Foundational Discipling Principles

Foundational Discipling Principles Teachings for Raising Up Disciples

By Dr. Robert Straube

Copyright © 2010 by Dr. Robert Straube Foundational Discipling Principles Teachings for Raising Up Disciples

by Dr. Robert Straube Printed in the United States of America ISBN 9781615799350 All rights reserved solely by the author. The author guarantees all contents are original and do not infringe upon the legal rights of any other person or work. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the author. The views expressed in this book are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.; New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1977 by Holman Bible Publishers; New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Copyright © 1981 by Holman Bible Publishers; The Amplified Bible, © 1987 by Zondervan. www.xulonpress.com

,

A

fter 22 years of prayer, study, ministry observing and seeking God’s will through it all, the burden in my heart to teach disciples and raise up Church leaders who are grounded in solid foundational principles has escalated into a powerful fervor. Therefore, my spirit has been compelled to put these principles into writing for the edification of the glory of the Lord for His kingdom.

Many of these things have been taught in various forms and/or pieces over the last 20 to 30 years. It has been my longing to put all of this into an organized, instructional tool that will firm up the believer’s heart and mind, establish a solid foundation for disciples to build their calling upon, thereby launching the disciples’ ministry for the purpose of accomplishing God’s will for their lives. Like a drop of water spilled into a pool and rippling outward, it is my expectation that these teachings will ripple out into the world and change many lives.

I also want to come against and bind the haughty, religious spirit that has taken dominion over many churches and ministries. This spirit must be bound as part of the restoration process, which is taking place in the Lord Jesus’ Church today. Jesus wants His Church to be holy and made ready for Him to return and possess Her as His Bride, fully. Hopefully, these teachings will be used as one of the instruments to carry out the Lord’s will for His Church.

The following outline blueprints these foundational principles in an order that will build a befitting structure, with Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. Before each lesson, please pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your open heart and mind. Invite Him to solidly build each of these lessons within you so that you might stand firm in the stormy times ahead.

Together, let’s praise God for revealing Himself through His word. Let’s pray that these teachings will glorify the Lord and assist in building disciples into a Church with a solid foundation, with Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone.

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube v

Contents

, I. Visions for the Church..............................................................11

1. Vision One: A Sure Foundation.........................................11

2. Vision Two: The Plan and Purpose of God........................17

3. Vision Three: Restoration..................................................24

4. Vision Four: Vision of the Local Church...........................35

5. Vision Five: Praise and Worship........................................44

6. Vision Six: Local Church Ministry....................................55 II. Repentance...............................................................................61

1. The Biblical View of Sin...................................................61

2. Repentance.........................................................................68

3. The New Covenant............................................................75

4. The Father Heart of God....................................................84

5. Forgiveness........................................................................92

6. The Lifestyle of Repentance............................................100 III. Faith.......................................................................................107

1. Faith Toward God............................................................107

2. The Abiding Faith............................................................114

3. Living by Revelation Faith..............................................123

4. Developing Faith.............................................................132

5. The Response of Faith.....................................................140

6. The Testing of Faith.........................................................153 IV. Baptisms.................................................................................158

1. The Doctrine of Baptisms................................................158

2. The Baptism into the Body of Christ...............................167

3. Water Baptism.................................................................174 vii

Foundational Discipling Principles

4. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Part One)......................182 5. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Part Two).....................189 6. The Baptism in Fire.........................................................196

V. Laying on of Hands................................................................204

1. Laying on of Hands.........................................................204

2. Healing.............................................................................213

3. The Gifts of the Spirit......................................................224

4. The Motivational Gifts....................................................237

5. The Five-Fold Ministry...................................................259

6. Presbytery........................................................................271 VI. Resurrection Life..................................................................280

1. Resurrection Living.........................................................280

2. Body Life.........................................................................292

3. Church Life......................................................................303

4. The Overcoming Life......................................................316

5. Family Life......................................................................325

6. Prayer Life.......................................................................337 VII. Eternal Judgment...............................................................352

1. The Eternal Perspective...................................................352

2. The Eternal Kingdom......................................................361

3. Eternal Judgment.............................................................371

4. The Eternal Word.............................................................382

5. Eternal Worship...............................................................392

6. Eternal Life......................................................................399 VIII. Becoming a Kingdom of Priests.......................................404

1. God is Looking for Worshipers.......................................404

2. The Power of an Acceptable Sacrifice.............................409

3. Acceptable and Unacceptable Sacrifices.........................412

4. Acts and Attitudes of Worship.........................................416

5. Ministry Unto the Lord....................................................419

6. Worship Evangelism........................................................423

viii

Foundational Discipling Principles

IX. Worship and Victory............................................................427

1. The Spiritual Conflict......................................................427

2. Knowing Our Adversary..................................................430

3. The Worshiper’s Position in Christ..................................434

4. Spiritual Authority and Praise..........................................438

5. God’s Strategy for Victory...............................................442

6. Taking Your City..............................................................446 X. Leading Worship....................................................................449

1. The Goals of a Worship Service......................................449

2. Preparation for Worship...................................................453

3. Continuity in Worship......................................................457

4. The Worship Musician.....................................................462

5. Involving Your Congregation..........................................465

6. Practical Guidelines.........................................................468 XI. Principles of Presbytery.......................................................470 XII. In the Midst of Testing........................................................480

ix

I. VISIONS FOR THE CHURCH

Vision One: A Sure Foundation

, A. Introduction

T

he foundation is laid in our lives when we are born again and is built upon by continuing steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine.

In the life of the Church or individual believer the foundation is the basic Christian doctrine and experience upon which all later growth and development depends upon. In other words, you must get the basics down before you can move on to maturity. You must learn to walk before you can run. You must learn the ABC’s before you can read and write. Likewise, we must walk in the light God gives us before we will receive new light. Correct doctrine is not enough; we must also know and do.

Matthew 7:24-27. “Therefore, whomever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and bear on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and bear on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

I feel that this is so important that later I will dedicate time to write about the foundational stones: Repentance from Dead Works, 11

Foundational Discipling Principles

Faith Toward God, Doctrine of Baptisms, Laying On of Hands, Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment. The book of Hebrews states that these are the very first principles of the doctrine of Christ (Hebrews 5:12; 6:2). My hope is to see these foundation stones firmly laid in your life so you will not fall during times of testing, but will stand victoriously.

B. What is the Foundation?

The Greek word for foundation is “themelios,” which means, “to be grounded, established, made firm and unwavering.”

The foundation of the Christian faith is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other foundation that can be laid aside from that which is already laid, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

For years churches have centered around one truth or another rather than on The Truth, Jesus Christ. However, truths separated from The Truth are divisive. Outside of an active relationship with Him we will be bound in legalism and more doctrine. No truth can be properly understood by a person who does not abide in Christ. It is not enough to know about Christ, we must truly know Him through intimate fellowship/relationship.

The foundation stones, according to Hebrews chapter 6, are elementary principles of Christ. Establishing these stones is a basic need in Church life. Throughout the Scriptures the Church is referred to as a building, a house or a holy temple. Any building needs a foundation that is secure, solid and reliable, or it will not stand. The Church is prophesied as having a sure foundation with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. In both the Old and New Testaments, we find that the Holy Spirit uses different words to speak of the Church which are rich in symbolism. One of the words that often prophetically symbolizes the Church is Zion.

1 Peter 2:4 “. . . Behold I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious. . .” Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore, thus says the Lord, God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes shall not act hastily.’”

12

Foundational Discipling Principles

Within the life of the believer, each of these foundation stones is established as a result of intimate fellowship with the Lord. In order to build the foundation for Solomon’s temple, great care was exercised to cut large, costly stones. In like manner, every foundational stone is precious to our experience with the Lord and should be laid with the utmost care.

1 Kings 5:17 “And the king commanded them to quarry large stones, costly stones, and hewn stones, to lay the foundation of the temple.”

As a wise master builder, Paul laid the foundation in every church he established (1 Corinthians 3:10). He had a systematic method for laying the foundation which included repentance, baptism, faith, etc.

1 Corinthians 4:17 “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”

C. Establishing the Foundation We are surrounded today with a society of low morality, unstable economy, humanistic education, broken families, and apathetic churches. It is as if the very seams of our society are coming undone, exposing things as they really are.

Everything that can be shaken will be and is being shaken now.

We must see through eyes of understanding because God’s principle is to shake and test all things. More importantly, He will establish those things which cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:27). The instrument He uses to shake will also establish. The Word of God is the main instrument, which He uses to test and establish.

As God places these foundational truths in your heart, change will occur because His revelation demands response. When you begin to say “yes” to God’s Word, you are then tested in every aspect regarding that decision. This is how truth is established within the believer’s life. With testing everything begins to be shaken, and those things that cannot be shaken become established.

13

Foundational Discipling Principles

Let’s examine two passages of Scripture to clarify this point: Haggai 2:6-7 “For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory . . .’”

Hebrews 12:26-27 “. . .’Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.’ Now this, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates those things that are being shaken, as if things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

The writer of the book of Hebrews quotes directly from the passage in Haggai stating that the last days would see the shaking of all things for the purpose of finding those things that would remain unshakable. As God spoke over the church in the wilderness (Israel), the whole earth shook. Out of His mouth came a fiery law which caused people to back away from His presence. They were afraid that they would be consumed, so they asked Moses to go before the presence of God on their behalf. God spoke from the mountain and His voice made the mountain tremble and the earth shake.

At that time God spoke from the mountains. He now is speaking from heaven and His voice shakes both heaven and earth to separate what cannot be shaken. In these last days, He speaks to His Church and establishes her. His Church is and will be the only unshakable thing in the world!

After establishing the sure foundation, the blessings of God begin to fall upon the Church. Haggai, who prophesied the shaking and the glory that would follow (Haggai 2:6-9), continued the thought by sharing another important truth about the foundation; he prophesied that when the foundation was laid, God’s blessing would fall upon His people (Haggai 2:18-19). Their barns would be full, their vines laden with grapes, and their fig trees and olive trees would bear a full harvest. The blessing would begin on the same day the foundation was established. During Haggai’s days as a prophet, the house of the Lord laid in waste (Ezra 6:14). As long as the foundation of the temple was in ruins, there was no blessing.

14

Foundational Discipling Principles

If the Church is yielding to God’s Holy Spirit, she will see things shake that should be shaken, such as traditions, form, legalism, and sin. She will also be established on a firm foundation in the unshakable truths of the Word of God. Only then will she be able to handle the blessing and true prosperity, which will follow. The true church will be established!

Isaiah 2:2 “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.”

D. Dangers of Neglecting the Foundation The book of James says that if we do not practice what we have heard we deceive ourselves. When one is not a doer of the Word, his foundation cannot possibly be laid. Many today have insight into the Word but do not follow the principles which they have learned. They can quote scriptures on repentance, but do not practice it in their daily lives. Therefore, they become lawless or workers of iniquity.

James 1:23-24 “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.”

Hearing the Word alone is not enough! We neglect to lay the foundation when we do not do what we have heard. In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Men (Matthew 7:24-27), the only difference between the two houses was their foundations. Both men heard the Word, but only the wise man did it. His foundation was properly laid through the doing of the Word and his house stood. However, if we neglect the foundation stones, the building will crumble and fall in the time of testing.

If we neglect the foundation stones, we are in every sense of the word unwilling to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

15

Foundational Discipling Principles

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

If we neglect the foundation stones, we will not know the freedom and life changing experience that each provides.

2 Timothy 2:19 “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’”

If we neglect the foundational stones, we will not be able to go on with Christ, but continue to be a babe on milk.

Hebrews 5:12-13 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.”

Having a sure foundation in our lives is of absolute importance!

We must be sure to be grounded in God’s Word and in relationship with Jesus Christ. When our foundation is securely laid, we can stand victorious and go on to maturity.

“Lord, take Your Word and plant it deep into our hearts, so that it might root and grow and bear much fruit. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

16

Vision Two:

The Plan and Purpose of God

, A. Understanding God’s Eternal Purpose

S

ome Christians wander aimlessly through life because they have no idea of God’s purpose for their lives. Yet, the Bible reveals that God has an eternal purpose and plan that transcends time, space, and creation. All of history is a record of that purpose and plan. By Him all things are held together and nothing can occur without His foreknowledge. When God created and made all things, it was not without purpose; He actually knew all things, beginning to end (Acts 15:18). It is exciting to know that in this present hour, God has made His purpose plain. In fact, this writing underscores the simplicity of God’s plan.

I like to think of a jeweler who in making a necklace uses many pearls. He strings them together and adds a clasp. When finished, he holds the necklace by the two ends and looks at the finished product.

Much work occurs between the beginning and the end, yet in the mind of the jeweler who fashions the necklace, he sees the finished product from the start. Even so, each event of history leads to the consummation of God’s overall plan, which He already views as completed (Acts 15:18).

Psalm 135:6 “Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places.”

17

Foundational Discipling Principles

Isaiah 14:24 “The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand . . .’”

In order to get a clearer understanding of God’s eternal purpose, we must begin with God. If we begin with creation, then the fall of man becomes a surprise and an embarrassment to God. However, God knew before the foundation of the world that man would fall.

He knew about sin and redemption, yet in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 there is no mention of sin. Therefore, God had something else in mind, an eternal purpose – a family, the Church.

When Lucifer rebelled against God’s authority he was judged and cast out of heaven (Ezekiel 28:14-19). From that point on, Satan’s goal was to destroy anything of God or His kingdom. However, God purposed from the beginning to establish His kingdom through man.

Therefore, He formed Adam in His own image. When God breathed the breath of life into Adam, He literally breathed His spirit into him (which He formed earlier). Adam therefore contained the very nature of God. In other words, all that God was, Adam contained in a measure.

Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over cattle, over all of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”

When man sinned, he became separated from the presence of God. Also, he forfeited his position, allowing Satan to usurp his authority. In doing so, man subjected himself to the enemy’s dominion (2 Peter 2:19). However, God did not leave man in this condition. He took the initiative to restore man to his original relationship and position of authority.

B. Jesus, the Eternal Seed God was not caught off guard or by surprise when man sinned. He had provided the perfect sacrifice through Jesus Christ from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The first prophesy in the Bible concerns this truth: 18

Foundational Discipling Principles

Genesis 3:15 “. . . And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

God promised that the woman’s Seed would crush Satan’s head. The Seed was the promised Redeemer who would ultimately destroy Satan and his kingdom. Since Satan is not omniscient, he did not know when the Seed would come or who the Seed would be.

Therefore he attempted to corrupt and destroy all the seed.

• Satan used Cain to kill Abel, who was the promised seed; however, God had a substitute seed, Seth, through whom the lineage of Jesus was established (Genesis 4:25).

• In Egypt, Pharaoh commanded that all the male Hebrew babies be murdered at birth (Exodus 1:12-16).

• King Saul tried to kill David, who was the lineage of Jesus (1 Samuel 18:11).

• Athaliah destroyed all the royal seed in the kingdom except for Joash, in whom the lineage of Jesus continued (2 Kings 11).

• Haman attempted to destroy the Jews during Esther’s time (Esther 3:8-9).

• Even at the time of Christ’s birth, Herod killed all the male children in the Bethlehem area under two years of age (Matthew 2:16).

Despite all of these attempts, God thwarted Satan’s plan and through His seed crushed Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). This seed (Jesus) fell into the ground, died and brought forth abundant fruit (John 12:24; Galatians 3:16). This was an absolutely necessary part of God’s plan. Without the death of the Seed, it would be impossible to bring forth more seed.

Isaiah 53:10 “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he has put him to grief. When you make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed . . .”

19

Foundational Discipling Principles

Jesus is the “. . . firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). He has made the way for us to be “. . . children of God . . . counted as the seed” (Romans 9:8). God’s eternal purpose for us as individuals is that we be conformed to the image of Jesus and that we glorify Him in all things. God wants us to be a part of His family, the Church (Ephesians 1:3-6); he wants us to be like Jesus (Romans 8:29); and He wants our lives to glorify Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

This is God’s will for each one of us.

C. The Church in God’s Eternal Purpose Within God’s eternal purpose, we find the Church. As Christ’s Body resident in the world, the Church will ultimately fulfill and complete God’s purpose.

In the first chapter of Ephesians there is a beautiful description of God’s purpose for the Church which is simple and clear. I would like to use the following example, which was taken from The Ultimate Intention, by DeVern Fromke (page 34, with slight changes): • WHO “He” (God, the Father) verse 3 • WHAT: “chose us” (picked out His bride the Church for His family) verse 4 • HOW: “In Him” (Christ-the-eternal Son involved in all aspects) verses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 • WHEN: “before the foundations of the world . . .” verse 4 • WHY: “for Himself,” as His own (for His pleasure, glory, and satisfaction) verse 4 • WHERE: that we should be “before Him: (“in His immediate presence” K. Wuest) verse 4 The Church has been part of God’s eternal purpose since the foundation of the world. The whole concept of the Church is not only New Testament but can be found throughout the Bible. The Greek word “church” is “ekklesia,” which means the “called out ones.” It is used 114 times in the New Testament and 78 times in the Septuagint (Old Testament translated into Greek).

Understanding the Church in the Old Testament is fundamental in gaining insight into the New Testament Church. The Church in 20

Foundational Discipling Principles

both Testaments is a part of the same plan. Israel was the: “. . . church in the wilderness . . .” (Acts 7:38 KJV).

The Old Testament Church looked forward to Christ and the New Testament Church is built on Christ. God promised to be with His people Israel, and through them all the nations of the earth would be blessed. These promises are also for the Church today, which the Holy Spirit calls “. . . the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16).

Genesis 12:2-3 “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Isaiah 2:2 “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.”

In the book of Hebrews, the Old and New Testament connection becomes much clearer.

Hebrews 12:22-23 “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect . . .”

In this passage, Mount Zion and the Church are synonymous.

Mount Zion in Jerusalem was established as God’s habitation. This was the place where David brought the presence of God (the Ark) and set it in the midst of the Tabernacle. It was also known as the city of David, the place that David ruled. Please note the following passages of scripture referring to Zion: Psalm 87:2-3, 5-7 “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! . . .” “And of Zion it shall be said, ‘This one and that one 21

Foundational Discipling Principles

were born in her; and the most high himself shall establish her.’ The Lord will record, when he registers the peoples: ‘This one was born there.’ both the singers and the players on instruments say ‘All my springs are in you.’”

Psalm 132:13-17 “For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: ‘This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There I will make the horn of David grow; I will prepare a lamp for my anointed . . .’”

Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily . . .’”

TERM USED A Chosen People A Holy Nation The People of God A Priesthood God’s Treasure The Bride or Wife God’s Vineyard God’s Inheritance Israel God’s Flock A House A Light God’s Witness A Church

O.T. CHURCH Deuteronomy 10:15 Exodus 19:6 Psalm 100:3 Exodus 19:6 Exodus 19:5 Isaiah 54:6, 62:5 Isaiah 5:7 Isaiah 19:25 Isaiah 44:6 Jeremiah 23:3 Ezekiel 18:31 Isaiah 60:1,3 Isaiah 43:10 Acts 7:38

22

N.T. CHURCH 1 Peter 2:9 1 Peter 2:9 2 Corinthians 6:16 1 Peter 2:9 1 Peter 2:9 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 1 Corinthians 3:9 1 Peter 3:5 Galatians 6:16 1 Peter 5:2 1 Timothy 3:15 Matthew 5:14 Acts 1:8 Galatians 1:13

Foundational Discipling Principles

Many terms used in the New Testament describing the Church are identical with the Old Testament description in Israel. The following chart is taken from The New Testament Church and Its Ministries, author Bill Scheidler (Copyrighted 1980 by City Christian Publishing and used by permission. www.CityChristianPublishing.com.

We are at a crucial hour when God desires to fulfill his purpose through the Church. As His Seed, we are bearing the image of Jesus and showing forth God’s glory in all the earth.

The church in the wilderness did not see God’s purpose fulfilled (even though it was completed) because of their lack of faith and power (Hebrews 4:2). Through Christ’s death and resurrection the New Testament Church was birthed. Endowed with God’s presence, the Church will see the overall intention of God fulfilled.

The Church is God’s only instrument to bring about His purpose in the earth. He has no other plan! Let us capture the vision of what God wants to do through each of us as His precious seed, the Church!

“Lord God, thank You for adopting us by Your Son’s redemptive sacrifice. Thank You for having Your purpose predestined and Your plan formed when You even thought of us from the beginning. How humbling a thing it is to be considered a part of Your family, with all of its inheritance, for Your good pleasure according to Your will.

Praise and glory to You, Lord. In the Name above all names we pray, Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

23

Vision Three:

Restoration

, A. Introduction

I

n order to be birthed into the vision of any local church, it is necessary to understand what God is doing in the Church today.

It has been the tendency of some to see the Church only from a historical perspective – as in the book of Acts or in the great revivals of the past. We can learn from what God has done, but we must not limit His present move by His past ways. God is getting ready to do an outpouring, as we have never seen before, as soon as His Bride becomes ready!

As I shared in Vision Two, God has an ultimate purpose for the church: to manifest God’s glory, wisdom, and character so that God “. . . might gather together in one all things in Christ . . .”

(Ephesians 1:10). This is the result of an active, present relationship with the living Christ. We serve a God who is moving by His Spirit as the I AM in the present tense. He is not just I WAS or I WILL BE, but He is always I AM! When writing to believers in the early church, the Apostle Peter earnestly desired that they would be “. . . established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12). “Present truth” is that truth which was revealed to them at that time.

The early church understood the importance of moving with God in the present tense. When standing before the Sanhedrin court, the disciples had an amazing testimony while sharing only those 24

Foundational Discipling Principles

things they had personally seen and heard. The religious leaders “. . . realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). This world needs to see the same type of people moving with God in the present tense. The Church should testify to a now relationship with Him, demonstrating His power with signs and wonders.

In hindsight, we see a glorious Church in the first century.

Comparing it to the Church today makes us wonder if we will ever see similar Christianity again. Yet the Scriptures make plain that God is restoring truth and spirit to the Church in these final hours of history. That is what Restoration is all about!

Haggai 2:9 “The glory of the latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts: and in this place I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts.”

Joel 2:23-25 “Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he has given you the former rain faithfully, and he will cause the rain to come down on you – the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. ‘So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you.’”

Acts 3:20-21 “. . . and that he may send Jesus Christ, who has preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

B. Restoration Defined The Hebrew word for “restoration” is “shalam.” It means “to restore something stolen or owed.”

The Greek word for “restoration” is “apokathistemai.” It literally means “to set something back to its original state.” Its fullest meaning is “to be complete, to finish, to refresh, to set again, to put back into existence or use that which has been lost.”

25

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Old Testament has many examples of restoration where loss was incurred. When real property was stolen, the offender was responsible to make restitution. Here are some examples of this principle: 1. Restoration had to be made either in a greater measure, more substance, or better quality than that which was originally taken. So, through restoration one gained more than he had lost. This principle is clear in the following biblical principles of restoration: Exodus 22:1-9 • Five oxen were restored for the loss of one ox.

• Four sheep were restored for the loss of one.

• Two animals were restored for each one taken.

• The best quality was to be given when making restoration.

• Twice as much money was restored for theft.

Leviticus 6:1-5 • An additional 20 percent was restored to that which was originally lost.

Luke 19:8 • Even in New Testament days, the principle of restoration was mentioned.

• Zacchaeus wanted to restore four times the money for any dishonest gain.

2. Sarah is an example of physical restoration. The Bible describes her as being well stricken (smitten) with age. She was 90 years old – an old woman who was past the age of childbearing. However, God promised that she would bear Abraham’s son, who would be the father of a great nation. This could only happen through restoration.

If we follow along in the Genesis narrative, we will notice that there was an apparent physical change in Sarah’s appearance. Abimelech, king of Gerar, obviously wanted her in his harem (Genesis 20:1-18), which leads us to believe that God miraculously 26

Foundational Discipling Principles

restored her physical beauty. She was restored to such an extent that she was able to conceive and bear the promised seed, Isaac.

Although man can restore physical property, only God can restore spiritual things (Joel 2:25). He alone can cause change in the lives of believers and in the Church. By God’s purpose – not man’s plans – the years the Church has lost are being restored.

C. The Present Truth of the Early Church The power of the Holy Spirit, which fell on the Day of Pentecost, transformed the disciples into dynamic witnesses whom Christ used to establish His Church. The apostles gave themselves to prayer and study of the Word, which caused the early church to operate in truth.

The New Testament was written during this time by inspiration of the Holy Spirit through such men as Peter, James, John, Luke, Matthew, Mark, and Paul. They experienced: 1. Salvation by faith (Acts 16:30-31) 2. Water Baptism by immersion (Acts 8:38-39) 3. Holiness and sanctification from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) 4. Healing by the power of the Spirit (Acts 5:16) 5. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) 6. Laying on of hands and prophecy (Acts 13:3) 7. Resurrection of the dead (Acts 9:36-40) 8. Eternal judgment (Acts 5:1-11) 9. Praise and worship (Acts 16:25) 10. Joy (Acts 13:52) 11. Fellowship of the saints (Acts) D. The Church Through Decline Throughout the New Testament, the Scriptures warned the early church against slow deterioration. It seems as if the apostles could look ahead a few hundred years to see a Church which would err from its commitment to truth, holiness and sincere faith. Here are some of the warnings of this decline: Acts 20:29 “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”

27

Foundational Discipling Principles

2 Peter 3:3-4 “. . .knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? . . .’”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

How could the Church, which had experienced such power, such grace, such liberty, and such pure worship fall, into the death grip of the enemy? This decline did not happen overnight, but took hundreds of years as one by one the truths were either formalized, diluted, or lost altogether.

There is a span of approximately 60 years between the writings of the apostles (which ended around 65 A.D.) and the writings of the first century church fathers (which began around 125 A.D.). During this lapse of communication, the decline had already begun to grip the Church. As the Church expanded throughout the world, it picked up many pagan practices from other cultures. These compromises soon were tolerated and seen as commitment to the Word and the local church was de-emphasized.

With the slow deterioration of the Church, many of the revelation truths were lost or formalized. The Church reverted from life in the Spirit to a slowly encrusting heartbeat of lifeless liturgy. By the sixth century, the Church had lost almost all truth it possessed in its beginning. The material below, showing what the Church lost during its first 500 years, is taken from Present Day Truths, author Dick Iverson (Copyrighted 1975 by ABC Publishing and used by permission. www.abcbookpublishing.com): 1. 30-100 A.D. From the day of Pentecost to the death of John, the Church was a powerful instrument for the extension of the kingdom of God. From the death of the last of the original Twelve Apostles we have no evidence that this type of Apostolic ministry continued.

28

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. 130 A.D. Because the apostolic ministry was no longer functioning in the early Church, the parallel ministry of the Prophet soon vanished. With the loss of this ministry the doctrine of the Laying on of Hands became nothing more than a ritual. By 140 A.D., prophetic utterance of any kind in the local congregation was very scarce.

3. 150 A.D. With such lack of dependence on the Spirit of God and an actual persecution of the biblical manifestations of the Spirit by the established churches, it is not surprising that the biblical experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit were no longer evidenced by 150 A.D. Much of the external form of these things was maintained, but the people had no living encounter with the spirit.

4. 160 A.D. As men no longer demonstrated a Spirit-controlled life, it became impractical to have a plurality of eldership.

Without a strong unity of the Spirit, multiple leadership tends to pull against one another. As a result, monarchical bishops became the norm by 160 A.D., and men began to appraise clergy on the basis of natural ability.

5. 180 A.D. If man is not able to look to the Spirit for direction and guidance, he must look to other men. And so it was with the smaller and more recently established local Churches by 180 A.D. Many of these smaller Churches became so dependent on larger Churches that they lost their Local Church autonomy. By this time, many such Churches were looking to Rome for direction, and thus, early seeds of Roman primacy are developing by this early date.

6. 200 A.D. By this time the Spirit had very little control over the lives of individuals. Very little of the body of Church doctrine and truth became the actual experience of believers. A gap began to form between doctrine and experience. The external form remained the same in many cases, but the spiritual awareness of what was contained in the form was beginning to vanish.

29

Foundational Discipling Principles

It was about this time that Baptism began to be abused in many ways. In 185 A.D. we have the first record of infant baptism . . .

7. 210 A.D. Since the distinction between clergy and the laity was so acute by this time, the concept of the priesthood of all believers was not understood or acknowledged. Therefore, the ministry of the body of Christ (Body-ministry) was not at all understood. Because of all of these trends, the truth was soon altered to line up with experience, and the ministers or clergy were the only ones designated as “priests.”

8. 225 A.D. Most Churches by this time were not receiving direct guidance and teaching from the Spirit of God. They could, therefore, no longer depend upon the Spirit to bring and maintain unity of the faith. In order to enforce and maintain an external unity, creeds or statements of beliefs began to be written as criteria for Church membership.

9. 240 A.D. By the middle of the third century much worldliness had crept into the Church. Without the power of the Holy Spirit to lead a separate life, the standard of holiness and the sanctified life held up by the early Church became an unrealistic life for many. Some recognized this problem and began the first monasteries at this time. This made provision for a double standard in Christian living. There was the “average Christian” and the “ascetic” who tried to live the “deeper life.”

10. 300 A.D. Because of the rigor of these ascetic groups, there developed an over emphasis on works as a sort of merit for eternal life. This merely laid the groundwork for what was to come later under Constantine.

11. 313 A.D. Constantine became the ruler of the great Roman Empire and chose Christianity as the best possible of religions.

At this time the state began to exercise control over the affairs of the established Church, and men of little or no religious experience became instrumental in shaping church doctrine. Even the 30

Foundational Discipling Principles

outcome of the Council of Nicea was the result of the efforts of Constantine. He also needed more men for his military to maintain the Empire.

12. 350 A.D. About 350 A.D., Christianity being the religion of the state, all those who were not in the Church were persecuted.

As can well be expected, many heathens preferred to be called “Christian” rather than face the sword. At this time the experience of salvation with the doctrine of justification by faith and the new birth into the kingdom of God was no longer emphasized.

13. 380 A.D. This movement culminated with Theodosius who made Rome, which was already the capital of the Empire, the final authority in Church matters as well.

Thus the Church entered the period known as the Dark Ages. It continued to sink deeper and deeper into darkness until the fifteenth century, a thousand years later.

E. God’s Plan of Restoration During the fifteenth century, the revelation truths began to be restored to the Church. God was once again breathing life into His Church.

1. 1400 A.D. The first translation of the entire Bible from the original scriptures was made available to the common people under the ministry of John Wycliff.

2. 1517 A.D. Martin Luther was used to restore the most foundational of all truth – Justification by Faith.

3. 1524 A.D. The Anabaptist movement was started as it saw the restoration of Water Baptism.

4. 1750A.D. Through the ministry of John Wesley, the truth of Sanctification and Holiness was restored to the Church.

5. Nineteenth Century: A.B. Simpson and others were used to restore the truth of Healing to the Church.

6. 1901 A.D. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit came in a mighty outpouring upon the Church.

31

Foundational Discipling Principles

7. 1906 A.D. The Gifts of the Spirit began to be restored in the Azusa Street Revival.

8. 1948 A.D. The truths of the Five Fold Ministry, Laying on of Hands, and Praise and Worship were restored through a mighty Canadian Revival.

God has moved in revival when each of these truths were being revealed. However, denominations were established by basing their ministry only on those particular truths. When new truths were restored, these denominations were many times the first to persecute those who were following the present moving of God. For example, the Roman Catholic Church persecuted Luther’s followers because of their position on justification by faith. In turn, Luther’s followers persecuted the Anabaptists because of their position on water baptism. The persecuted became the persecutors due to their unwillingness to continue to move into present truth.

We need to learn from historic errors of the Church and continue to yield to the Holy Spirit as He continues to restore the Church unto full stature.

F. Restoration Applied to the Church Today For many years, the Church has made attempts to fulfill the plan of God through its own programs but without the Spirit. The need for real restoration within the ministry of the local Church is apparent.

