Moving into the Image of Christ

Jim Sutherland, Ph.D., Director

RMNI.org

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Our Objective

• This study will not focus upon how a Christian should live, which is Christian ethics.

• Our objective is to learn principles which help us to become more and more like Christ—to examine the subject of how to become more like Christ.

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Only God Can Make Something Grow

• This is true both in the world of living organisms and of spiritual growth. Humans cannot create life and then make it grow. Cloning does not create life.– 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted the seed,

Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (the New International Version is used, unless noted.)

Life Comes Before Growth

• People cannot grow spiritually if they aren’t born People cannot grow spiritually if they aren’t born again. They are still dead in sin.again. They are still dead in sin.– Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for

us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when Christ even when we were dead in transgressions we were dead in transgressions – – it is by grace you have been saved. it is by grace you have been saved.

• Spiritual disciplines and methods will not help Spiritual disciplines and methods will not help someone grow who is dead. They often obscure someone grow who is dead. They often obscure their lost-ness. This was true of John Wesley their lost-ness. This was true of John Wesley before his conversion.before his conversion.

• You cannot clean a fish before it is caught.You cannot clean a fish before it is caught.

John Wesley & Disciplines• “John Wesley an Oxford scholar, a man who led

hundreds to the Lord, a leader of the Holy Club, on the outside, he was a star student and a servant who was instrumental in helping the poor, he became an Anglican priest after a rigorous seminary education and shortly thereafter a missionary to the Indians, everyone who looked at Wesley, thought of him as the Honorable Reverend John Wesley, you would think that surely this man of God was saved, and yet he writes in his journal as he goes on missions to theIndians: ‘I go to save theIndians, but who will save me?’”

• “He was not saved! Even asan Anglican priest, he had not yet received the Holy Spirit.”

John Wesley & Disciplines

• “It wasn’t until May 24, 1737 (born in 1703) when he was 34 years of age, that after a life long journey of struggle and coming to a cliff (figure of speech, Wesley does not write that at any time he was suicidal) where he almost gave up on ministry, that he heard the Word of the Lord, the preaching of a sermon on Romans that he was touched by the Spirit of the Lord, he writes my heart was strangely warmed, and I felt I really did trust Christ. Wesley would write later of that day: ‘By a Christian I mean one who so believes in Christ as that sin hath no more dominion over him; and in this obvious sense of the word I was not a Christian till May the 24th last past.’”– Anonymous, http://files.intellisite.com/1/8/6/8.doc accessed 09/21/2005

Why Do Christians Need Growth?

• Because Christians sin.– Two frequently used Greek words are translated

“sin.” Sin is “to act contrary to the will and law of God” (hamartia). Louw-Nida Greek English Lexicon of the NT

– Second, it is to act unjustly (hadikia). This is also included under the above word (harmatia--1 John 5:17) .

– We inherited sin from Adam (Rom. 5:12).– We also add our personal sin. 1 John 1:8 If we

claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

– Christians aren’t to practice sin, however—it should be increasingly the exception (1 John 3:6,9; 5:18). I may get angry, but should not be an angry person.

Why Do Christians Need Growth?

• Due to sin, we aren’t perfect, even though Adam and Eve were perfect in Eden, before they sinned.

• Although we’re made in God’s perfect image (Gen. 1:27), that image is now marred by sin.

• Spiritual growth means becoming more like God, in ways possible to us. We’re being restored into the image of God.– We cannot know all, be everywhere and have

all power. But we can love, be just and speak truthfully.

What Is Christian Spiritual Growth?

• It is for a Christian to become more like Christ.• Christ is the Christian’s standard of maturity, as is the Father.

– Christians are to “be perfect,” as the Father is (Matt. 5:48)– Christ, although sinless (2 Cor. 5:21), was “made perfect” (Heb.

5:9) by suffering, and is the unmarred “image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15).

– Colossians 1:28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

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Christ is our Goal

• Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

– Note that transformation is an ongoing process (Greek present tense), not a completed event. Also note that the Holy Spirit is the active agent who transforms Christians.

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Christ the Goal• Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are

surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith

• 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• A mature Christian thinks and acts like

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Restoring the Image of God

• Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

• Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Restoring the Image of God• The hardest place to

demonstrate the image of God is with our family. Our wife or husband knows us best.

• We do not have normal social constraints within the privacy of our family circle.

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Kingdom Growth

• Growth is normal to life—failure to grow is abnormal. If we are living precisely as we lived 10 years ago, we haven’t grown. If we give or pray as much as we gave 10 years ago, we haven’t grown.

• The Kingdom of God grows, as people become Christians.– It cannot be stopped: Matthew 13:31-32 He told them

another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”

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Kingdom Growth– 33% of humans profess Christianity, and 20%

Islam. Christianity is the largest religion on the planet. Islamic growth in the 1990s was 96% by natural increase (excess births to deaths) and 4% by conversion (less defections). Christian growth globally was 90% natural increase and 10% by conversion. Hindu growth is entirely by birth (they have a negative conversion rate).

• Michael Jaffarian, “The demographics of world religions entering the 21st century,” in Between past & future, J. Bonk ed. 2003, pp. 257-258.

– Annual Growth Rate of: • All Christians 1.31%• Muslims: 1.93%• Hindus: 1.49%

Barrett, Int’l Bulletin of Miss. Research, Status of Global Mission, 1/05

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Growth

• Christianity grows globally (horizontally), but also in depth—Christians becoming more like Christ.

• Christians grow at different rates.– Mark 4:20 Others, like seed sown

on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-- thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."

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Positional and Actual Holiness

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Growth Emphasized

• Christians are holy due to the sanctifying work of Christ (positionally), yet we are becoming holy (actually).– Heb. 10:14 because by one sacrifice he

has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

– 1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

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Christian’s Positional Sanctification• 1 Corinthians 6:11 And that is what some of

you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified [point in time], you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.– Sanctification here means “set apart.”

• Hebrews 10:29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

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Various Views of Sanctification

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God’s Part Stressed—Can We Please God?• Some in the Calvinistic tradition stress our positional

sanctification and the sovereign love of God so much that they question the validity of even trying to please God, since they believe that we already please and are accepted by Him. But…– Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may

live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

– 1 Thessalonians 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

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Growth Emphasized

• Progressive sanctification is another name for “growth.” Some in the “holiness” tradition teach that Christians at some moment in time attain to entire sanctification, or sinless perfection. This contradicts that we are “being made holy,” and other scriptures already quoted.– I met a man who could not recall any sins he’d

committed. An exasperated older friend burst in, “What about the woman you’re living with?” [they weren’t married]

– There are “spiritual” and “worldly” Christians—I haven’t met a perfect one (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

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Concepts of Sanctification• “The Wesleyan-Arminian concept of holiness

maintains that ‘the Christian’s tendency to sin is extinguished’, while others, such as the Keswick Convention, teach that this tendency is ‘merely counteracted by victorious living in the Spirit’.”

