Menu

Exploring Christianity

God’s Word Abused

, 0

What Are Some Things Not to Do with the Bible?

Temptation in the Garden

From the very beginning, Satan knew this was to be the foundation of everything–believing and obeying God. It’s not surprising, then, that we can discern a number of ways of mistreating the Word of God in the account of Satan’s attack on Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-13).

1) We must not doubt or slander it.

“Has God indeed said…?” the devil asked (3:1), when both he and Eve know full well God had! In effect, Satan seeks to ridicule God’s Word, in the process making Him seem unfair, and casting doubt on His goodness.

2) We must not add to it.

“Nor shall you touch it…” (3:3a)–which, as far as the record shows, God had not said (cf. 2:17). Eve has begun to take Satan’s side, representing the Lord as unfairly harsh.

3) We must not subtract from (or weaken) it.

“Lest you die (3:3b, lest perhaps, in case you might). But God had said “You shall surely die” (2:17). Eve weakens the impact of God’s holy Word, implying a possible inconsistency on His part.

4) We must not reject (deny) it.

“You will not surely die” (3:4). Satan builds on Eve’s growing uncertainty, now impugning God as a liar.

5) We must not disobey it.

“She took of its fruit and ate (3:6a). Eve replaced God’s standard with her own, in essence becoming her own god.

6) We must not tempt others to disobey it.

“She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (3:6b). The tempted becomes the tempter, urging the devil’s ways upon another. Eve, the first missionary!

7) We must not evade responsibility for disobeying it.

“The woman whom You gave me…she gave me of the fruit….The serpent deceived me…” (3:12-13). Denying responsibility for sin stands in the way of true repentance and reconciliation. It is one more thing not to do with the Bible.

Three Special Books

,

Important Resources for Christians and Their Families

Three special books are available that should be in every Christian home. But having said that, an important distinction needs to be made between the first, and the other two.

books!

The Bible

The most important book in any Christian home is the BIBLE. Including it in this group of three, is not meant, for a moment, to put them all on the same level. The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of the living God. It is God’s written revelation to man. It is the only book which belongs in that category, and is the one by which we test all others. Not only should every Christian home contain a Bible, each person in the home should have his or her own. (And don’t forget to put your name in the front, so you won’t lose it!)

Further, there is value in having a number of Bibles in your library. Different English translations have been made, over the years. Comparing them can aid in our understanding of the text.

Strong’s Concordance

Bible scholar James Strong (1822-1894) gave to the Christian church our most basic Bible study tool. I rank it as one of the three special books all Christians should own. Long before computers would have made his task easier, Dr. Strong went through the King James Version of the Bible and listed each word found there, in alphabetical order (even including every occurrence of such words as: a, the, and, but!).

To each different word, Strong gave a number. Then, he provided a Hebrew dictionary (for the Old Testament), and a Greek dictionary (for the New Testament), in which each numbered word is defined for the English reader. See The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

The Hymn Book

Some years ago, the Guinness Book of Records claimed “there are more than 950,000 Christian hymns in existence.” That total has likely surpassed the million mark by now. However, in the English-speaking world, the average hymnal usually includes about 500-800 of the ones in more common usage. These collections are a part of our heritage, providing a valuable tool for learning and devotion.

In France, less than 500 years ago, the authorities pronounced it a crime to sing songs of praise to God. When that didn’t stop people from doing so, they went further. They said anyone found with a hymn book in his possession would be executed! But Christians refused to give up this valuable treasure. At great risk, they wrote out the words of each hymn (actually metrical versions of the Psalms) in tiny, tiny print. Then, they bound the little pages together in books so small six of them could be hidden in your hand. And they went on singing!

Down through the centuries, Christians have expressed biblical truth, and their own experience with God, in hymn poems which have been set to music. We must value and use this heritage, recognizing the enormous cost of creating and preserving it. Make a good hymn book one of the three special books you have in your home. Hymns can not only be sung in churches, they can enrich our personal and private devotions.

If you find the site helpful, please tell a friend!

Do Christians Need the Old Testament?

,

Question: I have heard many in my church say that the Old Testament does not apply to us today. Is this the case, or does it apply to our lives as Christians?

The Old Testament

Answer: Thanks for your question Tim. It’s an important one. I realize there are churches today where the Old Testament is rarely preached on, or studied. How sad!

Perhaps they feel that since Pentecost, and the birth of the church, we’re in a new era (or dispensation). True enough, I agree. But then a conclusion is drawn from that which is not valid. That as New Testament Christians we should stick to the New Testament, because the Old is past and done.

It’s true that the Bible makes a distinction between Israel and the church, as well as between the Old Covenant (the Law) and the New Covenant. It’s true that not everything after the cross is the same as it was before. It’s also true that the New Testament (particularly the epistles) provides teaching that is especially relevant for the church.

However, we need to ask ourselves: Has human nature changed since Pentecost? (No.) Has God changed? (Certainly not.) Has God’s basic moral standard altered? (No again.)

Think of how much we’d miss if we had no Old Testament! Think of the dozens and dozens of times the Lord Jesus or the apostles quoted from the Old Testament, or alluded to the truths found there. The Old Testament was their Bible. How can we presume to abandon it?

When Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable” (II Tim. 3:16), what “Scripture” was he talking about? The New Testament had not all been written by that time, let alone assembled. Paul was referring to the Old Testament. He also said, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

The Old Testament provides necessary background for a proper understanding of the New. Years ago New Tribes Mission realized they were short-changing those they ministered to by starting with the New Testament’s gospel message. With that, they developed a chronological study of the Bible that began in Genesis, working its way through the Scriptures. They have found that the tribes respond with greater understanding to this teaching. We need the Old Testament!

Because human nature is the same in any age, we can draw helpful life principles from the Old Testament. Adam blaming Eve for his troubles, and Eve blaming the serpent, or Jacob’s wheeling and dealing to cheat his brother Esau, or David’s succumbing to temptation to commit adultery and murder–these are real people with whose weaknesses and failings we can identify. And God’s dealings with them are instructive.

Further, we have what are called types and anti-types. An Old Testament type is a person, a thing, or an event that God has designed to be a helpful illustration of New Testament truth (the antitype)–particularly truth about His Son and the work of redemption. The ark of Noah’s day is a wonderful type of Christ (the antitype), as is godly Joseph, and the furnishings of the tabernacle, and there are many more. These are God-given illustrations that shouldn’t be ignored.

Then we have the devotional material found in the Psalms (and elsewhere in the Old Testament). How can we say there is no value in the Psalms today? It was not only the hymn book of Israel, but the hymn book of the early church. Every emotion and condition of the heart is found there–joy and sorrow, pride and humility, and so on, as well as inspiring expressions of praise and worship. The psalms should be read and studied by every Christian.

In addition, we have the many prophecies in the Old Testament. There are approximately a thousand prophecies in the Bible. And half of those have already been fulfilled, as many of them relate to Old Testament events, or to Christ’s first coming. But another five hundred of them have to do with Christ’s return. If we are to properly understand the future, we need to study Old Testament prophecy.