Yet, since the turn of the twentieth century, the amount of truth restored has increased greatly and it seems as if now each new decade is seeing a greater illumination of spiritual truth.

With such an abundance of truth, our accountability increases.

We must maintain these precious truths without allowing them to become meaningless activities or empty form. Worse yet, we must not allow them to become antiquated. When truth deteriorates into form or ritual, it becomes legalistic, grieves the Holy Spirit and chokes out life. We must not become stagnant by camping upon the mountain of one truth, for this will lead to a narrow perspective of God’s overall purpose. The following chart shows the result of principles becoming legalistic and lifeless.

32

Foundational Discipling Principles Principle

Revelation Truth

can become

Life

Law

Dogma

Legalism

Organism

Organization

Freedom

Form

Repentance

Penance

Worship

Ritual

Spontaneous Praying

Written Prayers

Glorious Processions

Religious Pomp

Holiness

Worldliness

Servant Leaders

Papal Dictators

Even though many churches have not even begun to enter into the spiritual truths being revealed today, this does not mean that only a small portion of the Body of Christ will. God has been restoring truth for the last 500 years, and He will continue to restore it to those who are hungry for more.

I believe that we are experiencing the restoration of truth today. For example, in Acts 15:15 we read that God has promised to restore the power of His presence to the Church. In this passage, this is described as the rebuilding of the tabernacle of David. A thorough study of the Scriptures brings us to the understanding that the tabernacle of David speaks of worship being restored as a priority to God’s people. The spiritual application of the tabernacle of David has to do with God’s people gathering unto the Lord Jesus Christ to worship Him and experience His presence.

The result will be “. . . that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

We are privileged in this day to see this truth restored to the Body of Christ. There is a reviving of praise and worship that is beginning to cover the earth “ . . . with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). We are beginning to see the fulfillment of all that the holy prophets have spoken concerning 33

Foundational Discipling Principles

restoration. Be watchful, for now is the time for signs and wonders, as a testimony to the Lord’s power and greatness, to soon follow.

Isaiah 61:11 “For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the LORD GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”

“Lord Jesus, we thank You for completing Your Word for the restoration of Your Church. Praise, honor, and glory are Yours, Lord.

Holy Spirit, we ask You to bring forth Your signs and wonders as You raise Your Bride from her ruins as a witness to the nations of Your power and Your grace. We pray in agreement that Your Word be fulfilled, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

34

Vision Four:

Vision of the Local Church

, A. Introduction

A

s we have previously seen, God is restoring man to His image through His Spirit. Also, the Church is being restored to a greater glory than it originally had (Haggai 2:9). It is the restored Church that will see the Second Coming of the Lord (Ephesians 5:27). The Church is now the place for establishing, maintaining, and fulfilling the purpose of God. God’s only plan for culminating all things is through the Church (Ephesians 1:10, 22, 23).

It would be foolish to think we are going to accomplish God’s purpose by ourselves. Being empowered by the Holy Spirit, with Christ as the Head and the Church following in absolute obedience to His leading, we will see God accomplish all He purposed.

Chapter 5 of Ephesians reveals Christ’s role as the one who fulfills God’s plan through the Church.

Christ is the: 1. Head of the Church (vs. 23) 2. Savior of the Church (vs. 23) 3. Sanctifier of the Church (vs. 26) 4. Purifier of the Church (vs. 26) 5. Glorifier of the Church (vs. 27) 6. Builder of the Church (vs. 27) 7. Nourisher of the Church (vs. 29) 35

Foundational Discipling Principles

8. Protector of the Church (vs. 29) 9. Unifier of the Church (vs. 30) 10. Receiver of the Church (vs. 33) B. The Church: Its Twofold Purpose The Church is intended to be the habitation of God in the earth.

Man, in his experience with God, has always wanted to build a house for God to live in. After the deliverance from the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, God revealed to Moses the pattern for building the tabernacle where He would dwell in the center of the camp of Israel. His purpose for being there was to be the center of all their activity.

Exodus 25:8 “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

In the tabernacle of Moses, God remained unapproachable except by the high priest once a year. God revealed to David something totally different from what was shown to Moses. David pitched a large tent in Zion for the Ark of the Covenant, where God’s presence dwelt. He then appointed worshipers and instrumentalists to praise and worship directly in God’s presence, 24 hours a day. This activity continued throughout the reign of David, foreshadowing Pentecost when the presence of God fell upon the disciples. The Church became active in the same type of ministry, where continuous praise was offered in the presence of God (Acts 2:46-47).

David’s tabernacle did not remain during the time of Solomon; neither did Pentecost continue in the life of the church. This was not God’s plan. Every time revival was experienced, David’s pattern of praise and worship was restored (2 Chronicles 29:25; 35:15; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:24). The Scriptures teach that God will restore the Tabernacle of David once again, with the Church seeing the habitation of God as a reality not just history. This does not mean that we will literally set up a tent, but that the Church will once again see the restoration of praise and worship and the manifestation of God’s presence.

36

Foundational Discipling Principles

Acts 15:16-18 “After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord who does all these things known to God from eternity are all His works.”

C. The Church is intended to be God’s instrument of outshining to manifest His glory to the world.

The Church established in God’s presence becomes the vehicle for manifesting God’s presence to the nations. God’s purpose was always to reveal His kingdom through people that were willing to have fellowship with Him and manifest His presence here on the earth. Here is a quick overview of this thought: • Adam and Eve were not only to be fruitful and multiply in their relationship with each other and God, but were also to take dominion over the earth and subdue all their enemies (Genesis 1:26-28).

• After the flood, Noah was given the same blessing as Adam.

The message was still the same: be fruitful, multiply and take authority (Genesis 9:1-2).

• When God called Abraham, He spoke of blessing him and all the families of the earth through him and his seed (Genesis 12:1-3). The 70 families to which Abraham would show God’s glory are mentioned in Genesis 10, representing all the nations of that day. Abraham and his seed were called to be a blessing to these nations.

• The nation of Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests (literally: kings and priests) unto the Lord (Exodus 19:6). Israel was to be a nation of priests to the Lord, preparing a habitation for Him. They were also called to exercise authority as kings by taking dominion and subduing other nations.

• The Church is God’s final instrument on the earth. God has called us to have that king/priest ministry (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10). We are to minister unto God as priests in worship and praise, and to extend God’s message of reconciliation to the world with kingdom glory, power, and authority.

37

Foundational Discipling Principles

D. The Universal and Local Church There are two unique ways in which the term “church” is used in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus spoke of the Church only twice in the gospels, and in each of these occurrences a separate idea is conveyed. The first usage is found in Matthew 16:18 where He said, “. . . on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” This refers to the Church universal, made up of all those whose names are written in heaven.

Ephesians 1:22-23 “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Ephesians 5:23 “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.”

Hebrews 12:23 “. . . to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect . . .”

Here are some of the names that refer to the universal Church: • The Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12) • The Pillar and Ground of Truth (1 Timothy 3:15) • The Habitation of God (Ephesians 2:22) • A Holy Temple (Ephesians 2:21) • A spiritual House (1 Peter 2:5) • God’s Building (1 Corinthians 3:9) • The Glorious Church (Ephesians 5:27) • The Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9) The Second usage of the word “church” stated by our Lord in the Gospels is found in Matthew 18:17. It refers not to the universal Church but to the local church, and expresses how the local church is to administer loving discipline to restore someone who has fallen.

Of the 114 uses of the word “church,” 96 refer to the local church.

The Church universal refers to all those who have gone before as 38

Foundational Discipling Principles

well as those who are yet to come. The local church is the present visible expression of Jesus Christ on earth.

Here are two examples which refer to the local church: Acts 14:23 “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

1 Corinthians 1:2 “To the church of God which is at Corinth . . .”

E. Local Church Defined The word “church” comes from the Greek word “ekklesia,” meaning “the called out ones.” The Church has been separated from the world through the Blood of Jesus by the new birth into kingdom living and recognizes Jesus as absolute Lord, submitting to Him. The local church is the expression of the kingdom in a locality and can be described in the following way: 1. A group of born again, baptized believers fellowshipping in a given location (Acts 2:38-39).

2. All believers submitted to Christ, the Head and Husband of the Church (Ephesians 1:22, 5:23).

3. Having the Word of God as a guide to a disciplined life of holiness and separation unto God (2 Timothy 2:15).

4. Each submitted to the oversight of the five gifted ministries given

by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).

5. Gathered for the purpose of worship, prayer, communion, and instruction in God’s Word (Acts 2:42).

6. Fulfilling Christ’s command to extend the Kingdom of God worldwide (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20) F. Vision of the House God, through His sovereign wisdom, has given each local church a specific plan or direction. I call this the vision of the house. Vision may be defined as the ability to hear or see what God is doing, then bringing all our plans into harmony with His. Just as God gives specific direction to individuals, He also speaks direction to His 39

Foundational Discipling Principles

ordained leadership in the local church and through their consensus makes His plan and purpose known. Vision can be summed up as the revelation of God’s will for a particular local church given through His ordained leadership. There are seven key principles revealing the importance of vision: 1. Vision determines the kind of house we are building.

The book of Proverbs portrays the destruction of the lazy man’s house and vineyard because he was void of vision and purpose (Proverbs 24:30-34). Where there is no vision, there is no corporate life. The church thrives and flourishes where it has specific vision and direction from God. 2. Vision motivates and creates desire.

The family which does not have a specific purpose and vision produces despondent or even rebellious children. Likewise, the church that does not have vision will see its members disinterested and apathetic. Vision is what keeps the church motivated; without it we simply cannot exist.

Habakkuk 2:2 “Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.’”

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

3. Vision establishes purpose.

We must know why God has brought us together. Vision is that which establishes the purpose for gathering together as a local church. When the people of God come together in one place, in one accord and in one mind, the results are powerful.

Acts 2:1-2 “Now in the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”

40

Foundational Discipling Principles

4. Vision gives the tenacity and fortitude to be able to wage a good warfare and stand in the time of testing.

When God speaks vision and direction, it gives the church the ability to stand against all opposition, knowing what God has said will surely come to pass. Vision may take time for God to establish, but it then becomes a lifeline to hold on to when testing comes.

Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

1 Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophesies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare . . .”

5. Vision is key to restoration.

Seeing and understanding the things spoken by the prophets of old concerning the restoration of all things actually aids in the restoration of truth. God is restoring truth to the Church, and vision is the key to seeing truth fully manifested in church life.

6. Vision aids in maintaining unity.

The early Church understood the importance of unity. One hundred and twenty were gathered together on the Day of Pentecost in one accord and in one place, and then the Holy Spirit came. It is interesting to note that Jesus gave the command to wait in Jerusalem to over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6). Many must have lost the vision and gone home and therefore missed the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

7. Vision releases the power of God. When the body is united in a specific vision, its potential impact is much greater than the members walking in separate vision. Then God’s power can spread through the church to make a greater impact on the world. It is God’s purpose for the Church to have a unified vision and to be an explosive force to shatter the powers of darkness in these last days.

41

Foundational Discipling Principles

Acts 4:32-33 “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul . . . And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”

G. The Church Preparing for the Habitation of God As I stated earlier, the Lord’s purpose is to restore the Tabernacle of David so His glory will once again fill the Church. There are certain principles set forth in 1 Chronicles Chapters 14-16 about establishing the Church as the habitation of God. 1. The Church must develop a heart after God (14:8-17; Acts 11:23).

2. The Church must realize it is in spiritual warfare (14:8-17; Ephesians 6:10-20).

3. The families of the Church must have their houses in order (15:1; Ephesians 5:21, 6:4).

4. All the members must have godly relationships with one another (15:1; Ephesians 4:11, 5:2).

5. Each must submit to God’s appointed leadership (15:2; Hebrews 13:17).

6. The Church is to dwell in unity (15:3; Ephesians 4:1-6).

7. The Church must realize God’s desire for body ministry or team ministry (15:4; Ephesians 4:16).

8. The Church must walk in sanctification (15:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

9. We all with one accord must praise the Lord (15:16; 1 Peter 2:9).

10. We are to be good stewards of all that God has given us (16:3; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).

H. Local Church Activities God has ordained the local church to be His visible expression in the world and specifically to carry out His plan in every location. Each church has the responsibility to establish its members, bringing them to maturity. The local church will therefore do the following:

42

Foundational Discipling Principles

1. Sing praises (Hebrews 13:15) 2. Preach the Word (1 Corinthians 1:18-24) 3. Teach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2) 4. Exercise the Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-14) 5. Partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) 6. Administer Baptism (Acts 2:41, 16:33) 7. Administer Laying on of Hands (1 Timothy 4:14; Acts 13:3) 8. Send Missionaries (Acts 13:1-4) 9. Take offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2) 10. Add members (Acts 2:41, 47) 11. Discern and judge (Acts 5; 1 Corinthians 5) 12. Pray (Acts 2:42) “Lord, vision belongs to You, and You shall make it come to pass.

Open the eyes of Your church, Lord, and give Your older leaders dreams and Your young people visions for Your Church. Fulfill Your prophets’ words, Lord. May we be an outshining to manifest Your glory to the world. Make us worthy of Your habitation, Lord. Come Holy Spirit, do Your work in us and manifest Your power and perform Your signs and wonders through Your Church. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

43

Vision Five:

Praise and Worship

, A. Introduction

E

very truth God declared to the early Church will be established in greater measure within the Church of the last days. This is the principle of restoration. The Scripture declares in Acts 3:21 that Jesus is actually restrained in the heavens until this fullness of restoration occurs. We have seen how truth is being restored to the Church. Among these truths is the principle of praise and worship (Psalm 102:18, 61:11).

True praise and worship has become one of the most important principles to the Church today. It is imperative that praise and worship be established in local churches because of the mandate of the Scriptures and the strong move of the Holy Spirit today.

Praise and worship as a biblical truth should be studied in all of the following areas: 1. The Biblical Pattern of Praise and Worship 2. Tabernacle of Moses 3. Tabernacle of David 4. Worship in the Life of Jesus 5. Worship in the Early Church 6. The Priesthood of the Believer 7. Reasons to Praise and Worship 8. The Results of Praise and Worship 9. How to Praise and Worship 44

Foundational Discipling Principles

We must understand the meaning of praise and worship before we examine their various aspects. Praise is declaring the wondrous works of God (Psalm 92:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9). It means to boast in God for who He is and what He has done. It involves declaring His character (Psalm 89:1). Worship is first and foremost an attitude of heart. It involves reverence, adoration and heartfelt response to God. Worship is closely related to the attitude of submission and surrender.

B. The Biblical Pattern of Praise and Worship Man was made to worship. As a tripartite being of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23), man has the capacity to worship the Lord intimately. Man’s spirit contains three important capabilities: conscience, intuition, and communion. It is within his spirit that man communes with the Lord. The soul (the mind, will, and emotions) is inadequate to worship God alone; so God has placed his Spirit within our spirit so we may commune with Him directly, without being limited by human understanding or feeling. For use in this vision, the attributes of the human spirit are defined in the following way: Conscience: An inward law of divine origin, which distinguishes between right and wrong.

Intuition: The ability to receive truth and guidance apart from reasoning. Revelation from God and the moving of the Spirit are known through intuition.

Communion: The ability to worship, adore, and praise God in the spirit. Because communion is a God-given desire within the human spirit, everyone worships someone or something.

We were created to worship God, but we have struggled with the fact that we do not know how to do so acceptably. As a result, various forms of worship have been developed to which people adhere according to their individual tastes. Is this what God wants, or is there a biblical pattern for worship?

There is an acceptable way to worship! The key is found in John 4:24 where Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him 45

Foundational Discipling Principles

must worship in spirit and truth.” Worshiping in spirit and truth is honoring and adoring God, first by the quickening of the Holy Spirit and secondly according to the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word are both necessary to worship God. If the Spirit is not present, worship becomes empty, lifeless form. Worship that is not conformed to the Word of God may become either unbalanced emotionalism or dead ritualism. God has placed within His Word the how, when, where, and why we are to worship Him. C. The Tabernacle of Moses Throughout the Old Testament, God gave a progressive revelation of how man could approach and acceptably worship Him. The Lord first revealed to the patriarchs the altar and blood sacrifice as grounds for them to approach and worship. Later, God said to Moses, “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it”(Exodus 25:8-9). This structure became known as the Tabernacle of Moses.

The Tabernacle of Moses, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was with the children of Israel during the wanderings in the wilderness and possession of the Promised Land from Mount Sinai to Shiloh. It consisted of a board structure overlaid with various curtains and coverings. This structure had three parts, spoken of as the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.

The Outer Court contained two articles of Brass: • The bronze altar for blood sacrifices.

• The bronze laver for washing and cleansing with water.

• The Holy Place contained three articles of furniture: • The table of showbread with the bread of communion.

• The golden lampstand providing the only light.

• The golden altar of incense bearing the sweet smelling fragrance before the Lord.

46

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Most Holy Place had only one article of furniture: • The Ark of the Covenant was the dwelling place of the presence of God to the nation of Israel (Exodus 25:22).

It was the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place that the visible glory-presence of God dwelt. However, this did not provide a pattern for sincere worship for the people. The very Ark of His presence was contained within walls made with animal skins and separated by a veil which no man could enter except the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement.

D. The Tabernacle of David David’s Tabernacle was established during the time span between the Tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s temple. This structure remained for only about forty years, yet God emphasized its importance. The order of David’s tabernacle was revealed to King David when He desired to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:3).

David recognized the importance of having the Ark of God. He knew that the Ark was the place where the Lord dwelt and communicated with His people. David understood that when the Ark was gone, the manifest presence of the Lord and the glory of Israel had departed. He knew that the manifest presence of God was most essential.

When David recovered the Ark of the Covenant, he constructed a separate tent to house it (2 Samuel 6:17). After he set the Ark in place, David appointed priests to minister before the Lord continually (1 Chronicles 16:4). David’s tabernacle had no veil, so all of the priests stood directly before the Ark in the manifest presence of God. The ministry of the priests who stood before the Ark was not one of blood sacrifices, rather they offered up the spiritual sacrifice of praise and worship in the very presence of God. Everything done in the Tabernacle of Moses was a type and shadow of future reality in the Tabernacle of David. God declared that He had withdrawn from the Tabernacle of Moses to the Tabernacle of David (1 Samuel 2:27-36; Psalm 78:67-72).

47

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Lord revealed to King David the pattern of worship, which was pleasing and acceptable to Him. Some examples are: 1. David appointed priests to minister before the Lord with singing (1 Chronicles 15:16).

2. David appointed musicians with a variety of instruments to play before the Lord (1 Chronicles 23:5).

3. David appointed Levites to stand in the presence of God and thank Him (1 Chronicles 16:41).

4. David appointed Levites to praise the Lord, acknowledging that His mercy endures forever (1 Chronicles16:4).

5. There was the ministry of rejoicing and joy before the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:25-31).

6. As a natural response of rejoicing before the Lord, there was the ministry of hand clapping (Psalm 47:1, 98:8).

7. The ministry of shouting was an expression of praise (Psalm 47:1).

8. The priests that ministered before the Ark lifted their hands as an act of worship to the Lord (Psalm 141:2).

9. One of the most expressive ways of worship was the ministry of the dance (Psalm 149:3).

E. Worship in the Life of Jesus In approaching the study of praise and worship, many people look for examples of it in the life of Jesus. Was it really an active part of His life? Did He really teach that worship was an important part of a believer’s walk with God? The Bible clearly shows that praise and worship was an integral part of the life of Jesus from eternity past to eternity future. Here are just a few examples of this: 1. In eternity past, before the foundation of the earth was laid, Jesus continually rejoiced before the presence of the Lord.

Proverbs 8:30 “Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him. . .”

48

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. Jesus’ lineage was from the tribe of Judah, which in Hebrew means “praise.”

Hebrews 7:14 “For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah. . .”

3. At his birth, multitudes of the angelic hosts were praising God, shouting “Glory to God in the highest.” Also, the shepherds, the wise men and many others worshiped.

Luke 2:13 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God. . .”

4. During His early ministry, Jesus taught and approved praise.

Matthew 21:15-16 “But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the son of David! they were indignant and said to Him, ‘Do you hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

5. During His ministry, Jesus continually exemplified praise and worship to the Father.

Luke 10:21 “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.

Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.’”

6. His ministry in the midst of the Church is to sing Praise unto the Father.

Hebrews 2:11-12 “. . . for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’”

49

Foundational Discipling Principles

F. Worship in the Early Church Access to the presence of God was made possible through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-20), but the plan for worship in the New Testament was revealed through David’s Tabernacle.

According to Acts 15:16-17 and Acts 24:14, the early Church worshiped in Davidic order.

Paul encouraged the early Church to admonish one another with “. . . psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19). The early Church’s book of praise was the Psalms, part of which was written during the time of, and as a result of, the Tabernacle of David.

David received a New Testament revelation of the sacrifice of praise. In the New Testament, the presence of God was also manifested in praise and worship. Every subsequent revival in Church history has seen the restoration of Davidic worship. Even today, Spirit-filled churches all across the earth are experiencing a restoration of Davidic order in worship.

This is the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Amos concerning God’s pattern of worship.

Amos 9:11 “On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old . . .”

Acts 15:15-17 “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My Name, says the Lord who does all these things’. . .”

G. The Priesthood of the Believer In the Old Testament, God gave the priesthood to the Levites. As New Testament believers, we have entered into a holy priesthood with Jesus Christ as the High Priest (Revelation 1:5-6). As priests unto our God, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God

by Jesus Christ.

50

Foundational Discipling Principles

The sacrifices which New Testament priests are to offer are: 1. Ourselves – when we offer ourselves wholly (spirit, body, and soul) to God, we are an acceptable sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1).

2. Our substance – involves the giving of tithes and offerings, and also using our substance to meet the practical needs of our brethren (Hebrews 13:16).

3. Sacrifices of joy – involves more than just the inner expression of joy. It involves a life of victory and close fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 27:6).

4. Sacrifices of thanksgiving – that which will cause us to lift up our hands and voice and thank God even in the most trying circumstances, realizing that He is in control (Psalm 116:17).

5. Sacrifices of praise – what we offer to the Lord, realizing who He is and the greatness of what He has done, is doing, and will do for and in us (Hebrews 13:15-16).

6. A broken and contrite heart – true worship can only come from a heart that is pure and broken before God (Psalm 51:17, 24:3-4).

H. Reasons to Praise and Worship God 1. God commands us to praise Him. 1 Chronicles 16:29 “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!”

2. God is worthy to be praised.

Psalm 18:3 “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised . . .”

3. Praise is God’s acceptable way for us to enter into His presence.

Psalm 100:4 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

4. Praise and worship glorifies God. Psalm 50:23 “Whoever offers praise glorifies me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”

51

Foundational Discipling Principles

I. The Results of Praise and Worship 1. Praise is a way to experience the manifest presence of God. Psalm 22:3 “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”

2. Praise is a way for stopping the advances of Satan.

Psalm 8:2 “Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.”

Matthew 21:16 “. . . Have you ever read, ‘Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

3. Praise is a way to reach those needing salvation.

Psalm 40:3 “He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”

4. Praise is a way of receiving God’s deliverance.

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.’ Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir . . .”

5. Praise is a way to exercise the weapons of our warfare.

Psalm 149:6-7 “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance . . .”

6. Praise is a way to live a long and fruitful life.

Isaiah 38:18-19 “For Sheol cannot thank You, death cannot praise You; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Your truth. The living, the living man, he shall praise You . . .”

7. Praise is a way to see the provision of God. Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

52

Foundational Discipling Principles

8. Praise is a way to see the provision of God. Psalm 107:8-9 “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

J. How to Praise the Lord There are seven Old Testament Hebrew words that are translated “praise” in the English Bible. Each one has a different meaning and expression associated with it. Through these seven words, we find the various ways that the Old Testament saints worshiped the Lord. They are a vehicle for us to enter into the presence of the Lord through praise and worship.

1. “Yadah” means to lift hands individually before God’s presence.

Psalm 138:1 “I will praise (yadah) You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You” 2 “Towdah” means for the congregation to lift hands in unison before the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 50:23 “Whoever offers praise (towdah) glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” 3. “Halal” means to boast, to rave on foolishly before the presence of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 20:21 “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who would sing to the Lord, and who would praise (halal) the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.’”

4. “Tehillah” means the same as “halal” except that it means to “sing Halal.”

Psalm 22:3 “But You are holy, Who inhabit the praises (tehillah) of Israel.”

53

Foundational Discipling Principles

5. “Zamar” means to celebrate before the presence of the Lord with musical instruments.

Psalm 92:1 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises (zamar) to Your name, O most High. . .”

6. “Shabak” means to praise the Lord with a loud voice.

Psalm 117:1 “Praise (shabak) the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples.”

7. “Barak” means to kneel in adoration before the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 103:1-2 Bless (barak) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. . .”

“Hear us, O Lord, as we praise Your holy name. We exalt the name of the Lord above all names. Inhabit the praises of Your people, manifest Your presence in the midst of Your people, and be glorified throughout all the earth, Lord. We sing the high praises of God against the heavens and the earth. May the nations kneel before You, for You are worthy to be praised. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

54

Vision Six:

Local Church Ministry

, A. Introduction

W

e are now beginning to understand why God has ordained the Church as His habitation on the earth. We are also learning God’s perspectives on restoration. He is making the Church of the final hour to be the explosive, vibrant, worshiping and ministering Church it needs to be in order to touch the world with His glory.

Now that the foundation has been laid regarding the Church, we need to look at the practical areas of local church ministry. The Bible emphasizes that each believer has a specific function in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:18). God has gifted each believer to support, complement and build up the Church in love.

1 Corinthians 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. . .”

Ephesians 4:16 “. . .from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

B. True Body Ministry The Church is not meant to be an organized business with trained professionals promoting various programs, but a sensitive organism of unified people under the direction of the Holy Spirit and 55

Foundational Discipling Principles

God-ordained leadership. The Church is not divided into two classes of people – clergy and laity. This division is a non-scriptural tool of the enemy that divides Christians. Spiritually, every member is called to be a minister. For centuries the responsibility of the Church has rested upon professionally trained leaders alone. Many times their training consists of executive principles, which causes them to view the Body of Christ and its ministries as: • A corporation instead of a community • Entertaining programs instead of ministry to needs • Musical entertainment instead of worship • A meeting to raise money instead of freedom in giving • Ministry by professionals instead of God-ordained leaders This type of ministry has sapped the Church of its power and kept it from the spiritual body ministry God intended. True body ministry begins with the realization that each member has a specific calling and purpose to fulfill.

Ephesians 4:1 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. . .”

2 Timothy 1:9 “. . .who has saved us and called us with a holy calling. . .”

2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure. . .”

C. Lead by Serving In the early Church, the word “minister” had a different meaning than it does today. “Minister” comes from the Greek word “diakonia” which means “to be helpful, supportive servant within the house of the Lord.” We use it today as a noun describing the position or office of a man, but the early Church used it as a verb – an action word describing the believer’s function. Actually, the word means to be a servant (Matthew 20:26-27). Each member of the body is to function actively as a minister (servant) in the New Testament 56

Foundational Discipling Principles

Church. It does not mean that when one is called, he should seek an office. God’s call is to serve.

The great leaders of the Old Testament were always considered to be servants of God and of the people.

1. Abraham was portrayed as God’s servant; therefore God blessed him (Genesis 26:24).

2. Moses was described as God’s servant many times. This was even his epitaph from God when He spoke to Joshua concerning Moses’ death (Joshua 1:1-2).

3. Joshua was known as Moses’ servant. God therefore chose him to succeed Moses in ruling Israel (Exodus 33:11).

4. David was characterized as Saul’s servant as well as God’s servant (1 Chronicles 17:14, 1 Samuel 29:3).

Not all are called to leadership positions such as the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher, but all are called to serve the Body of Christ.

D. God’s Chain of Command God has ordained only three institutions: family, government, and Church. In each, He established structure to maintain order and to allow these institutions to function. This is called God’s chain of command. The head of each of these institutions is God, and all authority flows from Him. According to God’s chain of command, Jesus is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). He appoints servants and ministers and delegates authority to maintain order and perfect the saints (Ephesians 4:8-11).

Body Ministry>>>>>>>Deacons>>>>>>>Elders>>>>>>>Jesus Ministry Gifts

Manifestation Gifts

Prophecy

Word of Wisdom

Service

Word of Knowledge

Teaching

Faith 57

Foundational Discipling Principles Exhorting

Gifts of Healing

Ruling

Working of Miracles

Giving

Prophecy

Mercy

Tongues/Interpreting Tongues

E. The Purpose of God-ordained Leadership God has a purpose in Church government. Each of the ministry callings of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher has its place in bringing the Church to maturity. The responsibility of these ministers is to train and equip each believer to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13).

The Greek word for “perfection” is “katartizo” which means “to perfect, to thoroughly adjust, repair, mend or restore.” Here are some examples of how this word is used in Scripture: 1. In Matthew 4:21, two of the disciples were mending their nets, which were torn and needed restoring.

2. In Galatians 6:1, Paul exhorts the brethren to restore him who had fallen into fault. Paul’s exhortation was to set him in right standing.

3. Hebrews 11:3 states that the worlds were framed by the Word of God. This means that the worlds were fashioned, put in order and equipped for a purpose.

4. In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul’s desire was that he might see them, to perfect that which was lacking in their faith and to supply what was necessary to bring them into maturity.

When the Church is walking in maturity, it will accomplish the work of the ministry.

A real sign of maturity within each believer’s life is when he becomes a supportive minister in the house of the Lord. All members, therefore, should function in their proper place, working together as a team with a common vision (Philippians 1:27).

58

Foundational Discipling Principles

F. Team Ministry In 1 Chronicles 15:4, David saw the importance of assembling the children of Aaron and the Levites. In other words, he united them for a common goal by assembling them into groups or teams as follows: Singers (15:17)

Instructors (15:22)

Gatekeepers (15:17)

Recorders (16:4)

Strings players (15:20)

Thankers (16:4)

Carriers (15:15)

Trumpeters (15:24)

Cymbals players (15:19)

Praisers (16:4)

Harpists (16:21)

Musicians (16:5)

Team ministry can be defined as two or more people with gifts and graces that are joined together by the Lord for multiplied effectiveness in fulfilling a common task. Their recognition of God’s authority on God-called leadership and their exercise of the gifts God has given them.

G. How Teams are Formed God first imparts vision and direction to the leadership of the church.

Vision is comprehending or grasping God’s purpose for His house as presented by God-ordained leadership. The local church cannot be established without a specific vision. Individuals are not really joined as members unless they are birthed into and support the overall vision of a church.

Secondly, God imparts a vision to the individual. Worship sets the stage for this impartation (Revelation 19:10). This vision or purpose will release an individual into his or her ministry. The fulfillment of this vision directly relates to the overall vision of the house.

Thirdly, each person must respond to his individual vision while staying within the framework of the vision of the house. Vision becomes a basis of unity when the body responds to God as one.

The children of Israel entered the Promised Land because they were a part of Moses’ original vision.

59

Foundational Discipling Principles

God has placed tremendous emphasis on team ministry in this present hour. The effectiveness of team ministry can be felt throughout the local church. Through the leaders, many effective teams are put together to enhance the ministry in areas such as worship, missions, education, fine arts, evangelism, outreach to the poor, and counseling. “Lord, Jesus, You are the Head of Your Church. And You have ordained the five-fold ministry to lead all Your ministers according to Your calling and gifting. Raise Your priests, Lord, to bring You glory through the building of Your kingdom here on earth. Thank You for letting us be Your change-agents in the world. We submit to Your purpose for us, and we submit to one another in team ministry.

