helps designed to help the pastor and elders better perform their ministries. Attending to the poor, taking charge of the temporal needs of the local church, etc., are very vital tasks that must be done by responsible people. Deacons can be either men or women as we see in the case of Phoebe.
Romans 16:1-2 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.
Phoebe is called a "servant" (diakonon, Gk.) of the church in Cenchrea. The word "servant" is the same word sometimes translated "deacon." Did the early church have deaconesses? The answer lies in the generic and the technical uses of the term. The word “diakonon” basically means "minister" or "spiritual servant." In that sense, the early church had numerous deaconesses who were most effective in their work for Christ.
III. The Ministry of the Saints.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
It is the saints of God who are called to do the major work and ministry in the Body of Christ. They are called to perform in a wide variety of tasks and ministries that enable the local church to reach out to the community around it.
Mark 13:34 "It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.
It doesn't matter who we are, if God has called us unto salvation, He has also called us to serve and minister in some capacity in the local expression of the Body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
IV. Determining Your Area of Ministry.
If you truly have a vision to see the body of Christ glorified, it will mean a commitment to being a part of a local expression of the Body of Christ and then discovering your giftings and callings while pursuing them with all of your heart.
1. Discover What Your Gift Is.
It is important to understand that gifts and ministries are different. The gift God has given to you is to be used in the ministry He has for you.
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If you are not sure what your gift is, I encourage you to take the Spiritual questionnaire and it will help you to determine what ministry you are best suited for.
2. Find out What Ministries are Available.
There are always ministries available in a local church. Find out which ones are available and be a volunteer and then do it with all your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
• Ministries Available – These are just a few.
|Elders & deacons |Youth Workers |Hospitality ministry |Musicians Singers |
|Small group leaders & assistants |Home visitation |Church office help |Ushers & greeters |
| |Evangelists |Intercessors |Drama |
| |Visitor follow-up |Children's workers |Prophetic ministers |
Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
I hope this study has been a real benefit to you and that you are able to get a vision of what God has in store for you as you press into your personal calling and destiny in the Glorious Body of Christ.
Journal Notes
1. What was the most significant truth you received from this lesson?
2. What ministry or gifting to you sense God is working in your life right now?
3. How are you going about pressing into what God is calling you to do?
4. Have you ever been ministered to through the gift of prophecy and what affect has that had upon your walk with the Lord
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Seven Major Keys to Great Faith
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
As Christians we all desire to be successful in what God has called us to do and be. True success is determined by our ability to walk by faith, growing from faith to faith.
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
The righteousness of God is walking in the revealed will of God. We see this when Jesus told John the Baptist that He must be baptized by John in order to fulfill all righteousness.
If we are to fulfill the will of God in our lives as the apostle Paul and countless others did in Biblical times, we must be a people of faith who are allowing God's righteousness to fill our souls as we go from faith to faith. There are times in our lives when we need an extra measure of faith to get us to the next level God wants to take us in order to reveal His will to us in a greater way.
This happened to:
• Abraham when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
• Job when he lost everything including his health.
• Noah when he was asked to build the Ark.
• Joseph when he was thrown in prison.
• Moses when he led the children of Israel across the Red Sea.
• Joshua when He was told to encircle Jericho for seven days.
• Elijah when he challenged the prophets of Baal.
• Daniel when he was put in the den with the lions.
• Stephen when he was being stoned to death.
• Paul during his many hardships and imprisonment.
• You and me at various times in our lives as well.
What do all of these great heroes of faith have in common? What were some of the key factors that enabled them to step out in great faith?
▪ The heroes of our faith and their testimonies – Hebrews 11:28-40.
In this lesson we will learn the seven keys to great faith that all of the above heroes of faith possessed. These are keys to faith these people all had working in their lives that enabled them to go from faith to faith when the natural circumstances of their lives seemed hopeless or totally contrary.
II. Major Keys To Great Faith.
1. We Must Have a Thorough Understanding of Submission and Authority.
Matthew 8:9-10 "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
The Bible is full of these kinds of examples.
• Abraham's obedience to God when told to sacrifice Isaac - Gen 22:2-3.
• Moses' obedience and submission to God's authority when .told to stretch the Rod out over the Red Sea – Genesis 14:15-16.
• Elisha and the healing of Naaman – 2 Kings 5:9-19. Naaman was required to dip seven times in the Jordan River before receiving his healing from leprosy. He argued at first, but later gave in and was healed.
• Joshua given specific instructions on how to take Jericho – Josh 6:1-5.
• Peter and the Disciples were told to cast their nets in a specific place after fishing all night and catching nothing. As a result they caught a great many fish – Luke 5:4-6.
Obviously, the key here is being under Christ's authority and Lordship. Do we have a hearing ear to hear what He is speaking to us? What specific instructions is He giving you?
This is not necessarily an everyday thing, but there are times in our lives when we need to hear some specific instructions from the Lord.
Most of the time we are simply living in under authority and in submission to the commands and principles found in the God's Word.
2. We Must Worship The Lord With Reverence.
Matthew 8:1-3 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
▪ The word worship here means to prostate oneself in homage – to reverence and adore.
We see this again in the example of Joshua meeting the Commander of the Lord's Army.
Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?" Then the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so.
Again, the word worship is to bow down, to prostrate in homage to royalty or God. Do reverence. Before God can speak the word of faith into our ears, we must have an attitude of worship and reverence towards Him. This puts us in a place of seriousness so that we can hear clearly what He wants to say to us.
Holy Ground – When you come to God, remove the carnal clutter, repent and get serious.
3. Be Convinced Of Jesus' Ability And What You Believe.
Matthew 9:28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord."
We must be fully convinced that God is able to do what He has promised us. Abraham was convinced of what God had spoken to him, so much so that he never wavered at the promise, but was fully convinced.
Romans 4:20-22 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."
• Abraham’s Example of faith and belief.
Genesis 22:4-5 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."
Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." And the two of them went together.
God had spoken to Abraham through covenant that Isaac would be his heir. Abraham believed in the power of the covenant that God had established with him and was convinced of this and as a result great faith came forth. He is called the father of our faith.
Are you convinced that God is able to perform on behalf of the New Covenant that was established through Jesus Christ?
4. Keep Pressing Forward Regardless of the Obstacles.
• The example of the Woman with a flow of blood – Luke 8:43-48.
Luke 8:45-46 And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng You and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' "But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me."
This woman had to press into Jesus in spite of the obstacles she faced. The crowds were thronging or surrounding him so that it was nearly impossible to get to him, yet she pressed in regardless of the obstacle of the crowd. She did not lose heart.
There are many obstacles such as disillusionment, disappointments, worldly cares and distractions, and trials and tribulations that will try to cause us to lose heart and not press in.
• Paul’s Example of Pressing In.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
5. Exhibit Boldness In The Midst of Unbelief and Mockery.
Matthew 9:24-26 He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping." And they laughed Him to scorn. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went out into all that land.
• Example of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall being mocked.
Nehemiah 4:1-2 But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish; stones that are burned?"
When we take steps of faith it sometimes seems foolish to those around us, but if we know that God has spoken the word of faith to us, we need to press in, regardless of how foolish it may seem or who may be mocking us. We must press in with boldness regardless of how foolish we may seem or how others may mock us for our belief.
6. Be Persistent in Humility.
• The example of the Gentile woman – Matthew 15:21-28.
This woman was commended by Jesus for having great faith. What was it that made her faith great? It was her persistent attitude that got Jesus' attention. She continued to plead her case with humility even after Jesus didn't respond the way she wanted Him to.
Matthew 15:27-28 And she said, "True, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
In Luke 11:5-8 we have another passage of scripture that deals with the rewards of being persistent in our faith.
Luke 11:8 "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
7. Confess and Act Upon Your Faith.
Real faith involves a response. We must confess it and act upon it if we are to see it materialize into the reality that God desires for our lives.
2 Corinthians 4:13 But since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak...
James 2:20-22 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
III. Concluding Remarks.
I am convinced that God is calling all of us at various times to new levels of faith, some of these levels require great faith other require a normal amount of faith. Where are you at now? Have you been at the same place for a long period of time? If so, God may be calling you to take a greater step of faith to experience a new freshness in your walk with Him.
Submit to His authority in a spirit of worship and adoration and be fully convinced of what He wants to do in your life and press in regardless of all obstacles. We then must exhibit boldness in the midst of unbelief and mockery with an attitude of being persistent in humility. Finally, confess and act on what you believe; and you shall experience the results that come forth from great faith.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What aspect of faith to you need the most in your life?
4. What aspect of faith is working the best in your walk with the Lord?
5. What kind of obstacles often stand in your way from exhibiting great faith?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
The Healing Covenant
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The purpose of this lesson is to show you that healing is a part of God’s divine nature that is being poured into the hearts of His people. It is also a part of the great covenants that God has established with His people throughout the ages. Healing was a part of the Old Covenant under the law and is also a part of the New Covenant under grace that was established through the blood of Jesus Christ.
• Healing under the Old Covenant.
Exodus 15:26 and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."
• Healing under the New Covenant.
Matthew 8:16-17 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
“What is God’s will concerning healing in the church? Is healing still relevant today? Is healing a part of the atonement? Is it God’s will to heal every time? Why we don’t always receive our healing? These are just some of the questions that come up when the topic of healing comes up.
The purpose in this lesson to convince you through the divine harmony of God’s Word that God wants all of His children healed and well, just as He wants everyone to come to repentance. It is His will that all be healed and experience healthy lives.
If we are to receive God’s healing, we must be fully convinced that it is His will to heal. When there is doubt in your mind concerning healing, perfect faith cannot be exercised and as a result healing will not come forth.
Hebrews 11:6 But 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 diligently seek Him.
Knowing God’s will concerning the word of healing will provide you with a solid foundation and basis for your faith to be exercised and released so that you can receive the healing God has intended for you to enjoy.
II. Historical & Biblical Examples of Healing
1. The Passover Lamb, The Exodus And Healing – Exodus 12:1-14.
Exodus 12:3 "Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: 'On the tenth day of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.”
Exodus 12:5-6 ‘Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6'Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight.’
▪ Passover as a type of our Great Salvation.
This is one of the great passages of Scripture in the Bible concerning the Covenant of Healing. The historical exodus of the nation of Israel leaving Egypt after partaking of the Passover Lamb is a type of the great salvation God has offered to us through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God – the New Testament fulfillment of the Passover Lamb.
1 Corinthians 5:7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
On the night that Israel came out of Egypt they were to take a lamb without blemish and kill it at twilight and then they were to spread the blood on the doorposts of their homes and eat the lamb.
Exodus 12:11 'And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover.
• The Passover Lamb was for the healing of the nation of Israel.
Psalm 105:37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes.
This is an amazing Scripture, because there must have been about three million people who came out of Egypt. It says there was not one feeble person among them, not one weak person or one sick person.
If that was true in Israel, for those people who were living under the Law, how much more true is it for us who are living under a New and better Covenant of grace, mercy and truth, who have been redeemed by the blood of God’s perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
• God made a covenant with them saying, “I am the Lord who heals you.”
Exodus 15:26 and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you."[9]
Here we see very clearly that the very nature of God has to do with healing. God says, “I am the LORD who heals you.” The word LORD is more correctly translated Jehovah – Rapha, which means “I am the Lord your Physician, or I am the Lord who heals you.” This name is given to reveal the redemptive privilege of being healed.
This privilege is provided for by the atonement. The prophet Isaiah prophesies concerning Christ and His work of atonement when he says, “Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses), and carried our sorrows (pain).”[10]
• The First Covenant after the crossing of the Red Sea involved Healing.
This was the first covenant God gave to the children of Israel after crossing the Red Sea. It was a covenant of healing, which is typical of our redemption as well. As we shall see later in the lesson, healing is included in the Greek words “sozo” and “soteria” which are the words for salvation. Part of their salvation and deliverance from the Passover Lamb was healing.
• The promise of healing has two parts: The conditions and the promise.
The conditions were extended to Israel and all those who chose to come under the covenant of God as it was given to Moses. If these conditions were met the promise of healing took effect. If the children of Israel didn’t live up to the conditions then they didn’t receive the promise. The same is true for us under the New Covenant.
Under the New Covenant we observe the Passover feast in the partaking of the communion service, which is representative of the blood and the body of Christ.
Jesus instituted this during the Old Testament Feast of Passover prior to His death, burial and resurrection.
Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28"For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
The Passover lamb that Israel partook of was a type of Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God, our Passover Lamb. Jesus, who is our Passover Lamb has come to heal the whole nation of spiritual Israel, for as 1 Corinthians 5:7 says,
Under the New Covenant we observe the Passover feast in the partaking of the communion service, which is representative of the blood and the body of Christ. Jesus instituted this during the Old Testament Feast of Passover prior to His death, burial and resurrection.
• The conditions and promise of healing are evident in the New Covenant as well.
1 Corinithians 11:29-30 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
Since Jehovah–Rapha is one of God’s redemptive names, sealing the covenant of healing, then Christ could no longer abandon His office of Healer than His other offices as revealed by His other redemptive names. The name, “The Lord Jesus Christ” encompasses all of God’s redemptive names.
It is God’s will for every Christian to be well and strong. As we believe in His Word and meet His conditions we shall experience Jehovah – Rapha our Healer healing our bodies and delivering us from all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. God is no respecter of persons.[11] If God will heal anyone, He will heal you.
• David understood the healing covenant.
Psalm 103:2-4 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies...
When we keep the Word of God and keep our eyes upon Jesus Christ, healing will be ours continually.
• Just as sin does not belong to us neither does sickness belong to us.
It should have no part in the body of Christ. The Bible declares if the Word of God is in our life, there will be health, and there will be healing.
• Very important – the balance.
**One very important thing to keep in mind while looking to God for healing is that we have not come into the fullness of our salvation yet, even though Christ has completed His part in the process. We are still pressing towards the mark. Just as we still have sin in us, even though Christ has paid the full price for our sin, we still have sickness at times as well. We are not perfect, but we continue to press forward for that which Christ has laid hold of for us!**
Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
When you fail to get the victory over sin, do you say, “It’s God’s will for me to be in sin? No – of course not! Then why should we think that it might be God’s will for us to be sick when we are not healed?
III. Healing and the Atonement
1. The Prophecy of Isaiah – Isaiah 53:1-10.
The prophet Isaiah gives us a wonderful glimpse into the life and ministry of the coming Messiah. This is a prophetic passage concerning the atoning work of Christ, the Messiah. In this prophecy he prophesies many things concerning the Messiah’s ministry and all that He would go through on behalf of God’s people, of which we find healing being very much a part of the atoning work of Christ.
Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
(Griefs - 2483)[12]. choliy, khol-ee'; from H2470; malady, anxiety, calamity:--disease, grief, (is) sick (-ness). "Griefs" is literally "sicknesses."
Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days....
(Grief - 2470)4. chalah, khaw-law'; to be rubbed or worn; hence (fig.) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke (in flattering), entreat:--beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit, woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded.
As we can see there are three very bold affirmative statements in this passage of Scripture that refer to healing being a part of the atoning work of Christ.
1. Verse four: He has borne our griefs – The word “griefs” means sicknesses, weaknesses and diseases.
2. Verse five: by His stripes we are healed – this includes emotional and physical healing.
3. Verse ten: He has put Him to grief – The Amplified version says, “He has put Him to grief and made Him sick.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
In the same sense that Jesus became sin for us that we might be righteous, He also became diseased and sick for us that we might be healed and made totally whole.
Healing is as much a part of the atoning work of Christ as the removal of sin. From both sin and sickness we have redemption through the precious blood that was shed and the stripes that Jesus bore for us. He took our sicknesses as well as our sins
2. The Testimony of Jesus Fulfilling the Atonement.
Matthew 8:16-17 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses."
The above passage of Scripture very plainly illustrates to us that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 by healing all who came unto Him. It says, “He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”
(bore - 941)[13]. bastazo, bas-tad'-zo; perh. remotely der. from the base of G939 (through the idea of removal); to lift, lit. or fig. (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.):--bear, carry, take up.
• Jesus was committed to healing all because of the healing covenant.
The Gospels reveal very clearly that throughout the ministry of Jesus, he carried out this commitment of healing to all who came unto Him.
Matthew 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.
Matthew 14:36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
• In Jesus’ mind, healing and forgiveness were equal.
Mark 2:9 "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'?
The precious blood that was shed by Jesus and the stripes that He bore give us redemption from both sin and sickness, therefore in Jesus’ mind He saw healing someone of sickness just as easy as forgiving someone of their sins. Sin and sickness came into the world through the fall of mankind, therefore we must look for the healing of both in the Savior.
• Since Christ “bore our sins”, how many is it God’s will to forgive? “Whosever believes.”
• Since Christ “bore our sickness”, how many is it God’s will to heal? “He healed them all.”
• Peter sees healing as something that has already been accomplished.
1 Peter 2:24 ...who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.
This, once again, shows that healing is very much a part of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
• The same Bible that invites whosoever to be forgiven of his sins also invites any to be healed of their sicknesses.
• The same Christ that always forgives sins, always healed sicknesses.
• The same Scripture that says, ‘who Himself bore our sins in His own body’ also says, ‘by whose stripes you were healed.’
• The same Scripture that says who forgives all your iniquities also says who heals all your diseases.
Healing is simply the salvation of Jesus Christ having its divine action in a man’s body the same as it had its divine action in a man’s soul.
3. The Greek words for salvation or saved show that healing is a part of the atonement.
“Sozo” (verb) and “Soteria” (noun) are the two Greek words that are used for the term salivation or saved.
4982. sozo, sode'-zo; from a prim. sos (contr. for obsol. saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.4
4991. soteria, so-tay-ree'-ah; fem. of a der. of G4990 as (prop. abstr.) noun; rescue or safety (phys. or mor.):--deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.4
• We must draw from the wells of Salvation.
Few understand that the terms salvation and saved affect the whole man, not just man’s ultimate destiny. The waters of salvation run deeper than most of us realize. It is our responsibility to draw from those waters, that all our needs may be met according to His riches in glory.
Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
The chart on the next page shows you how these two words are translated in the New Testament.
|Health |Healed |Preserved |Do Well |
|Acts 27:34 |Acts 14:9 |2 Timothy 4:18 |John 11:12 |
| |Mark 5:23 | | |
| |Luke 8:36 | | |
| | | | |
|Be whole |Made whole |Saved – Save |Salvation |
|Matthew 9:21-22 |Mark 6:56 |Mark 8:35, 16:16 |Romans 1:16 |
|Mark 10:52` |Mark 15:30-31 |Romans 1:10 |2 Timothy 3:15 |
|Luke 8:48-50 |Luke 9:56 |2 Timothy 3:15 | |
| |Luke 18:42 |1 Corinthians 1:21 | |
| | |1 Timothy 1:15, 2:15 | |
| | |James 5:15 | |
| | |Mark 16:16 | |
III. Abraham’s Example of Applying Faith to the Covenant.
Abraham is called the Father of our Faith for a reason. I believe it is because he understood the correlation between faith and the covenant God had made with Him.
Genesis 22:2 Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."
1. Abraham’s Confession of Faith.
Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."
Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together.
Genesis 22:13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
2. God’s Promise to Abraham.
Abraham simply based his confession of faith on the covenant God had already made with him rather than the circumstances he found himself in.
Genesis 17:7 "And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.
Genesis 17:19 Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.
3. Abraham Was Fully Convinced.
Romans 4:20-21 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
In this lesson we have covered a number of areas concerning the word of healing. The main objective was to see how healing is a part of the atoning work of Christ and how it is to be implemented into our lives.
• Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
It is God’s will to heal all who come to him today just as it was during the ministry of Jesus almost 2000 years ago.
With this in mind we should always have perfect liberty in Christ to expect to be healed, with an understanding that if we are not, we should continually press towards the mark of the high calling in God in this area.
