# 8 &#8211; The Church

On to study # 8 – The Church

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# 7 – Rewards

September 24th, 2009

“Rewards”

Introduction to Master Study Outline #7

There is a vast difference in the doctrine of salvation for the lost, and the doctrine of rewards for the saved. Salvation is “the gift of God not as a result of works” (Eph 2:8, 9). Salvation is received by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:36). Rewards are according to the works of the believer (Matt 16:27).

A most revealing Scripture on rewards is found in (I Cor. 3:8-15):

· First, every believer will be rewarded “according to his own labor” (I Cor 3:8). We do not labor for salvation.

· Second, “We are God’s fellow workers” (I Cor 3:9), not for salvation, but for rewards.

· Third, the believer is not to build “a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Cor 3:11).

· Fourth, the believer has a choice of two kinds of building materials: o “Gold, silver, precious stones”, this is building with eternal materials. o “Wood, hay, straw”, this is building with temporal materials (I Cor 3:12 and 2 Cor 4:18). The believer who builds on Christ with eternal materials, “gold, silver, precious stones” shall receive a reward. Those who build on Christ with temporal materials, “wood, hay, straw” will receive no reward. The works of “wood, hay, straw” will be destroyed at the “judgment seat of Christ”, and the believer will suffer loss, not the loss of salvation, but the loss of eternal reward.

Some believers will be ashamed at the “judgment seat of Christ” (1 John 2:28), ashamed of their works of “wood, hay, straw”.

From Porter Barrington’s, (the author/commentator of this bible study) personal experience:

· In the first year of my ministry, I sat at the bedside of a dying friend. As we talked of his home-going, tears filled his eyes. Being young in the Lord, I thought he was afraid to die, and attempted to speak words of encouragement to him. He said, “I am not afraid to die; I am ashamed to die.” He went on to say that Christ was his Savior, but he had lived for self, and now had to meet the Lord Jesus Christ empty handed. His life loomed up before him as “wood, hay, straw”. He was “saved, yet so as through fire”.

Rewards are called “crowns” or “wreaths” in the new testament.

Index of Master Study Outline #7

I. The Crown of Life

Read: James 1:12

II. The Wreath Imperishable

Read: 1 Cor 9:24-27

III. The Crown of Exultation

Read: 1 Thess 2:19-20

IV. The Crown of Righteousness

Read: 2 Tim 4:5-8

V. The Crown of Glory

Read: I Pet 5:2-4

I. The Crown of Life

Read: James 1:12

This reward could be called the lover’s crown. Upon examination of this verse, we discover that the believer finds strength to overcome temptation and endure trials, through the love of God. Paul said, “We also exult in our tribulations”. The question is Do we, today, exult in tribulation? We can, only if the “love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:3-5). Without the love of God in the heart of the believer, trials can cause him to become bitter and critical and lose the “crown of life”.

All believers have eternal life (John 3:15-16), but not all believers will be rewarded with the “crown of life”. This crown will be given to those who are “faithful until death” (Rev 2-10). To receive the “crown of life” the believer must love the Lord more than his own life. “For whoever wishes to save his life (live for self) shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s (live for Christ at all cost) shall save it” (Mark 8:35). This reward will be given to those who live for Christ, and endure temptations, in the power of the love of God (1 Cor 10:13).

II. The Wreath Imperishable

Read: 1 Cor 9:24-27

Paul makes use of the Greek games to illustrate the spiritual race of the believer. They ran to win a “perishable wreath; but we an imperishable” wreath. No young man could contend in the games unless he was a Greek citizen, born of Greek parents. No unsaved person can participate in the services of the Lord for rewards; only the born of God are eligible (John 3:3).

Just as the athlete must deny himself many gratification’s of the body so the believer must say, “I buffet my body and make it my slave” or he will become “disqualified”. He will not lose his salvation, but he will lose the “imperishable wreath”.

The Greek games had hard and fast rules for all participants. The New Testament contains the rules for the believers who would enter the spiritual race to win the “imperishable wreath”.

· The believer must deny self of anything that would weigh him down and hold him back (Heb 12:1).

· The believer must keep his eyes fixed on Jesus, and not look to the right or the left (Heb 12;2).

· The believer must find his strength in the Lord (Eph 6:10-18).

· The believer must place his all upon the altar of the Lord (Rom 12:1, 2).

· The believer must, by faith, refuse anything that would impede spiritual progress (Heb 11:24-29).

Do not be a spiritual spectator. Enter the race and run to win the “imperishable wreath”.

III. The Crown of Exultation

Read: 1 Thess 2:19-20

The “crown of exultation” is the soul winner’s crown. The greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lord is to bring others to a knowledge of Christ as personal Savior. The degree of your joy in heaven will be determined by the souls you have had a part in bringing to Christ. Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that they are his “… hope or joy or crown of exultation” now and when Jesus comes.

· It is wise to win souls to Christ (Prov 11:30 OT).

· It is a work against sin to win souls to Christ (James 5:20).

· It is a cause for joy in heaven to win souls to Christ (Luke 15:10).

· Every soul winner will shine as the stars forever (Dan 12:3 OT).

How you can win souls to Christ:

· Witness with your life live that others may see Christ in you (2 Cor 3-2 and Gal 2:20).

· Witness with your mouth, trusting the Holy Spirit to give power to the spoken word (Acts 1:8).

· Witness by tithes and offerings that others may preach Christ, and you will have “profit which increases to your account” (Phil 4:15-17 and 2 Cor 9:6).

God has promised that your toil will not be in vain in the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). The soul winner will not rejoice alone, all of heaven will rejoice with him when he receives the “crown of exultation” (John 4:36).

IV. The Crown of Righteousness

Read: 2 Tim 4:5-8

The “crown of righteousness” is a reward, and it is not to be confused with the “righteousness of God” which the believer receives when he becomes a Christian; for at that time, the believer is to become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5 21). This saving righteousness is a gift to be accepted by the lost. The “crown of righteousness” is a reward to be earned by the saved. If the believer looks for, and loves the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, it will affect his whole life. Look at the dynamic impact this truth had on the life of the Apostle Paul. He could say:

· “I have fought the good fight” (2 Tim 4:7 and 1 Cor 15:32). He fought a spiritual battle throughout his Christian life, and won. He never surrendered to the enemies of righteousness (Eph 6:12).