Currently, I’ve been filling in as the interim pastor of our church. And for the last two years I’ve done most of the preaching and teaching. In our mid-week Bible study, we’ve covered a variety of topics and Bible books (Old and New Testaments).

But Sunday mornings, for the past year, we’ve stayed pretty much in the Old Testament, except when there are special events such as Christmas and Easter. I announced a series called “Great Texts of the Bible” and, starting with Genesis 1:1, I’ve preached key texts from Genesis and on into Exodus.

I feel this has great benefit, and the congregation seems to agree. No key New Testament truth is being missed, because I relate each message to the present day, and show how it connects, and how it relates to us.

For example, when we studied how Moses struck the rock at God’s command to provide water for the people in the wilderness (Exod. 17:1-6), I drew a parallel to Christ (the Rock) being smitten by the judgment of God on the cross, so that the water of life could flow out to all who would receive it (type and antitype). There is ample evidence that this is a valid comparison.

Bottom line: We must not abandon the Old Testament, which is three quarters of God’s holy Word, and it is “profitable” (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Do Old Testament promises apply today?

,

Question: Can Christians biblically use Jeremiah 29:11 today?  I think the verse is overused. Was not this verse given to God’s people for a specific time? I believe God is a good God, but pleasant things do not always happen to us. I like to think, “Yes, God is good, and what happens, good or bad, is for my good and God’s glory.”  Your thoughts?

Jeremiah 29:11

Answer: Thanks for your good question. You point out a common error that some believers make. It reminds me of a little chorus we used to sing in Sunday School when I was a boy. It begins,  “Every promise in the Book is mine, / Every chapter, every verse, every line.” But that is simply not true–or it needs to be qualified carefully.

Proper hermeneutics (the interpretation of the Scriptures) requires that we consider the historical context of each passage. All the Bible was written for us, in the sense that it all has things to teach us from which we can “profit” (II Tim. 3:16-17). But not all of it was written directly to us. Did the Lord command us to build an ark? Or fight some Midianites? To fail to consider who a passage was written to, for what reason, and under what circumstances, is to make a muddle of Bible study.

One of the important distinctions we need to keep in mind is the one between Israel and the church. Israel is an earthly nation, with a land promised them forever, by God, and an earthly throne. The church is a spiritual body made up of all nations, with the ascended Christ as its Head. As Christians, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), not on earth. Israel is God’s earthly people, the church is God’s heavenly people.

Some today espouse what’s called “Replacement Theology,” that denies that Israel has any future in the program of God (which it does, Rom. 11:28-29). They believe instead that the church has replaced Israel and has taken over her promised blessings in a figurative sense.

This then opens the door to a subjective spiritualizing of the Old Testament promises to Israel. So, for example, when the Bible tells us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. 122:6), it means we are to pray for the church. In spite of the fact that the next verse talks about city walls (vs. 7), we are to make this a prayer for spiritual blessing on the body of Christ!

I’ll get to Jeremiah 29:11 in a moment. But you speak of the verse as being overused. Another verse that has been definitely overused and blatantly misapplied by Christians is Second Chronicles 7:14, which says: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Yes, we need to humble ourselves before God (I Pet. 5:6-7); and yes, many individuals need spiritual renewal (Rom. 12:2). But this wonderful verse in Second Chronicles often is appropriated wholesale by Christians today, some even going so far as to apply it to their own nation (whether the United States, Canada, or some other). The thought is that, if only we would pray earnestly and humbly, the Lord would not only restore us spiritually, but cause our nation to prosper materially as well.

But it is Israel that is “called by God’s name,” the “el” portion of their God-given name being short for Elohim. And the promise concerns the conditions under which they can enjoy the blessings of the land God has given them. If the Jews refused to obey God, He warned, “Then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them” (II Chron. 7:20).

No other nation on earth can fully apply these words, because no other has been designed to be a theocratic state with a divinely appointed territory which is theirs in perpetuity. While it is true that humble prayer and repentance will bring God’s blessing to God’s people today, we mustn’t wrench the text from its moorings and rob it of its primary application.

However, having said this, I go back to what I said earlier. All Scripture was not written directly to us, but it has been preserved for our profit. There are examples to learn from, and universal life-principles illustrated on every page. For example, the command to build an ark was given to Noah, not to us. But the blessing of obedience to God that he experienced can be ours too, if we  do what He wants us to do.

With that in mind, let’s look at Jeremiah 29:11, first in its context. “Thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:10-11).

The historical context is the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. It was to last for seventy years (which it did). Then the Jews were to be allowed to return to the Holy Land (which they were). That is the primary application of the text. However, there is nothing in verse 11 itself that applies to Israel exclusively, or applies only to that time on the other side of the cross. It is given a direct application to Israel in the context, but its principles can be applied generally without doing violence to the meaning.

The NET Bible renders verse 11, “I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.'” And is that not true for every child of God today? Ronald Knox paraphrases, “‘I have not lost sight of My plan for you,’ the Lord says, ‘and it is your welfare I have in mind, not your undoing; for you, too, I have a destiny and a hope.'”

As you note in your question, we Christians definitely go through some trying times in our lives, and face many different challenges. But you’re correct in stating that whatever happens is for our good as His children (Rom. 8:28), and for God’s own glory (Rom. 11:36). Even so, given our weakness, it’s possible to get down and discouraged sometimes. I think Jeremiah 29:11 helps us to keep the bigger picture in view, just as Romans 8:28 does. In a way, the verse in Jeremiah is an Old Testament version of the Romans text.

Guilt Feelings

,

What should Christians do about guilt feelings for sin already forgiven?

Christian's standing and state

Question: A Christian writes, “I have repeatedly gone back to my old ways of living two lives, and I have been a terrible hypocrite. I love Jesus, and God my Father, and I believe I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

As I enter my later years I have made a decision to avoid sinning in every way, but I live with the guilt of the years since Jesus opened my eyes to His truth. How do I handle this guilt?”

Answer: Thank you for your frank description of what’s happening in your life. It’s not easy to give a short answer to your question, but let me cover a few things.

1. Standing and State

It’s important to distinguish between these two great realities. (See diagram.) When a person trusts in Christ for salvation, he is said to be “in Christ” as far as his legal standing is concerned (I Cor. 1:30). God sees him as participating in Christ’s death and resurrection, “in Him.”

He is clothed in the righteousness of Christ (Gal. 3:26-27), and has an eternally perfect standing before God (Heb. 10:14), because that standing is based on Christ’s unchanging righteousness, not his own.

But the Bible also speaks of another reality, that Christ is dwelling within us, by His Holy Spirit. Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).  That has to do, not with our standing, but with our spiritual state.

We are to live out the life of Christ implanted within us. While our standing can never change, because Christ never changes, our state is quite different. It’s to be hoped that we will continue to grow in our Christian lives. But we do stumble from time to time. Even as children disobey their parents, we disobey our heavenly Father.

We look forward to the day when what we are as to our legal standing will also be true of us eternally as to our state. He is “Christ in [us], the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). But meanwhile we have to deal with sin in our lives, when it rears its ugly head.

2. Dealing with Sin

We are assured that, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (I Cor. 10:13).