• Pressing Toward the Goal
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What part of this lesson encouraged you the most in your faith concerning healing?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Predestination, Election and Foreknowledge!
What Does The Bible Say?
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The purpose of this lesson is to come to an understanding of what the Bible has to say concerning Predestination, Election and the Foreknowledge of God. This is one of the more controversial doctrines that has separated and divided Christians throughout the history of Christianity. I believe it is very important that we know what we believe in these areas as it affects the way we carry out our Christianity.
• Both predestination and election flow out of God's foreknowledge.
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
II. Defining The Terms.
This section of the lesson will be devoted to defining the meaning of the terms that are being used. The definitions will begin to show you which way I lean on these important doctrines and will establish a foundation for which I will be building on throughout the lesson.
1. The Foreknowledge of God.
"Fore" or “before” simply means that God knows beforehand what the future holds. Because of His omniscience, He knows the end from the beginning. He is the Alpha and the Omega. Nothing is hid from Him, Who knows what things we have need of before we ask Him.[14]
Matthew 6:8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
• Greek Word Definitions.
The Greek word for "foreknow" is "Proginosko" and means "to know beforehand." The Greek word for "foreknowledge" is "Prognosis" and means "a knowing beforehand."
2. Predestination.
Predestination is to foreordain or determine an act or event. It is not simply foreknowledge of a future event, but rather making that event take place. It is predetermined to happen and nothing can change it.
▪ The example of Adam's sin and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.
Through foreknowledge God saw that Adam would fall and as a result predestinated man's reconciliation through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ were predetermined or predestinated events that could not be changed. But they were set in motion by the foreknowledge of God.
1 Peter 1:18-20 ...knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you...
Mark 14:34-36 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch." He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."
▪ The word "predestinate" is the Greek word Pro-orizo.
It means "to previously mark out a boundary line, to pre-determine, decide beforehand."
Compared with foreknowledge, predestination is used to refer to a determination made previous to its actual coming to pass and which carried with it the power to make it come to pass. Therefore, it is an action of will only attributed to God Himself.
We may say that:
▪ Foreknowledge is "to know beforehand that certain things will happen."
▪ Predestination is "to arrange or determine beforehand how they shall happen."
▪ However foreknowledge precedes predestination.
▪ God's foreknowledge did not stem from election or predestination.
▪ Election and predestination are founded in God's foreknowledge. [15]
3. The Election of God.
There is no question concerning God's elect. The Bible very clearly states that there is a select group of people, a peculiar people different than the others of the earth because of their new spiritual birth that is according to God's grace.
Romans 11:5-7 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were hardened.
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Henry Clarence Thiessen defines election as follows:
Election is a sovereign act of God's grace whereby He chose in Christ Jesus for salvation all those who He foreknew would accept Him. This is redemption in its elective aspect. In its simplest meaning, election refers to the intention, process and result of making a choice. It refers to an act of the will but more specifically in the Scriptures to an act of the divine will.[16]
Though election and predestination go hand in hand, the following distinction should be noted.
• Election means that God has chosen to save those He foreknew would accept His Son.
• Predestination means that God has fixed the destiny beforehand of those who are and who are not of His election.
• Therefore predestination can be viewed as bringing to pass of God's election.
• While election looks back to foreknowledge, predestination looks forward to destiny.
• Yet both are based on God's foreknowledge and neither violates man's free-will choice.[17]
III. Understanding the Depth of Foreknowledge.
God Has Perfect Knowledge of Events, Past, Present and Future. Perfect knowledge of coming events is a part of God's very nature. He is Omniscient or all knowing. This means past, present and future.
1. Jesus' Crucifixion Was Known By God Beforehand.
Acts 2:23 "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
2. Israel Was Foreknown As God's Earthly People.
Romans 11:2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying...
3. The Church Is Foreknown As Well.
1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
God's absolute foreknowledge of persons, of things, of events, small and great is a divine attribute.
3. Prophetic Passages of Scripture Reveal God's Foreknowledge.
It was by this foreknowledge that God was able to have His prophets write of future events. When you think of all the wonderful passages of prophetic Scripture we have you see this as a result of God's infinite knowledge being revealed to mankind.
Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
The Greek word for "written before" is "prographo", which means "to write previously" shows that God was able to have His prophets write of future events that He revealed to them. God simply chooses to reveal a portion of His infinite knowledge to His prophets.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
5. God's Foreknowledge is the Key to Understanding Predestination.
In this lesson one of our chief concerns is to determine whether some people are predestinated to be saved, while others are predestinated to be lost.
How is it possible that God could determine even before the creation which individuals will be saved, and could even write their names in the book of life? The answer is found in the fact and nature of God's foreknowledge.
The Bible explicitly relates predestination to God's foreknowledge, and a correct understanding of this relationship is the key to whole question of election to salvation.[18] It is through the understanding of God's foreknowledge that we see God does not predestinate one person to be saved, while predestinating another person to be lost. We will see, though there are certain events in relationship to God's foreknowledge and the council of His will that He does predestinate to happen.
• The Meaning of Predestination – Reviewed.
The word "predestination" is the Greek word Pro-orizo, and means "to previously mark out a boundary line, to pre-determine, decide beforehand." Compared to foreknowledge, predestination is used to refer to a determination made previous to its actual coming to pass and which carried with it the power to make it come to pass. Thus, it is an action of will only attributed to God Himself.[19]
• Herbert Lockyer defines predestination very similarly:
He says, "Predestination is the exercise of divine sovereignty in the accomplishment of God's ultimate purpose or decree.[20]
The words predestinate, predestination, determined and ordained (the Greek word Proorize - pronounced pro-or-id-zo) are only found six times[21] in the New Testament. It is not found in the Old Testament at all. In the New Testament it is always used in relationship to the above meanings. (Acts 4:28, Romans 8:29-30, 1 Corinthians 2:7, and Ephesians 1:5,11).
IV. Various Events That Are Predestinated.
The events that Scripture identify as being predestinated are those events that relate to God's ultimate purpose. There is nowhere in Scripture where you find individual lives identified with the explicit meaning of predestination.
1. The Atonement of Christ was Pre-Determined or Predestinated.
Acts 4:27-28 "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done."
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory...
2. Saints of God are Predestinated to be Adopted Into His Family.
Ephesians 1:5 ...having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
3. God Has A Day For His Return.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
4. We are Predestinated to be Conformed Into the Image of God.
Romans 8:29-30 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Again, we see that predestination flows out of God's foreknowledge. The point here is that God has determined that all Christians will eventually totally be conformed into His image. When we are born again by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God is working in us to bring us along in this wonderful calling and election.
5. God Has A Set Day For Judgment.
Acts 17:30-31 "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, "because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
These are the boundaries that have been marked out and predetermined and decided beforehand. When we become the elect of God through God's foreknowledge, the Holy Spirit is on an inexorable course in our lives to bring us into the fulfillment of the boundaries set forth according to the council of God's will and purpose.
• Summary of Understanding Predestination and Foreknowledge.
As Herbert Lockyer says, "Predestination is the divine determining the glorious consummation of all who through faith and surrender become the Lord's.” [22]
Predestination does not teach who should be saved and who shouldn't be saved, but simply teaches that God has determined or predestinated that each person who is born again by the Spirit of God will be adopted into His family and will be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ completely at His appearing.[23]
As we move to the next section on election and foreknowledge, we shall see even more clearly that the provision of the atonement provides for all mankind to be saved.
God is no respecter of persons. Predestination is linked to God's love. Therefore, He can never be guilty of anything capricious. He never acts contrary to His own nature.
V. Election and Foreknowledge.
In this part of the lesson the intention will be to examine what the true Biblical meaning of election means. There are a number of Scriptures that refer to God's people as the elect of God. Here are a few:
Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me.
Matthew 24:31 "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering...
As we consider what it means to be a part of God's elect, it's important to understand that there are differing views on what this means.
1. Election Defined.
• The Unconditional View:
The Calvinistic view teaches unconditional election which says that certain individuals are unconditionally elected or predestined to become believers in Jesus Christ and thus be saved. This view teaches that from among the total mass of sinful humanity, even before it has been created, God chooses which individuals He wants to respond to the Gospel call. When the call is issued, those who have been chosen are irresistibly enabled to answer it. These are saved, while the rest of mankind is condemned to hell forever.[24]
• The Conditional View:
The correct and more Biblical view is the idea that God predestines to salvation those individuals who meet the gracious conditions which He has set forth. In other words, election to salvation is conditional and particular.[25]
The remainder of this lesson will set out to prove that the conditional view is the Biblical view of election. We have already discussed the meaning of God's foreknowledge and how it works with predestination, not let's see how it works with election.
1 Peter 1:2 ...elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
As quoted earlier in the lesson, "By election we mean that sovereign act of God's grace whereby He chose in Christ Jesus for salvation all those whom He foreknew would accept Him. In its simplest meaning election refers to the intention, process and result of making a choice."
2. Election Is According To God's Grace.
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Like Christ, Grace does not force its way, it stands at the door and knocks. The Bible teaches very plainly that the gifts of grace are appropriated by faith. If by works, then grace is no longer grace. Likewise, if it is by sovereign imposition, the grace is also no longer grace.[26]
Grace is the ill-deserved, unmerited and unearned favor of God bestowed upon sinful man. God is not obligated to save man. Yet in providing salvation, His justice required that it be made available for all men on His terms. God is not partial, nor is He a respecter of persons.[27]
Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Imagine the hypocrisy of a God who expressed a longing to gather a people he had predestined to damnation.
Matthew 23:37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
• Can God's Grace Be Resisted?
When considering the aspect of God's grace in relationship to election, we must consider whether or not God's grace is irresistible. Can it be resisted? Or is it as the Calvinist’s say, "irresistible?" Again, we must look to the Scriptures.
If God's sovereignty meant that His will is always done and performed down to the smallest detail, it would mean that His will is also accomplished in the lostness of the lost. But that is not the case. God holds out his hands to those who will not listen to Him. He gives His Holy Spirit to those who resist the gift and Jesus desired to gather the Jews to Himself, but they refused Him.[28]
Romans 10:21 But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people."
Acts 7:51 "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Isaiah 65:12 Therefore I will number you for the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter; because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear, but did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight."
God in his decision to create man placed a higher value on freedom than on sinless conformity to His will. God's plan for mankind does not involve a manipulation of man from behind the scenes. His will consists rather of general purposes or aims for beings who are themselves genuinely free and creative, and who have significant power to shape the course of history.[29]
The example of Paul – Acts 26:19.
Paul's salvation experience comes close to what Calvanists refer to as irresistable grace. In his case the hand of God was clearly in evidence. Years later when recalling his salvation experience to King Agrippa, Paul said, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." The vision was bolt from the blue; it had the effect of an attack with a deadly weapon. Yet in retrospect, Paul spoke of it as something to which he could have been disobedient. He could have resisted God's grace.
It is obvious, according to Scripture, that election is according to grace and that it can be resisted. However, it does not mean that once we become one of God's elect we are locked in with no chance of falling short and not making it into God's eternal kingdom. We are to make our calling and election sure. We will look at this in greater detail in a future lesson on "Eternal Security."
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble..
3. Who Are The Elect Or Chosen Ones?
We should ask ourselves the question in light of view of conditional election, "Who are the elect or chosen ones and how does one become one of them?"
• Israel of The Old Testament was God's Chosen People or Elect.
Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance.
Even though Israel of the Old Testament was God's chosen or elect people, they individually were commanded to keep God's laws and if they didn't they were cut off.
Exodus 31:14 `You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.[30].
In the same vein, those Israelites who accepted God's continuing plan of salvation, i.e. salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, were saved and the rest lost. This was present truth for their day and they had to receive it and choose Jesus Christ to be one of the chosen.[31]
• Under The New Covenant God's Desire is for All to be Saved and be a Part of the Elect.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Whoever comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and confesses and believes in their heart that He rose from the dead shall be saved and become a part of the elect.
Romans 10:9-10 ...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.
4. The Universality of God's Grace and Call.
We have now come to a very important part of this lesson. At this point in the lesson it will be important to take an in depth look at the universality of God's grace and call.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
We must determine whether the atonement of Jesus Christ is a limited atonement or an unlimited atonement. Those who believe in the unconditional view of election believe that some are destined to be saved and others are destined for eternal damnation.
Noted author and Christian counselor Jay Adams writes, "As a reformed Christian, the writer believes that counselors must not tell any unsaved counselee that Christ died for him, for they cannot say that. No man knows except Christ Himself who are His elect for whom He died." [32]
This kind of teaching is in direct contradiction of the Scriptures and what they have to say concerning Christ and His atonement. The divine response to Jesus Christ embraces the whole world.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
It is because He died for all that we can claim for ourselves and confidently extend to others the right and title to sonship and salvation through Christ, and live in a state of blessed assurance.
• The following scriptures make it very clear that Jesus Christ died for every person.
2 Corininthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men...
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 For 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.
John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
1 John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Romans 5:18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
• Since all humanity came under judgment in Adam, all humanity must come into at least the possibility of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.
The truth of God's universal grace needs to be proclaimed fervently, a grace that springs from a love which cannot be limited temporally, geographically, racially, religiously, economically, sexually, or culturally, a love which has no limits except the limits which unbelief imposes.[33]
• "If these scriptures are so clear, how is it possible to come to a limited view of atonement?"
Calvin's point is to deny the universality of the atonement by making the word (all) refer to worldwide distribution of the church, rather than the universally potential redemptive work of Christ.[34]
The problem with this thinking is that there are Scriptures that personalize the atonement by using the word, "whoever."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
1 John 4:14-15 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
5. Mankind's Free Will.
We have now seen that God does have an elect according to His foreknowledge. We have also seen that it is God's will that all men be saved and come to repentance. According to God's foreknowledge some will be lost to eternal damnation because they chose not to receive Him. Mankind has always had a choice since the creation of the world.
• Choice Was Available For Adam And Eve.
Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Like the Pharisees and lawyers later on, Adam "rejected" the purposes of God for himself.
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
The fall of Adam demonstrates conclusively that God's will is not something that is done regardless. It is something that can be rejected just as the Pharisees and the lawyers did.
• Choice Was Available Under The Law.
Deuteronomy 30:19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
• Choice is available under the New Covenant.
Matthew 22:2-3 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, "and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
This parable represents the kingdom truth of the New Testament concerning the ability to make a choice concerning salvation. It is a kingdom parable.
John 5:40 "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
• The Apostle Paul Chose to Walk Away From an Open Door.
2 Corininthians 2:12-13 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.
• God's dealings with his human creation are dynamic and personal.
The responses that we make to Him have far reaching consequences.
Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Man is a free-will agent and must respond to the convicting and soul-saving power of the Holy Spirit in order to receive the salvation provided at infinite cost. Although salvation is free, it is costly as it cost God His Son. Man is free to accept or reject the salvation which he in no way deserves nor could ever merit.[35]
Titus 3:5 ...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit...
Clark H. Pinnock in his essay on Responsible Freedom & the Flow of Biblical History says, "In seeking to establish full reality of man's freedom, we are not motivated by any desire to rob God of the glory which is due Him as ruler over all. We wish merely to observe that the rule of God according to the Bible does not reduce men to automata, nor make the conflict between the sinful desires and God's loving purposes an illusion or a charade.”[36]
God in His decision to create man placed a higher value on freedom than on sinless conformity to His will. Just as God does not force a person to sin, neither does He force anyone to accept grace. A person chooses to accept grace when he decides to meet the conditions which God has established for receiving it.
VI. Commonly Misunderstood Scriptures.
When looking at this whole issue of predestination, election and God's foreknowledge there are certain Scriptures that seem to favor the unconditional view that teaches certain individuals are unconditionally elected or predestined to become believers in Jesus Christ and thus be saved. If these Scriptures are read quickly without much consideration to the context or word meanings it would seem that God does in fact choose some and reject others, for no other reason except that He is God. Let's look at these Scriptures in detail and contextually.
1. The Theme of God's Drawing The Elect To Jesus.
This theme, found in John chapter six, seems to reinforce the idea that God's sovereign power is behind the "inevitable decision" of receiving Jesus Christ.
John 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
John 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father."
The Father and Jesus are one and always work together along with the Holy Spirit. In order to be drawn by the Father requires a person humbling themselves first, which involves choice and will.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 66:2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist," Says the Lord. "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Verses 37-40 are based upon verse 35, where we see that eternal life is dependent on coming and believing.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
Throughout John's Gospel there is an insistence on man's choosing between light and darkness; human responsibility is making that choice. The sovereign force of the Father's will always considers human responsibility before moving.
• The Context Of These Verses Presupposes Responsibility.
John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, 'and they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.
• The drawing of God.
The "drawing" of God takes place when man abandons his own judgment by humbling himself and "hears" and "learns" from the Father and so allows God to speak to him.[37]
Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
In the context of chapter six Jesus' discourse is on the Bread of Life and how He came from the Father. He is the Bread that came from Heaven.
John 6:32-33 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
In response to the question asked in verses 30-31 Jesus does not answer them, but once again appeals to the close connection between His claims and the Father's purpose.
If their hearts had been centered on the Father's purpose rather than the legal requirements of the law, the Father would have drawn their hearts unto Jesus.
Luke 16:31 "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"
People who try to gain eternal life on their own terms will find themselves unable to come to Jesus because it has not been granted to him by the Father; they have in fact been resisting the leading of the Father.
Psalms 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
2. Scriptures That Seemingly Suggest Limited Atonement.
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."
John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
John 10:26-27 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
These Scriptures could seem to suggest the doctrine of limited atonement. Many assert that Christ died for "many" not all and for "the sheep" not those who are wolves, etc. The reference is to such passages of Scripture where Jesus said, "you are not My sheep," and "you are from your father the devil."
One of the primary principles for interpreting any parabolic saying is that one must not go beyond the central teaching; especially, one must not base doctrines on what it does not say. Here Jesus is teaching about His death. In short, Jesus is teaching that He shows His love for His sheep by dying for them, but nowhere limits His death to them alone.[38]
3. The Book of Acts and Predestination Language.
As we look at some of the Scriptures in the Book of Acts that seem to suggest predestination language in reference to certain individuals, we must consider that the time frame of this book was during a period in which God's predestinated purposes for mankind were being played out in a big way.
The Book of Acts is a very pivotal time in God's overall redemptive purposes for mankind. There are times in history when God directly intervenes more than at other times. This was a time of God's awesome power intervening in the lives of individuals who were predestinated according to God's foreknowledge.
In relating this, Luke in Acts is careful to show that all was accomplished under the divine impetus and occurred as part of God's redemptive plan. It is God who intervened to guide the church in its redemptive purpose.
▪ The disciples given the Holy Spirit to witness with power – Acts 1:8
▪ Tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2:4
▪ Obedience to God's purpose a preeminence – Acts 5:19
▪ Philip the Evangelist and the Angel – Acts 8:26
▪ Paul's conversion with the shining light – Acts 9:3
▪ Peter's vision of Gentiles coming into the kingdom – Acts 10:10
▪ Peter released from prison by an angel – Acts 12:8
▪ Paul & Barnabus sent under direction of the Holy Spirit – Acts 13:2
▪ Paul's vision to go to Macedonia – Acts 16:9
▪ Paul and Silas in jail and earthquake happens – Acts 16:25
▪ The many, many miracles throughout the book.
Let's keep in mind that the definition of predestination is the exercise of divine sovereignty in the accomplishment of God's ultimate purpose or decree. This is what is happening in these scriptures. God is using His power make His purpose come to pass. With this in mind let's look at some of the Scriptures that seem to suggest predestination in the lives of individuals.
▪ The Cornelius Episode.
Acts 11:15 "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
This is Peter's account to the Jerusalem council as to why he allowed Gentiles to be baptized. Here God is the principle person in the redemption of these Gentile believers. Was this an unconditional choice on God's part and was man's volition involved?