· “I have finished the course.” He had a course to travel, and he did not detour the hard places; neither did he look back (Luke 9:61, 62). He finished his course with his eyes fixed on Christ (Phil 1:6).

· “I have kept the faith.” He preached the “… whole purpose of God”, never betraying any of the great doctrines (Acts 20:24-31). The Apostle looked ahead to the “judgment seat of Christ” where the “crown of righteousness” will be given to those who “loved His appearing”. How important it is for the believer to look with a heart of love for the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that he may receive the “crown of righteousness” (2 Tim 4:8).

V. The Crown of Glory

Read: I Pet 5:2-4

The “crown of glory” is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called Pastor. He will receive this reward when the “Chief Shepherd appears. It is eternal; it is “unfading”. Every believer may share in the pastor’s “crown of glory”. “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Matt 10:41). Support your faithful, God-called Pastor by:

· Praying for him and encouraging him in the work of the Lord.

· Undergird his ministry with God’s tithes and your offerings (Mal 3:10 OT).

· Giving freely of your time to the service of the Lord.

And, God will reward you for supporting His chosen servant by allowing you to share in your pastor’s reward. The Pastor will earn this “crown of glory” by:

· Feeding the church. He is to proclaim the Word of God without fear or

favor; and, when necessary, he will “reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Tim 4:2-5).

· Taking the spiritual oversight of the church. The Pastor is responsible to God for the message preached to his people. No Pastor should preach to please the people; he is to please his Lord (Gal 1:10).

· Being an example to the church. He is not to serve for the reward of money. Yet, the church is responsible to care for his every material need (1 Tim 5:18). He is to be a spiritual leader, and not a dictator. He is to walk with God by faith. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Pet 5:4).

On to study # 7 – Rewards

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# 6 – Judgement

September 24th, 2009

“Judgement”

Introduction to Master Study Outline #6

In the Scriptures, we are instructed in how we should be “handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). This is most essential when studying the judgments.

Do not endeavor to make all judgments conform to the theory of one “general judgment”. The “general judgment” theory is the invention of religion, and is not taught in the Word of God.

There are five separate judgments revealed in the Bible, and they differ as to time, place, and purpose. Yet, they all have one thing in common: the Lord Jesus Christ is the Judge (John 5:22).

· Everyone, from Adam to the last man to be born on this earth, will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ to be judged.

· In the first judgment, the sins of the believers have already been judged in Christ on the cross.

· In the second judgment, the believer is to judge self, or be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ and disciplined.

· In the third judgment, all believers must appear at the “judgment seat of Christ” where their works are to be judged. In the fourth judgment, all nations are to be judged at the Second Coming of Christ.

· In the fifth judgment, the wicked dead are to be judged at the great white throne.

Index of Master Study Outline #6

I. The Judgment of The Believer’s Sins

Read: John 5:24

II. The Judgment of The Believer’s Self

Read: I Cor 11:31, 32

III. The Judgment of The Believer’s Works

Read: 2 Cor 5:10

IV. The Judgment of The Nations

Read: Matt 25:31-46

V. The Judgment of The Wicked

Read: Rev 20:11-15

I. The Judgment of The Believer’s Sins

Read: John 5:24

In the above verse, our Lord tells us that the believer “does not come into judgment.” Our sins were judged in Christ on Calvary and every believer “has passed out of death into life.” This is present salvation. Christ paid for our sins. He was judged in the believer’s stead. The believer will not come into judgment because:

· Jesus Christ paid the penalty, and on the grounds of His substitutional death, the believer is separated from his sins forever (Ps. 103:12 OT).

· The sins of the believer have been wiped out and God has promised that He “will not remember your sins” (Is 43:25 OT).

· Our Lord suffered for our sins, “the just for the unjust,” that we might be saved and never come into judgment as sinners (1 Pet 3:18).

· The believer will never be condemned with the world, because Christ was condemned in his place. “He made Him …to be sin on our behalf” (2 Cor 5:21). Christ was made a curse for us on the cross, and on our behalf redeemed us from the curse of the Law (Gal 3:13). “He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb 9:26). The believer will not come into judgment because his sins have been purified (Heb 1:3).

II. The Judgment of The Believer’s Self

Read: I Cor 11:31, 32

The judgment of the believer’s self is more than judging things in the believer’s life. When the believer judges self, the good and the bad in his life come to light; and he will confess the bad (1 John 1:9) and forsake it (Is 55:7 OT). However, it is not enough just to judge sin in the believer; he must judge self.

· To judge self is to practice self-abnegation, for when the believer sees self as God sees him, he will renounce self. It is replacing the self-life with the Christ-life (Col 3:4). Christ is the believer’s life.

· To judge self is to deny self. This is more than self-denial. Self-denial is denying one’s self of the gratification’s of the flesh. If we practice self-denial only, it is treating the symptom and not the cause. But when we deny self, we are attacking the cause, for in self (that is, in the flesh) “nothing good dwells” (Rom 7:18). To deny self is to take up our cross and follow Christ (Mark 8:34-38).

· To judge self is to lose the self-life, and find the Christ-life (Gal 2:20).

· To judge self is to no longer be self-conscious, but become Christ-conscious (Matt 28:20).

· To judge self is to no longer be self-controlled, but to become Christ-controlled (Acts 9:6).

· To judge self is to no longer practice self-esteem, but to esteem others better than self (Phil 2:3). To judge self is to become selfless.

III. The Judgment of The Believer’s Works

Read: 2 Cor 5:10

The believer’s works will be judged at the “judgment seat of Christ”, which is referred to many times in the Bible. A careful reading of 2 Corinthians 5:10 with the context reveals that only believers will appear at the “judgment seat of seat of Christ”. Their works will be judged, not their sins, for we have already seen that all sins of the believer were judged in Christ on Calvary, and “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

· This judgment will take place “in the air,” following the first resurrection. “The dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thess 4:14-18). There will be a thousand years between the resurrection of the saved and the unsaved (Rev 20:4-5), and there will be a thousand years between the “judgment seat of Christ” where only the saved will appear and the “great white throne judgment” where only unsaved will appear.

· At the judgment seat of Christ, the believer will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, we should look to our own works, and not judge the works of others (Rom 14:10-13).

· It is a most humbling thought to know that some day the believer will face all of his works, “good or bad”. Some will be ashamed (1 John 2:28) and “suffer loss” not the loss of salvation, but the loss of rewards

(1 Cor 3:11- 15). So whatever you do, do it to the glory of God (Col 3:17).