We give You all the honor, the glory, and the praise, in the name of Jesus, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

60

II. REPENTANCE Principle One:

The Biblical View of Sin

, A. Introduction

I

t is my prayer that during these next lessons in Repentance, the first of the six foundational stones mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 6, will be firmly laid in your life. Rather than receiving a one-time lesson on the subject of repentance, during the coming lessons you will be brought face-to-face with the following: 1. The Biblical View of Sin and Dead Works 2. Covenant Relationship with God 3. The Purpose of Repentance 4. The Father Heart of God 5. Walking in Forgiveness 6. Developing a Lifestyle of Repentance The reason I am covering the message of repentance first is because it is the basic introduction into the kingdom of God and the first foundational stone mentioned in Hebrews 6. John the Baptist came forth from the wilderness preaching the message of repentance (Matthew 4:17). The disciple’s message, including Peter’s and Paul’s, began with repentance (Mark 6:12; Acts 2:38, 26:20).

61

Foundational Discipling Principles

Obviously, understanding and walking in true repentance is of paramount importance. Before this foundation stone can be securely laid we must come to a Biblical understanding of SIN. B. What is Sin? In “Vision Two: The Plan and Purpose of God,” we learned that man was originally created in the image and likeness of God. However, when man fell, he took on the nature of Satan. Thereafter, man was born after the image and likeness of his father, Satan (John 8:44).

Man’s nature became one of selfishness, greed, rebellion, and opposition to godliness. Simply put, man did as he pleased because “self” occupied the throne of his heart.

Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”

Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

2 Corinthians 5:15 “And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

In the book of Mark it states that all evil things proceed out of the heart of men (his nature). It is from within that a man is defiled, not simply from outward acts of sin (Mark 7:21-23). It is man’s nature to sin unless he has experienced salvation whereby he receives a new nature and the old man is crucified. When the heart (man’s nature) is clean, his life will be clean and will bear fruit, but when the heart (man’s nature) is corrupt, his life and fruit are corrupt (Matthew 7:17-20).

In the Old Testament the key word for sin is the Hebrew word “Hata,” which means, “to come short of expectation.” Proverbs 8:36 states that the person who sins against the Lord “misses the goal” of his own soul. Proverbs 19:2 speaks of a man in a hurry who “misses his way” and falls into sin.

62

Foundational Discipling Principles

In the New Testament there are 9 Greek words for sin with 103 specific sins listed. The key word is “Hamartano,” which means “to miss the mark, come short of the goal and not share in the prize.”

Breaking this Greek word down to the root, we find “meros,” which means “allotment” or “share.” The implication is that the one who walks in sin misses the mark and forfeits his share of the inheritance and purpose, which God prepared for him.

Sin, therefore, is loving ourselves to such an extent that we direct our own lives away from God’s mark, rather than loving God so much that we seek always to hit the mark with those things that please Him. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. . .”

C. The Heart of Man By the sin of Adam, sin and death entered into the world and death passed on to all men because all have sinned (Romans 5:12). Ever since the fall, the heart of the unregenerate man has been “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). Out of the evil treasure of his heart, the unregenerate man inevitably will bring forth evil things (Matthew 12:35).

As Isaiah prophesied, many men attempt to honor God with their lips, though their (unregenerate) hearts are “far from Him” (Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:6). Jesus said that such people worship Him “in vain” (Mark 7:7). To all those who turn to the Lord in true repentance and enter into covenant relationship with the Father through Christ, He gives a new heart upon which He writes His laws (Hebrews 8:10; 1 Samuel 10:9). However, those who do not truly turn to the Lord, but who attempt to do works of righteousness in their own strength are like whitewashed tombstones, which outwardly are beautiful but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones (Matthew 23:27).

Psalm 51 reveals the cry of the one who had a heart after God – King David. In repenting of his sin, David prayed that the Lord would create in him a clean heart (vs9) At the same time, he recognized that God does not desire sacrifices from His people, but rather a broken and contrite heart (vs. 16-17). Thus, the Bible clearly 63

Foundational Discipling Principles

teaches that the wicked heart of man cannot be made clean by sacrifices (religious activity) or by man’s attempts to make himself appear righteous outwardly, but that such a heart is cleansed and renewed by our covenant God through Jesus, the living Word of God (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:25-26).

D. What are Dead Works?

The unregenerate man has a deep desire to want to be pleasing to God. Because man has lost his original place of fellowship with God, he has tried to regain this place of approval, but not out of a heart that has been purified through the precious blood of Jesus.

Rather, it is the impure attempt of a guilty conscience trying to find some way to please God. The Bible calls this DEAD WORKS. The book of Hebrews is the only place in the New Testament using the term “dead works,” but the idea is prevalent throughout the scriptures. Let us consider some New Testament examples: Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Romans 4:6 “Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Hebrews 9:14 “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” God, wanting to show the futility of trying to please Him through self-effort, gave the nation Israel a law that was impossible for them to keep. It was a standard much higher than any individual could possibly measure up to, showing that no man can please God through his own efforts. However, their attempt to keep the Law in their own strength produced a system of dead works. Life became 64

Foundational Discipling Principles

a legalistic effort to keep the moral and ceremonial laws of God. God’s intention was to reveal their utter helplessness to keep the law and thus, point them to Christ for their consciences to be cleansed from this vain effort (Romans 5:20-21; Galatians 3:24).

The Old Testament purification from sin that took place on the Day of Atonement” was sealed by the shedding of the blood of a spotless lamb, once a year. This act was for the purpose of removing the sin from the people. According to Hebrews 9, it only purified the flesh, but did not purge the conscience from dead works. Thus, all of the religious observances that the people undertook during the year were dead works that were performed in an attempt to please God. Hebrews 9:13 “. . .The blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh. . .”

Even Moses’ tabernacle, which is a parable of the present age, in which were offered gifts and sacrifices (just as the Church does today), could not make man’s works perfect or cleanse their consciences from dead works.

Jesus, as the spotless Lamb of God, entered by the eternal Spirit and offered Himself before the presence of God. His own precious blood was poured upon the mercy seat and through this act our conscience may be purged from dead works so that we may serve God with a pure conscience.

E. God’s Attitude Toward Sin Before we examine what sin has done to us, we must see how sin has affected God: 1. Sin has grieved the heart of God (Genesis 6:6). If we really knew what sin has done to the heart of God and the tremendous sacrifice He has paid to do away with it, our attitude toward the pleasures of sin would change. It cost God His own Son to deal with the sins of the world. Jesus became sin for us, and at His greatest hour of need, God had no choice but to turn away; it was the only time in all of eternity that they had ever been separated.

65

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. Sin has broken fellowship between God and man. God created us to have intimate fellowship with Him and it grieves His heart not to be able to draw close to His beloved creation (Isaiah 59:2).

3. Sin has cursed the world that God created. God created the world as a literal paradise, but when man was cursed the ground was also cursed, so that man had to labor by the sweat of his brow. God watched as His creation groaned under the curse (Romans 8:22).

4. Sin keeps God from pouring out the blessing He has planned for us. We deny Him the joy of giving us blessings and rewards (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

5. Sin holds back and thwarts God’s plans for the kingdom through us. Because of man’s pride and selfishness, God has not been able to reveal Himself, as He desires. If we were available to Him, He would reveal His mighty power through us to change the world.

F. What Sin Has Done to Us Not only did man experience separation from intimate fellowship with God, but sin also changed the very nature with which man was originally created. God had created man with a nature desiring to be obedient, caring, free, and fulfilled, yet man chose to walk in his own way. As a result: 1. Man became depraved in his nature because he stood apart from the direct counsel of God (Ephesians 2:3).

2. Man’s conscience, which brought conviction of sin, became hardened so that he did not even regard sin (Hebrews 10:22).

3. Man’s heart became corrupt so that it deceived him. He could no longer trust his heart for he was not hearing the voice of God (Jeremiah 17:9).

4. Through his pride, man lifted himself up and became obstinate, rebellious, and openly defiant of his creator, and authority (Acts 7:51).

5. Because his mind was not brought into subjection to the Word, man gave himself over to vain imaginations (Genesis 6:5).

6. Man began to live for his own lustful desires and thus became a slave to sin (Romans 1:18-32).

66

Foundational Discipling Principles

7. Man thought himself to be wise, but he actually lost the power of spiritual understanding (Romans 1:21-22; Ephesians 4:18).

We can see the results of sin all around us in starvation, poverty, corruption, murder, slavery, etc. We are surrounded by sickness, diseases, and pain, which have left us with a world full of many hopeless people bound for the final destination of an eternal hell.

Many today may not feel they fit into the category of “sinner.”

They live day by day working hard and are even faithful in church, but because of an unregenerate heart have no hope of making heaven their home or of living a life that is pleasing to God. It is estimated that 75% or more of churches are full of this type of people, who are basically “good,” but who are bound by a system of dead works.

Sin has separated us from God. We must approach Him as we are, not trying to please Him through our own efforts, but allowing the precious blood of Jesus to wash away our sins. If you have never done this, you can receive Him right now into your heart by asking Him to come in to cleanse you from a guilty heart and to bring you into fellowship with Him as your Lord and Savior.

“Lord God, we praise You for delivering us from our iniquities and foolishness. We desire that our lives honor Your name. Cover us from sin, and counsel us against the works of the flesh, Lord. We desire complete obedience toward You, O God, and to be used of You to build Your kingdom. We lift up our lives to You in the name of Jesus, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

67

Principal Two:

The Overall Concept of Repentance

, A. Introduction

I

n the last lesson we considered what the Bible says about sin and dead works. In this lesson, we will look into the overall concept of repentance. Many teachings are floating around today suggesting that God does not want us to repent or walk in repentance.

“Anything that is negative is not of God,” they say, “and repentance is negative.” Some people have been taught that they are repenting when actually they are ensnared in the sorrow of the world or in the bondage of the law of sin and death, which leads to condemnation.

However, repentance is neither a negative thing nor the sorrow of this world; its basis is a heart set on pleasing God. Repentance is the inner brokenness and yieldedness which is given by God and which results in a change of heart. Repentance causes a person to turn from sin and dead works to God and His works. It finds its meaning in death to self.

B. Why Must Repentance Precede Any Other Foundation Stone?

1. Repentance prepares our hearts for God. The fallow ground of our heart must be prepared to receive the seed of the revelation of God and His Word (Hosea 10:12).

2. Repentance eliminates our inner deviousness, enabling us to be direct with God. We come to God with an open heart rather than trying to work out some sort of compromise with Him. 68

Foundational Discipling Principles

3. Until repentance has done its complete work, we avoid being fully open and direct with God about our need. The cleansing of repentance gives us the ability to honestly face our sins in the presence of God. 4. Repentance cleanses the heart from problems, which arise from bad roots in our lives. Much of the time only the external plant (the action of sin) is dealt with, while the underlying root is left to thrive. Root problems can only be dealt with by the continual plowing and breaking up of the fallow ground of our hearts.

Repentance eliminates the bad roots (John 3:10-12).

5. Repentance is absolutely necessary in order for us to be born again and begin the Christian life (Acts 2:28). Repentance is not an option!

C. What Repentance is Not Before we can define repentance, we need to know what it is not.

1. Repentance is not conviction of sin or the feeling of guilt or shame. This must come, but experiencing it does not necessarily mean we have repented. We can feel guilty or shameful, yet not truly repent of its cause.

2. Repentance is not feeling sorrow when we are caught for doing wrong.

3. Repentance is not outwardly reforming our own lives.

4. Repentance is not being religious. One can be religious without changing his ways or heart.

5. Repentance is not holding onto a doctrine or opinion which keeps us from a personal confrontation with God. 6. Repentance is not penance, whereby we try to pay for our own sins through good works.

D. What Repentance Is Repentance always means turning around, changing – turning from sin and our own ways to God. The common Bible words translated “repent” or “repentance” brings out certain differences in emphasis, but they all agree in the basic meaning of change.

69

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Hebrew language uses two words to describe repentance.

The first emphasizes emotional stirring, while the second emphasizes a moral decision to forsake sin and return to God. “Nahum” means “to feel sorry, to lament, to grieve, to sigh, or to groan.” The word literally refers to difficulty in breathing when one experiences intense emotion. It includes, however, the results of emotion in urging a change of behavior and character. David did not stop with feeling bad for his sin – he turned around. “Shubh” means “to turn back, to make a radical change in attitude toward sin and God.” It includes both the conscious moral separation from sin, and a personal decision to come back to God. This word was the one most often used by the Old Testament prophets when they called God’s people to turn from sin or return to God. The Greek language uses two complementary terms to describe genuine repentance. The first word denotes the negative aspect of repentance while the second brings out the positive change of position and relationship, which results from repentance. “Metanoia” expresses the intellectual and spiritual change, which occurs when a sinner turns to God. The meaning of “metanoia” is “to have another mind” or “to change one’s mind in attitude and purpose regarding sin.” It describes an inner turning around. “Epistrepho” indicates the distinct change, which results from repentance – a change of position in relation to God. The essence of this word can be summarized as a spiritual transition from sin to God, from death to life.

Charles Finney summed up the definition of repentance this way: “It implies an intellectual and a hearty giving up of all controversy with God upon all and every point. It implies a conviction that God is wholly right, and a thorough and hearty abandonment of all excuses and apologies for sin.”

In short, we may say that repentance changes the way we feel about sin and the way we act toward sin. Repentance is a total change of heart, mind, attitude, emotions, will, action, and lifestyle.

E. What is the Difference between Repentance and Remorse?

Remorse, or worldly sorrow, is a feeling of deep regret, hopelessness or even despair. It does not lead to constructive change, nor does it help our faith to even see change. On the other hand, godly 70

Foundational Discipling Principles

sorrow produces repentance, which causes us to turn away from sin and to receive faith for change. Worldly sorrow is destructive, but repentance is life giving.

2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted; but sorrow of the world produces death.”

There are several examples from scripture of how worldly sorrow destroyed rather than restored. Instead of repenting, King Saul allowed despair to lead him to suicide. He permitted his emotion of remorse to turn him against himself. David, however, sought the Lord with fasting and honest confession when he sinned. The desire of his heart was to be renewed with a right spirit towards God. He did not try to excuse himself (as Saul did) but allowed the chastening of the Lord to correct the situation in him (Psalm 51; 1 Samuel 31:4).

The New Testament example of the difference between repentance and remorse is the case of Judas, who after betraying Jesus, sought to return the 30 pieces of silver. Instead of going to Jesus in repentance for restoration, he hanged himself through remorse.

In contrast, Peter wept bitterly when he realized his sin of denial.

He truly repented and found the stability to become a great apostle (Matthew 27:3-10; Luke 22:54-62).

F. What is Meant by “Fruits Worthy of Repentance?”

Matthew 3:7-8 “But when He saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to His baptism, He said to them, ‘Brood of vipers!

Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.”

John the Baptist recognized the insincerity of the “repentance” of the Pharisees and Sadducees because their lives did not reflect any fruit of true repentance. Fruit refers to outward evidence of an inner change of heart and attitude. True repentance can only result from inner changes brought about by the Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration. These inner changes will produce external fruit that will be seen in the life of the believer.

71

Foundational Discipling Principles

Matthew 7:18,20 “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit . . . Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

The fruit of repentance begins with a knowing that change must come. The religious leaders came for John’s baptism because it was the popular thing to do, but in their hearts they did not want to change.

Secondly, the fruit necessary for repentance is the willingness to put away all gods of idolatry or materialism. This was the stumbling block of the Gentile nation when the Gospel was initially preached to them. They had many gods to which they bowed their knees, whether literal idols or idols of money, success, education, etc.

Thirdly, the fruit necessary for repentance is the realization that everything we receive is according to God’s grace, and not according to the merits of our own work. We can never do anything to earn God’s favor. If we attempt to work it out or clean up our own lives, then true repentance will never come. We must come with complete abandonment to God. G. How Do I Repent?

We must first realize that repentance is a gift from God (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25). Some believe that a person can repent at any time, but this is simply not true. Repentance is dependent upon the convicting action of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 says that the things of God are known only by the Spirit of God. Therefore, only the spiritual man can understand spiritual things. The natural man cannot understand the things of God, in fact, they are foolishness to him. This is because there is a veil over the heart of man before he is born again. However when a man turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:16).

Because of the veiled heart, the natural mind is darkened before regeneration. This makes revelation and illumination absolutely necessary before man can repent. There must be a revelation of the holiness and sovereignty of God as well as a revelation of the sinfulness of self. This is why Jesus said: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick . . .For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:12-13).

72

Foundational Discipling Principles

Just as a person must know that he is physically sick before he will go to a doctor, so must he know that he is spiritually sick before he turns to the Lord. This revelation of sinful man’s condition usually comes as a result of receiving a revelation of God. For example, Job did not repent until he received a revelation of God. Job 42:5-6 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor (despise) myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

Recorded in Isaiah Chapter 6 is the vision that Isaiah received of the holiness and glory of God. He responded to this revelation of God by saying, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people with unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).

When we see God, we see ourselves in His light. This reveals our total need for change and our complete lack of ability to change ourselves. We can only throw ourselves upon the mercy and grace of God. This turning from self to God and the finished work of Jesus Christ is conversion. When this happens, the veil over our hears is rent, and we can begin to receive and understand the things of God. The revelation of God will then begin to change and transform us.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Therefore, to truly repent, one must do the following: 1. Pray for a revelation of God and of self, for conviction of sin, and for godly sorrow for sin.

2. When convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit, accept responsibility for your sin.

73

Foundational Discipling Principles

Proverbs 28:13 “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

3. Confess your sins specifically.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

4. Appropriate the blood of Jesus and the mercy of God. 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

5. Determine to change. Do something about your old, sinful habit patterns.

Ephesians 4:22-24 “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.”

6. Make restitution where necessary as led by the Holy Spirit.

Luke 19:8 “Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

“Lord God, almighty and merciful are You. By Your grace You have given us the gift of repentance, and by Your Word we know this is true. Thank You, Lord for renewing our hearts back to You by Your Spirit. Our hearts are broken before You because of our sins, but You bring healing and restoration by Your mercy, grace, and love. We lift Your name above all names for the work of righteousness You are doing within us. May we stand before the nations and testify of Your great redeeming power! We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

74

Principle Three:

The New Covenant

, A. Introduction

T

his particular lesson could be one of the most important in the whole Repentance series, for it leads you to assess the reality of your relationship with Christ, through an understanding of what he has done for you at the cross. As this revelation unfolds you can then begin to define those hindrances in your life that have kept you from walking in all of His fullness. Many who have the initial salvation experience know the precious blood of the Lamb redeemed them, but too often they simply stop there, never progressing into the depths of Christ, Jesus. It is as if they don’t believe there is more, or if there is, it must not be for them. They have experienced freedom from the penalty of sin but not from the power of sin. They became blinded and robbed of all the treasures of Christ’s riches.

B. The Old Covenant The root word from which we derive “testament” is actually the word for “covenant.” Covenant was made many times through the Old Testament, but the two major ones that the Bible addresses are the Mosaic (Old) Covenant and the New Covenant.

The Old Covenant, which God made with the nation of Israel, included the law and the Ten Commandments. It demanded unconditional obedience and submission on the part of the people. Through this covenant, God revealed His divine standard of righteousness, 75

Foundational Discipling Principles

exposed His pure hatred for sin and brought clear definition to specific sins for the first time.

Romans 3:20 “. . . for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Romans 7:7 “. . . I would not have known sin except through the law.”

Romans 4:15 “. . . where there is no law there is no transgression.”

When the Old Covenant was given, the nation of Israel said that they would fulfill the righteous requirements of the law through their own efforts (Exodus 24:3). However, they broke the law even while Moses was on the mountain affirming the covenant with God (Exodus 30). The law exposed all men as guilty before a holy God. However, with this law came legalism and dead works, for unregenerate man could not please God through mere outward obedience to the law. He did not have the ability (or power) to obey the law in all points. So the law therefore brought condemnation, guilt and ultimately, death.

It was impossible for men to fulfill all the righteous requirements of the law, so God found fault with the Old Covenant and brought in the New Covenant with better promises.

Hebrews 8:7-9 “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says, ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.’”

Why did God find fault with the Old Covenant? Only because man could not keep it and therefore could not have victory over sin.

We cannot attain righteousness by keeping the law (Romans 3:20).

However, the New Covenant has better promises, which allows man to gain victory over sin.

76

Foundational Discipling Principles

C. The New Covenant Let’s ask ourselves one question: If God found fault with the Old Covenant, would He then put the same “fault clause” in the New Covenant? No! When He found fault with the “old,” He completely did away with it when He brought in the “new.” The New Covenant was cut between God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, the only one to ever keep all the requirements of the law. He fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and then abolished it at the cross (Colossians 2:13-14; Ephesians 2:14-16). The Old Covenant is now obsolete and vanishing from the eyes of God (Hebrews 8:13).

The New Covenant was set in to produce quite a different result than the old. Let us consider some of the contrasts between the Old and New Covenants: Old Covenant

versus New Covenant Law of Law of sin righteousness (Romans 7:23) (Romans 9:31) Law of the flesh Law of the Spirit (Romans 7:5) (Romans 8:2) Offered many sacrifices Only One sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12) (Hebrews 10:12) Remembers our sins Forgets our sins (Hebrews 10:3) (Hebrews 10:17) Carnal ministry Spiritual ministry (Hebrews 9:9 (Hebrews 9:9 Dead works Living works (Hebrews 9:14 (Hebrews 9:14) Brings bondage Brings liberty (Galatians 4:24-25) (2 Corinthians 3:17) Brings a curse Redeems from the curst (Galatians 3:10) Galatians 3:13)

We will find as we examine the following verses, that God has established the New Covenant on better promises: 77

Foundational Discipling Principles

Hebrews 8:6, 10-12 “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises . . . For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

The New Covenant is based on relationship with God rather than on a standard to live up to. God first promised to put the Word into a renewed mind that could contain it. The mind that is not illumined by the Spirit cannot understand the things of God, but just as Jesus opened the minds of the disciples so that they might understand (Luke 24:45), He has also opened our minds to understand the truths of His Word.

The second promise in this passage is that God will write His law upon an undivided heart (Jeremiah 24:7). When our hearts are established in full relationship with the Father, He is able to place the precious seed of His Word in each freshly plowed heart so that it can grow and produce healthy fruit. He then does not have to contend with the idols of men’s divided, stony hearts, but can write His Law on the hearts of those who are in relationship with Him. The third and fourth promise carry the idea that God will rule His people and His people will be in submission to Him. God has always looked for a place of habitation (Luke 24:45) wherein He can freely bestow His blessings and cultivate a relationship with those who are willing. The result of a relationship such as this is that we will be learners of Him. You will not need to say to your brother or sister, “Know the Lord,” for all will know Him from the least important person to the greatest. All men can know the Lord if they desire!

The fifth promise in this passage concludes with God releasing His people from the guilt and condemnation of their iniquities and transgressions. NO MORE CONDEMNATION does not mean that a person will continue in the mire of sin. NO! A relationship 78

Foundational Discipling Principles

of knowing God and walking with Him proves quite the contrary.

Also, contained within all of these promises we find the solution to “the fault” of the Old Covenant. God will cause and empower us to walk in His New Covenant.

Ezekiel 36:26-27, 29 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them . . . I will deliver you from all your uncleanness. . .”

Jeremiah 32:38-40 “They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.” Through submission to our loving heavenly Father we can begin to see that not only has the penalty of sin been broken over our lives, but also the power of sin as He causes us to walk in His ways. The key to the New Covenant is walking in a personal relationship with the living God with an undivided heart. This causes us to learn of Him and to have His reverential fear, which brings growth and victory over the power of sin.

D. The Seed There are two important mysteries contained within the Scriptures relating to the subject of the seed. A mystery is a hidden truth that is brought forth by the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

1. The mystery of Iniquity (2 Thessalonians 2:7) This mystery can be defined as the manifestation of Satan and his character (iniquity, lawlessness, and rebellion) through the flesh or nature of man. Adam was created in the image and likeness of God, but fell by subjecting himself to the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life. He therefore was cursed and began to 79

Foundational Discipling Principles

manifest the characteristics or image of Satan, to whom he subjected himself. In Genesis 5:3 we see that Adam had a son, born not in the image of God, but in his own image. We were all in the loins of Adam when he was cursed and, as Adam bore the image of Satan, so has all mankind. This is the mystery of iniquity.

2. The Mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy 3:16) This is God’s solution to the mystery of iniquity: God manifested Himself in the flesh through Jesus Christ, thus allowing man to be restored into the image of God. Jesus Christ was the express image of God, firstborn among many brethren to come (Hebrews 1:3). One particular passage outlines the mystery of godliness and gives us the full impact of what actually took place.

1 Timothy 3:16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”

In examining this passage we find God was: Manifested in the flesh: divine incarnation Justified in the Spirit: divine vindication Seen of angels: divine revelation Preached among Gentiles: divine inclusion Believed on in the world: divine propagation Received up in glory: divine ascension/exaltation Genesis 3:15 reveals a clear distinction between the seed of the serpent (Satan) and the seed of the woman (Christ’s seed). The reference in the Bible to the “remnant” relates to the seed of God; all others are the seed of Satan.

The New Testament sheds further light on the distinction between the seed of God and the seed of Satan, and reveals that we who are in Christ are the seed of God. In Matthew 23:29-33, Jesus referred to the Pharisees as “serpents” and “vipers.” This is an allusion to them as being of the seed of the serpent, Satan. This point is even 80

Foundational Discipling Principles

more clearly spelled out in John 8:31-44, where Jesus said explicitly in verse 44 that the Pharisees were the sons of Satan. Just as their father was a murderer from the beginning, so did the Pharisees conspire to murder Jesus, in a continuation of the clash between the seeds that began with Cain and Abel.

Jesus acknowledged in John 8:37 that the Pharisees were Abraham’s seed after the flesh, but Romans 9:8 makes it clear that the children of the flesh are not the children of God: “The children of the promise are counted as the seed.” Galatians 3:6-14 explains this: it is by our faith toward God that we have been made righteous and made to be the seed of God as we receive the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and are blessed with the blessing of Abraham.

Satan raised up his seed so that Christ, the seed of woman promised in Genesis 3:15, might be murdered by their wicked hands (Acts 2:23). Yet, Satan did not understand that it was through the death of Christ, and His resurrection, that we are redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). The seed of woman certainly has bruised the head of the serpent! And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under our feet shortly (Romans 16:20)!

E. The Old Man is Crucified From the foregoing discussion regarding the distinction between the seed of God and the seed of Satan, we can see clearly that we are not dual natured, bearing the natures of both God and Satan. When the New Covenant was cut, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and gave us a new nature to take the place of the old. We do not carry about in our bodies two different natures, one good and one evil. The old nature that was destined for the wrath of God has been totally done away with. It was nailed to the same cross that Jesus died on.

Romans 6:6 “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

When we enter the New Covenant by repenting from dead works and placing our faith in the finished work of Christ, we are placed in Christ and we receive His nature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states 81

Foundational Discipling Principles

this truth: we who are in Christ are new creations (of the seed of God); old things, including the old nature, have passed away; and all things have become new. Christ now lives in us (Galatians 2:20), and since Satan has nothing in Christ (John 14:30), neither does he have anything in us!

Nevertheless, the conflicts between the seeds persist to this day through Satan’s attempts to deceive us. Deception is the only foothold Satan has against the seed of God. When Satan ministers deception and we believe it, we lose life in that area of deception.

The antidote for this is to continue in God’s Word and remain free (John 8:31-32)! The faith that we need to live this life see(Galatians 2:20) comes by our hearing of God’s Word (Romans 10:17), whereas deception and unbelief come by hearing the lies of Satan. Let us continue in God’s Word, so that we remain free of the deception of the enemy.

F. Our Position in Christ Through the New Covenant, God has enabled us to be transformed into His seed. “Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (John 3:1). As mentioned in the preceding section, we who are in Christ now are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), made to be the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Positionally, we are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), and are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Through Christ, we are heirs of God (Galatians 4:7), and are no longer servants of sin (Romans 6:18). We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

These spiritual truths speak to our position in Christ. In our daily walk, however, God is bringing us to maturity. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). The good work in each of us began when we were born again, saved by the grace of God through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). God now desires to continue and perform this work in us as we “go on to perfection (maturity)” (Hebrews 6:1). Paul acknowledged that he had not attained full maturity or sinless perfection in his daily walk, but was determined to leave the past behind and to press toward the 82

Foundational Discipling Principles

mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ (Philippians 3:12-14). God has given us His grace to overcome temptations in our daily lives and has made for us a way of escape from temptations (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 10:13). When we fall prey to Satan’s deception, however, God has given us repentance as provision for forgiveness of sin (Acts 5:31). In this manner, we are always victorious in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14), whether by His grace or

by His provision of repentance.

“We bring joy and the sacrifice of praise to You, Lord God, for all that You have done to redeem Your unworthy people by Your loving grace. In faith and humility we receive Your atoning gift of redemption. How wonderful it is to be restored unto the most high God, to dwell in fellowship with Him who created us in His image. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done, are doing and will continue to do for and within us as we are being conformed to the image of Jesus, in His name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

83

Principle Four:

The Father Heart of God

, A. Introduction

B

ecause the sacrifice on Calvary brought us freedom from enslavement to sin, we can now approach God from a totally new perspective than ever before. We must begin to understand that God is not looking at us with a judgmental attitude, but with a sincere heart of forgiveness, desiring that we be conformed to the image of Christ, His Son. B. God as Our Father One of the most important teachings of the New Testament concerns the Fatherhood of God. The spirit of the Old Testament centered on God’s holiness (which had to do with being separate from that which was unclean, including man), but the spirit of the New Testament centers on the Fatherhood of God. This does not mean that God has lost His holiness, but a new dimension has come into the picture through the New Covenant placing a new name on God . . . “Father.”

You can always tell the depth of a person’s understanding of sonship by how he relates to God as his Father. This father/son relationship should prompt our worship, prayer, Bible study, and indeed, our entire spiritual life.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus introduced the Father to His disciples. In the gospels, He referred to God as Father over 170 times.

Even after the resurrection, when addressing Mary concerning the 84

Foundational Discipling Principles

disciples (now His brethren), He told her to say to them, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God” (John 20:17).

Because we are brought into relationship with God as our Father, we now have access to the very throne of grace in our time of need.

Hebrews 10:19-21 “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh . . . Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . .”

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

C. God’s Heart of Love and Forgiveness The book of 1 John makes a powerful statement when it says twice, “God is Love” (1 John 4:8, 16). For the Christian, this is a complete truth concerning God. In other words, if we understand this truth, we will find that no matter what kind of dealings we have with God, His love will always be manifested. He will never deal with us outside of His love. All things then work together for our good because we are sheltered by His words of love (Romans 8:28). All things not just some things! Every small detail concerning our lives expresses God’s love to us and will further God’s purpose toward us.

In his book Knowing God, J.I. Packer defines God’s love as “an exercise of His goodness toward individual sinners whereby, having identified Himself with their welfare, He has given His Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy Him in covenant relation.” God loves the unlovable! He is not like us in picking and choosing whom to set His love upon, but He manifests His love to each individual in a personal way. There is nothing in us that could attract or promote it; He simply loves us. God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us that we might become His children (John 1:12). God does not want any man to perish, “but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

85

Foundational Discipling Principles

Romans 5:6-8 “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The greatest example of understanding the Father heart of God towards us is found within the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Many messages have presented the story from the perspective of the lost son or even from the elder brother, but few have approached it from the perspective of the father. When the prodigal son came to his senses and began his trek back to his father, it was the father who saw him coming from a great way off, and moved with compassion he ran and fell upon his son’s neck and began to kiss him. He had been anxiously awaiting his son’s arrival with an expectant heart. He did not stand in judgment of his son, but moved out in his mercy and heart of love to receive him back into the family.

Even when the son repented, it was the father that began the restoration by placing the robe upon his back, the ring upon his finger, and the shoes upon his feet. God wants us completely restored into the fellowship of His loving arms where we can know that our sins are dealt with by a concerned Father, rather than thinking He is always looking over our shoulder in judgment. God is not a “cosmic killjoy” waiting to zap us for every little mistake we make. He is a loving Father! Yes, He disciplines us when we need it, but always in love (Hebrews 12:5-11).