The answer is found in Acts 10:1-2 where we see that Cornelius was a man who feared God, a Gentile who worshipped God but had not taken the final step of circumcision.
Acts 10:1-2 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
In all reality he was a man, who was open to God's call. His heart had been prepared, so God used him in light of His foreknowledge.
▪ Gentiles Appointed To Eternal Life.
Acts 13:48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
While this passage is talking about a divine election, we must keep in mind that election is according to God's foreknowledge. The human volition or will is also involved in this passage in the fact that it says they "believed." In the context the unbelieving Jews were rejected on the basis of personal decision.
Acts 13:46 ....but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
▪ The Example of Lydia, the Seller of Purple.
Acts 16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
In the context of the Scripture it says she was a person who worshipped God. She was a worshipper of God and had already been seeking the truth. Therefore the Lord used her for His glory in this situation.
▪ The Lord Has Many People In The City Of Corinth.
Acts 18:10 "For I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."
This passage speaks of foreknowledge more than unconditional election or predestination. Verse 27 speaks of those who believed through grace.
There is no hint of a rigid application to a few only. In conclusion, Luke, in Acts stresses the divine activity behind Salvation but does not identify this with a rigid predestination call.
4. Predestination Language in Paul's Writings.
Romans 8:29-30 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Predestination here as we have already seen relates to the benefits of salvation and not the act itself. All believers are predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Throughout Paul's writings he stresses security and election, but also stresses human responsibility. Election is related to those who have believed and promises God's strength in bringing them to a life of holiness and to final salvation.
VI. Summary & Concluding Thoughts.
The purpose of this lesson has been to come to an understanding of what the Bible has to say concerning predestination, election and the foreknowledge of God. The following points have been made Scripturally clear throughout this lesson:
▪ Predestination and election flow out of God's foreknowledge.
▪ Foreknowledge is God's ability to know beforehand what the future holds, because of His omniscience.
▪ Predestination is the exercise of divine sovereignty in the accomplishment of God's ultimate purpose or decree.
▪ While foreknowledge is to know beforehand that certain things will happen, predestination is to arrange or determine beforehand how they shall happen.
▪ Through foreknowledge God saw that Adam would fall and as a result predestinated man's reconciliation through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
▪ Election is a sovereign act of God's grace whereby He chose in Christ Jesus for salvation all those who He foreknew would accept Him.
▪ Whoever comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and confesses and believes in their heart that He rose from the dead shall be saved and become a part of the elect. God does not will some to be saved and some to be lost.
▪ Election is according to grace, yet grace does not force its way, it stands at the door and knocks just as Christ does.
▪ God's grace can be resisted by those who harden their hearts to the wooing of the Father.
▪ God in His decision to create man placed a higher value on freedom than on sinless conformity to His will.
▪ God has given every man a free will to accept God's grace when he decides to meet the conditions which God has established for receiving it.
▪ There are some Scriptures that have the potential of being misunderstood if not looked at carefully in their full context. When looking at them in their proper context it becomes very clear that there is no such thing as limited atonement.
▪ The call of God's grace is not irresistible and limited to the elect. The drawing power of God is limited by the hardness of man's heart, but when man's heart is being humbled, God is able to draw men unto salvation through Jesus Christ.
▪ God does not predestine some to be saved and some to be lost. He knows the future, but gives us the choice.
▪ The purpose of predestination language in John's gospel is not to expose the exclusion of certain men from salvation because they were not chosen by the father, but to emphasize that from start to finish eternal life is the gift of God and does not lie under the control of men. A person who tries to gain eternal life on his own terms will find himself unable to come to Jesus because it has not been granted to Him by the Father. He has in fact been resisting the Father.
John 6:45 Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. Did this study change your opinion? If so, how?
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
ETERNAL SECURITY - What Does The Bible Really Say?
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
In this lesson we will be taking a look at the doctrine of eternal security. We will be answering questions such as, "Are Christians eternally secure? Can one be saved and then lost? Do some people go through a continuous cycle of being saved and lost, saved and lost over and over again? Is it possible for the Christian to live in the grossest sin and still have eternal life? These are some of the questions people have concerning the doctrine of eternal security. The answers are found in the Bible.
There is no question we are eternally secure as long as we remain in Christ. God has a strong grip on each of us and has no desire to let any go back into our former status of being dead in sin and cut off from Him.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
The purpose of this lesson will be to show you that our salvation can be lost if one totally denies the faith and disowns Christ.
II. God's Warning Concerning Apostasy.
1. The Bible Warns Against Disregarding Rules of the Spirit.
One destructive heresy that has been brought on the Church is that once a person has been saved there is no way he can again be lost. The great danger of this teaching is that it can, in some cases, turn the grace of God into a total disregard of any regulation or rules of the Spirit and the Bible. It can develop contempt for holiness and right living. People may think they can walk in any way and still be in God's way.
2. The Bible warns against old and new apostates – Jude 1:3-13
Jude 1:4 "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
6. The Bible Warns Against Falling Into Sin.
Old Testament Israel is an example to us. This God-chosen nation was a type of the New Testament Church. We can learn much from their mistakes and failures as well as their triumphs.
1 Corininthians 10:11-12 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
4. The Bible Warns Against Falling Away.
The Bible is clear that some shall depart from the Christian faith. They shall leave their secure position in Christ and return to their original position of being lost.
▪ There is a falling away that shall come upon the Church.
▪ Some will depart from the faith in the last days.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith....
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
The fact is that one cannot "fall from" a position he has not occupied any more than one can come back from a place he has not been.
There has been and will be apostasy. They are the ones who "fall away" from the faith.
The word "apostasia" found in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 means ones who have defected from the truth of the Christian faith. It is a strong word implying revolt. It comes from a root word meaning to incite to revolt, to detest and depart. The word found in Acts 21:21 where it is translated "forsake" means to teach apostasy from the Law of Moses. We see then that the Word of God does acknowledge that there are people who fill this category.
A word of warning is in the Bible. If it were not possible to fall from God's position of grace, there would be no need of warning.
Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.
5. There are a Number of "Ifs" in the Bible Concerning Eternal Life.
1 Corinthians 15:2 ...by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain.
Colossians 1:21-23 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight; if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end...
2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked...
2 Timothy 2:12 (NIV) …if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
It says, "If we disown Him, He will also disown us." It is a simple truth that you must first be owned by Jesus before He can disown you. To be owned by Him means you are saved.
6. There Is A Point Where God Cuts Off Those Who Turn From Him.
If God did not spare natural Israel when they committed apostasy, what makes us think that God will spare us if we fall away. We must continue in His goodness otherwise we too will be cut off.
Romans 11:21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. (See verses 13-22)
Hebrews 10:31,38-39 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
This drawing back "unto perdition" or waste and destruction is a possibility or it would not have been written to warn us. The word perdition indicates loss of well-being, not of being. The destruction then is everlasting without annihilation.
I don't believe anyone knows where this cut off point is. We are not the judge nor could we because we don't have all the facts in each ease and even if we did, we would not have the wisdom to analyze them. God is the righteous judge and there is a point where God says, "no more – that's it!"
7. The Bible Warns It Is Possible to Fall Away, Never to be Saved Again
There is a point where the once saved are completely reprobate in their minds and actions. Hebrews 6 speaks of the once Spirit-filled Christians falling away to never be saved again.
Hebrews 6:4-9 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
This scripture shows very clearly that there is a point when a Christian has backslidden so far that he cannot come back.
The Greek word for fall away is parapipto, which means to fall aside or to apostatize (Strongs 3895).
This person has given up his birthright in the same way that Esau did. This place is where backsliding has led to the ultimate place of disowning Christ as Paul warned Timothy of in 2Timothy 2:12. This is what John refers to when he refers to the sin that leads unto death in 1 John 5:16. For this reason it is good not to even think about backsliding, because you open yourself up to the deception that could eventually lead to a sin unto death.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.
▪ These Spirit-filled Christians were once:
1. Enlightened - John 1:6-12
2. Tasted of the Heavenly Gift - John 3:16 & Romans 6:23
3. Made Partakers of the Holy Spirit - Acts 19:2
4. Tasted of the Good Word of God - Hebrews 5:12-14
5. Tasted of the Powers of the World to Come - Acts 1:8 & Romans 8:18-19
The words "fall away" describe the person’s willful and voluntary position. It means to walk alongside or out of the will of God with no intent of returning to God's way. This is total apostasy. There is an open renunciation and disowning of Jesus Christ and a gathering together with the enemies of Christ.
Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
• This "falling away" does not mean to fall into sin.
A person may fall into sin without "falling away". Many of God's people are backslidden and out of fellowship with God and His people yet they are still His children, i.e. their relationship has not been severed, only their fellowship. However, the one who "falls away" will, of course, go back into sin.
1 John 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
• To "fall away" consists of total renunciation or disowning of Christ and Christianity. It is important to keep in mind however, that backsliding is where this process begins.
Important Statement:
I am not saying that a person who is simply in a backslidden condition has lost their salvation, but they are in danger of being deceived further to the point where they could possibly disown Christ.
Once a person begins to backslide they are opening themselves up for deception and it becomes a downward spiral process until the person can possibly become so deceived they end up committing apostasy by disowning Christ.
▪ The person who commits apostasy becomes twice dead.
When apostasy is committed they have committed the unpardonable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit by "crucifying to themselves the Son of God afresh".
This means they consider themselves as dead to Christ once more. They are now twice dead as described in the epistle of Jude. When we were unsaved, we were dead to Christ and when we are saved, we are dead with Christ and dead to the world.
Jude 1:12-13 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves; they are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
Please see the diagram on the next page:
The World Kingdom
Satan - god of this kingdom
in sin – unsaved
Dead in Sin
Ephesians 2:1-5
Dead to Christ
Alive with the world
Our first position is here in the world.
To "fall away" is to disown Christ and return to this first position.
2 Peter 2:13, Jude 12
2 Thessalonians 2:3
2 Timothy 4:1-4
God's Kingdom
God is King
Saved – cleansed from sin
Dead to Sin
I Peter 2:24
Dead to the world
Alive with God
Colossians 3:3
Our second position is here with God in His kingdom.
We are dead to the world and alive to Christ
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 6:14
2 Timothy 2:11-12
In the following passage of scripture we find a detailed description of those who have become apostate.
Hebrews 10:26-29 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Verse 29 describes a person who has become an apostate by disowning Christ. The person spoken of here is without question one who has been a Christian.
He was:
▪ Sanctified by the blood of Jesus: To be sanctified means to be set apart from the world unto God.
He has:
▪ Trodden underfoot the Son of God: To trample underfoot the person of Jesus and all that He is and has done. To count Him as refuse and off-scouring. This is an act of utter contempt for Christ.
▪ Counted the blood of Jesus as unholy: To value the precious, sinless blood of Jesus as that of a pig or unclean thing.
▪ Done despite unto the Spirit of grace: The Holy Spirit who he had received by God's grace he insults. He insults all the work of the Spirit he had been a partaker of, i.e. salvation, baptism, healing, gifts, fruit, etc.
III. God Will Judge His People.
The entire second chapter of 2 Peter describes persons once saved who have gone back and become apostate and the judgment that they shall incur.
Note that these people are still in the church as false teachers.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
2 Peter 2:15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2 Peter 2:20-21 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
These People Were Saved:
1. The Lord had bought them – Verse 1
2. They had forsaken (to leave down or behind, to abandon, to forsake) the way – Verse 15
3. They had escaped the pollutions (uncleanness) of the world.
4. They are again entangled and overcome in the world – Verse 20.
5. They had known the way of righteousness and turned from it – Vs. 21.
2 Peter 2:2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
2 Peter 2:12-13 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,
2 Peter 2:15 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2 Peter 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
These People:
1. Are among God's people yet, they are spots (stains or blemishes, disgraceful defects) in the Christian's feasts of love – (Verse 13).
2. They Deny Jesus – (Verse 1).
3. Walk in destructive ways – (Verses 2,10, 20).
4. Disrupt, cause division and are the cause of others walking away from God. (Verses 3:18-19).
5. Return to their former lifestyle – (Verses 20-22).
6. Are in the ministry for profit – (Verse 15).
7. Will utterly perish in their own corruption – (Verses 12-13).
God's word is that He will not spare them but they will receive just judgment.
III. The Lamb's Book of Life.
Can one's name be removed from the Lamb's Book of Life once it has been written there? From the following scriptures we should be able to see that the names are pre-written and can be removed.
All who dwell on the earth, whose names have not been written in the Lamb's Book of Life will worship the beast.
Revelation 13:7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 17:8 ...and those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Assuming the Lamb's Book of Life of Philippians 4:3 and Revelation 20:12-15, and Revelation 1:27 are the same as God's book of Exodus 32:32-33, the names are pre-written and can be removed. The one who sins against God is removed from His Book.
Exodus 32:32 "Yet now, if You will forgive their sin; but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written." And the LORD said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book..."
Psalm 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
V. Scriptures That Seem to Point Towards Eternal Security.
There are some scriptures that seem to say that a person once saved is always saved, regardless of what his lifestyle might be. However let's look at them in context of scripture.
John 10:27-30 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
1. "I give them eternal life" - They have eternal life from the time they are born again. It is theirs!
2. "They shall never perish" - Wonderful! There is no chance of them being with the ones who perish!
3. "Neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand...and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand."
The promise is that none can seize or catch away anyone who is in the protection and security of His authority and power. It does not say that we cannot remove ourselves by disowning the One who bought and paid for our salvation.
These scriptures say in context, that anyone who hears (gives audience) to the truth and instruction of God so that it produces action to "follow" (to be in the same way) is totally secure. The point being, we must have Jesus as Lord of our lives and be in submission to Him and become His disciple (not just pray the sinner's prayer and go our own way). There must be repentance, i.e. a turning from our former way of life unto God.
Romans 8:35-39 "Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ?... For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is nothing that will keep God from loving us. John 3:16 implies that God does love even them who are still in sin and unsaved. However, although it was this great love that sent Jesus to die for the world, God requires that we respond to His love and receive Jesus as Lord and savior.
Only the person himself can turn from God's love and reject it. The example of being chosen by God and then lost is brought out in the ministry of Jesus. Judas was chosen by Jesus then lost
John 17:1 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
So then we see from the Bible that one can be lost after once being saved. However,
Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.
VI. Summary & Conclusion.
• God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
• There is a strong warning against a disregard for rules and falling into sin.
• A person who continues to live a life of sin with no desire for repentance has probably never been saved.
• Some will fall away and deny the faith in the last days prior to Christ's coming.
• There are a number if "ifs" in the Bible concerning Eternal Life.
• There is a point where God cuts off those who have turned from Him.
• Backsliding does not necessarily mean one has lost their salvation. A backslider is on shaky ground, because he has now opened himself up to Satan's deception and is no longer under God's protective covering.
• Backsliding can lead to apostasy and the sin unto death or blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
• There are two deaths – one before we were in Christ and one when apostasy or disowning Christ occurs.
• God will judge those who have committed apostasy to eternal damnation in hell.
• It is possible to have your name erased from the Lamb's Book of Life.
• There are some Scriptures that can be confused, if not read with the proper understanding of how they relate to other Scriptures, as eternal security.
• God expects us better things from us than committing apostasy. He will extend a lot of grace to us, before it ever happens.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. Did this lesson change your view of eternal security?
4. If so, how has this lesson changed your view of eternal security and how will it affect your life?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Maintaining Your Sense of Vision, Purpose & Destiny
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The focus of this lesson will be on the importance of keeping our sense of vision, purpose and destiny fresh and alive. This would involve the corporate purpose as a body and our personal vision and destiny as individual members of the body.
Vision engages God’s purpose for your life with the ability to see His preferable future. It captures in a word picture what God wants to accomplish through the unique contribution of your life. Your biblical purpose should describe the road you were created to travel on, while vision describes your destiny or the destination you are called to travel to.
• We all have been dealt a measure of faith from God.
This measure encompasses the vision God has given to us as individual members of His body.
Romans 12:3-5 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
We are the many, membered body moving and functioning together in the corporate vision God has given to the body.
II. The Importance of Maintaining Your Sense of Destiny.
1. We Must Continually Walk in Fresh Vision.
It is vision that moves us forward in God towards our destiny. Without it we have a tendency to get caught up in drifting aimlessly in God not really knowing what we are doing, where we are going nor even what we are all about.
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation (or prophetic vision), the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.
• Illustration – Example of the Pilgrims:
In a "Leadership" magazine article, there was an article that described what happens when a people lose their vision. A group of pilgrims landed on the shores of America about 350 years ago. With great vision and courage they had come to settle in the new land. In the first year they established a town. In the second, they elected a town council. In the third, the government proposed building a road five miles westward into the wilderness. But in the fourth year the people tried to impeach the town council because they thought such a road into the forest was a waste of public funds. Somehow these forward – looking people had lost their vision. Once able to see across oceans, they now could not look five miles into the wilderness.
• We have a need for long range vision and short range vision.
When we lose sight of the overall purpose and vision of what we are all about, we also lose sight of our immediate goals.
• The apostle Paul’s Example.
In many cases he simply stepped out in faith to pursue his calling, because of his overall vision and understanding of what God wanted to do in his life. As he was faithful to step out in faith God was to give him specific instructions that would bring short term clarity to his overall vision and calling in God.
Acts 15:36 "Let us go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing."
Paul was simply responding to his burden and responsibility in the Lord, which was a part of his overall vision and purpose.
Acts 16:6-10 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
• Keep your eyes on your overall purpose and vision.
There should always be the overall vision and purpose of which God has birthed into our hearts through His Word and Spirit. This vision remains constant.
• Immediate Vision and Purpose is necessary as well.
We need immediate vision and purpose so that we can experience victories and a sense of accomplishment to encourage us to keep going towards the long range goals and vision.
We have a need of fresh vision and direction that will keep us in alignment with God's overall purpose and destiny for our lives..
III. The Overall Vision and Purpose for the Body of Christ.
God's overall vision for the church is for it to be a mature body that is joined together bone to bone so that it represents His fullness in the earth. As a result the gospel will go forth to all the nations bringing multitudes to Christ.
In Ezekiel 37:1-11 we find a passage of scripture that speaks of the faith picture or vision of what God has in store for the Body of Christ ...and the bones came together, bone to bone...
Ephesians 4:11-16 speaks of the church coming to the measure of the stature of Christ to a perfect man being joined and knit together by what every joint supplies for the growth of the body.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
This is the bigger picture of all that we are to do in Jesus and of which must fit into our corporate vision as a body and our personal vision in Jesus Christ.
Whatever measure of faith that God has given to me relates to the bigger picture. You need to be continually reminded and refreshed in the big picture so that your own personal vision is renewed accordingly.
IV. Ways in Which Satan Tries to Dim Your Vision.
It is important to understand that we have an adversary who wants to keep us from doing God's will and he knows if he can blind us or dim our vision in God, he can rend us ineffective in God.
2 Corinthians. 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of, God should shine on them.
• We are told that we are not to be ignorant of Satan's devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11 ...lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
In this portion of the lesson I want to focus on some of the ways in which Satan tries to dim our vision in God.
1. Unrepented Sin Causes Vision To Grow Dim.
Isaiah 59:9-12 Therefore justice is far from us, Nor does righteousness overtake us; We look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness! 10We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; We stumble at noonday as at twilight; We are as dead men in desolate places. 11We all growl like bears, and moan sadly like doves; we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. 12For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us; For our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them:
The reason their sins are multiplied before God is that there is not an ongoing repentance. When there is an ongoing repentance for our sins, God is able to forgive them one by one.
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
2. Broken Relationships in the Body Cause Spiritual Blindness.
When we allow offenses from a brother or sister to turn to bitterness rather than dealing with it and forgiving one another, we open ourselves up to the devices of the devil and our spiritual eyes become blinded.
I John 2:9-11 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
• Having Good relationships equals endeavoring to walk in unity.