IV. The Judgment of The Nations

Read: Matt 25:31-46

This judgment is not the judgment of the great white throne (Rev 20:11-15). A careful comparison of the two judgments will establish the following facts:

· The judgment of the nations will take place “when the Son of Man comes in His glory …then He will sit on His glorious throne.” The great white throne is never called “the Throne of His Glory” (Rev 20: 11-15).

· At this judgment, He will judge the living nations (Joel 3:11-16 OT). At the white throne judgment, He will judge the wicked dead.

· At this judgment, there will be no resurrection of the dead. At the great throne all the wicked dead are raised: “The sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them…” (Rev 20:13).

· At this judgment, the judge is God “the King” judging the living nations in His earthly kingdom. At the great white throne, the judge is God, judging only the wicked dead.

· At this judgment, there are no books opened. At the great white throne, the “books were opened.”

· At this judgment, there are three classes judged: “sheep” the saved (Rev 7:9-17); “goats” the unsaved (2 Thess. 1:7-10); “tribes”, the elect of Israel (Rev 7: 1-8 also Rom 11:25-28). At the great white throne, there is only one class: “the dead”.

· At this judgment, the King gives the kingdom to those who have eternal life. At the great white throne, there are no saved and no kingdom: they are all “thrown into the lake of fire”.

V. The Judgment of The Wicked

Read: Rev 20:11-15

The great white throne judgment will follow the thousand year reign of Christ. This is the final judgment, and only the wicked dead are to be judged. According to Revelation 20:5, “the believers were resurrected a thousand years before this judgment, and their works were judged at the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor 5:10).

· At this judgment, the wicked dead will seek a hiding place from the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, the judge. But there is no hiding place.

· At this judgment, the “dead, the great and the small” will stand before God. But the greatness of the great will be of no value. “THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE” (Rom 3: 12).

· At this judgment, the “book of life” will be opened. Why the “book of life” if there are no saved at this judgment? The wicked will be shown

that God in His mercy provided space for them in the “book of life,” so that they are without excuse (Rom 1 18-20).

· At this judgment, the dead will be judged “according to their deeds. God is a just God and since there are degrees of punishment in hell, some will be punished more than others (Luke 12:42-48).

· At this judgment, there will be no acquittal, no higher court to which the lost may appeal. It is lost, and lost forever; it is damned to all eternity, and that without hope. There is a Hades (Luke 16:19-31), and in Hades, there is no hope, no sympathy, no love; even the love of God does not extend beyond the portals of Hades.

On to study # 6 – Judgment

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# 5 – Sin

September 24th, 2009

“Sin”

Introduction to Master Study Outline #5

In considering the question of sin, we are faced with two startling facts.

The first fact is that man makes so little of sin. To some it is an illusion (a religious mirage) the invention of some fanatic. It is denied, joked about, and laughed at by man. Many who believe sin to be a fact, continue in it with little thought of its penalty.

The second fact is that God makes so much of sin. God said, ” The person who sins will die” (Ezek 18:20 OT). “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). All sins are an abomination to God (Prov 6:16-19 OT), and He hates those who do iniquity (Ps 5:5 OT). Moses said, “… everyone who acts unjustly is an abomination to the Lord” (Deut 25:16 OT). Sin is an evil force. Its presence cannot be escaped in this life, but it can be overcome by the power of God.

Index of Master Study Outline #5

I. The Origin of Sin

Read: Jude 1:6

II. What is Sin

Read: I John 3:4

III. How Sin Entered Into The World

Read: Rom 5:12

IV. The Result of Sin

Read: Eph 2:1

V. God’s Remedy for Sin

Read: 2 Cor 5:21

I. The Origin of Sin

Read: Jude 1:6

The origin of sin is one of the mysteries of the Bible. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” (Deut 29:29 OT). Its origin is one of the “secret things” that will remain wrapped in obscurity. Sin was first noted in the heart of Satan. He was created a perfect being, “… Until unrighteousness was found in you” (Ezek 28:11-19 OT). Satan fell from perfection when he exerted his will above the will of God. Five times he said, “I will” (Is 14:12-17 OT). It was his will over God’s will …this is sin.

It is believed that Satan, when first created, was the ruler of this earth (Gen 1:1 OT), and that he fell through self-will; and at his fall, the earth became “formless and void” (Gen 1:2 OT). Isaiah tells us that God created the earth “and did not create it a waste place” (Is 45:18 OT). He did not create it a chaos. The earth was a perfect creation in (Genesis 1:1 OT). Something happened that caused a catastrophe and the earth became “formless and void” (Gen 1:2 OT), but it was not created thus. It is believed that some of the angels, along with Satan, sinned by leaving their first estate. This does not provide that Satan was the originator of sin, but it does reveal sin in the heart of Satan before God created man.

II. What is Sin

Read: I John 3:4

It is impossible to deny the existence of sin, when the whole world is in conflict between good and evil. If sin were not a fact, there would be no crime; we would not need jails or prisons. We would need no locks on our doors, or vaults for our valuables.

To some, sin is being indiscreet; or it is a weakness of the flesh. To others, it is the absence from good. To the so-called scholar, sin is ignorance; and to the evolutionist, it is the nature of the beast.

The latest theory is that sin is a disease to be treated by science, because man is not a sinner, he is only sick. To others, sin is a form of selfishness, but God declared that:

· Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4).

· Sin is falling short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).

· Sin is revolting against God (Is 1-2 OT).

· Sin is unbelief; it makes God a liar (1 John 5:10).

· Sin is going your own way, planning your life according to your own will, without seeking the will of God (Is 53:6).

· All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17).

Sin is a folly to deceive you, a force to destroy you, and a fact to condemn you. Sin is a volitional act of disobedience against the revealed will of God.

III. How Sin Entered Into the World

Read: Rom 5:12

“… through one man sin entered into the world” (Rom 5-12). The fall of man is found in Genesis 3:1-24 (OT). When Adam sinned, his seed became perishable (1 Pet 1:23). Therefore, we are sinners, because we are born in sin (Ps 51:5 OT).

You do not teach children to be bad, but you do have to teach them to be good. You do not have to teach them to lie, but you do have to teach them to tell the truth.

“So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men” (John 3:18). “All have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). Sin entered the world through our first parents m the Garden of Eden, and “all have sinned” because all are sinners.