The Lord can strengthen us against temptation as we regularly study His Word (Ps. 119:9, 11), and pray for His help (Matt. 6:13). He has also provided spiritual armour to help us (Eph. 6:10-18, see http://www.wordwise-bible-studies.com/christian-armour.html).

We also need to avoid, as much as possible, those situations that we know are particularly tempting to us, and choose friends that will not pull us back into those situations. Sometimes, the best thing to do when we are confronted with temptation is to run away. That is not cowardice, it’s godly wisdom. Joseph did it (Gen. 39:7-12), and Paul urged Timothy to do so too (II Tim. 2:22).

It’s to be hoped that we will grow stronger and more able to keep to the right path, over time, but we are weak and fallible creatures, after all. “If we say that we have no sin [no sinful nature], we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us….If we say that we have not sinned [committed sinful acts], we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (I Jn. 1:8, 10).

Dealing with our tendency to sin, because of our fallen nature, has to do with recognizing the fact, and daily depending on the Spirit of God to do right.

We are to deal with the second problem by confessing our sins to God (I Jn. 1:9). To “confess” means to agree. We are to agree with God about our sin. This will include or imply several things: the admission that it is wrong, and that we have offended a holy God, plus the desire to forsake our sin and not repeat it.

We ought to keep what are sometimes called “short accounts” with God. That is, we need to confess our sins as the Spirit of God convicts us, and not put it off. Sometimes we need to seek the forgiveness of another person as well, and make restitution, depending on the particular sin. When we “confess” our sin, God’s promise is that “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (vs. 9).

3. Remembering Our Sin

God promises “their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Heb. 8:12). But how can an omniscient God actually forget? In one way, He can’t. But it means the Lord is pledging never again to bring them up, never again to allow them to affect our fellowship with Him.

After we have sincerely confessed it, if we were to say, “Lord, I need to talk to you about that sin I committed,” His response would be, “What sin?” We can move on with the assurance that our sin is gone, completely wiped off the record.

However, we likely remember it! What we have done in the past may continue to come to mind. That was true of Paul. He told the Galatian Christians, “I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it” (Gal. 1:13). He told the Corinthian believers the same thing (I Cor. 15:9), so it obviously bothered him.

In a way, this is not a bad thing. It helps to keep us humble! To realize how we have offended God, who loves us so much He sent His beloved Son to die for us, will also help us to think twice before we do so again.

In Psalm 51, where David confesses his great sin involving Bathsheba and her husband, He says “My sin is always before me” (vs. 3). Painful memories can have a positive effect. But, having said that, we do need to move on.

4. Recalling God’s Promises

Paul talks about “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil. 3:13). Again, this “forgetting” is like God’s, mentioned previously. It’s not that we get some kind of amnesia. We know what we did! But we purposely do not allow it to dog our steps, and interfere with our lives.

It’s the devil’s work to cause us to do that. He’s the “accuser” (Rev. 12:9-10), trying to cripple us with guilt. At such times we may feel guilty, but we’re not, in any legal sense. God doesn’t see us that way, and it’s His view of us that counts.

What did the Lord promise to those who confessed their sin to Him? That “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (vs. 9). Another verse says, “You [God] will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Mic. 7:19).

It is worthwhile for us to mark such verses in our Bibles, and commit them to memory. Then, when guilty feelings assail us from the accuser, we can remind ourselves of what God has said. “If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (I Jn. 3:20).

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). That’s an interesting one. What if the Bible had said, “As far as the north is from the south.” That wouldn’t be very reassuring. If we travel north, we’ll eventually come to the pole and begin travelling south. North meets south, at the poles. But you can travel east forever, and never come to the point where you are going west.

The One who said, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30) meant it! “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses [purifies] us from all [from every] sin” (I Jn. 1:7).

And we have an Advocate (a counsel for the defence) seated at the right hand of the Father (I Jn. 2:1). The wounds He bears are sufficient testimony that our sin has been dealt with, and will never be brought up against us again. Amen!…

The Church: Why Should I Go To Church?

A Look Back

This study is one of ten that give a basic introduction to Christian beliefs. See Exploring Christianity.

1) What should the Christian be prepared to do (I Peter 3:15)?

2) What encouraging promise has the Lord Jesus given them (Matthew 28:20b)?

Insight: The word “church” (or “churches”) appears 114 times in the New Testament. It translates the Greek word ekklesia [pronounced ek-lay-SEE-uh] from which we get words like ecclesiastical, meaning having to do with the church.

The verb form of the original Greek word means to call out, or to call people to assemble together. It describes Christians as being God’s called out ones–called out of the unsaved world and brought together in a spiritual body, in Christ.

There are two ways the word church is used in the Bible. 1) Of all believers on Christ everywhere–not only on earth, but in heaven (Ephesians 1:22-23). 2) Of local assemblies of believers (Galatians 1:2, 22).

Insight: The work of the Christian missionaries in the book of Acts was to invite people to put their faith in Christ, and help form them into local assemblies of believers. Many of the letters (epistles) in the New Testament are addressed to such local churches (at Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, Thessalonica, and so on). Also, Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus about the work of the local church, and to Philemon about a church that met in his house (Philemon 1:2). Even the book of Revelation has messages for seven local churches in Asia (Revelation 2–3).

3) What is the relationship of Christ to the church (Ephesians 5:25b and 1:22)?

4) What should Christians not stop doing (Hebrews 10:25)?

5) And what is one reason they should keep doing this (Hebrews 10:24-25)?

Insight: “The Day” refers to the day of Christ’s return, when each believer will be called to give an account to Him for his life and service (Romans 14:10).

6) What wonderful promise does Christ give to Christians who assemble together (Matthew 18:20)?

7) In the earliest days of the New Testament church, what activities and qualities could already be seen when believers met (Acts 2:41-42, 47)?

Insight: Though churches today differ in some practices, in Scripture there are two particular ordinances (ceremonies) specifically commanded by God:

a) Water baptism, symbolic of the Christian’s union with Christ. This is a one-time ceremony by which one who has personally put his faith in Christ can testify to his new commitment (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; 8:12).

b) The Lord’s Supper (Communion), a repeated ceremony reminding Christians of Christ’s work on the cross for them (I Corinthians 11:23-26). (Likely, in the context of Acts 2:42, this is what is referred to as “the breaking of bread.”)

8) The Christians at Corinth would meet (“come together”), but what problem did they have (I Corinthians 11:17-18)?

9) What does the word “endeavour” (make an effort) suggest about Christian unity (Ephesians 4:3)?

10) What is one important personal quality needed if unity is to be maintained (Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3)?

Insight: Unity in the local assembly does not mean that each Christian has to be a cookie cutter duplicate of every other. Within unity there can also be also great diversity.

11) In what way do those in the local church differ from one another (I Corinthians 12:4-6)?

12) What illustration does the Bible use to show why these differences are important (I Corinthians 12:15-18)?

Insight: What an encouragement this should be! Christians are each unique. And each has a place to fill, and a service to do for God. They are to work together as a body in which each part has a role to play. And when “every part does its share, [that] causes growth of the body” (Ephesians 4:16).