Ephesians 4:1-4 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
3. Focusing on Carnality or the Lust of the Eyes Causes Loss of Vision.
When Eve saw that the tree was good for food, and pleasant to the eyes, she partook of the fruit and her eyes were opened to their carnal state rather and closed to their spiritual state – Genesis 3:6.
Lot's desire for earthly and carnal things caused him to lose his vision in God and as a result he became a very carnal person with no vision in God – Genesis 13:10.
Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way.
4. Focusing on the Past Can Cause Dimness of Vision.
When Lot and his family came out of Sodom His wife looked back because her affections and concerns were still very much focused on the past. As a result she turned into a pillar of salt and was prevented from seeing what God would have had for her in the future.
Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
The apostle Paul said, "One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."
5. Focusing on Difficulties Causes Blindness.
Satan tries to point our focus on the difficulties that lie ahead rather than the promise of God's Word that builds faith and vision into our hearts.
In Numbers 13:27-33 we have the story of the spies who came back with a bad report because their focus was on the natural, which represented insurmountable and devastating difficulties.
• The example of Joshua and Caleb.
They were the only ones who had their focus right. Their focus was on what they knew God was able to do and what His promise towards them was. As a result of the nation of Israel focusing their attention on the difficulties before them, their vision in God was dimmed and they failed to accomplish what God had set before them.
• Peter’s Example.
Peter attempted to walk on water, because of the spiritual vision he had, but when he began to focus on the problem around him, he lost his vision and began to sink.
Matthew 14:29-30 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
Peter's experience is not uncommon in the modern era. Too much aware of the elements around him and the dangers which they imposed, Peter forgot to continue trusting the Christ who bade him come.
V. Two Essential Ingredients for Staying on Course.
I Corinthians 13:12 Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
Because of the fact that we do not see clearly it is important that we incorporate into our lives the necessary ingredients that do keep our sense of purpose and vision alive and fresh in God.
1. Faith in God, His Word and Promises.
• Abraham’s Example.
Romans 4:20-21 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Paul's description of Abraham's faith is vivid and picturesque. The apostle declares that "he did not waver at the promise of God." "Waver" originally meant "to distinguish." Eventually the sense of "hesitancy" or "doubt," which is the idea in this text, attached itself to the word. Hesitancy or doubt is specifically said to be "unbelief." Abraham had no hesitancy but trusted God wholeheartedly.
• Paul’s Example.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
2. Communion and Fellowship with the Holy Spirit Is Essential.
John 16:13-15 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you..
Relationship and communion with the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary if we are to keep our vision alive and fresh in God.
Communion and fellowship with the Holy Spirit comes in a number of ways as we fellowship with God and determine to walk in His ways.
• Ways in which we fellowship with the Holy Spirit:
1. Pray in the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:2-4, Jude 20.
2. Spend time in Worship – John 4:23-24.
3. Spend time in the Word – Romans 10:17, Joshua 1:8
4. Develop an obedient Spirit – John 14:23.
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
VI. Closing Remarks.
We are living in an exciting time for the Church, a time in which the church shall put on the armor of light going forth to do the works of Christ throughout the world. It will demand that each one of us remains sharp with our vision and purpose alive and fresh if we are to fulfill the destiny that God has for us that encompasses all that God is going to do in this age.
Journal Notes
3. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
4. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What do you need to do personally right now to keep your vision and purpose alive and fresh?
4. What are some of the ways in which Satan has tried to diminish your vision, purpose and destiny?
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Destiny Lessons from the Beatitudes
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks - Matthew 5:3-12
In this lesson we will be focusing on the beatitudes of Christ as an upward Journey towards fulfilling our destiny. We will see these characteristics of Christ's nature as progressive steps in our growth as Christians who are starting from the base of the mountain and journeying towards the summit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
For those who are choosing to come under the rule of the kingdom of God, Jesus is setting up a whole new package of values proclaiming that in these you and I will find fulfillment not in pleasure, but in longing, not in satisfaction, but in hunger, not in popularity, but in commitment to an unpopular cause, not in competition and "winning", but in helping others win their way to peace.
• It seems only fitting that Jesus is doing this great teaching on the beatitudes up on a mountain, which helps us to see that if these characteristics are going to be a part of our lives as we journey upwards towards the summit of the mountain.
Matthew 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
II. The Upwards Destiny Steps to the Summit.
1. The Base of the Mountain or the Initial Step is Humility.
Before we can begin this spiritual journey to the summit, we must be conscious of our need for God and His strength to sustain us. We have to realize that in ourselves we can't do it.
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• The poor in spirit are those who recognize in their heart that they are ‘poor’ in the sense that they can do no good thing without divine assistance, and they have no power in themselves to help them do what God requires them to do.
They do not approach life with confidence in themselves or reliance on their gifts and talents with an assurance that they are competent to meet life's challenges. Blessed instead are those who approach life without such self-based confidence "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".
2 Corininthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.
Let’s keep in mind that this is God's mountain that we are climbing, which means the only way we can reach the summit is to do it through His strength and His way. He must establish our steps right from the beginning, otherwise we'll just journey around the mountain being lost in confusion and turmoil.
Psalms 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth; Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.
• When we approach life humbly with full reliance in the King, we open up ourselves to His direction and enabling grace for the remainder of the journey.
2. The Second Step is Repentance and Mourning for our Sin.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
To mourn implies a sadness and humble realization and regret for one's sins. Mourning has to do with the ability to repent and being forgiven, which enables you to enjoy the freedom that it brings.
2 Corinthians 7:10-11 For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
• We'll never make it to the summit with the weight of sin bearing down on us. We must shed it through godly sorrow.
The further up the mountain we go the more we will have to deal with and get rid of just like the wagon trains that crossed the mountain passes in the late 80’s. Their stuff would be strewn all over the place in their wake.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We must continually come to the place in our lives where we really do have a godly sorrow for the sins in our lives. This does not just mean the sin in our lives when we entered into the kingdom, but also the sin that is continually being exposed in our lives. A lack of mourning and sorrowing over our present sinful condition will prevent us from travelling further up the mountain.
3. The Third Step Is Meekness, The Mark of a New Spirit.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
The meek are those who humble themselves before God, because they acknowledge their utter dependence upon Him. In consequence, they are gentle in the dealings with others. Being of a meek and quiet spirit means you have come to the place where you don't have to appear "macho" all the time. You can be tender and gentle with people because you have given control of your life to God and don't have to "win" all the time.
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.
When meekness begins to appear this is a sure sign that you have humbled yourself and repented with Godly sorrow, for now God's true characteristics are now beginning to take root in your life.
• As a result you are now coming into your inheritance. God will begin to equip you more thoroughly for the rough journey ahead.
2 Peter 1:3-4 ...as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
As we endeavor to make our way up the mountain God continually provides for our needs and refreshes us for the upward journey. There are several plateaus on the way up that are full of God's nourishment and provision. But when we camp to long at any one place we eat up all of God's provision. When the provision is gone it's time to move on.
4. The Fourth Step Is A Spiritual Appetite.
Because we have come to the place where we are dependent upon God's sufficiency, we need more than natural food to keep us going. We begin to develop a real hunger for God's word and His righteousness. This is a sign of significant growth and maturity.
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteous-ness, for they shall be filled.
Remember, this is God's mountain that we are climbing, which means the only way we can reach the summit is to partake of His righteousness. Righteousness is the character or quality of being right or just in God's sight.
• Dikaisume, the Greek word or righteousness, means whatever conforms to the revealed will of God.
eg. Baptism of Jesus. What Jesus is saying here is that we must hunger and thirst for God’s revealed will in our lives, otherwise we will stray off course and get lost on the mountain doing our own thing.
This is why we find in Matthew 6:33 seeking God's kingdom and seeking righteousness linked together. Because in order to receive the benefits and the fullness of the kingdom into our lives we must be seeking God's revealed will for our lives as well.
Hungering and thirsting involves hungering and thirsting for a deeper walk in faith, as righteousness is revealed from faith to faith. It takes going from one level of faith to another to move up the mountain.
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
5. The Fifth Step Is Mercifulness Indicating Further Advance.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Mercifulness is an attribute that indicates further advancement.
We are no longer consumed with our own journey, but now we have been given more of a deposit of God's divine nature and we are concerned about helping those who are journeying with us. As a result you continue to receive God’s mercy, which gives you further enablement for your own continued journey.
This means that we come to the place where we can enter into the feelings of someone who is hurting, lonely or distressed and feel alongside them in their pain. Being merciful also involves a commitment to help alleviate the problem or hurt in someone's life.
eg. Good Samaritan. We can't be in such a hurry to get to the summit that we ignore those who are stranded and in trouble.
Luke 6:36 "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
6. The Sixth Step is Heart Purity, the Attainment of Higher Altitudes.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
• Heart purity marks the attainment of higher altitudes.
We are able to perceive the vision of God. We are able to see more clearly where we are going and where we have been.
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
This does not necessarily have to do with a heart without sin, though there will be a turning from all known sin. The deeper meaning is one "without guile".
• Guile is deceit and pretence.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines pure as free from every admixture of what is false. Sincere.
Being pure and without guile means coming to the place where you can be completely open and honest with God and others. It means that you are able to be transparent, you don't have to put on an "air" or pretend to be what you are not or trying to hide your faults.
7. The Seventh Step is Peacemaking – Calming the Storms of Life.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
More of the Divine nature of Christ has been imparted into your spirit and you now have a Christ-like influence that is able to calm the storms of life. Peace makers are people who are at peace with God ‘the author of peace’; and who show that they are truly children of God by striving to use every opportunity open to them to effect reconciliation between others who are at variance. You have learned how to reconcile others to Christ and are learning what it really means to be an ambassador for Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18,20 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation....Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
8. The Eighth Step Is The Summit.
The Summit represents suffering for Christ. You are now standing beside the prophets and martyrs. You had to endure a lot to get here.
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake suffer because they uphold God's standards of truth, justice and purity, and refuse to compromise with the world or bow to the idols that men tend to erect as substitutes for God.
As Paul reminded Timothy, ‘all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’; but to such Jesus gives the assurance that they are citizens of the only kingdom that abides, the kingdom of heaven.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
III. Concluding Remarks.
Now that you have reached the summit, what's next? "Is the journey over?" Not really, you have just reached that point to where you can be released to mount up on the wings of an eagle and to go and minister all over God’s mountain with the authority of a son of God. (Isaiah 40:31). You are a mature son of God who is able to be led by the Spirit to do God's work. (Romans 8:14).
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What attitude do you find working the strongest in your life? Why?
4. What attitude do you find the weakest? What can you do strengthen it?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
The Second Coming of Christ
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of the church. This is the event that we as Christians all look forward to.
The Second Coming of Jesus gives us a vivid expectation of grand and glorious things taking place at His appearing. It also gives us a faith picture of being changed and conformed into His image, being totally delivered and freed from the bondage of this flesh. The second coming also gives us the faith picture of living and reigning with God throughout eternity. It is at the second coming that Christ comes to set up the millennial reign for 1000 years.
• The Second Coming gives us hope for the future.
1 Corinthians 15:19-23 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
• We shall all be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
• Jesus is coming to destroy all unrighteousness, sin and the antichristial forces.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
• He is coming to establish His Kingdom.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
II. Unlocking the Mystery of His Coming.
The second coming of Christ and the events surrounding His coming has been referred to as the Great Mystery of Scripture. In this lesson the goal will be to unlock this great mystery. The truth concerning the second coming of Christ and His bride is one of the great mysteries of Scripture.
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed;
Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
There are many key scriptures, thoughts and words that will enable us unlock this great mystery concerning the Second Coming of Christ and the events that surround it.
As we look at these key thoughts, words and scriptures we will see that the Bible consistently interprets the timing of The Second Coming of Jesus to be after the "Great Tribulation" spoken of in the book of Revelation and other books as well.
1. When He Returns He Shall Come on the Clouds of Heaven.
When Jesus ascended into heaven the disciples were told by two men in white apparel that Jesus would return in the same manner. A cloud took Him away.
Acts 1:9-11 ...He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight... two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
• Jesus said that He would come again (speaking of His second coming) on the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
Luke 21:27 "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
• It is at the end of the great tribulation where we see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 24:29-31 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
These passages of Scripture place the timing of Jesus’ coming on the clouds of heaven after the tribulation. It says, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days... they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven...
The thought I want to bring out here is that in each one of these passages of scripture, when the disciples were told to look for the second coming of Jesus, they were told to look for Him coming on the clouds of heaven.
This scene of Jesus returning on the clouds of heaven is without a doubt placed at the end of the tribulation. If there is to be a secret appearing of Jesus that takes place before this, why weren't the disciples of Jesus told to wait for it or told what to expect?
2. Jesus Referred To The Timing Of His Second Coming.
The disciples came to Jesus and asked Him point blankly, "What will be the sign of your coming?" In response Jesus gave them a very direct answer.
Matthew 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
• Jesus warns about being deceived as to when His 2nd coming would be.
Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5"For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
Matthew 24:23 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it.
Jesus is telling them very clearly that people will try to deceive them concerning the timing of His coming. I believe Jesus wants us to have a clear understanding of when we can expect Him to come, so that we won't get deceived into thinking that He has already come.
Verse 36 just says, "that no one will know the day or the hour." It doesn't say anything about the year or season that He will come.
• Jesus gave a direct response to the question posed to Him.
Matthew 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
• He said it would be immediately after the tribulation.
Notice that it also says that His appearing shall come with the sound of a great trumpet. This is another one of those key words to this great mystery of which we will discuss later in the lesson.
Matthew 24:29-31 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31"And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The question we must ask ourselves is, "If there is to be a rapture or a secret appearing of Jesus before this event, as both those who advocate a pre-tribulation and mid-tribulation rapture say, why didn't Jesus speak of it?" But instead, Jesus warns us against those who say, `Look, here is the Christ!' or `there!' do not believe it.
3. The Apostle Paul Referred to the Timing of the Second Coming.
Paul also writes by the Holy Spirit concerning the Second Coming of Jesus and exhorts his followers not to be deceived into believing that He will come before the second coming.
2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.[39]
When Paul speaks here of the Second Coming of Christ he is obviously referring to the same time sequence as Jesus was, because he says it cannot happen until the lawless one is revealed and destroyed by the brightness of His coming. When Jesus returns at His second coming, Satan and all of his cohorts and those who do not obey the gospel are going to be destroyed.[40]
Again, we must ask ourselves the question, "If there is to be a rapture or secret appearing before the Second Coming of Jesus, why didn't Paul mention it to these believers?" He instead warns them not to be soon shaken or deceived by any means, because that day is not going to come until the falling away comes first and the man of perdition is revealed.
4. Luke Referred to the Second Coming of Jesus in the Book of Acts.
Acts 3:20-21 "and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, "whom heaven must receive (retain - NIV) until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
This scripture makes it very clear that Jesus is literally being bound to heaven and cannot be released until all that the prophets have foretold comes to pass.
This also shows us that the Gospels, the Book of Acts and the Epistles are all in agreement concerning The Second Coming of Christ. This is an important point to consider. As in all doctrines there should be a divine harmony of the revelation of Scripture.
III. The Sounding of the Last Trumpet.
One of the major keys to unlocking the puzzle of this great mystery concerning Christ and His Church, is understanding the timing and the events that take place at the last trumpet.
If one is to solve this great mystery then one must approach it in the same way a detective would approach a mystery, which is by looking for clues. There are many clues as we have already seen in this study but I believe this clue concerning the last trumpet is a major clue that will unlock the puzzle for us.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air...[41]
There are some key thoughts and words in this passage of scripture concerning the timing of the Second Coming.
1. The Dead in Christ Rise First.
It says, "those of us who are alive and remaining at The Second Coming of Christ shall not precede the dead in Christ." In other words what it is saying is that those Christians who have already died in Christ shall meet Jesus in the air first before those of us who are alive and remaining.
Notice that it also said that the Lord would descend from heaven with the voice of an archangel and the trumpet of God. This ties together with the passage in Matthew 24 where Jesus said His coming shall be announced by the angels of God with a great trumpet. Once again, this shows us the divine harmony of the revelation of Scripture.
The obvious question to ask is, "When do the dead in Christ arise?" Because there is going to be no rapture of any kind until this happens.
2. It Is at the Last Trumpet When the Dead in Christ are Raised.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
It says, "At the last trumpet the dead shall be raised." It is absolutely at the last trumpet that the dead are raised and if it is the last trumpet that is exactly what it means. If something is the last it is the last.
1Thessalonians 4:13-17 is the primary scripture used by those who advocate a pre-tribulation rapture. It is very obvious now that what we need to find out is, "When precisely does the last trumpet sound?"
3. The Timing of the Last Trumpet.
In the Book of Revelation there are seven trumpets that are to be sounded by angels who are to bring forth God's final judgment upon the earth before His return. The opening of the seventh seal is a prelude to the sounding of the seven trumpets.
Revelation 8:1-2 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.
• The mystery of God will be finished at the sounding of the Seventh trumpet.
At the sounding of this seventh trumpet by the seventh angel the mystery of God will be finished that He has declared to His servants the prophets. Let's remember at this point in this study that according to Acts 3:20-21 that Jesus is being retained in heaven until all that has been spoken by the prophets since the world began comes to pass. It's at this point that the Bible says, everything that has been declared by the prophets is now finished and Jesus is free to return.
Revelation 10:7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.
Note that it says, "in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel". This suggests the sounding of this trumpet takes place for a number of days.
Revelation 11:15-19 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" ...because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged... Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
This is another passage of scripture that has to do with the sounding of the seventh trumpet also. In it we find some more clues as to what is happening during this trumpet.
Christ shall reign forever and ever over the kingdoms of this world.
• The nations are angry because God's final wrath is about to come.
• It is a time for the dead to be judged
• And the time to reward the servants of God.
• The temple of God was opened.
• Peter Identifies with the above passage.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
Every clue that we have received up until now has shown that it is here at the end of the great tribulation that Jesus is going to return. This is where the dead in Christ are raised.
There is nowhere in scripture where it speaks of Christians being raptured to heaven prior to this event. This is the same scene the apostle Paul described in I Thessalonians 4:17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and the same one Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29-31.
IV. The Actual Return of Jesus Christ.
As the seventh angel pours out his bowl into the air, the announcement is made, "It is done!"
Revelation 16:17-18 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. (See vss. 15-21 for whole context).
The consummation of all things is at hand and Jesus is finally able to be released from heaven to destroy the inhabitants of the earth. But before He does that, all of the saints who have died in Christ and those of us who remain are gathered into the heavens to meet Jesus in the air and we then return with Him.
Matthew 24:31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Jude 1:14-15 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, “to execute judgment on all.”
Revelation 19:11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. (See Vss. 11-21 for whole context).
V. Concluding Remarks.
I realize this teaching opens up a lot of questions regarding what happens to Christians during the great tribulation. Please see my website for more details. second-coming
Revelation 3:10 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
This scripture speaks of being kept from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the world. The word (kept) here is the Greek word (tereo), which means to guard from loss or injury, by keeping the eye upon. It also implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus. [42]
“By guarding to cause one to escape in safety out of the power and assaults of Satan.” [43]
For more information on this subject and other teachings concerning the Second Coming of Christ go to:
Journal Notes
1. How did this lesson make you feel towards the Second Coming of Christ?
2. Do you look at it with fear or anticipation? Why?
3. What was the most significant truth you learned from this lesson?
4. What will you do to prepare for this exciting event?
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Our Spiritual Inheritance – Joint Heirs with Christ
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
One of the most exciting things that took place at the cross and then in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven was the fact that we became joint-heirs with Christ. This was the greatest victory to ever take place in the universe and we have been made partakers of all that it represents.
Romans 8:15-17 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.[44]
II. Two Aspects of our Inheritance.
There are two aspects of our spiritual inheritance that are very important for us as believers to understand. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is very important to us as believers, because it defines our position in God and who we are in Christ.