– The New International Dict. Of the Christian Church, 1974. s.v. “Keswick Convention,” Ian Sellers, p. 564.

– 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have [ongoing] no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

• Others teach “absolute surrender” to God or to “let go and let God.” Both are passive states, and while good as far as they go, do not provide the energy or direction needed to walk the Way.

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God’s Part in SanctificationGod’s Part in Sanctification

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What is What is God’s PartGod’s Part in in Sanctification?Sanctification?

2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given us 2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given us everythingeverything we need for life and godlinesswe need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” God provides the his own glory and goodness.” God provides the means.means.– If we don’t grow spiritually, it is not God’s fault.If we don’t grow spiritually, it is not God’s fault.– He provides the “means of grace” and means He provides the “means of grace” and means

of growth—primarily the Holy Spirit, the Church of growth—primarily the Holy Spirit, the Church and the Bible.and the Bible.

He both actively moves to make us grow, and He both actively moves to make us grow, and provides means to make us grow.provides means to make us grow.

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God is Able to Make and God is Able to Make and to Keep us Holyto Keep us Holy

1 Thessalonians 5:23 “May God himself, the God 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, of peace, sanctify you through and throughsanctify you through and through. May . May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christblameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” .” ThisThis is entire sanctification. Sanctify = is entire sanctification. Sanctify = άγιάσμόςάγιάσμός “make holy, consecrate” Friberg Greek Lexicon“make holy, consecrate” Friberg Greek LexiconJude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to falling and to present you before his glorious present you before his glorious presence without faultpresence without fault and with great joy— and with great joy— – 1 Corinthians 10:131 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has No temptation has

seized you except what is common to man. seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; And God is faithful; he will not let you be he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can beartempted beyond what you can bear. But when . But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.so that you can stand up under it.

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While God Provides the While God Provides the MeansMeans, , WeWe are Responsible for our Growthare Responsible for our Growth

Hebrews 12:14-15Hebrews 12:14-15 Make every effortMake every effort to live in to live in peace with all men and to bepeace with all men and to be holy holy; without ; without holiness no one will see the Lord. holiness no one will see the Lord. 1515 See to it that See to it that no one misses the grace of Godno one misses the grace of God and that no bitter and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many root grows up to cause trouble and defile many ΆγιάξωΆγιάξω = holy, sanctified, pure Friberg Lexicon = holy, sanctified, pure Friberg Lexicon #212#212– WE are to make “every effort” to be holy. At the WE are to make “every effort” to be holy. At the

same time, we must not miss the “grace of same time, we must not miss the “grace of God,” which enables us to deal with others’ sin.God,” which enables us to deal with others’ sin.

– We cannot be passively holy, or find holiness We cannot be passively holy, or find holiness through meditation or right doctrine. Holiness is through meditation or right doctrine. Holiness is shown in the furnace of life, and requires our shown in the furnace of life, and requires our active cooperation. active cooperation.

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While God Provides the While God Provides the MeansMeans, , WeWe are Responsible for our Growthare Responsible for our Growth

Colossians 1:22-23 But now he has reconciled you Colossians 1:22-23 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- free from accusation-- 2323 if you continueif you continue in your in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. hope held out in the gospel.

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God’s God’s Direct MeansDirect Means for Growth: for Growth: 1. The Spirit1. The Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.from the Lord, who is the Spirit.– Romans 8:4 in order that the righteous Romans 8:4 in order that the righteous

requirements of the law might be fully met in requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but nature but according to the Spirit.according to the Spirit.

– The New Testament is more demanding in its The New Testament is more demanding in its commands than the Old (Matthew 5:21-48, for commands than the Old (Matthew 5:21-48, for example). The only possible way to keep them example). The only possible way to keep them is to live according to the Spirit.is to live according to the Spirit.

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The Spirit Sets us Apart The Spirit Sets us Apart BeforeBefore as well as After Salvationas well as After Salvation

1 Peter 1:21 Peter 1:2 who have been chosen according to who have been chosen according to the the foreknowledgeforeknowledge of God the Father, of God the Father, through the through the sanctifying work of the Spiritsanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to , for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his bloodJesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because because from the beginningfrom the beginning God chose you to be God chose you to be saved saved through the sanctifying work of the Spiritthrough the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.and through belief in the truth.1 Corinthians 6:11 But you were washed, you 1 Corinthians 6:11 But you were washed, you were sanctifiedwere sanctified,, you were justified in the name of you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spiritby the Spirit of of our God.our God.– When we choose a bride, she is “perfect” to us.When we choose a bride, she is “perfect” to us.

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The Spirit Purifies UsThe Spirit Purifies UsGalatians 5:16-18 So I say, Galatians 5:16-18 So I say, live by the Spiritlive by the Spirit, , and and you will not gratify the desires of the you will not gratify the desires of the sinful naturesinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires . 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are what you want. 18 But if you are led by the led by the SpiritSpirit, you are not under law., you are not under law.Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the bodyyou put to death the misdeeds of the body, , you will live,you will live,– I once was mastered by a sin as a Christian. Finally I I once was mastered by a sin as a Christian. Finally I

cried out to God to put it to death in me, because I cried out to God to put it to death in me, because I couldn’t. Within a few days the Spirit had put it to death. couldn’t. Within a few days the Spirit had put it to death. The sin simply was not worth the pain it brought.The sin simply was not worth the pain it brought.

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The Spirit Leads UsThe Spirit Leads UsGalatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Against such things there is no law. – This is the character of Christ that the Spirit produces.This is the character of Christ that the Spirit produces.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have have crucifiedcrucified the sinful nature with its passions and the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we desires. 25 Since we live by the Spiritlive by the Spirit, let us , let us keep keep in step with the Spiritin step with the Spirit..– The Spirit may have us refrain from a particular ministry. The Spirit may have us refrain from a particular ministry.

He makes us uneasy until we engage another ministry. He makes us uneasy until we engage another ministry. He burdens our hearts. He shows us when to stop He burdens our hearts. He shows us when to stop something He earlier led us to engage.something He earlier led us to engage.

