Spiritual Life (Christian Way of Life)

Tod Kennedy, © 2016

The Basic Techniques for the Christian Way of Life –

The Umbrella

Jesus Teaches John 13-17 Apostles Develop

This booklet is about living the Christian life day to day. The biblical word groups, sanctification and walk are central words. Does the Christian have a unique position, unique possessions, unique purpose? The answer is yes. They are position in Christ, spiritual blessings, and make disciples. I have summarized the Christian way of life, sometimes called the spiritual life, by a number of diagrams that help us pull together and remember for understanding and application the central biblical truths for Christian living. The principle diagram is entitled “The Basic Techniques for the Christian way of life—The Umbrella.” This presents the doctrines that are the foundational biblical teachings for living the Christian life.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Christian Way of Life Bible Passages
3. Biblical Doctrines that Summarize Selected Scripture for Christian Way of Life
4. The Bible’s Central Themes
5. Seven Key Words (Ideas) in the Bible
6. Plan for Christian Living
7. Matthew 28:19-20
8. Second Corinthians 5:17 Position in Christ
9. Live Worthy of the Gospel – Citizens of Heaven, Philippians 1:27-28
10. John chapter titles
11. Jesus joy in crisis John 17
12. John 13-17 Upper Room Discourse
13. Summary of Christian life basics from John 13-17
14. Sanctification Scripture
15. Galatians “Grace, Holy Spirit, Faith”
16. Ephesians “In Christ”
17. Romans 6-8, chapter titles, argument, words and phrases, principles, applications, so what?
18. Romans 12.1-2, a new kind of priesthood
19. 1 Corinthians 1-3 includes 1 Corinthians introduction, theme, outline of book
20. 1 Corinthians 8.1-3
21. 1 Corinthians 12-14
22. 1 John
23. 1 John 1
24. “If” conditional clauses
25. 1 John 2 emphasis
26. 1 John 3 emphasis
27. 1 John 4 emphasis
28. 1 John 5 emphasis
29. 2 John
30. Jude

Doctrines

1. Sanctification
2. Spirituality—living by the Holy Spirit
3. Christian life distinctions
4. Godly love
5. Spiritual blessings doctrine
6. Spiritual gifts

Short summary of select doctrines

1. Seven key words
2. Basic techniques for the Christian life, Umbrella illustration
3. Christ-likeness—a view of spiritual maturity, four Scriptures
4. Spiritual blessings list from Ephesians 1.3
5. Sources of spiritual conflict
6. Stand walk run
7. Walk
8. Spiritual gifts permanent
9. Spiritual gifts temporary
10. Umbrella doctrine and demonstration
11. Christian life checklist
12. Memory work, Umbrella Scripture
13. Appendix

Introduction

1. John 17.17,19. Jesus prayed that His father would sanctify, by God’s word, His disciples for their future walk or ministry. The spiritual life (Christian Way of Life) centers on sanctification and walking. Walking refers to living. Sanctification makes it possible to live the Christian life. Sanctification refers to a set apart condition. See Doctrine of Sanctification and Scripture list.
2. Matthew 28.19-20. Our mission in the inter-advent period is to spread the gospel to unbelievers and teach God’s words to believers.
3. Second Corinthians 5.17. Position in Christ is the foundation for the Christian life; see Bible Doctrine 1.
4. Philippians 1:27-28. We are to walk (live day to day worthy of the gospel of Christ) to live as citizens of heaven. The Christian walk identifies the day to day progression through life. For the doctrine, see the doctrine of walking.
5. The Umbrella Christian Way of Life diagram help us learn and to place the Christian life within the biblical perspective. See the diagrams.

Christian Way of Life Bible Passages

1. John’s gospel with chapter titles
2. John 17, Joy in Crisis
3. John 13-17, Upper room discourse—preparation for life of service
4. Select Scripture for sanctification using the word group αγισμος αγιαζω
5. Christian life basics from the upper room discourse
6. Galatians: Grace not law; Faith not works; Holy Spirit not flesh
7. Ephesians theme: In Christ—Who, What, Opportunities and Privileges
8. Romans 6-8: In Christ, not the flesh, by the Holy Spirit
9. Romans 12:1-2: Priestly service
10. 1 Corinthians 1-3 summary
11. 1 Corinthians 8.1-3
12. 1 Corinthians 12-14 summary
13. 1 John 1
14. 2 John 4-11
15. Jude 17-23: Stand against departures from the faith

Biblical Doctrines That Summarize Selected Scripture for the Christian life

1. Sanctification
2. Spiritual life distinctions
3. Occupation with Christ-Love for God
4. Knowledge of the Bible
5. Faith
6. Confession of sin
7. Spirituality, living by the Holy Spirit
8. Prayer
9. Biblical godly love
10. Ministry
11. Spiritual gifts summary
12. Summary: Christian life basic techniques, Doctrines and Demonstrations—Umbrella
13. Short summary of select pertinent Bible doctrines
14. Christian Life Checklist Scripture
15. Foundation Scripture for the Christian life to memorize

The Bible’s Central Themes, Psalm 117, Psalm 119, 1 Corinthians 10.31

1. God—nature, personality, acts.
2. God’s revelation—the living word and the written word.
3. God’s glory. To glorify God is to live in such a way that God and his nature, personality, word, and acts are honored above everyone and everything.

Seven Key Words (Ideas) in the Bible

1. God—Sovereign, holy, righteous, love, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable, truthful, and created all things living and non-living. Exodus 34.5-7; Psalm 90.2.
2. Man—God created mankind in his own image to honor God, rule creation, and fellowship with God. Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8.4-9.
3. Sin—Eve and then Adam sinned resulting in judgment from God, and sin passed to everyone. Genesis 3:1-7;
   Romans 5.12.
4. Christ—He came to take the judgment for sin that we deserve; he is the substitute for the whole world. John 1.1-17; 1 Timothy 1:15.
5. Grace—God offers forgiveness, everlasting life, and abundant life as a free gift to those who take it. Romans 5.21; Ephesians 2:8-9.
6. Faith—A person gains forgiveness, everlasting life, and abundant life by trusting Jesus Christ for them. John 3.16; Ephesians 2:8-9.
7. Future—Christ returns, Resurrection, Kingdom, Judgment, Eternity. Acts 17.30-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20.11-15.

Plan for Christian Living

1. Mission, Matthew 28.19-20, Witness and Teach
2. Preparation, Ephesians 4.11-12, Equip the Saints
3. Environment, Ephesians 5.2, Love God and People
4. Practice, Philippians 4.9, Use what we learn

Matthew 28.19-20; A Summary of our Mission in the Inter-Advent Period—

Evangelism and Edification

1. God has given mankind a primary objective to accomplish while he lives on earth. Man is to represent God (act as God’s visible stand-in) through rulership and reflection. Rulership means God has chosen man to be His agent and authority on earth. Reflection means that man should be a mirror so that creation can see God. Therefore, man should demonstrate and mirror by his thoughts, by his priorities, and by his actions God’s character and will, God’s greatness (nature, essence, personality), and God’s authority (kingship and ownership) to angelic and human creation (Genesis 1.26-28; Job 1.6-2.10; Psalm 8.3-6; Romans 11.36; 1 Corinthians 8.6; Ephesians 3.10;
   Colossians 1.16; 1 Peter 4.11).
2. Matthew 28.19-20 records Jesus Christ’s message that He gave His disciples who were soon to become apostles to the church. It took place on a mountain in Galilee. The purpose was to instruct them about the primary objectives of ministry for the entire inter-advent period, which is the time between His first coming to earth as the lamb of God and His second coming to earth as king over all. This instruction applied to their ministry and to the ministries of all those down through the years that would follow them.
3. By the time that Christ gave this instruction to His disciples God had already postponed the kingdom that He had promised to Israel because Israel had rejected the King and His message (Matthew 21.43-46).
4. When Christ instructed his disciples he was anticipating the historical period that would fall between His ascension and the beginning of the earthly millennial kingdom in the future. He had planned that the church age would take up most of this coming historical interlude. Jesus told his disciples to go to go into the world of mankind.
5. The objectives of those disciples listening to Christ and of those that would follow were to make disciples by witnessing and teaching-learning.

Second Corinthians 5.17, Position in Christ

1. Positional truth, described by the phrase “in Christ,” means that the believer is in union (unchangeable family relationship) with Jesus Christ (John 14:20; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:2; Philippians 1:1).
2. This personal union or family relationship begins at the moment a person believes in Jesus Christ as Savior through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 1:1).
3. Union with Jesus Christ results in each believer being a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4) with
   1. A new relationship with God.
   2. A new life – God’s kind of life.
   3. A new capacity – to know God, to fellowship with God, to grow in the Christian life, and to serve God.
   4. A new means of living.
   5. A new hope.
4. Position includes the fact that each believer (Romans 6:6-13; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:6-7; Colossians 3:1-4)
   1. Has retroactively died, arisen, and been seated with Christ.
   2. Is currently living with Christ.
   3. Has a future destiny with Christ.
5. Position in the family of God brings many benefits including
   1. Security (Romans 8:28-39).
   2. Spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
   3. Membership in Christ’s body, which is the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23).
   4. A plan for each believer’s life (Ephesians 2:10).

Live Worthy of the Gospel—Citizens of Heaven, Philippians 1:27-28

Philippians Chapter Titles

1. Paul exploits pressure
2. Live out your own salvation life
3. Pursuing knowing Christ
4. Stability, contentment, and joy

Summary

Paul instructs the Philippians to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The leading verb is poleutomai, in the present middle imperative, second person plural. The verb means to be a citizen, to administrate a corporate body (to rule), and to conduct one’s life or to live. This is not the common word for living or even for conducting oneself. Paul has drawn on the idea of citizenship. Believers are citizens of the body of Christ, the church, within God’s kingdom. His plea is that they will live like a citizen who participates in the gospel of Christ—those who believe the gospel and are committed to furthering it and God’s kingdom. Therefore, three overarching principles must characterize believers during the church age. His plea is that they will live like spiritual citizens ought to live: stand firm, strive together, and maintain courage instead of fear.

1. Philippians 1.27. Stand firm in Christ, your spiritual position of strength—spiritual heritage. This refers to our unique oneness or commonness of spiritual life in Christ, sthkete en eni pneumati.
2. Philippians 1.27. Strive together for the gospel faith—spiritual mission. We actively serve together for the faith like athletes who train and compete in athletic games, mia yuch sunaqlounte~.
3. Philippians 1.28. Do not be frightened by our spiritual opponents—spiritual courage. This spiritual courage or faith in action pleases God, mh pturomenoi.

So What? Lessons

1. Just as we are citizens of an earthly country with all that that means, so we are citizens of God’s kingdom and the church. Let’s live like that.
2. Know, believe, and apply the truth of our position and oneness in Christ and all that we are and have because of our position. This is our biblical heritage. No one and nothing can take that away from us.
3. Every believer is in full time Christian service. Though we are individuals we all serve within Christ’s spiritual body, the church. We ought to serve as one body. See 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.
4. There are many things to fear. We believers are related to the creator, planner, provider, protector, and sustainer. We should concentrate by faith on God and reject living off balance in fear; God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 12:5-6).

John Chapter Titles

John was written especially so that people may believe in Jesus Christ as Savior

and so gain eternal life, John 20.31

Four Sections

Section 1, Chapters 1-12, Public Ministry

Section 2, Chapters 13-17, Private Ministry

Section 3, Chapters 18-19, Cross

Section 4, Chapters 20-21, Resurrection

Chapter Titles

Section 1, Chapters 1-12, Public Ministry

1. Living Word
2. Cana Wedding
3. Nicodemus
4. Samaritan Woman
5. Lame Man Healed
6. Bread of Life
7. Tabernacles/Living Water
8. Abraham’s Descendants
9. Blind Man Healed
10. Sheepfold-Shepherd
11. Lazarus
12. Enters Jerusalem

Section 2, Chapters 13-17, Private Ministry

1. Foot washing
2. Way, Truth, Life
3. Vine-Branches
4. Christ to Depart-Holy Spirit comes
5. Lord’s Prayer

Section 3, Chapters 18-19, Cross

1. Arrest-Trials
2. Death for Sins

Section 4, Chapters 20-21, Resurrection

1. Resurrection
2. Sea of Tiberius

Jesus’ Joy in a Crisis, Our Model for Service and Suffering, John 17

Jesus’ joy came from understanding and accepting that he was in right relationship and fellowship with God and in the right place at the right time doing God’s. He is our model for how to live in crisis and have joy.
John 17 and Hebrews 12.2 teach this.

Introduction

Jesus lived under the Mosaic Law. We live in the Church. When we consider this we might think that His way of life does not apply to our way of life. In the legal sense that is true, but His dependence on the Word of God, His faithful life, His obedience to the Father, His dependence on the Holy Spirit, and His character are all examples and models for us who live in the church. Jesus demonstrated these characteristics for us and they are lessons to apply. So in this sense He is our model for how to live, and one area that we all face is life’s tests and crises.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11.1, “be imitators of me as I also am of Christ” “mimetai mou ginesthe kathos kago christou” and in 1 Thessalonians 1.6, “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord,” “kai hymeis mimetai hermon egenethete kai tou kyriou” so Jesus Christ is a model for us in His attitude, character, and faithfulness to the Father. Ephesians 4.13, Galatians 4.19, Romans 13.14, and 2 Peter 1.4 also teach us that we are to take on Jesus Christ’s character and faithfulness to the Father. We often call this Christ-likeness.

Development

1. John 13-17, the upper room discourse, is Jesus’ instructions to His disciples about how to live after He has been crucified and ascended to heaven. His instructions also apply us. I refer you to the study of John 13-17, the basic techniques for the Christian life, and the umbrella diagram illustration.
2. Jesus had a good relationship and good fellowship with His heavenly Father. He was convinced, committed, and content in His Father’s will. And, He was joyful in his circumstances. These are applicable to us in the way we live.
3. The doctrines that Jesus taught in the upper room and other Christian life doctrines are the foundation from which the Holy Spirit develops Christ-likeness in believers. Christ-likeness is spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4.13,
   Galatians 4.19, Romans 13.14, 2 Peter 1.4).
4. The question: is there a summary objective model from Jesus that we can follow? We can look at the characteristics of Jesus Christ (doctrine of character of Jesus Christ with 20 characteristics) but that may be difficult to hold in our minds all at once. I think that the best example is Jesus under great crisis. A person’s true character shows when under great pressure—crisis brings out a person’s real character. John 17, the Lord’s prayer, shows us the model of Jesus’ character just before His arrest, trials, and crucifixion. We can follow His model and imitate Him. Also see Ephesians 5.1-2 and Corinthians 11.1.
5. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 emphasizes many things. Among them, three ideas stand out that indicate Jesus’ character and faith as He faced the cross.
   1. Jesus was confident that He had an excellent relationship and fellowship with His Father.
   2. Jesus was convinced, committed, and content that He was in the right place at the right time—in the Father’s will.
   3. Jesus had joy even though the crisis was upon Him because He was in the Father’s will. Circumstances brought out the best in Him.
6. All of these worked together so that He was productive, successful, thankful, and joyful (John 17.13, John 19.30, Hebrews 12.2).
7. We can do the same by understanding and applying Bible teaching each day of our lives. We can be content in His will and joyful in the circumstances.

A Sample of Scripture that Complements this Subject

1. Hebrews 12:2 “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
2. Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
3. Ephesians 4:13 “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”
4. Galatians 4:19 “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.”
5. Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”
6. 2 Peter 1:4 “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”
7. Ephesians 5:1 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
8. 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be imitators of me [Paul], just as I also am of Christ.”

Christian Way of Life, John 13-17, Upper Room Discourse

Introduction

Just before Jesus was arrested He gathered His disciples in “a large furnished upper room” (Mark 14:14-15; Luke 22:11-12). At that gathering they observed the Passover meal and He taught them lessons that they and all believers will need to know and apply so they might successfully live and serve Him on earth after his death, resurrection, and ascension. It is basic teaching for the Christian life. Jesus taught what He provided for them for their life and the ministry, for the spiritual conflict, and their spiritual resources. The apostles, in their epistles, developed what Jesus taught. The upper room ministry is Jesus’ private ministry in contrast to His public ministry recorded in John 1-12.

At the end of His lesson Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all future believers. This is the Lord’s prayer (John 17) in contrast to the disciples’ prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

The spiritual conflict is the stage upon which the Christian life is played out. Sanctification in day to day life is what the believer needs in order to successfully live and serve God during life here and now.

This spiritual conflict has three areas: the world, the flesh, and the devil or angelic conflict. Jesus taught about the conflict with the world in John 15:18-19; 16:2-3, 33; and 17:14; He taught about the conflict with the flesh or human nature in John 13:10; 14:1; and 16:1; and He taught about the conflict in the angelic or demonic realm in John 16:11 and John 17:15. Jesus taught them what they needed to know to be successful in all three areas of spiritual conflict.

With this spiritual conflict overshadowing the believer’s life and ministry Jesus prayed for them. His prayer is recorded in John 17. He does not pray that God the Father will take them out of the world, but that He will protect them from the Evil one, and that He will sanctify them in the truth—God’s word (John 13-20).

Sanctification is the setting apart for God’s priestly service and has three phases. In His prayer He emphasized sanctification in day to day experience or progressive sanctification. Sanctification is central to the Christian life. Therefore, the Christian life is within the realm of the spiritual conflict and sanctification is needed.

To sanctify means to set apart for God’s service. Aaron and his sons were sanctified for their priestly ministry
(Exodus 28:41). Jeremiah was sanctified for his ministry (Jeremiah 1:15). Believers are sanctified at the point of faith in Christ, during the Christian life, and when they go to heaven. Sanctification sets them apart for God’s service, blessing, and heaven from that time on forever. During life on earth God works in believers to sanctify them—make them holy—for service to Him and blessing for them during the Christian life. While the first phase of sanctification provides relationship with God in Christ, the second progresses through time and experience. Progressive sanctification depends upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God’s word, faith, and application of God’s word, including confession of sin when needed. Progressive sanctification has the goal of Christ-likeness in all parts of life and in all relationships—thinking, working, serving, playing, studying, worshiping, and so on and is important in personal, family, work, and church relationships (Galatians 4:19; Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:13; 2 Peter 1:4). The third phase of sanctification is called final or ultimate sanctification and happens when believers go to be with the Lord at death or resurrection. Central Scripture on progressive or Christian life sanctification include John 17:17-19, Romans 6:15-23, Romans 12:1-2, and 1 Peter 1:13-16. John 10:36 and 1 Peter 3:15 demonstrate the basic idea of sanctify.

In summary of John 13-17, Jesus taught them God’s word (John 13:34; 14:15, 21, 23; 15:3, 12, 20; 17:14, 17); He predicted the soon coming of the Holy Spirit to all believers (John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7, 13); Jesus later put the Holy Spirit on them until the Spirit was sent to all believers (20:22); He prayed for their protection against the evil one
(John 17:15); and prayed He for them in their ministry (John 17:9, 11, 13, 17, 20, 21, 24).

Jesus, in the upper room lesson, taught the foundation doctrines for living the Christian life in John 13-17.