Ephesians 1:18-20 ...the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places...
The first aspect of our inheritance is the eternal scope and the second is the here and now. God wants the eyes of our understanding to be opened to both of these aspects.
III. Our Eternal Inheritance.
Titus 3:7 ...that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
It is very important for us to catch a glimpse of what our eternal inheritance is going to consist of, because it will help us to endure all that comes our way in this life when we see the greater glory that is awaiting us.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory...
Revelation 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.[45]
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Psalms 31:19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
The Bible is not real specific on all of the details that await us, but it does say that it will be beyond our expectations and imaginations. It’s going to be great!
John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2”In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3”And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; 4that where I am, there you may be also.
IV. Our Spiritual Inheritance Here and Now.
When we become a joint-heir with Christ it means that we actually begin to partake of His blessings right now. He has given to us the Holy Spirit of promise as a down payment.
Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Psalms 36:8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.
Those things included in our spiritual inheritance we can continually draw from now are as follows:
• All things that pertain unto life and godliness – 2 Peter 1:3.
• Partakers of the divine nature of Christ – 2 Peter 1:4.
• Power and anointing in the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8, 1 John 2:27.
• Forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt – 1 John 1:9 & Rom 8:1.
• Divine health and healing – Matthew 8:17.
• Freedom from poverty – assurance that our needs will be met – Matthew 6:36
• The prosperity in all things including our soul – 3 John 1:2.
• Love, joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Spirit – Rom 14:17.
• Victory and freedom from the bondage of sin – Romans 8:11.
• More than conquerors in all things – Romans 8:37.
• An abundance of grace for every good work – 2 Corinthians 9: 8.
• An understanding of the mystery of God’s will – Ephesians 1:9.
• Divine guidance – Romans 8:14.
• Happiness – Matthew 5, Beatitudes.
• Security – Psalm 91.
• Co-laborers with God – 1 Corinthians 3:9.
• Seated in heavenly places with Christ – Ephesians 2:6.
Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
V. Biblical Principles for Possessing Your Inheritance.
1. Believe that It Belongs to You.
As you can see from the above list, there are many things that have been given to you to enjoy in this life that will help you to be productive and successful in fulfilling God’s purpose and destiny for your lives.
Romans 4:20-21 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
• Meditation on these things is essential.
Meditation allows you to get God’s word firmly established in your heart believing that they actually do belong to you. We have to be like Abraham and not waver at the promises God has for us.
Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
2. Cultivate a Lifestyle of Faith and Obedience.
A big part of gaining our inheritance has to do with cultivating an obedient lifestyle before the Lord. We are told in Proverbs[46] that a faithful man or woman will abound with blessings. As we are faithful to cultivate a heart of faithfulness in obedience and faith, we will abound in the inheritance God has for us.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land...
1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
Our spiritual inheritance is the land of promise and can only be attained by living a life of faith and obedience, which requires continually going from faith to faith.[47] When we are consumed with the carnality of our mind and worldly pleasures, we are forsaking our spiritual inheritance for something that is temporal.
3. Walk in Strength and Courage.
One of the things that God delights in is that of presenting us with challenging circumstances that in the natural seem somewhat difficult or uncomfortable to us.
It is during times like this that we must approach whatever it is with courage and strength in God, if we are to gain the inheritance that God has ordained for us to walk in.
• The Example of Joshua.
Joshua experienced this as he faced the monumental task of leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land after wandering aimlessly for forty years in the wilderness.
Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
There are many times in my life, that only after exercising courage to deal with something, that the peace and joy of God has come.
4. Give Your Life For It.
Whatever we give our lives to, whether it is some carnal pursuit or spiritual pursuit, we will reap what we sow. Therefore if we give our lives for the kingdom and the inheritance that comes with it, we will reap the blessings that come with it.
Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
5. Whatever You Do, Do It Heartily.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
VI. Concluding Remarks.
Remember, this is your inheritance. It belongs to you. Use it for the glory of God and draw from the wells of salvation and you will be filled with the abundance of God’s blessings He has given to you.
Journal Notes
1. What was the most significant truth you learned from this lesson?
2. Do you see your life being governed by the eternal perspective and how has that changed the way you think and the decisions you make?
3. What motivates you more – the kingdom now perspective or the future kingdom perspective and why?
4. Do you see yourself coming into the spiritual inheritance God has for you now? If so, why? If not, why?
5. Which aspect of your spiritual inheritance motivates you in your walk with the Lord the most and why?
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Consecrated: What It Means to Live for God
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The focus of this lesson is having our lives God centered to the extent that they evolve around being focused on God's purpose and ways rather than our plans and purposes. We will see what it really means to live a consecrated Life for God and what it should produce in our lives. God's desire is for us to be fruitful in all things that pertain unto Him.
Colossians 1:9-10 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God...
• Living for God in every aspect of our lives.
If we are to have a life that is fully pleasing unto God and bearing fruit in every good work, we must be people who are living for God in every aspect of our lives. We are to reckon ourselves alive to God in all areas of our lives.
Romans 6:10-11 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 14:8 (NIV) If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Our Christianity has to consist of more than just attending church once a week if we are to have a life that is fully pleasing unto the Lord. It takes giving our lives to Him each day of the week in every area to be fully consecrated unto Him.
Definitions of Consecration:
• Webster’s: To make, declare, or set apart as sacred: To dedicate to some service or goal. Make holy: sacred. Honored as holy: hallowed.
• Greek: 1457 egkainizo, eng-kahee-nid'-zo; from G1456; to renew, i.e. inaugurate: - consecrate, dedicate. hagiazo, hag-ee-ad'-zo; from G40; to make holy, i.e. (cer.) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:--hallow, be holy, sanctify.
• Hebrew: 6942. qadash, kaw-dash'; a prim. root; to be (causat. make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally):--appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
Consecration refers to persons or things being separated to or belonging to God. They are holy or sacred. They are set apart for the service of God. The Hebrew word “kadosh” and Greek word “hagiazo” are translated into several different English words: holy, consecrate, hallow, sanctify, dedicate.
Do you have areas in your life that are unconsecrated to the Lord?
II. Areas of our Lives that need to be Consecrated:
|Marriage |Home Life |Work or business |
|Family |Finances |Play |
|Church Life |School |Recreation |
|Friends & Relationships |Thought Life |Whatever else |
Do all of these areas belong to the Lord? Are you living for the Lord in these areas? These are questions we must ask ourselves if we are to truly have a desire to live for the Lord and walk in a way that is pleasing unto Him.
You should ask yourself, "Are these areas of my life dedicated to God's purposes or am I walking in my own selfish desires?"
Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
III. Four Basic Principles are Needed.
If we are to live our lives for God in a way that is pleasing unto Him and bearing fruit in every aspect of our lives there are some basic principles that are needed to assure us that we are not deceiving ourselves and living lives that don't reflect God's purposes.
1. We Must Understand that We Belong to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 …or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
• As Christians, it is important for us to keep in mind that we do not belong to ourselves. We have given over ownership to the Lord.
When we look at ourselves as the Lord's bond servants it should have a tremendous affect upon our lives as we relate to people and the circumstances that affect our lives.
• It should cause us to continually let our lights shine before others so that God can be glorified in everything that we do.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
• It would mean that I'm always at the Father's beck and call no matter what situation I'm in, because I'm living for Him and not myself.
John 12:26 (NIV)Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
2. We Must Acknowledge God in all of Our Ways.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Because the Lord owns us, we are never off duty with Him. He not only wants our attention all of the time, but also in every area of our lives. Do you acknowledge God in your finances or do you find yourself living unto yourself in this area? What about in areas such as friendships, schooling, vacations, recreation, errands, and other areas that may seem to be somewhat insignificant.
The point is – we are to live for God in every area that you can think of. Do we live for God even in the menial tasks or is it just when we are specifically involved in some spiritual work that has been planned out. We must get in the habit of constantly looking to God, which reminds me of why a pigeon walks so funny.
In our spiritual walk with the Lord we have the same problem as the pigeon. We have a hard time seeing while we're moving. We need to stop periodically to refocus on where we are in relation to the world and the will of God.
That's not to say we have to stop and pray and meditate about every little decision in life. But certainly our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of "stops," which enable us to see more clearly before moving on.
3. We are to Live a Life of Self–Sacrifice.
Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
• The Christian life is a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice.
We are to follow the example of Jesus, who continually poured His life out as a drink offering for others. To live unto God and join Him in whatever He is leading you to do requires sacrifice. Our lives are not our own.
There are a lot of things parents could do to please themselves, but if they want to have a positive impact upon their children it requires sacrifice on their part.
There are times when you must deny your feelings and emotions to accommodate others. It's when you do this that Jesus shines through.
2 Corinthians 4:10-12 ...Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12So then death is working in us, but life in you.
• All that we do should be to the glory of God.
All that we do should be to the glory of God and without offense to the consciences of others. A Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV) "Everything is permissible" – but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible" – but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
The question is not "How much may I indulge in and still be saved?" God forbid! I must rather ask, "What about Christ's will and the example I set for my fellow Christians?"
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NLT) You say, "I am allowed to do anything"–but not everything is helpful. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"–but not everything is beneficial. 24Don't think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.
4. We Must Consider Ourselves Crucified to the World.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.
Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
How can we live for God if we are still roaming around on the enemy’s turf. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. A life dedicated to pleasing self will be absorbed with worldly and fleshly desires. You cannot look to God and live for God without reckoning yourself dead to carnal pursuits. If you are still having trouble crucifying the flesh, consider this illustration:
Illustration – Small Plane:
A pilot was flying his small plane one day, when he heard a noise which he recognized as the gnawing of a rat. Wondering what its sharp teeth were cutting through, he suddenly realized with horror that it might be an electric wire. Then he remembered that rodents can't survive at high altitudes. Immediately he began climbing until finally he had to put on his oxygen mask. Soon the gnawing sound ceased, and when he landed he found the rat – dead.
Do you want to destroy the power of evil in your life? Then read the Bible regularly, meditate upon its truths, and actively do God's will. Sinful appetites can't survive in such spiritual heights. Listen to the Heavenly Father as He calls, "Children, come up higher!"
III. Concluding Remarks.
2 Corinthians 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
If you are truly living for Christ there will be some remarkable characteristics in your life.
• Christ will become the supreme object of your life – Philippians 1:21.
• You will have a constant hunger for God's word – Deuteronomy 8:3
• There will be a death to sin that you find hard to understand – Gal 5:24
• You have a sincere love for your brothers & sisters in Christ – 1 Jn 3:14
• There will be a free flowing of God's gifts and grace in your life as you minister to others – 1 Peter 4:20
• There will be a peace and a joy in the Holy Spirit that surpasses your understanding - Romans 14:17.
• You will have many opportunities to share the love of Jesus with others.
These are just a few of the characteristics that will overtake your life when you find yourself totally dedicated and consecrated to God in all areas. He will use you beyond your expectations.
1 John 3:21-22 (NIV) Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What areas of your life remain unconsecrated to the Lord?
4. What will you do to bring those areas under Christ’s Lordship?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
The Dynamics of Biblical Change
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The purpose of this lesson is to not only impart to you the need, motivation and desire for Biblical change, but also some very practical steps that are involved in the transformation God desires for each one of us.
• The Christian life is a life of transformation and change.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Christian life is not static: It is a life of change. Each stage of our walk with God involves us with constant moving change, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little.
• Active response to God's will involves constant change.
His will is progressive by nature meaning we must constantly adapt to changes in our lives where the will of God is leading us.
Many Christians fail to respond to change as God directs because of two primary reasons: 1) They lack the motivation to change, 2) they desire to, but they are not quite sure how to appropriate the changes.
As we will see from the diagram on the next page there is a good reason why we often lack the desire or motivation to change. We get beat up so bad by the circumstances of life and all that the enemy of our faith tries to throw on us that we really wonder if this whole Christian experience is really worth the struggle that often ensues.
Or it may be that we really do have the motivation to change, but we have no idea of how to go about it. We have habit patterns that are so ingrained into us that we don’t know how to overcome them.
Thankfully there is an answer. God has plan for each of us to be overcomers in all that we do, which includes going from glory to glory experiencing the changes that He desires in our lives.
Illustration: Why Christians initially have an easy time going through the process of changing and then it becomes harder.
[pic]
Hebrews 10:31-32 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
Hebrews 10:35-39 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37"For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." 39But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 12:12-15 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. 14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Galatians 3:2-3 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
Romans 5:1-3 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
II. Motivational Keys that are Needed to Help Initiate Change.
1. Our Desire to Change Is Something That Pleases the Lord.
Most Christians really desire to have a walk that is worthy of our calling. In the passage below, we see that we are to walk in lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love and unity. To have a walk that encompasses these attitudes involves submitting ourselves to the changing process that God has ordained for our lives.
Ephesians 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• The greatest thing Jesus can say to you when you enter into eternity is "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
2. Change Brings Forth a Greater Measure of Spiritual Inheritance.
Since change is an act of obedience, we reap blessing upon blessing when we respond to God in obedience.
1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
• Having a heart to change as God directs us to, helps to maintain His joy and peace in our lives.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteous-ness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
If we are not walking as he directs us to, then we are not in right standing with Him and we lose our joy and peace.
• Listed below are just a few of the by-products of our inheritance that we receive through our obedience to submit to the changing process in our lives.
|Joy vs. Grief |Love vs. Hatred |
|Peace vs. Trouble |Plenty vs. Poverty |
|Hope vs. Fear |Health vs. Sickness |
|Happiness vs. Misery |Forgiveness vs. Resentment |
This is a major portion of the Promised Land that God has given to us as New Testament Christians. These promises should motivate us to bring forth the kind of fruit God desires in our lives. Let us be like Abraham who did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief.
III. The Practical Dynamics of Biblical Change.
1. We must Maintain a Proper Attitude Towards Change.
• We must keep in mind that God is the Potter and we are the clay.
Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.
• Allow God to do with us whatever He desires. Biblical change will not come until we place ourselves in God's hands in this manner.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: 2"Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." 3Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. 5Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 6"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!
2. Recognize the Symptoms that Represent a Need for Change.
• Having a feeling of being unsatisfied
• Having a feeling of being resisted.
• Having a feeling of uselessness.
• Having a feeling of lacking
• Having a feeling of being out of date with the move of God.
If you have any one of these feelings, it's probably a good indication that you have a need for Biblical change in your life; because the Christian life is not static, it is a life of change.
3. Be Aware of how Godly Sorrow Works to Your Benefit.
There must be a godly sorrow for your sinful condition, realizing that failure to respond to Biblical change is sin.
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
4. Seek to Walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
It is when we are walking in the Spirit; praying, reading and meditating in the word, worship, keeping our mind stayed on the Lord, that we are more sensitive to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. As we experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit we are more motivated towards the changes the Lord is requiring of us.
It is when we are not walking in the Spirit that our heart grows cold and unable to be motivated towards change in any way. The downward spiral from here leads us to the symptoms that were discussed earlier in the lesson.
5. Understand How Habits and Life Patterns Work.
Luke 11:24-26 "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'25"And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26"Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."
• A bad habit must be replaced by a good habit.
Breaking old habits will not be permanent without putting on new ones. Putting on is hypocritical as well as temporary, unless it is accompanied by putting off.
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
• Habits are part of our makeup.
Whenever we do something long enough it becomes a habit. Habits can be very difficult to change because they have become unconscious responses. eg. putting on shoes, brushing teeth, flossing, new job, etc. If you take time to develop new habit patterns they too, will become unconscious responses.
• Start becoming aware of your habit patterns.
Allow God to reveal them to you and also all iron to sharpen iron. If they are sinful, call them sinful and begin repenting.
• You must focus on and practice the new habit with diligence, exercise and a sense of fervency.
2 Peter 1:5-10 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
Example: How do baseball or football players or any athlete do what they do so well? By practice, disciplined practice until it becomes second nature.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
• By reason of use our senses are exercised to make the proper Biblical responses.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
• Change will not take place automatically.
Change must be exercised. These Hebrews had received a lot of teaching from God's Word, but they had not used it and thus neither had they profited from it.
If you practice what God tells you to do, the obedient life will become a part of your life in Christ. It will be second nature to you. There is no simple, quick, easy way to achieve instant godliness. We must work out our salvation in fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Isaiah 1:16-17 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, 17Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
We all have the capacity to change and learn new things. The question is do we have the motivation and the understanding to do it. May God bless you as put on the new man who is being created by Jesus Christ.
Journal Notes
5. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
6. How will this truth be applied to your life?
7. What stage are you at according to the illustration on the first page?
8. What do you need to do to get to the next stage?
5. Which motivational key is needed most in your life?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Striving For Moral Excellence
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
In this lesson our focus will be about our commitment to moral excellence. The need for the church to exhibit a sense of moral excellence to the world is a critical need in the world which we live. We are living in an hour in which wickedness and a lack of morality is on a continuing increase.
• Our Culture promotes a lack of morality.
We live in a society or culture that condones and promotes sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, abortion and filthy and coarse language. Our society is plagued by murder, teen age pregnancies, gang violence, drug usage and many other ills. All of which I have just mentioned is flaunted flagrantly through music, television, movies, books, magazines and other media sources.
And if all of this is not enough, judgment and justice are compromised too. We are seeing criminals go free because of the corruption of our justice system.
Ecclesiastes 3:16 Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there.
• Christians are called to stand against the tide of wickedness.
This is truly a time to be saved from a perverse generation. God is calling us as Christians to stand in opposition to all we see and hear, while walking in a moral excellence that is in direct contrast to the evil around us.
• People of valor are needed.
It takes a person of valor to stand against this tide of wickedness and moral depravity that is sweeping our land. Unless we are committed to moral excellence, we too shall be swept up in this tide of wickedness.
• A commitment to moral excellence is needed.
We must be people with the strength of mind or spirit that enables us to encounter the culture in which we live with a firmness that results from a commitment to moral excellence. This is something we have all been called to do.
Philippians 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...
Matthew 5:13-14 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
II. Our Call to Moral Excellence.
We find in Peter's second epistle where he exhorts us to add certain ingredients to our faith, otherwise we too, will fall and be swept in this tide of wickedness.
2 Peter 1:5-6 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness...
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble...
▪ Peter says, “We must add virtue to our faith.”
Virtue is defined as moral excellence. Thayer’s' Greek Lexicon defines it as a virtuous course of thought, feeling or action that leads to moral goodness; any particular moral excellence as modesty or purity.
Webster's Dictionary defines it as moral excellence; conformity to a standard of right; a particular moral excellence – manly strength or courage and valor – a commendable quality or trait; Potency, chastity, especially in women; purity of conduct and intention. Excellence is defined as eminently good: first-class, outstanding.
This is what Peter says by the Holy Spirit that we are called to and what we must be continually adding to our faith if we are to keep from being stumbled by the world. The apostle Paul speaks a lot concerning our moral excellence to the degree that we have been espoused to Christ as a chaste virgin.
• We have been espoused to Christ as a chaste virgin.
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon defines chaste as being pure from carnality, modest, pure from every fault, immaculate. The word virgin means clean, pure and holy and applies to all Christians who have come to personally know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
As you can see, God really does desire to have a people who are striving for moral excellence (remarkably good). He expects us to be committed to in every area of our conduct in a number of areas such as sexual purity, language, personal integrity and honesty and the lust of the eyes and flesh.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:8-9 But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
Ephesians 5:1-5 Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
These are all areas in which Christ wants us to add to our faith moral excellence. We should be superior to the world in all of these areas if our light is to shine in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
III. The Example of Joseph.
When I think of various Bible characters that were not only committed to moral excellence but also exhibited it, Joseph immediately comes to mind. Joseph was a person of impeccable character and moral excellence even in the midst of the most adverse circumstances.
Joseph was sold by his brothers to Midianite traders who took him to Egypt and sold him as a slave on the slave market.