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Keeping up with the SpiritKeeping up with the SpiritWe need to carefully keep up with the Spirit, We need to carefully keep up with the Spirit, neither getting ahead of Him, or lagging behind.neither getting ahead of Him, or lagging behind.Our spirit needs to be tuned into the Spirit—Our spirit needs to be tuned into the Spirit—listening to nudges to go or to wait or to stay.listening to nudges to go or to wait or to stay.– Once after a time of prayer I asked God if He had Once after a time of prayer I asked God if He had

anything that He wanted to say to me. Into my mind anything that He wanted to say to me. Into my mind came, “I want you to go to Africa.” I hadn’t been there came, “I want you to go to Africa.” I hadn’t been there and hadn’t thought of going to Africa for about 10 years. and hadn’t thought of going to Africa for about 10 years. I told Him that I was certainly willing. About 10 days I told Him that I was certainly willing. About 10 days later two friends at church were discussing who could go later two friends at church were discussing who could go to Africa with one of them. They asked me if I know of to Africa with one of them. They asked me if I know of someone, and I said that I was interested. All the funds someone, and I said that I was interested. All the funds had been already raised, and within 50 days of God had been already raised, and within 50 days of God speaking I was on a British Airways jet headed for speaking I was on a British Airways jet headed for Uganda. This was the first of 10 trips to Africa.Uganda. This was the first of 10 trips to Africa.

We need to actively crucify sinful “passions and We need to actively crucify sinful “passions and desires,” even when in step with the Spirit (God). desires,” even when in step with the Spirit (God). Here again is the interplay between God’s work Here again is the interplay between God’s work and our work.and our work.

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God’s God’s DirectDirect Means for Growth: Means for Growth: DisciplineDiscipline

Hebrews 12:7Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?disciplined by his father?Hebrews 12:10Hebrews 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, disciplines us for our good, that we may share that we may share in his holinessin his holiness..– God actively steps in to stop our sin by providing God actively steps in to stop our sin by providing

immediate negative consequences.immediate negative consequences.

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Accept Discipline to GrowAccept Discipline to GrowDiscipline--“to provide instruction, with the intent Discipline--“to provide instruction, with the intent of forming proper habits of behavior” of forming proper habits of behavior” ΠαιδευωΠαιδευω Louw-Nida Lexicon # 33:226Louw-Nida Lexicon # 33:226

Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.for those who have been trained by it.– So we need to welcome this gracious instruction from So we need to welcome this gracious instruction from

God. I was rebuked by a “prophet” for saying harsh God. I was rebuked by a “prophet” for saying harsh things to my wife.things to my wife.

– Psalm 32:8-9 I will instruct you and teach you in the way Psalm 32:8-9 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 99 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.or they will not come to you.

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God’s Direct Means: TrialsGod’s Direct Means: Trials

Trials may be translated Trials may be translated (1) as God's examination (1) as God's examination of man--of man--test test (1Peter 4.12); (2) as enticement to (1Peter 4.12); (2) as enticement to sin, either from without or within sin, either from without or within temptation– temptation– ΠειρασμόςΠειρασμός (LU 4.13); 21267 Friberg Lexicon(LU 4.13); 21267 Friberg Lexicon

– God uses it to examine us, while Satan uses it God uses it to examine us, while Satan uses it to entice us to sin. Potiphar’s wife was likely to entice us to sin. Potiphar’s wife was likely both a test and a temptation to Joseph.both a test and a temptation to Joseph.

– Discipline is more targeted, as a parent Discipline is more targeted, as a parent disciplines for specific reasons (the root word disciplines for specific reasons (the root word of discipline is “child”--of discipline is “child”--παισπαισ).).

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God’s Direct Means: TrialsGod’s Direct Means: TrialsJames 1:2-4 James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the 3 because you know that the testing of your faith testing of your faith develops perseverance.develops perseverance. 4 4 Perseverance must Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be finish its work so that you may be mature and mature and completecomplete, not lacking anything., not lacking anything.– God seems to be more interested in our holiness than in God seems to be more interested in our holiness than in

our happiness.our happiness.

1 Peter 1:6-7 1 Peter 1:6-7 6 In this you greatly rejoice, 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trialssuffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have . 7 These have come so that your come so that your faithfaith-- of greater worth than -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuinemay be proved genuine and may result in praise, and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.– God may use financial trials to purify us.God may use financial trials to purify us.

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God’s Direct Means: TrialsGod’s Direct Means: TrialsTrials impel us to seek God, and to purify Trials impel us to seek God, and to purify our motives and behavior.our motives and behavior.– I owed $800.00 in taxes 2.5 weeks before due I owed $800.00 in taxes 2.5 weeks before due

and sought God based on Psalm 50:14-15.and sought God based on Psalm 50:14-15.Going into the world with the Gospel Going into the world with the Gospel involves us in trials. We need funds, involves us in trials. We need funds, protection, wisdom and guidance that isn’t protection, wisdom and guidance that isn’t needed if we remain home. We learn that needed if we remain home. We learn that God is with us (Matt. 28:20) and will never God is with us (Matt. 28:20) and will never forsake us (Heb. 13:5).forsake us (Heb. 13:5).Job, Joseph, David, Joshua, Paul and many Job, Joseph, David, Joshua, Paul and many others grew in their knowledge of God others grew in their knowledge of God through trial. through trial.

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Freedom in the SpiritFreedom in the Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedomthere is freedom..– Is there freedom in your church?Is there freedom in your church?

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.yoke of slavery.

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FreedomFreedomWe must not get so wrapped up in disciplines that We must not get so wrapped up in disciplines that they become a tyranny, or begin to look down they become a tyranny, or begin to look down upon others who don’t share our favorite upon others who don’t share our favorite disciplines.disciplines.Disciplines can easily degenerate into “the Disciplines can easily degenerate into “the righteousness of man” and into legalisms.righteousness of man” and into legalisms.– Legalism is a system of righteousness other than that of Legalism is a system of righteousness other than that of

Christ’s righteousness, imputed to a person by faith in Christ’s righteousness, imputed to a person by faith in Christ. Fasting became a legalism to me. I was afraid Christ. Fasting became a legalism to me. I was afraid not to fast and indecisive as to when to fast. not to fast and indecisive as to when to fast.