1. John 13, Foot washing. Jesus points out the need for cleansing from sin during the day to day life of a believer
   (John 13:1-11), the importance of having the servant attitude in ministry (John 13:12-20), and the necessity of godly love among believers (John 13:34-38). Therefore, the first part of the discourse stresses confession of sin for fellowship with God, a serving attitude in ministry, and godly love among believers. In the foot washing scene, Jesus uses two Greek words. One refers cleansing part of the body (John 13.5, 6, 8, 10, 12 nipto, wash for washing a part of the body). The other word is a more complete bath (John 13:10, louo, bathed). Peter wanted the whole deal
   (John 13.9). Jesus said that the disciples were already completely clean, except for Judas. What Jesus meant is that the disciples were now clean referring to cleansing from sin and everlasting life. All they needed was the occasional washing of the feet, so they may have “part with me” referring to fellowship and sharing with Him in the ministry (John 13.8). The apostle wrote specifically about this cleansing from sin as needed in the life of a believer in 1 John 1. Jesus taught, in John 13.13-16, that they should think and act like servants in their coming ministries. Our Christian ministries require us to be servants of others. Humility is another way of saying this. In John 13.17-20 He reminds them to remember what He has told them and to believe that He is the Lord. The last section in this chapter
   (John 13.31-35) focuses on love for each other. This love is like a badge the disciples wear as they carry out their ministries. We can identify the important ingredients that Jesus was instructing His disciples—cleansing from sin as necessary, a humble attitude and treatment of those with whom your ministry, remembering what Jesus said (His word), and love of believers as we minister.
   1. Wash feet (John 13.5, 8) after the whole bath (John 13.10) teachings confession of sin in the life of a believer when needed. This is after the initial salvation-justification whole bath cleansing that is not repeated.
   2. Part with me—fellowship and service (John 13.8).
   3. Wash another’s feet—symbol of humble service in ministry (John 13.14).
   4. Know God’s word (John 13.12, 13, 17).
   5. Apply God’s word—ministry (John 13.17)
   6. Love one another—love in ministry (John 13.34, 35).
2. John 14, The way, truth, and life. Jesus continues His discourse. Chapter 13 ended with Jesus telling Peter that he was going somewhere and Peter could not come. Then in John 14.14 Jesus talks to all the disciples. He begins by telling them not to be inwardly shaken (an imperative, command). He tells them to believe in God (Father) and to believe in Him. They are to center their lives on Him which is to be occupied with Jesus and have Him as the center of attention (John 14.6, 7, 9). Remember that these eleven disciples are believers in Messiah, though their faith is weak and inconsistent. Both translations “believe” in John 14.1 are the form that could be either indicative or imperative. In the context the imperative is the best way to understand this. Jesus tells them to strengthen their faith. He then tells them about heaven and how to get there. Jesus encourages their faith in John 14:10, 11, 12, 27, and 29, their ministry in John 14.12, and about prayer in John 14.13-14. They are used to asking Him directly. Now He says to ask the Father and do it in Jesus name. If they would only trust the Father and Jesus they would have inner peace and therefore rest because they believe Jesus’ word. Those who love Jesus will keep His word
   (John 14.15, 21, 23, 24). God’s word cannot be separated from love for God and obeying God’s word (know, believe, apply).
   1. Told you—He taught God’s word (John 14:2)
   2. Jesus is the center of attention and occupation (John 14:6, 7, 9, 15, 21, 23, 24).
   3. Believe—knowledge of God’s word and faith in the word (John 14:10, 11, 12, 29).
   4. Greater works—ministry (John 14:12).
   5. Prayer (John 14:13, 14).
   6. Love God (John 14:15, 21, 23).
   7. Know God’s word and obey it—knowledge of Word, know, believe, apply (John 14:4, 7, 9, 17, 20, 21, 23.
   8. Peace—faith resulting in peace or rest (John 14:27).
3. John 15, the vine and the branches. Jesus emphasizes bearing spiritual fruit through abiding in Him, which is fellowship with Him (John 15.1-8). Christian ministry is the topic. He is the true vine; God the Father is the vine-dresser or farmer; believers are the branches. A branch is nothing in itself. It must be connected and drawing nourishment from the vine. Jesus speaks of three kinds of believers in John 15. Those abiding in Christ who are spiritually young and have not produced fruit need help and God lifts them up, so they can begin producing
   (John 15.2). The Father prunes those more mature and abiding in Christ and producing fruit so they will produce more fruit (John 15.2). Those not abiding in Christ do not produce and so are useless and receive discipline
   (John 15.6). Without abiding in Christ believers cannot produce spiritual fruit (John 15.5). Jesus then comments about prayer. For prayer to be successful we need to abide in Him and His word abides in us (John 15.7). Abiding or Fellowship with God, God’s word in us, good works production in ministry, and prayer lead to glorification of our heavenly father (John 15.8). At this point in the lesson Jesus brings in abiding in his love by keeping His commandments—knowing, believing, and applying His word. A primary commandment or application is to love one another (John 15.10-17). Christian ministry requires God’s word and love for believers. The remaining part of this chapter records Jesus’ teaching about the spiritual conflict from the world that the disciples will face (John 15.18-19, 21). Jesus tells them to remember His word (John 15.20) and that He will send the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is their helper and teacher (John 15.26-27). God’s word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit are necessary to live successfully in the middle of spiritual conflict and to carry out the ministry.
   1. Bear fruit—ministry (John 15.2, 4, 5, 16).
   2. Abide—fellowship (John 15.4, 5, 6, 9).
   3. Prayer (John 15.7).
   4. Knowledge of God’s word (John 15.3, 7, 10, 12, 20).
   5. Love one another—ministry and love (John 15.12, 17).
   6. Ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 15.26).
4. John 16, Jesus departs and Holy Spirit comes. Jesus begins chapter 16 by reminding them that if they remember what He has taught them (God’s word), it will keep them from stumbling in the faith when they are persecuted (John 16.1-4). Again we have the spiritual conflict in the background and God’s word is the instruction book for living. Beginning in John 16.5 He resumes what He spoke of in chapter 14—He will be leaving them. They will be sorry, but He must leave. If He does not leave, the Holy Spirit will not come to carry out His new ministry to them and all believers. The Holy Spirit is the parakletos (one called to one’s aid, helper, mediator, intercessor; John 14.16, 26; 15.26; 16.7). In John 16.8-11 the Holy Spirit will convict the world (the people in the world) so they understand the gospel. In John 16.12-15 the Holy Spirit will teach God’s word and glorify Jesus. Jesus then continues His subject of departing in John 16.16. He refers to His death. The disciples will grieve at first because of His death but will rejoice when they see Him after His resurrection (John 16.22). The final part of Jesus’ discourse emphasizes prayer (John 16.23, 24, 26), love for God (John 16.27), faith (John 16.27, 31), and the opportunity for peace and courage during persecution if they will simply believe and apply what He has taught them (John 16.30-33).
   1. These things—knowledge of God’s word (John 16.1, 4).
   2. Ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16.7-14).
   3. Prayer (John 16.23, 24, 26).
   4. Love God—occupation with Christ and love for God (John 16.27).
   5. Faith that results in peace and therefore spiritual rest (John 16.27, 30, 33)
5. John 17, the Lord’s prayer. The lessons are over. Jesus now prays. First, He recognizes that the main reason for His ministry has now arrived. Jesus has done the Father’s will (John 17.1-5). He asks the Father to glorify the Son so the Son may glorify the Father. Jesus has taught the disciples about the Father and about Himself. The disciples learned and believed at least the fundamental doctrines (John 17.6-8). He then prays for the disciples and for all who will believe in Him (John 17.9, 20). The center of Jesus’ prayer is sanctification for the disciples for their ministry in the spiritual conflict (John 17.14-18). Jesus prayed that the Father will sanctify the disciples and us through or by God’s word (John 17.17), and Jesus sends the sanctified ones into the world for ministry (John 17.18). Jesus had sanctified Himself by His obedience to the Father’s will so that the disciples and we may be sanctified by God’s word
   (John 17.20). Sanctification in this prayer means to be qualified to serve the Father and Jesus in life on earth. We should learn God’s word and minister in the world (John 17.18). Results of sanctification include ministry
   (John 17.18), Christian life oneness with believers and with the Father and Son (John 17.20-23), and the same kind of love the Father has for the Son may be in us (John 17.26).
   1. Know God the Father and the Son—center of attention, occupation with, and love for (John 17.3, 25, 26).
   2. Knowledge of God’s word (John 17.3, 7, 8, 14, 17, 19, 25, 26).
   3. Faith (John 17.8).
   4. Joy from knowledge of God’s word and faith—faith rest (John 17.13).
   5. Ministry (John 17.18).
   6. Love one another—love in ministry (John 17.23, 26).
   7. Sanctification by God’s word—the primary road to living the Christian life (John 17.17, 19).
   8. Position in the Father and the Son—makes all the Christian Way of Life possible (John 17.21).

This prayer reveals what Jesus did for His disciples.

1. Gave eternal life, John 17.1
2. Showed the Father, John 17.6
3. Gave them God’s word, John 17.8, 14
4. Prayed for them, John 17.9
5. Guarded them, John 17.12
6. Taught them so they too may have joy from doing Father’s will, John 17.13
7. Sent them into the world, John 17.18
8. Made the Father’s name known, John 17.26
9. Made love possible, John 17.26

It also reveals what Jesus prayed on behalf of His disciples.

1. Keep them in the Father’s name, John 17.11
2. Keep them from the evil one, John 17.15
3. Sanctify them in God’s word, John 17.17
4. For future believers, John 17.20
5. For oneness in the Father and Son, John 17.21
6. Join Him in heaven, John 17.24

When He finished His prayer He and His disciples went to the ravine of Kidron where Judas will identify Him to the authorities and they will arrest Him (John 18). “Kidron Valley and stream bed running below the SE wall of Jerusalem and separating the city from the Mt of Olives on the east. It then turns southeast from Jerusalem and follows a winding course to the Dead Sea. The Kidron can be described as a torrent bed that is nearly always dry, since the water course flows only in the rainy season, partly maintained by the two irregular springs Gihon and En-rogel… The two most important functions of the Kidron Valley for the city of Jerusalem are military and funerary.” (Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988). 1263).

Summary of Christian Life Basics from John 13-17

1. What did Jesus teach the disciples in the upper room Bible class? What were His main principles of doctrine? He taught them what they should know and apply while they lived and served God. In the words that Paul later wrote in Ephesians 4:12, he was equipping the saints. The apostles, in their epistles, developed the truths that Jesus taught. There is much overlap in the truths that Jesus taught. Remember that John 13-16 is one continuous Bible class with His disciples and as such He taught topics and also repeated topics for the disciples and our understanding. The heart of His teaching included the following. Do I understand what Jesus is teaching and why he is teaching this? Am I able to recognize the specific blessings and “spiritual tools” that Jesus taught in this upper room lesson? Does this make sense to me? Do I regularly apply these doctrines to myself?
   1. Occupation with Christ and love for God. Center our lives on Jesus, abide in Him, and love Him and the Father (John 13.8; 14.6-15, 21- 24; 15.1-14; 17.3).
      • Who is my spiritual leader and head? Jesus Christ ought to be. Do I love-revere Him enough to learn from Him and to trust Him with my eternal life and my present earthly life? Do I to have His character being formed in me? Do I love the Father like He did? Do I obey the Father like Jesus did? Do I live in the power of the Holy Spirit like Jesus did? Do I pray like He did? Do I handle suffering, persecution, and spiritual conflict like He did? Is Jesus Christ my spiritual hero?
   2. Knowledge of God’s word. Listen, learn, remember, and obey Jesus’ and the Father’s word (John 13.34; 14.1-7, 21-26, 29; 15.3, 7, 10-14, 20; 16.1-4; 17.3, 7-8, 14-19).
      • Jesus placed the highest value on the Scripture. He lived by the word of God. He used it when He was attacked. He used it when teaching. He used it in prayer. Do I value God’s word beyond simply giving it lip service? Do I learn it and believe it and apply it?
   3. Faith and spiritual rest. Believe, trust Jesus’ and the Father’s promises resulting in understanding, application, peace, and joy (John 14.1-6, 27-29; 15.11; 16.32-33; 17.13-17).
      • What about faith? Jesus believed the written Scripture. Even when He suffered the most difficult tests, He never faltered in His faith and as a result He experienced peace and rest even though He was in pain. Do I believe God that way? Do I live by faith or do I live as a doubter? Do I believe God’s word so that I rest in what God has said?
   4. Confession of sin as needed share fellowship and ministry with Jesus, and as John wrote in 1 John 1, to return to fellowship with God. Have our spiritual feet washed when needed (John 13.1-11).
      • Jesus never sinned, but He knew that we would sin. His death paid the penalty for all of our sins. Jesus told Peter and His disciples that they need to have their spiritual feet washed when they got dirty. If they refused, like Peter did at first, they would have no fellowship and ministry with Him. We believers have the privilege of confession of sin to God when that is needed so we may have fellowship and ministry with him. Do I utilize that opportunity so that I have fellowship with Him, so I abide in Him, and so I partner with Him in Christian ministry?
   5. Live by the Holy Spirit—spirituality. The Holy Spirit sent to encourage, comfort, teach, convict and convince, guide, and testify (John 14.16-18, 25-26; 15.26; 16.7-15).
      • Jesus as a man lived by the power of the Holy Spirit. He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us so that we also might have this power to live in a way that pleases the Father. Do I live by the Holy Spirit? Do I depend upon the Holy Spirit, or do I live by my own human nature power?
   6. Prayer. Prayer is in the name of Jesus and therefore the one praying comes by Jesus’ authority
      (John 14.13-14; 15.7; 16.23-26).
      • Jesus prayed. His praying centered on doing the Father’s will and glorifying the Father. When He was tested or tempted He sought the Father. When He was humanly tired He prayed. He discussed things with His Father. He knew that the Father would answer Him. He taught His disciples to pray. He prayed with and for His disciples. He even prayed for people with spiritual and physical problems. Do I pray? Do I pray the way Jesus prayed? Do I pray to the heavenly Father in Jesus’ name? Do I abide in Jesus Christ and does God’s word abide in me so that I can pray effectively?
   7. Ministry and Love in Ministry. Ministry is the responsibility and privilege to serve God and the church and bear fruit (John 13.8-17; 14:12; 15.1-17; 17.18); Christian service or ministry must be joined with godly love. Love for one another is vital for relationship with God, with believers, and for ministry-service (John 13.34-35; 15.12, 17).
      • Jesus was the ideal servant of God. He commissioned His disciples and apostles to serve with Him and then in His place after He returned to heaven. His ministry included teaching, encouraging, helping, healing, praying, and finally dying for the sins of the world. He loved the people He served and those He served with. He at times was tired and sad and forsaken by people. He continued to love people and minister to them according to His Father’s will and plan. He never quit. What about me?
2. In conclusion and very important. Grace and truth were the foundation for Jesus’ dealings with people and the source of His provisions for people (John 1.14-17). He was “full of grace and truth” and “Grace and truth were realized through Him.” God has given every believer grace for everlasting life, grace for living now, and grace for dying. We have truth—God’s word in written form. It is our spiritual food and spiritual milk and meat. The Christian life works because Jesus embodied grace and truth. In the umbrella teaching diagram grace and truth are the handle and pole for the umbrella. Just as an umbrella will not work properly without its handle and pole, so the Christian life will not work properly without God’s grace and truth. In like manner grace and truth ought to be the foundation for our Christian lives. Are grace and truth the foundation for our lives?

Sanctification Scripture

Select Scripture using the word group αγισμος αγιαζω

What are these verses teaching about sanctification?

1. John 17.17,19
2. Acts 20.32
3. Acts 26.18
4. Romans 6.19,22
5. Romans 15.16
6. 1 Corinthians 1.2,30
7. 1 Corinthians 6.11
8. 1 Corinthians 7.14
9. Ephesians 5.26
10. 1 Thessalonians 4.3,4
11. 1 Thessalonians 5.23
12. 2 Thessalonians 2.13
13. 2 Timothy 2.21
14. Hebrews 10.10
15. 1 Peter 1.2
16. 1 Peter 3.15

Galatians, “Grace, Faith, Holy Spirit,” Christian Way of Life

Grace, Faith, Holy Spirit; not Law, Works, Flesh

Theme. Grace, Faith, Holy Spirit; not Law, Works, Flesh. Paul emphasizes grace, faith, and the Holy Spirit as the only means to live the Christian life in contrast to the trying to live the Christian life by law, works, and the flesh. Galatians 5 is the central chapter for walking by the Holy Spirit or spirituality.

Walk through summary. Paul begins by stating that he received the gospel good news directly from God by revelation. In chapter two the Judaizers tried to force circumcision on Titus, and then Peter would not eat with Gentiles. In chapter 3 Paul uses Abraham to teach the principle that both justification and the Christian life are by grace, faith, and the Holy Spirit. In Chapter 4 Paul uses Sarah, Hagar, and the law to show that God works through grace, by faith, and by the Holy Spirit. The flesh fights with the Holy Spirit. Chapter 5 summarizes and concludes that believers in Christ live in spiritual freedom by grace, by faith, and by the Holy Spirit. Legalistic believers who live based on law, works, and the flesh can destroy each other. Chapter 6 gives ministry opportunities for the believers living by the Holy Spirit, in grace, and by faith.

Word usage. Holy Spirit, 16x. Grace 7x. Faith 22x. Law 32x. Flesh (not flesh and blood) 14x. Works of the law 4x. In Christ 8x. Gospel 11x. Justified 6x. Circumcision/circumcised 13x. Sin 3x.

Galatians Chapter Titles and Word Usage

1. Chapter 1, One grace gospel (Galatians 1:6-7, 8-9). Gospel 5x. Grace 3x. Faith 1x. Flesh 1x (flesh and blood). In Christ 1x. Sin 1x.
2. Chapter 2, Challenges to grace (Galatians 2:3-4, 11-13). Gospel 4x. Grace 2x. Faith 2x. Law 6x. Flesh 2x. Works of the law 1x. Justified 2x. In Christ 3x. Circumcision/circumcised 5x. Sin 1x.
3. Chapter 3, Abraham’s faith, not law’s works (Galatians 3:6-9, 11). Spirit 4x. Faith 7x. Law 15x. Flesh 1x. Works of the law 3x. Justified 3x. In Christ 3x. Gospel 1x. Sin 1x.
4. Chapter 4, Sons and heirs, not slaves (Galatians 4:6, 7). Spirit 2x. Law 4x. Flesh 2x. Gospel 1x.
5. Chapter 5, Grace, through the Spirit, by faith (Galatians 5:4-5, 16, 18, 22-25). Grace 1x. Spirit 8x. Faith 4x. faithfulness 1x. Law 5x. In Christ 1x. Circumcision/circumcised 4x.
6. Chapter 6, The spiritual believer’s opportunities (Galatians 6:1, 2, 5, 6, 10). Grace 1x. Spirit 2x. Faith 1x. Flesh 3x. Law 2x. Justified 1x. Circumcision/circumcision 4x.

Galatians Christian Way of Life Principles and Applications

1. Just as eternal salvation is by grace through faith and the Holy Spirit, so the Christian life can only be lived by God’s grace (God’s undeserved favor) combined with the daily ministry of the Holy Spirit and daily trusting and depending (faith) on God.
2. There is constant conflict in our lives to try to live the Christian life according to religious taboos, works, and according to our flesh (mankind apart from God’s Spirit and word).
3. Works-religion, self-centeredness, and pride bring on conflicts among believers and dishonor God. Galatians 2:1-14, 4:21-31, 5:13-15 clearly demonstrate this principle.
4. Spiritual believers have many opportunities to serve God and the church. See Galatians 6.
5. There are 23 imperatives found in 20 verses. These are statements to obey.

Some Applications for our Christian lives

1. Do I believe God’s word about living by grace, faith, and the Holy Spirit? Do I live this way on a regular basis? How do I know? Do I care?
2. Do I treat others and myself graciously or do I cause friction within the church and pride in myself because of legalisms?
3. Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in my life?
4. What opportunities for service do I take advantage of?

Some of the Christian Way of Life doctrines in Galatians

1. Revelation
2. Grace Gospel
3. Grace
4. In Christ positional truth
5. Legalism
6. Justification
7. Faith
8. Abraham
9. Flesh
10. Works of the law
11. Mosaic Law
12. Spiritual Freedom
13. Holy Spirit—indwelling, growth, spiritual gifts, eternal salvation, walk, guidance, fruit, serve
14. Fruit of the Holy Spirit
15. Works or deeds of the flesh
16. Christian Service-Ministry
17. Spiritual growth
18. Christ likeness-spiritual maturity

Ephesians, “In Christ,” Christian Way of Life

Theme: Ephesians tells us who we are in Christ, what we have because of who we are in Christ, and our privileges and opportunities because of who we are and what we have in Christ. Ephesians clearly states that the foundation for living the Christian way of life (CWL) is the believer’s unchangeable relationship with Christ— “in Christ,” called position in Christ or positional truth. Ephesians stresses that the means by which we are to live the Christian life is by becoming equipped, imitate God and live in God’s love, live filled with the Holy Spirit, and put on God’s armor.

Walk through summary. Paul begins, in chapter 1, with the place of the church in God’s eternal plan with God’s spiritual blessing in Christ. In chapter 2 he then moves to the members of the church and the lost condition in which they were born, then to their new position in Christ and how this new position came about—by grace through faith. At this point, chapter 3, Paul inserts his own relationship to the mystery, the church age. In chapter 4 He then moves to the day to day function of the church, called the worthy walk. To walk worthy believers must be equipped through gifted men and the church body working together. In chapter 5 Paul says to imitate God and walk in love, be filled with the Spirit, have biblical relationships. Chapter 6 continues relationships and concludes with instructions for success in the spiritual war. There are 41 imperatives found in 33 verses.

Word Usage. Love 20x. In Christ 13x. In Him 8x. In Whom 3x. Grace 12x. Faith 10x. Holy Spirit 11x. Church 9x. Body 9x. Walk 8x. Flesh (ethical) 2x. Mystery 6x. Bless 3x. Believe 2x. Seal 2x. Grieve 1x.

Ephesians Chapter Titles and Word Usage

1. Chapter 1, Blessings in Christ. Mystery. 1x. Grace 3x. In Christ 5x. Faith 2x. Believe 2x. Holy Spirit 1x. Church 1x. Body 1x. Love 2x. Sealed 1x. In Him 6x. Bless 3x. Flesh (ethical) 2x.
2. Chapter 2, By grace through faith. Grace 3x. In Christ 4x. Faith 1x. Walk 2x. Holy Spirit 2x. Flesh 2x. Body 1x, Love 2x. In Whom 2x.
3. Chapter 3, The mystery of Christ. Mystery 3x. Grace 3x. In Christ 3x. Faith 2x. Holy Spirit 2x. Church 3x. Body 1x. Love 2x. In Him 1x. In Whom 1x.
4. Chapter 4, Equipping the saints. Grace 2x. In Christ 1x. Faith 2x. Holy Spirit 3x. Body 4x. Love 3x. Sealed 1x. Grieve 1x. In Him 1x.
5. Chapter 5, Imitate God. Mystery 1xs. Walk 3x. Holy Spirit 1x. Walk 3x. Church 5x. Body 2x. Love 8x.
6. Chapter 6, Spiritual warfare. Mystery 1x. Grace 1x. Faith 3x. Holy Spirit 2x. Love 3x.

Ephesians Christian Way of Life Principles

1. Ephesians clearly states that the foundation for living the Christian way of life is the believer’s unchangeable relationship with Christ, “in Christ,” called position in Christ or positional truth. Also see 2 Corinthians 5.17.
2. God has provided everything necessary with His “spiritual blessings” in Christ to successfully live the Christian Way of Life (Ephesians 1.3).
3. Ephesians stresses that the means by which we are to live the Christian life is by becoming equipped through the ministry of gifted men. We are then to imitate God and live in God’s love, live filled with the Holy Spirit, and put on God’s armor. Note Ephesians 3.16-19; 4.1 and 11-16; 5.1-2 and 18; and 6.10-11.
4. Note the importance of the terms in Christ, grace, faith, the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ and church, and how we walk (live) in Ephesians for spiritual success in the Christian way of life.

Some Applications for our Christian Lives

1. We need to learn who we are in Christ and what He has done for us. For example, what has God given me to glorify Him and to live a stable and meaningful life?
2. Furthermore, we should learn our responsibilities—the dos and don’ts and practice them. How is my attitude? Does the Holy Spirit control me? Does my speech show that I am a child of God? Do I understand and follow proper authority? Is God’s love evident in my life? Am I dressed for spiritual combat?
3. We should live in a way that matches our relationship with God, and because we are God’s children we should imitate him. Do we imitate him? Do we live worthy of God? Is he pleased with our Christian walk?
4. Because God has provided spiritually gifted people to equip or prepare us to serve him and the church, we ought to make this a priority in our lives. Therefore, participate in church. This is the primary place to learn to live the Christian life. Then as we become prepared we should take advantage of opportunities to serve.