Genesis 39:1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there.
He could have become bitter towards God and allowed his morality to become polluted, but instead he grew in godliness while preserving in the midst of unjust treatment.
There is a tendency within man to compromise and fall back in his moral conduct when he is going through the fiery trials of life.
Remember! It's during perseverance that we add godliness to our faith.
▪ The blessing of God was upon Joseph’s life and his Masters house because of his commitment to moral excellence.
Genesis 39:2-4 The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. 4So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.
▪ Joseph had an opportunity to compromise his moral excellence, but chose not to. It is during the trials that we add to our faith.
Genesis 39:6-10 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." 8But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" 10So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.
▪ His standard of righteousness he had set for himself protected him from compromising his testimony.
What kind of standards are you setting for yourself? Setting standards are very important in your overall growth into moral excellence. If you do not sit down and deliberately set standards for your life and family, you will be swayed by the emotion of the moment.
He had an integrity towards his employer and towards God that he refused to compromise.
▪ He was put into prison for not giving into His masters wife's desires towards him.
Genesis 29:20 Then Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.
He could have become bitter but didn't and found favor with the keeper of the prison and was eventually released and became ruler over all of Egypt behind Pharaoh.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
Joseph is a type of the person God is looking for in these last days. Darkness and sorrow are going to come upon the earth in these last days just as it did in Joseph's day. The world will look to its own prophets and wise men for help, but will find nothing.
Then it will be that those who are of an excellent spirit will be called forth to show leadership and guidance through troublous times. These are those, like Joseph, who continued to exhibit moral excellence in the midst of the fiery trials of life.
Daniel 11:32-33 "Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. "And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering.
You may not be called to give wisdom and counsel on a world wide scale the way Joseph was, but we all will have a field of people around us who are depending upon our moral excellence to lead them out of their misery.
Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. Do you consider yourself a person of valor? If so why? If not why?
4. How does the example of Joseph encourage you to take a stand for righteousness?
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Sowing and Reaping Principles
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The focus of this lesson will be on the law of sowing and reaping in relationship to our walk with the Lord. I believe it is having an understanding and walking in the law of sowing and reaping that enables us to fulfill all that God has called us to do in faith, purpose and character.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully... 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. 9As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness remains forever." 10Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
▪ Sowing and Reaping applies to every area of our lives.
The above scripture says that God wants to multiply the fruits of our righteousness being enriched in everything. As Christians, we often limit the principle of sowing and reaping to that of giving and evangelism. This principle in all actuality applies to every area of our lives. There are many areas in our walk with God in which He desires for us to produce fruit.
Our ability to understand this principle and apply it to our lives helps to determine how successful and fruitful we will be in Christian calling.
II. Three Major Areas Affected by Sowing and Reaping.
The purpose of this lesson is to simply introduce you to these three major areas and then focus on the principles of the law of sowing and reaping as it affects all of these areas. These areas consist of our faith, character and spiritual work and ministry. They are the major areas we must sow seed into to grow and mature.
1. Our Faith and Trust in God.
Luke 17:5-6 And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, `Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
If we are to grow in our faith and trust in God, we must learn to plant the seeds of faith. In order to have faith for answered prayer, provision, protection, health, endurance and other areas that are covered in our salvation, we must sow seeds of faith in these areas.
2. Our Growth and Transformation in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Our goal as Christians is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. This doesn't happen by osmosis. We must sow seeds of growth and change if we are to be transformed into His image.
Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man does deceptive work, but to him who sows righteousness will be a sure reward.
Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
3. Spiritual Work and Evangelism.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully... and God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work.
Psalms 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
A part of our calling as Christians is to be ambassadors of the kingdom, going forth spreading the seeds of the gospel so that the kingdom will grow. God also has a spiritual work and calling for each of us to be involved in. Unless we begin sowing seeds into these areas, we will miss out on the wonderful purpose God has for each of us.
III. Principles of Sowing and Reaping.
As stated earlier, these are principles that will apply to each of these areas I just mentioned. In the lessons to follow I will cover each of these areas in more detail and show you how the law of sowing and reaping applies to each area. In this lesson I want to lay the foundation of these principles so that we can refer back to them as we go on.
1. Sowing and Reaping is a Spiritual Process in which Spiritual Guidelines Must be Followed.
What we have to realize is that when we were born into the kingdom of God, we came under a new set of governing rules for our lives. In the world, we were governed by the natural and beggarly elements of the world. Now we are being governed by God's laws, which are much different. What may have worked for us in the world will no longer work for us in the kingdom.
• The Law of Sowing and Reaping must be dedicated to God’s Purpose.
Sowing and reaping in the kingdom is different than in the world. God's sovereignty now applies where it didn't before. Sowing and reaping must be done in relationship to God and His purpose or it comes to nothing. It is simply just noise.
Isaiah 17:10-12 Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold, therefore you will plant pleasant plants and set out foreign seedlings; 10in the day you will make your plant to grow, and in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; but the harvest will be a heap of ruins in the day of grief and desperate sorrow. 11Woe to the multitude of many people who make a noise like the roar of the seas, and to the rushing of nations that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
The law of sowing and reaping is much more than spiritual hype, metaphysics or mental gymnastics. The law of sowing and reaping must be dedicated to God's purpose. As it says, "in the morning you will make your seed to flourish; but the harvest will be a heap of ruins". Sowing much does not necessarily guarantee spiritual gain unless it is sown in accordance with God's purpose.
2. The Seed that is Sown Must Experience Death.
The most vivid example we have of this principle is the example Jesus gave us of His own life. He was the divine seed of God that was planted into humanity so that humanity could be redeemed and brought into the glorious kingdom as children of God. He said the seed had to die in order to produce and multiply a harvest.
John 12:23-24 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
Haggai 1:6-9 "You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes." 7Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways! 8"Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the LORD. 9"You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says the LORD of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.
• Sowing for selfish gain is a fruitless effort.
What we have to understand is this – Sowing for selfish gain is a fruitless effort. It produces nothing in our lives for the kingdom and only makes us more miserable than we were before. The seed must die.
John 12:25 "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
Examples: In giving there must be a sacrifice. When there is no sacrifice there is no death to the seed. You want your seed to multiply, give out of poverty rather than abundance. In faith and trust and when you are hurting, give of yourself to someone else. Our true character is formed in those times when we experience hurt, disappointment etc.
3. We Must Be Willing to Sow in all Seasons.
Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes all things. 6In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
There are some seasons in our lives when we do not feel like sowing the seed that brings forth growth and maturity, but it is in these seasons when it is needed the most. If we are focused on the conditions around us we will not sow. Our sense of focus must change. eg. in above areas.
4. Realize God's Sovereignty in the Sowing and Reaping Process.
2 Corinthians 9:10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
1 Corinthians 3:5-8 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
Don't be surprised when God sends someone to water the seed you are trying to grow. Maybe you have just planted some new seed for growth in a particular area. Don't be surprised if God sends someone to water it. If the seed is being planted in conjunction with the purpose of God, expect these things to happen. This is what causes it to grow.
5. We Must Sow Bountifully to Prosper and Do Well.
Proverbs 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6. Sow With Purpose.
Hosea 8:7 "They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; it shall never produce meal. If it should produce, aliens would swallow it up.
The reason some of our lives are so messed up is that we have sown with no purpose in mind. Let us be strategic as we sow seeds of faith in all the areas of our lives in the same way that a farmer sows seeds in a field and how he must work the field after the seeds are sown. He must water, weed and fertilize if he is to reap.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
• "Do you want your faith to grow in the areas God has given to you in salvation? Then begin to sow the seeds of faith in these areas.
• Do you want to grow in personal holiness and character being transformed into the image of Christ? Then begin to sow seeds in the areas God desires to change in your life?
• Do you want to grow in your personal calling and spiritual work? Then begin to sow seeds in these areas. If you do you will reap if you faint not.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall [reap] if we do not lose heart.
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
4. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. Which area in your life needs the most sowing and reaping? Why?
5. What is the death God wants you to experience in that area?
Journal Notes
Perspectives from God’s Word
Kingdom Stewardship
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
Matthew 25:14-15 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
I believe it is God's ultimate desire to see His kingdom come with power and glory into the hearts of mankind everywhere, before His return, that the earth would be filled with His glory and power. In fact, He told us to pray in this manner.
Matthew 6:9-10 "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Ephesians 1:22-23 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
"The Parable of the Talents" is a kingdom truth for the end of the age.
The parable of the talents shows us that when we come to the full understanding and commitment of what this implies in our lives, we will see a greater measure of God's kingdom authority and power in our lives singularly and corporately.
The primary truth of this parable is “We are stewards – not owners.
If Jesus is truly the Lord of our lives, we will see ourselves as His stewards rather than being owners of our possessions.
It is only as we allow this truth to take root in our hearts that we will be prepared for all that God is going to do at the end of the age. All three parables in Matthew 25 are a continuation of Matthew 24, Jesus’ treatise on the end of the age. They are parables that help us to prepare for what God is going to do and how He wants to use us as His people during the final season before His Second Coming.
The Reading of the Parable – Matthew 25:14-30.
This parable teaches us that bringing our finances under Christ's Lordship is one of the most basic ingredients for having His Kingdom rule and authority established in our lives.
In this parable, we must ask ourselves the question, "What is Jesus Talking About?" Is it how well we make financial investments or is it how well we manage and use what He has given to us for the glory of His Kingdom? Throughout this message we shall see the answer emerge.
Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
We must see ourselves as being caught between the struggle between God and Satan in the area of whose authority is being established.
Satan is using the love of money to establish his rule and authority in the hearts of mankind and God is using the kingdom truth of stewardship to instill His rule and authority in the hearts of mankind.
The Bible tells us in the last days men shall be lovers of money. Jesus says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves bread in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
I want to share with you two Biblical illustrations that illustrate this truth very clearly – one from the New Testament and one from the Old Testament.
III. Kingdom Stewardship Equals Kingdom Authority and Power.
Let's keep in mind that God's ultimate goal in the earth is to bring the fullness of His Kingdom expression in power and authority, so that millions and millions of people will be ushered into His kingdom before His second coming and the judgment upon the earth.
1. New Testament Illustration – The Early Church.
The Book of Acts begins with a powerful display of God's power and authority being displayed not only in the hearts of these early followers, but also in the communities in which they lived. Whole cities were affected by the kingdom's rule and reign. 3000 men and their families were saved and brought into the kingdom on the Day of Pentecost and another 5000 men and their families a few days later.
Acts 5:15 ...so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
Acts 5:28 ...you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"
Acts 8:5-8 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
What was one of the major attitudes of these early disciples that caused God to work so powerfully in their lives?
They gave up complete ownership of their lives, knowing that God's complete rule and reign in their lives would bring them into a much richer blessing.
Acts 2:43-45 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
Acts 4:32-33 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
• This is a heart attitude God is looking for in these last days.
If we want to see Him work in us like He did in this early church, we must empty ourselves of the ownership that we put upon ourselves and all that we own. We must also see ourselves as stewards and not owners.
Our selfishness and refusal to bring our finances under His lordship is withholding His divine power and reign upon the land and our communities. God's total kingdom rule cannot be established in our hearts until we empty ourselves of personal ownership and accept the fact that we are simply stewards of His goods.
• The choice is ours as the parable of the talents illustrates clearly.
We can either be judged as worthy stewards, who receive a blessing or as unjust stewards who are cast into the place of outer darkness.
• The Glory of the Latter House.
We may be the generation that shall witness the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus wants and desires for each one of us to receive and welcome the truth from the parable of the talents so that His glory can be manifested throughout the earth so that millions and millions can be ushered into His kingdom before His Second Coming. We see this illustrated in the Book of Haggai.
Haggai 2:6-9 "For thus says the LORD of hosts: "Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7'and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the LORD of hosts. 8`The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the LORD of hosts. 9’The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the LORD of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the LORD of hosts."
This kingdom truth is driven home one more time concerning what God desires to do in these last days. This passage is a prophetic passage of scripture of God's desire for the church at the end of the age, prior to the return of Christ. The foundation of this glory lies in the fact that God says, "the silver is mine, and the gold is mine".
II. Practicalities of Recognizing God's Ownership.
• How we can practically make God the owner of all that we have.
• How do we practically walk in the kind of stewardship God desires for our lives in today’s world?
• How do we practically give up ownership of all that we have and become stewards without being an extremist or getting out of balance?
Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
With this in mind, let's look at some of the ways in which we invest the Lord's goods by laying up treasure in heaven and thus making Him the Lord of all that we have.
1. The Giving of the Tithe is the Foundation.
The giving of the tithe is the very foundation on which our stewardship of finances rests. It's when we give the 10th to Him before anything else is bought or paid for that we honor Him as Lord of our finances. By giving God the first fruits of our labor, we are investing in a continuous return for our investment.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Romans 11:16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
• The giving of the tithe was a part of the kingdom blessing in every major covenant that God has made with mankind.
Abraham – gave a tithe and was extremely blessed in all that he did and was called the Father of our faith.
Jacob – made a commitment to give the tithe even when he had nothing. His covenant with God gave birth to the nation of Israel through his twelve sons.
Moses – Tithing was instituted as part of the Law of Moses under the covenant that God made with him.
• The Giving of the Tithe is a New Testament Principle.
The apostle Paul dealt with this issue with the Corinthians, using the Old Testament Principle of the Levites receiving the Tithe. He said in the same manner the Lord has commanded that those who sow spiritual things in the New Testament to receive the tithe.
1 Corinthians 9:11-14 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 13Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
The Lord Jesus Christ directed that ministers of the gospel should receive compensation for their services. Paul devotes an extended paragraph to the argument that the ministers of the gospel should receive compensation in terms of "material things," by which he means money, possessions, and other benefits (v. 11). He declares that this is an axiom of the Law (v. 9). The matter is illustrated by the Levitical priesthood, who "partake of the offerings of the altar" (v. 13). Nevertheless, Paul himself has asked for no stipend (v. 15).
• Why is the tithe important?
Malachi 3:8-10 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3:11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts...
• It's our response to God's Covenant and Divine ownership in our lives.
• It is a major part in bringing our lives under Christ's Lordship, which is really not an option.
• If the first fruit is holy, the whole lump will be holy. God will bless the 90%.
• It blesses the heart by making it receptive to God's will.
• It brings forth God's blessing in every area of our lives – He rebukes the devourer.
• We are stealing from God when we withhold it.
• It blesses the church by enabling it to carry out a greater ministry.
Exodus 19:5-6 `Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. `And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."
3. Stewardship Involves the Giving of Offerings for Various Causes.
There are many things that come up in the life of the church that require special offerings in order to move forward with the vision and purpose for which God has called us. We must be willing to give towards these things as they come up, whether it be time or finances.
Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work.
In order to be a good giver you must, first of all, be a good manager of your budget and finances. If you are living beyond your means and running up bills on credit cards and spending your money lavisously on things you really don't need, you will never be able give beyond the tithe.
4. Stewardship Involves Giving to the Needs of the Poor.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Luke 12:32-34 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. "Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Alms are kind deeds arising out of compassion, mercy and pity for the unfortunate. In the Old Testament the law prescribed gleanings from the harvest, the vineyards, and the grain in the corners of the field for the poor. Almsgiving in the New Testament was of two kinds: "alms of the dish," food and money received daily for distribution; and "alms of the chest" coins received on the Sabbath for widows, orphans, strangers and the poor. Practice in the New Testament Church is foreshadowed in the admonition of Jesus "give alms of such things as you have."
John strongly exhorts us in his epistle as to the importance of giving to those who have need of food and other kinds of assistance. Stewardship involves giving to these needs when it is in your power to do so.
1 John 3:16-17 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
5. Stewardship Involves Giving of Your Gifting In God.
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
III. Concluding Remarks.
God only expects you to give according to your ability. It is equal sacrifice not equal giving. It is when your total finances are brought under the Lordship of Christ that God is able to bless you in ways that you are able to give more towards the work of the kingdom. As you do this, God blessings continue to abound in your life and you find yourself in the position of being a steward and not an owner of what you have.
Deuteronomy 16:17 "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.
Charles Swindoll writes, "I have been thinking about why the Scriptures teach `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" "Why is it that giving is preferred to receiving? Here are a few reasons that have come to my mind."
• Giving encourages unselfishness within us.
• Giving brings others needed relief and encouragement.
• Giving forces us out of our own tight-radius world.
• Giving keeps us from becoming too attached to material things.
• Giving models the life Christ lived.
• Giving results in eternal rewards.
• Giving teaches us the value of servanthood.
• Giving makes us more cheerful, caring people.
• Giving prompts greater sensitivity toward others.
• Giving provides an example for others to follow.
No wonder the apostle Paul wrote that "God loves a cheerful giver"
(2 Corinthians 9)
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. How has your life been blessed because of your stewardship?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
The Weapon of Truth in the Church
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
Isaiah 59:14 Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.
In this study we will begin focusing on "The Weapon of Truth." Truth is one of the most powerful weapons we possess in the spiritual arsenal God has given to us to deal with the enemy. Unfortunately truth has fallen in the streets and has been replaced by the lies of the devil. It is time for God's people to arise with the weapon of truth and to go forth in the power of His Spirit pleading for truth.
Isaiah 59:4-5 No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; they conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. They hatch vipers' eggs and weave the spider's web; he who eats of their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed a viper breaks out.
We live in a culture and an era that is inundated with falsehood and lies. Not many are pleading for truth and those who do are mocked and ridiculed as being extremists in a politically correct society that is based on falsehood and lies.
Even in the church, those who stand for a strong adherence to Biblically sound doctrine are ridiculed and labeled as legalists, who are not flowing with the Spirit.
As a result we have provided the perfect environment for Satan's power and deception to rule in the lives of people everywhere. Satan's power and antichrist spirit is being unleashed today as never before. The absence of truth has given him a strong foothold and place to stand to oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
The Bible is full of Scriptures that speak of the strong deception that shall come upon the world in the last days that shall even cause many to depart from the faith. This is all are result of truth having fallen in the streets.
Although there is probably not a whole lot we can do about the absence of truth in the secular world, I believe there is something we can do about it in the kingdom realm. There are two areas God wants His truth securely establish in. They are in the church and in our personal lives.
II. Truth as a Weapon.
If we are to stand in an evil day we must put on the belt of truth and walk in the uncompromising truth of God's Word.
Ephesians 6:13-14 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness...
We must realize that walking in the truth of God's Word is one of the most powerful weapons we have against the enemy with his wiles and schemes. We must have a powerful love and adherence to the truth of God's word if we are to stand against him.
• Satan has nowhere to stand when he is confronted with the Truth.
John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
If we take away his place to stand, then he is not able to use his many devices and schemes against us. He is rendered totally ineffective.
III. The Battle for Truth in the Church.
• God has chosen the church to be the place from which His truth flows from. It is the pillar and ground of truth.
1 Timothy 3:15 ...but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
We must ask ourselves, “Has the church of Jesus Christ has been guilty of compromising and watering down the truth of God's Word to make it more palatable to the culture in which we live? As a result, has truth has fallen in the streets and given the devil a giant foothold to speak lies and falsehood?
• We should be crying out and pleading for truth to be firmly established in the church according to the uncompromising truth of God's Word.
There is a tremendous battle that is raging in the church today over truth. Satan's objective is to infiltrate the church with his lies. He knows that if he can spread his lies and dilute the truth, he has a secure place to stand and unleash his power and deception.
• In the more historical & traditional churches the battle is over whether the Scripture is divinely inspired or not and whether Jesus was really God manifest in the flesh. This gives way to battles over all kinds of moral issues within the church. When truth is fallen righteousness stands afar off.
• In the charismatic realm the battle is over extra Biblical experiences vs. what is clearly stated or established in God's Word. This causes people to seek after signs and spiritual experiences rather than the truth of God's word. It will set them up to be deceived by lying signs and wonders.