Insight: “Fellowship” is an important word in the life of the local church. It means more than simply meeting together for a chat over coffee (though this can be part of it). The word means to share in common, with a mutual commitment to one another. The Bible speaks of “the fellowship of ministering to [serving] the saints” (II Corinthians 8:4), and Paul calls the support given to him by the church at Philippi their “fellowship in the gospel [his missionary work]” (Philippians 1:5).

13) The “one anothers” of the epistles suggest many ways Christian fellowship should be expressed in the church. What are some of these, according to the following verses?

I John 4:11 (compare Galatians 5:13)

Galatians 6:2 (compare Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

I Thessalonians 5:11

James 5:16a (compare Ephesians 4:32)

14) What is a practical dimension of fellowship that can be part of believers’ involvement with one another (Acts 4:34-35; James 1:27)?

Insight: The early Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42). But some today have abandoned the local church, claiming it has nothing to offer them. This should not be. As David did, in an Old Testament context, we should be able to say, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord'” (Psalm 122:1).

It is true that some churches are a poor example of what God intended, and no church is perfect. But God has not changed His mind about the importance of the local church. Consider the following Scriptures which suggest some things God wants to see exhibited in the local church.

Insight: According to Scripture, the Lord has given gifted leaders to the church, including pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).

15) What is to be the result of their work (Ephesians 4:12)?

Insight: Early on, Christians met in homes (Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2). Then as congregations grew, they constructed special buildings in which to gather. The earliest one of these that has been discovered dates from 231 AD. Having facilities to maintain meant that money was required not only to support the leadership in their work (I Corinthians 9:13-14; I Timothy 5:17-18), but to care for other needs. Overall, the work of the local church is to be supported by the financial gifts of those in the congregation. Gifts freely and joyfully given (II Corinthians 9:6-8).

Insight: What Christians are to do when they assemble as a church can be roughly divided into three main functions, each beginning with the letter “E:”

a) Exaltation (the corporate praise and worship of God);

b) Edification (the building up of believers in their faith);

c) Evangelism (sharing the gospel and seeking to bring others to faith in Christ).

16) What are some activities that can be a part of the worship and praise of God in the local church (Acts 14:27; Colossians 3:16; I Thessalonians 1:2; I Corinthians 11:26)?

17) During the three years Paul was in Ephesus helping to establish a church there, what did he do (Acts 20:20, 27)?

Insight: “All Scripture…is profitable” (II Timothy 3:16-17), and the local church should be a place where all of it is faithfully proclaimed–or as someone has put it, “Where the Holy Bible is wholly taught.” We are to “contend earnestly for the faith [the body of truth in which we believe] which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3; compare I Timothy 4:1).

18) What danger do people face without proper teaching (Ephesians 4:14)?

19) And for their part, what should Christians do when God’s Word is taught (Acts 17:11)?

20) Though all of God’s Word needs to be presented, what should have special emphasis (Acts 5:42; or see I Corinthians 15:3-4; II Corinthians 4:5)?

21) The teaching and preaching of God’s Word has what purpose (I Peter 2:2; II Timothy 3:17; II Timothy 2:2)?

22) What important commission did the Lord Jesus give to His followers (Matthew 28:18-20; and see Acts 1:8)?

Insight: This work is to extend to “all the nations” and “the end of the earth.” That is clearly more than one local church can accomplish. Evangelism actually takes place on three levels.

a) Through each Christian’s personal witness (discussed in Study #9);

b) Through the preaching and teaching that takes place in and through the local church;

c) Through the people’s support of workers and Christian agencies that share the gospel in other places and other lands.

23) How do each of the following terms describe some aspect or emphasis of the services of the local church?

The church is a classroom.

Meetings at the church is a family reunion.

The church is a refuge.

Meeting at the church is like a promotional rally.

Sometimes meetings at the church can involve a memorial service.

Some services are like a victory celebration.

The church can be a spiritual hospital.

24) Ephesians 5:25-27 presents what we might call Christ’s past work on behalf of the church, then one aspect His present work in the church, and His future goal for the church. What is each of these?

25) How do each of these three relate to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:26, 28-29)?

Christian Witness: Whom Should I Tell?

A Look Back

This study is one of ten that give a basic introduction to Christian beliefs. See Exploring Christianity.

1) According to Philippians 4:6 what should the believer do, when he is anxious and worried?

2) Why do some Christians fail to receive help from the Lord (James 4:2b)?

Insight: Christ called upon His followers to tell others what they had seen and heard while they were with Him–especially concerning His death and resurrection (Luke 24:46-48). This they did faithfully (Acts 2:32; 4:33).

Today Christians are to be witnesses for Christ in a slightly different way. None of us was there to walk and talk with Jesus while He was on earth. But we do have vital information to share.

3) The Apostle Paul was not likely converted until a couple of years after Christ’s ascension. But what did God call him to testify to (Acts 22:15)?

Insight: A witness is one who has personally seen or heard something, and is called to testify about it before others. It is a person who can give a first-hand account of something that happened to him. If you have personally trusted in Christ as your personal Saviour, you have a message to share with others.

4) What did Jesus tell a man one day that might be applied to each believer (Mark 5:19)?

Insight: Talking with others about the Lord and His blessings in our lives is a witness to His goodness and grace.

5) What is the most basic blessing each child of God can tell about (Psalm 96:2b; 107:2)?

Insight: The word “gospel” means good news. In a day of constant bad news, the Christian has the best news of all to share: how it is possible to have one’s sins forgiven and to come into a personal relationship with God.

6) How did Paul feel about sharing this kind of information (I Corinthians 9:16)?

Insight: A pond that has water flowing into it, but no water flowing out, will soon become stagnant. And believers who experience God’s blessings, and never tell others about the Lord and how He is working in their lives, can become stagnant Christians.

Insight: The Lord Jesus called upon His followers to be both “salt” and “light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-14). We are light-bearers when we share the good news of God’s plan of salvation, or when we allow others to see something of what God is like through our life and behaviour.

7) By its very nature, what is a light is designed to do (Matthew 5:15)? And what should not be done with a light?

Insight: Salt is often used as a preservative. We become “salt” when we take a stand for moral principles and speak out against injustice and wrong. This too is a part of the Christian’s “witness.”

8) What else can be an aspect of his witness (Matthew 5:16; or see John 13:35)?

Insight: Sometimes the believer’s witness is compared to gardening or farming in the Scriptures.

9) What lessons are there for us in this comparison, as suggested by the following verses (I Corinthians 3:5-6; and Mark 4:14)?

Insight: Though Christians need to share what the Lord has done for them personally, it is not their experience that should be the focus. We are not to glorify ourselves. Nor are the events in our lives what gives a testimony its authority. What happened to us is simply a means of pointing others to the promises of God in His Word. As Paul tells the Philippians, we are to “shine as lights in the world, holding fast the Word of Life” (Philippians 2:15-16).

10) What was David determined to boast about (Psalm 34:2)?

Insight: In the Hebrew language, the word for “boast” is hallel. Our English word “Hallelujah!” comes from it–an expression of joyful praise to God. That is the kind of “boasting” that pleases God and helps others most.