D. Absolute Forgiveness through His Mercy and Grace We must realize that God is our Father and, because of His mercy and grace, we have been totally pardoned from sin. The death angel has passed over our door just as it passed over the doors of the children of Israel when the Passover lamb was sacrificed. Jesus, our Passover Lamb, was sacrificed for us so our sins would be blotted out and remembered no more.

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”

86

Foundational Discipling Principles

Hebrews 8:12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Because God is holy, He demands holiness on our part (1 Peter 1:15-16). Because God is just, He demands punishment for sin (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 1:18; 5:18). Because God is love, He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin and to restore us to the Father (John 3:16). God has forgiven those who are in Christ, and His forgiveness is complete. He can do nothing else to forgive our sins. The sacrifice was paid in full and the wrath of God has been appeased through the blood of Jesus.

1 John 2:2 “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.”

In 2 Corinthians 5:19 the Amplified Bible carries the thought to the fullest when it says, “It was God (personally present) in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against (men) their trespasses (but canceling them): and committing to us the message of reconciliation – of restoration to favor.”

Another passage that relates to forgiveness is Romans 3:24-25, which says, Being justified freely by His grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth to be a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that ere previously committed . . .”

We see from this passage that forgiveness is based upon God’s grace. Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward man; it is a gift and cannot be earned. Grace is separate from the law (John 1:17) and from works (Romans 11:6).

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

87

Foundational Discipling Principles

Forgiveness is not just a remission of past guilt, but includes total deliverance from the power of sin and restoration to fellowship with the living God. We will never be able to know freedom from the power of sin until we begin to understand the meaning of our Father’s forgiveness towards us.

E. Justified Flowing out of the Father’s heart of love and forgiveness has been His purpose to have a people of His own who would have a heart of flesh, not of stone, who would walk in His statutes and obey His ordinances, and who would be His people as He would be their God (Jeremiah 24:7; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:25-27). This plan would include a method to forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34).

Just as the blood of the sacrificial lamb of the sin offering made atonement in the Old Covenant (Leviticus 4), the blood of Jesus Christ redeemed us (Ephesians 1:7) from the kingdom of darkness and we were transferred to the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). When we received Jesus as Lord and Savior, by faith we were looking to the Cross and appropriating the blood of Christ as propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2).

At the same time, through grace the Father justifies us. Justi­ fication is a bookkeeping term, which means to bring two different columns or tallies to the same sum. When Jesus presents His blood to the Father on our account, the slate is wiped clean, all our sins are forgiven, we have peace with God, and are reconciled to Him (Romans 5:1).

Romans 3:21-26 “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth to be a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate 88

Foundational Discipling Principles

at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

A very important event takes place at this same instant of regeneration, redemption, adoption, and justification. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believer (1 Corinthians 1:30). “Imputed” is a legal term meaning “set to his account,” so that he is entitled to plead it in the court of God as though it were personally and inherently his own. Think of it! The righteousness of Jesus Christ became ours personally, which may be stated another way: we have “right standing” with the Father and “stand righteous” in the sight of the Father! It is because of this imputed righteousness that the sins which are pardoned in justification include all sins – past, present, and future.

Romans 5:17-19 “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

F. No Condemnation As believers we must be sensitive to sin in our lives, but to be “sin conscious” is to live in legalism, condemnation, and bondage. We are to “set our minds on the things above” (Colossians 3:2) and dwell on whatever is pure (Philippians 4:8). When we understand who we are “in Christ,” that God Himself is our very righteousness, that we are the righteousness of God in Him, and that we are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), we can walk without guilt and condemnation.

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus . . .”

89

Foundational Discipling Principles

Romans 8:31-34, 38-39 “. . . If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us . . . For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.�

We are invited to draw near with confidence and to enter boldly into His presence. Our loving Father desires for us to seek Him, not to cower away in fear of His wrath for our past sins. They are gone forever, as far as the deepest ocean, never to be brought up again.

The story is told of a believer standing on the shore of a sea when the spray from the pounding wake fell on his arm as drops. At that moment the Father spoke into his mind to flick the drops back into the ocean, which he did. The Father said that he was to recover the drops again. When he replied that it was impossible, he heard the Lord quietly and lovingly say that it is the same with his sins. They were cast into the sea of forgetfulness, never to be recovered.

G. Our Response/Fulfilled Righteousness With this sense of forgiveness, of right standing with the Father, of being a new creation without any condemnation or guilt, and of being a partaker of the divine nature, the new believer can have a more clear understanding of sanctification. At the moment of regeneration the believer was sanctified (Hebrews 10:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30), that is, set apart unto God. He becomes a son, a saint, a priest, part of the family of God, etc. He is no longer what he was. But more than this takes place! He is empowered to live a righteous and holy life by the grace of God (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

The new nature yearns for God with the whole heart. There is a pull and tug toward God in all things, of not being satisfied with anything less than knowing Him. This is the mighty power of God at work, gradually transforming the believer into the image of Christ 90

Foundational Discipling Principles

(Romans 8:29). The believer finds that he wants to obey God, to grow in His Word, and to love Him; however, should he yield to temptation and sin, he does not need to fall back again into the pattern of guilt and condemnation. He has an advocate!

1 John 1:3,7,9 “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ . . . but if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin . . . If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Forgiveness and fellowship come with the realization that the Father is always eager to have us come to Him with a repentant heart.

King David is a good example here. When he sinned, he repented; in doing so, he was a man “after God’s own heart.” As the believer turns to the Lord with a whole heart and throws himself at the mercy of the Lord, he finds the Father running toward him to receive him as the prodigal’s father did.

“Almighty Father, You have given us so much, it is beyond comprehension at times, yet evident in Your generosity and grace. It is an exciting thing to have relationship with my Creator, and to be able to call You Father is unfathomable. Use my life to bless You, Lord, and to give evidence of Your Fatherhood before all the nations, that they may know You fully, as Abba, Father. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our brother, Lord, and Savior, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

91

Principle Five:

Forgiveness

, A. Introduction

I

n the previous lesson we gained insight into God’s provision of love and forgiveness towards us. We deserved the very maximum punishment for our sins, yet God showed us His forgiveness when He gave us His maximum through Jesus His Son. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and totally released us from its power. The law of God is now fulfilled with just one word . . .LOVE! It would be impossible to love as Jesus loves without forgiveness. Love and forgiveness are united in holy wedlock and are impossible to separate. When the Bible refers to “agapao” love (the Greek word for God’s love), it includes in its meaning, forgiveness.

Every sincere Christian wants to love unconditionally as Jesus does, but doesn’t know how. Nevertheless, this fact is inescapable: our love for God is directly related to and measured by our love for one another.

Romans 13:8-10 “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

92

Foundational Discipling Principles

It was sin that separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and it is sin that separates us from man. It is only through appropriating God’s forgiveness that we are restored to a right relationship with God. It is only through the giving of forgiveness to others that we can have true relationships (intimate fellowship) with them. Without forgiveness, it is impossible to trust, and without trust, there can be no relationships.

Broken relationships can be the source of much of our grief and sorrow in this life. However, when restored, relationships can be a source of great joy and fulfillment. The evidence of an immature life, spiritually and soulishly, is a string of broken relationships. If we desire to walk in all that is necessary to gain freedom and maturity, then we must understand and appropriate FORGIVENESS. B. What is Forgiveness?

God placed in the heart of every individual some basic needs.

They are: • Love • Acceptance • Security • Purpose for living • Recognition and appreciation • Nurturing and physical affection When these needs are not met, or if we feel they have not been fulfilled by others (such as our parents not ministering to our needs when we were children), then we perceive those unmet needs as rejection. Rejection can be real or imagined, conscious or unconscious. When these God-given needs are not met and we feel rejection, we then consciously or unconsciously judge that individual and unforgiveness sets in.

We must choose to quit blaming others no matter what offenses they have committed against us (or we think they have committed against us). As Christians we have no choice but to forgive, or we will not be forgiven ourselves (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness chooses to release an offense or expectation from those who have wronged us either through ignorance or willful action. It literally 93

Foundational Discipling Principles

means to cancel a debt completely, to release from a debt, to pardon, to remit from guilt or the penalty of guilt.

Forgiveness does not mean that what the offender has done against you is right; it simply means that you refuse to be the judge.

With forgiveness we allow God to be the Judge. The reason God left vengeance and vindication to Himself is that when we “get ‘em,” we destroy a little part of ourselves, as well as the person we have judged. This then destroys the relationship between us. When God “gets ‘em,” His ultimate purpose is always restoration: of us, of the one who has damaged us, and of the relationship. Also, God does not carry grudges.

Many Christians have people in their lives with whom they can get no peace, particularly those who are extremely destructive and abusive. What are we to do in situations like these? We must understand that God has not called or commanded us to walk in intimate fellowship and communion with everyone, but He has called and commanded us to love and forgive everyone.

C. What is the Fruit of Unforgiveness?

Almost every Christian who sincerely loves God and wants to follow after Him struggles with a critical heart. Often it is unspoken, but inevitably when I have asked a group to confess publicly if they struggle with criticism, every hand goes up. We all hate it, but have not known what to do with it. We have not understood that criticism is based on judgment, unforgiveness and hatred!

Unforgiveness has other names as well: resentment, bitterness, and rebellion (bitterness in Hebrew means rebellion). Some other fruits of unforgiveness and judgment are: depression; unbelief; insensitivity to self, to others. and to God; ungratefulness; tension; shallowness; sickness; bone problems; self-hatred; impatience; frustration; selfishness; negativism; passivity; self-righteousness; rigidity; legalism; adultery; divorce; fornication; gossip; criticism; rejection; fear; hatred; reviling; rebellion; defensiveness; homosexuality; addictions to drugs, pornography, alcohol, tobacco, television; any obsessive-compulsive behavior; and any kind of witchcraft!

These are many of the different fruits of unforgiveness; but the root system of all unforgiveness is pride.

94

Foundational Discipling Principles

According to Proverbs 13:10, pride always results in contention.

The word “contention” in Hebrew means “quarrel”. Unforgiveness usually results in a quarrel.

Proverbs 28:25 states that a person with a proud heart stirs up strife. The Hebrew word for “strife” here means “a contest or quarrel,” but its root word means “to rule; to judge; also to strive; to minister or execute judgment.”

It would also be good for us to examine closely the word “pride.”

In the Hebrew, pride means “to rise up.” It also means “to seethe.”

When pride is at work in us, something “rises up” in our chest and, if it is not dealt with, begins to “seethe” there. We all experience this “rising up” and “seething” in our lives on a recurring basis.

The conclusion is that pride causes all judgment and unforgiveness. If pride is the root of unforgiveness and judgment, then pride and unforgiveness are the root of all sin.

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

D. What are the Consequences of Unforgiveness?

1. Judgment and unforgiveness hinder our fellowship with God and keep our prayers from being answered.

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

When we walk in unforgiveness against others, our own judgment hinders the answering of our prayers for God to change the circumstances.

95

Foundational Discipling Principles

Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

2. Through unforgiveness we bind the person in the very thing that we want to see changed.

John 20:23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

“Binding and loosing” really mean “judging and forgiving.”

When we judge someone, we bind him or her in the very thing we judge. When we loose them through forgiveness, they are free to change and allow God to work in their lives.

The word for “loosed” as used in Matthew 18:27 and the word for “forgive” and “forgiven” in Luke 6:37 are the same in the Greek.

This word, “apaluo,” means “to free fully, i.e., relieve, release, dismiss, or pardon.” It is translated into English as forgive, loose, release and set at liberty. It is from the root word “luo” which means to “loosen” and is used in Matthew 18:18: “. . .whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The word “binding” in the Greek is used often in connection with “putting people in prison” or “being in prison.” Colossians 4:3 quotes Paul as saying he is in bonds, meaning he is in prison. In Acts 9:2, Paul is noted as having bound Christians to take them to prison. Once again we see in Acts 12:6 that Peter was bound with two chains while in prison. We know from previous study that judgment and unforgiveness put those we have judged in prison. We now see that binding is also related to putting people in prison.

3. Through unforgiveness we put a stumbling block in another’s way. In fact, the word for stumbling block in the Greek is the same word for the word offense.

Romans 14:12-13 “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather 96

Foundational Discipling Principles

resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

Luke 17:1-3 “. . . It is impossible that no offenses would come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.”

Have you ever noticed that you behave in a certain way only around certain people? Almost every time you see that person you will commit the same sin. It could be because they have judged you or because of your own judgments against them. A stumbling block of judgment will keep you bound in that sin. The only solution to walking free of the judgments of others and not being bound in our own judgments is to walk in absolute forgiveness at all times. Then and only then will Isaiah 54:17 be ours: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the Lord.”

4. Unforgiveness can hinder our witness to others. We have all heard people say, “Well, if that’s what being a Christian is like, I don’t want any part of it.” Is it any wonder that so many of our lost loved ones aren’t saved in answer to prayers when we have never dealt with our bitterness and judgments against them?

We can indeed hinder God reaching someone for the kingdom because of our unforgiveness toward him or her.

Proverbs 18:19 “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.”

5. Through unforgiveness the very thing that we hate and judge in another may come upon us.

97

Foundational Discipling Principles

Romans 2:1 “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

6. If unforgiveness continues, we can be delivered over to the tormentors (demons or satanic devices).

Matthew 18:34-35 “And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

7. We give Satan a legal foothold in our lives if we do not forgive.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

E. The Way of the Cross Most of us have read Jesus’ words about taking up our cross daily and following Him, but we have had no real practical way to do that.

Forgiveness is the “cross life.” It is taking the offenses of others against us, real or imagined, upon ourselves and giving up all our rights to punish others or vindicate ourselves in any way. True death to self is the cross life of forgiveness.

Luke 14:27 “and whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

How then is the cross applied in our lives?

• See God through the offender (Romans 8:28-29).

• Know God will work for our good.

• Die to soulish habit patterns, which developed from a seed of bitterness.

• Walk tenderly, with mercy towards one another, watching over your heart with diligence (Proverbs 4:23).

98

Foundational Discipling Principles

• Restore love by investing a treasure in that person’s life (Matthew 6:21). Example: pray blessings, meet a need, correct false reports about them, and think how they benefit your life.

F. How to Forgive 1. Meditate on what Christ did by dying for you even though you were a sinner (Romans 5:8).

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart.

3. Recognize that unforgiveness and bitterness is sin.

4. Confess and repent of this sin.

5. Claim Jesus’ act of forgiveness and appropriate His blood for cleansing.

6. Walk through Gethsemane with Christ by choosing God’s will rather than your will.

7. Choose to forgive and release the offender from judgment.

8. Ask God for a new heart toward that person.

9. Do not bring the offense up again, either to the offender, others, or yourself.

10. Enjoy the victory!

“Lord, You know all and everything about us. You know every word that proceeds from our mouths and every contention that dwells within our hearts. Search our hearts, Lord God, and bring out the dross and impurities that reside there. Deliver us from unforgiveness, give us a clean heart toward our neighbor, our family, and ultimately toward You, Father. Lead us to follow in the steps of Your Son Jesus, and let no guile be found in our mouths. Bring to us the gift of repentance unto forgiveness so that we might turn away from a rebellious spirit and hold nothing within us that would keep us from a full fellowship with You, Lord. We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

99

Principle Six:

The Lifestyle of Repentance

, A. Introduction Hebrews 6:11 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.�

I

n this series we have studied the biblical view of sin, repentance, our covenant relationship with God, the Father heart of God, and the importance of forgiveness. This last lesson of this series will deal with the lifestyle of repentance. We will examine the difference between initial repentance and continual repentance, the results of not repenting, how to take back the ground from the enemy, and how to walk in freedom.

B. Initial Repentance We are born again when we repent from dead works and place our faith in God. Before we were saved we went our own way and did our own thing (Romans 3:10-12). At conversion, we turn from sin, from self, and from the world’s system. We no longer place our trust and commitment in these things, but we place our faith in God. We then receive a new heart and the desire to please God (Ezekiel 18:30-31). This does not mean that we never sin again, but that our essential nature has been changed from that of pleasing self to that of pleasing God. 100

Foundational Discipling Principles

Initial repentance and conversion is a one-time experience for a believer; it can never be repeated. There are some people who go down to the altar time and time again to “get saved.” They respond to every altar call, but they have no assurance of salvation or any spiritual maturity. The writer of the book of Hebrews addressed this problem of spiritual immaturity in chapters 5 and 6. He had to limit the depth of his teaching because these people could only partake of milk instead of solid food (Hebrews 5:11-14).

The whole point of Hebrews 6:1-12 is the necessity of “going on.” It is true that new Christians are spiritually immature, but there should be continual growth and progression towards maturity. It is necessary to be a baby for a while, but not forever. It is tragic when a person has been a Christian for years, yet they are still barely surviving on milk. God wants us to grow up! That is why He says that we must learn the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, have a foundation laid in our lives and then go on to maturity. We do not need to keep on laying the foundation of repentance and faith.

Once the foundation is laid, our responsibility is to build upon it (1 Corinthians 3:10-17).

The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that it is impossible for those who have been saved to be save again (Hebrews 6:4-8). If a person turns from God for a time, it is God’s desire for him to repent so that the relationship can be restored. However, this repentance is not initial repentance all over again. It is not “getting saved” again. According to Hebrews 6:6, if a person’s initial conversion experience did not last, then Jesus would have to go through the shame of being crucified again, but this is impossible. Jesus died one time and His one sacrifice has “. . . perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). It is impossible to be born again more than once. It is possible to walk the aisle many times, say the sinner’s prayer many times, join a church many times or say you are a new Christian many times, but you can be truly born again only once.

Hebrews 10:10 “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

101

Foundational Discipling Principles

C. Continual Repentance 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

As we previously learned, a person is radically changed at the moment of conversion. He has a new heart, a new spirit, and a new nature that desires to please God rather than self. However, it is still possible for a Christian to sin. In fact, 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Not only that, but we also make God “. . . a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10). So, what should we do when we sin? REPENT! 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

While initial repentance happens only once, there is also a lifestyle of continual repentance. This repentance is more than a onetime experience; it is ongoing. Repentance does not end with initial repentance; this is only the beginning of the lifestyle of repentance.

When a Christian sins, the Holy Spirit will convict him of his sin.

God’s desire is for the restoration of the relationship that sin broke.

That is why “. . . we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” 1 John 2:1). When conviction comes, the Christian should confess his sin to God and turn from it.

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

We walk in the light by walking in the revelation of God. As God is revealed to us, we see ourselves in His light. As we see His holiness, justice, and love, we see our own need for change. The desire for change, coupled with godly sorrow for our ungodly condition, causes us to continually turn from self to God. This is the lifestyle of repentance.

102

Foundational Discipling Principles

To conclude this section, we will summarize the difference between initial repentance and continual repentance. Initial repentance occurs at conversion and it means that we turn from what we are – sinners ruled by self, sin, and the world. Continual repentance is the lifestyle of turning from self, sin, and the world to God that occurs throughout our Christian life. It means that we repent for what we have done – specific sins, or for what we have not done – sins of omission.

D. What Happens if We do not Repent?

Hebrews 10:26-31 “For if we sin willfully after we have received knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Of how much words punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” When we sin, God’s desire is for us to get back into His will through repentance. If we refuse to repent and choose to keep on sinning, the blood of Christ does not cover the sins that we do not repent of. There is no sacrifice for sins outside of the cross. Unless we repent, appropriate the blood of Christ and receive God’s forgiveness, we have nothing but a fearful expectation of God’s judgment. The Holy Spirit convicts us for the very purpose of bringing us to repentance and restored fellowship with God. If we do not respond to His conviction, then God will chasten us.

The Greek word of “chasten” is “paideuo,” which means “to train up a child through discipline and punishment.” God is a loving Father who always disciplines in love (Revelation 3:19). He never chastens a perfectly obedient child, and He never acts capriciously or harshly toward the disobedient.

103

Foundational Discipling Principles

God will first chasten us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

If we do not respond to His Word, then He will use whatever means necessary to get our attention and correct our behavior (Isaiah 48:15-19; Psalm 81:8-16; Proverbs 1:23-33). There are natural consequences for sin (you reap what you sow), but there is also the direct intervention of the Lord in our lives for the purpose of chastening. Hebrews 12:10-11 reveals that chastening is “. . . for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.” Also, chastening “. . . yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:5-7 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son there whom a father does not chasten?”

These verses reveal two incorrect responses to the Lord’s chastening. It is wrong to despise chastening (Proverbs 3:11-12) and it is also wrong to be discouraged by chastening. The proper response is to endure chastening with the knowledge that our loving Father is correcting us for our benefit. Not responding to the chastening of the Lord can lead to sickness and even early death (Proverbs 15:10; 1 Corinthians 11:27-34). There is a “sin unto death” (1 John 5:16).

The passage in 1 Corinthians 11 speaks of Christians who were sick, Christians who were weak, and some who were even dead because they did not judge themselves. Since they did not judge themselves by repenting of their sins, they were judged and chastened by the Lord.

Revelations 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

We must always remember that God chastens us because He loves us. Those who are not chastened by God are not His children (Hebrews 12:8). The fact that we are chastened proves that we are children of God. Our Father will never forsake us even when He must discipline us.

104

Foundational Discipling Principles

Psalm 89:30-34 “If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they break My statutes and do not keep My commandments, then I will visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, nor allow My faithfulness to fail. My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.”

E. Taking Back the Land Psalm 81:8-16 reveals that God wanted to bless His people and subdue their enemies, but He did not because of their disobedience and failure to listen to Him. Likewise, God wants to bless us and subdue our enemies, but when we walk in unrepentant sin, God allows the enemy to move against us. An example of this is found in Matthew 18:21-35. When we do not forgive, God turns us over to the tormentors until we repent. Living a life of sin is one reason many Christians are bound and tormented; they have simply given ground to the enemy. God wants us to live a victorious life. He does not want us to be bound, but free. Therefore, we need to know how to take back any ground we have given and how to walk in freedom.

The book of Joshua reveals how the children of Israel took possession of the land of Canaan. They had to do battle with the enemies in the land. The Lord left these enemies in the land to teach His people how to war and to test their obedience (Judges 3:1-4). In reality, God fought for them when they lived obediently and worshiped Him rather than false gods. Whenever there was sin in the camp, the children of Israel were defeated (Joshua 7). When they repented and dealt with the sin, God defeated the enemy for them (Joshua 8).

There are several truths we need to understand concerning spiritual warfare. First, sin breaks fellowship with God and gives ground to the enemy. Second, repentance restores our relationship with God and frees us to go forth in His power. Third, we still have to fight the enemy. We cannot be passive concerning sin or the ground we have given to the enemy. We must aggressively repent and retake!

James 4:7-8 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to 105

Foundational Discipling Principles

you. Cleanse your hands, you sinner; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Some people try to resist the devil without submitting to God. They soon learn that submission to God must come first. It is only as we live a life totally submitted to the Lordship of Christ (by being obedient and quick to repent when disobedient) that we can have victory over the enemy.

We must realize that as Christians we are “saved,” but we are also “being saved.” When we were born again, the Spirit of God made our spirits totally new and alive. However, we still have areas in our souls (mind, will, and emotions) that need to be renewed. The book of James was written to believers, yet it tells us to “. . . receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). There are areas in us that we are still battling over.

Ephesians 4:22-24 says that we are to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, which involves putting off our old habits and putting on new ones. Romans 12:1-2 reveals that we do this by presenting our bodies a living sacrifice to God. As we die to self by choosing God’s will rather than our own, we will be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. We will also be able to resist the enemy and walk in freedom!

“Lord God Almighty, thank You for Your essence of food in Your Word. Bless You Lord for Your gift of salvation and the evidence of Your love in Your chastening of us. Bring us from milk into solid food for our maturity for walking with You, Lord Father. Quicken in us anything that would cause us to lose ground in the kingdom so that we may quickly retake it and continue on with You. We praise You as the Most High God, Our Father and Redeemer, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

106

III. FAITH Principle One:

Faith Toward God

, A. Introduction

T

here is a basic fundamental relationship between repentance and faith that is necessary for the Christian to understand in order to walk the path of faith. In Hebrews 6 this relationship is stated as repentance “from” dead works and faith “toward” God. Paul illustrated this fact clearly by preaching “. . . to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Repentance, which is a “turning from,” is really not complete without “facing toward” God. Both repentance and faith are gifts from God, initiated freely according to His grace. They are inseparable; one cannot exist without the other. The same Holy Spirit who creates within us the response of repentance also creates within us the ability to believe.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. . .”

2 Timothy 2:25 “. . . if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth. . .”

107

Foundational Discipling Principles

B. The Importance of Faith Faith is the basic necessity of every Christian for only with faith can we perform the necessary functions of the Christian life. It is by faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:38). Faith is one of the basic principles to be established in a believer’s heart and life (Hebrews 6:1).

It is only by faith that we can please God (Hebrews 11:6).

It is by faith that we are sanctified (Acts 26:18).

It is by faith that we wage spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:34).

By faith, we receive the promises of God (Hebrews 11:33).

It is by faith we live the Christian life (Galatians 2:20).

These scriptures make it obvious that faith is vitally important to the Christian. It is absolutely impossible to live the Christian life without faith. In fact, Romans 14:22-23 states that whatever is in our lives that is not of faith is sin. Faith is the basis of the Christian life.

Since faith is so important, we need to know what it is.

C. Definition of Faith The Greek word for “faith” is “pistis,” which means “firm persuasion; strong and welcome belief; conviction of the truth of anything.”

I2 Timothy 1:12 “. . . for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” Faith is not imagination, or the wishing of things into being. It is the conviction of truth by the inner working of the Holy Spirit, who only persuades us to believe what actually exists. If God gives us the faith for something, we can be sure that in the mind of God that thing really exists.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

108

Foundational Discipling Principles

We cannot work ourselves up into believing. It is not the result of mental gymnastics. The Holy Spirit must place the ability to believe God within our hearts.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. . .”

God communicates His thoughts through His Word. When He enables us to hear what He is saying to us by the Spirit, this creates within us the response of believing, of being persuaded that what He is saying is indeed true and directed to us.

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith is more than merely believing certain things to be true. It is more than mentally agreeing with a set of facts. For example, it is not enough just to know and believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for our sins. We must act on that belief by placing our trust and dependence in His blood and His finished work at Calvary.

We must know the truth, we must believe the truth, but we must also commit ourselves totally to the truth. Faith is absolute trust, reliance, and dependence on God. D. Kinds of Faith Paul basically presents three kinds of faith: saving faith, doctrinal faith, and practical faith. Saving faith is the initial faith that God bestows by grace in the heart of the unbeliever to repent and trust Him (Ephesians 2:8).

John 1:12-13 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man, but of God.” Doctrinal faith includes the convictions within the heart, the presuppositions that determine the acts of our will, and the principles 109

Foundational Discipling Principles

which we live by or die for. It is by these life principles that choices are made. Doctrinal beliefs are those things that we choose to believe God has said concerning Himself and us.

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the faith. . .”

Jude 3 “. . . and I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Colossians 2:7 “Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Practical faith is a lifestyle of daily confidence in God and obedience to God, placing no confidence in our ability or ourselves.

When we abandon ourselves and throw ourselves completely upon God as our source, provision, strength, ability, authority, and power; our total dependence and security is in Him. Obedient faith then appropriates the positional promises and provisions of the Word of God, and the lifestyle of faith develops as we walk in them. Later lessons will present this kind of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Romans 4:19-21 “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that, what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

E. Faith Toward God Faith is not simply the ability to look on the bright side or the power to cause impossible things to happen. Faith, like love and hope, is a matter of relationship. It is not “faith” that is the foundation of Hebrews 6:1, but “faith toward God.” This means an attitude of 110

Foundational Discipling Principles

complete confidence in the Person of God, rather than simply in the great things He can do.

When God spoke to Abraham concerning His intentions to bless him and make him the father of many nations, He said first, “I am Almighty God” and then He added, “I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you. . .” (Genesis 17:1-6). All the “I wills” depend on the one “I am.” It is the character of God that guarantees His promise. Faith is the response in the heart of the believer to trust God’s character and to take His Word as true and absolutely reliable.

All Biblical faith begins with a divine revelation of God “. . . for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Before faith can be expressed in the heart of a person, he must receive a word from God that reveals His character and His will. God honors faith and He is always looking for a man who will believe this revelation of His character and His Word. Faith is based upon the character of God, that is, knowing who God is and what God says.

F. Four Examples of Faith 1. Abel – Hebrews 11:4 tells us that faith is an offering – a sacrifice.

Abel offered up his sacrifice and he also offered up his life. You and I must offer up our lives, too. Even as Abel’s faith cost him his very life, your faith will cost you your life. You are no longer your own; you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

You died in Christ and now live by His faith (Galatians 2:20).

Abel’s sacrifice speaks of his faith, for it was an act of worship based on what God had spoken.

2. Enoch – Faith is not only an offering, it is also a walk (Hebrews 11:5). Faith is a way of life that pleases God because it believes that He is and He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

The Bible gives no indication that Enoch’s walk was not without obstacles, trials, disappointments or frustrations, yet he continued on with God until God took him.

111

Foundational Discipling Principles

3. Abraham – Faith is not only an offering and a walk, but also a pilgrimage (Hebrews 11:8). Actually, we are foreigners – strangers in an alien society. We, like Abraham, are looking for “. . . the city which has no foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

4. Moses – Faith is also a choice (Hebrews 11:24-25). By faith, Moses chose to suffer the afflictions of the children of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. This was not an easy choice, but choices of such magnitude and consequence will never be easy for anyone. Every person who is confronted with God’s Word must make this choice.

G. The Law of Faith Having repented and expressed faith toward God, the new believer no longer lives according to the law of sin and death but according to the law of faith.

Galatians 3:9-14 “So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.’ But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘The just shall live by faith.’ Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘The man who does them shall live by them.’ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Herein is the law of faith: a man is justified by faith in the finished work of Christ (Romans 3:28), not by keeping any set of rules or by doing any good works, The righteousness that God requires of man is set forth in the law. If it were possible for man to keep the whole law without a slip, he would be righteous before God. He is unable to do so because the unsaved man is totally depraved (it is his nature to sin).

112

Foundational Discipling Principles

We are reconciled to God and made righteous through the work of Christ as we identify ourselves with Him by faith. This faith is based on a thorough turning from self-reliance and dead works to a complete trust in the work of another, Jesus Christ. Instead of working to merit righteousness, we agree with God that this is impossible and we accept His alternative, which is to credit us with the righteousness of Christ.

Romans 5:18-19 “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

It is true for each of us that the foundation of our faith must be based on Jesus Christ and His finished work on the Cross. God’s decision to declare sinners righteous came from His own initiative; nothing or no one made Him do it. From before the foundation of the earth, even before all men sinned, God had planned a means of reconciliation through Christ. He had determined to justify man by identifying him with Jesus Christ. Therefore, together with the apostle Paul we can say, “. . . I know whom I believed. . .” (2 Timothy 1:12), and as a result of this personal acquaintance we have a solid confidence concerning the well-being of our souls. Jesus is the rock of our salvation!

“We give You thanks, Lord, for Your gift of salvation, which we humbly receive in repentance and faith. Our confidence is in You, Heavenly Father, and that You will complete Your conforming work in us. We praise You for Your steadfastness and faithfulness to Your Word. In You we can trust and believe that all You have said will come to pass, and in that we can rest, by faith. Bless the name of the Lord in His name, Jesus, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

113

Principle Two:

The Abiding Faith

, A. Introduction

W

e live in an exciting age in which signs and wonders are following those who are walking in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. God is demonstrating the glory of His presence and the power of His touch in ways that have us on our face before His awesome majesty. Additionally, He is responding to believing prayer by graciously healing and restoring us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yet, many feel left behind in these times, unable to partake of the benefits of their birthright and of the Kingdom. It has been my experience that it seems hard for many Christians to function in the realm of the Spirit rather than just intellect. For the new believer (or even one who has been a Christian for many years) the answer may lie in the foundation of their faith. If the foundation is faulty, the whole house is in danger. However, when the foundation of faith is securely laid, then the house will stand in times of testing (Matthew 7:24-27).