• In many evangelical and charismatic churches there is also the tendency to water down the truth to try and make it more palatable for seekers. This causes people not to be well grounded with a firm foundation that is able to withstand the storms of life and the onslaught of the enemy.
With the weapon of truth we can claim victory in all of these areas by adhering to the truth of God's Word in the following ways.
1. We Must Accept the Entirety of God's Word as His Truth.
Psalms 119:160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...
Acts 20:27-30 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to 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. 29"For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30"Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
2. We Must Rightly Divide the Word of Truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This means we approach the interpretation of God's Word honestly without personal preferences. There are those who twist the Scriptures to make them say anything they want to say.
2 Peter 3:16 ...as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
• No Scripture is of private interpretation.
It must be properly exegeted in light of the whole. It also means you build on those passages that are clear and precise and not on those that are vague or nebulous. Allow the Scripture to interpret itself. It does it very well.
3. The Word of Truth Must Take Precedence over Experience.
One of the things that is happening in the Body of Christ today, particularly in the Charismatic ranks is a focus on extra Biblical experiences that are being esteemed as a genuine move of the Holy Spirit. Any movement within the church must be based on the Sound Doctrine of God's Word.
It is important to understand that God can sovereignly move upon any of our lives as He sees fit, but that doesn’t give us the liberty or the authority to take something that is not Biblically defined and build a movement on it or try to duplicate it.
• Are there valid extra biblical experiences? Absolutely, but don’t try to duplicate them or build a movement on them.
1 Corinthians 4:6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
• The example of Peter and the Mount of Transfiguration.
A good example of esteeming the word above spiritual or emotional experiences is found in the example of Jesus with Peter, James and John. When Peter later wrote about this experience, He said the written word was a more sure word of prophecy.
2 Peter 1:16-21 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
• The example of Jesus at His Baptism.
Another example is when the Father spoke to Jesus on the day of His baptism. Those who heard the voice all heard it a little differently. Jesus heard it perfectly, because He was perfect.
Our spiritual experiences are filtered through our imperfect minds, so therefore our interpretation of the event is not a perfect interpretation of what happened.
John 12:28-30 "Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.
Even though spiritual experiences we may experience from time to time may be good and even build our faith, we do not have the right to glorify the experiences beyond what is written in the word or to the point that they become a movement within themselves.
4. We Must Have a Love for the Truth of God's Word.
Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.
David walked in faith and victory throughout most of his life because he had a genuine love and appreciation for God's Word.
• This involves enduring sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
Being a part of a local church that is Bible centered and adheres to God's Word of Truth gives us as believers a strong foundation to walk in the truth that God so desires for us.
We must also take personal responsibility for walking in truth as God reveals it to us. This will give us the kind of faith and victory that will cause the enemy to flee from our lives and enable us to fulfill God's divine calling in each of our lives.
Journal Notes
1. What part of this lesson has the most profound effect upon your life?
2. What does it mean to you to endure Sound Doctrine?
3. How will you put what you learned in this lesson to your life?
4. Have you ever had an extra Biblical experience? If so, please describe it below.
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
The Ministry of an Armor Bearer
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The devil wants to keep us in a state of mind that says, “We are all just average people who have nothing much to really make a difference in people’s lives.”
That is a lie from the devil. We are much more than average, because we have the Spirit of God within us. We have the mind of Christ. We are more than conquerors in Him. In Christ we can do all things.
In this lesson we will see a concept emerging that should revolutionize the way we think about ministry and God fulfilling His call and destiny in our lives. It’s an attitude that must be in place in our lives if we are to properly motivate one another to great exploits in Jesus.
We are living in an age that will demand more and more of us as Christians. If Christianity is to become more of a force to be reckoned with, it will demand that we as Christians are more involved in great exploits for our King. We need to be men and women who provoke one another to great exploits in God.
Daniel 11:32 "Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
God’s desire is for all of us to be people who know our God and thus doing great exploits for Him. The focus of this lesson is about encouraging others and esteeming others as more important than you. It’s about being an armor-bearer. It’s about perceiving the grace and anointing in others so that you can properly encourage them to great exploits in God.
Definition of an Armor-bearer: An officer selected by kings and generals because of his bravery, not only to bear their armor, but also to stand by them in the time of danger. — Easton's Illustrated Dictionary
II. Illustration: The Story of Jonathan and Armor.
In 1 Samuel 14 we find a powerful story of someone who knew his God and what God was capable of. We see how Jonathan’s armor-bearer encouraged him to take a risk of faith that brought forth a great exploit and victory for the nation of Israel. This passage of scripture truly shows how we must work together to do great exploits for Jesus.
Background of Story:
Saul and his army are reduced to about 600 men because the Philistines are operating from a stronghold and terrorizing the Israelites to the degree that most of the army has deserted and is hiding in caves, thickets, rocks, holes and pits. Of the 600 men only Saul and Jonathan had weapons, because the Philistines had taken away all their blacksmiths.
• Similar to where Christianity is today:
Much of Christianity today is cowering before the enemy with our entire spiritual arsenal stripped from us because we have compromised ourselves before our enemies of the faith.
What is needed today are new heroes of the faith who are willing to do great exploits by taking great risks in faith to insure the victories that are needed.
1 Samuel 14:1-2 Now it happened one day that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the Philistines' garrison that is on the other side." But he did not tell his father. 2And Saul was sitting in the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men.
• Why didn’t Jonathan tell his father? His father probably would have ridiculed and laughed at him, thus destroying his faith.
• We need to know who the people are in our lives that we can share our visions, goals and calling with without being ridiculed. Jonathan knew. He goes to his armor-bearer and begins to share his plan.
• Do you know who your trusted armor-bearers are?
1 Samuel 14:6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few."
• Jonathan’s confession of faith – He stepped out in faith in what He knew God was capable of doing.
Many of us are afraid to step out in faith unless we have a sure word from the Lord. At this point in the story, Jonathan did not have a sure word. All he had was what he knew God was able to do.
Later on in the story He had a faith that was invincible, because as he began to move forward in what He knew God was able to do, his faith was personalized and is confession turned from one of “it might be” to "Come up after me, for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel."
The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith – Romans 10:17.
• The Armor-bearer’s response.
1 Samuel 14:7 So his armorbearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart." 8Then Jonathan said, "Very well, let us cross over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9"If they say thus to us, 'Wait until we come to you,' then we will stand still in our place and not go up to them.
• This was to be one of Jonathan’s greatest and most successful exploits in his life.
His armor bearer said, “Do all that is in your heart, I am with you.” The whole nation of Israel reaped a great blessing and victory because the armor-bearer encouraged Jonathan in this process.
• Saul and his army were literally stuck in discouragement with the enemy attacking from every side.
• Now the balance of war is about to change because of the exploits of one man and his armor-bearer.
• As the story goes on, Jonathan becomes invincible in his faith and the Lord works with him to win a great battle in which the enemies of Israel are in such a state of confusion, that they begin to kill one another.
1 Samuel 14:12b Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has delivered them in the hand of Israel.
• Saul and all the people eventually join him in the battle with all those who had been scattered and were in hiding.
1 Samuel 14:22-23 Likewise all the men of Israel who had hidden in the mountains of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, they also followed hard after them in the battle. 23So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle shifted to Beth Aven.
The point to focus on here is, how important the armor-bearer was to Jonathan and his great exploit and victory that ensued.
• He encouraged Jonathan greatly by saying "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart."
• He stood with him in the battle and risked his life in the same way that Jonathan did.
• Without his encouragement and willingness to stand with Jonathan in the battle, I don’t believe Jonathan would have had the courage to go it alone.
III. What Does It Take to Be a Good Armor-Bearer?
We find some of these attitudes later on in the life of Jonathan in his friendship to David. Even though Jonathan had has his great moments in battle, he was perceiving the grace of God in David and that God had truly called David. He must decrease while David increases.
In the same way that his armor-bearer laid his life down for him, he must now do the same for David. Jonathan and David were both kingdom men. They saw beyond the natural circumstances and into the kingdom perspective.
1. We Must See Our Lives Through A Kingdom Perspective.
1 Samuel 20:4 So Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you."
• Are you seeing your life through the here and now and what benefits you the most or do you see your life through an eternal perspective?
2. We Must Be Willing to Lay our Lives Down for the Benefit of Others and the Kingdom.
Jonathan sacrificed his position for the throne in light of the grace he perceived in David. I believe he took an inventory of his life in comparison to David and knew in his heart David was the man – not him. As a result he fully supported David and helped David to become the great man of God that he was.
1 Samuel 20:30-31 Then Saul's anger was aroused against Jonathan, and he said to him, "You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? 31"For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die."
Jonathan’s willingness to help David escape his father shows that he was willing to lay down his own dreams and aspirations to see David succeed. He was willingly giving up his position as the future king of Israel because he perceived the grace and anointing was on David.
You will never be able to properly encourage and provoke others to great exploits until you are truly willing to lose your life.
Luke 17:33 "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
1 John 3:16 exhorts us to lay our lives down for one another. We must learn how to encourage and support others no matter what the cost to our own lives maybe.
How many of us are willing to lay down our own dreams and aspirations to see others succeed in our stead when we perceive there is a grace and an anointing that may be greater than our own?
3. We Must Develop an Attitude of Honoring and Preferring One Another.
This really is the attitude adjustment that needs to take place in all of our lives if we are to successfully encourage one another to great exploits.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
This is really the primary attitude and concept that allows us to become all that God has ordained for our lives and that properly motivates us to encourage others to great exploits in Jesus.
Selfish ambition and conceit will only produce wood, hay and stubble in your lives. You may have some exploits, but they won’t be the exploits that are born out of the heart of God.
God wants to lead you into exploits that produce gold, silver and precious stones. It really takes having an attitude of preferring others as more important than you to produce the qualities that true armor bearers have.
• John the Baptist understood this when he said, “Jesus must increase and he must decrease.”
John 3:30 (NLT) He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
• We have to guard our hearts from jealousies and selfish ambitions.
4. We Must Recognize the Season we are in and Build our Lives Within the Balance.
• Jonathan recognized both seasons he was in.
He knew when it was time to step out in faith to perform great exploits and he also recognized the season of being a great encourager to David.
Kingdom people have a sense of where they are at and what they have been commissioned to do and build accordingly. Do you?
Joel Chapter 2 gives us a vivid picture of the church functioning perfectly – Everyone knew their place and position. This is what is going to make the church in the last days become the beautiful and glorious church going forth doing the great exploits that it has been purposed for.
Joel 2:7-8,11 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8They do not push one another; every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, they are not cut down. 11The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His word.
Ephesians 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
In any particular local church there are so many areas we can serve as armor-bearers such as small groups, prayer team, care-giving, greeting, ushering and serving in the many different areas. If you see a hole, figure out how you can plug it up.
• It’s time for the balance of power to change in our spiritual warfare.
Just as Jonathan and his armor bearer were able to change the balance of power for the nation of Israel, I believe we can do the same for the church as we link together with those we are serving with. Let us go forth in the position God has ordained for this season of our lives.
Let us march in step with each other, no one pushing or shoving for position, but rather united together to hear the voice of God as He gives voice to his great army in this hour of our destiny!
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
6. How will this truth be applied to your life?
Perspectives from God’s Word
Dealing with Strongholds
Ken Birks. Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
In this lesson we will be dealing with how to pull down the strongholds that Satan has built in the lives of people everywhere. We will also be looking at the kind of strongholds that can be built which will not allow Satan to gain any kind of a foothold in the lives of believers.
• We must cast off the works of darkness.
It is time for believers everywhere to cast off the works of darkness and to walk in the armor of light not giving place to the devil. Too many of God’s people have allowed the devil to have a foothold in their lives. We have allowed the enemy to have a free reign to harass, oppress and bring us into bondages that God desires us to walk in a freedom from.
God should be our rock and stronghold, but the problem is too many have allowed the enemy to control the strongholds.
2 Samuel 22:1-2 Then David spoke to the LORD the words of this song, on the day when the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. And he said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Francis Frangipane writes in one of his books, "What men call "salvation" is simply the first stage of God's plan for our lives, which is to conform us in character and power to the image of Jesus Christ. If we fail to see our relationship to God as such, we will allow too many areas within us to remain unchanged.”
Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of these old ways of thinking so that the actual Presence of Jesus Christ can be manifested through us.
II. What Are Strongholds?
1. The Old Testament Definition of Strongholds.
In the Old Testament, a stronghold was a fortified dwelling used as a means of protection from an enemy. We find that David hid from King Saul in wilderness strongholds at Horesh.
1 Samuel 23:14,19 And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand....Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is David not hiding with us in strongholds in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?
These were physical structures usually caves high on a mountainside, and were very difficult to assault. It was this imagery in mind that the inspired writers of the Bible adapted the word "stronghold" to define powerful, vigorously protected spiritual realities.
A stronghold can be a source of protection for us from the devil, as is the case when the Lord becomes our stronghold as it did for David. Or conversely, a stronghold can be a source of defense for the devil's influence in our lives, where demonic or sinful activity is actually defended within our sympathetic thoughts toward evil.
Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
2. The Apostle Paul's Definition of a Stronghold.
The apostle Paul defines strongholds as speculations or lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God. It is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual's thought-life.
2 Corinthians 10:5 ...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...
3. Another Definition.
Ed Silvoso defines a stronghold as a mindset impregnated with hopelessness that causes us to accept something that we know is contrary to the will of God.
Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
It is important to recognize that when we speak of strongholds, we are not talking about random thoughts or occasional sins. We are talking about areas in your life that you are in bondage to and are having a hard time breaking loose from.
III. How Strongholds Take Root.
In order to fully understand how to pull down strongholds, it is first important that we understand how it is they first took root in our lives.
1. Strongholds Come From Worldly Influences.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, & the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
Many strongholds are a result of an accumulation of uncrucified thoughts and unsanctified attitudes that have ruled our lives during our formative years. As children growing up in a world that is under the influence and the sway of the enemy we received a steady stream of information and experiences that continually shaped our childhood perceptions. This is why the Bible says our minds need to be renewed once we are born again of God's Spirit.
The amount of love (or lack of love) in our home, our cultural environment, peer values and pressures, as well as fears of rejection and exposure – even our physical appearance and intelligence, all combine to form our sense of identity and our view of life.
Many of our opinions about life are ours only because we know of no other way to think. Yet we protect and defend our ideas, justify our opinions as though they were born in the wombs of our own creativity.
Proverbs 23:7 ...for as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
In other words, the essence of who we are is an accumulation of our thought life. For example, many of our thoughts and opinions were shaped by our parents and school teachers. As good of people as they may have been, if their opinions were not God's than they were wrong.
Isaiah 55:7-8 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways..."
We have a mindset that has been shaped by our parents and educators as well as the ungodly environment in which we live. As Christians, the only truth suitable for eternity is the truth of Christ. If we fail to realize this we will be like our teacher, never doing more than the deeds of our fathers. When we come to Christ, all that we are in nature and character is destined to change.
IV. Common Strongholds Many Deal With.
Just because we are Christians does not exempt us from having strongholds that must be dealt with. There are still many strongholds within us. I have listed a few strongholds that are common to most Christians.
|Fear |Apathy |Lukewarmness |Greed |
|Resentment |Unbelief |Sinful thoughts |Drugs |
|Bitterness |Depression |Lust |Alcohol |
|Unforgiveness |Anxiety |Pride |Pornography |
Because we all have a tendency to excuse ourselves so readily, it is difficult to discern the areas of oppression in our lives. After all, these are our thoughts, our attitudes, our perceptions – we justify and defend our thoughts with the same degree of intensity with which we justify and defend ourselves. As a man thinks so is he. Therefore, before any deliverance can truly be accomplished, we must honestly recognize and confess our need.
When identifying your strongholds, survey or examine the attitudes in your heart, every area in your thinking that glistens with hope in God is an area which is being liberated by Christ. Any system of thinking that does not have hope, which feels hopelessness, is a stronghold, which must be pulled down.
V. Faith Principles for Pulling Down Strongholds.
The Bible gives us some important weapons in 2 Corinthians that help us to tear down strongholds. The first one is bringing our thoughts into conformity with Christ's and the second one is obedience to His Word.
2 Corinthians10:4-5 ...the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..
1. There Must Be a Genuine Desire to Be Conformed into Christ’s Image.
If we fail to see our relationship to God as being conformed to His image, we will allow too many areas within us to remain unchanged
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Being conformed into the image of Jesus Christ is the primary work that the Holy Spirit is doing in the life of every believer. Our part is to submit to the process and sanctification that He wants to bring about in our lives. As we do, He is able to break the strongholds that are in opposition to Him and His purpose.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The process of change and conformity into Christ’s image begins with desire which will give forth to obedience.
2. Obedience Brings Us Into the Stronghold Of Christ's Likeness.
The Father's goal in breaking the strongholds in our lives is much more than simply seeing our burdens or the devil taken off our backs. The specific purpose, as we have seen, toward which God steers the working of all things in our lives, is our conformity "...to the image of His Son."
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The way to realize God's ultimate victory is to reach toward His ultimate goal, which is complete transformation into the likeness of Christ. We must recognize that it is not you that the devil is afraid of, it is Christ in You!
3. Victory Begins with the Name of Jesus on our Lips.
Victory is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our hearts. If you are troubled by fear, resentment, depression, sinful thoughts, apathy, lukewarmness or whatever, submit those areas to God, repenting of your unbelief and then yield yourself to Christ's faith within you. Are you troubled by lust and shame? Present those areas of sin to God, repenting of your old nature, drawing upon the forgiveness of Christ and His purity of heart.
James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
We must learn that on a personal level, it is better to develop godly virtues than to spend our day praying against the devil
• It is the joy of the Lord that defeats depression
• It is living a life of faith that destroys unbelief
• It is aggressive love that casts out fear.
As we continually yield ourselves to Christ, surrendering ourselves by faith to His nature and His words, we literally build the impenetrable stronghold of His Presence around us. The way into the fortress of the Almighty is simple. Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our heart.
4. We Bring Our Thoughts Into Captivity To Christ's.
Jesus Christ is the model of what God considers typical for the new-creation man. He is not just our Savior, He is the Indwelling One who conforms us to His image, the first-born of a family of glorious sons. When our thought life is in agreement with unbelief, fear or habitual sin, the enemy has rest and seeks out those places that are in harmony with his environment.
Therefore we must learn to look objectively at any thoughts or attitudes that fail to conform to the likeness and teachings of Jesus. Those thoughts must be captured and wrong attitudes crucified. We must make way in us for the coming of the Lord. We must allow the "increase of His government" to expand until we are so absorbed into His Spirit that we not only believe in Him, we believe like Him. His love, thoughts and desires flow out from within us.
To bring down or cast down the "stronghold of our past experiences" we must let God be found true and every man a liar.
Romans 3:4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged."
The only one who has the right to shape our lives is Jesus Christ. We must determine to allow nothing and no one to shape us, not even our personal experiences unless they are consistent with the promises of God.
For example, if you were not healed, a stronghold of unbelief could set in, but if you bring your thoughts into conformity with God's thoughts, the stronghold will break and faith will come forth. If we have a problem with a brother or sister and forgiveness is not enacted, bitterness and resentment will settle in.
5. Allow yourself to be immersed in God’s Word.
Our minds are renewed and quickened by the word of God. Whatever the stronghold you are dealing with find everything you can in God’s word concerning it so that you can get God’s heart, mind and solution.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The capabilities of the word of God are clearly featured here. The nature of God's word is that of life-giving communication. The word here translated "powerful" (energes, Gk.) is the source of the English word "energy." Furthermore, God's word is sharp and penetrating, acting as a critic of the thought-life and the motivations or purposes of the human heart. Note that the word of God has the unique ability not merely to discover the merit of men's actions but also to reveal hidden motivations. Thus, "all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (v. 13).
5. Stir up the Holy Spirit in your on a Daily Basis.
We do this by praying in the Spirit and speaking in tongues. Notice from the Scriptures below how much it really helps us.