Some of the Christian Way of Life Doctrines in Ephesians

1. In Christ-Positional truth
2. Spiritual blessings
3. Grace
4. Faith
5. Holy Spirit—sealing, indwelling, revelation, power, grieving, filling, word
6. The mystery
7. Christian service and good works
8. Equipping of the saints
9. Church
10. Imitate God
11. Walking
12. Love
13. Authority
14. God’s Armor

Romans 6-8, Christian Way of Life

Romans theme: Romans presents God’s truth in three categories—principles of morality for the human race, the eternal salvation gospel, and doctrine for believers to live the Christian way of life—and demonstrates the effects of God’s truth upon mankind. The heart of this letter is that God is perfectly righteous, and mankind at best, is relatively righteous, sinful, and dead in sin. Sin blocks relationship with God and relative righteousness is not good enough. God solved this sin problem by offering legal righteousness to mankind based upon the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. Jesus Christ took mankind’s deserved judgment upon Himself. Mankind gains Jesus’ righteousness by faith in him. This is the eternal life good news or gospel (Romans 1-5). But Paul does not end there. He demonstrates that though indwelling sin remains, it does not need to rule a believer. The believer’s identification with Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit provide the way for experiential sanctification, successful Christian living, and experiential righteousness (Romans 6-8). Paul then answers the question, if Israel is God’s elect nation, why is she not reaping God’s blessing? The answer is that Israel rejected Messiah Jesus. Presently, God is using Israel’s unbelief to bring salvation blessings to Gentiles and to provoke Israel to turn from unbelief to belief in Messiah Jesus. In the future she will believe in Messiah Jesus and that remnant will experience the fulfillment of God’s promised covenants to her (Romans 9-11). Paul’s final section presents God’s blessings, challenges, opportunities, and warnings for believers as they live the Christian way of life (Romans 12-16).

Romans Sections

Section 1, God’s Righteousness and Man’s Unrighteousness, Romans 1-3.

Section 2, God Gives His Righteousness Through Faith Alone, Romans 4-5.

Section 3, We Can Live the Christian Life, Romans 6-8.

Section 4, God’s Plan for Israel, Romans 9-11.

Section 5, Day to Day Christian Living, Romans 12-16.

Theme of Romans 6-8. Since we have died with Christ to sin and to the law we are able to serve God and righteousness (Romans 6), yet sin attempts to take back the rule by working through our flesh and every time we allow deposed King Sin to rule we will fail in the Christian life (Romans 7). We are not condemned to this failure because the Holy Spirit lives in each believer and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (walking by the Holy Spirit) has set us free from necessary rule by the law of sin and death (Romans 8).

Outline of Romans 6-8, Section 3

The Christian Way of Life Is Possible

Chapter 6: Union with Christ makes the Christian Way of Life possible

1. The believer’s union with Christ makes it possible and practical to live the Christian Way of Life now (Romans 6.1-11).
2. Believers should not allow sin to rule them because they are now alive with God and under grace (Romans 6.12-14).
3. Believers are slaves of God and this slavery should result in righteousness (Romans 6.15-23).

Chapter 7: The old sin nature inside

1. The believer’s union with Christ broke any tie to law and at the same time brought every believer into a new life with God (Romans 7.1-6).
2. Paul’s sin nature rebelled against the holy law and produced personal sins, and through this he learned what he was really like inside (Romans 7.7-20).
3. Two laws are at work inside the believer, the law of sin and the law of God (Romans 7.21-25).

Chapter 8: The Holy Spirit inside

1. Union with Christ places believers under the law of the Holy Spirit in fact and in practice, not under the law of sin and death (Romans 8.1-4).
2. Believers have the option of living through the Holy Spirit or through the sin nature (Romans 8.5-7).
3. The Holy Spirit option is only true for those whom the Holy Spirit indwells (Romans 8.8-11).
4. It then follows that believers are to live day to day like heirs of God should live, by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8.12-17).
5. Creation may suffer now, but the future inheritance is much greater than any present suffering (Romans 8:18-25).
6. God’s plan guarantees that each believer is secure now in life and will be secure forever (Romans 8:26-39).

Christian Way of Life Romans 6-8, Argument

Romans 6. Our position is in Christ and therefore we died with Christ to sin and live with Christ in newness of life. We are able to live the Christian Way of Life by knowing our position, by accepting that as true and by making the right decisions (Romans 6).

The Greek grammar for the key verses: 1. Knowing, Romans 6.6 (present active participle of ginosko), and compare Galatians 2.20, 2. Consider, Romans 6.11 (present middle passive imperative of logizomai), and therefore 3. Present, Romans 6.13 (aorist active imperative of parhistimi).

When we believed in Christ as Savior, we were joined to Christ (“in Christ,” position or absolute family status). The clause in Romans 6.3, “as many as were baptized into Christ” refers to baptism by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ”—into Christ. First Corinthians 12.13 is the central passage. The word baptism is a transliteration of the Greek verb baptizo. The primary meaning of the verb baptizo and the noun baptismos is identification with something or someone. Water baptism is only one kind of baptism and this is not the meaning in this passage. Other references to Spirit baptism include Romans 6.4, Galatians 3.27, Ephesians 4.5, and Colossians 2.12. Second Corinthians 5.17 give the results of being in Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At the time we became “in Christ,” we (our old unbelieving self, old man, unregenerate person, in Adam person) died to sin with Christ. Sin used here is our nature or disposition that wants to order us around like a king would order a slave around (see Romans 6.6, 12-14, 17-20, 22 and 7.8 for king idea). To die to sin means to die with respect to or reference to King Sin. The result was that when we died to King Sin with Christ, King Sin’s legal and practical hold ceased; therefore, we are no longer King Sin’s slaves. In
Romans 6.19 Paul says that he is speaking in human terms, “slaves to,” so we can better understand the truth.

Remember that the sinful nature (King Sin in the explanation) ruled our old man (our unbeliever person in the explanation) and programmed it to commit sin. Now that at faith in Christ the old man died to King Sin, the sinful nature (King Sin) has nothing to control. In some way, though, sin still remains a part of humanity and attempts to break through and regain control, and will succeed when we struggle by the flesh.

Also, at faith in Christ each believer become a new creation or new man (2 Corinthians 5.17; Galatians 6.15;
Ephesians 2.10; 1 Peter 2.2; Colossians 3.9-10; doctrines of positional truth and the new man). We (our new self) now live with Christ in newness of life (resurrection kind of life). We are God’s slaves to produce His righteousness instead of King sin’s slaves to produce unrighteousness or sin. Believers live this new grace life (under grace, Romans 6.14) by knowing the doctrine (knowing this, Romans 6:6), by believing the doctrinal truth (consider, Romans 6.11), and by application or making the right faith choices (present, Romans 6.13). In Romans 6.15-23 Paul writes that believers are freed from King Sin and when we present ourselves to God by making the right choices based upon belief in what God has said we are enslaved to God for righteousness. The benefit is sanctification (Christian life sanctification which is progressive sanctification) and eternal life (Romans 6.22). Sin brings death (temporal death for the Christian, spiritual death to the human race apart from Christ, and even physical death; God’s grace brings sanctification and eternal life in time and forever (Romans 6.23).

Romans 7. Our position is in Christ and therefore we cannot live the Christian life by the flesh, which is human power. Every time we try to do the right thing by the flesh our sinful natures again take the rule so that we always fail to please God. We want to do right but the law of sin through the flesh brings failure (Romans 7).

Paul wrote in Romans 6.14-15 that believers do not live under law, but under grace. Law says you must do this and you must not do that in order to live the Christian life. Instead we live under grace—God giving new life, new instruction, and new ability. (You can also compare Galatians and Ephesians which we have studied.) Apparently legalists—primarily Paul’s Jewish opponents—claimed that living under grace and not under law results in unhindered sinning. Paul said they were wrong. Grace frees believers to live as slaves of righteousness resulting in sanctification (Romans 6.14-23). Paul followed this up in Romans 7.1-14 by addressing this legalism issue. His main point is that trying to live and serve God by placing oneself under the law simply gives the sinful nature (King Sin) more opportunities to rule a believer because the law has no power to accomplish right and avoid wrong, and law appeals to our sinful nature to try to live by our own power—our flesh. The problem is not with law. The law is good and had a good purpose (Romans 7.12, 14, 16). That purpose was to teach Israel her way of life before Messiah died and arose, to teach righteousness, and to lead people to Messiah Christ. The problem is with people. People do not have the ability in themselves to keep the law (Romans 7.5-12).

Paul, in Romans 7.1-6, uses the law, specifically the law of marriage to illustrate. When the husband dies, the law says that his wife is now free from him. The dead husband no longer has legal control over her (Romans 7.2-3). Just as the husband died and freed the wife from the law of marriage, so the believer died with Christ to the law and is free from living by the law. Furthermore, just as she may foolishly decide to continue to live under the authority patterns set by her dead husband so a believer may foolishly choose to live under the authority of the law. Both the wife and the believer are doomed to unhappiness and failure.

The biblical doctrine states that all believers died with Christ to the law (Romans 7.4, 6) so that we no longer serve under law (must do or must not do), but we serve under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Legalism has been put aside. This anticipates Romans 8. Therefore, since we died to both King Sin (Romans 6:2) and law (Romans 7.4), we do not need to submit to either of these and live according to our own ability.

How are King Sin and law related? Law arouses King Sin, while King Sin flaunts the law in front of us so that we either try to obey it or disobey it by ourselves (Romans 7.5, 8, 11).

Paul now summarizes the failure of the law and the flesh to deal with King Sin by using his own personal experience (Romans 7.15-23). Paul knew the law was good (Romans 7.17, 18). Every time he tried to do the right thing or follow the law he found that indwelling sin and the law of sin (the same) working through his flesh defeated him (Romans 7.17, 18, 25). This law or principle of sin that lives in our bodies (King Sin) then rules us (Romans 7.14, 17, 20, 23, 25). Paul wanted to do right but due to King Sin in his body he failed (Romans 7.15-25). The same is true for every believer. Is there a solution to this real and practical dilemma? Yes, Paul gives the solution in Romans 8.

Romans 8, Our position is in Christ and so we have the privilege to live according to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus instead of according to the law of sin and death. Nothing can change this or separate us from God’s love (Romans 8).

We believers (in Christ, new man, Christ person) are no longer under the sin nature’s (King Sin) condemning influence so that we must serve sin (King Sin), but sin keeps trying to make us submit to its control. This is the message of Romans 6 and 7. Chapter 8 begins with a statement that we are not condemned to sin’s rule (Romans 8.1). Romans 8.2 says that the law of the Spirit of life (spirituality, the Holy Spirit influencing us and empowering us) has set us free from the law of sin and death. This law states that King Sin tries to dominate us and produce temporal death toward God in us, a death or separation from God’s kind of life and way of life.

Sin in all forms was paid for and defeated by Jesus’ death on the cross (Romans 8.3). Jesus, by his life and death fulfilled law’s requirement for perfect righteousness and also ended the purpose for the Mosaic law. The righteousness that the law required is fulfilled in each believer when he is living according to the Holy Spirit, which means living by His power and therefore living the way the Holy Spirit wants us to live (Romans 8.4).

Romans 8.5-14 further explain the need for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in contrast to the flesh (the person living apart from God’s word and God’s Spirit). Believers either set their minds on the things of the flesh or on the things of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8.5). When we live by the Holy Spirit we enjoy moment by moment life and peace with God. We live successfully by walking according to the Spirit and setting our minds (our mindset, our attention, thought, will) on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8.6). If the believer’s mind is focused on the flesh and so dominated by King Sin, he is at that point against God (Romans 8.7).

Romans 8.8 then states a general truth. This truth says the person who is in the flesh (en sarki in contrast to en Christo) cannot please God. The “in the flesh” person is the unbeliever. It states his position or identity in contrast to “in Christ” which states the believer’s position or identity. Paul starts with the unbeliever to show the harsh reality. We believers do not want to live “according to the flesh” because then we will be living like an unbeliever. The Greek phrase “in the flesh” en sarki is used 18 times in 16 verses in the New Testament. Sixteen uses refer to living in our human body. Examples are Galatians 2.20 “the life which I now live in the flesh,” and Philippians 1.22, “But if I am to live on in the flesh.” The other two are figurative for the spiritual sense, Romans 8.8-9. Romans 8.9 further indicates that verse 8 refers to an unbeliever. The indwelling Holy Spirit marks one as a believer. “If anyone” uses the first conditional class if stating in this case what is true. A person is “not in the flesh” if the Holy Spirit lives in him. Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and therefore every believer has the potential to live under the “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8.2) and “walk by the Spirit” (Romans 8.4) and “mind the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8.5). If a person does not have the Spirit of Christ, referring to the Holy Spirit, that one does not belong to God (God’s family).

Romans 8.12-15 teach that we, believers, are obligated not to live according to the flesh, but to live by the Holy Spirit. To live according to the flesh means to live by the flesh’s standards and these standards are not God’s standards. Generally, “according to the flesh” and “in the flesh” are different. The first is the standard on follows and the second is the personal identity or position. The death and life refer to temporal death and life—the here and now in present life.

The rest of Romans 8 instructs about suffering and future glory, God’s plan and promises, God’s security for believers, and God’s unchanging and permanent love for believers that is rooted in Christ Jesus (Romans 8.16-39).

Words and Phrases from Romans 6-8

1. “Do you not know?” Romans 6.3 ajgnoevw agnoeo. Not to know, to be ignorant, not to understand. Second plural present active indicative, probably progressive or descriptive present for that which is happening at the time. Paul asks them rhetorical questions to get them to realize the truth that their union with Christ through Spirit baptism also identified them with Christ’s death. This death of their old unbeliever self broke the legal and practical hold it had on them.
2. “Baptized into Christ” in Romans 6.3 and “baptized into his death” in Romans 6.4 refer to baptism by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ”—into Christ. First Corinthians 12.13 is the central passage. The word baptism is a transliteration of the Greek verb baptizo. The primary meaning of the verb baptizo and the noun baptismos is identification with something or someone. Water baptism is only one kind of baptism and this is not the meaning in this passage. Other references to Spirit baptism include Romans 6.4, Galatians 3.27, Ephesians 4.5, and
   Colossians 2.12. Second Corinthians 5.17 give the results of being in Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
3. “Knowing this” Romans 6.6, ginwvskw. Ginosko. To know, come to know, learn of, find out, understand, comprehend, perceive, notice, acknowledge, recognize. Present active participle, nominative plural masculine, circumstantial, cause. Since we know that the old man was crucified with Christ, we should realize that we no longer need serve sin—sin does not have to influence us. This states a fact. The knowledge of the truth that our old man died is the basis for the faith application of this truth in our lives. The sinful nature that works through the old man now has no one to command, except a willing or carnal believer.
4. “Done away with” Romans 6:6, καταργέω, katargeo. To leave unemployed or idle, make of no effect. The verb is aorist passive subjunctive stating the purpose. The subject is “body”, the human body. “Of sin” characterizes the body. Sin lives in the human body. This began at the fall of mankind with Adam and Eve. The body of every person is characterized by Sin. For each believer, because of union with Christ, this body characterized by Sin has been unemployed so that no believer need serve Sin. Sin’s legal hold has been broken.
5. “Knowing that Christ” Romans 6.9, oida oida. To have seen or perceived and therefore to know something, to know how to do something. Perfect active participle used with present force, masculine plural nominative. We know that Christ arose and that death has no hold on Him and His death conquered sin—imputed sin, old sinful nature, and personal sin. We apply Paul’s teaching about knowing by learning about our position and new life in Christ. We learn the Bible doctrine.
6. Consider: Romans 6.11 logivzomai logizomai. Second plural, present middle imperative. 1. To reckon, calculate, to take into account; as a result of calculation evaluate, estimate, look on, consider. 2. think about, ponder, 3. to think, to believe, to be of the opinion. Paul commands the readers to think about and then to be of the opinion that we as unbelievers died with Christ and we are new in Christ and we are now alive with him. We fulfill this command by understanding our position in Christ and we accept this by faith and live based upon that fact; that is, by considering in the face of temptation that I can say “no” to it and successfully resist temptation and then continue to walk in the Spirit serving the Lord.
7. Present: Romans 6.13 parivsthmi paristemi. Transitive, to place beside, to put at someone’s disposal, to present, to represent, to render, to offer, to bring. Intransitive, approach, help, come, stand by. Second plural, present active imperative. Believers are not to allow the sin nature to rule us, nor are we to put ourselves at sin’s disposal. Instead of the way of the old man, we are to put ourselves at God’s disposal. We are to live in the new kind of life that we have in Christ. We fulfill this command by making the right choices in life—choices for God’s will and new kind of life based upon and “guided by” the Word of God.
8. Old Man: ‘ο παλαιος ‘ημων ανθροπος ho palaios hemon anthropos. Romans 6.6. Also, Ephesians 4.22 and
   Colossians 3.9. The unbeliever man, the in Adam man (1 Corinthians 15.22). There seems to be a difference between “old man” and “old sin nature,” though the two notions overlap. “Old man” seems to be everything the unregenerate person is, while the sin nature is what programs and influences the old man. The “old man” is our unregenerate person as “programmed” by the old sin nature with its sinful habits, tendencies, weakness, strengths and the like. However, the believer now has the ability—by God’s grace—to say “no” to temptation and make it stick. Remember that our old man was crucified with Christ and the body of sin now has no one to control.
9. New Man: The new creation man (2 Corinthians 5.17), seed (1 John 3.9), new nature (2 Peter 1.4). The divine nature or new creation in Christ person (Ephesians 4.24; Colossians 3.10). This develops into the “Christ formed in you” of Galatians 4.19 and the “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” man of Romans 13.14.
10. Sin: Most of the uses in Romans 6-8 refer to sin like a person—the old sin nature or sinful nature or sinful disposition or the innate tendency to sin. It is that part of the human nature that comes from Adam through our parents and is in our bodies. Ephesians 2:3 says we were by nature children of wrath. See Romans 6.2, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22; 7.7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 23, 25; 8.2, 3). Sin in a few passages refers to personal sin. Indwelling sin produces personal sin.
11. Flesh: Flesh in most usages refer to the human body or person, but in these and similar contexts flesh refers to any person living apart from Bible doctrine and apart from the Holy Spirit’s direction and therefore under the sinful nature’s direction. Sin works through the flesh (Romans 7.18, 25). Flesh is probably the same as the “body of sin” in Romans 6.6—the body characterized by sin or the body through which sin works. Flesh can be used for a believer or an unbeliever.
12. Spirit: The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides the ability to live so that we please and enjoy God (Romans 7.6 and 8.1-11). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 3.16; 6.19; 12.13) as a basis or means for living the new life, but the supernatural newness of life must be lived through walking by the Holy Spirit or the filling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.16; Ephesians 5.18).
13. Law: Rules, both religious and human. The Mosaic law and religious taboos that have no meaning to God.
    Romans 7.4-14 talks about how they disrupt the Christian life by emphasizing human action instead of the ability of the Holy Spirit. Romans 7:5 says that “rules” arouse or enflame the passions of the sin nature, thus Paul says they are of zero value “against the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2.23).
14. Condemnation: Katavkrima (Romans 8.1) often refers to legal condemnation. The doctrine of justification says that believers in Christ will never be judicially judged and condemned for sin (no condemnation) because Christ died for all the sins of the world in our place (Romans 3.24 and 5.1; Galatians 3.24-26). Romans 8.1 does not refer to this kind of no condemnation. Romans 8.1 teaches us that believers are not condemned to live under the influencing power of sin; the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from condemnation to that kind of life. The context of Roman 6-8 guides us to this interpretation. The Majority Text of Romans 8:1 requires this interpretation.
15. Law of the Spirit of Life. Romans 8.2, the law or divine principle that says that the Holy Spirit produces God’s life in us. We are to live under this law or divine principle in order to live the supernatural Christian life; if we do not, then we fall under the sin nature’s influence: “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6.4), “alive to God” (Romans 6.11), “but under grace” (Romans 6.14), “resulting in sanctification” (Romans 6.23), “we serve in newness of Spirit:
    (Romans 7.6), “serving the law of God” (Romans 6.25), “the law of the Spirit of life”, (Romans 8.2), “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8.4), “but those who according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8.5), “the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8.6), “the Spirit of God dwells in you” (Romans 8.9), “give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you” (Romans 8.11), “if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you shall will live” (Romans 8.13). Galatians 5.16 and 25 and Ephesians 5.18 refer to the law of the Holy Spirit.
16. Law of Sin and Death. Romans 8.2. The law or divine principle that says that sin indwells each person and causes death—spiritual, physical, temporal death. Romans 8.1-13 emphasize the day to day temporal death which results when the sinful nature takes illegal authority over the believer. The believer now lives in the flesh—that is, he lives apart from God’s power and God’s word, “with my flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7.25).