Many pursue different doctrine or truths concerning faith which have led them astray from the foundation. This has led to heresy, majoring in the minor things, losing their first love, and building one’s own kingdom rather than Christ’s. When faith is not built on Jesus Christ, it then becomes shipwrecked or ruined. Shipwrecked faith was mentioned numerous times throughout the New Testament times as those who: 114

Foundational Discipling Principles

• • • • •

Fall into error regarding faith: 1 Timothy 6:10,21; Exercise their faith in vain: 1 Corinthians 15:17; Denied their faith: 1 Timothy 5:8; Turned away from faith: Acts 13:8; Put away their faith: 1 Timothy 1:19.

What then is the foundation of faith upon which all else is built?

The Scriptures plainly indicate that the foundation of our faith is relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). It is responding to Him as Lord through obedience to His commands and then growing in maturity through continually abiding in His presence.

B. The Crucified Resurrected Life We have come to understand that our nature was once turned toward the world and all it had to offer. When we were brought into the family of God we receive the nature of God with the impartation of the Holy Spirit. We were made complete in Him – containing the Godhead: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Colossians 2:10 Amplified Bible).

The life that we now live as believers is not our own; it belongs to Christ. He gave it to us. It is through faith that the truth of this reality is made possible within the life of the believer. When Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross, we were placed on the same cross with Him and actually died with Him. The realities of the new birth are enhanced with the understanding that as He was crucified, we actually were crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). When He was raised, we were raised through the same operation of the power of God (Colossians 2:12).

WE ARE DEAD, but yet WE LIVE! The life that we now live, we live by the faith of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20). We were resurrected to a life of faith and power, and a new dimension in a new kingdom. We are in the world, but no longer of this world.

Everything about us is different from the way the world operates.

What the world says is foolish (the cross) has become the foundation of our faith.

115

Foundational Discipling Principles

Romans 6:6 “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

It is through faith that we know we are dead. The term “knowing” is a revelatory word meaning “to know that you know that you know.” Just as we know by revelation that we are saved, we can also know that we have been crucified with our Lord. The Spirit within us must signify the truth to our spirit. “Yes, I am crucified, nevertheless I live” – it is not until we receive this revelation through the Spirit that faith will be there to believe what is shown us in the Word.

Romans 6:11 “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Once the truth of the fact of our crucifixion with Christ becomes our experience, it then becomes necessary to “reckon” ourselves to be dead unto sin but alive to God. To “reckon” is an accounting term which means, “to add up the facts.” What are the facts? We have been crucified through the body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are now sons of God. Note the order laid out for us in Romans: first comes the knowing (revelation), then comes the reckoning. It is impossible to reckon before knowing. It is only after we receive revelation that we can act on it.

Faith is the key to possessing the truths of the Kingdom. Without faith there is no maturing into the depths of the mysteries of God (it would be vanity without faith). Without faith there is no possessing.

Without faith it is impossible to walk in a pleasing and confident relationship with the Father (Hebrews 11:6).

C. Who We are in Him The Word of God is the source where all revelation is clearly defined.

It has many things to say regarding our position in Christ. Positional truths are specific statements in the Bible concerning the believer’s place or position provided for him/her through Christ. It is through application of these precious truths that we begin to be conformed 116

Foundational Discipling Principles

into the image of Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The following is just a small portion of what the Word says about us: • I am in Christ, and Christ is in me (John 14:20).

• I am forgiven of sins through Christ (Acts 13:38).

• I am dead to sins (Romans 6:2).

• I am no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6).

• I am being renewed day by day (little by little) (2 Corinthians 4:16).

• I am a holy temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:17).

• I am made righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

• I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

• I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6).

• I am protected from the evil one (John 17:15).

Many believers do not experience these truths in their daily walk because they have been taught the positional truths of Christ without being taught that they can actually walk in these truths by faith! The positional promises are not for when we walk through the gates of heaven one day, but are to be experienced in the overcoming life of the believer NOW. We have seen the necessity of knowing the truth of who we are in Christ and of reckoning ourselves to be dead to sin and alive to God. We must begin to act like, behave like, who were really are by putting off the old man and putting on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Romans 6:6-14 tells us that we must then present ourselves to God rather than to sin. We all know how to yield to sin, but we must learn to yield to God instead. By an act of our will we must say “No” to sin and “Yes” to God. By doing this we are presenting ourselves “. . . a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. . .”(Romans 12:1).

D. Abiding Faith Everyone who has a heart for God wants to know what it means to live in the realm of faith. There is more emphasis today on the teaching of faith than ever before, to the extent that there are whole denominations built on it. People are hungry for real faith, but faith is more than confession and possession (also known as “name it and claim it”). A faith-filled life is a relationship of complete and 117

Foundational Discipling Principles

continual trust in God. It is a life whereby the believer puts no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3), but all confidence in God. This life of total dependence upon God is called “Abiding Faith.”

Jesus taught the principles of abiding faith throughout the Gospels.

A major passage covering this truth is in John 15: John 15:4-5, 7 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing . . . If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

The word “abide” simply means, “to stay.” Our relationship to Christ can be better understood by comparing it to the relationship of the branch and the vine. The branch has no life of its own, but is totally dependent on the vine. The branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine. In fact, if the branch becomes separated from the vine it dies, because it loses its source of life. As the branch must remain in the vine to survive, so must we continually abide in Christ. We do not have a life of faith outside of this branch-vine relationship because Jesus is our Life (John 14:6). Faith will not bear eternal fruit outside of relationship with Him for He is the source of true faith. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Yet, in Him we can do all things (Philippians 4:13).

Through faith, we abide in active relationship with Christ. We approach Him in faith and we abide in faith. It is through the revelation of this “in Him” principle that we understand where He has placed us positionally. We can come to know it and experience it daily. It is not something that we experience only once in a while, but a position that we remain in. We are a part of it because we have been joined to Christ. The book of Romans compares this to a literal marriage relationship with Christ (Romans 7:4). At this present time we are to bear fruit from this relationship and interchange of life.

It is through the realization of this “in Christ” relationship that we enter into rest.

118

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. The Rest of Faith When Jesus issued His great invitation to enter into rest, He offered it in a twofold way. First, He offered rest to those who needed deliverance from the bondage of the world or the burden of living without a relationship with the Father. He also talked of an inner rest for those who desire to know Him. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

True faith rests upon the character of God and comes out of relationship with Him. As we come to find Him absolutely true and trustworthy, and we begin to understand His love and concern for us, a deep, bedrock trust develops in our hearts. We become convinced beyond any possible doubt that God is altogether worthy of our trust.

Even when we do not understand God’s ways, we must trust in His character. As long as we question the wisdom of any of God’s ways, our faith is still undeveloped and lacking (Hebrews 11:6).

Jesus taught of coming to a rest of faith where we are not anxious about the things of life (Matthew 6:25-32). If by faith we believe that the Father cares for us and is in control of the circumstances and events of our lives, then all anxiety may be released in faith. To do otherwise is to control our lives ourselves. The Lord desires us to come to the place where we can say in faith with the apostle Paul, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . .” (Philippians 4:11).

The “roll call of faith,” Hebrews 11, focuses on maintaining our confidence in God and being willing to glorify and obey Him, even at a great personal cost. Our whole lives should be characterized by an attitude of faith which finds its strength in the character of God. The key to the life of faith lies in having an individual revelation of God. We must see Him as He is: 1. God is Pre-eminent over all, Creator, Sustainer, Designer, Eternally existent, Lord over all lords and King over all kings.

119

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. God chose us, so we need a definite sense of being called and chosen by Him (1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9).

3. God gave promises to us (2 Peter 1:3-4).

4. God possesses the power to bring about what He has promised.

Our lives are in His hands to complete what He began in us (Philippians 1:3-6).

Abraham is represented as the standard of faith for all believers (Romans 4:16-24). In studying these verses we find that Abraham had a revelation of God’s character (verses 17, 21) and of God’s will (verse 18). He responded by accepting God’s promise (verse 18), renouncing all confidence in human ability (verse 19-20) and resting on the faithfulness of God (verse 21). He did not waver through unbelief.

The life of faith is characterized upon God in dependence, confidence, and trust. When we do this, we are able to say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). Faith means to absolutely trust and depend upon God no matter what the circumstances are like. This life of dependency on God is also exemplified in the lives of Shadrak, Meshach, and Abednego. When they were ordered

by King Nebuchadnezzar to worship the gold idol under the threat of being burned alive, the three Israelites demonstrated their complete dependence upon God by saying: Daniel 3:16-18 “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O King. But if not, let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

This “but if not” kind of faith absolutely trusts in God no matter what. It means to trust God in the good times as well as the bad, in times of plenty as well as lack, and in times of joy as well as mourning. This is what Paul meant when he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). He did not mean that we will always do great and magnificent things for 120

Foundational Discipling Principles

God. He meant that we can face whatever comes our way through abiding faith in Christ.

Moses, when beseeching the Lord to see His glory, wanted to enter into a deeper relationship with Him. God answered and promised him that he and the nation of Israel would have two distinguishing characteristics from all other nations of the earth. The first was God’s presence in their midst and the second was the fact that they would enter into His rest (Exodus 33:14). The REST that the nation of Israel experienced was: Daily provision with manna and water from the rock, daily protection from the elements and their enemies, and daily direction with the cloud by day and the fire by night.

Faith is the important key to entering into the rest of the Lord.

We have the promise of rest and it is through this promise that faith can be appropriated and rest can be obtained. This is where we cease from our labors, dead works, strivings and frustrations, and allow Jesus to live His life through us. We will then know His daily provision, protection and direction through the Holy Spirit living within us. We must enter this rest through faith. The children of Israel could not enter the rest because of their unbelief, neither will we if we do not believe.

F. Summary Faith is the substance of the whole Christian life upon which is built a relationship with God. As we come to know God and understand His ways, we are able to cast ourselves upon God, allowing Him to prove Himself faithful and who cares and understands our daily needs. Out of this dependency, faith begins to grow and mature.

Faith, then, is bringing one’s self under submission to God’s will and finding it to be the pleasure of living.

God does indeed want to bless His children. The real issue, however, is the purpose for which God blesses us. God’s blessing is not just for personal gain, but to benefit and bless all the peoples of the earth. To understand this distinction makes all the difference in the world. We need to view ourselves in partnership with God, participating in making the Kingdom of God a reality in our spheres of influence.

121

Foundational Discipling Principles

Every one of us has faith – we are in Christ Jesus and He is in us. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to impart to us the divine nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we become partakers of the character of God (2 Peter 1:4). Now we need to begin to cultivate this soil and to let Jesus be manifested through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We must live like Jesus did by listening to the Father and doing the works of the Father. To live by faith is to be so in communion with Him that when He speaks the word, we are immediately obedient.

“Precious Father, we thank You for Your gift of faith. Help us to abide in faith so that we may be conformed completely into the image of Your Son Jesus. We want to walk in the fullness of faith and for Your glory. As we are faithful, please increase our measure to fullness, Lord. We ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

122

Principle Three:

Living by Revelation

, A. Introduction 2 Timothy 1:12 “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

I

n the previous lesson we discussed the importance of walking in an abiding faith relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to know Him as the author and finisher of our faith. We must be persuaded that He is able to do what He has promised to do. Without this relationship of trust and reliance upon God, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). It is through this relationship that we are to begin to develop a mature faith.

In this lesson I will endeavor to answer some important questions about faith: 1. What is faith’s relationship to the Scriptures?

2. What is the difference between the Word of God and a word from God? 3. What is the difference between “logos” and “rhema”?

4. Does one take the promises in the Bible and try in faith to possess them personally, or are they applied through hearing God concerning each promise?

5. When do you know you are hearing the voice of God?

123

Foundational Discipling Principles

These are only a few of many questions that arise in our hearts when it comes to understanding and building personal faith. The Bible does have a clear answer pertaining to all of these questions.

There is a clear biblical teaching on faith that doesn’t make God the servant of the believer or bring the believer back under legalism.

B. Where Does Faith Come From?

In the way of review from the previous lessons, it is important for us to understand that faith comes from God – it is a gift. Whether we experience “hearing the Word” (Romans 10:17), being “saved by faith” (Ephesians 2:8), receiving “the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), bearing “fruit of faith” (Galatians 5:22), or the “gift of faith” (1 Corinthians 12:9), we need to understand that each deposit of faith comes by the agency of the Holy Spirit. It is “not of works, lest any man should boast.”

C. Faith’s Relationship to Scripture The Christian life is a life of faith, but the question is, upon what is this faith based? The true foundation of the Christian life is Jesus Christ Himself! It is not a set of beliefs; it is not a church, denomination, or creed. It is Jesus Christ Himself, for “no other foundation can anyone lay” (1 Corinthians 3:11; Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6).

This refers to the individual and personal experience of Jesus Christ the Son of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit. “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Now we have come to a very important point: the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Word of God. It goes without saying that throughout Scripture the Bible declares itself to be the “Word of God.” On the other hand there are a number of passages in scripture where the same title – the Word or the Word of God – is given to Jesus Christ Himself (John 1:1, 14; Revelation 19:13). Both are the Word of God since each alike is a divine, authoritative, perfect revelation of God, and each agrees perfectly with the other. The Scripture perfectly reveals Christ, and Christ perfectly fulfills the Scripture.

Scriptures are the written Word of God; Christ is the living Word of God. Before the foundations of the world, Christ was the eternal 124

Foundational Discipling Principles

Word with the Father. In His incarnation Christ is the Word made flesh. In this sense, Christ is perfectly one with the Scriptures.

The source of true biblical faith is the Word of God (Romans 10:17), which is to hear the Lord Jesus Christ speak to the heart by the Holy Spirit. The Living word, the Christ of God, is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The source of true faith then is Jesus Christ, the Living Word, and Scripture, the Written Word. However, the written Word (logos) must become the quickened Word (rhema) to create proper faith.

With this respect for the authority of the Scriptures coupled with the need to build upon the foundation, the believer is in a position to receive faith from the Word as he hears the Lord speak from the Word and obediently applies the teachings to his life. In this way Christ manifests Himself to the disciple (John 14:23) and the personal relationship with the Living Word that God uses the Scriptures to speak to His people.

D. Logos Just as faith is a gift from God, even so the development of faith is from the Lord, as well. We can understand nothing through the human faculty of the mind except that which is revealed by the Spirit. Revelation and faith come through the Spirit breathing life upon the Word of God. There is a difference between the Word of God in general, and the word of God, which is spoken specifically to you. In the Greek New Testament this is sometimes differentiated by the two words, “logos” and “rhema.”

In Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, “logos denotes the expression of thought, not the mere name of an object, but the body, conception, or an idea.” The full meaning of “logos” extends beyond a word that is spoken or written. It denotes those functions, which are the expression of a mind. “Logos” is used to designate any phase of language from the thought and purpose in the mind to the actual expression by which that thought is conveyed to the mind of another.

“Logos,” as used in Scripture, can refer to man-to-man communication or it may signify communication from God to man. Several instances are observed in the New Testament where logos refers to 125

Foundational Discipling Principles

the Old Testament. One good example was Jesus’ accusation of the Jews of “making void the word of God by their traditions” (Matthew 15:6). Jesus used the word logos to denote the Old Testament as the Word of God. Jesus Himself was also an agent of God’s communication. Luke recorded that the crowd was pressing upon Jesus “to hear the word of God” (Luke 5:1).

We can think of “logos” as universal, that is, something which is existent everywhere and under all conditions. Logos is the sum total of God’s utterances, including the law, the prophets as well as the gospels. It is God’s speech, His discourse, which is true everywhere under all conditions.

In this sense, “logos” is the unchanging, self-existent “Word of God.” It is God’s counsel, settled in eternity before time began, and due to continue on into eternity long after time has run its course.

David spoke of this divine logos in Psalm 119:89 when he said, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” Nothing that happens on earth can ever affect or change this word that is eternal in heaven.

Most significantly, logos is used as a name for the Eternal Christ who became flesh – the Living Expression of God’s will, and the Perfect Revelation of His character to man. In the gospel of John 1, it states that Jesus is the Logos of God. W.E. Vine says, “He is the reality and totality of human nature. He was the Shekinah glory in open manifestation. The only begotten Son which is in the house of the Father, He has declared Him.’ Thus the Word Logos is the personal manifestation, not a part of divine nature, but of the whole deity.”

Hallelujah! The eternal God became flesh, clothed with manhood; the Logos was clothed with flesh, to win our eternal salvation.

Without a doubt this is the highest use of logos in the history of literature; the Word was God! Thus, the ultimate meaning of Logos is the incarnate Word of God, Jesus Christ. He is the Word which ends and completes all words.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The Word who was there at the beginning is God’s last Word to man; Jesus, the eternal Word of the eternal God. There, in Jesus, the Word of God, the Logos of God, took final and absolute form.

126

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. Rhema “Rhema” has been defined by Vine’s as “that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing; in the singular, a word . . . in the plural, speech, discourse. The significance of rhema (as distinct from logos) is exemplified in the injunction to take ‘the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,’ Ephesians 6:17; here the reference is not to the whole Bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the with Scripture.”

“Rhema” is derived from a verb meaning, to “speak,” and denotes specifically a word that is spoken; something that occurs in time and space. In Romans 10:17, when Paul said, “. . . faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” he used the word “rhema,” not logos. This agrees with the fact that he couples “word” with “hearing.”

Logically, in order to be heard, a word must be spoken.

Some people have twisted Romans 10:17 to mean, “faith comes by the word of God.” This is not what this passage says or means.

Faith does not come by the word of God; faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We are responsible to be in the word, and as we are, God will speak to us. When He speaks, His “rhema” word will impart faith to us.

“Rhema” often denotes a word that is spoken so a particular action can be taken. When the Bible speaks of idle words being accounted for, it uses rhema. In John 1 logos is divine, while rhema may be a human word. The logos tends to be universal, while the rhema is often used in the particular sense. The logos is objective, while the rhema is often subjective, a word spoken for a particular occasion to a particular person. The logos is eternal, while the rhema is often contemporary (now). This means that when we look at the Word of God, we must be careful to distinguish between the rhema, the word which is spoken for that particular occasion, and the logos, the word which is eternal.

The emphasis with rhema is not on the thought or its objective quality, nor is it as all-inclusive as the word logos. Instead, the emphasis of rhema is on the actual word spoken. Many of us heard the gospel many times before we responded to it. When we heard 127

Foundational Discipling Principles

the gospel, was it not logos the first time we heard it? Of course it was, but as we listened, the Holy Spirit brought increasing conviction to us. Then one wonderful day the word became rhema to us, we heard the voice of God and responded to Him. This is precisely what Romans 10:17 means. The word of God causes us to hear; hearing brings about faith.

So then, rhema can and does refer to an event of revelation. That is to say, when God shows up on the scene, something happens and that “thing” that happens is called rhema. I’m sure an illustration here would be helpful. The event of Christ’s resurrection can be received merely as a historical fact. Believing this truth would be sufficient if entrance into the presence of God were determined by passing a true-false examination. On the other hand, if a man participates in the “rhema” of the event, that is, if he died with Christ – was buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life – then his faith is no longer an intellectual exercise related to a historical event.

His faith becomes a spiritual reality as a result of being “audience” to the divine rhema. This changes his very being at the core.

Thus, the Holy Spirit is the agency of the rhema of God. The logos of revelation is identified with God (“. . . the word was God”).

Jesus came as Son to manifest the Father. As the logos became flesh, He was able to do that. So, when God the Father is the one who is revealed, God the Son is the one who does the revealing. However, it is the Holy Spirit who imparts the reality of that revelation to man through rhema.

The Holy Spirit will take the very words that will meet your need at a particular moment and impart life to them. They become a rhema, something you can “hear,” a living voice speaking to your heart. This agrees with Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 3:6 “. . . the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Apart from the Holy Spirit, there will be no rhema. In the Bible, the logos (the total counsel of God) is made available to us, but logos is too vast and too complex to comprehend or assimilate in its totality. Rhema is the way that the Holy Spirit brings a portion of logos down out of eternity and relates it to time and human experience. Rhema is that portion of the total logos that applies at a certain point in time to a particular situa128

Foundational Discipling Principles

tion. Through rhema, logos is applied to our lives and thus becomes specific and personal to us.

So, rhema (Romans 10:17) is no mere teaching or preaching about Christ. It is the event itself being administered to the individual by the Holy Spirit. This “might” happen while listening to a sermon or teaching or while reading the Bible or praising the Lord.

It does not come as a result of studying logical proofs, though one might be studying proofs at the time. It might even come in a flash of light when one is going against God. This is what happened to Saul of Tarsus; it came as an event of God presenting Himself to man as the Redeemer. It always comes as “Emmanuel,” God with us here and now for this situation.

We may sum up the relationship between logos and rhema in the following statements: • Rhema takes the eternal – logos – and injects it into time.

• Rhema takes the heavenly – logos – and brings it down to earth.

• Rhema takes the potential – logos – and makes it actual.

• Rhema takes the general – logos – and makes it specific.

• Rhema takes a portion of the total – logos – and presents it in a form that man can assimilate.

F. Hearing and Knowing At this point the response required from us is “hearing.” To the extent that we “hear,” we receive faith. What then is involved in “hearing?” Sometimes it is simply a “knowing,” an inner sense that a particular logos has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Another time a word may “show up” again and again without it becoming a rhema, but as we possess it in patience, the revelation will be given by the Holy Spirit. Similarly, when we are in need of a word to stand on faith, it must be possessed in patience. While resting in the absolute character of God, we give close, undivided attention to what God is saying to us by his Holy Spirit. We incline our ear and adopt a humble, teachable attitude toward God. We renounce our own prejudices and preconceptions and we accept what God says in its most plain and practical meaning. We focus our eyes on the words to which God has directed us. Even when the words are no longer before our eyes, we continue to meditate on them in our heart. In this 129

Foundational Discipling Principles

way we retain them continually at the center of our being, and their influence permeates every area of our lives.

As God’s rhema comes to us in this way, it is both specific and personal; it comes to each of us directly and individually from God. It is appropriate to a specific time and place. It presupposes an ongoing, personal relationship with God. By each successive rhema, God guides us in the individual walk of faith to which He has called us. A rhema that is given to one believer may not be appropriate even for the same believer in another stage of his experience.

The life of continuing dependence upon God’s rhema is clearly seen in the words which Jesus used to answer Satan’s first temptation in the wilderness: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rhema) that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

The word “proceeds” is in the continuous present tense. We could say “every word as it proceeds (or is proceeding) out of the mouth of God.” Here Jesus speaks of a specific word proceeding directly from God and energized by “the breath of His mouth,” which is the Holy Spirit. This is our “daily bread,” always fresh, always “proceeding.”

As we live in continuing dependence upon it, it imparts to us, day by day, the faith by which “the righteous man shall live.”

G. Having a Good Report Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Throughout Hebrews 11, there are many great examples of Bible faith people. What was it that distinguished these people as men and women of faith? The answer is that each had a Rhema word from the Lord. This can be best explained in the following way: Elders obtained a good report; Abel obtained witness regarding his sacrifice; Enoch had testimony from God that he pleased Him; Noah was warned by God of the coming flood; Abraham was called out by God; Isaac and Jacob had the same promise as their father; Sarah knew God was faithful because He promised.

All the others mentioned in Hebrews 11 obtained a good report through faith (verse 39). These are all examples of people who obtained a good report by believing that what God had said would come to pass. They saw the promises afar off and embraced them, 130

Foundational Discipling Principles

even though they did not see the fulfillment of all the promises in their day (Hebrews 11:13, 39). They received the inner rhema from God many times through personal visitation from the Lord. We today have the same opportunity to obtain a good report by receiving the promise through the inner rhema of the Spirit, and possessing them as our own through faith and patience. “Lord God, Your Word dwells within us by the redemptive working of Your Son Jesus and by the revelation of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for giving us rhema words. Thank You for building our faith toward You, Lord. We choose to live by Your revelation, in faith we know that You are true to Your Word, and in the evidence of Your loving relationship with us we see You manifested in our lives. Bless You Father, for You are faithful in all things in conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ, in His name we pray, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

131

Principle Four:

Developing Faith

, A. Introduction

I

n the previous lessons we covered some very important principles concerning the foundation of our faith. God is the object of our faith as well as the source of our faith. Faith originates with God and not within the heart of man. (Hebrews 12:2). Faith is an eternal principle (1 Corinthians 13:13) that has come as a gift to us from Him through grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). We must understand that it is all of Him and cannot be attributed to anything we have done, deserved or earned. By revelation, God has placed within man a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). This faith must begin to grow and develop into mature faith through active relationship with Him. We learned that “. . . faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). This verse gives us the key to developing our faith. We must learn to hear the voice of God through His Word and through times of prayer. As we commune with Him, He will speak to us and these words (rhema) from God will build our faith.

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” If faith is going to become a tangible reality, we must understand and believe in our hearts that our faith is in “Christ in us, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Our faith is not in methods, formulas, confessions or even in our faith.

Our faith is in the reality of the Living God who is alive in us. The essence of faith is “Christ in us,” for He is the author and perfector 132

Foundational Discipling Principles

of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NIV). As Christ is being formed in us through death to self, the renewing of our minds and the believing of our hearts, then His faith can be manifested through us. We cannot even hope to manifest the God-type of faith outside of relationship with Him. Let us look at the process of renewing the mind first.

B. Renewing the Mind The mind is the battlefield where the fight of faith takes place. It is here that Satan fights to control man. Since the Fall, the mind of man is blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4; 3:14) and controlled by Satan (Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 1:21; Romans 8:7). After regeneration of the child of God has a new heart and life, but the same mind which will be assaulted and can be deceived (2 Corinthians 11:34). He may have a heart full of love, but lacks mental perception of spiritual matters. He has a heart after God with pure intentions, but the thoughts may be confused. If the believer is to live a full life, his mind must be renewed. Every believer must deal with this question: “Who controls my mind?”

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The Word of God exhorts us to have a renewed mind. In this passage we see that as our mind is renewed we begin to realize what is good, acceptable and perfect. Why is what we think so important? Our actions are based on the choices we make. Our choices are determined by what is in our heart and conscience. These in turn are affected by what we allow in our mind through the eye or ear gates.

This is the reason it is so important that we control what we watch or listen to. There is a high-tech law for computers called GIGO, “Garbage in, garbage out;” what is put in is what comes out. This simply states that we are a product of what we see and hear. This agrees entirely with Scriptures.

133

Foundational Discipling Principles

Matthew 6:22-23 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. . .”

Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.”

Matthew 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile man.”

The spiritual principle of sowing and reaping applies to the mind: If you sow a thought, you reap an action; If you sow an action, you reap a habit; If you sow a habit, you reap a character; If you sow a character, you reap a destiny.

The transforming of the believer by the renewing of the mind is accomplished by a continual abiding relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is by spending time in the presence of God that we are changed.

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord.”

As we spend time with God, we get to know Him better. As we cultivate this relationship, hear from Him and obey His voice, our minds are renewed. Simply stated, the renewed mind becomes reality when we choose to believe God’s Word above everything else. When we believe God’s Word, we have taken the first step into the realm of the renewed mind.

C. Is Faith Contrary to Knowledge?

Several years ago a Bible teacher, wrestling with the questions asked of him by his adult pupils, asked me a very important question. He asked, “Does faith need to be based on blind trust or is there such a thing as intellectual faith?” Faith is based upon a higher knowledge, which can only come from God, but revelation does not contradict 134

Foundational Discipling Principles

historical and scientific fact when these are based on reality and are sufficiently complete. Some things man calls knowledge are only conjectures or opinion rather than fact. Faith rests solidly on the truth as God knows it. Faith therefore gives us understanding of all that is real. Faith is based on facts.

Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand . . .” Faith is the acceptance of God’s truth as it is revealed to us; it is not limited to what can only be learned through our senses and the instruments of science. Since God is Spirit, some things can only be spiritually discerned. Faith is based on the most objective truth in the universe.

Nothing is more solid and reliable than God (Hebrews 6:13-19).

Faith is not merely a “working hypothesis.” The Christian has commitment to absolute truth, to a God who cannot lie.

D. Differentiating Between the Mind and the Heart Hebrews 8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people . . .”

The heart is the seedbed for maturing faith. The mind is the channel into the heart through which the Word must pass in order for the seed to be embedded. The book of Romans clarifies this point when it says, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” We hear and see through our senses, but we receive and understand through the heart. The Scriptures indicate that the mind and the heart must respond together for faith to be active, real, and alive. If we are only responding to the Word through the mind, then we become as legalistic as the Pharisees. If we only respond to the Word through the heart, we may become overly emotional. We may also become the prey of those who deceive through abusing the Word and those that draw upon the emotions to manipulate.

Romans 10:8-10 “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you 135

Foundational Discipling Principles

will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.�

Many people say that they believe the Word from Genesis to Revelation. They boast of having a good relationship with Jesus, but there is not a responding attitude or action that portrays this in their lives. They are talkers about the Word, but not doers. They are dreamers, not realists. They have mentally assented that the Word is true, but it does them no good for they are not possessing or making the Word their own. It is from the heart that man believes. The mind must be renewed to think the thoughts of God, but it is from the heart that we gain understanding. God is able to speak through His Word to our minds, but His love thoughts are communicated to our hearts and we respond in total obedience.

Here are some very important qualities of both the heart and the mind. These two must work hand in hand for faith to be able to operate to the fullest.

Heart Center of man

In comparison with

Mind Faculty of intellect

Seat of emotions

Good and bad imaginations

Source of spiritual life

Faculty of meditation

Seat of understanding

Faculty of knowing

Seat of instinct and passions

Faculty of perception

Seat of the will

Faculty of judging

The mind and believing are coupled together. Believing is an attitude of the mind, which leads into areas whereby we can employ actions. Believing itself is part of the mental realm. This also is why renewing the mind is so important. We must believe with the mind before we can act in faith or be effective for God in any way. Our thinking must be in line with God before we can do anything for Him. 136

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. Defining the Word “Believe” The people of the early church were called “believers,” which in the Greek means “a believing one.” The word believer really means a possessor, one who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, received eternal life, and has taken his place within the family of God. The word “believe” is a verb; the word “faith” is a noun.

Everywhere the word believe is used it implies an action of possessing. Let’s look at some passages that draw this out further: Mark 16:17 “And these signs will follow those who believe . . .”

John 6:47 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”

John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

We respond daily in certain beliefs without really thinking about it. For example, we put the key in the ignition of our automobile and know that it is constructed in such a way that when we turn the key, it will start (that’s the expectation, anyway).

We believe that when we go to the grocery store the food we are buying is good. If our boss tells us we are going to get a raise, we don’t question it. In the same way, when we come to know Jesus through the Word, we begin to mature in our relationship with the Father. Then we begin to respond to the Word from the Father and responding to it becomes as natural as responding to the word of the man we are working for.

F. Our Mind – a Battlefield 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

137

Foundational Discipling Principles

After we have believed and started down the path of the renewed mind, there comes another consideration in order to live the life of faith. The Christian is the enemy of Satan. Satan wants to defeat the Christian; he wants to deceive him. Satan wants to keep you from hearing and acting (doing) on the truth, for he knows the “truth will set you free.”

The primary place of attack by Satan is the mind and the thought life! It is in our thoughts that he begins his battle. Few Christians realize this fact; they care little for the guarding of their minds. Their minds are filled with the cares of this world, driven there by television, radio programs, newspaper articles, magazines of all sorts, and worldly conversations (gossip, murmuring, worry, etc.). Thousands of thoughts enter their minds which concern the world. They set their minds on the things of the world and then wonder why they have ungodly thoughts and no victory over the battle! We must realize that thoughts are Satan’s strongholds.

The Scriptures say that we can “. . . cast down arguments . . .” and bring “. . . every thought into captivity. . .” We care to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). We do not have to be controlled by our thoughts; we can actually control our thoughts. David knew the secret of guarding his mind. He said, “I will set no wicked (worthless) thing before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). Likewise, we must guard what enters our minds.