Man sins by choice, because he is a sinner by nature. Therefore, the dominion sin has over you is according to the delight you have in lt.

IV. The Result of Sin

Read: Eph 2:1

“… the wages of sin is death.” As a result of man’s sin, there are three deaths. Keep in mind that death does not annihilate-it only separates. In the Garden of Eden, it separated man from God spiritually; this is spiritual death. In natural death, it separates the Spirit and the soul from the body; this is physical death. In final death, it separates man from the mercy of God forever; this is eternal death!

· The wages of sin is spiritual death. Just as sin separated man from God spiritually and drove him from the presence of God out of the Garden, so sin will separate you from God (Is 59:1, 2 OT). The only way back to God is to confess your sins to him (1 John 1:9) and forsake your sins (Is 55:7 OT), th t you may be restored to fellowship with God.

· The wages of sin is physical death. Physical death is a result of sin. Death had no claim on man until man sinned. Now all die, because all are in sin. Death is universal, and since we have a universal effect, we must have a universal cause, and that is universal sin. All men die, the good and the bad, the young and the old, and man will continue to die until death is destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:26) and is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:54-57).

· The wages of sin is eternal death. “The person who sins will die” (Ezek 18:20 OT). This is eternal separation from the love of God (Rev 20:14). Once the soul passes beyond the portals of Hades he is lost and lost forever. He will continue to exist, but without hope. He is damned and damned to all eternity. Eternal death is eternal separation from God (Luke 16:19-31).

V. God’s Remedy for Sin

Read: 2 Cor 5:21

Man, not willing to accept God’s remedy for his ruin, strives to bring about his own salvation by human means.

· He strives for self-righteousness, when he needs to be made the “righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21 and Is 64:6 OT).

· He strives to reform, when he needs to be regenerated (Titus 3:5).

· He strives to turn over a new leaf, when he needs a new life (John 10:10).

· He strives to be justified by the Law when he needs to be justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16).

· He strives to clean up the old man, when he needs to be made a new man in Christ (Eph 4:24).

· He strives to be saved by good works, when he needs salvation by the grace of God (Eph 2-8, 9).

The only remedy for the ruin of man is the Son of God, being made sin for us on the cross. The only way to receive this remedy is by faith in Him as personal savior (John 20:30, 31).

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# 4 – The Holy Spirit

September 24th, 2009

“The Holy Spirit”

Introduction to Master Study Outline #4

The Holy Spirit is God, and is equal to the Father and the Son. Don’t ever speak of Him as “It” or refer to Him as “an influence”. He is God the Holy Spirit, and is set forth in the Bible as being distinct from the Father and the Son. In the Genesis account of creation, He is seen actively engaged in the work of creation, along with the Father and the Son. In the Old Testament, He came upon men to empower them for service; but, when they were disobedient, He departed from them.

When David sinned against the Lord, he prayed, “Do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me” ( Ps 51:11 OT). In the New Testament, after Pentecost, we see the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, never to leave him, filling and empowering him for service. The study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance. A scriptural understanding of God the Holy Spirit will make you a better Christian and servant of God.

Index of Master Study Outline #4

I. The Deity of The Holy Spirit

Read: Acts 5:3, 4

II. The Emblems of The Holy Spirit

Read: Luke 3:16

III. Sins Against The Holy Spirit

Read: Matt 12:31, 32

IV. The Work of The Holy Spirit

Read: John 16:7-14

V. The Fruit of The Holy Spirit

Read: Gal 5:22, 23

I. The Deity of The Holy Spirit

Read: Acts 5:3, 4

In dealing with Ananias, Peter revealed the deity of the Holy Spirit when he said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit … You have not lied to men, but to God.” In this Scripture it is very clear that the Holy Spirit is God, and He is co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent with the Father and the Son.

His deity is also set forth in that He possesses divine attributes:

· He is everywhere present in the universe ( Ps 139:7-10 OT).

· He has all power ( Luke 1:35 ).

· He has all knowledge ( 1 Cor 2:10,11 ).

· He is eternal ( Heb 9-14 ).

His deity is revealed in that His name is coupled in equality with the name of the Father and the Son.

· In the baptism of the believer ( Matt 28:19 ).

· In the apostolic benediction ( 2 Cor 13:14 ).

His deity is seen in relation to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

· Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit ( Luke 1:35 ).

· He was anointed by the Holy Spirit for service ( Acts 10:38 ).

· He was led by the Holy Spirit ( Matt 4:1 ).

· He was crucified in the power of the Holy Spirit ( Heb 9:14 ).

· He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit ( Rom 8:11 )

· Jesus gave commandments to the apostles and the church through the Holy Spirit ( Acts 1:2 ).

If Jesus needed to depend solely upon the Holy Spirit during His life and ministry here on the earth, can we afford to do less?

II. The Emblems of The Holy Spirit

Read: Luke 3:16

It is often difficult to impart truth by use of words. Frequently they reveal only a half-truth, leaving the other half hidden. The writers of the Bible used certain emblems when unfolding the mysteries of the Holy Spirit, because they illustrate more about Him than volumes can contain. They are:

· Fire as an emblem ( Luke 3:16 ). Fire speaks of His consuming, purifying power in the life of the believer ( Acts 2:3 also Is 6:1-7 OT).

· Wind as an emblem ( John 3:8 ). Wind speaks of His hidden depth in His mighty regenerating power.

· Water as an emblem ( John 7:37-39 ). Water speaks of His power to fill the believer to overflowing with spiritual life.

· Seal as an emblem ( Eph 1 :13 ). Seal speaks of His ownership of the believer; it is a finished, eternal transaction.

· Oil as an emblem ( Acts 10:38 ). Oil speaks of His power to anoint for service.

· Dove as an emblem ( Mark 1:10 ). The dove speaks of His gentle, tender, peaceful nature.

We may know “the peace of God, which surpassed all comprehension” ( Phil 4:7 ) only when fully surrendered to God.

III. Sins Against The Holy Spirit

Read: Matt 12:31, 32

This is a solemn study, because the Holy Spirit is God and can be sinned against by both the believer and the unbeliever. May He help you search your heart as you consider:

· The sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit ( Matt 12:31, 32 ). This sin is committed by unbelievers. It is often called the “unpardonable sin”". It has no forgiveness. It was committed by the enemies of Jesus when they accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan ( Matt 12:24 ) when Jesus claimed to cast them out by the “Spirit of God” ( Matt 12:28 ).