Some Principles from Romans 6-8 for the Christian Way of Life

1. Scripture has been inspired by God for our use. God wants believers to know and understand Scripture. Paul uses “know” (English) 13 times in 12 verses and Greek words for “know” 16 times in 14 verses in Romans 6-8. So, the simple point for us is, “know our Bibles.” It is difficult to live right without knowing who, what, when, why, and how.
2. Union with Christ, “in Christ,” (relationship with Christ) is the foundation for living the Christian life. Looking backward, each believer has died to sin by his union with Christ. Looking forward, each believer has been given the necessary resources to live the Christian life and please God.
3. For every believer, sin has been dethroned, but not killed. Believers are no long under the legal authority of Sin.
4. Sin in this context is the inherent tendency or natural inclination to commit sin, which the Bible personifies and we have called King Sin. Sin lives in each person’s body—in the flesh. Sin works through the flesh, which in most usages refer to the human body, but in these and similar contexts refer to any person living under the sinful nature’s direction and apart from Bible doctrine and apart from the Holy Spirit’s direction. Galatians 5 also uses flesh for this combined meaning.
5. Whenever a believer chooses to live in the flesh, he will fail and will obey sin. Sin continues to try to take rule over a believer and promote living in the flesh. When a believer obeys sin he will live like the old Adam man instead of like Christ. The result is failure, discontent, personal sin, and human good. First Corinthians 3 says this person is carnal—fleshly or fleshy.
6. We are encouraged 1. to know who we now are in Christ and how this changes us, 2.to consider this and accept it as true, and then 3. to serve God and righteousness, not sin and unrighteousness.
7. Romans, chapters 6-8, instruct, us that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer so he may live the Christian life. The Holy Spirit lives inside of every believer. He provides each believer with the ability to say no to sin and the life of the flesh and yes to God and righteousness.
8. Furthermore, Romans 6-8 also assumes believer confession of personal sin when necessary and goes one step beyond confession of sin. Instead of thinking, “I can sin and then confess, so I will go ahead and sin,” we can make a decision to live under the Holy Spirit and refuse to obey sin. We then continue to live for righteousness.
9. Two results of freedom from Sin’s control are day to day sanctification (spiritual growth for service) and eternal life.
10. Paul picks up Christian living again in Romans 12:1-2. Believers are to present their bodies to God, not be conformed to this world system, and be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

Primary Applications

1. Every believer has the right, privilege, and responsibility to live by the Holy Spirit’s direction and power. There is no other way to successfully please God. The challenge from the Bible is to live this way.
2. We should take it as fact that we can say no to sin’s temptations and choose to serve God and produce righteousness. Does our application of this doctrine work out in our lives each day?
3. We ought not to feed our sinful natures and the flesh by thinking about areas of sin and weakness or putting ourselves in places where temptation tries to grab us.
4. We know and apply these truths and other Scripture through faith dependence on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Each of us ought to recall the doctrine and rely on the Holy Spirit and then make the right choices.
5. We ought to learn our Bibles and as we do we should think about what it teaches and apply what it teaches. This is really the basis for knowing and applying what Paul has written in Romans.

Christian Way of Life, Romans 12:1-2

A New Kind of Priesthood

God’s plan makes all believers into priests, and as priests we no longer sacrifice animals to Him, but instead give ourselves to God for priestly service while at the same time we are progressively being changed inside by a biblical renewal of our thinking instead of being molded in the pattern of the present evil worldview (Romans 12.1-2).

1. Romans 12.1, Present our bodies to God. We are the sacrifice. The body is where we live. It is the house for our soul and human spirit, and for the Holy Spirit. This means to be willing and available to serve God. Romans 6.13, 16, 19, 22 teach us to present ourselves to God for doing righteousness. Romans 6.22 says that sanctification in time is a result. To present, παρίστημι, paristemi is in the aorist active infinitive. The word means to place beside, to present before, to put at one’s disposal. See the brief study of paristemi.
2. Romans 12.1, To do this is the reasonable or right service of worship or we could translate spiritual service—λατρείαν. Latreia is labor or religious service (Romans 9:4, temple service; Hebrews 9:1, divine worship).
3. Romans 12.2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed. How? By the renewing of our minds. This emphasizes a reconstruction of our knowledge base, our worldview, our purpose, and the how to live. Compare Ephesians 4.22-24 and 2 Corinthians 4.16.
4. Romans 12.2, When we do this we will test and prove that God’s will is good and pleasing and complete. His will for us is to be living priests who have presented our bodies to Him as living sacrifices and are not being conformed to the present worldview, but instead are being conformed to His will by having our minds changed and renewed through His word and his Spirit. We live out our priesthood.

So What? Lessons for the Christian Way Life

1. We should continually present ourselves to God. This means to make the right choices daily to serve God by living the Christian life.
2. It is wrong to present ourselves to the world system and its worldview. It will mold us to its thinking. Instead we need a continual inner transformation of our thinking. This renewal comes from God’s word plus the ministry of the Holy Spirit producing spiritual growth and service so we better live out our priesthood.
3. When we practice Romans 12:1-2 we will demonstrate to ourselves that God’s will is the best.

First Corinthians 1-3, Christian Way of Life

Introduction

1. History of the Corinthian letter. First Corinthians was written by Paul from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16.8) in response to questions (1 Corinthians 7.1) and was not Paul’s first letter to them—another was apparently lost
   (1 Corinthians 5.9). Paul established the church while on his second missionary trip around AD 50 (Acts 18.1-7;
   1 Corinthians 2.3). He stayed with Aquila and Priscilla, and like them was a tent maker for part of the time
   (Acts 18.2-3).

Paul discussed (διαλέγομαι dialegomai) the Scripture in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade (πείθω peitho) Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came to Corinth, Paul spent all his time ministering God’s word, testifying to Jews that Jesus was the Christ. When accusations became too much of a distraction he moved to Titius Justus’ house which was next to the synagogue. Crispus, a leader in the synagogue, became a believer as did many others in Corinth. Paul continued to teach God’s word for 18 months. During this time Jews went after Paul and tried to have him legally punished, but Gallio rejected the charges. When Paul left, Aquila and Priscilla left with him. He first went to Cenchrea and then Ephesus from where he wrote this letter (Acts 18.1-22). He would return to Ephesus in the near future (Acts 19.1).

1. First Corinthians theme: Though Paul established the Corinthian church in Christ and stayed there for 18 months, the believers were taken by the local lifestyle to the extent that their Christian lives reflected the pagan culture instead of Paul’s Bible teaching. They were carnal and this carnality showed up by criticism of Paul and proper spiritual authority, by cliquishness, by human works and human viewpoint, by misunderstanding and misapplication of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, by immorality, by bad marriages, by using Corinthian courts for church problems, by abuse of the Lord’s table, by abuse of spiritual freedom, by sinful judging of other believers, the misuse of spiritual gifts, by bullying Paul’s fellow Christian ministers, and other problems. Paul wrote to correct the basis for the carnality and the various expressions of it. Furthermore, he sent other believers to teach and encourage them. In light of all the problems Paul still continued to instruct, encourage, and love. He reminded them of their part in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians Outline

Section 1, Chapters 1-2, Foundation for Church Life

Chapter 1: Positional unity is by faith in Christ; experiential unity is by faith application of Bible Doctrine

Chapter 2: God revealed and now teaches His wisdom through the Holy Spirit

Section 2, Chapters 3-11, Carnality in Church Life

Chapter 3: Carnality, spiritual production, and God’s temple

Chapter 4: Antagonism and criticism toward the communicator of Bible doctrine is sin

Chapter 5: Separation from one characterized by consistent and well know sin

Chapter 6: Lawsuits, sin patterns, and the temple of the Holy Spirit

Chapter 7: Sex, marriage, and the status quo

Chapter 8: Knowledge and love, sacrificial food and the weak believer, the principle of liberty and the principle of love

Chapter 9: God’s communicator should be well paid, but the ministry, not money, must motivate him.

Chapter 10: Israel an example, idols and demons, the principle of liberty and the principle of profit

Chapter 11: Headship, authority, and glory; the Lord’s Table and communion

Section 3, Chapters 12-14, Edification in Church Life

Chapter 12: God gives every believer a spiritual gift for necessary service in the church

Chapter 13: Love that God produces

Chapter 14: The purpose of the communication gifts is edification of the church

Section 4, Chapter 15, Resurrection, Victory for the Church

Chapter 15: Christ’s physical resurrection ensured the believer’s resurrection

Section 5, Chapter 16, Personal Instructions to the Church

Chapter 16: Orderly giving, ministry instructions, and greetings

Summary of 1 Corinthians Chapter 1

Positional unity is by faith in Christ; experiential unity is by faith application of Bible doctrine.

1. Every believer in Christ, no matter what his present spiritual condition, is a sanctified saint and the object of God’s grace (1 Corinthians 1.1-3).
2. God provides the necessary spiritual gifts to churches so that each will have the means for spiritual growth and effectiveness in time while awaiting Christ’s return. During this time Christ maintains believers in God’s eternal plan so that each will be accepted before God as blameless (1 Corinthians 1.4- 9).
3. Agree with and apply the Bible doctrine that God’s appointed communicator teaches you. This practice will produce genuine harmony and also settle present problems due to arrogance, quarrels, and factions (1 Corinthians 1.10-17).
4. God’s salvation message and Christ the Savior are powerful and wise, though unbelievers consider both to be weak and foolish (1 Corinthians 1.18-25).
5. God treats mankind in grace. Man can do nothing to earn a place in God’s grace plan. Man’s wisdom, power, and nobility stimulate human pride with the result that man depends on these relative merits and rejects God’s grace
   (1 Corinthians 1.26-31).

Summary of 1 Corinthians Chapter 2

God revealed and now teaches His wisdom through the Holy Spirit.

1. Paul did not witness and teach the Corinthians a human message by human ability or persuasiveness, but he witnessed and taught God’s message with humility, with God’s power, and by the Holy Spirit’s direction
   (1 Corinthians 2.1-5).
2. God’s message, hidden wisdom from God, is more wonderful than man can imagine. God revealed it only to the apostles by the Holy Spirit. Man, by himself can never get it or understand it (1 Corinthians 2.6-10).
3. God’s message, Bible doctrine, comes from God’s thinking. Just like a man’s thinking is his own secret, so Bible doctrine is God’s secret and the Holy Spirit must reveal it, then teach it. The Father sent the Holy Spirit to do these things (1 Corinthians 2.10-13).
4. The natural man (soulish, unbeliever) will not and cannot understand spiritual truth by himself. Only the spiritual believer (indwelt by the Holy Spirit and walking by the Holy Spirit) is able to understand Bible doctrine
   (1 Corinthians 2.14-16).

Summary of 1 Corinthians Chapter 3

Carnality, production, and God’s temple.

1. The Corinthian’s carnality or control by the flesh—which is a word used for man living apart from the Holy Spirit and God’s work and under the direction of the sinful nature—limited their ability to receive more than baby doctrine. Therefore, their spiritual growth and spiritual options were limited. Their carnality expressed itself through jealousy, conflicts, criticism of Paul, and other problems noted in this epistle (1 Corinthians 3.1- 4).
2. Paul and Apollos were servants of the Lord. God used each man to accomplish His purpose with the Corinthians and others through his spiritual gift, authority, preparation in Bible doctrine, and the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3.5-10).
3. Jesus Christ—the salvation gospel—is the foundation that Paul and every believer must first put down. Each must then build upon Jesus Christ by the agency of the Holy Spirit using Bible doctrine. The result is divine good production, lasting quality service that God the Holy Spirit produces in the believer as a result of the application of Bible doctrine. The foundation that each builds will be tested by God at the judgment seat of Christ. God will reward quality production and destroy worthless production, sometimes called human good because it is what man produces living in the flesh. Yet each believer will still enter into eternal life (1 Corinthians 3.10- 15).
4. The church is the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, the place where the Holy Spirit lives during the church age. The Holy Spirit lives and functions there so that spirituality and divine good service and production are possible. Believers are forbidden to destroy (phtheirw corrupt, spoil, ruin) this temple through carnality, wrong foundations, and human good (1 Corinthians 3.16- 17).
5. Human wisdom (viewpoint) is foolishness to God, so believers should not follow it and consequently brag about men and their human wisdom. Instead, believers should apply the doctrine of spiritual blessings, which says that all of the plan of God (Bible communicators, the physical world, and other details) belong to God and are grace gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 3.18-23).

Some Words and Phrases from 1 Corinthians 1-3

1. In Christ, 1 Corinthians 1.2, 4, 30; 3.1.
2. God’s wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1.21, 24; 2.7, 8.
3. Cross-crucified, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 18; 1:23; 2:2, 8.
4. Wisdom of the world, 1 Corinthians 1.19, 20, 22; 2.1, 4, 5, 6; 3.19.
5. Signs, 1 Corinthians 1.22.
6. Foolish, 1 Corinthians 1.18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27; 2.14; 3.18, 19.
7. Mystery, 1 Corinthians 2.7.
8. Revealed, testimony, 1 Corinthians 2.10; 1.6; 2.1.
9. Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2.4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 3.16.
10. Spirit of the world, 1 Corinthians 2.11, 12.
11. Spiritually appraised, 1 Corinthians 2.13, 15.
12. Spiritual, spiritually, 1 Corinthians 2.13, 14, 15; 3.1.
13. Natural, 1 Corinthians 2.14.
14. Fleshly—carnal, 1 Corinthians 3.1, 3.
15. Grace, 1 Corinthians 1.3, 4; 3.10.
16. Foundation, 1 Corinthians 3.10, 11, 12.
17. Work—production, 3.13, 14, 15.
18. Gold, silver, precious stones, 1 Corinthians 3.12.
19. Wood, hay, straw, 1 Corinthians 3.12.
20. Reward or loss, 1 Corinthians 3.8, 14.
21. Temple of God, 1 Corinthians 3.16, 17.

Key Words for Christian Way of Life Study

1. In Christ, 1 Corinthians 1.2, 4, 5, 30; 3.1.
2. Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2.4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 3.16
3. Revealed, testimony, 1 Corinthians 2.10; 1.6; 2.1.
4. Spiritual, spiritually, 1 Corinthians 2.13, 14, 15; 3.1.
5. Natural, 1 Corinthians 2.14.
6. Fleshly—carnal, 1 Corinthians 3.1, 3

Main Points to Emphasize in 1 Corinthians 1

1. Foundation for Christian Way of Life is our position in Christ—we are related to God through Jesus Christ. Everything we are is based on this (1 Corinthians 1.2, 4, 5, 30; 3.1).
2. Water baptism in the right perspective (1 Corinthians 1.17).
3. Contrast God’s wisdom and message with man’s wisdom and message (1 Corinthians 1.18-31).
4. The cross message is foolishness to mankind (1 Corinthians 1.17, 18, 23).
5. Human world views are challenged and defeated (1 Corinthians 1.18-31).

Main Points to Emphasize in 1 Corinthians 2

1. Human methods compared to clear proclamation of God’s mystery (1 Corinthians 2.1).
2. Crucifixion is central to the message (1 Corinthians 2.2).
3. Paul communication ministry was by or because of the Holy Spirit’s ministry and God’s power working through Paul (1 Corinthians 2.4).
4. Our faith is not based upon human wisdom, knowledge, or learning (rationalism). Our faith rests or is supported by God’s power through the message (revelation), conviction and illumination by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2.5).
5. God’s plan for believers is known only by God’s revelation through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2.10-16).
6. Spiritual appraisal requires the Holy Spirit. Believers have the Holy Spirit living in them. We believers need to be directed by the Holy Spirit.

Main Points to Emphasize in 1 Corinthians 3

1. In Christ or related to Christ (1 Corinthians 3.1, 11, 23)
2. Spiritual men (1 Corinthians 3.1). In context these are those who are directed and taught by the Holy Spirit.
3. Infants in Christ (1 Corinthians 3.1).
4. Men of the flesh, carnal, sarkinos (1 Corinthians 3.1).
5. Spiritual food—Bible teaching (1 Corinthians 3:2)
6. Sarkinos (1 Corinthians 3.1) and sarkikos (1 Corinthians 3.3,3).
7. Living like unbelievers (1 Corinthians 3.3).
8. Teamwork and division of spiritual labor (1 Corinthians 3.5-9).
9. Grace for service (1 Corinthians 3.10).
10. Foundation for Christian service (1 Corinthians 3.11).
11. Christian service or Good works (1 Corinthians 3.11-15).
12. Reward from God for right service for him (1 Corinthians 3.13-15).
13. The body of Christ, the church, is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3.16-17).

Some Basic Christian Life Doctrines Referred to in 1 Corinthians 2-3

1. Positional truth-in Christ (chapter 1 and 3). Positional truth describes the church age believer’s unique and unchangeable relationship with Jesus Christ. It is identified by the phrase “in Christ,” and means that the believer is in union (unchangeable family relationship) with Jesus Christ. Positional truth or “in Christ” is the foundation for living the Christian life.
2. Revelation, inspiration, illumination, communication of God’s written word (chapter 2). God revealed his word to the authors of Scripture, guarantees its accuracy, explains it to the student, and guides the communicator in the presentation.
3. God’s wisdom and knowledge compared to human wisdom and knowledge (chapter 1 and 2). God’s wisdom and knowledge is absolute, complete, right, and perfect, while human wisdom and knowledge is limited, relative, and influenced by Satan and sin in the world.
4. Christ crucified, the centrality of the cross (chapter1 and 2). The righteous and just judgment of sin demanded death of one qualified to pay the penalty. Only Jesus qualified. God placed mankind’s sin on Jesus Christ and judged him in our place—Jesus substituted himself for us. His death was by Roman crucifixion—the method of capital punishment for criminals.
5. Ministry of the Holy Spirit and spirituality (chapter 2 and 3). The Holy Spirit convicts and enlightens unbelievers to the gospel, brings those who believe into the body of Christ, and ministers to and through believers. Spirituality refers to the believer’s right relationship with the Holy Spirit, enabling him to live the Christian way of life. “Walk by the Spirit” and “filled with the Spirit” refer to spirituality.
6. Carnality (chapter 3). Carnality comes from the word for flesh, sarkikos. It is the condition of a person living apart from God’s power and God’s word and under the influence of his sinful nature. When a believer commits personal sin he moves from spirituality to carnality. Personal confession of sin to God removes carnality and restores fellowship and spirituality.
7. Good works or Christian service (chapter 3). A believer produces good works or divine good by serving God in God’s way (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:9-10; Titus 2:7). And, God’s way is to serve following the Bible’s instructions, by the Holy Spirit’s power, and when in fellowship with God.
8. Spiritual gifts for service in the body of Christ (chapter 1 and 3). A spiritual gift is the special ability given by God to each believer for ministry within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12.4-7, 11-19; 1 Peter 4.10; Romans 12.6-8; Ephesians 4.11).

1 Corinthians 8.1-3

Knowledge and love in the Christian life

1 Corinthians 8.1-3. Things sacrificed to idols refers to sacrificial meat in which part is burned on the altar and part is eaten at a solemn mean in the temple, and part is sold in the market for home use (Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, Danker). This was unclean and forbidden to the Jewish thinking (Acts 15.29; 21.25; 1 Corinthians 8.1,4,7; 10.10.19;
Revelation 2.14.20). In 1 Corinthians 8.1 knowledge is used for knowledge not really believed or at least not applied. This knowledge not applied becomes only academic knowledge. It makes one arrogant or puffed up. We could call this the “teen age growth stage” in which one is occupied with oneself and does not apply God’s word. In contrast to this faulty use of knowledge, godly love builds people up in the faith. Both knowledge of God’s word and godly love are needed to properly live the Christian life. Godly love is sacrificial. It desires God’s best in and for the person loved.

Christian way of life study from 1 Corinthians 12-14

1. Body of Christ, the church
2. Communication and understanding of God’s word
3. Counterfeit spiritual activities and service
4. Edification of the church
5. God has designed language for clear and precise understanding
6. God’s Love in the believer
7. Holy Spirit baptism
8. Ministries for spiritual gifts
9. Permanent spiritual gifts
10. Propriety and order in the church
11. Results of spiritual gifts
12. Spiritual gifts
13. Temporary signifying spiritual gifts
14. The body of Christ—each member is gifted for service
15. The church, the body of Christ

1 Corinthians Chapter 12

God gives every believer a spiritual gift for necessary service in the church.

1. Paul wants believers to be knowledgeable about spiritual gifts. When they were unbelievers they were directed to speechless idols and the demonic mysticism behind the idolatrous cults. Now that they are believers, the Holy Spirit works through them with spiritual gifts to declare clearly the deity of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12.1-3).
   1. They apparently carried over pagan mystical religion influences into the Christian life resulting in counterfeit activity.
   2. The Holy Spirit does not curse Jesus and only the Holy Spirit will convince one that Jesus is Lord.
2. The Holy Spirit dispenses different spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church; the Lord Jesus Christ rules over the ministries; God the Father has established the plan for the accomplishment of all the activities that result from the gift and its ministries (1 Corinthians 12.4-7).
   1. Spiritual gifts are under the authority and plan of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. The temporary signifying spiritual gifts that the Corinthians abused are 1) word of wisdom (λογος σοφιας), 2) word of knowledge (λογος γνωσεως), 3) faith (πιστις), 4) gifts of (χαρισματα ιαματων), 5) effecting of miracles (ενεργηματα δυναμεων), 6) prophecy (προφητεια), 7) distinguishing of spirits (διακρισεις πνευματων), 8) kinds of tongues (γενη γλωσσων), and 9) interpretation of tongues (ερμηνεια γλωσσων). Because of the mystical nature of these gifts, they would tend to be compared to the pagan mystical religious activities (1 Corinthians 12.8-11).
   1. Spiritual gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit.
   2. Christian service and divine good works come from spiritual gifts and through the Holy Spirit.
   3. Counterfeit spiritual service capitalizes on abusing spiritual gifts.
4. The church is also called the body of Christ. All believers are baptized (identified with) into this body by the Holy Spirit at the time of faith in Christ. Christ is the head; believers make up the body (1 Corinthians 12.12-13).
   1. Holy Spirit baptizes every believer into the body of Christ.
   2. Holy Spirit indwells each believer.
   3. Body of Christ
5. This baptism produces a oneness, yet there are also planned differences because believers in the body possess different spiritual gifts. Each believer has a part to play and each is necessary. There is teamwork and interdependence (1 Corinthians 12.14-27).
   1. One body of Christ
   2. Different spiritual gifts for different Christian ministries, and different results.
   3. Each believer either blesses or hinders other believers.
6. God has selected certain gifted men, the communicators of Bible doctrine, to have priority and authority in the church (1 Corinthians 12.28-30). The dictionary form is used here for these words: 1) apostles (αποστολος),
   2) prophets (προφητης), 3) teachers (διδασκαλος). These men spiritually equip, lead, and protect the church. All believers are to be eager to benefit from their priority ministry (greater gifts). The other spiritual gifts function better when these three correctly fulfill their ministry. (Of these three, only the teacher [pastor and teacher and teacher] remains today in the period after the Bible has been completed.) The others include 4) miracles (δυναμις), 5) gifts of healings (χαρισμα ιαμα), 6) helps (αντιλημψις), 7) administrations (κυβερνησις), and 8) kinds of tongues (γενη γλωσσα). Apostles, prophets, miracles, healings, and tongues were temporary signifying spiritual gifts.
   1. Temporary and permanent communication gifts
   2. Temporary signifying gifts.
7. Spiritual gifts are wonderful abilities from God for Christian service, yet Paul will now point out a superior (huperbole—superior, excess, extraordinary) way to live. That way is living with God’s love working in one’s life
   (1 Corinthians 12.31). Paul will explain himself in chapter 13. We know from other Scripture that the Holy Spirit produces God’s love in believers who are walking by the Holy Spirit. This love is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.16-23. Also, Romans 5.5).