Wicked imaginations are from the devil. We are to pull down Satan’s strongholds and cast down his thoughts. We do this by weighing every thought with the Word of God. As we do, our minds will be renewed and our faith will be developed. Remember, the area of our thoughts is a battlefield! The warfare is in the mind before it goes into actions. If we win the battle of the mind, we will rejoice in the victory that God gives us all the days of our lives!

138

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Lord, You are victorious in all things, great and small. We trust, in faith, that You will give us the victory in our transformed minds as we immerse our lives into Your Word and wash and renew our minds through it. Thank You Lord for working with us, by Your grace and our obedience, in removing anything that may interfere with a holy relationship with You. It is our desire that the result will bring deserved glory to You, O God, for You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

139

Principle Five:

The Response of Faith

, A. Introduction

I

n previous lessons we considered the development of our faith relationship with the Father and our position of abiding in Him through faith. We also considered how our faith is developed through revelation and the renewing of our minds. In the last lesson we learned what it means to believe with the heart. In this lesson we will look at the response of faith, which includes right confession, right thinking, and right actions. Without the proper response of faith, we will never mature in our Christian walk. Let’s look first at the relationship between confession and faith.

B. The Necessity of Confession God has required confession from the children of men down through the ages. When Adam transgressed the commandment of God in the Garden of Eden, God came to him and asked for a confession. God spoke to Adam and asked, “What is this you have done?” (Genesis 3:13). God knew very well what Adam had done. He knew that Adam had openly and definitely transgressed His commandment.

Adam had done the very thing which God had specifically instructed him not to do. But God wanted Adam to realize that. God wanted Adam to confess his transgression in order that he might be forgiven and restored back into right relationship and fellowship with his heavenly Creator.

140

Foundational Discipling Principles

Matthew 10:32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Confession of sin is necessary for forgiveness and restoration of fellowship, but confession is also necessary for the work of faith to be released or activated in our lives. For example: Two blind men desired for Jesus to perform a miracle and open their blind eyes. But before Jesus did anything, He required a confession from them.

Matthew 9:28 “And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’”

Bartimaeus also had to confess his need before Jesus healed him. (Mark 10:46-52). This was not a bad confession, because he really was blind. He needed God’s help and because he confessed his condition and his source of help, he received his healing. Since confession is so necessary, we must be sure that we know what true confession is.

C. Definition of Confession The dictionary says that to “confess” means “to acknowledge or to own, to acknowledge faith in.” To confess means to make confession of one’s fault, but it also means to make confession of one’s faith. The English word “confess” is translated from the Greek word, “homologeo.” Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words defines “confess” as “to speak the same thing, to assent, accord, agree with.” It is used in the New Testament to mean: • To declare or admit; • To confess by way of admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of, the result of an inward conviction; • To declare openly by speaking out freely, such confession being the effect of a deep conviction of facts; 141

Foundational Discipling Principles

• To confess by way of celebrating with praise; • To promise or make a covenant.

The Hebrew word translated “confession” is “yadah,” which means “to praise, worship or revere with extended hands.” Therefore, we could define confessing as affirming something we believe, testifying to something we know, and witnessing for a truth we have embraced.

Our confession should center around five things: 1. What God in Christ has done for us in His plan of redemption.

2. What God, through the Word and the Holy Spirit, has done in us in the new birth and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

3. What we are to God the Father in Christ Jesus.

4. What Jesus is doing for us now at the right hand of the Father, where He ever lives to make intercession for us.

5. What God can do through us, or what His Word can do through our lips.

Confession is faith’s way of expressing itself!

D. The importance and Power of Confession Few Christians realize the place that confession holds in God’s plan for us. It is regrettable that whenever we use the word “confession” people invariably think only of confessing sins, weaknesses, faults and failures. That is the negative side (yet necessary as well) of confession, but there is also a positive side. The Bible has more to say about the positive aspects of confession than the negative. Our confession is merely a reflection of our inner state of being. Our mouth is an expression of our faith. It is always possible to tell if a person believes right by what he says (what proceeds from his/her mouth).

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). If a person’s confession is wrong, his believing is wrong. If his believing is wrong, it is because his mind has not been renewed by the Word of God. All three – thinking, believing, and saying – go together. Wrong thinking, wrong believing, and wrong talking defeat many people in the area of faith.

142

Foundational Discipling Principles

Many Christians do not comprehend the power and effect that their confession has upon their life and upon the lives of others. The Word of God says much about the confession of our mouth and the words of our lips. Let’s look at several examples from the book of Proverbs: Proverbs 6:2 “You are snared by the words of your own mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.”

Proverbs 11:9 “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.”

Proverbs 12:14 “A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.”

Proverbs 13:3 “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Proverbs 21:23 “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”

E. Confession and Faith Faith and confession are inseparably linked in the Word of God. Both Jesus and Paul confessed the relationship of faith and the words of our mouth.

Mark 11:22-24 “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’”

143

Foundational Discipling Principles

As we read the Word of God we can see that our faith in God is revealed and released by the way we talk. It is not what we speculate but what we speak that produces action. Jesus always spoke His faith in the Father. He spoke to the sea and it immediately calmed.

He spoke to a corpse and life came into it instantly. He spoke to a tree and it withered. So forceful and producing were the words of Jesus that Peter declared, “. . .You have the words of eternal life.”

(John 6:68) Paul not only practiced open, positive confession, he also proclaimed it in writing to others.

Romans 10:8-10 “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.”

The key to conversion and new birth is the confession of the Lordship of Jesus, not merely believing in our hearts. We must not only see Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but we must also say what we see. We need to hear our mouth confess it, the spirit world needs to be informed of our confession, and God requires hearing us confess His Son as our Lord and Savior. It is fundamental that there is no release of faith without confession. It is our confession that gives expression to the faith we have received from God. Our confession only releases faith, it does not create faith.

The success of “. . .he will have whatever he says” is dependent upon “have faith in (or of) God” (Mark 11:22-23). Until faith has been committed to us (see James 1:17-18) it cannot be confessed by us. It is a dangerous oversimplification of truth to declare that we determine what we shall have by the words that we speak.

This theology leads to half-truths, disappointments, frustrations, and deep guilt. This concept of possessing creative power in our words is widely taught today. By radio, television, conferences, and books, we are informed that anything we desire is available to us if our concepts and confessions are correct. This distortion of the words of 144

Foundational Discipling Principles

Jesus attributes all things that are negative to Satan, while all that is good is ascribed to God. This teaching has also caused some to lust after things rather than seek God’s will for their lives.

We must learn not to focus on our desires rather than the purposes of God, on our kingdom rather than God’s kingdom, on the temporal rather than the eternal and on the perishable rather than the imperishable. Such self-centeredness is expected of newborns and infants, but maturity causes us to adjust to the will of the Father (Psalm 40:8). To confess what God wants for my life is one thing; to confess what I want for my life is quite another.

Doesn’t the Bible teach that God through Christ is the sovereign Lord of my life? There is great insecurity and frustration in being totally in charge of my own destiny, of knowing that one slip of the lip could bring sickness, accident, or ruin in my life. It is far more secure to trust in the Lord rather than in my positive confession. Granted, the Church has underplayed her authority in Jesus Christ, but is it justifiable to overstate her authority? We must come into balance as believers and return God to His creative throne and become His dependent children, gladly confessing what He has said to us and done for us. The first step in faith is dependence upon God. He is the Creator, not us. We submit to Him, hot He to us. He speaks unto existence; we can only say what He says. The true purpose of positive confession is to release faith to the problem or circumstance – to say to the situation what God has said to us. This way gives us God’s power of attorney, but it doesn’t make gods out of us. Our authority is totally delegated; our power is conferred and our faith has been received. We produce none of it; we only proclaim it.

F. Wrong Confession Wrong confession tends to deny the fact of the reality of our present situation. The act of denying difficulties and problems does not mean they do not exist. In fact, by doing so, a person can be hindered from receiving God’s solution to those problems.

Some people confuse positive confession with lying. They think that verbally denying their condition will make it better. For example, they may say, “I don’t have a cold,” yet they have a cough, a runny nose, and a fever. Rather than lying about our situation, we 145

Foundational Discipling Principles

should confess the Word. The biblical way of confession is to call those things that do not exist as though they do. It is not to deny the existence of reality. When God created light, He said, “Let there be light.” He did not say, “There is no darkness.” So, if we are sick we should confess that “by His stripes I am healed” rather than denying our condition as the Christian Scientists do.

By our spoken reaction to our circumstances, we determine our course. For example, every Christian has at one time or another suffered innocently at the hands of a fellow Christian. But how do we handle it? Do we dwell on the past offense? Do we instantly resurrect the incident? Are they on our lips continuously? This is the type of confession that can destroy us.

James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”

There are several bad results by not controlling our tongues: 1. “It defiles the whole body” (James 3:6). There are many Christians who are sick and stay sick because they are constantly poisoning their body with wrong confession – confessions that deny the power of God to bring forgiveness and restoration.

2. “It sets on fire the course of nature” or the circle of life. In other words, the great plans that God has for us (and He does have plans for each of us) are seriously hindered because a wrong confession delays His hand in blessing, aiding, and supporting us.

3. “It is set on fire by hell.” This means that wrong confession has its roots in Satan, not God. Satan desires us to speak against God rather than with God. We do not have to live under the control of our tongues. We can control what we say by lining our confession up with the Word of God. If the tongue is brought under the power of the Holy Spirit then the whole body can be bridled.

146

Foundational Discipling Principles

G. Right Confession Real faith in God says that if God’s Word says it is so, then it is so!

If He says that “by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24), then we are healed. If He says that “The Lord is the strength of my life” (Psalm 27:1), then He is. Real faith in God simply says about oneself what the Word says. We have what the Word says we have.

We are what the Word says we are. If God says we are strong, then we are. If He says He cares for us, then He does.

Hebrews 4:14 “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”

The Greek word that is here translated “confession” means, “to say the same thing.” It simply means to agree with God. Since Jesus our High Priest sits at the right hand of God in heaven making intercession for us, we are to say the same thing He is saying. Because He is victorious we can be also. You see, positive confession has its beginning and its end in God and what God has said in His Word, not what we may think, reason, inquire, speculate, or say. A mature confession leads to another important response of faith – godly actions.

H. Walking Out Our Faith One of the greatest mistakes many believers make is to confess their faith in the Word of God, but at the same time contradict that same confession by wrong actions. We say we are trusting God to provide for all our needs, but at the same time we worry how we are going to take care of ourselves. There is no corresponding action here.

One minute we confess the Word as truth and the next we repudiate everything we say by wrong actions. Our actions have to correspond with our believing if we are to receive anything from God. The actions of a doer of the Word coincide with his confession. True biblical faith requires that we DO what we SAY. James 2:14-17 “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to 147

Foundational Discipling Principles

them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

As we have mentioned in previous lessons, true faith is relational. It is based on knowing God in an intimate way through fellowship and communion. Jesus said eternal life was knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He had sent (John 17:3). Out of this knowing will issue the works of God in our lives.

Daniel 11:32 “. . .the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”

These are not our works, but His through us, and because they are His works they are good works. Any other works are merely “works of the law” which cannot save (Galatians 2:16;3:11), “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21), “works of darkness” (Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:11) or “dead works” (Hebrews 9:14). These are all the result from walking in the vanity of our own minds, but good works are the result of walking in covenant relationship with God. I. What are Good Works?

An unsaved man may be capable of doing good deeds in a natural sense, but when it comes to spiritual works he comes far short of those things God requires because his heart is not pure (Hebrews 9:14). He may do those things that externally are good such as reading the Bible, attending church, and giving to the poor. Yet, the source of such actions renders them as filthy rags in the sight of God. The unregenerate have no power to perform works in a spiritual manner: “. . .there is none who does good, no, not one” (Romans 3:12) They are totally unable to do so; they are “. . .not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). Nor are believers able to think a good thought or perform a good work of themselves.

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

148

Foundational Discipling Principles

We know that we are not saved by good works, but we are created in Christ Jesus for good works� (Ephesians 2:8-10). We have God’s grace implanted in our hearts as Christ has apportioned it (Ephesians 4:7). It is through the grace of God that we are what we are and, as Paul stated, it was through this grace that he was able to carry on the ministry which had been placed into his hands (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Good works are the result of true faith in which the implanted Word mixed with the grace of God gives us the desire to walk in responsive obedience. Every true believer is predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29). Our good works were prepared even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10). We can then conclude that good works are the property of God and not of anything we have to offer. We have no initiative of our own, but respond only to those things that the Father moves and does.

J. Good Works and the Implanted Word The book of James brings a balance between the Word and works (James 1:19-26). As we are quick to listen to the Word of God, it becomes implanted into the heart. This produces change and saves our soul from destruction. However, we are not only to listen, but we are to respond to the Word. If there is not a response to the Word, then we will walk in self-deception. There have been many times in the past that we have literally talked ourselves out of the blessings of God. A man that looks into the Word in which revelation becomes illuminated to him and does not respond in faith, talks himself out of the blessing that the Word will produce. He is like a man that looks into the mirror and then walks off forgetting what was revealed to him. We must take the Word of God seriously, claiming it as our own, acting and responding to it in faith.

Until there are corresponding actions with our faith there will be nothing but continual failure in our lives. We can confess that God is the strength of our lives, but if our walk demonstrates weakness and lack of faith, we will be defeated because there is no response to the implanted Word.

149

Foundational Discipling Principles

The wise man built his houses upon the rock and had a solid foundation, able to stand the testing because he acted upon the Word.

The foolish man, however, did not have a solid foundation because he did not act upon the Word. Hearing the Word is not enough; we must also obey it. Hearing and doing the Word results in a solid foundation in our lives. All through the New Testament the idea of wisdom and foolishness is connected with hearing and doing. The wise hears and does; the foolish hears and does not.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

K. The Nature of Good Works The nature of good works was perfectly exemplified by the Lord Jesus. All that He did was done in obedience to His Father. “. . . My Father has been working until now, and I have been working. . . I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever he does, the Son also does. . .” (John 5:1719). He “did not please Himself’ (Romans 15:3) but was always performing the bidding of the One who had sent Him (John 6:38).

He could say, “I do always those things that please Him” (John 8:29). There was no limit to Christ’s subjection to His Father’s will.

He “became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). We are told that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) and certainly it will be for we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

All that Jesus did proceeded not out of the law that says “Do” and “Don’t,” but out of a heart of love to the Father and to His neighbor. Love is the fulfilling of the Law; without love, compliance with the Law is nothing but servitude (dead works) and is unacceptable to Him who is Love. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6).

Matthew 25:31-47 tells the parable of the sheep and the goats.

The goats’ attitude is this: “Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not 150

Foundational Discipling Principles

minister to You?” But the sheep, the righteous, will say, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” To them Jesus will say, “. . . inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Good works will flow out of a heart of love. The believer who loves will usually be unaware of the works that he is doing.

L. The Importance and Purpose of Good Works The Scripture gives us several reasons for the importance and purpose of good works in our lives: 1. By them God is glorified (Matthew 5:16).

2. By them the mouths of those who speak against are closed (1 Peter 2:12).

3. By them we evidence the genuineness of our profession of faith (James 2:13- 17; 1 Corinthians 16:15-16).

Nothing brings more honor to Jesus than that those who bear His name are found living as He lived.

M. Conclusion Paul tells us in Ephesians 6, that we are in a war, but not against a flesh and blood enemy. Our war is against rulers, authorities, powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. Because of this struggle, we are to be equipped with the full armor of God in order to stand our ground when the day of evil comes. We are to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of gospel peace, helmet of salvation and sword of the spirit. In addition to all of this, we are to take up the shield of faith for the purpose of extinguishing all the fiery darts of the enemy. Only spiritual faith based on a love relationship with the Word of God — Jesus — will ever be able to extinguish the darts of doubt the enemy hurls at us. Making and confessing this faith will result in maturity and we will begin to do the works of Jesus.

151

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Lord, what an honor it is to walk in faith and thus good works. We desire to honor You to live as Your Son Jesus lived, and lives. We agree with You and Your Word in obedience to put on Your armor and perform the works of righteousness of Jesus that You have called us to do. Bless You, O God, with honor and glory, dominion and power, forever and ever, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

152

Principle Six:

The Testing of Faith

, A. Introduction 1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

N

ow that we have laid a foundation in faith, we need to be aware of a very important truth: God always tests faith. We can be certain that our faith will be tested because God tests all things (Hebrews 12:25-27). Whatever can be shaken in us will be removed so that the things that are unshakable may remain.

B. The Goal of Testing To test means “to try or prove.” Testing can have either a positive or negative motivation, but its goal is to reveal what we are really made of. Testing serves to reveal our strengths and our weaknesses. The root of the word “test” actually comes from the ancient process of 153

Foundational Discipling Principles

refining metals. When a metal was melted down and molded into an object, it was then tested to be sure it was strong, without any weak spots. Likewise, testing serves to reveal any hidden weak spots in us.

For example, when we go to school to learn a subject, the teacher puts us through tests. These tests are for our good because they serve to show whether or not we really understand what has been taught. The teacher does not test us with the idea of causing us to fail. The teacher’s motivation is to reveal what is in us with the intention of approving us. This is the goal of God’s testing our faith: to show where we are in our faith, and to reveal areas where we need improvement.

You may say you believe the Word and you may even be confessing the Word, but do you really trust God? The only way to know is by proving it with your life. God wants more than our “lipservice.” He wants our lives!

C. The Source of Testing As I previously said, testing can come from either a positive or a negative source. God tests us in order to approve us; Satan tempts us to fail. God tests us in order to build our faith; Satan tempts us in order to tear us down. This is how we know the source of the test: God never tempts us with evil (James 1:13). Therefore, if we are tempted with evil, it is not of God, but of Satan. However, even when a test does not originate with God, He still watches over us during the time of testing and uses it for our good.

D. The History of Testing God wants man to choose love, serve and obey Him. He could have created us unable to sin, with no choice but to love Him. However, in His infinite wisdom, God created us with the ability to choose (even to the point of making Himself vulnerable to being rejected by us). In order for us to choose, we must have not only the ability to make choices, but there must also be more than one option for us to choose from. Otherwise, there is no real choice.

We can see the truth of this from the beginning of creation. God created Adam and Eve perfectly innocent of sin. He placed them in the garden with instructions to tend it and take dominion over it. He 154

Foundational Discipling Principles

told them that they could partake of anything in the garden except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17).

Why did God give this one negative command? Why did He place this one forbidden tree in the garden? Simply because He wanted Adam to choose to obey Him. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil served to test Adam’s faith. Today we are faced with the same choice: either partake of the tree of life or of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This decision between God’s way and our way continually tests our faith.

Abraham was a man of great faith (Romans 4:13-22), so God put him through a great test (Genesis 22:1-19). God asked him to offer up the son He had promised to make a great nation of. Abraham passed this test because he believed that God would fulfill His word, even if he had to raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).

Joseph received visions from God concerning his exaltation in the future (Genesis 37: 1-11). However, he went through years of slavery and imprisonment before he saw the fulfillment of God’s promises. “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him” (Psalm 105: 19). Joseph stood on God’s word, even in the times of testing, and God exalted him in due time.

The children of Israel were tested many times by God. Think of what God did for the children of Israel. He saved them, redeemed them, purchased them and worked signs and wonders in their midst. Every day they saw something new. They saw the fire by night and the cloud by day. They saw the Red Sea open up. They saw God’s glorious provision, but there was absolutely very little faith among them. Only Caleb and Joshua came through the test.

A whole generation died because of one thing — unbelief. God tested the children of Israel four times. Each time He was looking for one ingredient: faith. However, they murmured, complained and doubted even though they had seen the hand of God move on their behalf time and time again. They failed God’s test due to their unbelief. As a result that generation did not enter into the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:7-19).

Even Jesus, the greatest example of faith, went through trials and testings. Matthew 4:1 says that, “. . . Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” This was a 155

Foundational Discipling Principles

real temptation, not a symbolic one. Temptation is not real unless it involves the possibility of actually failing. He was tempted in ALL points just as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus was the Son of God, “. . . yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8,). Surely, if God tested the faith and obedience of Jesus, He will also test our faith and obedience. Some people think that they can get to the place where they are above testing and trials. However, we can see from history that no one is immune from God’s testing.

E. How God Tests God tests us in many different ways. We are all different, and God knows the best way to test each of us. Here are some of the ways He tests us: 1. By giving us a choice (Genesis 2:16-17).

2. By requiring us to sacrifice something (Genesis 22:1-19).

3. By His manifested presence (Exodus 20:18-21).

4. By wilderness experiences (Deuteronomy 8:2).

5. By other people’s opinions of us (Proverbs 27: 21).

6. By allowing the enemy to tempt us (Judges 2:21; 1:4; Matthew 4:1).

7. By persecution (1 Peter 4:12-19).

8. By fire (1 Peter 1: 6-7; 4:12-13; Proverbs 17:3).

9. By the loss of possessions (Job 1 & 2).

10. By affliction (Psalm 66:8-12; 119:65-75; Job).

11. By His Word (Psalm 105:19).

F. The Results of Testing (Romans 5:1-5) “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

156

Foundational Discipling Principles

We must always remember that God never tempts a man to do wrong. God always tests us for good purposes. The passage on Romans 5 reveals that tribulation is not meaningless because it accomplishes God’s purpose of producing character in our lives (resulting in the hope of glorifying God). God is conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ and He uses “all things” to do this (Romans 8:28-29). The result of the refiner’s fire is purity (Proverbs 17:3).

Likewise, God’s testings result in purity in our lives.

When we know God’s purpose in testing us, we can “. . . glory in tribulations.” Notice that we glory “in” tribulations, not “because of” tribulations. This time of testing serves to confirm our faith, strengthens our resistance to sin, produces character, and conforms us to the image of Jesus.

“Lord God, Father of all, You are so loving and caring, even to the point of offering up Your Son Jesus on our behalf, so that we might be restored to You and conformed to Jesus’ image, for our good and Your glory. Thank You almighty God, for Your great love for us.

Purify us, Lord, place Your holy fire around and within us. Refine us and find us approved for Your glory. May the nations be approved as well. May everything that has breath bow low before You and praise You, precious Lord. Pour out Your Spirit upon Your people in such a way that signs and wonders never cease, and that the world will know that our God reigns in heaven and on earth and throughout the universe. By faith we ask this in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

157

IV. BAPTISMS Principle One:

The Doctrine of Baptisms

, Hebrews 6:1-2 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

A. Introduction

N

ow that we have established a firm foundation in repentance from dead works and in faith toward God, we can begin to lay the foundation stone of the doctrine of baptisms. Notice that the word “baptisms” is plural. This is due to the fact that there are five different baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. These five are as follows: 1. The baptism of John, also called the baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4).

2. Baptism into the body of Christ, which occurs at regeneration (1 Corinthians 12:13).

3. Water baptism, sometimes called Christian baptism (Acts 2:38).

4. Holy Spirit baptism (Acts l:5, 8).

5. Baptism with fire, or the baptism of purification (Luke 3:16-17).

158

Foundational Discipling Principles

In subsequent lessons, we will be sharing an in-depth look at the last four baptisms. We will briefly cover John’s baptism in this lesson. But first, we need a good working definition of “baptism.”

B. Definition of Baptism The New Testament was originally written in Greek. What we read in the English translations are words that convey the same basic meaning as the original Greek words had intended. For example, the Greek word “agape” is basically equivalent to the English word “love.”

However, there are some Greek words that have no comparable English words. In these instances, transliteration may be used rather than translation. Transliteration means to spell words in the letters of another alphabet that represent the same sounds in the original alphabet. When the English Bible was being translated, there was no English equivalent for the Greek words “baptisms” or “baptizo,” so transliteration was used to form the words “baptism” and “baptize.”

Baptism is literally the process of immersion, submersion, and emergence. It means to dip, to plunge, to cover completely. An example of this would be that of dying a garment. A garment of one color is baptized into the dye of a different color. The garment must be completely immersed, or submerged, into the new color in order to totally change. This total immersion is biblical baptism. When we are born again, we are baptized — totally immersed — into the body of Christ. When we are water baptized, we are completely covered by water. When we are Spirit baptized, we are totally immersed in the Holy Spirit. Biblical baptism is always total immersion.

C. The Baptism of John the Baptist Studying John’s baptism will help us grasp the relation between repentance, faith and water baptism. John’s message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17). John preached the gospel of the kingdom — the sphere of God’s rule and reign. Entrance into this kingdom required repentance, faith, baptism and obedience. John demanded proof of repentance, saying, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8). He 159

Foundational Discipling Principles

then gave the people practical ways to show their repentance (Luke 3:3-18).

However, John’s ministry was temporary and transitional (John 3:27-30). It came between the Old and New Covenants with the purpose of breaking the old traditional bondage and preparing the way for the Messiah. Although John’s ministry was effective in preparing the way for Jesus, his baptism was insufficient after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Acts 19:1-6 “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus.

And finding some disciples he said to them, `Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, `We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, `Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, `Into John’s baptism.’ Then Paul said, `John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”

This passage shows that there was something lacking in John’s baptism. It was a temporary baptism of repentance through which people exercised faith in the coming Messiah. There was genuine repentance involved. The ax had been laid to the root and there was evidence of true repentance. However, we know that repentance from dead works is not enough to be born again; there must also be faith toward God, which means faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ. This necessitates Christian baptism, which identifies the believer with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

It is interesting to note that these Ephesians were baptized into the body of Christ, baptized in water and baptized in the Holy Spirit almost simultaneously. It is not necessary to tarry for a long time to receive the fullness of God.

160

Foundational Discipling Principles

D. An Overview of Baptism For the rest of this lesson, I will present an overview of baptism into the body of Christ (which occurs when repentance and faith lead to regeneration), baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit. I will deal with baptism in fire later because it concerns the ongoing purification of the believer. For now, we will take an in-depth look at the correlation and comparisons between the baptisms into the body, water and Spirit.

First, we must see that these three baptisms all involve the following: 1. An element (what you are baptized into), 2. Conditions (who can be baptized), 3. A baptizer (who baptizes), and 4. A purpose (why you are baptized).

Three Baptisms Element

Conditions

Baptizer

Purpose

Scripture

Body

Repentance and faith

Holy Spirit

Regeneration

1 Corinthians 12:13

Water

Believer

Man

Separation, Circumcision

Matthew 28:19

Holy Spirit

Believer

Jesus

Power and gifts

Luke 3:16; Acts 1:8;2:4

Baptism into the body of Christ. This baptism occurs when we are born again by meeting the conditions of repentance from dead works and faith toward God. The one who baptizes us into the body of Christ is the Holy Spirit. It is important to understand this, because many confuse this baptism with the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.� When we are born again we are baptized by 161

Foundational Discipling Principles

the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. This is not the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Baptism in water. This occurs after we are born again. Upon examining all the Scriptures concerning water baptism, you will find that it is the believer’s baptism; it is for those who have placed their trust and faith in Jesus and are following Him. For this reason, it is not for unbelievers, including infants. We will learn in later lessons that water baptism is NOT simply symbolic. There is real work done in the waters.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This occurs after salvation and usually after water baptism, although not necessarily. As we saw in Acts 19 concerning the Ephesians, these baptisms can almost occur simultaneously. We must understand that the One who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit is Jesus Christ. This is one way we differentiate between baptism into the body of Christ and baptism in the Holy Spirit. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body. According to Luke 3:16, Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit.

E. The Kingdom Package We need a much broader picture of salvation; it involves more than being born again. We are saved when we are born again (spirit), but we are being saved (soul) and will be saved (body). There is an ongoing process of salvation involving renewal, deliverance and healing. We need all God has for us in order to be all He wants us to be. This includes all three baptisms.

We know that it takes repentance and faith to be born again. In Acts 16:30-31, when the repentant jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”, there was only one thing left for him to do: `Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.’“ However, we know that God wants to give us more than just the initial experience of salvation. Sure, regeneration is the greatest miracle possible, but we must move into all God has for us. We see an example of this on the day of Pentecost. The people in Jerusalem had seen and heard the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. When Peter 162

Foundational Discipling Principles

preached, they were convicted of sin and they asked, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). They were not just asking for forgiveness of sins. They were not just seeking to be born again. They wanted to know how to be like the disciples, how to have what they had, how to change kingdoms!

Peter told them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). This was the first message of the Church! I call it the “kingdom package” because it shows us how to change kingdoms. This message — this three-fold witness — is seen throughout the Scriptures.

F. The Three-Fold Witness 1 John 5:7-8 “For there are three who bear witness in heaven: the Father, The Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these agree as one.”

The witness of the blood is necessary for salvation for “. . . without shedding of blood there is no remission. . .” of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Thank the Lord, the blood of Jesus redeemed us (1 Peter 1:18-19) and cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

When we repent of sin and place our faith in the work of Jesus, His blood makes us white as snow and the Holy Spirit baptizes us into His body.

The witness of the water is also necessary for salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Remember, salvation is much bigger than regeneration. We are saved from hell and our sins when we are born again, but salvation from our flesh and the world necessitates water baptism. I’ll deal with this in depth in a later lesson.

Furthermore, the witness of the Spirit is essential to salvation. We receive the Holy Spirit when we are born again (Romans 8:9). The Holy Spirit “bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). We know we are in Christ and He is in us only by the witness of the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:13). Moreover, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, by completing the 163

Foundational Discipling Principles

package, gives us supernatural power (Acts 1:8) and supernatural gifts (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12).

When we receive this kingdom package — the three-fold witness — we are on our way to spiritual growth. We are not perfect yet, but we are on our way to our goal: conformity to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29). It is impossible to be like Jesus without this three­fold witness in our lives! Even Jesus, the Son of God, needed it. Of course, Jesus did not need to be born again; He was born once and for all, He was and is the Son of God. However, He was still baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22). How else can we be like Him except we follow His example?

The following is a chart showing some examples of the threefold witness as seen throughout the Bible: Scripture

Who

Element

Luke 3:21-22

Jesus

No need

John 5:7-8 Acts 2:38

Acts 8:12-17 Acts 9:17-18 Acts 10:44-48 Acts 19:1-7 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 John 3:1-8 Exodus 40 Ruth 1, 3

3-fold witness Church (Pentecost) Samaritans

Saul (Paul)

Cornelius (Gentiles) Ephesians

Children of Israel Nicodemus

Priests/Tabernacle Ruth

Blood water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit Repent water spirit

Let us look at some of these Scripture passages in more detail.

We have already examined 1 John 5:7-8 and the following examples: Jesus in Luke 3, the Church in Acts 2:38 and the Ephesians in Acts 19. Please read the other Scripture passages from Acts! They are self-explanatory and we will not cover them in this lesson.

164

Foundational Discipling Principles

John 3:1-8 records the incredible confrontation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus said, “. . . unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” However, the Lord does not want us to be satisfied in simply gazing at His kingdom; He wants us to enter it! Jesus went on to say, “. . . unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” We must follow the example of Jesus and receive the entire kingdom package — blood, water and Spirit — in order to enter the kingdom walk and power here on earth.

The remainder of the Scripture passages in the chart involves Old Testament types of the three-fold witness. A “type” is a prophetic representation of something or someone else. For example, the Passover lamb is a type of Christ; it prophetically speaks of His death and of redemption through His blood. Let’s look at some types which prefigure, or represent the three-fold witness.

The three-fold witness can be seen in the children of Israel.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 shows how the children of Israel passing through the sea is a type of water baptism. They passed through the blood (Exodus 12), the water (Exodus 19) and the Spirit (Exodus 19).

A very clear type of the three-fold witness can be seen in the way the priests were prepared in order to minister in the Tabernacle of Moses. In Exodus 40: 6, 29 we see that first, burnt offerings had to be sacrificed on the altar. This shedding of blood prefigured Christ’s sacrifice. Next the priests had to wash the laver (Exodus 40:12, 30-33). This cleansing speaks of water baptism. Lastly, the priests had to be anointed with oil (Exodus 40:13-15), which is a type of the Holy Spirit.