– Romans 10:2-4 For I can testify about them [Israelites] Romans 10:2-4 For I can testify about them [Israelites] that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

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God’s Plan for Growth: God’s Plan for Growth: 2. Church2. Church

Ephesians 4:11-13Ephesians 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become matureknowledge of the Son of God and become mature, , attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Christ.

The Church is God’s garden for growth.The Church is God’s garden for growth.

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Growth in ChurchGrowth in ChurchThe work of the church is to get The work of the church is to get Christians to look like Jesus Christ.Christians to look like Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 12:71 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit one the manifestation of the Spirit is given is given for the common good. for the common good. – Each Christian has at least one Each Christian has at least one

spiritual gift, to be used for the good of spiritual gift, to be used for the good of the Church.the Church.

Evangelists are used to give birth Evangelists are used to give birth to (baby) Christians.to (baby) Christians.– Converts need to become members of Converts need to become members of

churches. This can be very difficult.churches. This can be very difficult.

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Growth in ChurchGrowth in ChurchPastors teach the Bible, counsel, Pastors teach the Bible, counsel, comfort, challenge, rebuke and comfort, challenge, rebuke and encourage their flocks to encourage their flocks to become mature—to be like become mature—to be like Christ.Christ.Teachers go deeply into Christian Teachers go deeply into Christian doctrine and application.doctrine and application.– Colossians 1:28 We proclaim him, Colossians 1:28 We proclaim him,

admonishing and admonishing and teachingteaching everyone everyone with all wisdom, so that we may with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.present everyone perfect in Christ.

Prophets (according to one’s Prophets (according to one’s theology) speak a direct word theology) speak a direct word from the Lord, but not on the from the Lord, but not on the same level as the Bible in same level as the Bible in authority.authority.

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Growth in ChurchGrowth in Church

The church is God’s enduring institution.The church is God’s enduring institution.– Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on And I tell you that you are Peter, and on

this rock I will build my church, and this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades the gates of Hades will not overcome itwill not overcome it..

– No other institution—schools, mission agencies, NGO’s—No other institution—schools, mission agencies, NGO’s—has lasted for 2,000 years and has Jesus’ promise that has lasted for 2,000 years and has Jesus’ promise that even the Devil will not conquer it.even the Devil will not conquer it.

– The church both The church both broadens, by evangelism, and deepens, broadens, by evangelism, and deepens, by maturity, the work of Christby maturity, the work of Christ. .

– She is the Christian’s primary community.She is the Christian’s primary community.4444

Church’s Sacraments: Church’s Sacraments: CommunionCommunion

Regardless of one’s theological view of this Regardless of one’s theological view of this sacrament, at the very least it should provoke sacrament, at the very least it should provoke self-examination and repentance—always self-examination and repentance—always necessary for growth. Sin must be identified and necessary for growth. Sin must be identified and admitted before it is forsaken. Others, such as admitted before it is forsaken. Others, such as John Wesley, and many in the Reformed tradition, John Wesley, and many in the Reformed tradition, have taught that it conveys God’s grace have taught that it conveys God’s grace http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/wesley/disciple.stm accessed 9/21/05 accessed 9/21/05

– 1 Corinthians 11:28 A man ought to examine himself 1 Corinthians 11:28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

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Church’s Sacraments: BaptismChurch’s Sacraments: BaptismBaptism is a symbol of dying to the old man and Baptism is a symbol of dying to the old man and being raised to new life:being raised to new life:– Colossians 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism Colossians 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism

and raised with him through your faith in the power of and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.God, who raised him from the dead.

Baptism means public identification with Christ, Baptism means public identification with Christ, and as such is an act of obedience.and as such is an act of obedience.– Matthew 10:32 "Whoever acknowledges me before Matthew 10:32 "Whoever acknowledges me before

men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”heaven.”

– That public identification can motivate us to represent That public identification can motivate us to represent Christ well.Christ well.

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God’s Means of Growth: God’s Means of Growth: 3. The Bible3. The Bible

Next to the Spirit and the Church, the Bible is Next to the Spirit and the Church, the Bible is God’s most important instrument for spiritual God’s most important instrument for spiritual growth.growth.– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is

useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. thoroughly equipped for every good work.

– Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

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God’s Means of Growth: The BibleGod’s Means of Growth: The Bible

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1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, cravecrave pure pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…your salvation…– ““crave” = “long for, desire; perhaps yearn over (James crave” = “long for, desire; perhaps yearn over (James

4.5)” 4.5)” Barclay-Neuman Barclay-Neuman Greek-English Dictionary Greek-English Dictionary έπιποθέωέπιποθέω # #24802480

Mark 4:20Mark 4:20 “Others, like seed sown on good soil, “Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-- hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop-- thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.”sown.”– Obedience to the Word of God Obedience to the Word of God

determines spiritual productivity.determines spiritual productivity.

God’s Means of Growth: The BibleGod’s Means of Growth: The BibleJohn 17:17John 17:17 “Sanctify { “Sanctify {17 17 Greek Greek hagiazohagiazo (set (set apart for sacred use or make holy)} them by the apart for sacred use or make holy)} them by the truth; your word is truth.”truth; your word is truth.”– The Bible is God’s Word, and God does not lie. The Bible The Bible is God’s Word, and God does not lie. The Bible

has the amazing effect of making us holy.has the amazing effect of making us holy.– Acts 20:32Acts 20:32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word "Now I commit you to God and to the word

of his grace, which of his grace, which can build you upcan build you up and give you an and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

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God’s Means of Growth: The BibleGod’s Means of Growth: The BibleThe Bible contains nurture both for new Christians The Bible contains nurture both for new Christians (“milk”) and for more mature Christians (“solid (“milk”) and for more mature Christians (“solid food”), who gain insights into what is right and food”), who gain insights into what is right and wrong.wrong.

Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that Colossians 1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the good work, growing in the knowledgeknowledge of God of God

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God’s Means of Growth: The BibleGod’s Means of Growth: The Bible– ““Knowledge” =Knowledge” =έπιγινώσκωέπιγινώσκω----'to know about, to know 'to know about, to know

definitely about’ definitely about’ 28.2 Louw-Nida Lexicon28.2 Louw-Nida Lexicon

– The Bible is the best and most reliable way to know God. The Bible is the best and most reliable way to know God. A growing knowledge of God pleases Him. A growing knowledge of God pleases Him.

– Experience must be judged by the Bible, and the Church Experience must be judged by the Bible, and the Church and her preachers must be judged by the Bible.and her preachers must be judged by the Bible.