· The sin of resisting the Holy Spirit ( Acts 7:51 ). This sin is committed by the unbeliever when rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

· The sin of grieving the Holy Spirit ( Eph 4:30-32 ). This sin is committed by believers. He is grieved by us unless He controls our lives to the glory of Jesus Christ.

· The sin of quenching the Holy Spirit ( 1 Thess 5:19 ). This sin is committed by Christians when known sin is allowed to go unconfessed ( 1 John 1:9; also Is 59:1, 2 OT).

· The sin of lying to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5 1-11 ). The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was deception, born in jealousy. They tried to mock God ( Gal. 6:7 ). The Holy Spirit can be sinned against, because He is God.

IV. The Work of The Holy Spirit

Read: John 16:7-14

In instructing His disciples regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “… for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to help you. And He, when He comes, will …”:

· Convict men of the sin of unbelief ( John 16:9 ).

· Convict men that Jesus is the righteousness of God ( John 16:10 also Rom 10:3, 4 ).

· Convict men that the power of Satan has been broken ( John 16:11 ).

· Regenerate the believer ( John 3:5; also Titus 3:5 ).

· Indwell the believer ( 1 Cor 6 19, 20 ).

· Seal the believer ( Eph 1 13, 14 ).

· Baptize the believer ( Acts 1:5 also 1 Cor 12:13 ).

· Infill the believer ( Eph 5:18 ).

· Empower the believer ( Acts 1:8 ).

· Lead the believer ( Gal 5:16-18 ).

· Administer spiritual gifts to the believer ( 1 Cor 12:1-11 ).

The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, to remain with the church until it is complete and presented to the Lord Jesus at His coming. Just as Jesus Christ finished the work He came to do in the flesh, so the Holy Spirit will finish the work He came to do in the church

V. The Fruit of The Holy Spirit

Read: Gal 5:22, 23

“The fruit of the Spirit is love”. Only as we live in love can we fulfill the will of God in our lives. The believer must become love-inspired, love-mastered, and love-driven (2 Cor. 5:14). Without the fruit of the Spirit (love), we are just a religious noise ( 1 Cor 13:1 ).

“The fruit of the Spirit is love,” and it is manifested in Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control:

· Joy is love’s strength.

· Peace is love’s security.

· Patience is love’s endurance.

· Kindness is love’s conduct.

· Goodness is love’s character.

· Faithfulness is love’s confidence.

· Gentleness is love’s humility.

· Self-control is love’s victory.

“Against such things there is no law.”

A Holy Spirit-controlled man needs no law to cause him to live a righteous life. The secret of a Spirit-controlled life is found in dedication to God ( Rom. 12:1, 2 ). Put your all on the alter, and the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with the love of God ( Rom 5:5 ).

On to study # 5 – Sin

On to study # 4 – The Holy Spirit

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# 3 – Jesus Christ The Son Of God

September 24th, 2009

“Jesus Christ The Son Of God”

Introduction to Master Study Outline #3

Christianity differs from all religions, because it is more than a religion, it is the life of the Son of God made living in man. Christ is Christianity, and Christianity is Christ. He is the supreme subject of each book of the New Testament, and fulfills all the promises of God in the Old Testament, from His incarnation to His Second Coming as “Lord of lords and King of kings” ( Rev 17:14 ). He is the God-man Christ Jesus in glory, exalted above all creatures. Jesus said, ” All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” ( Matt 28:18 ).

During His earthly ministry, He claimed to be God incarnate (in human flesh). He is all that He claimed to be, or He is less than the least ( Rev. 1:8 ). Before His claim can be denied, there are some things that must be accounted for:

· His virgin birth;

· His holy, sinless life;

· His many miracles;

· His vicarious death and His bodily resurrection.

Proceed to the Index of Master Study Outline #3 to continue your study.

Index: Master Outline #3

I. The Deity of Jesus Christ

Read: John 1:1

II. The Humanity of Jesus Christ

Read Rom 1:3, 4

III. The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ

Read Luke 1:26-35

IV. The Death of Jesus Christ

Read Phil. 2:8

V. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Read Mat. 28:1-20

VI. The Ascension and Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Read Acts 1:9-11

I. The Deity of Jesus Christ

Read: John 1:1

The deity of Jesus Christ, or His God nature, is well established in the New Testament. Some of the facts are:

· He is called God by the Apostle John ( John 1:1 ).

· He is called God by the Apostle Thomas ( John 20:28 ).

· He is called God by God the Father ( He. 1:8 ).

· He claimed to be God in that He was with the Father before creation ( John 17:5 ).

· He claimed to be God in that He was before Abraham. “Abraham rejoiced to see my day …” ( John 8:51-59 ).

· He received worship, and only God is to be worshipped ( Matt 14:33 ). Angels refused worship ( Rev 22:8,9 ). Man refused worship ( Acts 10:25,26 ).

· He forgives sin ( Mark 2:5-11 ). Only God can forgive sin.

· He is creator and maker of all things ( Col 1 :16 ).

· He is Sustainer of all things ( Heb 1:3 ). Only God can control the universe.

· He claimed to have “all authority … in heaven and on earth” ( Matt 28:18 ). God has all authority.

· He walked upon the blue waters of Galilee. The winds and the waves obeyed His commands. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He cast out demons and made the lame to walk. He turned water into wine, and fed five thousand with the lunch of a lad.

II. The Humanity of Jesus Christ

Read Rom 1: 3, 4

The humanity of Jesus Christ is seen in His human parentage ( Matt. 2-11 ).

· He developed as a normal human being ( Luke 2:52 ).

· He was subject to all the sinless infirmities of the human nature:

o He was hungry ( Matt 4:2 ).

o He was thirsty ( John 19:28 ).

o He was weary ( John 4:6 ).

o He wept ( John 11:35 ).

o He was tempted ( Heb 4:15 ).

Jesus is man, and yet He is more than man. He is not God and man, but the God-man. He is God in human flesh. His two natures are bound together in such a way that the two become one, having a single consciousness and will.

III. The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ

Read Luke 1:26-35

The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is without parallel in human history. It was by the virgin birth that God became man, one perfect person but two natures. One nature being that of Almighty God, the other being that of man, man without sin ( Heb 4 15 ). The union of the two natures became the God-man Christ Jesus.