The last type of the three-fold witness we will examine is seen in the life of Ruth. First, we see that she was called out and that she entered into covenant (Ruth 1). In Chapter 3, we see that she was washed in water and anointed with oil, types of water and Spirit baptism.

It is exciting to see how God reveals truth in His Word. We have seen the three-fold witness of baptism into the body, baptism in water and baptism in the Spirit throughout the entire Bible. We have seen it in the life of Jesus as well as the early Church and the 165

Foundational Discipling Principles

teachings of the Apostles. Lastly, we see it in the Church today. It is my prayerful desire that this three-fold witness will also be seen in your life. “Lord God, Your Word teaches us Your Ways, Your principles are for our good. Plant this three-fold witness into our depths, well rooted for Your glory and Your kingdom. We thank You for Your grace by means of Your desire to do a complete work in us, to fully conform us to the image of Your Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray and give thanks, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

166

Principle Two:

Baptism into the Body of Christ

, A. Introduction

W

e have clearly seen from the previous lesson that there is a three-fold witness consisting of baptism into the body of Christ (salvation through the blood), baptism in water (circumcision of heart through immersion in water) and baptism in the Holy Spirit (being immersed in the Spirit). These experiences are essential to Christian life, for without them we cannot fully enter into the kingdom (Promised Land) walk (John 3:1-8).

Through the next several lessons we want to examine closely each of these three doctrines of the three-fold witness mentioned in 1 John 5:8. The first will be BAPTISM INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST. B. The Act of Regeneration We need to fully realize the importance of what really takes place when we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we were born again we were: 1. Washed clean of all sin; 2. pronounced not guilty; free from all judgment; 3. given a new heart (new nature) to serve God; 4. given the Holy Spirit to reside within us; 5. baptized into a new family (the body of Christ).

167

Foundational Discipling Principles

At that moment of eternal choice, when the soul turns from going his own way and appropriates the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, the awesome miracle of regeneration takes place. Through the blood of Jesus we were washed from our sin and given access by the Spirit into the body of Christ. We became part of a new family.

We were taken out of the family of this world and became part of the family of God. We were actually translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”

Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”

This baptism into the body of Christ is a reality which is sometimes misunderstood and reduced to the perspective of: “Now that you are a Christian, you must attend church because you are a part of the body of Christ.” Salvation is much more than church attendance; it deals with complete immersion into the body of Christ.

We are separated from the old and totally immersed into the new. This is a radical change to an opposite position from where we were before. The Holy Spirit leads us into this baptism where we literally experience a change of family and government, with God as our Father and Lord.

C. What Have I Become A Part Of? The word used in the original Greek for “body” throughout the New Testament is “soma.” Although it is used in many applications, “soma” refers to “the body, as a man, as a sound whole, the instrument of life.” It is also interesting to note that “soma” is derived from the word “sozo,” which means “to save, that is, to deliver and protect.” “Sozo” is one of the words translated as “save” throughout the New Testament. Just as one body has many parts, so does the body of Christ. The “parts” of His body are every born again believer.

168

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 Corinthians 10:17 “For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”

Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

The body of Christ is the expression of Jesus’ life on this earth. It is also called the Church (Colossians 1:24) and God’s family (John 1:12). It is composed of a people who are knit together by God’s love, led by His Spirit and who carry out His purposes. We are presented many times in the writings of Paul as “soma Christou,” the body of Christ in the earth (1Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:12). The body (soma) is an organism composed of members who function in the unity of the body under one head, the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18).

The whole foundation of the body is Christ Jesus Himself (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). By Him the Church is held and sustained together. In order to preserve it from false teaching and schisms, The Church must be viewed as an organism rather than an organization.

The Church is not a cold lifeless institution, but a living relationship where the head and the body are mutually related in love and truth.

This is true organism and life. We cannot simply decide to join ourselves to each other, but it takes a work of the Holy Spirit to join us into one body.

Our very conversation is based upon our relationship with Christ. The Scriptures state that we are not to relate to one another after the flesh (natural relationships), but in the Spirit, just as we relate to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). We do not relate to Christ in a natural sense, but in a spiritual sense. Even so, relationship in the body of Christ is a spiritual relationship with one another. This is brought out clearer in regards to the Lord’s Supper (Communion).

The bread mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 refers not only to the body of our Lord Jesus, but also to us as His body. When we partake of the bread in communion, we are partaking and communing with the Lord and one another in that bread.

169

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 “. . . The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”

The body is also the place where each part is fitly joined together in a love relationship. One of the purposes of this relationship is maturity. When every joint and part of the body works together, the result is bodily growth, maturity in love and stability.

Ephesians 4:14-16 “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.., but, speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ —from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

The body of Christ is the instrument of God on the earth. Jesus gave us a very interesting picture of the function or purpose of His body in Luke 19. In verse 13 we see an interesting statement. The servants of “a certain nobleman” (a type of Jesus) were instructed to “do business till I come.” What is this “business” which Jesus is asking us to do? In Luke 4 Jesus reads His purpose and ours out of Isaiah: Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The body of Christ has a definite function and purpose: to be the manifested life of Christ on the earth.

D. Can I Stand Alone?

The moment you accepted the Lord Jesus into your heart, you became a member of the body of Christ. This is not an option, but 170

Foundational Discipling Principles

an accomplished fact. Think of it this way, there is a place in the body that God has prepared just for you (1 Corinthians 12:18). If you elect not to pursue God’s purpose for your life, the whole body is affected (1 Corinthians 12:14­-30). Perhaps you have walked hurriedly across a room at night and “discovered” that new chair or table with your toe. Now in regard to the whole body, the toe is relatively insignificant, but if you “stub” it, your whole body hurts.

Romans 12:5 tells us that we are “members of one another.”

The word of God tells us to encourage and edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), to pray for each other (Ephesians 6:18) and to comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). There are no “lone rangers” in the body of Christ; we are integrally involved with one another.

E. What Does Fellowship Really Mean, Anyway?

(Acts 2:42) “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.”

What is the “fellowship” that was considered so important by the early Church historian as to be listed with the apostles’ doctrine and prayer? The Greek word used here is “koinonia” from which two words were translated: fellowship and communion. It is best defined as companionship, mutual sharing, to have in common, joint participation and partnership. If we apply this into our daily lives, we can readily see that there is not only love, relationship and interaction with our Lord Jesus Christ, but also the members of His own body.

The essence and origin of true transparent fellowship within the body of Christ is our love relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. For real fellowship to be alive and active, it must be directed toward God first. It is relationship we are “called” to.

1 Corinthians 1:9 Amplified “. . . you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

This is the very center focal point of our fellowship one with another.

171

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 John 1:3 “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.”

The “vertical” relationship and joint participation is the governing factor for the “horizontal” relationships.

Philippians 2:1-2 NIV “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

Each of us is joined to Christ and to each other through the new birth. We demonstrate this union by sharing with each other what we have for the benefit of everyone (Acts 4:32).

God, in His infinite wisdom, made provision for ministering to the saints by creating a way that believers can be emptied from vessel to vessel. Fellowship provides a very practical means of getting to know and appreciate one another. Jesus desires for fellowship to become a way of life to us. There is a great joy in real fellowship as we meet and share spiritual, practical, and social needs.

God takes joy in variety and diversity and has provided many different ways, means, places, and opportunities for the body to fellowship. We can fellowship by: 1. Meeting in our homes (Acts 2:46) 2. Meeting each other’s needs (Acts 4:35; 1 Corinthians 12) 3. Communicating with one another (Hebrews 13:16) 4. Distributing to the saints in hospitality (Romans 12:13) 5. Sharing spiritual abilities (1 Peter 4:10) 6. Sharing our time and strength with others (Galatians 6:1) 7. Praying and interceding for others (Ephesians 6:18) 8. Loving each other in the Spirit (1 Peter 4:10) 9. Comforting one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

172

Foundational Discipling Principles

It is interesting to note that all of the above are “giving” relationships. So it is with true fellowship. We are born anew to be Christlike and to joint participants in His nature, the foundation of which is love and giving.

We can all experience body life or fellowship as an ongoing way of life. None of us has a complete revelation or experience of Christ.

God has purposed that what we lack will be supplied to us by other members in the body of Christ. We are part of one another. We really do need each other!

“Lord Jesus, thank You for setting everything up for our good.

Thank You for Your body, for those who believe in Your finished work and desire to do Your will here on earth. Let each person come to know their individual purpose within Your body, so that they may find Your joy in working together as partakers in the body of Christ.

Teach Your people how to truly have pure fellowship with one another, just as the early Church did. Please don’t let our modern conveniences dictate or get in the way of the pure kind of fellowship You have called us to. Teach us, Holy Spirit, how to partake and give into the body of Christ according to Your purposes and will. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

173

Principle Three:

Water Baptism

, A. Introduction

S

ince we have a basic understanding of the term “baptism” and specifically of the baptism we experienced at regeneration (the baptism into the body of Christ), we now want to examine the principle of “water baptism.” In the past, this truth has been overemphasized as well as underemphasized, but there is truth in it that is being restored to the Church. Baptism has been overemphasized by placing the emphasis on it rather than on saving faith in Christ.

Making it a symbolic act through which you join the local church has underemphasized baptism. Baptism has become so ritualized, watered down, and presented totally as symbolic, that it has no significant meaning within the lives of believers in many churches.

We must understand that there is but one gospel. It is a whole gospel which should not be divided, but responded to as one message. Repentance, water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit are parts of that whole gospel, and each requires a full response on our part to experience the full result. When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost people asked, “What shall we do?” He replied, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37 38). We must not cut out, water down or use it as only symbolism any part of the full gospel message.

174

Foundational Discipling Principles

B. Examples of Water Baptism in the Old Testament There are several examples in the Old Testament which clearly show the impact of water baptism to us as New Testament believers.

Notice first of all in the following passage the two references to baptism (in the cloud and in the sea) when Moses and the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. . .”

When God commissioned Moses to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt (a type of the world), He led them through several experiences in order to separate and cleanse them from Egypt. Initially, He saved them when the death angel passed over the land of Egypt in judgment. The blood of the lamb which was placed on the lintel (doorpost) of their homes represents our salvation experience by the blood of Jesus Christ (Exodus 12:21-27).

Indeed, Jesus is our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

When God led the children of Israel out of Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh. No amount of self-effort could save them; they had to throw themselves on the mercy of God and seek His deliverance. Here we find a picture of the need for death to self and a complete reliance upon God. God rolled the waters back, the Israelites passed through (baptism), and the waters closed over Pharaoh’s army. “So the Lord saved Israel that day. . .” (Exodus 14:30). The same water that brought deliverance also cut them off from going back to the bondage of Egypt. They were delivered and separated from Egypt (the world) and were given a new land (new citizenship) with a new identity (they were God’s sanctified people now). They received a completely new lifestyle (a new way of living), that of total trust in the Lord.

Another type of water baptism is seen clearly in Noah (Genesis 6-8) and is best described in the following New Testament passage:

175

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 Peter 3:20-21 “. . . Who formerly were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . .”

Noah entered the Ark prepared for the salvation of his family through the only door, which represents Jesus Christ (John 10:9).

They were saved through the water (baptism), delivered from that evil age and brought into a new world where they were separated from all that was past. They had a new beginning, a new identity and a new lifestyle.

C. Examples of Water Baptism in the New Testament Jesus was separated unto the plan and purpose of God from eternity, but His ministry on earth began at the time of water baptism.

When He came up from the waters of baptism, He was anointed by the Holy Spirit. The Father spoke from heaven and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:1317). Jesus was holy, yet even He was baptized in order to “fulfill all righteousness.”

The early Church immediately baptized those who received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Acts 10:44-48; 19:5). On the day of Pentecost those who were convicted of their sin asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ. . .”(Acts 2:38) When Philip preached the message of the kingdom of God to the people of Samaria, they responded in one accord to his message by believing and being baptized (Acts 8:5-12). Philip was then led by the Spirit to leave Samaria to witness to an Ethiopian eunuch.

After Philip had fully explained the gospel, the eunuch asked to be baptized. The message of Jesus Christ was immediately followed by baptism (Acts 8:26-39).

176

Foundational Discipling Principles

After Saul’s conversion and healing, Ananias told him to arise and be baptized (Acts 9:17-18). When the Philippian jailer was saved, he was immediately baptized (Acts 16:33.)

We see from these examples that the early Church took water baptism very seriously. This was because of the Lord’s example and His direct commands. Jesus commissioned the Church to “Go. . . make disciples. . . baptizing them. . . teaching them. . .” (Matthew 28:19-20). This shows us that obedience plays an important role in water baptism.

D. Obedience to the Lord Water baptism is an act of obedience on the part of the believer whereby he testifies of genuine repentance and faith and acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ. If Jesus is Lord, then water baptism means more than just a dip in the water. It was commanded by the Lord for specific purposes and a true believer has a desire to fulfill His commands.

Salvation does not just consist of “coming to Jesus as Savior,” it also requires an understanding of Jesus as Lord of All (Romans 10:9-10). Water baptism is an acknowledgment of the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21). As one stands before the waters of baptism, he is acknowledging that his life has been completely given over to Jesus as King to rule and reign in his life. More than a confession, it is a definite action we take to show all the world that we have changed kingdoms and the Lord Jesus Christ now has command over our lives.

Before we were saved we were citizens of the kingdom of darkness; now we are part of the kingdom of light (1 Peter 2:9).

God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our Lord. By being baptized we announce that we are no longer in bondage to Satan or the world. We were formerly slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to God (Romans 6:20-22).

E. Identification with Jesus Christ Water baptism is the physical demonstration of our identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a declaration of the reality of the work of the cross in our lives. The epistle 177

Foundational Discipling Principles

to the Romans explains the work of the cross in the believer and exhorts us to live as though dead to sin. The old man (who we were before salvation) is dead and we demonstrate this by being buried with Christ in baptism.

Romans 6:6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.”

Romans 6:11-12 “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin. . ., do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.”

Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but grace.

Romans 6:18 “And having been set free from sin. . .”

Romans 6:22 “But now having been set free from sin. . .”

The power of sin has been broken in our lives through the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. He came “to preach deliverance (soteria) to the captives” (Luke 4:18). This work of redemption and deliverance is a finished work. Nothing can be added or taken away from that which Jesus accomplished. However, the revelation of this work must be realized in each believer’s life. Baptism is the place where we declare the power of sin broken away from our lives.

“Repent. . . be baptized. . . for the remission of sins. . .”(Acts 2:38).

This is a work of the Holy Spirit; all we do is walk in it daily.

Romans 6:3 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”

Christian baptism in water is, first, a burial in a grave of water; and second, a resurrection out of that grave into a new life that is lived unto God and righteousness. Through repentance and faith 178

Foundational Discipling Principles

we have agreed with God that we are dead in trespasses and sins.

Through faith in Christ’s atonement we see ourselves (according to God’s Word) to be dead with Him. This means that our past life, our old Adamic nature, and all our sins are dead and gone, covered by the blood of Jesus. We died with Christ and were raised with Him to newness of life. We are a totally new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), not partaking of or ingesting the things of this world.

Now notice these verses: “. . . How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?. . . for he who has died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. . . likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:2,7,8, 11).

It should be obvious that something has died, and that “something” is all that we were in Adam, all that we were before we were saved. It is very important that we understand this principle: we come to the waters of baptism dead to all that we were. The old man is absolutely dead! Now when something is dead, you bury it! In water baptism we bury our old man; we bury who we were before we met Jesus. In this way we are identifying with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

Romans 6:4-5 “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.”

Colossians 2:12 “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we also experience a springing forth from the dead to walk in newness of life in the Spirit.

We are free to be raised as brand new people by the power of the Holy Spirit and are quickened by a whole new life principle: the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2.

179

Foundational Discipling Principles

We may draw from another example: as Jesus hung on the cross, He had our sin placed on Him. He died, making perfect atonement for man’s sinful and lost condition. On the third day He arose from the dead, triumphed over Satan, and broke free from the bondage of sin that was placed upon Him at the cross. His relationship to sin was totally broken and He now lives in unbroken friendship with the Father. Likewise, as we partake in water baptism, we share in Jesus’ burial and triumphant resurrection.

F. Separated from the World, Sanctified unto God! In most foreign countries where other religions are dominant, a new believer may confess being a Christian without much rejection from his family. However, this is not so with water baptism! The line is drawn at water baptism; he has ceased to be family and is treated as an outcast. They recognize the genuineness of his Christian confession at the time of baptism in water.

Just as the children of Israel could look back across the waters of the Red Sea to see their old life buried under water with Pharaoh’s army, similarly the waters of baptism become waters of separation for us. Our old lifestyle is buried in the water, all our former ways and worldly practices are left behind; we are washed clean of the world and its influence in our lives. The line has been drawn; there is no going back.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Romans 6:4 “. . . even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Water baptism announces our new beginning. We feel new and clean from the washing of the regeneration, the old lifestyle is 180

Foundational Discipling Principles

buried, we are dead to the world’s pull and influence, and we have a heart after God. We have chosen to make Jesus Lord and to walk in a new lifestyle by the power of His resurrected life. Our life has new hope, new power and new direction. Praise God for what He has accomplished!

One of the principles in the doctrine of sanctification is that we are not only set apart from “something,” but also set apart unto “something else.” This same principle holds true for the believer separated from the world by the waters of baptism. We are to walk not only in newness of life but also in a life that is separated unto God. Water baptism shows our commitment unto God and unto righteousness.

Romans 6:11 “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:13 “. . . present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” “Lord God, we give You thanks for the power of baptism, and the opportunity for You to prove us and show the world that we are Your possession. Glory and honor and power and all praise to You, O Lord, for in our sharing in the Lord Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection we live anew to have fellowship with You, Almighty God. Thank You Father for Your faithfulness! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

181

Principle Four:

Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Part One

, A. Introduction

H

aving discovered that the power of sin has been broken in our lives by the spiritual work of regeneration (baptism into the body of Christ) and water baptism, we must now determine to walk in this truth daily. Since this walk is a spiritual walk in grace (Galatians 3:3), we need the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

It is one thing to come out of the world, but it is another to get the world out of you. When the Israelites came out of the wilderness into the Promised Land, they were faced with many battles. God had given them the land, but they still had to possess it. Canaan, in this example, is a type of the victorious Christian life. The principle involved is that what God has given must be possessed through spiritual warfare.

All of us have sensed a need for a closer walk with the Lord, for a life pleasing to the Father, for the power to be a better person, and for a greater understanding of the Word of God. The key to the fulfillment of these needs is recognizing, respecting, and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This baptism completes the three-fold witness (1 John 5:7), or what I call the “kingdom package.�

The world rightfully expects a demonstration of the supernatural from the believer since the supernatural walk validates the Christian life. The Lord commands this supernatural lifestyle (Mark 16:1518). It is the normal Christian life that He expects us to walk in.

Anything less than a supernatural, Spirit-filled life is sub-normal!

182

Foundational Discipling Principles

(John 14:12) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

(Acts 1:8) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Lord does not command us to walk this lifestyle without providing us with the grace and power to do so. The disciples were commanded to remain in Jerusalem until they were “. . . endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Likewise, we need to be endued with that same power from on high. Let us begin this lesson by looking at the person of the Holy Spirit, the Provider of that power. In the next lesson we will learn how to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

B. The Person and Personality of the Holy Spirit Doctrinally, we understand that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. The term “trinity” simply means that God is revealed in three persons. There are not three Gods (polytheism); there is one God (1 Timothy 2:5) who is made up of three Persons: the Three-in-One. How do we know this? First of all, this is evidenced in the Scriptures by the plural names of God (such as Elohim).

Secondly, many Scriptures speak of God as a plurality. In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. . .” In Genesis 3:22 the Lord said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us. . .”

In Isaiah 6:8 the Lord said, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” We know that the Bible specifically says that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). However, the Bible states that the Father is God (Romans 1:7), the Son is God (Hebrews 8), and the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4). The Son became flesh in order to reveal the glory of God to man (John 1:14). All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him (Colossians 2:9). The Holy Spirit came to testify of Jesus (John 15:26) and to glorify Him (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit is 183

Foundational Discipling Principles

the particular person of the Trinity through whom the entire Triune Godhead works in us (John 15:26).

The Holy Spirit MUST be recognized as God, not a mere influence or power spoken of as “it.” Scripturally the Holy Spirit is spoken of as “He,” indicating that He is a real person. (John 16:1314) “However, when He the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take care of what is Mine and declare it to you.”

The Holy Spirit has attributes that are characteristics of God alone. The Holy Spirit is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), all-powerful (Luke 1:35), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7) and omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). The Holy Spirit also has definite characteristics that show He is a person: 1. Knowledge: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 2. Will: 1 Corinthians 12:11 3. Mind: Romans 8:27 4. Love: Romans 15:30 5. Grief: Ephesians 4:30 God has used names and symbols in the Word to reveal His Spirit to man. The examples listed below reveal the reason why some people refer to the Holy Spirit as an “it.” Symbols are used to describe the various operations of the Holy Spirit much the same way the Lord Jesus is described as a lamb, a lion, etc. But we do not refer to Him as “It” because of these symbolisms.

1. Spirit of Truth: John 16:13 2. Comforter: John 14:26 3. Wind and Fire: Acts 2:3 4. Water: John 7:38-39 5. Dove: John 1:32

184

Foundational Discipling Principles

C. The Validity of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit did not reside permanently within any person. He came upon people to anoint them to do specific tasks for specific times. The Old Testament prophets were anointed by the Spirit of God to speak forth the words of God. These prophets, “moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21), spoke of a day when God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh and that the Spirit would be in them (Ezekiel 37:14).

(Isaiah 44:3) “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.”

(Joel 2:28) `And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh . . .”

Jesus, as our example, was water baptized and baptized in the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Holy Spirit may be seen in His life as He walked this earth. He was born of the Spirit (Matthew 1:20), filled with the Spirit (Luke 3:22; 4:1), led of the Spirit (Luke 4:1), preached by the Spirit (Luke 4:18), cast out demons by the Spirit (Luke 11:20), anointed with the Spirit (Acts 10:38), offered up on Calvary by the Spirit (Hebrews 9:14), raised from the dead by the Spirit (Romans 8:11), and gave commandments by the Spirit (Acts 1:2). As a perfect man in His humanity, He was totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit who was bestowed upon Him without measure (John 3:34). How much more should we the Church be dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit?

John the Baptist spoke of the baptism which Jesus was to effect in the lives of His followers (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1: 6-8; Luke 3:16; John 1:32-33). Jesus Himself spoke of the coming “Promise of My Father” and Peter testified of this fulfillment on the day of Pentecost.

(Luke 24:49) “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

185

Foundational Discipling Principles

(Acts 1:4) “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me. . .’”

(Acts 2:38-39) “Then Peter said to them, `Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’”

We can readily see that this “promise” is also for us today. We are indeed “afar off,” but God is still calling.

A final example of the validity of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is drawn from the Tabernacle of Moses. The only entrance to the Tabernacle is the gate, representing Jesus who is the Way (John 3:3; 14:6). Upon entering, one faces the brazen altar of the blood sacrifices, representative of regeneration through the death and blood of Jesus. The next furnishing is the laver of water for washing, representative of water baptism. Only at this point (Exodus 40:12) was the priest anointed with oil (symbol of the Holy Spirit) and consecrated to receive the priestly garment that he might minister to God. He has received the three-fold witness of the blood, water, and Spirit (1 John 5:7-8) and is prepared to enter the door (John 3:5) of the Holy Place.

Those who remain outside of the Holy Place cannot see the glory of the Lord in the Tabernacle. Our entrance to this glory requires the blood sacrifice of Jesus, water baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Only then will priestly ministry to the Lord in the Holy place be possible. Only then can we enter into the Holy of Holies where we come to know Jesus as our Life (John 14:6).

Some believers question if the phrase “baptism in the Holy Spirit” is Scriptural. It will clarify the issue to understand that all the following phrases mean the same thing:

186

Foundational Discipling Principles

Baptized with the Holy Spirit Filled with the Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:15 Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 6:5; 9:17; Ephesians 5:18

Receive the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:38; 8:15, 17; 8:19

Holy Spirit fell on them

Acts 8:16; 10:44; 11:15.

The Holy Spirit given

Acts 2:38; 8:18; 1:16-17; 5:32; Luke 11:13.

Poured out upon them

Acts 10:45

Endued with power

Luke 24:47-49

Promise of the Father Gift of the Holy Spirit (God)

Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; 2:39; John 15:26 Acts 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4

D. The Purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.�

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the beginning of the supernatural lifestyle of the believer. Without it the power to witness is lacking and there is no supernatural demonstration of who Jesus is and what Jesus does. Peter and John were proclaiming Jesus in the temple when arrested by the temple guards (Acts 4:3). Brought before the Council, they witnessed of the power of Jesus to heal and to save, declaring that salvation existed in no other name. After being released with a warning, they joined their companions to report all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. Lifting their voices in one accord, they prayed for boldness to witness and for signs to follow. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the Word of God with boldness.

187

Foundational Discipling Principles

(Acts 4:33) “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. . .”

The gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) are the works of the Holy Spirit in the life of the body of Christ. The word “gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:1) has been added by the translators, and due to the popularity of the King James Version of the Bible we have maintained the use of the word. However, a better phrase might be “manifestation of the Spirit” (1Corinthians 12:7). We understand that these “gifts” (verse 4), “administrations” (verse 5) and “operations” (verse 6) are manifestations of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ by which the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is continued. In this way the supernatural demonstration of His love and power is manifested through the Church. Thus, the baptism in the Holy Spirit prepares the believer to be used as an instrument of restoration by the Lord. It gives the believer the power to demonstrate the supernatural lifestyle.

“Lord Jesus, Father God, And Holy Spirit, we give You thanks for who You are. You are the I am! You are eternal! You are also the One who has saved us, loves us, and leads us in Your ways, which are high above our own. We lay self down before You, and totally trust in You and the life You call us to walk. How incredibly awesome it is to even ponder, much less comprehend, that You, Almighty God, creator of the heaven and earth, should desire to come dwell within Your believers! We are humbled, yet greatly rejoice, by Your choice, Lord God. We Bless Your Holy Name, as we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

188

Principle Five:

Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Part Two

, A. Introduction

I

n the last lesson we took an in-depth look at the Holy Spirit. We see that the Holy Spirit is not an “it.” He is a Person; in fact, He is God! We also saw through the Old Testament types and New Testament teaching that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a valid biblical experience that is absolutely necessary for believers today. This baptism gives us the Power to witness for Christ and to live a normal Christian life, a life of supernatural power and ability.

B. Jesus, the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16) “John answered, saying to them all, `I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

This verse clearly shows us that Jesus is the One who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized in water, we must totally yield ourselves to the one who baptizes us. Likewise, when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit we must totally yield ourselves to Jesus.

We must come to Him without any preconceived conditions about what we will or will not accept, nor with any preconceived ideas about what our response should be. We need to seek more of Jesus as the Giver in our lives and not just the gifts.

189

Foundational Discipling Principles

C. Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, “. . .

He breathed on them, and said to them, `Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22). However, when He ascended, He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1: 1-8), which they received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). This shows us that receiving the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit are not the same. We receive the Holy Spirit when we are born again (Romans 8:9). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate experience.

Since the Holy Spirit is a person, we cannot receive Him in doses. You cannot receive part of a person; you either receive him or reject him. For example, when you receive a person into your home, you receive the whole person. You cannot tell him to leave part of himself outside. However, you can restrict the amount of access you give him inside your home. Likewise, when we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive all of Him, not part of Him, “. . . for God does not give the Spirit by measure” (John 3:34). Even though the Holy Spirit abides in us, we can restrict His access to all parts of our lives.

When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit we do not receive more of the Holy Spirit. Rather, He receives more of us. He already dwells in us, but in this moment He comes upon us in power and takes total control of our lives. To illustrate, when we are baptized in water we do not receive the water, it receives us. We do not try to stay under for a long time and drink in all the water that we can. All we do is totally yield ourselves to the baptizer who immerses us in the water. In the same way, when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we totally yield ourselves to the Baptizer and He immerses us in the Spirit of God. We cannot earn the gifts of God; we simply receive them (Ephesians 2:8; Luke 11:13). As we are saved by faith, we also receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by faith. The single most important ingredient to receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a simple, child­like faith (Galatians 3:2), which means that there can be no doubts in our mind. We must come to the absolute conclusion that this baptism is a biblical, necessary experience after salvation, which is beneficial and applicable for today.

190

Foundational Discipling Principles

God’s plan is for us to receive the “kingdom package” (Baptism, Principle One) quickly, not to extend the work out over many years.

In the book of Acts the believers came to this point soon after their new birth and water baptism. Their heart was tender and yearning for the Lord. I find that when this is not the case, the believer may need a season of repentance, particularly from any occult vows or practices. The Lordship of Jesus needs to be firmly established before we can totally yield to Him as the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit.

Before we are filled with the Spirit, a deep-seated hunger and thirst for the Lord Jesus Christ and a recognition of our need for more of Him will be sensed.

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

John 7:37-39 “. . . `If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.

He who believes in Me, as the Scriptures has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

We might summarize what Jesus said as follows: 1. Thirst: Honestly admit there is a “dryness” that has not been quenched, and only God can meet this need.

2. Come: to Jesus the Baptizer.

3. Drink: Open your spirit to Him and allow Him to baptize your spirit in the Holy Spirit, filling you to overflowing with His love.

You must accept by faith that which Jesus has promised to give you.

4. Believes: You receive nothing from God without faith.

5. Flow: This is an active response to received. It is your faith in action, allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through you from your innermost being.

191

Foundational Discipling Principles

D. Tongues, the Initial Evidence We know that Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit to give us power to witness and to show forth the supernatural Christian lifestyle.

In the book of Acts, there was a supernatural manifestation every time someone was baptized in the Holy Spirit. The usual manifestation was the believer speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6).

Sometimes the manifestation was prophecy (Acts 19:6), but it was always supernatural! In other words, the Holy Spirit manifested Himself by giving believers the power to do something that they could not do in their natural ability.

Some people have asked me, “Do I have to speak in tongues?”

The answer is, “No, you don’t have to speak in tongues; you get to!” The Bible does not specifically state that if you do not speak in tongues you have not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

However, the Scriptures do indicate (and my personal experience agrees) that a supernatural manifestation is always released when someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit, whether it be praise, prophecy and/or speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is looked down upon in many circles, but it is a Scriptural evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and it plays an important role in the Spirit-filled life.

Those who use this gift in their daily prayer life (Jude 20) testify that they are better prepared to combat the things that frequently beset them in their Christian walk. Speaking in tongues edifies or builds up the believer (1 Corinthians 14:4). So it is not that you must speak in tongues, but that you get to!

It may be that God chose this particular manifestation because the tongue is our body’s most unruly member, which “. . . no man can tame” (James 3:8). When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit we are under the complete control of the Holy Spirit. This is evidenced by our tongues being under the control of the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is one way the heart expresses itself (Matthew 12:34), and therefore may indicate that the Spirit has possession of both the inner man and the outer man. Speaking in tongues is not the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it is an initial evidence of it.

192

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. Conclusion There is not just one way to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Some people receive on their own; some have hands laid on them. Some receive immediately; some tarry for a while. Some begin to pray in the Spirit; some sing in the Spirit. This shows us that God is not limited to a single ritual or formula. He is sovereign and will do exactly what is needed in each individual situation. However, there are some basic truths we need to be aware of First of all, you must be saved and have the Spirit of God dwelling within you before you can be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 “. . . Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Secondly, the believer must live a repentant lifestyle in obedience to the Lord.

Acts 5:32 `And we are witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Thirdly, you must ask Jesus to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. We do not receive what we do not ask for (James 4:2).

John 16:24 “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Fourthly, you must receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by faith (John 7:38; Hebrews 11: 6).