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God’s Means of Growth: The BibleGod’s Means of Growth: The BibleThe Bible almost takes on a life of its own. It’s The Bible almost takes on a life of its own. It’s impact upon people is powerful and its spread impact upon people is powerful and its spread worldwide. Of the 6913 global languages, 3000+ worldwide. Of the 6913 global languages, 3000+ may need Bible translation, but 5% of languages may need Bible translation, but 5% of languages account for 94% of earth’s population. account for 94% of earth’s population. www.wycliffe.org/wbt-usa/trangoal.htm www.ethnologue.com/ethno_docs/distribution.asp?by=size

– Acts 12:24Acts 12:24 But the word of God continued to increase But the word of God continued to increase and and spreadspread. .

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God’s Word SpreadsGod’s Word SpreadsLike the Church, Like the Church, the Bible spreadsthe Bible spreads. . – Acts 6:7Acts 6:7 So So the word of God the word of God spreadspread. The number of . The number of

disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.number of priests became obedient to the faith.

– Acts 19:20Acts 19:20 In this way the word of the Lord In this way the word of the Lord spread spread widelywidely and grew in power. and grew in power.

– Colossians 1:6Colossians 1:6 that has come to you. that has come to you. All over the world All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and this gospel is bearing fruit and growinggrowing, just as it has , just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.understood God's grace in all its truth.

– One of the best evangelism strategies is to give the One of the best evangelism strategies is to give the Bible or portions of it to the lost. It helps to determine if Bible or portions of it to the lost. It helps to determine if a person is spiritually ripe for witnessing.a person is spiritually ripe for witnessing.

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We Must Exercise We Must Exercise Our WillOur Will

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The Will and Work of God in UsThe Will and Work of God in Us

Philippians 2:12-13Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-- not only in my as you have always obeyed-- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-- presence, but now much more in my absence-- continue to work out your salvationcontinue to work out your salvation with fear and with fear and trembling, 13 trembling, 13 for for it is God who works in youit is God who works in you to to will and to act according to his good purpose. will and to act according to his good purpose.

We work out our salvation through obedience.We work out our salvation through obedience. God plants His will into our will and His purposes God plants His will into our will and His purposes

into our plans.into our plans.

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In Two MindsIn Two Minds

As discussed already, God provides the means, As discussed already, God provides the means, and we are expected to use them. His means for and we are expected to use them. His means for growth are worthless if we ignore them.growth are worthless if we ignore them. I meet Christians who ignore God’s means for growth. I meet Christians who ignore God’s means for growth.

They are too weak-willed to resist temptation and They are too weak-willed to resist temptation and obey Christ, even at small cost.obey Christ, even at small cost.

In fact they are double-minded, wanting to have both In fact they are double-minded, wanting to have both God and the pleasures of sin. God and the pleasures of sin.

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Satanic StrongholdsSatanic Strongholds If we willingly allow sin in some area of our life, we give If we willingly allow sin in some area of our life, we give

Satan ground, and a stronghold of Satan is established. Satan ground, and a stronghold of Satan is established. We begin to rationalize the presence of the sin, and We begin to rationalize the presence of the sin, and come to believe a lie of some kind. come to believe a lie of some kind. Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of

darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he lovesdarkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves We have been rescued from Satan’s power. Don’t submit again to it.We have been rescued from Satan’s power. Don’t submit again to it.

Colossians 2:10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who Colossians 2:10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.is the head over every power and authority.

The only way to escape Satan’s grasp, is to come back under The only way to escape Satan’s grasp, is to come back under Christ’s authority. Christ’s authority.

Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.cross.

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In Two MindsIn Two Minds James 4:4-10 You adulterous people, don't you know that James 4:4-10 You adulterous people, don't you know that

friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. enemy of God. 55 Or do you think Scripture says without Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? intensely? 66 But he gives us more grace. That is why But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." {6 Prov. 3:34} the humble." {6 Prov. 3:34} 7 7 Submit yourselves, then, to Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 8 Come Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. minded. 9 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 10 Humble yourselves Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

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Our Will: Put Off & Put OnOur Will: Put Off & Put On

Christians are told in Scripture to put off sin and Christians are told in Scripture to put off sin and to put on righteousness. Therefore, to put on righteousness. Therefore, we must be we must be able to do bothable to do both..

Ephesians 4:22-24Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to regard to your former way of life, to put off your put off your old selfold self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful , which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; desires; 23 23 to be made new in the attitude of your to be made new in the attitude of your minds; minds; 24 24 and to and to put on the new selfput on the new self, created to , created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

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Our Will: Put Off & Put OnOur Will: Put Off & Put On

Similarly, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Similarly, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ [put on], and Christ [put on], and do not think aboutdo not think about how to how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Romans gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Romans 13:14 13:14

Paul lists sins to put off:Paul lists sins to put off: Falsehood, simmering anger, unwholesome talk, Falsehood, simmering anger, unwholesome talk,

bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slanderbitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander And actions to put on:And actions to put on:

truthful speech, take a useful job, helpful talk, truthful speech, take a useful job, helpful talk, kindness, compassion and forgivenesskindness, compassion and forgiveness

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Our Will: Put Off & Put OnOur Will: Put Off & Put On

Similarly, Similarly, Romans 6:11 In the same way, Romans 6:11 In the same way, count yourselvescount yourselves

dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:12 Therefore Romans 6:12 Therefore do not letdo not let sin reign in your sin reign in your

mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Our wills are potent. We Our wills are potent. We cancan choose the good and choose the good and

resist sin. The demons cannot force us to sin. God resist sin. The demons cannot force us to sin. God always provides an escape in temptation (1 Cor. always provides an escape in temptation (1 Cor. 10:13).10:13).

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Our Will and our BodyOur Will and our Body One of the most important decisions is to give One of the most important decisions is to give

God our body. Another is not to let the world God our body. Another is not to let the world conform you to its way of thinking.conform you to its way of thinking.