· The first hint of the virgin birth is found in Gen. 3:15 (OT). The One to defeat Satan was to be born of the “seed” of the woman. This is a biological miracle; there is no seed of the woman. From this, we are to understand that One was to be born of a woman without a human father ( Luke 1:26-35 ).

· Isaiah prophesied that a “virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel (God is with us)” ( Is 7:14 OT).

· Again Isaiah prophesied saying, “a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us” ( Is 9:6, 7 OT). This means that God gave His only begotten Son who was with Him from eternity, and the Child Jesus was born of a virgin. God gave His Son “to us”.

· According to prophecy, He was to be born in Bethlehem ( Mic 5:2 O T). Joseph with Mary went up to Bethlehem to be taxed, and to fulfill prophecy ( Luke 2:1-7).

IV. The Death of Jesus Christ

Read Phil 2:8

The death of Jesus Christ is mentioned more than 120 times in the New Testament, and is spoken of many times by the prophets in the Old Testament.

· The death of Jesus Christ was vicarious ( Matt 20:28). He was God’s substitute for sinners ( 2 Cor 5:21). On the cross, Christ was made sin for the sinner. By faith in Him, the sinner is made righteous with the righteousness of God.

o Note: 1. Amplified Bible (AV) – Vicarious or ransom (lutron, loo’-tron).

· The price for redeeming, ransom, (paid for slaves, captives, for the ransom of life), to liberate many from misery and the penalty of their sins.

o Note: 2. Webster’s New World Dictionary – Vicarious, substituted.

· Taking the place of another thing or person; substitute; deputy.

· Held or handled by one person as the deputy of another; delegated (vicarious powers).

· Endured, suffered, or performed by one person in place of another (vicarious punishment).

· The death of Jesus Christ was natural ( John 19:31-37 ). By a natural death, we mean that His spirit and soul were separated from His body.

· The death of Jesus Christ was unnatural ( Rom 6:23 ). By an unnatural death, we mean that since He was sinless, in that He “committed no sin” ( 1 Pet 2:22 ) or, had “no sin” ( 1 John 3:5 ) or, “knew no sin” ( 2 Cor 5:21 ) so, before He could die, He had to be “made sin on our behalf”. Therefore, His death was unnatural.

· The death of Jesus Christ was preternatural ( Rev 13:8 ). By this, we mean that the death of Jesus Christ was not an afterthought with God; it was the forethought of God.

· The death of Jesus Christ was supernatural ( John 10: 17, 18 ). Jesus said, “No one has taken it away from Me”. Then He said, “I lay it down on My own initiative (supernaturally).” “I have authority to take it up again (supernaturally).” This He did on the cross, and three days and three nights later, He took life up again when He arose from the dead. Only God in the form of man could die a vicarious, natural, unnatural, preternatural, and supernatural death.

V. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Read Matt 28:1-20

Jesus said, ” I am the resurrection and the life” ( John 11:25 ). The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the doctrine of every disciple, the faith of every true believer, the courage of every martyr, the theme of every sermon, and the power of every evangelist.

Luke tells us that we have “many convincing proofs” of His resurrection ( Acts 1:3 ). Let us look at some of the “convincing proofs” according to eye witnesses:

· After His resurrection He appeared first to Mary Magdalene ( John 20:11-18 ).

· He appeared to the women returning from the grave ( Matt 28:5-10 ).

· Then He appeared to Peter ( Luke 24:34 ).

· To the Emmaus disciples ( Luke 24: 13-31 ).

· To the apostles, Thomas not present ( Luke 24:36-43 ).

· Again to the apostles, Thomas present ( John 20:24-29 ).

· To the seven by the Sea of Tiberias ( John 21:1-23- also Luke 22:61 ).

· To over five hundred brethren ( 1 Cor 15:6 ).

· He was seen by James ( 1 Cor 15:7 ).

· He was seen again by the eleven apostles ( Matt 28:16-20 & Acts 1:3-12 ).

· He was seen of Stephen, the first martyr ( Act 7:55 ).

· He was seen f Paul on his way to Damascus ( Acts 9:3-6 & 1 Cor 15:8 ).

Many of these eye witnesses died martyrs’ deaths because they preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were glad to die for a living Christ. They had the “convincing proofs.”

When Jesus was arrested m the Garden of Gesthsemane, all of His disciples “left Him and fled” ( Matt 26:56 ). From this time until after His resurrection, the disciples lived m fear. They did not believe that He would rise from the dead ( John 20:9 ). Had Jesus not come from the dead, the cross would have been the end of Christianity. After the death of Jesus, we see His disciples dejected, discouraged, and defeated. The death of Jesus meant but one thing to them; the end. How do we account for the great change that came into their lives three days and three nights later? The only logical explanation is they had “convincing proofs” He had risen from the dead, and was alive forevermore. They saw Him, talked with Him, touched Him, and ate with Him.

Now look at some “convincing proofs” according to circumstantial evidence:

· The change that came into the lives of the disciples after the resurrection – from fear to unlimited courage. They rejoiced in persecution ( Acts 5:40-42 ). They chose death, with faith in the resurrected Christ, rather than to deny that faith and be released ( Heb 11:35 ).

· The early church began to worship on the first day of the week, the day of the resurrection. It was not a law-it was spontaneous ( Acts 20:7 ). For almost two thousand years, the church has worshipped on the first day. For the Christian, every Sunday is Easter.

· The early Christians went everywhere with the word of the resurrection ( Acts 8:1-4 ).

· The empty tomb-for if Jesus is not alive, what happened to His body? The Roman guards were paid to say, “His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep” ( Matt 28:12, 13 ).

o First the disciples lacked the courage. Had the disciples stolen His body, then how do you account for the fact that they all suffered, and most of them died martyrs’ deaths? In the face of death, one of them would have revealed the hiding place of the “stolen body” to save his own life.

o Second, no one was ever arrested or tried for stealing the body of Jesus. It is evident that the governing officials did not believe the story of the guards.

o Third, the guards could have been put to death for sleeping while on watch.

o Fourth, if they were asleep, how could they have known that it was the disciples who “stole” the body?

o Fifth, had the enemies of Jesus moved the body, they could have produced it and brought a quick end to Christianity, and they would have!