1 Corinthians Chapter 13

Love that God produces

1. 1 Corinthians 13.1-3 continues the superior way, the divine love way, which is God’s love produced in a believer by the Holy Spirit, is necessary even though a believer possesses abilities, spiritual gifts, and makes personal sacrifices. Paul points out that divine love is the extraordinary quality that must combine with God given abilities, spiritual gifts, and sacrifice in order to yield effective service (acceptable good works, divine good production). Without godly love all service is incomplete, the believer does not closely participate with the Lord in that service, and the one serving does not profit (1 Corinthians 13.1-3). Human good service is empty for the one serving. Divine good service gains blessing in time and future reward. During the age of Israel, a Pharisee asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said that love for God was the greatest and love for one’s neighbor was the next greatest. These two commands summarized the fulfillment of the entire law (Matthew 22.34-40; Mark 12.28-31; Luke 10.25-28).
   1. This love—agape—desires God’s will and therefore God’s best for the person loved and it shows itself in thoughts, speech, and action.
   2. 1 Corinthians 13.1 illustrates with someone who has great speaking ability. Without God’s love what one says will not have the desired good effect on the hearer. 1 Corinthians 13.2 illustrates with a person who has signifying spiritual gifts. Without God’s love the spiritual gift may function but the believer ministering is not personally involved with God in the service. 1 Corinthians 13.3 illustrates with a person who makes great personal sacrifice for God and people. Without God’s love the one sacrificing does not gain reward.
   3. Paul’s appeal is that believers live or walk in God’s love, just as he commanded in Ephesians 5.2. Some basic reasons that God’s love is so important are that love is a product of God (Galatians 5.22; Romans 5.5), a problem solver (Proverbs 10.12; 1 Corinthians 13.4-7; 1 Peter 4.8), a protector (1 Corinthians 13.4-7;
      1 Peter 4.8), and a producer (1 Corinthians 13.4-7; Galatians 5.13).
2. In 1 Corinthians 13.4-7, there are 15 characteristics of divine love. God puts his love in each believer (Romans 5.5, “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”) and demonstrates his love through each believer’s life (Galatians 5.22-23, “fruit of the Holy Spirit is…”). Paul explains God’s love in
   1 Corinthians 13.4-7. Love …
   1. is patient = μακροθυμέω, soul steadiness under pressure to react;
   2. is kind = χρηστεύομαι, gracious, useful, and beneficial to others;
   3. is not jealous = ζηλόω, upset that someone has something you want;
   4. does not brag = περπερεύομαι, talk about yourself and your accomplishments;
   5. is not arrogant = φυσιόω, swelled head, big eqo;
   6. does not act unbecomingly = ἀσχημονέω, act with bad manners, embarrass someone, act disgracefully;
   7. does not seek its own = ζητέω, occupied with self;
   8. is not provoked = παροξύνω, easily irritated;
   9. does not take into account a wrong = λογίζομαι+ τό κακός, not accept as true or think about another’s evil, not keep track of offenses;
   10. does not rejoice in unrighteousness = χαίρω + adikia, happy when evil or human viewpoint triumphs;
   11. rejoices with the truth = sugchairw te aletheia, happy when truth, divine viewpoint, triumphs;
   12. bears all things = stegw + panta, to cover closely to keep fluid in or out of a container, cover over silently, to shelter, to conceal, to keep confidential and so to keep bad things about self and others confidential (same work in 1 Peter 4.8);
   13. believes all things = pisteuw + panta, believe the best not the worst, believes the best of others unless convinced otherwise;
   14. hopes all things = elpizw + panta, Biblically optimistic;
   15. endures all things = hupomenw + panta, persevere under pressure to quit, endure every assault.
3. In 1 Corinthians 13.8 God’s love never fails or falls down in its job or from its position of extraordinary importance during human history. Even though in the future, when they are no longer needed, the temporary signifying spiritual gifts of prophecy and knowledge will be done away with and tongues (a foreign language unknown to the speaker) will cease or fade out, love will not fall from its position of superiority.
   1. The word translated “fail” is pipto in the present active indicative third singular. It means to fall down, even to fall in battle, to fall short, to be ruined. This will never happen to love.
   2. But the spiritual gifts of prophecy and word of knowledge will be abolished (katargeo, future passive indicative, to be idle, powerless, abolished). God will abolish these gifts at a certain time.
   3. The gift of tongues will cease (pauo, future middle indicative, to make an end, stop). Tongues will fade out of use and no longer be given.
   4. “They (it) will be done one away” indicates that these two signifying temporary gifts (prophecy and knowledge) will be abolished when something else comes—the perfect or the complete. The purpose for them will have been accomplished. The main purpose for prophecy and knowledge was to authoritatively witness to the new church age and to lay its beginning foundation. Compare Ephesians 2.19-20.
   5. “They will cease” indicates that the gift of tongues will stop. The main purpose for tongues was a sign to Israel. It signified that a change in God’s administration had occurred and that Israel was now judged for unbelief in Messiah (see 1 Corinthians 14.21-22). God will stop the spiritual gifts of prophecy and knowledge, while He will allow the gift of languages (tongues) to simply die out.
4. 1 Corinthians 13.9 tells us that prophecy and knowledge only supply part of what God wants believers to know. These gifts provided partial divine revelation until “the perfect” came. Note the contrast between “in part” and “complete.”
5. What is “the perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13.10? There are many views in answer to this question. They include the Bible canon, the maturing of the church through the first century, the maturing of the church until the coming of the Lord, meeting the Lord at death, the rapture, the second advent of Christ, the millennium, and eternity. Upon a closer examination the completed revelation for the church (the biblical canon) seems to best fit all the biblical information. When God has completed giving the biblical revelation the gifts of prophecy and knowledge will be stopped. Remember that the apostles were given the responsibility and authority to lay the foundation for the church and their foundation came as revelation from God (Ephesians 2.20; Romans 15.18-19; 2 Corinthians 12.12; Hebrews 2.3-4; Jude 3).
6. The child-man illustration in 1 Corinthians 13.11 demonstrated that when one grows up the childish speaking, thinking, and reasoning will be replaced by adult speaking, thinking, and reasoning. A person is limited when a child. He is complete when he is an adult. The common denominator is mental and verbal activity. This parallels the beginning church age. Instead of continuing to live by the lesser amount of God’s revelation given through the New Testament apostles and prophets’ preaching, and by the few epistles written by the time of 1 Corinthians, and from the gift of knowledge God will provide the completed and exact quantity of revelation for believers. The completed Scripture added and finalized the incomplete understanding which New Testament prophet and the gift of knowledge provided in the beginning church.
7. The mirror illustration in 1 Corinthians 13.12 established that partial knowledge based upon temporary spiritual gifts gave an unclear understanding of the whole. Unclear images as seen in an ancient mirror will give way to very clear and precise understanding. The enigmas will be cleared up in the future by the completed quantity called the perfect. Note Numbers 12.6-8 where God spoke clearly to Moses while God spoke to others in “dark sayings” (Hebrew chiydah—riddle or enigmatic saying; LXX ainigma, riddle or dark saying; 1 Corinthians 13.12 also has ainigma “dimly”). Also see James 1.23 where a mirror is compared to the Scripture. The one who simply hears but does not do looks in the mirror of Scripture and forgets what he saw.
8. Even though some gifts will be abolished or cease, there are three spiritual virtues that will continue throughout the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13.13). Faith, hope, and love are three spiritual virtues that every believer in Christ has the privilege of incorporating into the fabric of his life and then living life based upon these virtues. Faith in the right object is a foundation and faith emphasizes certainty; hope builds upon faith and emphasizes expectation and eager anticipation; and love demonstrates God’s love and is a visible evidence of a life of faith and hope. When we are in eternity, sight will replace faith and hope (2 Corinthians 5.7 and Romans 8.24-25). Love remains.
9. Summary principles and application.
   1. Spiritual gifts are meant to be combined with God’s love in and through believers by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our spiritual gifts can function without God’s love, but there is no profit or participation for us when that occurs. Therefore, the ministry and fruit of the Holy Spirit are meant to work together with spiritual gifts.
   2. The Holy Spirit produces God’s love in believers. Galatians 5.16-23 tells us that when we walk in or by the Holy Spirit (spirituality) God’s love is evident fruit of the Holy Spirit in us. According to Galatians 5.16-19,19-21 and
      1 John 1, sin short circuits the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never leaves, but He does not fill or control the believer when personal sin remains unconfessed. When we sin, we need to confess that sin to God (1 John 1.9) and trust the Holy Spirit to live through us (Galatians 5.5, 16, 25).
   3. A good way to know if God’s love is demonstrated in us is by comparing ourselves with the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13.4-7 and to the fruit of the Holy Spirit of Galatians 5.12-13. We ought to memorize these passages and meditate upon them.
   4. Temporary signifying spiritual gifts are just that—temporary. The gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and tongues are no longer given by God today. We do not possess these gifts and are not to seek them. That is useless and wrong.
   5. No matter when in the church age we live, we should apply faith, hope, and love. These spiritual virtues are continually in use today. Love is the leader of these three.

1 Corinthians Chapter 14

The purpose of the communication gifts is edification (spiritual growth) of the church

Short Outline of 1 Corinthians 14

1. The contrast of tongues and prophecy, 1 Corinthians 14.1-22.
   1. Recognize that prophecy is more valuable than tongues, 1 Corinthians 14.1-5.
   2. The limitations of tongues, 1 Corinthians 14.6-11.
   3. Spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church and tongues has given minimal edification,
      1 Corinthians 14.12-19.
   4. The general purposes of tongues and prophecy are contrasted, 1 Corinthians 14.20-22.
2. Instructions for the assembled church, 1 Corinthians 14.23-25.
   1. Using the spiritual gifts, 1 Corinthians 14.26-33.
   2. Women in the assembly, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
   3. Paul’s teaching applied in the assembled church, 1 Corinthians 14:36-40.

1 Corinthians 14, Explanation

1. The spiritual gift of prophecy was a more valuable and important spiritual gift for the early church assembly than the gift of tongues, because prophecy served to bring about the spiritual edification of the church, while the gift of tongues did not (1 Corinthians 14.1-5).
   1. Spiritual gifts.
   2. New Testament gift of prophecy.
   3. Edification of the church.
   4. God designed language to conveys His truth.
   5. Language and therefore communication must be clear.
   6. Spiritual gift of tongues compared to prophecy.
2. In order for a person to communicate for the benefit of others, or for a musical instrument to convey its message, each must produce distinctive sound and meaning. Each of the different languages in the world has its own meaning. If the language is heard by someone who does not know its meaning, there is no understanding and benefit. The same is true with the gift of tongues. Unless the listener understands the language, he cannot benefit from the message (1 Corinthians 14.6-12).
   1. Language in communication of God’s word must be clear and understandable.
   2. Revelation, inspiration, illumination, communication.
   3. Spiritual gift of tongues.
   4. Edification of the church.
3. If the gift is used where there are people who do not understand the language, there must be an interpreter present to translate. If no one translates the language, the listeners do not understand the message, and so are not edified. And unless someone translates, the one speaking knows in his spirit that a spiritual gift has functioned, but he cannot engage in productive meditation about what he has said. Paul had the gift of tongues and knew that five words of instruction in a known language were better than thousands of words in an unknown language
   (1 Corinthians 14.13-19).
   1. Language in communication of God’s word must be clear and understandable.
   2. Spiritual gift of tongues does not edify others.
4. Around 720 B.C., God signaled Israel through the Assyrian people and language that He was judging them because of their unbelief. Very early in the church age, God again used that same kind of sign (God’s message given in a Gentile language through the gift of tongues) to signal the non-believing Jew that the nation Israel was under His judgment because of unbelief and had been temporarily replaced by the church as the administrator of His plan
   (1 Corinthians 14.20-22a).
   1. Foreign languages announced judgment on Israel.
5. In contrast to the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecy was given for the benefit of the assembled church. This temporary spiritual gift was the ability to communicate God’s Word to assembled believers for the spiritual growth or edification of the individual believers and the church as a body. When the prophet taught Bible doctrine, he spoke in the language of the audience. Everyone present could understand what he said. If a stranger or an unbeliever came and listened, he would also be able to understand the words. The prophet (the gifted man) functioned until the Bible was completed and the foundation of the church was laid. (1 Corinthians 14.22b-25).
   1. Spiritual gift of tongues was a signifying sign.
   2. Spiritual gift of prophecy conveyed God’s word to people in clear language.
6. The Corinthian church was arrogant. The people emphasized the temporary and sensational gifts, especially the gift of tongues. In the assemblies, each person wanted to speak, and confusion and disorder prevailed. Paul declared that if they insisted on using the gift of tongues in the church meeting, only two or three people were to be allowed to speak in tongues, and then only if there was a translator. It was preferable to have the prophets teach. Two or three of them could instruct the congregation. Paul’s main point was that communication in the church was for edification (1 Corinthians 14.26-33).
   1. The purpose of communication in the church was for edification.
   2. Watch out for spiritual arrogance and showing off one’s gift.
7. Paul concluded this section about edification in the church by instructing the readers: women are not to make critical judgments about the prophet’s teaching while in the church assembly, but if they have questions they are to raise these afterward at home; his instructions are the Lord’s commands; prophecy teaching is much better than speaking in tongues; and the church must be orderly, respectful, and constructive (1 Corinthians 14.34-40).
   1. Rules for well mannered church service—teaching and learning, women are not to challenge the prophet in the assembly.
   2. The church service should be appropriate to good manners and orderly.

Christian Way of Life Study, 1 John

First John Emphasizes

First John centers around the person of Jesus Christ, sin and fellowship with God, love for God and believers, knowing and keeping God’s word, faith in God and God’s word, children of God, prayer, the Holy Spirit, warning against false spirits, and Christian life victory.

First John Chapter Titles

1. Jesus Christ, God’s nature, fellowship
2. Knowing God, worldliness, antichrists
3. God’s seed (nature) cannot sin
4. Test spirits, God is love, abide
5. Victory, assurance, prayer, sin

Some Repeated Key Words in 1 John

1. Abide is use 22 times.
2. Born is used 9 times.
3. Faith or believe is used 10 times.
4. Fellowship is mentioned 4 times, but it sets the tone for this epistle.
5. Jesus is referred to 12 times and Christ 8 times.
6. Keep God’s word or commandments is used 6 times.
7. Know is used 40 times.
8. Love is used 46 times.
9. Sin is used 26 times.

1 John 1 Outline

1. Jesus Christ always was; He is eternal life; and He became true humanity (1 John 1.1-4). He is both eternal life and true humanity: eternal son and incarnate son.
2. God is light (without any sin at all) and a believer must walk in the light to have fellowship (friendship rapport) with God (1 John 1.5-10). When a believer sins he walks in darkness and must confess that sin to God to regain fellowship with God.

1 John 1 Points of Emphasis

1. Christ always existed with God the Father and so always was and always is God. He is eternal (1 John 1.1).
2. Jesus Christ became true humanity and the apostles saw Him, heard Him speak, and touched Him (1 John 1.1-3). Therefore, any claim that Jesus was only a spirit and not a real man (Gnosticism) was false (1 John 1.1-3).
3. That Jesus is both God and man (Christology and hypostatic union) is foundational for fellowship with the Father and Son, and with believers (1 John 1.3).
4. Knowing and passing on these truths brings joy (1 John 1.4).
5. God is light (perfectly holy, righteous, and just) and to have fellowship with God a believer must walk or live in this same light which is to live a life without sin. A believer may claim to walk in the light when he is not doing so
   (1 John 1.5, 6, 8, 10).
6. When a believer confesses (ὁμολογέω homolegeo) the sin, God forgives the sin and cleanses from all unrighteousness. He restores the believer to fellowship (1 John 1.9).
7. “If” in verses 1 John 1.6, 7, 8, 9, 10 indicate 3rd class conditions (ean ean + subjunctive mood=3rd class if=a general condition or a future probable condition). It means if one thing happens then another thing will happen. See Matthew 15.14 and John 14.3 for illustrations.
8. Know, believe, and apply the Bible doctrines of Christology, God’s nature, hypostatic union, sin, eternal security, fellowship, and believer confession of personal sin.
9. Live under the Bible’s instruction (light) and God’s nature and be sensitive to God’s convicting of sin. At the same time do not be preoccupied with sin in your life. Let God’s light deal with sin.

Introduction to Greek Conditional “If” Clauses

Reference books used in this study.

• Daniel B. Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics – Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament (Zondervan Publishing House, pages 680-701).
• Benjamin Chapman, Greek New Testament Insert., 2nd ed., revised. (Quakertown, PA: Stylus Publishing, 1994).

1. First Class: Simple Condition (c. 300 examples in the New Testament). This class draws a logical connection between two clauses; IF this is true, THEN this is true also. The assumption of truth for the sake of argument. Matthew 12.27; Luke 4.3; Colossians 3.1; 1 Thessalonians 4.14.
   1. Form: Protasis = εἰ + verb in any tense and in the indicative mood. Apodosis = verb in any tense and any mood.
   2. εἰ οὖν συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ, τὰ ἄνω ζητεῖτε (Colossians 3.1)
      1. Protasis: IF then you have been raised with Christ,
      2. Apodosis: seek the things that are above
2. Second Class Condition: Presumed contrary to Fact (c. 40 examples in the New Testament). This class poses a hypothetical condition: IF this were the case, THEN this would have been true, too. Assumption of an untruth for the sake of argument. Luke 7.39; John 5.46; 1 Corinthians 2.8.
   1. Form: Protasis = εἰ + verb in past tense indicative mood. Apodosis = ἄν + verb in past tense indicative mood. Negative Particles: the protasis almost always uses μή, the apodosis always uses οὐ.
   2. John 15.19, εἰ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἦτε, ὁ κόσμος ἂν τὸ ἴδιον ἐφίλει
      1. Protasis: IF you were of the world,
      2. Apodosis: the world would love its own
3. Third Class Condition: Future Condition (c. 300 examples in the New Testament). The third class condition does not indicate any degree of probability for the protasis. Often presents the condition as uncertain of fulfillment, but still likely. What is likely, possible, or hypothetical. Matthew 4.9; John 11.9; John 14.3; 1 John 1.9.
   1. Form: Protasis = ἐάν + verb in subjunctive mood; Apodosis = verb in any tense and mood
   2. τυφλὸς δὲ τυφλὸν ἐὰν ὁδηγῇ, ἀμφότεροι εἰς αόθυνον πεσοῦνται (Matthew 5.14)
      1. Protasis: and IF the blind lead the blind,
      2. Apodosis: both will fall into the ditch
   3. 1 John 1.9. ἐὰν ὁμολογῶμεν τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν, πιστός ἐστιν καὶ δίκαιος, ἵνα ἀφῇ ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας.
      1. Protasis: If we confess our sins
      2. Apodosis: he is faithful to forgive and to cleanse
4. Fourth Class: Future Less Probable (no complete examples in the New Testament). It is used to indicate a possible condition in the future, usually a remote possibility (such as, if he could do something, if perhaps this should occur).
   1. Form: Protasis = εἰ + optative; Apodosis = ἄν + optative
   2. Just the protosis (1 Peter 3.14). “Even if you should suffer for righteousness, [you would be] blessed.”
   3. Just the apodosis (Luke 1.62). They were making signs to his father as to what he would want to call him.”

1 John 2 Points of Emphasis

1. Jesus Christ is our defense attorney before the Father when we sin (1 John 2.1-2). Advocate (NASB) is the Greek word parakletos, one called to one’s aid, a legal assistant, an intercessor. Jesus, because of His successful substitution for our sins is our defense attorney. He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (unlimited atonement). Propitiation, Greek hilasmos (also 1 John 4.10), a sin offering. This word is related to the Greek word hilasterion found in Romans 3.25 and Hebrews 9.5, and also in the LXX translation of the Hebrew Bible in
   Leviticus 16.2 and Exodus 25.17 “mercy seat” where the blood was applied on the day of atonement, Hebrew kapporeth propitiatory, cover over sin. The mercy seat was made of gold and about 45 inches by 27 inches. When a believer sins, that sin was covered by Jesus’ death for all of us. He now defends us against accusation by the enemy.
2. Keeping God’s word demonstrates God’s kind of love in a believer (1 John 2.3-5). We know at this time that we really have known (in the sense of close and thorough knowledge) Jesus Christ if we now keep His commandments. Good fellowship brings about a thorough knowledge of the character and personality of another and so we want to please that one. You cannot fake this as 1 John 2.4 says. The topic here is not whether one is a believer or not. It refers to good fellowship and camaraderie.
3. We are not to love the world in the sense that it holds our attention and loyalty (1 John 2.15-17). The Greek words for love are agapao and agape, the love that emphasizes sacrifice, responsibility, protection, and spiritual welfare. See 1 Corinthians 13.4-7. John contrasts loving the world and all that is in it above loving our heavenly Father. Placing supreme value on the world instead of our heavenly Father is not only wrong, it is loving something that is only temporary. One who loves the Father will do the Father’s will and that kind of life and production lasts forever.
4. One who denies that Jesus is the Christ is against Christ (1 John 2.22). The antichrist philosophy begins with denying that Jesus is Messiah God. This is a denial of Jesus, who is undiminished deity and true humanity in one person forever (Hypostatic Union).