Romans 12:1-2Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as offer your bodies as living sacrificesliving sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this , holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform Do not conform any longerany longer to the pattern of this world, but be to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Deciding to Remain in ChristDeciding to Remain in Christ

John 15:4-5 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No John 15:4-5 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 5 "I "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. you can do nothing. ““It is sovereign grace from start to finish, but the It is sovereign grace from start to finish, but the

responsibility of abiding in Christ is placed squarely responsibility of abiding in Christ is placed squarely upon man’s shoulders, exactly where it belongs. upon man’s shoulders, exactly where it belongs. Without exertion there is no salvation. But the power Without exertion there is no salvation. But the power to exert oneself and to persevere is God-given!” Wm. to exert oneself and to persevere is God-given!” Wm. Hendriksen, The Gospel of John, p. 299, ISBN: Hendriksen, The Gospel of John, p. 299, ISBN: 0801040515 0801040515

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Deciding to Remain in ChristDeciding to Remain in Christ

We cannot serve God independent of a close We cannot serve God independent of a close walk with Christ and close observance of his walk with Christ and close observance of his commands (John 15:10). The heart of commands (John 15:10). The heart of discipleship for Christ was obeying His discipleship for Christ was obeying His commands.commands. Fruitfulness is dependent upon the vine.Fruitfulness is dependent upon the vine. Trying to be fruitful apart from Christ is trying to live Trying to be fruitful apart from Christ is trying to live

the Christian life in the flesh.the Christian life in the flesh.

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Our Will: Christian DisciplinesOur Will: Christian Disciplines We cannot touch upon every biblical command to We cannot touch upon every biblical command to

Christians, but will mention various disciplines which help Christians, but will mention various disciplines which help us to abide in Christ.us to abide in Christ.

RepentanceRepentance This was the first command to the unsaved of John the Baptist This was the first command to the unsaved of John the Baptist

(Matt. 3:1-2), of Jesus (Matt. 4:17), and of the apostles (Mark (Matt. 3:1-2), of Jesus (Matt. 4:17), and of the apostles (Mark 6:7-12; Acts 3:19; 26:20). Yet Christians must also repent.6:7-12; Acts 3:19; 26:20). Yet Christians must also repent.

Revelation 2:4-5Revelation 2:4-5 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! RepentRepent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Christians must continually repent of known sin, and ask God to Christians must continually repent of known sin, and ask God to reveal secret sins (Psalm 139:23-24; James 5:15-16). Fathers reveal secret sins (Psalm 139:23-24; James 5:15-16). Fathers should be the quickest and best “repenters” Joe Novensonshould be the quickest and best “repenters” Joe Novenson

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Our Will: PurityOur Will: Purity PurityPurity--consecration, dedication, sanctification, holiness= --consecration, dedication, sanctification, holiness=

άγιασμοςάγιασμος Barclay-Neuman Greek-English Dictionary, # 41Barclay-Neuman Greek-English Dictionary, # 41

Avoid sexual immorality and impurity (1 Thess. 4:3,7).Avoid sexual immorality and impurity (1 Thess. 4:3,7). 2 Tim. 2:21 If a man 2 Tim. 2:21 If a man cleanses himselfcleanses himself from [“ignoble” purposes, from [“ignoble” purposes,

v. 20], he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, v. 20], he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. prepared to do any good work.

The more pure we are, the more God can use us.The more pure we are, the more God can use us. Holiness is not being “pious.” It is not wearing large crosses and Holiness is not being “pious.” It is not wearing large crosses and

clerical clothing. It is not being sanctimonious, such as were the clerical clothing. It is not being sanctimonious, such as were the Pharisees—conservative Bible-believing Jews who loved to be Pharisees—conservative Bible-believing Jews who loved to be honored (Matthew 6:1-6). Holiness is simply being like Jesus.honored (Matthew 6:1-6). Holiness is simply being like Jesus.

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PurityPurity

2 Peter 3:11 Since all these things are to be 2 Peter 3:11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness you to be in holy conduct and godliness (New (New American Standard Bible).American Standard Bible).

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.result is eternal life.

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Our Prayers Lead to GrowthOur Prayers Lead to Growth Amazingly, we can pray, and Christians will Amazingly, we can pray, and Christians will

mature.mature. Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a

servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, all the will of God, mature mature and fully assured. and fully assured.

2 Corinthians 13:92 Corinthians 13:9 We are glad whenever we are We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your your perfection.perfection.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all always keep on praying for all the saintsthe saints..

For whom are you praying for maturity?For whom are you praying for maturity?

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Denying Self Promotes GrowthDenying Self Promotes Growth

Galatians 5:24Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.passions and desires. Notice that it is I who crucifies myself. This is a Notice that it is I who crucifies myself. This is a

decision.decision. Missionaries crucify themselves by denying their own culture, Missionaries crucify themselves by denying their own culture,

including language and customs and close proximity of their including language and customs and close proximity of their extended family. extended family.

They discomfort themselves and may expose themselves to They discomfort themselves and may expose themselves to danger.danger.

When we forsake sinful pleasure, we crucify self. For When we forsake sinful pleasure, we crucify self. For example, I refuse myself a second or third look at a example, I refuse myself a second or third look at a beautiful woman.beautiful woman.

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Denying Self Promotes GrowthDenying Self Promotes Growth

Luke 9:23Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross take up his cross dailydaily and follow me.” and follow me.” Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty

conceit, but with humility of mind conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another regard one another as more important than yourselvesas more important than yourselves (New American Standard (New American Standard Bible)Bible)

Others are not intrinsically more important, but we Others are not intrinsically more important, but we regardregard them as more important. We take the place of least them as more important. We take the place of least importance—of servanthood--instead of the place of importance—of servanthood--instead of the place of prominence.prominence.

Self denial helps us to deal with a self-centered Self denial helps us to deal with a self-centered perspective on life.perspective on life.

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The Discipline of FastingThe Discipline of Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18Matthew 6:16-18 "When you fast, do not look "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Fasting distances us from life’s immediate and normal Fasting distances us from life’s immediate and normal

concerns. It allows us to focus upon God in prayer. concerns. It allows us to focus upon God in prayer. Jesus assumes that His followers will fast and says Jesus assumes that His followers will fast and says that the Father will reward fasting.that the Father will reward fasting.

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The Discipline of FastingThe Discipline of Fasting

You should not reveal the fast.You should not reveal the fast. Your wife needs to know of your fast, however, Your wife needs to know of your fast, however,

since you need her permission to abstain from since you need her permission to abstain from normal relations with her.normal relations with her. 1 Corinthians 7:51 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except Do not deprive each other except

by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. your lack of self-control.

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Growth in FaithGrowth in FaithGrowth in FaithGrowth in Faith

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Growing FaithGrowing FaithGrowing FaithGrowing Faith God does not seem satisfied with our current

level of maturity (if we aren’t perfect). He finds challenges to our faith.