11) Not only is the word “witness” used of how the Christian is to represent Christ. What other word is used of him (II Corinthians 5:20)?

12) Such a person does not speak and act in his own interests. Whom does he represent? And how is this a picture of the Christian?

Insight: There will always be those who disagree with our witness. Some because they mistakenly follow an erroneous set of beliefs. Others because they believe that, as the saying goes, “all roads lead to Rome”–that it doesn’t really matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere. This may be a comforting thought, but it is not what the Bible teaches.

13) What does Jesus say about the idea of there being many ways to God (John 14:6; compare I John 5:11-12, or Acts 4:12)?

Insight: One day, Christ healed a blind man (John 9:6-7). The Jewish leaders (the Pharisees) later questioned the man. They opposed Jesus and wanted to find something they could hold against Him.

14) What accusation did the Pharisees make against the Lord Jesus (John 9:24)?

15) What was the response of the formerly blind man (verse 25)?

Insight: It is clear the healed man knew little about Christ. He later learned more (John 9:35-38). But his words are an encouragement to those of us who hesitate to witness for Christ because we don’t know enough. He simply testified to what he did know!

It is not necessary to know the answer to every difficult Bible question in order to speak a word for the Lord. (Sometimes, we can agree to do some research, and give an answer later.) In any event, it is not usually helpful or productive to argue over minor points on which good Christian people differ (Romans 14:1). We should focus on what we know of Christ, and the central truths of God’s Word.

16) What is the reason some do not speak up about what the Lord has done for them (John 12:42-43)?

17) What is the danger when we try to please everyone, and not say anything others would find disagreeable (Luke 6:26; Galatians 1:9-10)?

18) What is one thing the Christian can do if he is nervous and fearful about speaking to someone about the Lord (Acts 4:29; or see Ephesians 6:18-19)?

19) What encouragement has the Lord Jesus given us (Matthew 28:20b)?

20) Why was the Apostle Paul not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16)?

Insight: Sometimes unbelievers will see evidence of our faith in God in our conduct, or realize that somehow our approach to life is different. They may be curious to know why, and this can provide an opportunity to share.

21) What should the Christian be prepared to do (I Peter 3:15)?

Insight: To “sanctify the Lord God [or sanctify Christ as Lord]” in one’s heart means to give Him His rightful place in our lives, by living in obedience to His Word. Peter recognizes that sometimes Christians will be ridiculed or persecuted for their faith in Christ. In such a case, they are not to retaliate or try to get revenge (I Peter 2:21-23). And they are make sure that the criticism is not due to actual wrong-doing I Peter 4:14-16).

22) What attitude should the Christian have toward criticism and harassment that comes simply because of his faith in Christ (I Peter 4:12-13)?

Insight: Sometimes a person’s witness is rejected because he has a wrong attitude, or uses a poor approach. Such things as spiritual pride, rudeness, or harsh criticism of others, can turn people off. Christians need to speak with humility, and a gracious loving spirit.

In John Chapter 4 an incident is recorded that can be helpful in this regard. There Jesus speaks graciously with a worldly woman about how she can have eternal life.

23) How does the Lord Jesus make contact with a Samaritan woman (John 4:5-7)? And what lesson is there in this concerning Christian witness?

24) Why did Jesus’ words surprise the woman (John 4:9)? And is there a lesson here relating to Christian witness?

25) How does Jesus make use of the situation and the interests of the woman to direct her attention to spiritual things (John 4:10)? And once again, is there a lesson here for us?

26) Did the woman understand what Jesus meant by this (John 4:11)? What assumption did she make?

Insight: The Old Testament speaks of drawing water from “the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). In that hot, dry climate, water was precious. Its presence sustained life. For this reason, it made a helpful symbol of the life-giving work of the Spirit in bringing salvation to the heart (John 7:37-39). However, it is unlikely the woman knew of Isaiah’s words. Nor did she completely understand, even after Christ explained further (John 4:13-15). But His words impressed her, and awakened a desire to learn more. She hurried to call others to come and hear the message (John 4:28-30).

27) What was the result of this (John 4:40-42)? What final encouragement do you draw from this?

Insight: Even the great Apostle Paul did not rely on his speaking ability to win converts to Christ. He admitted to being subject to “weakness, fear, and…much trembling.” But in spite of this he presented a basic gospel witness concerning, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (I Corinthians 2:2-3).

28) If Paul was weak and fearful, how did his message come to have such a powerful impact (I Corinthians 2:4-5)?

Help in Sharing Christ

It is possible to explain the plan of salvation to others using mainly verses from the book of Romans. This is sometimes called “The Romans Road.” It might be worthwhile to highlight or mark these verses in your Bible, so you can find them more easily. Here are four basic truths concerning the plan of salvation that can be found on the Romans Road.

1) Man’s Condition: all are sinners (Romans 3:23);

2) Sin’s Penalty: the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a);

3) God’s Provision: Christ has paid the penalty of sin for us (Romans 6:23b; compare 5:8);

4) The Needed Response: the one who calls on the Lord in faith will be saved (Romans 10:9, 13).

Beyond Romans, the fact that Christ died for our sins is emphasized in other passages (see I Corinthians 15:3; I Peter 3:18). The need for personal faith in Christ as Saviour is clearly taught in other passages as well (see John 1:12; 3:16, 18, 36; compare 14:6; I John 5:11-12).

What About Prayer?

,

A Look Back

This study is one of ten that give a basic introduction to Christian beliefs. See Exploring Christianity.

1) What weakness does an individual have, even after he becomes and Christian (I John 1:8; compare I Corinthians 10:12)?

2) What is one means of help with this problem available to the Christian (Hebrews 4:14-16)?

Insight: Communication is basic to any relationship. People who never talk to one another can hardly expect to grow closer together. Prayer involves talking to God and expressing to Him what’s in our hearts. It is one half of a conversation. Through the Bible, God talks to us. We respond to Him in prayer.

A. The Privilege of Prayer

3) What is God’s promise to the believer (James 4:8a)?

4) Who set us an example by spending time in prayer (Mark 1:35; 6:46)?

Insight: “To whom should we pray?” The answer is we are to pray to God. But more specifically, we are to pray to God the Father. That is why the Lord’s Prayer begins, “Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). Scripture does not say it is wrong to pray to Christ, or to the Holy Spirit, but that is not the pattern God has given us. The Bible says, “Through Him [Christ] we…have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have a role in our praying, but it is to the Father we pray.

Insight: The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) was given by Jesus to His disciples in response to their request that He teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). It is certainly a wonderful prayer. But several points are worth noting.

i) It was intended as a pattern, showing some things our prayers should include. But the Lord never intended that people pray exactly these words and no other words. (We never read of anyone praying exactly these words afterward.)

ii) There is no merit in simply saying these words over and over, with no thought of their meaning, and without the proper attitude of heart. Jesus condemns this, in the same passage, calling it using “vain repetitions as the heathen do” (verse 7). God want us to pray, not merely say prayers!

iii) It is important to remember that this prayer was given on the other side of the cross. Therefore, it is lacking some of the truth God revealed later (about the cross itself, the church, and so on). Though a good prayer, in that sense it is incomplete. We now have more to pray about!