1 John 3 Points of Emphasis

1. The Father calls us His children (1 John 3.1-2). John addresses his audience as beloved and we. This indicates again that his audience is believers. We are called children of the Father (God the Father). The word for children is teknon which refers a child, one who is a descendent, youngsters, or offspring. We are now our heavenly Father’s children. This word is also used in John 1:12. As children we need training. The world does not know us in the sense of understanding us. We are related to God with a different character, lifestyle, and purpose. Someday we shall be just like Jesus Christ. Consider 2 Corinthians 5:17 where as new creatures in Christ we have a new relationship with God, a new kind of life (eternal life in quality and length), a new capacity to know, grow, fellowship with, serve God, and a new means of living.
2. The new nature, God’s seed, cannot sin. If we sin it is from the old Adam nature (1 John 3.4-10). John writes to spiritual children (teknon). This section of 1 John presents a wonderful truth, but it is often missed. The simple point is that we, believers in Christ, are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5.17) and are the offspring of God (seed,
   1 John 3.9). Ultimately, all sin comes from Satan, the first sinner. All righteousness comes from God. From that perspective we are like our sinless parent, and so when we live from our new creation position we cannot and do not sin. Personal sin comes from the Adam man or the old man under the domination of the sinful nature. Recall that every believer is also called or has the new man (Ephesians 4.24), new creation (2 Corinthians 5.17,
   Galatians 6.15), partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1.4), and God’s seed remains in us (1 John 3.9). This develops into the “Christ formed in you” of Galatians 4.19 and the “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” man of Romans 13.14. Alternative interpretations include taking “does not sin” and “cannot sin” as progressive present tenses meaning continually sin, or meaning that the person is really not a believer. Neither of these fits the context of John’s writings nor other New Testament teachings. Also compare Romans 6-8.

1 John 4 Points of Emphasis

1. Those who deny that Jesus is Messiah Christ in the flesh are false prophets and false spirits (1 John 4.1-3). John again brings up the controversy put forward by false prophets motivated by demons. They claim that Jesus is not God. Believers are to apply a test to the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The demons, through false prophets, deny the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ. These are ones who are of the anti-Christ faction. John’s points: 1. we are to be careful to think biblically about what we see and hear; 2. and we must never waver from the doctrine of the hypostatic union—Jesus Christ is undiminished deity and true humanity in one person forever. Christology, as John emphasized in chapter one is foundational to our Christian lives.
2. God first loved us, and we are to love God and other believers (1 John 4.17-21). John mentions love 46 times in
   1 John. We are continuing to learn that godly love (that which God produces in the believer through the Holy Spirit) is a mark of a believer and a responsibility of a believer. When John, in this section, says “does not know God”
   (1 John 4.18) he is not saying that one is not “born of God.” Note what is not said in 1 John 4.8 compared to
   1 John 4.7. Intimate fellowship “know God” is the meaning of verse 8. God initiated this love; it was sacrificial; it was known by God sending His Son (1 John 4.9-10, 19). Our responsibility to also love is in 1 John 4.11. No has seen God because He is spirit, yet His existence and character become evident by our godly love for others (1 John 4.12-14). Biblical Christology (“confess that Jesus is the Son of God”) is inseparable from abiding in God (meno, to remain, to continue, and in John’s context to remain in fellowship with God) and experiencing and expressing godly love (1 John 4.15-17). One who is experiencing and expressing godly love is under God’s direction and so will not fear the judgment seat of Christ (1 John 4.18). Furthermore, love of God and hate of a spiritual brother are not compatible. The conclusion is that if one loves God he should also love his spiritual brother (1 John 4.20-21).

1 John 5 Points of Emphasis

1. More about love for God and love for believers (1 John 5.1-3). These verses summarize John’s argument about love and the believer. Verse 1a refers to the gaining of eternal life by faith. Everyone believing (present active participle, subject) that Jesus is the Christ-Messiah (hypostatic union) is born (perfect passive indicative) of God. That one is a Christian. Now John’s comments in 1 John 5.1-3 refer to the Christian life. Love for the Father—the Greek text has “the one who gave birth”—and God’s children go hand in hand with obeying His word. Disobedience of God’s word is incompatible with love for God. The text: everyone loving the one who gave birth (refers to God the Father) loves the one born from Him. Love for God and doing God’s word produces love for God’s children. I suggest comparing doing God’s word with Romans 6 where knowing, believing, and applying God’s word are considered a team.
2. Faith and victory (1 John 5.4-5). Where verse 1a presents faith at the point of eternal salvation, verses 4-5 continue John’s teaching about the faith person operating in the Christian life. In 1 John 5.4 “is born” refers to a believer, and he overcomes (present active indicative for the principle) the world in his day to day Christian life. He pleases God. Recall 1 John 2.15, “do not love the world.” How does he overcome the world? Because he is a believer he overcomes in principle by his relationship to God and he overcomes in practice by each use of faith. “Which overcomes” (aorist active participle further qualifying “the victory”) indicates the points of victory. Our faith is the victory or that which gives victory. It is interesting to note that John says “our faith,” not “his faith.” “Our faith” goes back to “everyone having been born of God” at the beginning of 1 John 5.4. This is a principle for every believer which is personalized in verse 5. 1 John 5.5 summarizes Christian life victory: the one overcoming the world is the one believing that Jesus is the Son of God. The believer who defeats the world system, the one who experiences Christian victory, is the one who has his Christology correct and faithfully by faith focuses his attention on Jesus, the Son of God, for everlasting life, as head of the church, as advocate, as provider of the Holy Spirit, and as the one who demonstrated that the spiritual life can be lived successfully.

Note on 1 John 5.1-5.

• 1. 1 John 5.1 “believes” (present active participle) is born (perfect passive indicative) Phase 1 salvation.
  2. 1 John 5.4 “is born” (perfect passive participle) overcomes (present active indicative) Phase 2 salvation and the believer’s faith overcomes, victors, defeats (aorist active participle) the world=the defeating the world, victory.
  3. 1 John 5.5, Summary: the one defeating (present active participle) the world is the one believing (present active participle) Phase 2 faith and victory.
  4. 1 John 5.1b-3 is filling in data that describes the one having been born of God—loving God and believers and keeping God’s commands.

1. Faith in God’s son brings eternal life and God wants everyone who believes in His Son to know that he possesses eternal life (1 John 5.10-13). We have taught this many times. 1 John 5.10 points to remember are the phrases “the one who believes” and “the one who does not believe.” Both are articular present active participles used as subjects; they are descriptive presents. The object is the Son of God and God’s testimony about His Son. The person who believes in the Son has (present active indicative) the testimony in himself. What is the testimony? The testimony is about God’s Son. 1 John 5.11-12 expand on what the testimony is. God gave eternal life; this life is in God’s Son; whoever has the Son has eternal life. It is a gift. The life is in God’s Son—in no one else or in no other place. In 1 John 5.13, John writes so that his readers, those who believe (articular present active participle, dative in simple apposition to “you”) in the name of the Son of God, may know (the verb oida in the perfect tense is used with a present tense meaning) for certain that they do possess (present active indicative of echo) eternal life. No question or uncertainty. If one believes in the name of God’s Son that person possesses eternal life. The name identifies the person. John continues to emphasize the God-Man, Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. This teaches assurance of salvation for every believer.
2. Prayer should be according to God’s will (1 John 5.14-15). Prayer is one of the basic techniques for Christian living (Colossians 4:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5.17). We all pray, yet often wonder about answers to our prayer. John, in this section, links a correct prayer life to one’s assurance of eternal salvation. When we are confident about our own eternal salvation we will also pray with greater confidence. The prayer requests that we bring to our heavenly Father need to be according to His will—that is, prayer for what our heavenly Father wants us to pray. We find his will in the Scripture. So, our prayer life should be based in the Bible’s clear statements, implications, and applications. Our heavenly Father listens to these prayers and answers them in His best way. When we are in doubt about a request we explicitly or implicitly follow Jesus’ example found in Luke 22.42, “yet not my will, but yours be done.” The same author, John, wrote in John 15.6 that our abiding in Christ (fellowship and walking in the light) and God’s word abiding in us are necessary for a good prayer life. This ties in with 1 John 5.15-16—we know God’s will through God’s word and fellowship with Him.
3. Sin in the life of a believer can be disastrous (1 John 5.16-18). First John centers around the person of Jesus Christ, sin and fellowship with God, love for God and believers, knowing and keeping God’s word, faith in God and God’s word, children of God, prayer, the Holy Spirit, warning against false spirits, and Christian life victory. Sin is an affront to all of these. Personal confession of sin by each individual believer-priest to God is God’s will for us in order for temporal fellowship to be restored. Confession is easy for us to do, but sin can have very severe consequences for believers. One consequence of sin is physical death brought by God. This is the final discipline. The sin or sins that result in this discipline are not mentioned. We are simply warned in passing. John’s main point here is that we are to pray for other believers whom we see sinning so that God will continue the physical life and temporal blessing of that person. This kind of prayer is one that asks God to work in the life of the one sinning to convict, to restore to fellowship, and to put that sin aside. This kind of prayer fits in with the commands in 1 John to love believers.

Christian Way of Life, 2 John—Walk in Truth and Love One Another

Outline

1. John is joyful because they are living in God’s truth and love (2 John 1-4).
2. Love expresses God’s commandments (2 John 5-6).
3. Watch yourselves against bad Christology, spiritual regression, and support of those with bad Christology (2 John 7-11).
4. John has other things to say, but wants to do it face to face for their joy (2 John 12-13).

Main Points of Emphasis for the Christian Way of Life

1. Live life in God’s word (2 John 4)
2. Love one another (2 John 5)
3. God’s word applied becomes love expressed (2 John 6)
4. Be alert against (2 John 7-11)
   1. Bad Christology (2 John 7, 9)
   2. Spiritual regression (2 John 8)
   3. Participation with those who have bad Christology (2 John 10-11)
5. Face to face teaching can bring joy to the listeners (2 John 12)

Doctrines that John Notes in 2 John

1. Love (2 John 1, 3, 5, 6)
2. God’s word (2 John 1, 2, 3, 4, 9)
3. God the Father (2 John 3, 9)
4. God the Son (2 John 3, 7, 9)
5. Walking (2 John 4, 6)
6. One another (2 John 5)
7. Jesus’ commandments (2 John 5, 6, 9)
8. Bad Christology (2 John 7)
9. False teachers (2 John 7, 10)
10. Rewards (2 John 8)
11. Abiding (2 John 9)
12. Face to face teaching God’s word (2 John 12)
13. Joy (2 John 12)

Jude Outline

Jude, the brother of James and the Lord’s half-brother wrote this letter around AD 65-80 to warn about spiritual rebels and their false doctrine. Jude urges them to recognize the problem and fight for the faith. He presents the strategy for the spiritual conflict: 1. remember the warning, 2. growth in doctrine, 3. prayer, 4. loyal love for God, 5. eagerly await Jesus Christ, and 6. helping other believers who are influenced by rebels and false doctrine. He closes by with a doxology that says God is the one who can keep us from stumbling in our Christian lives and all honor belongs to Him.

Some of Jude’s main lessons

1. Divine guidance, Jude 3, 4, 17.
2. The faith has been delivered. There is no new revelation to correct or add to the faith, Jude 3.
3. Apostasy or departure from the faith by both believer and unbeliever, Jude 4-16.
4. How to protect oneself from agreeing with the departures from the faith, Jude 17-21.
5. How to help other under the influence of apostasy, Jude 22-23.
6. God who is sovereign creator and king is the ultimate source of stability and spiritual survival and we ought to continually recognize and honor Him, Jude 24-25.

Jude Explanation

1. The instruction so that you can “fight for the faith,” Jude 17-23. The verbs have the force of imperatives.
   1. Jude 17-19. Remember the apostle’s warning in their previous instruction. Remember is mimneskomai in the aorist passive imperative with a reflexive idea. It means to recall, to remind oneself, to back over something. It means more than to just think of. They are to remind themselves of what the apostles were saying (imperfect active indicative) to them, namely that a falling away and a rebellion against God’s word will occur. The apostles said it over and over. Do not be shocked at the anti-biblical world view. Unbelievers, and especially rebellious unbelievers mock God’s word and God’s people; they follow individual and corporate lust patterns; they divide people; they are worldly minded (psuchoi); and they lack the Holy Spirit.
   2. Jude 20. Spiritual buildup through the word of God. Believers need to build themselves up. Epoikodomeo is the verb. It is in the present active participle of attendant circumstance with the imperative force because of the imperative in context. There are a number of attendant circumstance participles in this section. They indicate an action that is associated with the finite verb and equal in action with the finite verbs. They take the same mood as the finite verb. Often it is the author’s way of varying his sentence structure. Building is a biblical and spiritual buildup in the biblical faith. It is personal. They participate by listening, thinking, believing, and applying God’s word. This requires gifted men (Ephesians 4 and others) and individual participation (See 1 Peter 2.2,
      Colossians 1:9-10, and others).
   3. Jude 20. Pray while walking by the Holy Spirit. We know that prayer is important. It is especially important is times of extreme spiritual attack. The verb proseuchomai is the present middle participle of attendant circumstance. Jude recognizes the need to pray under the direction of the Holy Spirit. See Ephesians 6:20.
   4. Jude 21. Love for God is vital to our spiritual lives. Keep is tereo in the aorist active imperative. Tereo means to watch closely, to observe, to guard, to pay attention to. We are to pay close attention and keep ourselves in love for God. Love for God is the driving force in the Christian life. Central passages instructing us include 1 John 2:15-17, 5:1-3, and Luke 10:27. Colossians 3:1-3 teaches love for God, though using different wording. Without a loyal love and reverence for God any other spiritual thought or activity becomes duty. Love for God reminds us that God is the creator and we are the creature. We depend upon Him and we owe our lives to Him.
   5. Jude 21. Anxiously await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that will come to us when He returns for His church. The verb is prosdechomai in the present middle participle. It is another participle of attendant circumstance. It means to welcome, to wait for expectantly. We look forward to Jesus’ coming. We look forward to seeing Him personally. We look forward to the reunion with other believers. And, we look forward to history’s climatic events. When we keep the sure blessings of the future in mind we can go through the tests and hardships of the present.
   6. Jude 22-23. Help others being enticed into false doctrine and subverted by counterfeits and their false doctrine. This section now instructs about our responsibility to those becoming seduced by these false teachers and others who instigate rebellion against God and God’s word. There are three groups. The three are the doubters, those playing with apostasy and rebellion, and those who have joined with the apostasy. The verbs have mercy, save, and have mercy are all imperatives indicating a command or strong exhortation to do something.
   7. Jude 22. Those doubting are believers who have questions and people with false doctrine are attempting to influence and win them. The instruction is to have mercy on them. Doubting is the verb diakrino which has a range of meanings which include to investigate, distinguish, to evaluate, to decide, and even to be uncertain and doubt. These doubters need answers and encouragement, not criticism. This is an opportunity for a faithful believer to provide those answers and encouragement. We graciously come to their aid by encouraging, protecting, and building them up.
   8. Jude 23a. The second group under attack needs more firm help. They are more than doubters. They have become involved and are on the point of joining biblical truth with false doctrine. Syncretism results. This was the problem of Israel in the time of the Judges and the prophets. We are to snatch these people out of the figurative fire like a fireman would a person in a burning house. Fire indicates discipline and judgment which will come to those forsaking God’s word. With this group we need to be very clear about their error. We answer questions, point out error, and clearly warn of the danger ahead.
   9. Jude 23b. Have mercy on some with fear. These are fully captivated by false doctrine and a non-biblical worldview and lifestyle. These are already under God’s discipline. We must show them mercy and at the same time not be contaminated by their false beliefs, worldview, and lifestyle. We show mercy at arm’s length.

Doctrines

Doctrine of Position “In Christ”

In Christ identifies the church age believer’s relationship with Jesus Christ. The term comes from the New Testament phrase “in Christ” which is found in 2 Corinthians 5.17 and many other passages.

1. In Christ begins when a person believes in Christ. At that point the Holy Spirit puts the believer in relationship with Christ, identifies him with Christ’s body the church, and the Holy Spirit indwells him (2 Corinthians 5.17;
   1 Corinthians 12.13).
2. Believers are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3.9). The building is based on the believer’s union or relationship with Christ (Ephesians 2.20ff). We are placed in Him. This is brought about by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6.3; 1 Corinthians 12.13; Galatians 3.27). Union with Christ is simultaneous with the sealing of the Holy Spirit
   (Ephesians 1.13-14). All believers, carnal and spiritual, are identified with Christ and never get out of Christ. Spiritual gifts are dependent on the believer’s relationship or union with Christ (1 Corinthians 12.11-31, especially
   1 Corinthians 12.11, 12, 18). Each believer has at least one spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12.4-11, 18).
3. The central Scripture for position in Christ is 2 Corinthians 5.17. Others that define and describe positional truth include John 17.20-23; 1 Corinthians 12.13; Galatians 3.27-28; Ephesians 2.4-6, 10; Colossians 3.1-4.
4. Descriptions of position in Christ include the following.
   1. Position in Christ is the same as positional sanctification.
   2. Position in Christ means that we are members of Christ’s spiritual body on earth. He is the head in heaven.
   3. Position in Christ is the basis for the uniqueness of the church age.
   4. Position in Christ has two parts. The first looks back to the cross with the result that believers are redeemed and the legal authority of our sinful nature over us was removed. The second looks ahead to our present life with Christ in which we are identified with Christ in His resurrection, ascension, and seating at the right hand of the father, and therefore we possess the spiritual resources to live the Christian life.
5. Benefits of position in Christ.
   1. God’s righteousness is imputed to each believer (2 Corinthians 5.21).
   2. We have Eternal life (1 John 5.11-12).
   3. We are sanctified (1 Corinthians 1.2; Hebrews 10.10).
   4. Each believer is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5.17).
   5. We are no longer under the sin nature’s legal and condemning control so that we no longer need to serve sin (Romans 8.1-2).
   6. We are God’s heir (Romans 8.16-17).
   7. In Christ guarantees our eternal security (Romans 8.38-39).
   8. Our destiny is to be like Christ (Ephesians 1.4-5).
   9. We have redemption (Ephesians 1.7).
   10. In Christ guarantees physical resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18).
   11. In Christ is the basis for spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1.1-7).
   12. We are members of the church (1 Corinthians 12.13,27 with Ephesians 1.21-23).
   13. In Christ belongs to all categories of believers—carnal, spiritual, immature, mature (1 Corinthians 1.2, 30).
   14. God has a plan for each believer to serve Him (Ephesians 2.10).
   15. We can be strong in grace (2 Timothy 2.1).
   16. In Christ is the foundation to be able to live the Christian life (Romans 6.1-11).
6. What position in Christ is not.
   1. It is not something we feel and so is not proved by emotion.
   2. It is not progressive; it cannot be improved in time or eternity.
   3. It is not related to human merit or ability.
   4. It is not changeable by man or angels.
   5. It is not obtained gradually while you grow in grace; it is obtained completely at salvation.
   6. It is not known apart from the Word of God.
   7. It is not our possession because of what we do or fail to do; it is ours because of what God has done.
7. Some applications of the doctrine of position in Christ include the following.
   1. Remember that I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5.17).
   2. This is the basis for me to live the Christian life successfully and correctly (Romans 6).
   3. Accept as true that I am dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6.11).
   4. Am I living day to day depending on and following Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12.1-2; Colossians 2.20)?

Doctrine of Sanctification

To sanctify means to set apart for God’s service. Sanctification is the noun. Holy is the adjective. God sanctifies believers at the time of faith for salvation. This sets them apart for God’s service and blessing from that time on forever. God also works in believers to sanctify them—make them holy—for service to Him and blessing for them during the Christian life. While the first is due to relationship with God in Christ, the second progresses through time and experience. Progressive sanctification depends upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God’s word, faith, and application of God’s word, including confession of sin when needed. Progressive sanctification has the goal of Christ-likeness in all parts of life and in all relationships—thinking, working, serving, playing, studying, worshipping, and so on and is important in personal, family, work, and church relationships (Galatians 4.19; Romans 13.14; Ephesians 4.13;
2 Peter 1.4). The third phase of sanctification is called final or ultimate sanctification and happens when believers go to be with the Lord. Central Scripture on progressive or Christian life sanctification include John 17.17-19, Romans 6.15-23, Romans 12.1-2, and 1 Peter 1.13-16. John 10.36 and 1 Peter 3.15 demonstrate the basic idea of sanctify.

Introduction to sanctification in the Christian life (Romans 6.15-23, especially verse 22).

Progressive or experiential or Christian life sanctification is now possible because of Christ’s death and resurrection. His death and resurrection provide the believer’s positional sanctification in Christ (unchangeable identification and relationship with Christ). Positional sanctification never changes.

Sanctification works out in day to day life when we believers apply Bible doctrine in our living by making choices to believe God and serve righteousness instead of serving sin (Romans 6.15-23, especially 19 and 22). Recall Paul’s argument of Romans 6-8 and especially Romans 6 where he stresses three things: 1. know what happened when we believed in Jesus Christ and who we now are (Romans 6.6); 2. believe these truths—reckon or consider them true (Romans 6.11); and 3. apply these truths every day and in all situations (Romans 6.12-13). Sanctification in our day to day Christian life is the result (Romans 6.22). What does experiential sanctification have as its goal? Christ likeness is the best way to answer this question (Galatians 4.19; Romans 13.14; Ephesians 4.13; 2 Peter 1.4).

Definition and comparison.

• 1. The condition in which a person is set apart and qualified for relationship and service to God (Leviticus 27.14-16; Jeremiah 1.5; John 17.17; Romans 6.15-23; 12.1; 1 Corinthians 1.2,30, 6.11; 2 Corinthians 1.2;
     Hebrews 12.14; 1 Peter 1.13-16). Sanctification does not imply sinless perfection while alive on earth in time.
  2. Sanctification, spirituality, growth, and maturity are often confused. They are related but are different. Sanctification emphasizes the set apart and prepared readiness at any point in time. It requires spirituality. Spiritual growth and maturity enhance it. Spirituality emphasizes the activity of the Holy Spirit at any point in time. It is an absolute, not relative condition. Growth emphasizes the process of spiritual development. Maturity emphasizes the stages of spiritual growth. Both growth and maturity are relative conditions.
  3. Greek words include the verb hagiazw (BAG 8, to make holy, sanctify, consecrate, John 17.17;
     1 Thessalonians 5.23; 1 Corinthians 1.2), the adjective hagios (dedicated to God, holy, sacred, pure
     1 Peter 2.5,9; 1 Corinthians 1.2), the masculine noun hagiasmos (sanctification, holiness, consecration–process or mostly result–Romans 6.19,22; 2 Thessalonians 2.13), the feminine noun hagiotes (holiness, Hebrews 12.10), the feminine noun hagiosune (holiness, 2 Corinthians 7.1; 1 Thessalonians 3.13).
  4. Hebrew words include qodesh (BDB 871, apartness, Leviticus 27.14; Ezra 8.28), qadash (to be set apart, consecrated, sacred, holy, Leviticus 27.14-17; Jeremiah 1.5).