· The linen wrappings found in the empty tomb are proof of the resurrection ( John 20:1-10 ). Had friend or foe stolen the body, they would not have removed the linen wrapping; since he had been dead three days and nights. When John saw the linen wrapping and recognized that they were folded the same as when they were wrapped about the body, he knew that a miracle had taken place. Jesus came out of the wrappings, and they collapsed without disturbing the folds. They were left in the tomb as “convincing proof”; and when John saw and understood, he believed that Jesus had come from the dead.

VI. The Ascension and Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Read Acts 1:9-11

After forty days of instructing His disciples, the risen Christ ascended up on high and is seated at the right hand of the Father ( Heb. 10:12 ). Two men brought the message of His second coming to the apostles: “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way . . .” The message of the second coming of Jesus is so important, that it is mentioned over three hundred times m the New Testament.

· He is coming to take His church to be with Him ( 1 Thess 4:16, 17 ). Also, ( John 14:1, 6 ).

· He is coming to judge the nations ( Matt 25:31-46 ).

· He is coming to save Israel ( Rom 11:25, 26 ).

· He is coming to sit upon the throne of David ( Luke 1 31-33 & Is 9:6, 7 (OT).

· He is coming to bring righteous government to this earth ( Heb 1:8 ) Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth again. “Come, Lord Jesus” ( Rev 22:20 ).

On to study # 3 – Jesus Christ – the son of God

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# 2 – God

September 24th, 2009

“God”

Introduction to Master Study Outline #2

The Bible reveals God as the only Infinite and Eternal Being, having no beginning and no ending. He is Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is the Supreme Personal Intelligence, and Righteous Ruler of His universe. He is life, and therefore, the only source of life ( John 5:26 ).

Man is natural and cannot know God by wisdom. “Can you discover the depths of God?” ( Job 11:7 OT). God is a person and can be known only by revelation. In the Old Testament He revealed Himself to and through His prophets. In the New Testament He reveals Himself through His Son Jesus Christ ( Heb. 1:1-3).

Index of Master Study Outline #2

I. The Existence of God

Read: Heb. 11:5, 6

II. The Personality of God

Read: I Thess. 1:9

III. The Nature of God

Read: 1 John 4:8

IV. The Grace of God

Read: Eph. 2:8, 9

V. The Trinity of God

Read: Matt. 3:16, 17

I. The Existence of God

Read: Heb. 11:5, 6

The Bible nowhere attempts to prove or argue the existence of God. “For he who comes to God must believe that He is.” The existence of God is a fact taken for granted by the writers of both the Old and New Testaments. “In the beginning God” ( Gen. 1:1 OT). The Bible opens by announcing the sublime fact of God and His existence. There are arguments for the existence of God-they are not conclusive, but are food for thought:

· Universal belief in God comes from within man. It is innate in man, and comes from rational intuition.

· The argument from “cause and effect.” Everything that began owes its existence to a cause. We have a watch we must have a watchmaker. We have a building; we must have a builder. We have a creation; then we must have a creator. This creation could not have come into existence without an intelligent, personal creator anymore than the alphabet could produce a book itself without an author.

· The argument from anthropology. Man’s moral and intellectual nature argues for a moral and intellectual creator.

· The Bible and the Christ that it reveals, His virgin birth, His sinless life,

His vicarious death, and His bodily resurrection, all of this and much, much more, argue for the existence of God.

II. The Personality of God

Read: I Thess 1:9

The Bible reveals God as a personality. He is called “… a living and true God”, One possessing self-consciousness and self-determination. His personality is shown in what He does, such as: God loves. “God so loved the world …” ( John 3:16).

· God hates. “There are six things which the Lord hates …” ( Prov 6:16 OT).

· God cares. “He cares for you …” ( 1 Pet 5:7 ).

· God grieves. “He was grieved in His heart …” ( Gen 6:6 OT).

Only a personality can hate, care, and grieve; therefore, God must be a living, eternal, and personal being.

III. The Nature of God

Read: 1 John 4:8

There are four definitions of God in the Bible. Since God cannot be defined, they are incomplete. However, they do throw light upon the nature of God. They are:

· “God is love” ( 1 John 4:8 ). This is the nature of God in His divine compassion.

· “God is light” ( 1 John 1:5 ). This is the nature of God in His divine character; in Him there is no darkness.

· “God is a consuming fire” ( Heb 12:29 ). This is the nature of God in His divine holiness.

· “God is spirit” ( John 4:24 ). This is the nature of God in His divine essence.

The attributes of God reveal His nature. Do not think of His attributes as abstract, but as vital mediums through which His holy nature is unveiled, attributes ascribed to Him, such as:

· Life is ascribed to God ( John 5:26 ).

· All knowledge is ascribed to God ( Ps 147:5 OT).

· All power is ascribed to God ( Rev 19:6 ).

· Filling the universe with His presence is ascribed to God ( Ps 139:1-10 OT).

God is everywhere present, but He is not in everything. If God were in everything, man could worship any object and he would be worshipping God. God is a spirit being. “And those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

IV. The Grace of God

Read: Eph 2:8, 9

Grace is the love and mercy of God in action. Mercy is negative, and love is positive; both together mean grace. To show mercy in love is grace. God showed mercy m love when He sent His Son to bear our sins in His own body on the cross ( John 3:16 ).

· The grace of God saves forever ( Rom 8:38, 39 ).

· The grace of God is unconditional; that is, we are not saved on the condition that we “hold out unto the end” or that we “fail not” or that we “do our best.” We are saved by the grace of God, apart from works.

· The grace of God is sufficient ( 2 Cor 12:9 ).

· The grace of God makes no discrimination ( Rev 22:17 ).

· The grace of God justifies ( Rom 3:23, 24 ).

· The grace of God makes every believer an heir ( Titus 3:7 ).

· The grace of God teaches the believer how to live ( Titus 2:11,12 ).

The grace of God is nothing less than the unlimited love of God expressed in the gift of His Son, our Savior. It is the undeserved love of God toward sinners.

V. The Trinity of God

Read: Matt 3:16, 17

By the Trinity of God we mean His tri-personal existence as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct Persons in one God.

· The Father is recognized as God ( 1 Pet 1:2 ) and all the fullness of the Godhead invisible ( John 1:18 ).

· The Son is recognized as God ( Heb 1:8 ) and is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested in the flesh ( John 1:14 ).

· The Holy Spirit is recognized as God ( Acts 5:3, 4 ) and is all the fullness of the Godhead acting upon man, convicting him of sin ( John 16:7-11 ) and guiding the believer into all truth ( John 16:12-15 ).