5) At what time of day did David promise to pray (Psalm 55:17)?

6) What other time is suggested for prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17)?

Insight: It is good to have at least one time each day set aside to read a portion of God’s Word and pray. But the verse in Thessalonians is speaking of chronic, habitual praying, of going through the day in a spirit of prayer. It is a great comfort to recognize that God is with us all the time, and that we can speak to Him wherever we are.

7) Who should be praying, and how, according to Matthew 6:5-6?

8) Who should be praying, and how, according to Matthew 18:19-20 (compare Acts 12:12)?

Insight: There are things the Christian can deal with in private prayer that are personal between the Lord and himself. But there are also advantages to what is sometimes called “corporate” prayer–people praying together.

9) What benefit can you see in getting together with another person (or several others) to pray?

Insight: It is important to realize that there is absolutely no power in prayer itself–beyond perhaps what’s called the “power of positive thinking.” (And having a positive attitude is fine, but it is not prayer!) Offering a prayer to the clock on the wall, or to a berry bush in the garden, will get us nowhere. Not even if it is a long and earnest prayer. Why? Because the power does not rest in prayer, but in the object of prayer.

The benefit of prayer is that it calls upon the power of Almighty God, at His invitation, and taps the resources of heaven (Philippians 4:19). There is a saying: “Prayer changes things.” But it would be more accurate to say “God changes things, in answer to prayer.”

B. Some Subjects for Prayer

Insight: As we have seen from Hebrews 4:16, prayer is a means of expressing needs to God, so the believer can “find grace to help.”

10) Why do some miss out on this blessing (James 4:2b)?

11) What common human problem can be eased by entrusting our needs to God (Philippians 4:6-7)?

Insight: We also saw, in the previous study, that prayer is an important means of confessing sins to God, and experiencing His cleansing and forgiveness (I John 1:9). For Christians to allow sin to remain in their lives, unconfessed, is to say they know better than God what is right for them. But the Bible says, “God resists the proud” (James 4:6), and, in contrast, “the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18).

12) Prayer is also a means of obtaining God’s help in what (Mark 14:38)?

Insight: Prayer is one way God provides protection from the devil. He says, “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil….praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:11, 18).

Insight: One of the great privileges the Christian has is praying for other people. As well as bringing our own needs to God, we can bring before Him the needs of others. This is sometimes called “intercessory prayer.”

13) According to the following verses, for whom should Christians be praying?

I Timothy 2:1

I Timothy 2:2

II Thessalonians 3:1-2

Matthew 5:44

Insight: Another significant use of prayer is to worship God. The word “worship” comes from the Old English word worthship. It means to declare the worthiness of God. To honour Him for who He is, and what He is like. It is the duty and privilege of each child of God, to “give unto the Lord the glory due to His name” (Psalm 29:2).

14) What are some of the things about God which make Him worthy of worship (Psalm 145:5a, 7, 8, 9)?

Insight: Praise and thanksgiving are slightly different from worship, though at times the words are used almost interchangeably. Worship focuses on the Person of God. Praise and thanksgiving call attention to things the Lord has done, and what He has given to His people.

15) For what should we thank the Lord (Ephesians 5:20; or I Thessalonians 5:18)?

16) Which is easier: to thank the Lord for pleasant and enjoyable things He gives us? Or to thank He for the burdens and challenging circumstances He allows to come into our lives?

17) Humanly speaking, doing the latter may sound foolish. But why is it not (Romans 8:28; II Corinthians 4:17)?

C. Helps & Hindrances in Prayer

18) What is one important condition if our prayers are to be answered (Mark 11:24; Hebrews 11:6)?

19) What is a second condition required if our prayers are to be answered (I John 3:22; compare Psalm 66:18)?

20) What is a third condition if our prayers are to be answered (I John 5:14-15)?

Insight: In a sense, God always answers the prayers of His children. But sometimes His answer is “No.” Like a loving parent, God knows that some things the believer asks for are impractical, or even dangerous for us. When God does not answer when or how Christians think He should, it is usually because He has something better for them up ahead.

21) What is an important quality of prayer (Luke 18:1; Colossians 4:2)?

Insight: The difference between this kind of praying and the stubborn insistence that God must do whatever we ask is often one of attitude. The believer must have a trusting heart that is submissive to His will.

Insight: Christians, when they pray, often end with the little phrase “in Jesus’ name. Amen”–or some similar expression. This is based on an instruction given several times by the Lord Jesus. Preparing His followers for the time He would leave them, He said, “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). And, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13).

It is good to use the words, “in Jesus’ name.” But this instruction means much more than simply putting the words at the end of a prayer. It involves a recognition of at least two important truths identified in the questions below.

22) First, by what right or authority is a person able to come into God’s presence and ask Him for things (Hebrews 10:19-22; Ephesians 1:6)?

23) Second, according to John 14:13, what is the purpose of asking for things “in Jesus’ name? And what is the opposite of this (James 4:3)?

Insight: When a born again Christian prays in Jesus’ name for that which will glorify God, he is assured that God will provide what is needed to accomplish this. But too many of our prayers focus on our own self interests and comfort.

Insight: The indwelling Holy Spirit also has a role to play in our praying. The Spirit of God warms our hearts with love for God, as we cry out to Him (Romans 8:15). He strengthens us to pray effectively. When we pray “in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18), we pray by His enablement.

One other thing deserves mention. Consider the following paraphrase of some verses from Romans.

(Note: A paraphrase expresses the basic meaning in other words, to help us understand the sense of what is being said. When this is done with Scripture, it can be helpful. But we must always be watchful that the paraphrase does not stray from the truth of the passage.)

Romans 8:26-29. “The Holy Spirit helps us in our present limitations. When we do not know what we should pray for, or how we should pray, He intercedes for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. The Father, who can read our hearts, also knows the Spirit’s intent, because it is in harmony with His will for us. And we can be sure that God works in everything for the good of those who love Him, and are the called according to His purpose (which is that we be molded into the likeness of His Son).”

24) According to the above passage, what is God’s ultimate purpose for us?

25) How will this relate to the believer’s prayers? (Compare your answer to Question 23, above.)

26) If you have time, please read Isaiah 40:21-31. What is it about prayer that makes it an amazing and thrilling privilege for the child of God?

What’s the Trouble? Testing and Temptation

A Look Back

This study is one of ten that give a basic introduction to Christian beliefs. See Exploring Christianity.

1) When a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell (live within) him. What is one thing that the Spirit of God does (John 15:26 and 16:14)?

2) What purpose does God have for the believer that the Holy Spirit helps him to accomplish (Galatians 4:19, compare Ephesians 4:13)?

Standing and State

Insight: Some think if you become a Christian your life will be perfect–or that the Christian is claiming some kind of perfect behaviour. That any fault or sin they observe in him means he is a hypocrite. However, as an earlier study showed, it is important to recognize the distinction between the Christian’s standing and his state. Christians are perfected forever in Christ, as to their legal standing before God. That standing is based on Christ’s righteousness, not their own. But these individuals are not yet fully conformed to the likeness of Christ in their state. While they should expect growth toward spiritual maturity, they are not yet perfect, and do at times stumble and fall.