Matthew 3:11-12 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12"His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
6. Know Who You Are In Christ.
Bringing our thoughts into the captivity of the obedience of Christ involves knowing who we are in Christ and what we have at our disposal.
Listed below are just a few of the promises we should be constantly bringing into the captivity of obedience to Christ:
▪ We are more than conquerors in Him – Romans 8:37
▪ Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world – 1 John 4:4
▪ The wicked one is not able to touch us – 1 John 5:18
▪ He always leads us in triumph – 2 Corinthians 2:14
▪ We have been given all things that pertain unto life and godliness to escape the lust of the world – 2 Peter 1:3-4
7. Building A Stronghold of Christlikeness Involves a Struggle.
The process of getting free of worldly and fleshly strongholds involves a season of inner conflict and turmoil. This is a good sign, signifying the desire of your will to be free. We should expect a time where we must exercise our authority in Christ as we "resist" the devil.
1 Peter 5:9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
VI. Concluding Remarks.
As you continue to yield yourself to Christ, He will remove Satan's armor from your mind. He will show you what you need to bring down. You will see that the weapons of your warfare are mighty, to the pulling down of strongholds!
1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
Journal Notes
1. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. Which strongholds are you dealing with now?
4. What is your plan of action for dealing with these strongholds?
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Spiritual Warfare & Making a Determined Effort
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
The emphasis of this lesson will be on the importance of making a determined effort in everything that we are involved in, both spiritual and natural. Determination is a necessary part of our spiritual warfare our walk with the Lord. We will not endure to the end without it.
You can have plenty of vision, insight and purpose, but without determination you will not get the job done. When your vision and purpose fail, your determination must kick in to keep you going in the midst of doubt and uncertainty.
Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.
• Determination Definition.
Determination is the inner fortitude and strength of character – being disciplined to remain consistent, strong and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands. It is the act of deciding definitely and firmly, or coming to a resolve. Determination is acting in faith when we temporarily lose sight of where we are going.
Without determination we will find ourselves being tossed here and there and beat to a pulp when the enemy comes against us. When the pressure is on we will find ourselves reacting in a way that is contradictory to what we believe. We must have the inner fortitude and strength of character to remain consistent, strong and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands.
II. Determination is an Important Part of our Spiritual Warfare.
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The thing that we must realize is that the devil is making a determined effort towards us and if he is more determined to keep us from moving forward in God than we are, he will win.
1. The Example of Manasseh and the Canaanites.
God had given all of the tribes of Israel the command to go forth into the Promised Land and to drive all of its inhabitants out. He not only commanded them, but promised them that He would help them.
They had vision, purpose and destiny, but did they have the determination that was needed to possess all that God had given to them?
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
With this promise and destiny, the children of Israel were to go forth conquering all of the inhabitants of the Promised Land. We find however, that this did not happen in all cases, because of the determination of their enemies to continue to dwell in the land.
Joshua 17:12-13 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. And it happened, when the children of Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.
The reason the children of Manasseh were not able to drive the Canaanites completely out of the land was because they lacked the determination to do so.
• The Canaanites were more determined to stay then the Tribe of Manasseh was determined to drive them out.
What about you? How many of God’s enemies are still existing in your life because of the determination of the enemy? How many strongholds do they have possession of?
2. Through a Determined Effort, We are to Drive Out our Enemies.
How many of us give place to the devil, because we lack the determination to completely drive him out of our lives? God has given us the authority and the power to defeat the enemy.
Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
We all have strongholds in our lives that the enemy is trying to hold on to with a determined effort. The thing that we have to realize is that we must have more of a determined effort than the enemy, realizing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
• The enemy doesn't give up that easily.
He is determined, so therefore you must realize that it takes a determined effort on your part to defeat him. We are wrestling against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12-13 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
• Many Christians fail in many areas because they fail to make a determined effort.
Marriages, children, jobs, business, ministry, bondage to sin, and prayer life are areas that the enemy wants to continue to dwell in. Are you letting him, simply because he is more determined than you are?
Do you have the inner fortitude and strength of character to remain consistent, strong and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands that are being placed upon you in these areas?
Without determination you will find yourselves being tossed to and fro and beat to a pulp when the enemy comes against you. When the pressure is on you will find yourselves reacting in a way that is contradictory to what you really believe.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
IV. The Kingdom Is Extended Through Determination.
1. The Example of Solomon Being Determined To Build The Temple.
2 Chronicles 2:1 Then Solomon determined to build a temple for the name of the LORD, and a royal house for himself.
▪ The kingdom that was established under Solomon's reign was the greatest and most glorious of all the kingdoms of the earth.
▪ I'm sure that Solomon had his obstacles that he faced along the way. But he was determined to complete and fulfill the vision, purpose and destiny he had received from His God.
▪ Solomon had the inner fortitude and strength of character to remain consistent, steadfast in the faith, strong and diligent regardless of the odds or the demands that were placed upon him.
2. We Too Must Be Determined To See The Kingdom Extended.
Matthew 11:12 "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
We must make a determined effort in establishing the kingdom of God in our midst. When we experience defeats, setbacks, discouragements and other hindrances, we too, must be like the apostle Paul who said, "None of these things move me."
Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
3. Illustrations
A page from John Wesley's Diary reads as follows:
• Sunday morning, May 5, preached in St. Ann's, was asked not to come back anymore.
• Sunday p.m., May 5, preached at St. John's, deacons said, "Get out and stay out."
• Sunday a.m., May 12, preached at St. Jude's, can't go back there either.
• Sunday p.m., May 12, preached at St. George's, kicked out again.
• Sunday a.m., May 19, preached at St. somebody else's, deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.
• Sunday p.m., May 19, preached on the street, kicked off the street.
• Sunday a.m., May 26, preached in meadow, chased out of meadow as a bull was turned loose during the services.
• Sunday a.m., June 2, preached out at the edge of town, kicked off the highway.
• Sunday p.m., June 2, afternoon service, preached in a pasture, 10,000 people came to hear me.
Harold Sherman wrote a book entitled, "How To Turn Failure Into Success." In it he gives a code of persistence. He says:
• I will never give up so long as I know I am right.
• I will believe that all things will work out for me if I hang on to the end.
• I will be courageous and undismayed in the face of odds.
• I will not permit anyone to intimidate or deter me from my goals.
• I will fight to overcome all physical handicaps and setbacks.
• I will try again and again and yet again to accomplish what I desire.
• I will take new faith and resolution from the knowledge that all successful men and women have had to fight defeat and adversity.
• I will never surrender to discouragement or despair no matter what seeming obstacles may confront me.
In 1873 D. L. Moody and Ira Sankey sailed to England for a series of evangelistic meetings. But once there they found to their dismay that all three of their prime contacts had died. Meetings had to be hastily arranged. Some of the pastors who had endorsed Moody's ministry turned against him. At Sunderland, a group of pastors covered the public buildings with material warning about the Americans and their "questionable procedure" and probable evil results." Rumors about Moody traveled ahead of him. He and Sankey went to Scotland, only to encounter deep skepticism. But Moody persevered, and revival swept the British Isles. – Moody, 5-10-91
IV. Concluding Remarks.
Your prayer should be that you would come to the place in your life where you have more determination than the enemy in dealing with your issues and moving forward in faith towards the destiny God has for you.
There is a great and mighty battle that is taking place in the heavenlies over your destiny and purpose in God. Who has the most determination – You or the enemies of your soul?
Journal Notes
1. What was the most significant truth you learned from this lesson?
2. How will this truth be applied to your life?
3. What was the primary truth you received from this lesson?
4. How will this truth be applied to your life?
Journal Notes
Biblical Perspectives from God’s Word
Maintaining Our Sense of Focus
Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
I. Introductory Remarks.
Many Christians never come into the fullness of what God desires for them simply because they lose their sense of focus. There are so many things in this life that have the potential of distracting us from what God really desires for our lives. If we are to fulfill the destiny and purpose God has for each one of us, it will mean that we keep our sense of focus.
Psalms 119:37-40 (NLT) Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. 38Reassure me of your promise, which is for those who honor you. 39Help me abandon my shameful ways; your laws are all I want in life. 40I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
Psalms 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
This Lesson will allow you to see a picture in your minds that will enable you to see more clearly where you are at on the path of life that leads to your final destination in God.
Is the above scripture a testimony of your life, or do you find yourself falling short of this promise? It may be that you have made a few wrong turns or taken some detours that have caused you to veer off course, or it may be that you will find your feet still holding securely to the path of life wherein righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit dwells.
You are most likely walking with the Lord today because of significant choices you have made along the way. There was most likely a time when you came to a fork in the road and saw that one way was narrow and the other way was wide and more travelled on.
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
By making the right choices you found the way that leads to eternal salvation and the abundant life. It was the condition of your heart that caused you to turn in the right direction. It was not something that you tossed a coin for, and if it came up heads you went this way and tails the other way.
Many people are deceived about which way to turn, because the other path has more traffic on it, but somehow your heart was prepared to find the narrow path.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT) "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
The problem we as Christians have, though, is that we are all like sheep that have a tendency to go astray from time to time. We then lose sight of the path that continually leads in the direction of the Lord's mercy and fruitfulness. It is only as we stay on the straight and the narrow that we continually receive encouragement, refreshing and strength to go on.
In this lesson, we will see the two different paths that we as Christians must continually choose between if we are to maintain our focus in God and thus fulfill the great destiny God has ordained for each one of our lives..
II. The Two Paths We Must Continually Choose Between.
In any large group of people who are attempting to serve the Lord you could look out among them and probably divide them into two categories.
▪ There are those who are running the race with fervency and zeal and bearing fruit, some 100 fold, some 60 fold and some 30 fold.
▪ And there are those who are worn out, tired and disillusioned with major sin still persisting in their lives – they get prayed for, but there is little or no victory.
Those who are running with zeal and fervency are walking in victory with a confidence that nothing can hold them back. What's the difference?
The difference is our sense of focus and the path that is a result of our focus or lack of focus. The Bible tells us to ponder the path of our feet or to stay focused.
Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
As Christians there are two paths that we continually come in contact with each and every day of our lives.
▪ One is the path of self-gratification.
▪ The other is the path of self-denial.
Which path do you find yourself on most often or which path is your life being shaped by? It depends which one you spend most of your time on.
The choices we make each day of our lives determine which path we will spend our time on. In your endeavor to walk in the Spirit on the path of life there is a continuous struggle between the spirit and the flesh. Therefore it is very important to ponder the path of your feet.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
1. The Path of Self-Gratification.
This is the path of self-will, self-indulgence, self-gratification, self-sufficiency and self-seeking. From the carnal perspective this path looks real good. It is also the path that makes the most sense to your carnal understanding.
As you begin to travel it, it begins to turn bitter and sour and often becomes a tangled web of misery. Our first inclination is to take this path because it offers the least resistance, it's wider, it's easier and it’s even seems clearer at times.
This path is like a mirage or a dream in which you see all these wonderful enticing foods, but never seem to satisfy because there is no substance. It's all vanity and worthlessness.
▪ The example of Lot typifies this path. Lot chose that which looked good to the natural eye, but it became a snare unto him.
Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.
Lot was looking through the eyes of his fleshly and carnal understanding and missed God's true purpose for his life and as a result experienced a disastrous outcome in his life.
This path led him in the way of sinners and flirting with the world and caused him to have his house broken into by the strong man, whereas Abraham had to rescue him.
As a result of this path he had no testimony. All that he had was destroyed and burned, as well as eventually losing all of his family. There was absolutely no blessing and deliverance for him on this path.
Those who travel this path wonder where God's blessings and riches are. They never seem to really experience the goodness of God. There is no deliverance from bondage. There is a continuous cycle of falling and repenting and trying to get back up. After a while they grow weary of the struggle and settle into being a very lukewarm Christian. This is a path that will eventually lead to destruction just as it did for Lot.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
2. The Path of Self-Denial.
The cross of Christ is found on this path, which begins with death to self and doesn't look all that appetizing or fun. After the initial death the path opens up to the beauty and the glory of all that God has for us. All that pertains unto life and godliness is found on this path. All of the blessings of God and spiritual fruit we could ever want lie on this path.
Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah.
Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
Moses experienced just about everything there was to experience from God, because of his desire to continually walk in this path that esteemed the reproach of Christ. It is the same for us.
Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
This is the path where we experience the abundance of life that Jesus talked about. It's the path where we experience true deliverance from our sin nature and begin to take on the very character of Christ.
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
On this path we continually identify with the purpose of God and maintain our focus of who we are in Christ and where He is taking us.
There is a genuine desire to go forth unto maturity; and to be thoroughly equipped for the ministry and the calling Christ has for us. We have a desire to grow up in all aspects unto Him.
The ministry and working of the Holy Spirit within us is on an inexorable course to produce Christ's likeness within us. When we stray onto the other path we are frustrating the grace of God to the degree that Christ can't be released to purify and cleanse us.
III. How to Stay on the Right Path.
As mentioned earlier, we are all like sheep and have a tendency to stray from time to time. If we want to stay on the path of life, we must continually guard our steps. Here two very important things we can do to stay on the right path.
1. Keep Your Eyes On Christ & His Purpose – Stay Focused.
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Illustration of the Hunting Dog:
A man bought a new hunting dog. Eager to see how he would perform, he took him out to track a bear. No sooner had they gotten into the woods than the dog picked up the trail. Suddenly he stopped, sniffed the ground, and headed in a new direction. He had caught the scent of a deer that had crossed the bear's path. A few moments later he halted again, this time smelling a rabbit that had crossed the path of the deer. And so, on and on it went until finally the breathless hunter caught up with his dog, only to find him barking triumphantly down the hole of a field mouse.
Sometimes we as Christians are like that. We start out with high resolve, keeping Christ first in our lives. But soon, just like the hunting dog, our attention is diverted to things of lesser importance. One pursuit leads to another until we've strayed far from our original purpose.
Psalms 119:37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.
2. We Must Realize that Death to Self is a Daily Thing.
1 Corinthians 15:31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
What we have to realize is that staying on the right path involves a daily commitment and focus. Am I still following the wonderful fragrance of Christ or have I found a new fragrance that seems more enticing?
If we are not daily pondering our path and dying to self it is very easy to wander after worthless things that take us off the path and find ourselves on the path of self-gratification once again.
The important thing is that when we find ourselves on the path of self-gratification that we quickly examine ourselves and get back on the path of self-denial.
We should ask ourselves, are the choices we make each day based on self-gratification or self-denial? Our character and who we are in God will be shaped by the path that these choices take us on.
IV. Concluding Remarks.
God has a wonderful path already marked out for each of us, of which we will be in a process of continually discovering the wonderful destiny and purpose He has for our lives. As we choose to maintain our sense of focus each and every day, we will find everything that pertains to life and godliness concerning our lives. We will come into rich fulfillment and joy in God’s presence in ways we could never imagine.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (NLT) That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 10But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets. 11No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. 12And God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world's spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
May God Bless you as ponder the path of your feet and stay focused on the eternal destiny He has for you!
Journal Notes
1. How do you see yourself in light of this lesson? Which path do you spend the most time on?
2. How have you seen that the path you spend the most time on shapes your life?
Check out the New Book
by Pastor/Teacher/Author Kenneth L. Birks
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For more information see the website below
The goal of this book is to give you, as a Christian, a glimpse into the path God has purposed for your life and to help you seize your destiny and purpose. In doing so, you will be able to live the role created for you. Whether you are just starting out on your journey, anywhere in the middle, or have become detoured and lost your way, this practical guidebook will help shine the light on the invisible path that not only leads to God’s goodness and experiencing His kingdom within, but also to the greatest adventure of your life.
The Christian journey begins when we have been genuinely born again and translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son. As a result, a great opportunity lies before us. We are given the keys to the kingdom and access to the wonders of God’s grace, mercy, and the beauty of the invisible and mysterious path that lies before us.
Are you ready for the greatest adventure and journey known to humanity? If so, may God bless you richly as you read this book and find your way through the spiritual maze that leads to becoming all that God intended for you. May God give you great insight as you seek to discover what authentic Christianity is.
I believe The Journey is your GPS for the Bible. The problem is solved. The riddle is deciphered. Like a trusted guide, Ken makes complex concepts simple and masterfully unpacks the Bible’s greatest mysteries. He provides a sure foundation upon which to build a lifetime of insight.—Francis Anfuso
Ken Birks is a Pastor/Teacher in the body of Christ and an elder at The Rock of Roseville in California where he has also functioned as a Bible teacher since its inception in 1997. Before this, Ken was the Senior Pastor of Golden Valley Christian Center, a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church in Roseville, for twelve years.
Ken and his wife, Lydia, have been married for over 35 years and have two adult children and four grandchildren. They were foster parents over the past 25 years to over twenty well-loved children and teens (now young adults), which they consider one of their highest callings in their life and ministry.
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[1] Numbers 13:17, 25-29, 30-33
[2] 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
[3] James 1:15
[4] Ephesians 4:26 & Proverbs 10:19
[5] 1 Peter 2:1-2
[6] Matthew 13:24-30 – The Parable of the Wheat & Tares
[7] 1 Peter 1:23
[8] Matthew 11:12
[9] Isaiah 53:1-10
[10] Isaiah 53:4
[11] Acts 10:34
[12] From Strongs Concordance
[13] From Strongs Concordance
[14] Quote from Herbert Lockyer – All the Doctrines of the Bible – pg. 152
[15] The Foundations of Christian Doctrine by Kevin Conner – pg. 250
[16] Quote from Henry Clarence Thiessen in “Foundations of Christian Doctrine” – pg.248
[17] Ibid, Kevin Conner – pg.250.
[18] Herbert Lockyer, All the Doctrines of the Bible – pg. 58
[19] Ibid, Kevin Conner, pg. 250.
[20] Herbert Lockyer – All the Doctrines of the Bible – pg. 153
[21] New Englishman’s Greek-English Concordance - #4309
[22] Ibid Herbert Lockyer – All the Doctrines of the Bible – pg.153
[23] 1 John 3:2
[24] Ibid, Jack Cottrell, pg. 57
[25] Ibid, Kevin Conner, pg. 248, “The Grace of God.”
[26] Ibid, Jack Cottrell, pg. 67
[27] Ibid, Kevin Conner, pg. 248, “The Grace of God.”
[28] From the essay, “Responsible freedom and the Flow of Biblical History by Clark H. Pinnock, pg. 106 in the book, “Grace Unlimited.”
[29] Quote from Vernon C. Grounds from the essay, “God’s Universal Salvific Grace,” from the book, “Grace Unlimited.
[30] Exodus 12:19 and Leviticus 7:20,25
[31] Romans 11:1-10, John 3:1-21 and Acts 2:36-39
[32] Quote from Jay Adams in the book, “Competent to Counsel,” pg.70
[33] Quote from Vernon C. Grounds from the essay, “God’s Universal Salvific Grace,” from the book, “Grace Unlimited,” pg. 29
[34] Quote from Donald M. Lake from the essay, “He Died For All: The Universal Dimensions of the Atonement,” pg. 41 Grace Unlimited.
[35] Ibid, Kevin Conner, pg. 247.
[36] Ibid, Grace Unlimited, Clark H. Pinnock, pg. 97
[37] Word Biblical Commentary on John’s Gospel by George R. Beasley Murray, pg. 93
[38] Ibid, Grace Unlimited, Grant R. Osborne, Exegetical notes on Calvinist Texts, pg. 172
[39] See 2 Thessalonians. 2:1-4
[40] See 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 also.
[41] see 1 Thessalonians 13-17 for context
[42] Strong’s Concordance #5083
[43] Thayer’s Greek Lexicon #5083
[44] See Galatians 4:17
[45] See Revelation 21:3-4
[46] Proverbs 28:20
[47] Romans 1:17
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CRUCIFIXION IS DEATH
Romans 6:1-11
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