· The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicit in the Old Testament, but is rather implied, “Then God said, Let Us make man …” ( Gen 1:26 OT).

· The doctrine of the Trinity is revealed in the New Testament. In the above Scripture ( Matt 3:16, 17 ) we have Christ being baptized in water, the Father speaking from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. We are to baptize in the “name (not names) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” ( Matt. 28:19 ).

· Even creation implies the doctrine of the Trinity. In creation, we have space, matter, and time in one creation. In space, we have length, breadth, and height in one space. In matter, we have energy, motion, and phenomenon in one substance. In time, we have past, present, and future in one time. In man, we have body, soul, and spirit in one man ( 1 Thess 5:23 ).

· In the Holy Trinity, we have Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one God.

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# 1 – The Bible – The Word of God

September 24th, 2009

The Bible – The Word of God

Introduction to Master Study Outline #1

It is so important for a young Christian to start right; therefore, the first lesson is designed to help establish your faith in the Bible, for it is the Word of God.

Keep in mind that the Bible is not a book of philosophy, although it is philosophical. Do not go to the Bible for a scientific treatise. However, there is no discrepancy between ascertained facts of science and the Bible. The Bible is not a book of history, but is found to be accurate when recording history. The Bible was given to man from God, and God the Son, the only Savior ( John 14:6 ). He is the center and the circumference. It is Christ from Genesis to Revelation ( John 5:39 ).

The Bible is as high above all other books as the heavens are above the earth. Someone has said of the Bible: “Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be right.”

Index: Master Outline #1

I. The Bible Claims To Be The Inspired Word Of God

Read: 2 Tim 3:16,17

II. The Bible Is A Difficult Book

Read: 1 Cor 2:14-16

III. The Bible Is A Book Of Oneness

Read: 2 Pet 1:21

IV. The Bible Claims Special Power

Read: Heb 4:12

V. The Bible Commands The Believer To Study The Scriptures

I. The Bible Claims To Be The Inspired Word Of God

Read: 2 Tim 3:16,17

“All scripture is inspired by God.” By “inspired” we mean that the Holy Spirit exerted His supernatural influence upon the writers of the Bible. Therefore, the Scriptures are God inspired word for word. By this we mean that every word, in the original, is fully and equally inspired in all of its teachings. The Bible does not just contain the Word of God, it is the Word of God.

The writers of the Bible did not write by natural inspiration, or an act of the human will. “Men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” ( 2 Pet. 1:21 ). David said, “The spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue” ( 2 Sam 23:2 OT).

· The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible ( 2 Pet 1:21 ).

· Man is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit to write the Bible.

· Results: The infallible Word of God. Therefore, the Bible is free from error and absolutely trustworthy ( Ps. 119:89 OT- also Matt. 24:35).

II. The Bible Is A Difficult Book

Read: 1 Cor 2:14-16

The Bible is a difficult book because it came from the infinite to the finite (from the unlimited, all powerful God, to limited man). Therefore, you cannot understand the Bible as you would understand the writings of Plato or Socrates. You can study the great philosophers with the natural mind, and by diligent application, grasp their profound meanings. If the Bible could be understood by natural man, it would be a natural book, and could not be the Word of God. Since the Bible is from God, and therefore spiritual, before you can receive its teachings, you must be born of the Spirit ( John 3:6) and filled with the Spirit ( Eph 5:18 ). Always approach the Bible praying that the Spirit will be your teacher and will guide you to a better understanding of His Holy Word, or it will remain a difficult, closed book ( John 16:12-15).

III. The Bible Is A Book Of Oneness

Read: 2 Pet 1:21

The oneness or unity of the Bible is a miracle. It is a library of 66 books, written by over 35 different authors, in a period of approximately 1,500 years. Represented in the authors is a cross section of humanity, educated and uneducated, including kings, fisherman, public officials, farmers, teachers, and physicians. Included in the subjects are religion, history, law, science, poetry, drama, biography, and prophecy. Yet its various parts are as harmoniously united as the parts that make up the human body.

For over 35 authors, with such varied backgrounds, to write on so many subjects over a period of approximately 1,500 years in absolute harmony, is a mathematical impossibility. It could not happen! Then how do we account for the Bible? The only adequate explanation is: … men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” ( 2 Pet 1:21 ).

IV. The Bible Claims Special Power

Read: Heb 4:12

“For The Word of God is living and active…”

· The Bible claims dividing power as a sword ( Heb 4:12 ). The Bible will separate man from sin ( Ps 119:11 OT), or sin will separate man from the Bible ( Is 59:2 OT).

· The Bible claims reflecting power as a mirror ( James 1:22-25 ). In the Bible we see ourselves as God sees us, as sinners ( Rom. 3:23 ).

· The Bible claims cleansing power as water ( Eph 5:26 ). David prayed that God would wash him from iniquity and cleanse him from sin ( Ps 51:2 OT).

· The Bible claims reproductive power as seed ( 1 Pet 2:2 ). We are children of God, because we have been born into the family of God by the imperishable seed of God. This is the new birth ( John 3:1-7 ).

· The Bible claims nourishing power as food ( 1 Pet 2:2 ). The Bible is spiritual food for the soul. No Christian can remain strong in the Lord and not study the Word of God.

V. The Bible Commands The Believer To Study The Scriptures

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God” is a command. As you study the Bible, you will discover that it does not just contain the Word of God, it is the Word of God. You must also keep in mind that the Word of God contains the words of God, as well as the words of Satan, demons, angels, and man, both good and bad. God is truth and cannot lie, Satan “… is a liar, and the father of lies” ( John 8:44 ). Man is natural and is therefore limited, and does not always speak the truth. To illustrate: ( Matt 22:15-46 ). In this portion of Scripture, we have the words of Jesus, of the Pharisees, of the Herodians, and of the Sadducees. The Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees were trying to entangle Jesus in His teachings, that they might accuse Him of breaking God’s law. Their words were spoken with evil intent, revealing the thinking of the natural man, along with the words of God that came from the lips of Jesus.

As you study the Bible, ask yourself these questions:

· Who is speaking: God, demon, angel, or man?

· To whom is He speaking: to the nation of Israel, to the Gentiles, to the Church, to men in general, or to some individual man or being?

· How can this Scripture be applied to my own life to make me a better Christian?

On to study # 2 – God