– 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

– 2 Corinthians 10:15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in bother men's labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you

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Growing FaithGrowing FaithGrowing FaithGrowing Faith How does our faith grow? Through overcoming

obstacles.– God makes something increasingly difficult, to flex the

muscles of our faith. When considering returning for a graduate degree for

three 3-month periods (about 625 miles away), I had one child in college, and three expecting to enter. I had no money for the courses, or a second car, and there was no room available at the school. After my wife and I prayed, in one day God provided all three.

For the next 3-month period God provided less money, and even less for the last period, yet He provided so that I graduated (after 10 years) without debt, and all four children graduated from colleges.

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Growing FaithGrowing FaithGrowing FaithGrowing Faith Veterans of our short-term mission trips each

year find greater challenges to raising the needed funds. In 2004 I was given $2,000 USD to come to India. In 2005, $1,200.

George Mueller, who founded orphanages for over 2,000 orphans, found that some of his most severe trials of faith came when he was in his 70s.

Often we don’t see trials as opportunities to see God at work (see Mark 8:14-21). Jesus expects growth from us.

– We need to break out of the exoskeletons of current faith, as locusts break out of their shells and fly.

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Growth Through PrayerGrowth Through PrayerGrowth Through PrayerGrowth Through Prayer

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Growing Faith by PrayerGrowing Faith by Prayer

Faith grows as we see God’s answers to prayer. Therefore, we need to have an intentional prayer life.Construct a list of the most important needs of your life, including those of your family and ministry. Praying through this list produces great hope. I have greatest hope when I’ve just prayed. As God answers we are given boldness to pray for the less and less likely items on our list..

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Like Christ, PrayingLike Christ, Praying

Jesus spent much time in prayer.– Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was

still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

– Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

– He said, “I do nothing on my own…” (John 8:28). Before selecting the 12 apostles, He spent the entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Prayer demonstrates our dependence upon the Father, and our sonship.

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Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Jesus assumes that we’ll pray and that God will

reward secret prayer.The priority of the apostles was prayer (Acts 6:4). What is your priority?1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually– Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer,

being watchful and thankful. As we commune with the Father, our goals, vision and desires are conformed to His. We invite this. 8080

Growth by Personal Growth by Personal DiscipleshipDiscipleship

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Growth Through DiscipleshipGrowth Through Discipleship

• Growth also comes from someone who Growth also comes from someone who intentionally helps you to grow—but the intentionally helps you to grow—but the disciple needs to be willing and able to learn.disciple needs to be willing and able to learn.

• ““Amazing as it may seem, all Jesus did to Amazing as it may seem, all Jesus did to teach these men [the apostles] His way was to teach these men [the apostles] His way was to draw them close to Himself. He was His own draw them close to Himself. He was His own school and curriculum.”school and curriculum.”– Robert Coleman, Robert Coleman, The Master Plan of EvangelismThe Master Plan of Evangelism, p. 38, p. 38

• A leader gets his people involved, carrying A leader gets his people involved, carrying them into action. Jesus them into action. Jesus demonstrateddemonstrated before before He He delegateddelegated..

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• DemonstrationDemonstration: “He appointed twelve—: “He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3:14-15.demons.” Mark 3:14-15.

• Luke 8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about Luke 8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were God. The Twelve were withwith him…” He him…” He mentored the 12.mentored the 12.

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Christ’s Discipleship ModelChrist’s Discipleship Model• DelegationDelegation: Luke 9:1-6 : Luke 9:1-6 When Jesus had called the When Jesus had called the

Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 2 and he sent and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. sick. 3 3 He told them: "Take nothing for the journey-- no He told them: "Take nothing for the journey-- no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 44Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. town. 5 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." against them." 6 6 So they set out and went from village to So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. everywhere. – Jesus put them to work. He went beyond Bible studies.Jesus put them to work. He went beyond Bible studies.– How would this mission strengthen their faith?How would this mission strengthen their faith?

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• Christ gave them “Christ gave them “power and authoritypower and authority.” .” Power is the Power is the ability to doability to do something, and something, and authority is the authority is the right to useright to use that ability. He didn’t that ability. He didn’t regard them as threats, or as people to keep regard them as threats, or as people to keep busy, but as arrows in the hand of God. He sent busy, but as arrows in the hand of God. He sent them out!them out!

• Christ also gave them a very specific job, Christ also gave them a very specific job, including how to do that job (Luke 9:3-5).including how to do that job (Luke 9:3-5).

• Then the apostles reported back to Jesus (Luke Then the apostles reported back to Jesus (Luke 9:10).9:10).

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• Christ didn’t appoint people to Christ didn’t appoint people to staystay with Him. with Him. He brought them alongside to serve with He brought them alongside to serve with Him, then He sent them out.Him, then He sent them out.– These were not associate pastors selected to These were not associate pastors selected to

simply sit behind the pulpit and orbit the pastor.simply sit behind the pulpit and orbit the pastor.– They were not sent to temples (other churches) or They were not sent to temples (other churches) or

told to show up whenever the temple opened. told to show up whenever the temple opened. Their job was not to stay, but to go fight spiritual Their job was not to stay, but to go fight spiritual warfare on the fringes of Christianity.warfare on the fringes of Christianity.

• They eventually fanned out around the world—Thomas They eventually fanned out around the world—Thomas to India, by strong tradition.to India, by strong tradition.

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• Give them freedom and encouragement to serve Give them freedom and encouragement to serve outside the local church. Have a Kingdom, outside the local church. Have a Kingdom, perspective, rather than local church, perspective, rather than local church, perspective.perspective.– Send them to evangelize with church members. Send Send them to evangelize with church members. Send

them on short-term mission trips in the US and them on short-term mission trips in the US and abroad.abroad.

– Our Our purposepurpose is not fellowship, but works of service. is not fellowship, but works of service.– The quickest way to spiritual maturity is to put The quickest way to spiritual maturity is to put

disciples into situations where they must trust God for disciples into situations where they must trust God for success.success.

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Concern for More than SoulsConcern for More than Souls

• Jesus was concerned for the physical and Jesus was concerned for the physical and emotional needs of the people—for healing emotional needs of the people—for healing (Matt. 4:24; Mark 3:5), for food (Matt. 14:18-21), (Matt. 4:24; Mark 3:5), for food (Matt. 14:18-21), for comfort (Matt. 9:36).for comfort (Matt. 9:36).

• James 1:27James 1:27 Religion that God our Father Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.keep oneself from being polluted by the world.– To be like Christ, we will also have compassion for the To be like Christ, we will also have compassion for the

needs of others.needs of others.