3) What does the Bible say to about the person who claims to be perfectly sinless (I John 1:8)?

4) What warning is given to Christians who claim they would never fall into sin (I Corinthians 10:12)?

Insight: Though the Christian desires to honour and obey God, at times he can fail to do so. But when a Christian sins, he does not lose his salvation. Sin in a Christian’s life does not cancel his relationship with God, any more than the misbehaviour of a child removes him from the family.

However, sin does hinder fellowship with God. It deprives the believer of joy and contentment, and robs him of spiritual strength. Further, there is a danger that in this spiritually weakened condition the individual will sin again, and be even further out of touch with God.

Insight: The child of God is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19). And He is “Holy”–pure and without any taint of sin’s corruption. For that reason He is saddened when sin enters the Christian’s life. Believers are exhorted not to “grieve” Him in this way (Ephesians 4:30), but it does sometimes happen.

5) What means does the Holy Spirit use to reprove and correct the Christian when he sins (II Timothy 3:16-17)?

Insight: The Lord can also work through circumstances (sometimes called the reproofs of life) to show the individual the destructive path he is on. And just as a parent does with a child, his heavenly Father will “chasten” or discipline him. This can be a painful experience, but it is a necessary process if spiritual growth is to continue.

6) Far from being a sign that God doesn’t care about him, what does the Lord’s chastening of a sinning Christian show (Hebrews 12:5-7)?

7) What is the end result God is looking for (Hebrews 12:11)?

Insight: As we consider the subject of temptation to sin, it is important to realize that temptation itself is not sin. It is when an individual yields to temptation that he sins.

8) Where does the temptation to sin not come from (James 1:13)?

Insight: Temptation to sin comes from three main sources.

9) What is one source of temptation (James 1:14-15; compare Mark 7:20-23)?

Insight: Even though the Holy Spirit dwells within the Christian, he still has his old sin nature to contend with, sometimes called “the flesh.” (In this case it is not the physical body that is meant, but the person’s spiritually corrupt nature.)

The Bible tells us “the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another” (Galatians 5:17). But Christians can have victory over the flesh as they walk in the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

10) What is one important way the Christian can be strengthened to have victory in temptation (Psalm 119:11)?

Insight: The value of meditation on God’s Word to prepare for times of temptation is expressed by the following little poem: “Two natures strive within my breast; / The one is cursed, the other blessed. / The one I love, the one I hate. / The one I feed will dominate.” Our study of God’s Word, and our meditation on its truths, feeds our souls, helping to equip us to face temptation.

11) What is another source of danger in the Christian life (I Pet. 5:8)?

Insight: There are two extremes to avoid, when it comes to dealing with Satan (also called the devil, or the serpent, Revelation 12:9). One is to think he is only a make-believe character in a red suit, with horns and a pointy tail. The other is to become obsessed with demonic activity and blame the devil whenever problems arise. Neither approach is the right one.

12) What does the Lord teach about the character of Satan (John 8:44)?

13) How is the Christian to deal with Satan’s attacks (I Pet. 5:9)?

14) If we are to resist the devil in “faith,” faith in what? (To see the answer, read how the Lord Jesus defeated Satan in Matthew 4:1-11.)

15) What is a third source of temptation for the Christian (I John 2:15-16)?

Insight: Just as the “flesh” is used sometimes in the New Testament to represent a spiritual reality, so is the word “world.” In the Bible, the term often pictures this evil world system, dominated by Satan and blind to spiritual truth (Ephesians 2:2-3). It may be cultured, scientifically advanced, and even religious, but the spirit of the unsaved world is habitually opposed to God and His people. And the world offers pleasures that tempt the believer to forsake spiritual values and holy living.

16) What is the opposite to yielding to the attractions of the world (I John 2:17)?

17) Is it possible to pursue the sinful pleasures of the world and live close to God at the same time (James 4:4)? Why?

Insight: Some characteristics of temptation can be seen in the first temptation of human beings, back at the beginning of human history. Please read Genesis 3:1-6, and answer the following questions on the passage.

(Note: Satan is a spirit being, and therefore invisible. But he is able to take on physical form, as he does here, appearing in the form of a serpent.)

18) How does Satan treat God’s Word in verse 1? And in verse 4?

19) Is there a difference between God’s original command and what Eve tells Satan (Genesis 2:17 and 3:3)? What seems to be happening here?

20) How does Eve try to talk herself into disobeying God (verse 6)? And what is wrong with her arguments?

Insight: Consider some of the effects of sin in the lives of Adam and Eve. Similar results can often be found today when an individual sins.

21) What is one effect (Genesis 3:7; compare 2:25)?

Insight: Some might view this as a rather insignificant thing today. In some circles nudity and semi-nudity are common and even applauded. But at this early time, a sudden awareness of it indicated a profound inward change. There was an awakened sense of guilt and shame in Adam and Eve that produced a desire for concealment.

21b) How else did this condition show itself (Genesis 3:8-10)?

21c) Another common effect of doing wrong is illustrated in Genesis 3:11-13. What is it?

22) What limitation does God put upon the temptations Christians face (I Corinthians 10:13)?

Insight: “The way to escape” is there, if the believer is willing to take it. But sometimes he foolishly plays with fire, and exposes himself to temptation more than is wise or necessary. The Bible says, “Make no provision for the flesh to fulfil its lusts” (Romans 13:14). It means: Stop putting yourself in harm’s way.

23) What is a course of action that will sometimes help the believer in time of temptation (I Timothy 6:9-11; and II Timothy 2:22)?

24) If the Christian does sin in time of temptation, what should he do (I John 1:9)?

Insight: The word “confession” means agreement. When a Christian confesses his sins to God he is taking God’s point of view about them, and agreeing that they are wrong, and have no place in his life. For his own spiritual welfare, this needs to happen as soon as he becomes aware of sin in his life.

25) And what promise does the Lord give him when he does what is required (I John 1:9)?

26) If one is a committed follower of the Lord, resisting the need to confess and forsake sin will not be a pleasant experience! How did David feel when this happened to him (Psalm 32:3-5)?

27) How do we know the Lord understands the temptations Christians face (Hebrews 4:14-15)?

28) What help is available in times of temptation (Hebrews 4:16)?

The Holy Spirit: Who is there to Help?

This study is one of ten that give a basic introduction to Christian beliefs. See Exploring Christianity.

1) What does God want Christians to keep on doing (II Peter 3:18)?

2) What is the standard by which we are to measure this (Ephesians 4:13)?

Insight: The Bible states, “He who loves another has fulfilled the Law [God’s holy standard]” (Romans 13:8). And the Lord Jesus set that standard very high with what He called a “new commandment” (John 13:34)

3) By what standard are we to measure our own love (John 13:34)?

Insight: It was not a new thing to love God and love our neighbour. The Old Testament had already taught that (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). But Jesus gave us a new Example, and a new standard of measurement during His life on earth.

4) From the following verses, what are some things we learn about this kind of love?