1. There are three categories of sanctification.
   1. Position (Acts 26.18; 1 Corinthians 1.2, 30; 6.11; Ephesians 1.1; 2 Thessalonians 2.13; Hebrews 10.10;
      1 Peter 1.2).
   2. Progressive or experience (John 17.17; Romans 6.19, 22; 12.1; 2 Corinthians 7.1; 1 Thessalonians 4.3-7; 5.23; Hebrews 12.10, 14; 1 Peter 1.15).
   3. Ultimate or final (Philippians 3.21; 1 John 3.1-2; Jude 24-25).
2. Particulars about sanctification in the New Testament—verb hagiazo.
   1. Sanctification by position or relationship with Christ.
      1. All believers have positional sanctification in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1.2 and 6.11).
      2. Faith in Christ results in positional sanctification (Acts 26.18).
      3. The death of Jesus Christ for sins sanctifies forever believers (Hebrews 10.10, 14, 29).
      4. Jesus sanctifies those who accept Him (Hebrew 13.12).
   2. Sanctification in our Christian life experience.
      1. God’s word sanctifies a believer in time (John 17.17).
      2. The Holy Spirit sanctifies correct Christian service (Romans 15.16).
      3. Paul prayed that God would sanctify believers during time (1 Thessalonians 5.23).
      4. Separation from sin makes experiential sanctification possible (2 Timothy 2.21).
3. Particulars about sanctification in the New Testament—noun hagiasmos.
   1. Sanctification by position or relationship with Christ.
      1. Jesus Christ is our sanctification—the person in whom we are sanctified and the reason why we are sanctified (1 Corinthians 1.30).
   2. Sanctification in our Christian life experience.
      1. Progressive or Christian life sanctification is now possible because of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is true day to day when we apply these truths in our living by making choices to believe God and serve righteousness instead of serving sin (Romans 6.15-23, especially Romans 6.19 and 22).
      2. Sanctification in the area of morality is God’s will for believers (1 Thessalonians 4.3, 4, 7).
      3. The Holy Spirit sets apart people, so they may consider faith in Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2.13). Relate this to John 16.8-11 where Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will come and convict unbelievers of sin, righteousness, and judgment—core elements of the gospel
      4. Progressive sanctification should be a goal of believers (Hebrews 12.14). Here it refers to experiential holiness in life. The author expresses a principle: “without it (sanctification) no one will see the Lord.” Since sin can never be in God’s presence, believers should also pursue sanctification throughout life. This verse is not saying that unless one pursues sanctification now, he cannot go to heaven and see the Lord. Holiness is required for fellowship in time and positional holiness is required to meet the Lord face to face.
4. So what?
   1. When a person believes in Jesus Christ for salvation God sets him apart by putting him into a positional relationship with Jesus Christ (in Christ). The believer now legally gains sanctification because he is viewed in Jesus Christ. He is secure in eternal salvation and heaven bound. Because of this identify in Christ each believer possesses “all spiritual blessings” (Ephesians 1.3) for relationship with God, for the Christian life, and for eternity.
   2. God wants us to live godly lives here and now. This comes about by the ministry of the Holy Spirit combined with God’s word, and the faith application of God’s word—Bible doctrine—in all areas of life. Simply put, progressive or experiential sanctification proceeds as spiritual growth proceeds. God has provided the provisions for spiritual growth and living. Where do we start? These provisions begin with the local church ministry and the Christian life basic techniques as summarized in our Umbrella teaching and application aid.
5. Various views of sanctification. Five Views on Sanctification, Zondervan, 1987.
   1. Wesleyan
   2. Reformed
   3. Pentecostal
   4. Keswick
   5. Augustinian-Dispensational

Doctrine of Spiritual Blessings

1. Definition. Spiritual blessings are the resources and benefits that God has given believers for living the Christian way of life and for eternity. God designed them and then freely gives them to every church age believer in Jesus Christ. He gives them so that every believer may live on earth in a way that is compatible with his union with Christ, who is now in heaven (Ephesians 1.3-8; 4:1; 5.1; 2 Peter 1.3-4). We will study this under the following biblical topics.
   1. In the plan of God (Romans 8.28-39).
   2. Solution to the sin problem (2 Corinthians 5.18).
   3. New home and citizenship (Philippians 3.20).
   4. New relationship (1 John 3.1-2).
   5. New position (2 Corinthians 5.17).
   6. Provision for living the Christian way of life (2 Peter 1.2-4).
   7. A future (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18.)
2. Central Bible references.
   1. Ephesians 1.3-8.
      1. The persons directly mentioned are God the Father (who blesses), and believers (who are blessed).
      2. The verb has blessed ὁ εὐλογήσας is the aorist active participle used as a noun, from εὐλογέω means to speak well of, to praise, to extol, to call down God’s gracious power. When God is the subject it means that He gave His benefits. God is the subject here.
      3. With every spiritual blessing ἐν πάσῃ εὐλογίᾳ πνευματικῇ. Every πᾶς refers to both individual and the whole, and so to each and every blessing. Spiritual πνευματικός refers to something that has to do with the Holy Spirit, human spirit, spirit-like, or evil spirits. Here it refers to benefits that are from God through the Holy Spirit. They are spiritual because they come from God and are for God’s kind of life in the believer. They are apart from mankind’s physical efforts or plans. Blessing εὐλογία refers to blessings as benefits given by God.
      4. In the heavenlies ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις (Ephesians 1.3, 20; 2.6; 3.10; 6.12) has the meaning of sphere or place. The blessings come from heaven where Christ is now seated. They are heaven like.
      5. In Christ ἐν Χριστῷ. This is a prepositional phrase, dative of sphere. This speaks of union, relationship with Christ who is now seated in heaven at the Father’s right hand. Christ is the person in whom and through whom believers have the benefits. Without being related to Christ, no spiritual blessings will come.
      6. The spiritual blessings are part of the Plan of God for the church age believer (Ephesians 1.4-6).
      7. Ephesians 4.1, we are to live worthy of ἀξίως axios (suitable to, in a way that corresponds) our heavenly calling in Christ.
      8. Ephesians 5.1, we are to become imitators μιμητής mimetes (English mimic) of God.
   2. 2 Peter 1.3-4. God the Father by His divine attributes freely gave each believer everything that is necessary for eternal life and for godlikeness now. Believers know and use these benefits by a true knowledge of God and His Plan. God’s glory and excellence have granted to us magnificent promises so that we may become sharers of the divine nature—put on the new Christ kind of nature.
3. Categories of Spiritual Blessings in Christ.
   1. In the Plan of God Romans 8.28-39)
      1. What is going on in history? God working through history (Ephesians 1:10)—the movement of events in time as part of the angelic conflict, theocratic kingdom, and dispensations (Job 1.6-11, 2.1-6;
         Ephesians 6.10-12; Genesis 12.1-3; Acts 1.6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Ephesians 1.7-12, 3.1-6; Colossians 1.24-27; Revelation 21:1-8).
      2. God will reestablish His rightful rule over creation through Jesus Christ, and we in the church, the mystery form of His kingdom, have a part by making disciples and doing all to the glory of God
         (Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 3:6, 5:32; Colossians 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 10:31).
   2. Solution to the sin problem (2 Corinthians 5.19)
      1. Reconciliation is the larger word for what God did—He made peace between God and man by removing the sin barrier (2 Corinthians 5.18-20; Colossians 1.20-22).
      2. Substitution is the way God provided reconciliation—God’s Son, Jesus Christ, substituted hHmself for us and took God’s righteous judgment instead of us and in our place (Romans 5.6-8; 1 Peter 2.24).
      3. Redemption—Jesus Christ, by His death in our place, paid the just price to free sinful mankind from the slave market of sin (Ephesians 1.7; 1 Peter 1.18-19).
      4. Unlimited atonement—Jesus Christ died for all the sins of all people (1 Timothy 4.10; 1 John 2.2).
      5. Propitiation—the work of Jesus Christ on the cross satisfied all of God’s righteous and just demands (Romans 3.25; 1 John 2.2).
      6. Regeneration—God gives spiritual life to each person who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3.5-8; Titus 3.5).
      7. Imputation—God credits or puts righteousness on the account of each person who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior (Romans 4.22-24; Philippians 3.9).
      8. Justification—God looks at each believer in Jesus Christ and sees Christ’s righteousness on his account and therefore declares him righteous (Romans 3.24, 5.1; Titus 3.4-7).
      9. Forgiveness—God frees the believer from the charges of sin that were against him (Ephesians 1.7; Colossians 2.13).
      10. Position in Christ—When a person believes in Christ the Holy Spirit puts the believer in relationship with Christ, identifies him with Christ’s body the church, and the Holy Spirit indwells him (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 12.13).
   3. New home and citizenship (Philippians 3.20-21)
      1. Delivered from the authority ἐξουσία exiousia of darkness σκότος skotos (Colossians 1.13).
      2. In the kingdom of God’s son βασιλεία basileia (Colossians 1.13).
      3. Heavenly citizens πολίτευμα politeuma (Philippians 1.27; 3.20).
      4. Fellow citizens συμπολίτης sumpolites and God’s household οἰκεῖος oikeios (Ephesians 2.19).
   4. A new relationship (1 John 3.1-2)
      1. Adopted υἱοθεσία huiothesia. Giving the legal rights, privileges, and responsibilities of a son to one not naturally a son (Ephesians 1.5, Galatians 4.5).
      2. Sons υἱός huios. Offspring, descendent, or legally adopted having rights of sonship (Galatians 3.26, 4.6-7).
      3. Children of God τέκνον teknon. Connection by birth, an offspring; for the believer by the new birth. Takes on characteristics of the parents. Child needs responsible raising (John 1.12, 1 John 3.1-2,
         Titus 1.4).
      4. Saints ἅγιος hagios. Believers are holy in Christ and dedicated to God’s service (2 Corinthians 1.1; Philippians 1.1).
      5. Heirs κληρονόμος kleronomos. One designated as heir; one who receives benefits (Romans 8.17, Galatians 4.7, Titus 3.7).
      6. Oneness ἑνότης henotes. Believers possess a unity or oneness and we are to preserve this
         (Ephesians 4.3). We are one εἷς, μία, ἕν eis, mia, hen. A single entity. One in Christ (John 17.21-23).
   5. A new position in Christ (2 Corinthians 5.17)
      1. A new creation καινὴ κτίσις· kaine ktisis. A new relationship with Christ, a new capacity for spiritual life and growth, a new kind of life, a new means of living, and a new hope (2 Corinthians 5.17).
      2. Made alive. Συζωοποιέω suzoopoieo. Spiritually alive in Christ, eternal life (Ephesians 2:5; 1 John 5.11-12).
      3. Raised and seated συνεγείρω sunegeiro + συγκαθίζω sugkathizo . In God’s plan believers are already resurrected and seated with Christ in heaven. We are heavenly people already (Ephesians 2.6).
      4. Circumcised περιτέμνω peritemno . Circumcision in the heart. A cutting off the control by the flesh (man apart from God’s Spirit and God’s word) (Colossians 2:11).
      5. Complete πληρόω pleroo. We have all we need for the Christian life and everlasting life
         (Colossians 2.10).
      6. Dead to sin ἀποθνῄσκω apothnesko. We died to sin so that it no longer has legal right to rule us (Romans 6.2, 14).
      7. Under grace, not law χάρις charis. Grace is God’s policy, not legal demands (Romans 6.14).
      8. Chosen race γένος genos, a royal priesthood ἱεράτευμα hierateuma, a holy nation ἔθνος ethnos, a people λαός laos for His own possession. Believers are a unique people of God (1 Peter 2.9-10).
      9. Light in the Lord φῶς phos. We are righteous in Christ and so should live righteously (Ephesians 5.8).
      10. Qualified for service and inheritance ἱκανόω ikanoo + κλῆρος kleros. Believers are ready
          (2 Corinthians 3.6; Colossians 1.12).
      11. Righteous δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune. God gives Christ’s righteousness to who trust him
          (2 Corinthians 5.21).
      12. Holy priesthood ἱεράτευμα heirateuma + ἅγιος hagios. Believers are the parts that compose this holy priesthood and the priesthood serves God (1 Peter 2.5,9).
      13. Sanctified ἁγιάζω hagiazo and saints. God set believers apart and qualified them for service for him
          (1 Corinthians 1.2; Acts 20.32).
   6. God’s provision for living the Christian way of life now (2 Peter 1.2-4)
      1. God’s plan for Christian living gives us the what—the mission, preparation, practice, and environment for each believer in his day to day life with the Lord (1 Corinthians 10.31; Matthew 28.19-20;
         Ephesians 4.11-16; Ephesians 5.2; Philippians 4.9).
      2. God has provided specific provisions and what to do—what and how—for living the Christian life. See John 13-17 and the doctrines for Christian living found in the epistles. These are demonstrated and illustrated by the basic techniques umbrella, position and living, and other doctrines.
         1. A leader to follow and Love (John 14.21, 23; 1 John 5.1-3; Hebrews 12.1-3).
         2. Believers are secure forever in relationship with God, everlasting life, and citizens of heaven (John 1.28-30; Ephesians 1.13-14; Romans 8.28-39).
         3. Instructions in writing (Word of God, 1 Corinthians 2.6-16; Colossians 2.7; 2 Timothy 3.16-17; Hebrews 4.12; 2 Peter 3.18).
         4. A good news message to spread (Matthew 28.19-20; 1 Corinthians 9.16; 15.1-4;
            2 Corinthians 5.14-21).
         5. God’s promises which believers can rely on and rest (faith rest, Romans 8.28-32;
            Philippians 4.19; Colossians 2.6; 1 Peter 5.7).
         6. Fellowship with God through confession of sin (John 13.1-10; 1 Corinthians 11.27-32;
            1 John 1.1-10).
         7. The Holy Spirit to indwell and control believers (walk by the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6.19; Galatians 5.16; Ephesians 5.18).
         8. The privilege to talk with God the Father through prayer (John 15.7; John 16.23;
            Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5.17).
         9. The opportunity to serve God and believers in ministry and with love (John 15.1-5, 8, 12; Ephesians 5.1-2; Colossians 2.2-3; 3.17, 23; Hebrews 5.11-14; 1 Peter 4.10-11).
         10. Others.
   7. A future (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18) Central Scripture include 1 Thessalonians 4.13-17, 1 Corinthians 15.51-57, Philippians 3.21, John 14.1-3, 2 Corinthians 5.1-7, Revelation 21.4, and others.
      1. Resurrection
      2. Reunited with family and friends
      3. A new body without a sinful nature
      4. A new home
      5. At home with the Lord
      6. Absence of things related to the fall of man—tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain.
4. The spiritual blessings form the believer’s spiritual position of strength. This means that believers live life from a strong, reliable base that will support, protect, and provide continued momentum for the Christian way of life.
5. Believers have everything necessary to live the Christian way of life and therefore to fulfill God’s purpose, to enjoy stability, contentment, and happiness, and to live as winners in time on earth. Since this is a fact, believers should know what the blessings are and fully use them.

Doctrine of Spirituality or Living by the Holy Spirit’s Guidance and Power

1. Spirituality refers to the believer’s right relationship with the Holy Spirit enabling him to live the Christian way of life. Though the Holy Spirit lives in every believer, a believer is not always spiritual. In Romans 8.1-2 Paul says that we believers now can live under the power of the Holy Spirit instead of under our sinful human nature. Do we want to live each day by our sinful human nature and fail God, or do we want to live each day by the Holy Spirit and please God (Galatians 5.5, 13-26 and Galatians 6.1; Ephesians 5.17-20)?
2. Spirituality is referred to as walking by the Holy Spirit. It is when the indwelling Holy Spirit lives God’s kind of life inside the believer. The Holy Spirit is the source for the ability to live the Christian life. The spiritual believer depends on, trusts the Holy Spirit to live through him. Spirituality, then, emphasizes function or doing, whereas fellowship emphasizes the friendship relationship with God. The Holy Spirit does the work, we do not. We chose to trust God to work through us by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.16; Galatians 6.1; 1 Corinthians 6.19).
3. When the believer is in fellowship with God personal sin is not interfering with the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and so the believer is walking by the Holy Spirit (1 John 1 with Galatians 5.16-25). Paul, in Ephesians 5.18, calls it “filled with the Spirit.”
4. The opposite condition from being filled with the Holy Spirit is carnality, which is control by the sinful nature or living by the flesh (1 Corinthians 3.1-3; Galatians 5.16-17). John calls it walking in darkness (1 John 1:6).
5. The spiritual believer is one:
   1. In fellowship by confession of sin when necessary (1 John 1.9).
   2. Not grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4.30).
   3. Not quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5.19).
   4. Consciously depending by faith upon the Holy Spirit to control and enable him (Galatians 3.2-5).
6. The fruit of the Spirit is a product of spirituality (Galatians 5.22-23).
7. The Bible illustrates many times the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Three illustrations:
   1. Zerubbabel needed the Holy Spirit to oversee rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem (Zechariah 4).
   2. Jesus, in iHs humanness on earth, lived by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4).
   3. Paul instructed believers to live by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:5, 13-26 and Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 5:15-18).

Doctrine of Christian Life Distinctions We Need to Know

1. Spirituality. Spirituality comes from the Greek word pneumatikos, which means pertaining to or relating to the Spirit. By its lexical meaning and its use in the context it refers to one who is at any point in time rightly related to the Holy Spirit. Most of the Scripture passages that teach about the Holy Spirit and believers show that the Holy Spirit works in us so we can serve God correctly. The ministry of the Holy Spirit emphasizes function in our lives. A central passage is Galatians 5, specifically Galatians 5.16-6:1, and it means walking by the Holy Spirit in the sense that one needs the Holy Spirit to live correctly. You may have learned it as “filled with the Holy Spirit” from Ephesians 5:18. Only a Christian can be spiritual. A believer is either spiritual or carnal. Many books confuse spirituality with maturity. In some contexts, it may have that meaning, but I cannot think of any now. Personal sin takes one out of spirituality and into carnality. Confession of sin (1 John 1) changes one from living by the flesh and puts one into living by the Holy Spirit. We continue on living by the Holy Spirit by faith, or depending on the Holy Spirit. Spirituality can be summarized by 1. walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5.16), 2. grieve not the Spirit (Ephesians 4.30), and 3. quench not the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5.19).
2. Spiritual growth. Spiritual growth refers to the progressive advancement in the biblical faith. This of course depends on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, fellowship, learning God’s word, faith, testing, and application. Ephesians 4.12, 14, 15; 2 Peter 3.14-18; 1 Peter 2.2; Hebrews 5.11-6:6; and others refer to this.
3. Spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity refers to the various stages or levels of maturity gained by spiritual growth. These levels are not very clear in the Bible, though I think we could demonstrate some. This is different from spirituality in which both immature believers and mature believers can be either spiritual or carnal at any point in time. Ephesians 4.13; Hebrews 5.11-6:6; Colossians 1.28; James 1.4; and others speak of spiritual maturity.
4. Sanctification. Sanctification refers to a set apart condition. Believers are set apart for God’s priestly service. There are three kinds of sanctification. 1. Positional which every believer has (Acts 26.18; 1 Corinthians 1.2, 30; 6.11; Ephesians 1.1; 2 Thessalonians 2.13; Hebrews 10.10; 1 Peter 1.2); 2. experiential or progressive which is the day to day sanctification (John 17.17; Romans 6.19, 22; 12.1; 2 Corinthians 7.1; 1 Thessalonians 4.3-7; 5.23; Hebrews 12.10, 14; 1 Peter 1.15); and 3. Ultimate or absolute which occurs in heaven (Philippians 3.21; 1 John 3.1-2; Jude 24-25).
5. Fellowship with God. This emphasizes the friendship relationship with God the Father and the Son. Sin breaks the fellowship; confession of sin restores the fellowship. When in fellowship with God, believers partner with God in service and enjoy a close friendship. The central passages are 1 John 1 and John 13. Since one is no longer walking in darkness (sin), the Holy Spirit also leads and controls the believer as Galatians 5 teaches. John 15.1-9 use the term “abide” which also refers to fellowship with Jesus Christ.
6. Carnality. Carnality comes from the word for flesh, sarkikos, and by extension often refers to man living apart from God’s power and Word, whether a believer or unbeliever. When one lives by his own power, he is living by his human fallen nature which works through the flesh or body. The believer who lives by his human nature instead of by the Holy Spirit is said to be carnal. The central passage is 1 Corinthians 3.1-3 where believers are living like unbelievers and are called carnal. Galatians 5.16-21 states the conflict between the flesh and the Holy Spirit and gives some works of the flesh that are sins. Carnality is opposite to spirituality. Confession of sin to God restores the believer to walking in the light, to fellowship (1 John 1), and to walking by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5).
7. Eternal Security. Eternal security means that when a person believes in Jesus Christ as Savior, he can never lose his eternal life. The Bible clearly teaches that once we believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, our eternal destiny is fixed and secure. Security looks at our eternal salvation from God’s viewpoint (Ephesians 1.13-14; John 10.27-30).
8. Assurance of Salvation. Assurance means that you, a believer in Jesus Christ have confidence that you are in the family of God and therefore have eternal life. Assurance looks at our eternal salvation from man’s viewpoint. The central passage is 1 John 5.13. Each clear verse about eternal salvation, such as John 3:16, stresses the basis for assurance is because God keeps His word.
9. Christian service—ministry. Christian service is serving God and believers through the power of the Holy Spirit, mainly in the area of one’s spiritual gift, through godly love, when abiding in Christ, and to God’s glory. This is the application and expression of the Christian life (John 15:1-5; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7;
   1 Corinthians 10:31).
10. Godly love or Christian love. This is God’s kind of love in us for others, especially for believers. John 3:16 and
    Romans 5:8 demonstrate that God’s love is sacrificial. Since this is true, godly love—Christian love—is also sacrificial. It is produced by the Holy Spirit in a believer who is controlled by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.22-23; Romans 5.5). Christian love is not dependent on the person who is loved. It depends on the source. Godly love pleases God
    (2 John 5-6). The basic idea in godly love is sacrifice for others—think of others first and do for them that which is in accord with God’s will and God’s good, and needed. Furthermore, it includes responsibility which is being accountable to God, to doctrinal principles, and to one’s level of spiritual growth; protection of others by way of verbal protection (what we say), mental protection (our thoughts), and physical protection; self-control which relates to sacrifice, responsibility, and protection; and thankfulness. First Corinthians 13.4-7 personifies love by saying what it is and does, and what it is not and does not do. Godly love contrasts to friendship love which is for certain people.