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Concern for More than SoulsConcern for More than Souls• Mark 1:33-39 Mark 1:33-39 33 33 The whole town gathered at the The whole town gathered at the

door, door, 34 34 and and Jesus healed many who had Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many various diseases. He also drove out many demonsdemons, but he would not let the demons speak , but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. because they knew who he was. 35 35 Very early in Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. where he prayed. 36 36 Simon and his companions Simon and his companions went to look for him, went to look for him, 37 37 and when they found and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" you!" 38 38 Jesus replied, Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere "Let us go somewhere else-- to the nearby villages-- so I can preach else-- to the nearby villages-- so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."there also. That is why I have come." 39 39 So he So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.synagogues and driving out demons.

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Concern for More than SoulsConcern for More than Souls

– Jesus healed and drove out demons, Jesus healed and drove out demons, but His priority was the spiritual needs of but His priority was the spiritual needs of the people. Healing may postpone the people. Healing may postpone death. We want them to avoid entirely death. We want them to avoid entirely the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).the second death (Rev. 2:11; 20:6).

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• Where did He send them? First to Israel, but Where did He send them? First to Israel, but then to Samaria (to Jewish syncretists) and to then to Samaria (to Jewish syncretists) and to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). The the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). The mission did not begin and end with the Jews.mission did not begin and end with the Jews.– He made this clear in Matt. 28:18-20, where He told He made this clear in Matt. 28:18-20, where He told

them to “go and make disciples of them to “go and make disciples of all nationsall nations.” Some .” Some try to make even these passages say that we should try to make even these passages say that we should stay in Jerusalem. stay in Jerusalem.

– Does the mission of your church and its leaders begin Does the mission of your church and its leaders begin and end with your own people? Or do your people go and end with your own people? Or do your people go into all the world?into all the world?

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• Jesus was concerned for those outside Israel—Jesus was concerned for those outside Israel—the Samaritan woman, for example. He sent his the Samaritan woman, for example. He sent his disciples to the uttermost parts of the earth. He disciples to the uttermost parts of the earth. He died for the sins of the world—not just the Jews’. died for the sins of the world—not just the Jews’. – As we grow into Christ, our horizon will rise to the As we grow into Christ, our horizon will rise to the

nations, beyond our own people.nations, beyond our own people.– If we do not go to the nations, we can go to our If we do not go to the nations, we can go to our

neighbors. Witnessing will cause us to depend more neighbors. Witnessing will cause us to depend more upon God and to understand our great salvation.upon God and to understand our great salvation.

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In summary, there are four parts to delegating In summary, there are four parts to delegating authority to disciples: authority to disciples: – 1. Giving 1. Giving powerpower – 2. Giving 2. Giving authorityauthority (Lk. 9:1) (Lk. 9:1) – 3. Giving a 3. Giving a specific taskspecific task (Lk. 9:2-6) (Lk. 9:2-6)– 4. 4. AccountabilityAccountability for the outcome (Lk. for the outcome (Lk. 9:10).9:10).

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Putting it all Together

• We live the Christian life in the spirit.– Galatians 3:3 Are you so foolish?

After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

• Some try to live Christianity apart from the power of God. They start by faith, and go on by works.

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Putting it all Together

– Galatians 5:16-18 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

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Putting it all TogetherPutting it all Together

Galatians 5:25Galatians 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spiritkeep in step with the Spirit..– We wait and proceed as the Spirit speaks to our spirit.We wait and proceed as the Spirit speaks to our spirit.

An excellent example is Paul: Acts 16:6-8An excellent example is Paul: Acts 16:6-8 Paul and Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy kept by the Holy SpiritSpirit from preaching the word in the province of from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus Spirit of Jesus would not allowwould not allow them to. 8 So they passed by them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. Mysia and went down to Troas.

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Putting it all TogetherPutting it all TogetherFocus upon the Lord, instead of upon self Focus upon the Lord, instead of upon self and circumstances.and circumstances.– Hosea 6:1-3Hosea 6:1-3 "Come, let us return to the LORD. "Come, let us return to the LORD.

For He has torn For He has torn usus, but He will heal us; He has , but He will heal us; He has wounded wounded usus, but He will bandage us. 2 "He will , but He will bandage us. 2 "He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, That we may live before Him. 3 the third day, That we may live before Him. 3 ""So let us know, let us press on to know So let us know, let us press on to know the LORDthe LORD. His going forth is as certain as the . His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.“ the spring rain watering the earth.“ (New American (New American Standard Bible)Standard Bible)

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Putting it all TogetherPutting it all TogetherPhilippians 3:10-16Philippians 3:10-16 I want to know ChristI want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like himbecoming like him in his death, in his death, 1111 and so, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. from the dead. 12 12 Not that I have already Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but made perfect, but I press onI press on to take hold to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. me. 13 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and do: Forgetting what is behind and straining straining toward what is ahead,toward what is ahead,

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Putting it all TogetherPutting it all Together14 14 I press onI press on toward the goal to win the toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. heavenward in Christ Jesus. 1515 All of us All of us who are mature should take such a view of who are mature should take such a view of thingsthings. And if on some point you think . And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to differently, that too God will make clear to you. you. 16 16 Only let us live up to what we have Only let us live up to what we have already attained.already attained.– Don’t slip in areas where you have matured, as you seek Don’t slip in areas where you have matured, as you seek

growth.growth.

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Putting it all TogetherPutting it all TogetherMatthew 22:36-40 "Teacher, which is the Matthew 22:36-40 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 37 Jesus Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' mind.' 38 38 This is the first and greatest This is the first and greatest commandment. commandment. 39 39 And the second is like it: 'Love And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' your neighbor as yourself.' 40 40 All the Law and the All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.“Prophets hang on these two commandments.“– This is the key to most ethical decisions. We move in the This is the key to most ethical decisions. We move in the

direction of love for God and people.direction of love for God and people.

Keep studying the Word of God to discern what is Keep studying the Word of God to discern what is best.best.– Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by

constant use have trained themselves to distinguish constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.good from evil. 100100

FinallyFinally2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, rejoice, be made completebe made complete, be , be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be and the God of love and peace shall be with you. with you. Here is the interplay of God’s work (“be Here is the interplay of God’s work (“be made complete” is in the passive), and our made complete” is in the passive), and our own responsibility.own responsibility.1 John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are 1 John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears we shall be like him, that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.for we shall see him as he is.– Perfection is coming, although the road is long Perfection is coming, although the road is long

and twisting. Be encouraged!and twisting. Be encouraged!END END 101101