Mark 1:40-42 (“compassion” = merciful love) Luke 23:33-34 (compare Matthew 5:44) John 13:1, and verses 2-5 John 15:9

Insight: If we fully understand God’s standard of perfect love, and are honest in evaluating ourselves, we will have to admit we have a long way to go. In fact, the requirements seem to be so high as to be out of reach. Yet it should be our aim to behave as Jesus would. And God has provided a special Helper to strengthen us and assist us.

5) Who is the Helper (called the “Comforter” in some Bible versions) Jesus promised would be sent from God the Father (John 14:16-17)?

Insight: After Christ’s death and resurrection, the Spirit of God, the third Person of the Trinity, “came” to begin a new work within believers (John 14:17). The moment we become Christians, through faith in Christ, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. In fact, the person who does not have the Spirit within does not belong to Christ at all (Romans 8:9). Each individual believer becomes a living “temple” of the Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

6) But what event had to happen before this new work of the Spirit of God could begin (John 7:38-39)?

Insight: This refers to Jesus’ return to heaven, after His resurrection. At the right hand of the Father, He is glorified once again, as He was before He came to earth (John 17:5; Hebrews 1:3). There, from the throne, the Holy Spirit was commissioned to begin His new work (Acts 2:33).

Insight: The Spirit of God in the Christian is referred to as His “Seal.” Ancient documents were rolled up and sealed with hot wax. Before the wax completely hardened, the one sending the document would press his official seal into it. It was a way of expressing the ownership and authority of the sender. In the case of the Christian, the indwelling Spirit of God Himself becomes God’s Seal of ownership, identifying him as a child of God.

7) According to God’s promise, what does this Seal guarantee for the Christian (Ephesians 1:13-14)?

8) What is an important job of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26)?

9) And what subject will the Holy Spirit focus on, in doing this (John 16:13-14)?

Insight: “We have received…the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (I Corinthians 2:12). Those things belong to the Christian because of the work of Christ, so He is the focus of the Spirit’s ministry. “He will testify of Me,” Jesus says (John 15:26).

It is significant that in the Bible there are over 200 names and titles given to Christ, to reveal His Person to us. But almost always the Spirit of God is simply called “the Spirit,” or “the Holy Spirit.” His purpose is to remain in the background and glorify Christ.

Insight: To understand the present work of God’s Spirit we must compare two particular aspects of it. One is entirely new on this side of the cross. The other is found prior to the cross, though more often since then.

The Baptizing Work of the Spirit

Insight: The baptizing of the Spirit is not to be confused with water baptism, which is a symbolic ceremony. This is a spiritual work of God, not something that is experienced physically.

10) When does this spiritual baptism take place, according to Galatians 3:26-27?

Insight: This work of the Spirit is not something we need to ask for. It is part of what God does when He saves us. Christians can say, “By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (I Corinthians 12:13).

11) What does the spiritual baptism accomplish (Galatians 3:27)?

Insight: It will be helpful to review the teaching about the Christian’s legal position before God, found in Study 5.

12) What else does this baptism accomplish (Galatians 3:28)?

The statement “there is neither male nor female” does not mean Christians are to lead some kind of “unisex” life that ignores gender differences. It is speaking of our standing in Christ, and means that all Christians have an equally privileged relationship with God, through Christ. There are no second class citizens in God’s kingdom!

Insight: By a work of the Holy Spirit, a person is “baptized into” or placed into Christ as to his legal standing before God, and united with other believers, as a part of Christ’s spiritual body, the church. Since the church is a new entity formed after Christ’s ascension, this particular ministry of the Spirit is not found in the Old Testament. It was still spoken of by the Lord Jesus as a future thing in Acts 1:5, just before He ascended back into heaven.

The Filling Work of the Spirit

Insight: The Greek word (pleroo) translated “filled” also has the meaning of fulfilled. Matthew uses it that way when he states that the virgin birth of Christ “fulfilled” the prophecy of Isaiah (Matthew 1:21-23). When it is used of the work of the Spirit, it means that the indwelling Holy Spirit equips and enables the believer to fulfil God’s purpose for him.

Insight: Believers did experience the filling of the Spirit before the cross (see for example Exodus 31:1-5; Luke 1:67-69) but it is a more evident and extensive work afterward. While the baptism establishes the Christian’s standing, the Spirit’s filling ministry concerns his state–his daily experience and character.

13) What is one purpose of God in which the indwelling Holy Spirit is involved (Galatians 4:19)?

14) What kind of character qualities will this include (Galatians 5:22-23)?

Insight: In addition to this inward “fruit” (or result) of the Spirit’s work, God’s purpose for us includes the outward fruit of effective service for Christ. When the early Christians “were all filled with the Holy Spirit…they spoke the Word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

Insight: Whereas the Spirit of God baptizes us into Christ once and for all, at conversion, the “fulfilling” of the Spirit can be repeated as often as it is needed (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31). All that is required is that we be in a condition of heart and mind to be filled. To put it another way, the Holy Spirit’s baptizing work places us forever in Christ; His filling work reveals Christ in us day by day.

15) Compare Ephesians 5:18-19 with Colossians 3:16. What is the major difference between the two passages?

Filling and Walking

Insight: This suggests that the Holy Spirit fulfills God’s purpose in our lives as we respond to His Word. The first emphasizes God’s part, the second our part. Responding properly to God’s Word involves consistent faith and obedience. This is what is called the Christian walk, described in Study 5. Thus there is an important relationship between being filled with the Spirit and walking in the Spirit. “Walking in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25) means living by the Spirit’s enablement and according to His will and direction. As we walk, He fills; as He fills, we walk.

16) What will be some qualities evident in the life of a person who is walking as he should (Ephesians 4:1-3; 5:1-4)?

Insight: These two processes can also be see in Philippians 2:12-13, described in a little different way.

17) Which does Philippians 2:12 describe, God’s filling, or our walking?

18) Which of the two does Philippians 2:13 describe?

Insight: Philippians 2:12 is not saying we must work for our salvation–to earn it by our good works. It says we are to work it out–to work out in practice what God has done, and is doing, in our hearts.

19) Note the contrast in Ephesians 5:18. What are some frequent problems with the behaviour of a person “filled” with alcohol (see Proverbs 23:32-35).

20) What will be some other practical results of the Spirit’s filling and fulfilling ministry, as described in Ephesians 5:19-21?

Insight: A major contrast between the two is this: “Filled” with alcohol, a person loses self control and often acts foolishly, or even dangerously. Filled and fulfilled by God’s Spirit he will be self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23) and behave wisely.

21) To review an important area of truth: The Christian’s position in Christ is constant and eternal because it depends upon the righteousness of whom?

21b) The Christian’s condition (Christ revealed in him) may not always be consistent because it depends on what?

22) To which do the following passages refer: A) The Christian’s eternal standing in Christ, resulting from the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit? Or, B) The Christian’s practical state, which depends on his response to the filling and enabling of the Holy Spirit?


II Corinthians 5:17

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 3:17-19

Galatians 1:15-16

Galatians 2:20

Colossians 2:10

I Thessalonians 4:16

Load More