Doctrine of Love-agape agapao: A Brief Survey of Biblical Particulars about Godly Love

God’s Love in and Through Believers

1. God loves all people because He created people in His image (implied in Psalm 8.4; John 3.16; 1 John 4.9).
2. God is the source of biblical agape love (Romans 5.5; Galatians 5.22; 1 John 4.7-10).
3. For application of God’s love, the Holy Spirit is required (Romans 5.5) and love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit
   (Galatians 5.22).
4. God’s love to man is the pattern for how believers love (John 15.13; 1 John 3.16; John 4.10, 11, 19; Ephesians 5.1-2). Love depends on the one loving, not the one loved.
5. Bible doctrine is the teacher and leader of love (1 Corinthians 13-7; Philippians 1.9).
6. This love does not depend upon the merit, attraction, compatibility, rapport, familiarity, acquaintance, or agreement with the object (Matthew 5.43-44; Luke 6.27, 35; 1 John 3.23; Romans 5.8; Ephesians 2.4).
7. Believers should love all because God has commanded it (Matthew 22.37, 39; John 13.34; 1 Thessalonians 4.9;
   1 John 3.23; 1 John 4.11, 21).
8. This love begins as an attitude and expresses itself in good manners, thoughtfulness, good behavior, good thoughts, responsibility, sacrifice, and protection (1 Corinthians 13.4-7; Galatians 5.13; 1 John 3.17-18).
9. God’s love, if applied, will bring about forgiveness and solve problems between people (1 Peter 4.8).
10. Fellowship with God and living by the Holy Spirit are necessary for God’s love to be evident (Romans 5.5;
    Galatians 5.16-23; all above verses).
11. Paul set forth the leading characteristics of God’s love expressed through believers in 1 Corinthians 13.4-7. Love is patient, kind and helpful, not jealous, does not brag, is not arrogant, does not act with bad manners, is not self-centered, is not easily irritated, does not hold grudges, is not happy when evil triumphs, is happy when truth triumphs, covers the sins and failures of others, believes the best because God is creator, ruler, and gracious, hopes or is biblically optimistic because God has a plan, endures and does not quit under pressure because God is just, faithful, and compassionate. Paul’s lesson was especially needed and appropriate for the Corinthians.
12. As believers mature certain things need to take place. We can use 1 John 4.19, 2 John 5-6, Galatians 5.22-23, and
    1 Corinthians 13.4-7 as minimal starting points. It begins with God’s love in us for others (1 John 4.19)—and especially believers (1 Thessalonians 3.12). The passages are clear and there are many others. Then how does this love play out? The basic idea in love begins with sacrifice for others—think of others first and do for them that which is good and needed even when inconvenient, difficult, or dangerous (John 15.13).
13. Love also includes responsibility which is being accountable to God, to doctrinal principles, and to one’s level of spiritual growth; protection of others by way of verbal protection (what we say), mental protection (our thoughts), and physical protection; self-control which relates to sacrifice, responsibility, and protection; good manners and thoughtfulness; and thankfulness to God and people in our lives, for their help, support, sacrifice, protection, learning, and so on. See the above Scripture
14. Do we know, believe, and apply the doctrine of God’s love right now (John 13.34-35; 2 John 5-6)?

Doctrine of Spiritual Gifts—Summary Doctrine

1. Definition: A spiritual gift is the special ability given by God to each believer for ministry within the body of Christ
   (1 Corinthians 12.4-7, 11-19; 1 Peter 4.10; Romans 12.6-8; Ephesians 4.11).
2. Spiritual gifts were instituted by Christ at His ascension (Ephesians 4.8, 11) and given to individual believers according to the Father’s plan through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12.8-11; Romans 12.3).
3. Every believer has a spiritual gift. All believers are anatomically and functionally a part of the body of Christ
   (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4.16; 1 Peter 4.10-11).
4. There are different gifts. They work together harmoniously and efficiently. The idea of different gifts does not imply superiority or inferiority among believers (Romans 12.6; 1 Corinthians 12.4, 14-25).
5. Gifts are given to benefit the body of Christ, the church, which is composed of believer-priests whose purpose is to serve God (1 Corinthians 12.7, 17, 25; Ephesians 4.16; 1 Peter 2.5; 4.10).
6. Spiritual gifts are grace gifts that are to be responsibly and faithfully managed and used as any other responsibility assigned to a person (Romans 12.3; 1 Corinthians 4.1-2; 1 Peter 4.10).
7. A believer ought to serve God based upon what his spiritual gift is; his spiritual gift determines the direction of his ministry and production (Romans 12.6-8; 1 Corinthians 4.1-2; 1 Peter 4.10).
8. Spiritual gifts are vital in the Christian way of life, but they should be balanced with the love spectrum of
   1 Corinthians 13.4-7; gifts are to be used in love. God is able to accomplish everything He desires quite easily, but He wants believers to respond to His love and to manifest His love to others more than He wants them to do “things” apart from love (1 Corinthians 12.31-13:8).
9. There are three dimensions to the operation of spiritual gifts in the Christian way of life (1 Corinthians 12.4-6).
   1. The gifts refer to the specific ability. This ability is given by the Holy Spirit.
   2. The ministries refer to the areas of service appropriate to that gift. The ministries are directed by Christ as Head of the church.
   3. The effects refer to the production in the ministries accomplished through the gift. The Father has planned the production.
10. The communication gifts have been given special importance (1 Corinthians 12.28-31; 14.3-5, 19; Ephesians 4.11-12). This is because the communication of the Word of God prepares the believer to live the Christian way of life. Believers should therefore make listening to the communication of the Word of God a priority in life.
11. Temporary spiritual gifts are those spiritual gifts given to the church in order to carry the church through its infancy. They were operational only during the transitional first century. The following are the temporary spiritual gifts: apostles, prophets-prophecy, miracles, gifts of healings, kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, differentiating spirits, faith.
12. Permanent spiritual gifts are those gifts that are consistently given throughout the church age. There are ten permanent spiritual gifts making up three categories. The categories and the gifts are public communication (pastor and teacher, evangelist, and teacher), operations (leadership, administrations, and service), individual (helping, showing mercy, encouragement, giving).
13. Summary definition for each of the permanent spiritual gifts.
    1. Pastor and teacher: The man gifted with the ability to authoritatively care for, lead, and communicate the Word of God for understanding and application (spiritual growth) to people making up the flock or the local church body (Acts 20.17-28; Ephesians 4.11-12; Hebrews 13.17).
    2. Teacher: The ability to communicate the Word of God to believers so that they may understand its content and grow spiritually (Romans 12.7).
    3. Evangelist: The person gifted with the ability to communicate the gospel of Christ to the unbeliever so that the unbeliever will understand and believe in Jesus Christ and then be integrated into the church
       (Ephesians 4.11-12).
    4. Leadership: The ability to lead, direct, and motivate people, areas of thought, and activity for the orderly, efficient, and harmonious attainment of objectives (Romans 12.8).
    5. Administration: The ability to steer, to guide, to implement, and manage the accomplishment of a policy so that the best, most efficient method, route, and procedure is used to secure the objective
       (1 Corinthians 12.28).
    6. Service: This support gift is the ability to effectively carry out a task, do a job, and engage in an activity for another person or group as a part of the body of Christ. The person with the gift of service functions under authority, with loyalty to that authority, and with an objective or objectives to accomplish (Romans 12.7).
    7. Help: This is the ability to help, give assistance, and give aid to those within the church. Helping is often spontaneous, independent, varied, and short term (1 Corinthians 12.28).
    8. Mercy: This is the ability to express sympathy, kindness, and help to the person experiencing earthly, human need (Romans 12.8).
    9. Encouragement: The ability to express the content of the Word of God to another believer so that the Holy Spirit can bring about biblical mental attitudes and actions in that believer (Romans 12.8).
    10. Giving: This is the ability to share with other believers from your material resources over and above the normal giving of believers (Romans 12.8).
14. In order to help identify your spiritual gift, prayerfully think through the following questions.
    1. What do you find yourself doing? What kind of effects or production do you have or what specific blessings are you to others? If you are growing in Christ and living the Christian way of life, you will find that your spiritual gift is operating even if you have not identified your gift.
    2. Do the effects and blessings fall into one kind of ministry or similar kinds of ministries that are especially dependent upon a particular spiritual gift?
    3. Can you recognize a special ability that relates to one of the spiritual gifts? What is your desire in ministering? You should have a desire to serve in the area of your gift.
    4. Your gift will benefit other believers and they will recognize that benefit.
    5. Apply the three dimensions of the Christian way of life that pertain to spiritual gifts—gift, ministry, effects—to yourself (2 Corinthians 12.4-6).
    6. Allow God to work through you. You have a gift and ministries and production (1 Corinthians 12.4-7;
       Romans 12.3-8; 1 Peter 4.10).

Short Summaries of Select Bible Doctrines

Seven Key Words (ideas) in the Bible

1. God—Sovereign, holy, righteous, love, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable, truthful, and created all things living and non-living. Exodus 34.5-7; Psalm 90.2.
2. Man—God created mankind in his own image to honor God, rule creation, and fellowship with God. Genesis 1.26-28; Psalm 8.4-9.
3. Sin—Eve and then Adam sinned resulting in judgment from God, and sin passed to everyone. Genesis 3.1-7;
   Romans 5.12.
4. Christ—He came to take the judgment for sin that we deserve; he is the substitute for the whole world. John 1.1-17; 1 Timothy 1.15.
5. Grace—God offers forgiveness, everlasting life, and abundant life as a free gift to those who take it. Romans 5.21; Ephesians 2.8-9.
6. Faith—A person gains forgiveness, everlasting life, and abundant life by trusting Jesus Christ for them. John 3.16; Ephesians 2.8-9.
7. Future—Christ returns, Resurrection, Kingdom, Judgment, Eternity. Acts 17.30-31; 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18; Revelation 20.11-15.

Basic Techniques for Christian Way of Life – How do I live?

1. Occupation with Christ – Love for God. He is the center of attention, believe obey him and apply His word
   (Hebrews 12.2; Galatians 2.20; John 14.21; Philippians 4.4).
2. Knowledge of God’s word; know-believe-apply (2 Peter 3.18)
3. Faith and Rest (know-believe-apply, peace and rest (1 Peter 5.7)
4. Confession for Fellowship when necessary (1 John 1.9)
5. Living by the Holy Spirit, faith dependence and strength (Galatians 5.16)
6. Prayer in Jesus’ name (Colossians 4.2)
7. Ministry and Love in God’s plan, spiritual gifts, love. Humility, spiritual warfare (1 Peter 4.8-11; Ephesians 5.2)

Christ-likeness—A View of Spiritual Maturity, Scripture

Galatians 4.19. My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.

Romans 13.14. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Ephesians 4.13. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.

2 Peter 1.4. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

Spiritual Blessings, Ephesians 1:3
God has freely given us all we need to live successfully
now and please him in every circumstance

1. In the plan of God (Romans 8.28-39).
2. Solution to the sin problem (2 Corinthians 5.18).
3. New relationship (1 John 3.1-2).
4. New position (2 Corinthians 5.17).
5. New home and citizenship (Philippians 3.20).
6. Provision for living the Christian way of life (2 Peter 1.2-4).
7. A future (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18.)

Sources of Spiritual Conflict

1. The world system with its ideas and people (Romans 12.1-2; 2 Corinthians 10.3-5; Colossians 2.8; 1 John 2.15-17). Our battle support is God’s revelation (Romans 12.1-2; 2 Corinthians 10.3-5; 2 Timothy 4.6-16; Jude).
2. The angelic conflict (Genesis 3.1-7; Job 1.6-2.10; Ephesians 6.10-12; 1 Timothy 4.1; 1 Peter 5.8-9). Our battle support is God’s spiritual armor (Ephesians 6.13-20).
3. The flesh and sinful nature. Our battle support is the Holy Spirit (Romans 6-8; Galatians 5.16-25; 1 John 2.16-17).

Stand, Walk, Run

1. Stand emphasizes our strength, protection, foundation, and therefore speaks about our motivation and confidence (Philippians 4.1).
2. Walk emphasizes our regular and continuous progress through life (1 Thessalonians 2.12).
3. Run emphasizes the purpose and the goal of our life—striving for the finish line (1 Corinthians 9.24-27).

Walk

1. In newness of life, Romans 6.4
2. By the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5.16, 26
3. By faith, 2 Corinthians 5.7
4. In God’s word, truth, 3 John 3-4
5. In the light, 1 John 1.7
6. In the status quo, 1 Corinthians 7.17
7. In the fear of the Lord, Acts 9.31
8. In love, Ephesians 5.2
9. In my present maturity, Philippians 3.16
10. In God’s good works plan, Ephesians 2.10
11. Wisely, Ephesians 5.15
12. Worthy, Colossians 1.10

Spiritual Gifts, Permanent. Where, Why, What?

1. Central Scripture. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 11-19; 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11.
2. A spiritual gift is the special ability given by God to each believer for ministry within the body of Christ. There are different gifts. They work together harmoniously and efficiently. The idea of different gifts does not imply superiority or inferiority among believers (Romans 12.6; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 14-25).
3. Permanent spiritual gifts are those gifts that are consistently given throughout the church age. The permanent spiritual gifts are public communication (pastor and teacher, evangelist, and teacher), operations (leadership, administrations, and service), individual (helping, showing mercy, encouragement, giving).

Spiritual Gifts, Temporary. Where, Why, What?

1. Central Scripture that verifies temporary gifts.
   1. Hebrews 2.3-4. Three generations; bear witness by signs and wonders, by various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit.
   2. Second Corinthians 12.12. The signs of a true apostle by signs and wonders and miracles.
   3. Romans 15.18-19. Paul in the power of signs and wonders, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
   4. First Corinthians 13.8-11. Prophecy will be done away, tongues will cease, “supernatural” knowledge will be done away.
2. Temporary spiritual gifts are those spiritual gifts given to authenticate the apostles’ ministry and message and to carry the church through its infancy. They were operational only during the transitional first century.
3. The following are the temporary spiritual gifts: apostles, prophets-prophecy, miracles, gifts of healings, kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, differentiating spirits, faith.

Basic Christian Way of Life Basic Techniques—Umbrella, Doctrine and Demonstration
Also see Bible Doctrine 1

Jesus taught the basics in John 13-17 to the disciples so that they would know how to live after he left. The principles are also for us; we follow the apostles, though none of us are apostles. The successful Christian life depends upon the application of these doctrines. I have selected verses from John’s gospel, and from the epistles in which the apostles expanded the teaching. The general truths are illustrated in many passages of Scripture, though specific church doctrine was not revealed in the Old Testament. I refer you to the Umbrella booklet and to that section in Bible Doctrine 1.

1. Occupation with Christ – Love for God, center of attention, obedience-application.
   1. Doctrine. Hebrews 12.2; Galatians 2.20; Luke 10.27; John 14.6, 21; 1 John 5.1-3; Philippians 4.4.
   2. Demonstration. Daniel in Daniel 1, loyal obedient love for God; Mary, John 12.1-3 and Matthew 26.6-13; Jesus follows the Father’s will, Matthew 26.36-39; Jesus close fellowship and obedience to the Father, John 17; Paul, Philippians 3.7-14
2. Knowledge of God’s word. Know-believe-apply; revelation, faith, courage.
   1. Doctrine. 2 Peter 3.18; Romans 6.6-14; John 16.1,4.
   2. Demonstration. David, Psalm 19; the writer of Psalm 119; Daniel, Daniel 9.1-2; 10.12 with Jeremiah 25.11-12 and Jeremiah 29.1-14; Paul from a Roman prison, 2 Timothy 1.8-12.
3. Faith and Rest. Know-believe-apply, rest and peace. Revelation + faith🡪courage, rest, peace
   1. Doctrine. Hebrews 4; Hebrews 11; 1 Peter 5.7; Romans 8:28-39; John 15:27.
   2. Demonstration. Caleb and Joshua, Numbers 13-14 (Numbers 13:2 with Numbers 14:8-9); Job, Job 19:23-27; Jeremiah, Lamentations 3; Paul in the shipwreck, Acts 27 (Acts 27.25).
4. Confession of Sin for Fellowship when necessary. Cleansing🡪 friendship with God.
   1. Doctrine. 1 John 1.9; John 13.1-11.
   2. Demonstration. Levitical priests before entering the tabernacle and serving God, Exodus 30.17-21, 40.30-32; David, 2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 51, Psalm 32; Daniel, Daniel 9.3-19.
5. Living by the Holy Spirit. Faith dependence for power and productivity.
   1. Doctrine. Galatians 5.16; Romans 8.1-5; John 14.26; Ephesians 5.18.
   2. Demonstration. Saul, 1 Samuel 9.27-10:14; 16.14; David, 1 Samuel 16.13; Psalm 51.11; Zerubbabel, Zechariah 4; Jesus, Luke 4; Paul, Acts 9.17 for ministry, and in his message to the Ephesian elders, Acts 20.17-24.
6. Prayer. Talking with our heavenly Father.
   1. Doctrine. Colossians 4.2; 1 Thessalonians 5.17; John 16.24-27.
   2. Demonstration. Daniel, Daniel 9.3-19; 10.12; Jesus, John 17; believers praying for Peter who was in prison,
      Acts 12.1-19.
7. Ministry and Love. God’s plan, spiritual power, spiritual gifts, love, humility, spiritual warfare.
   1. Doctrine. 1 Peter 4.8-11; Ephesians 5.2; John 13.34-35; 17.17-20.
   2. Demonstration. Moses at first doubted even though God provided for his ministry, Exodus 3-4 and the plagues in Exodus 7-12; Jesus’ ministry with children, Mark 10:13-16; Jesus and Lazarus, John 11; Stephen’s Bible class in Acts 7.1-53 and his love for those rejecting Messiah and stoning him in Acts 7.59-60.

Christian Life Checklist and Select Scripture

Grace

Godly Grace—Grace for us, 1 Peter 5.10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Godly Grace—Grace through us, Colossians 4.6. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Three Priorities for Life

Believe in Christ as Savior—Destiny, John 3.16. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Live in Fellowship with God—Living, John 15.5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Study the Word of God—Food, 2 Timothy 3.16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

Three Spiritual Virtues

Faith—1 Corinthians 13.13, But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Hope—1 Thessalonians 1.3, constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.

Love—Colossians 1:4-5, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.

God’s Guidelines for Life

What I think—God’s Viewpoint
Colossians 3.1-2, If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.² Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

What I do—Work for the Lord
Colossians 3.23, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.

How I treat people—with the Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5.21-22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

How I am—Thankful 1 Thessalonians 5.18, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Spiritual Maturity—Christ likeness

Galatians 4.19, My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.

Ephesians 4.13-14, until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. ¹⁴ As a result, we are no longer to be children.

world by lust.

Romans 13.14, But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

2 Peter 1.4, For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

How to Live the Christian Life—Basic Techniques

1. Occupation with Christ—Love God, Hebrews 12.2, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2. Knowledge of Word, 2 Peter 3.18, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
3. Faith-Rest, 1 Peter 5.7, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.
4. Confession of Sin and Fellowship, 1 John 1.7-9, but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
5. Spirituality—Living by the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5.16, Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
6. Prayer, Colossians 4.2, Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.
7. Ministry and Love, (Ministry), 1 Peter 4.10-11, As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies.
   Ministry and Love (Love), Ephesians 5.2, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Believers’ Birthright Conduct—Stand Firm, Strive Together, No Fear

Philippians 1.27-28 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come to see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ²⁸ in no way alarmed by your opponents – which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.

Foundation Scripture for the Christian life

1. Occupation with Christ-Love for God. He is the center of attention, believer obey Him and apply His word
   (Hebrews 12.2; Galatians 2.20; John 14.21; Philippians 4.4).
2. Knowledge of God’s word; know-believe-apply (2 Peter 3.18)
3. Faith and Rest (know-believe-apply, peace and rest (1 Peter 5.7)
4. Confession for Fellowship when necessary (1 John 1.9)
5. Living by the Holy Spirit, faith dependence and strength (Galatians 5.16)
6. Prayer in Jesus’ name (Colossians 4.2)
7. Ministry and Love in God’s plan, spiritual gifts, love. Humility, spiritual warfare (1 Peter 4.8-11; Ephesians 5.2)

Appendix

1. Teaching diagrams as summaries. See handout of diagrams
   1. Preparation and Ministry (Worship) Requires
   2. Bible’s Central Themes—Psalm 117
   3. Seven Words take us through the Bible
   4. What is God doing in history?
   5. Eternal Security
   6. Plan for Christian Living—1 Corinthians 12:31
   7. Position and Living in Christ
   8. Christian Way of Life Umbrella
   9. Revelation—>Inspiration—>Illumination—>Communication
   10. Know, Believe, Apply God’s Word—Romans 6
   11. What is My Spiritual Gift
   12. Sources of Spiritual Conflict and opposition during the Christian life