Luke 11: 9-13 `And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” 193

Foundational Discipling Principles

When we ask God for the Holy Spirit, we do not need to be afraid of what we will receive. He will not allow us to receive an evil spirit. We can trust our heavenly Father to give us only good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). Therefore, we must totally yield control to Jesus and allow Him to baptize us in the Holy Spirit. We can begin to praise and worship Him and believe Him to work for us and in us.

Fifthly, you speak in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4).

Nowhere does the Bible say that the Holy Spirit speaks in tongues.

In every instance in the early Church, the individual spoke in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6), not the Holy Spirit. It is the power of the Spirit that allows us to speak in tongues, but we must open our mouths in faith and believe Him to fill it. 1 Corinthians gives instruction concerning speaking in tongues. In this context, it says our spirits are subject to us. What this means is that God does not force us to speak in tongues or operate in the gifts of the Spirit. We are never “out of control.” We simply choose to yield to the control of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is absolutely Scriptural and absolutely necessary. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for today and it is for you. It is a precious gift from God that gives us the power to live the supernatural Christian lifestyle. God has already poured out His Spirit; all that remains is for us to receive this baptism by faith.

“Precious, gracious Father, we thank You for Your gift of Your Spirit. We open our hearts by faith to receive Your Spirit, and to walk daily by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, we thank You for not only dwelling within these earthen vessels, but we also praise You for gifting and equipping us with Your power to do those things which You have called us to do. We receive Your manifestations in our lives and ministries with joy, and the hope that we might bring the glory, honor and praise to You that You so richly deserve. We ask Jesus to release His Spirit upon us. Come Holy Spirit and take Your rightful place upon the thrones of our 194

Foundational Discipling Principles

hearts. We yield and give control of our lives to You that we may live the Christian lifestyle to Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

195

Principle Six:

Baptism in Fire

, A. Introduction

T

hus far in this series on the doctrine of baptisms we have studied baptism into the body of Christ, water baptism, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. These three baptisms (which I call “the threefold witness” or “the kingdom package”) are absolute necessities for us to enter and walk victoriously in God’s kingdom (John 3:3-5). They are not optional!

We must understand that while these three baptisms are all “one time” experiences, we must continue to walk in the reality of them daily. (This does not mean, however, that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an ongoing manifestation as we yield to Him). When God does a work in us, He always requires it to be worked out in our lives. After we are born again and baptized into the body, we must work out that salvation into our daily lives (Philippians 2:12-13).

After we are baptized in water, we must continue to live a separated life (1 Corinthians 10:1-14). Likewise, after we have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, we must continually walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). We cannot live on past experiences; what matters is our walk with God right now!

B. Unto Full Stature According to Hebrews 5:12 and 6:2, we must be grounded in the first principles of the doctrine of Christ in order to move from milk 196

Foundational Discipling Principles

to meat, from babyhood to maturity. We must “. . . not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 4:14).

Many people are full of questions, such as: “Why am I here?

Why am I going through this? God, what are You doing to me? God, why are You allowing this to happen to me?” However, questioning God comes to an end when we begin to know Him, His character and His desires for His children. We need a revelation of the Father heart of God. God is a loving Father who wants to do us good, not harm.

Sure, He disciplines us as every living father does (Hebrews 12:511), but He is not a cosmic killjoy waiting for us to mess up so He can zap us. He loves us, cares for us and wants only the best for us.

We need to realize that God does nothing without a purpose. He has a purpose for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and this “everything” includes us. The first chapter of Ephesians reveals three things that are in God’s will. First, God desires children (verse 4-5).

Secondly, He desires not just any kind of children, He wants His children to be holy (verse 4). Thirdly, God wants His holy children to glorify Him in all things (verse 12). God is so pleased with His Son that He wants a vast family of sons conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). We are predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus so that He can be the firstborn among many brethren.

Our Father wants us to come to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). As God was glorified in everything Jesus did, so He wants to be glorified in all that we do.

To bring Him glory, He must make us like Jesus. Fortunately, God never requires anything without making provisions for us to be able to meet that requirement. He has given us the “kingdom package,” the Word, the Church, the Holy Spirit, and also an ongoing refining which is called the baptism in fire.

C. The Baptism in Fire Luke 3:16 “John answered, saying to them all, `I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’”

197

Foundational Discipling Principles

God will do whatever is necessary to make us like Jesus Christ.

The thing that interests Him most is how much we resemble Jesus.

We cannot become like Christ by self-effort. In fact, the very thing that hinders us from being like Him is self. As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). One of my favorite lines to use is, “God did not come to make us better; He came to kill us!” The baptism in fire is the process whereby God deals with our own self-life so that it is laid aside and rendered dead.

We must be emptied of all selfish desires so He can live through us, unhindered (Galatians 2:20). Simply put, the baptism in fire is the message of the cross!

The baptism in fire is God working all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). We must understand that in God’s view, “our good” is when we fulfill His purpose of becoming like Jesus (Romans 8:29). We must not try to limit God. He uses all things for our good.

He has the same purpose for all of us, but He uses different means to accomplish His purpose in each of us. He knows what it takes to drive us out of ourselves and into Him. He can use the Word, trials, temptations (however, God is not the “tempter”), persecutions, ridicule, times of lack, times of plenty, hardships, sorrow, delayed answer to prayer, etc. He uses whatever is right in each individual situation.

We need to realize that nothing happens to a Christian by chance.

NOTHING! God is still in control. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” God is ordering our circumstances, knowing what it will take to make us like Jesus. We must learn to see God’s hand moving in our lives, for our good.

D. The Purpose of the Baptism in Fire The baptism in fire is the process by which God conforms us to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29). We have already discussed this aspect fully. The baptism in fire reveals what is in our hearts.

Jeremiah 17:5-10 “Thus says the Lord: `Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the 198

Foundational Discipling Principles

wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.’”

Notice in these verses that the heat comes to both the good and the evil. The heat serves to reveal what is in the heart because “the heart is deceitful above all things. . . who can know it?” The heat destroys the wicked, but the good survive and yield fruit.

Deuteronomy 8:2 says that God led the children of Israel into the heat to prove what was in their hearts. Certainly an omniscient God knew what was in their hearts, but the people did not. Likewise, God puts heat on us to reveal what is in our hearts. He uses different “heat” for different people. For example, He put Solomon in the fire by offering to give him anything he wanted (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Solomon’s heart was pure at the time, therefore he asked nothing for himself, only wisdom to lead God’s people.

Peter is an example of man not knowing his own heart. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times, but Peter did not believe that denial was in his heart (Matthew 26:33-35). However, he denied Jesus three times that very day! Truly the heart is deceitful and we cannot know it except by fire and God’s revelation.

We need to know that God tests us for our good. The Greek word for temptation is “peirasmos,” which means, “to put to a proof.” The Greek word for “trial” is “dokinos,” which means, “to approve, to prove acceptable.” In other words, God tests us to prove us with the intention of approval. An example of this would be a test given to a medical student before he becomes a doctor. The test is given to approve him, not deny him. Another example would be a gold assay.

The test is given in hope that gold is present, not absent. Likewise, God tests us with the intention of approving us.

199

Foundational Discipling Principles

The baptism in fire purifies us. God does not reveal our hearts to depress us. He reveals our hearts in order to bring us to repentance.

God uses heat and fire to test us and purify us. Ancient goldsmiths would put crude gold ore into a large iron crucible and build a fire beneath it to intense heat, causing it to become liquid. All the impurities, called dross, would then rise to the surface and the metalworker would skim them off. Intense heat was the only way to remove the impurities. This continued on until the goldsmith could look into the liquid gold and see his face clearly mirrored in it. Then he knew it was pure gold. This is the same principle of refinement by heat that God uses in our refinement, our conformity. Then we are poured out into the mold, the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. But first self must be removed.

God puts us in the crucible of life and turns up the heat. This causes the impurities to rise so they can be dealt with. Fire reveals our sinful attitudes and actions. As we repent, God cleanses us (1 John 1:9) and purifies us so that He can see Himself clearly mirrored in us. Zechariah 13:9 “I will bring one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested.

They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, `This is My people’; And each one will say `The Lord is my God.’” Christlikeness is the goal of the baptism in fire. Since God is making us pure, He burns out all the dross and impurities.

Matthew 3:11-12 “. . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Notice in this passage that the chaff was burned, but the wheat was saved. The Lord desires to burn out all the sinful, unnecessary things in our lives in order to save the good.

The baptism in fire produces the fruit of the Spirit within us.

Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

200

Foundational Discipling Principles

Fruit is not given, it is grown! Growing fruit requires sun, rain and wind. The rain waters the fruit, but the dry times cause the roots to go down deep. Without the heat of the sun, there would be no growth. Even the wind serves to strengthen the plant, and to carry away the dead leaves. The Holy Spirit is the faithful husbandman who uses all means to grow fruit in our lives.

The baptism in fire gives us a revelation of God that cannot be received any other way. When Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace for taking a stand for the Lord, the King said, “Look! . . . I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25). These three Hebrews had been faithful servants of the Lord, but it was in the fire that they saw Him face-toface. When we are going through a fiery trial, our prayer should be, “God, open my eyes to see You in the midst of this fire.”

The baptism in fire causes us to be a comfort to others.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”

As we walk through the fire, we are able to minister to the needs of others. Receiving the comfort of God allows us to freely comfort others (Matthew 10:8).

E. Responding to the Baptism in Fire Should our response to the baptism in fire be depression? Self-pity?

Rebellion? Murmuring? NO! The biblical response is to rejoice!

James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

201

Foundational Discipling Principles

We must count it all joy because the fire perfects us and causes the glory of God to rest on us.

1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. . .”

We must not think it is strange for Christians to suffer. Christ suffered and a servant is not above his master. Suffering is a natural result of a Christian life! The world hated Him then and hates all who are like Him now (John 15:18-19).

If you are going through a fire now, REJOICE! God is working in you and He always finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). He is making you like Jesus, so do not fight against what He is doing in you. Ask Him, “God, what are You trying to teach me?’ Then be obedient to what He tells you. This time of testing will not go on forever.

1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Our response to the baptism in fire must be that of rejoicing, listening and obedience. The baptism in fire is nothing to be feared.

When the three Hebrews came out of the fire, not one hair was singed. There was not even the smell of smoke on them (Daniel 3:27). God delivers completely. We sometimes want deliverance from the fire, but God delivers in the midst of the fire.

Remember God’s promise, “. . . when you walk through the fire, you shalt not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2). Hallelujah!

202

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Lord God, we praise You in the midst of the fire! We rejoice at the lessening of self and the increasing of You in our lives. We praise You that You too come into the fire with us, for we could not endure it alone. Wonderful and caring are You, Lord, that You should refine us to the image of Jesus Christ. Oh, that we shall be in His image causes us to rejoice in the midst of the fiery trials. Refine us, Lord, so that we may give to You and partake in Your glory! Blessed be the Name of the Lord, for He does all things for our good. Thank You Lord, we pray in the name above all names, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

203

V. LAYING ON OF HANDS Principle One:

Foundation of Laying on of Hands

, A. Introduction

T

his is the beginning of a new series which will endeavor to lay a foundation in the principle of laying on of hands (Hebrews 6:2). It is significant that this series follows the teaching on baptism in the Holy Spirit, since they are related in ministry (Acts 8:17; 19:6). In fact, much New Testament ministry is related to the laying on of hands. Blessings, power, identification, ministry, and authority flow through the hands of the believer who walks in obedience to the Lord. The ministry of the laying on of hands may be looked upon as an expression and an extension of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sign of the apostolic authority of the Church bringing the kingdom of God to a world in need of deliverance from the works of Satan.

B. A Look at “Hands” To see the significance of hands and their use biblically, we need to go back to the beginning, observing the Law of First Mention.

This law states that the first example of a truth in the Bible will set a pattern or a principle of interpretation for that word or concept throughout the Scriptures. With this in mind, let’s look at the first instance of the use of hands in the Bible.

204

Foundational Discipling Principles

Genesis 2:7 `And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

Though the word “hands” is not used in this passage, it is implied when speaking of the forming of man. We know that God is Spirit (John 4:24), but the Bible uses human characteristics to describe Him. This is so our limited minds can have a better understanding of the God we cannot see. When the Bible speaks of God’s hands, it speaks of His power and ability.

Exodus 15:6 “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.”

The second instance of the use of this word “formed,” is in Genesis 2:18-19: “And the Lord God said, `It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. . .”

The Hebrew word for “form” is “yatsar,” which means “to mold into a form, especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a resolution): earthen, fashion, form, frame, make, potter, and purpose.”

Of all the rest of creation it is said the Lord spoke, made or created, but of man and the animals God made for man, the Bible says He “formed.” This “forming” which God did in the creation of man and the animal kingdom gives us insight into God’s attitude toward man as well as the importance He places upon the use of the hands. “Forming” speaks of an intimate involvement, a personal contact and a very careful handling. The hand speaks of sensitivity and ability, as an extension of the mind and thought process. Out of His divine mind, God formed His beloved man in all of the intricate workings of the superb physical body with its varied systems of operation. Then He breathed into this formed body and it became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). From this original form, God then “built” Eve to be the “help meet” that the animals could not be (Genesis 205

Foundational Discipling Principles

2:18-25). We see that God’s hands were an extension of His divine purpose concerning man from the very beginning.

Hands are an extension of the person and are the instrument of “doing” used in activity. Hands speak of power and ability. In the physical realm, hands are a gateway of input and output through which man expresses loving, praising, creativity and the focal point for sense of touch: i.e., texture, temperature and tremendous sensitivity. Hands are used in work, play, giving, receiving, etc. Hands may also be clasped in friendship, greeting and covenant (unfortunately we have lost the honor of the significance of the sealing of one’s word through the handshake).

As in the physical, so also in the spiritual sense, the hand is a gateway of input and output. Laying on of hands, therefore, takes on a greater significance to us and we can have a greater understanding of this basic biblical doctrine.

C. A Look at “Laying On” Hebrews 6:2 tells us that laying on of hands is one of the six foundational principles on which Christianity is built. Without an understanding of this basic doctrine the Christian cannot successfully move on into deeper areas of maturity in the Word of God. We must have a clear understanding of these doctrines before we can receive the full provision of each of these into our lives by faith.

If the Christian does not know and understand the importance, the power, and the actual impartation that takes place in the laying on of hands, he or she will not receive from God by faith all that that has been provided; nor will he or she know how to protect himself from a wrong impartation.

In the New Testament the Greek word for “laying” as used here is “epithesis,” which means “to impose, add unto, lade, lay upon, put upon, set on.” Therefore, we understand it as the actual placing of the hands upon another person for a particular reason. God does nothing without a purpose. The laying on of hands is not an empty ceremony; something really happens when we lay our hands on others. God has chosen our hands to be the channels through which we bless others and operate in kingdom power. The purpose of laying on of hands is for impartation, identification, confirmation and blessing.

206

Foundational Discipling Principles

D. Impartation by the Laying on of Hands We have seen the importance that God places on the laying on of hands. This is because the one who lays hands on another is imparting something of spiritual significance to the one on whom his hands are laid. To impart means to give. This is why it is important to know who lays hands on us, because they are imparting something spiritual to us. Medical and scientific research has been studying and noting for years the effects and changes caused by the laying on of hands. There is an inbuilt function in the natural man that responds to the impartation by the laying on of hands. Research done with children who have never been touched or handled show a markedly warped development which sometimes results in death.

Human beings are designed to respond to touching. Even at its best, however, the impartation of the natural man cannot accomplish that which the Spirit of God accomplishes through the hands of a Spiritfilled believer.

E. The Practice of Laying on of Hands in the Old Testament Impartation by the laying on of hands was an important doctrinal requirement under the old covenant for the atonement of sin and was performed by the following: 1. Those making an offering for sin, imparting their sin to the offering for their atonement (Leviticus 1:4).

2. The High Priest for the iniquities of Israel on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:21).

3. The Elders on behalf of all Israel to atone for unintentional sins (Leviticus 4:15).

Other accounts of the laying on of hands in the Old Testament evidence the transmittal of spiritual power and authority.

1. Consecration: The Levitical priests laid hands on the sacrifice for their own consecration into the priesthood (Numbers 8:12) and for the consecration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood (Exodus 29:10).

207

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. Blessing: When Jacob laid hands on Ephraim and Manasseh, he crossed his hands to lay the right hand, the stronger blessing, on Ephraim (Genesis 48:14).

3. Transferal of Authority and Wisdom: Moses laid hands on Joshua at the instruction of God for his commissioning into leadership (Numbers 27:23; Deuteronomy 34:9).

4. Anointing with Oil: The Hebrew word for “anoint” is “mashach,” meaning, “to rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paint.”

Examples of anointing with oil which show a definite impartation of the power of the Spirit of God are the anointing by Samuel of Saul and David as kings and the anointing of Solomon by Zadok (1 Samuel 10:l; I Samuel 16:3; 1 Kings 1:38 respectively).

F. The Practice of Laying on of Hands in the New Testament The laying on of hands was very important to the early Church. The New Testament sets it forth as a distinct doctrine and gives us five different purposes for the laying on of hands.

1. To minister the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

2. To impart spiritual gifts.

3. To minister signs and wonders.

4. To minister healing.

5. To consecrate and commission into ministry.

Let us examine each of these separately as a practical guide to our Christian walk and Church life today.

1. To minister the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

As we look to the New Testament for examples of the laying on of hands in ministering the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we find three accounts given in the book of Acts. First, the apostles Peter and John went to Samaria after receiving word about those who were converted because of Philip’s preaching.

Acts 8:15, 17-18 “. . . who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. . ., then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon 208

Foundational Discipling Principles

saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given. . .”

Second, Paul received the baptism in the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him. Acts 9:17 “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him said, `Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’”

Finally, Paul ministered the baptism in the Holy Spirit to the disciples of John through the laying on of hands.

Acts 19:6 “And when Pau1 had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”

Though the laying on of hands to minister the baptism in the Holy Spirit is normal and scriptural, it is not the exclusive means of receiving, as evidenced by other examples. The common denominator in each example (as discussed in Principle 5 of the Doctrine of Baptisms) is receiving by faith the gift of Jesus the Baptizer.

2. To impart spiritual gifts.

In laying on of hands we see that there is something actually imparted; it is not merely an imitation of a spiritual example. Romans 1:11 makes it clear that spiritual gifts are imparted for the establishing of the Church. Gifts are given by hands. The Greek word for “gifts” in the following examples is “charisma,” which means “a divine gratuity or a spiritual endowment,” and the root is “charis,” meaning “grace.”

1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophesy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery.”

2 Timothy 1:6 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gifts of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

It is clear that prophecy as well as the laying on of hands was instrumental in the impartation of spiritual gifts. It is also clear from 209

Foundational Discipling Principles

the examples given that it was through established leadership that these gifts were imparted. So, gifts are endowed by God through the established authority in the Church for the establishing, building up and edification of the Church. I will cover this in detail in Principle Six of this series.

3. To minister signs and wonders.

We have scriptural evidence of God working signs and wonders through the ministration of the laying on of hands. The scriptural pattern is that signs and wonders are worked through the fivefold ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 5:12;14:3; 19:11). I will go further into this in Principle Five of this series.

4. To minister healing.

As was mentioned earlier, there is a natural therapeutic benefit in laying hands upon the sick. Satan has always had his counterfeit means of so-called “healing” through the hands of his servants.

However, the biblical ministry of healing through the laying on of hands is in a loving atmosphere where the person is set free from Satan’s snare, and released into wholeness and abundance. There is actually a supernatural impartation of the life of God which brings either an instantaneous healing (miracle), or sets in motion the process of recovery. There are numerous examples of healing by the laying on of hands throughout the ministry of Jesus, through the apostles, through the commissioned Church and through individual believers.

Luke 4:40 “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.”

Acts 28:8 “. . . Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.”

210

Foundational Discipling Principles

Mark 16:18 “They will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

5. To consecrate and commission into ministry.

Another purpose of the laying on of hands is the ordaining, commissioning and sending forth of ministry. Hands were laid on the men set aside as deacons in the early Church (Acts 6:6). Not only were these men presented to God by the laying on of hands, but they were also acknowledged publicly and had imparted to them the authority and grace needed for their position. The laying on of hands brought spiritual power and authority in the lives of Stephen and Philip (Acts 6:8).

Though not mentioned directly, it is evident that laying on of hands accompanied acts of ordination. We see that Timothy had hands laid on him (1 Timothy 4:14).

In the context of discussion of eldership, a warning is given concerning the identification aspect of laying on of hands: 2 Timothy 5:22 “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins. . .”

This does not mean that we should be afraid to lay our hands on people when we pray for them. Rather, this warning is given because when we lay hands on someone to send them out into ministry, we are identifying ourselves with them. Therefore, we must be sure they will represent the Lord and the Church faithfully.

The laying on of hands is an integral part of commissioning and sending forth ministries.

Acts 13:2-3 “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, `Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

G. Conclusion A study of God’s word makes it clear that the doctrine of laying on of hands is extremely important to the purpose of God in the 211

Foundational Discipling Principles

Church. A clear understanding of this doctrine can insure the candidate receiving the laying on of hands a greater degree of reception through faith, for we are told in Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” As our faith is increased through the receiving of the Word, our receiving of the provision of God may be increased also.

We see that there is an impartation which takes place from the one laying on hands to the recipient. Likewise, there is also an identification that takes place through the laying on of hands. We have seen that there is blessing conferred from God upon the recipient and there is public confirmation of God’s call. The subject of laying on of hands is obviously important for us to study, even more in depth.

“Lord God, You are the Giver of gifts, the Imparter of blessings, the Divine Benefactor who imparts miracles and signs and wonders.

We praise You for Your care and Your oversight. We are humbled

by Your allowing us to partake in Your ministry through the laying on of hands. Thank You Father, for teaching us Your ways through Your Son Jesus and through the workings of Your most Holy Spirit.

We yield to You, Lord, in all matters and things, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

212

Principle Two:

Healing

, A. Introduction Psalm 103:1-3 “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”

T

he subject of healing is very controversial in many circles today.

Some believe that divine healing belongs to another dispensation and is not for today. The opposite extreme is the teaching that medicine and doctors are of the devil. I have come to realize through the years that there are many questions concerning healing that are difficult to answer. In this lesson, I will concentrate on those things which are clearly defined in the Word of God. B. God Created Man Without Sickness, Disease and Death God originally made man free from sin, sickness and death. God’s original creation of man shows us His desire for men to be free from sickness. God created man without death. Death was introduced through yielding to Satan’s temptation to disobey God and to sin, thereby functioning independently of his Creator.

Genesis 2:17 tells us that God instructed man not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for the result of eating from it would be certain death. As we know, Adam and Eve did not obey God, but chose to embark on a path different from God’s original 213

Foundational Discipling Principles

intention. This resulted in the power of death coming upon all mankind for the generations to come.

Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

Physical death and all that produces it are the direct result of sin. That the destructive results of sin were introduced into God’s creation is evidence as we see the life span of man becoming shorter through the generations. Speaking of this, Paul writes in Romans 8:22-­23, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. And not only they, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”

This world is not as God originally created it to be. Sin has corrupted the world and everything that dwells therein. All corruption, sickness, pain, disease and death can be directly tracked back to sin.

This is not to say that all sickness is a direct result of sin in a person’s life. However, all sickness is a result of the fact that we live in a fallen world that has been depraved by sin.

C. Healing in the Old Covenant After the fall of man, God worked to restore man to Himself. As He revealed Himself to His people over a period of time, He disclosed aspects of His character which gave them insight into His will and intentions for them. Throughout the Word, God revealed Himself through His covenant names, which describe His multifaceted character. The first time God revealed a covenant name to Israel was after He brought them out of Egypt. When God delivered them on the night of Passover there was no sick or weakly among them (Psalm 105:37). It was when the people were led by Moses to the bitter waters of Marah that God revealed His name to them as Jehovah Rapha, meaning “I am the Lord who heals you.”

214

Foundational Discipling Principles

Exodus 15:26 “. . . if you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

Clearly, God revealed His will concerning healing in the Old Covenant by giving His name Jehovah Rapha and by the fact that He healed many people. Since healing is in the Old Covenant, and we now have a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6-7), then surely healing is for us today.

D. Healing is in the Atonement The atonement is the work of Christ on the cross which restored man to God. Isaiah prophesied regarding the atonement of Jesus several hundred years before Christ physically walked upon the earth. He declared all that was to be accomplished and provided through the sacrifice of Jesus. We see this fulfilled in the gospels when Jesus healed all who came to Him for healing.

Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Matthew 8:16-17 “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, `He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.’”

The word “griefs” in Hebrew means “malady, anxiety, calamity, disease, grief, sickness.” The word translated “sorrows” means “anguish, affliction, grief, pain or sorrow.” It becomes clear that in addition to bearing our griefs and sorrows, Jesus literally carried our sicknesses, afflictions and pains. Jesus was not only wounded for 215

Foundational Discipling Principles

our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and chastised for our peace, but by His stripes we are healed. Christ bore our sicknesses as well as our sins.

The atonement of Jesus provided for freedom from iniquity and sin, but it also provided for our peace and our physical and emotional healing. Isaiah 53:10 is an interesting verse which states, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief . . .”

This means that the Lord literally made Jesus sick, so that we might receive healing.

The provisions of the atonement are made much clearer in the New Testament because it places healing and salvation together in the same act.

1 Peter 2:24 “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.”

Further understanding of the words “saved” and “salvation” will be of help to us. The Greek word “sozo” means “to save, deliver, protect, heal, preserve, be made whole.” The Greek word for “salvation” is “soteria,” which means “to rescue, make safe, deliver, make whole, keep in health, etc.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words sums up the definition of salvation as “deliverance from the bondage of sin and preservation or divine protection in the material or temporal (healing included) along with the eternal.”

What then is God’s will concerning healing? God has provided, through salvation, healing for those who will believe and receive.

This covers every aspect of our being and provides for the meeting of every need. Jesus bore our sin so that we should never have to bear it again. He also bore our sickness and pain so that we should not have to bear them either.

E. Jesus’ Ministry of Healing When we speak of laying on of hands, we naturally think of the ministry of Jesus who healed all who came to see Him, most by the laying on of hands.

216

Foundational Discipling Principles

Luke 4:40 “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.”

Healing was one of the main thrusts of Jesus’ ministry. There is no evidence of Jesus ever refusing to heal anyone who desired to be healed. The Bible gives us numerous scriptures showing that Jesus healed all who were in large crowds (Luke 4:40; 6:19; 9:11).

He knew people’s need for healing and His heart of compassion responded to their need and cry. Jesus moved in full submission to the Father in all that He did. He said, “. . . He who has seen Me has seen the Father. . .” (John 14:9). Whenever we need to know the Father’s will concerning anything, we can find it in the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation: Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:3). The fact that He healed all who came reveals the Father’s will concerning healing. The scope and purpose of Jesus’ ministry is expressed distinctly in the following scriptures: Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

1 John 3:8 “. . . For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

Acts 10:38 “. . . how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Jesus was a demonstration of the gospel of the kingdom of God to the disciples. When He sent the seventy out two by two, He instructed them to “. . . heal the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:9).

Jesus did not separate healing from the kingdom of God because in heaven there is no sickness, disease or sin, only wholeness and 217

Foundational Discipling Principles

health. When Jesus declared His ministry in Luke 4:18, He was proclaiming “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). His salvation includes wholeness, soundness, completeness and health in body, soul, and spirit.

Acts 3:16 NAS “And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him perfect health in the presence of you all.”

The believer should never have to inquire as to God’s will concerning personal healing. Sickness is a result of the oppression and work of the devil, but Jesus came to destroy that work and all its manifestations. Healing, therefore, is the result of the great love that the Father has shown toward us. Since it was God’s will for Jesus to heal when He walked on the earth, then it is still His will now because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

F. The Ministry of the Church in Healing When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He commissioned His twelve disciples to go and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1). A short time later the seventy were also sent out to preach the gospel and heal the sick (Luke 10:8-9). The very last command Jesus gave to the Church before His ascension was, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). He promised that as they did this, signs and wonders would follow them (Mark 16:17-18).

Included in these signs and wonders was the gift of healing through the laying on of hands.

The disciples went forth preaching the Word of God and God confirmed the Word with signs following. Throughout the book of Acts there is one recording after another of the miraculous healings of many individuals. Peter’s shadow passing over people was even sufficient for some to receive healing (Acts 5:15). Paul gave out handkerchiefs and special miracles such as healing, and deliverance resulted when they were touched (Acts 19:11-12). Healing is definitely a part of New Testament Church life.

218

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Church has been called and commissioned by our Lord to preach the gospel and heal the sick. Individual believers are to lay hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16:18). James 5:14-15 instructs someone in the Church who is sick to “. . . call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”

G. Possible Causes of Sickness Sickness can come against the body through various means. We know God’s will concerning our health, but if we fail to fulfill His ways in our lives we can open doors for sickness through sin or ignorance. Sometimes sickness is the result of natural causes such as improper diet, lack of exercise, not enough rest, improper dress for the elements, etc. Sometimes sickness is an attack of the enemy, which needs to be dealt with in warfare and resisted according to the Word as we have already seen (Matthew 12:22; 9:22).

Doors to sickness can also be opened through sin. Sin is disobeying God’s Word. When we go against God’s Word, we give place to the enemy in our lives. Sins of attitude (such as unforgiveness, resentment, a critical attitude, a judgmental attitude, root of bitterness, criticism, etc.) fall into this category and are sometimes overlooked by the Christian. James 5:14-16 makes it clear that the confessing of sins and the receiving of forgiveness opens the way for healing through the prayer of faith. Another possible open door is through inherited curses and infirmities that need to be broken (Deuteronomy 34:7).

It is of utmost importance for the one seeking healing to humbly submit himself to God asking Him to search the heart and reveal any possible open door. We must seek God for His direction concerning His means of healing that He should receive the glory due His name.

H. Hindrances to Healing What about those who are not healed? Is something hindering their ability to receive healing? Since faith is essential for the receiving of healing (even the size of a mustard seed), then unbelief can be a major hindrance to the receiving of healing. Simply stated, unbelief 219

Foundational Discipling Principles

is deciding to believe the circumstances rather than what God has said. Numbers 13 and 14 substantiates this statement and will enlighten the reader regarding the seriousness of unbelief. We are told how God was displeased with the ten unbelieving spies and their influence on the people of Israel. It will be to the advantage of the people of God to seek to know what God has spoken and provided. Do not become legalistic and assume that the reason someone isn’t healed is because they do not have “enough faith” to receive their healing. That is judgmental, and not the mind of God. There are many hindrances to receiving faith for healing, but one of the most damaging is FEAR. This battle is fought in the mind, in our thought life. Fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16) come in various ways, but one of the primary ways is through thoughts placed in our minds. Satan may suggest or threaten sickness or pain, and this can produce fear. However, fear is not from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

The believer’s life should be lived according to the principles set forth in the Word of God, not according to the fiery onslaughts of the enemy. God exhorts us over and over throughout the scriptures to “fear not.” Fear prevents the child of God from operating in faith in God and the integrity of His Word. Romans 8:6 tells us that the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. This peace, which goes beyond our understanding, is an evidence of a sound mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

Another hindrance to healing is a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Some people have been taught that healing is not for today and not for them. They need their minds renewed according to the Word of God. A sound mind set on the Spirit and on the Word of God is stable, unwavering and determined to stand on the provision of the atonement of Jesus and His covenant with us. The renewing of the mind in the Word of God is what brings about this stable mind and abiding faith. When the mind is set on the Spirit, constantly renewed and refreshed in the Word of God, then faith for healing arises to quench the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16).

220

Foundational Discipling Principles

The renewed mind will speak the Word of God rather than the words of doubt and fear. When Jesus was tempted by the devil He always responded by saying, “It is written. . .” (Luke 4:1-13). To successfully combat the enemy in the battle of the mind, we must also speak forth the Word of God. However, when the mind is not renewed in the Word of God, there is no faith to combat the enemy.

The mind becomes set on the flesh, the pain and the possible disastrous results, which enables the enemy to establish his strategy.

I. Receiving Healing When a believer is sick, he should first seek God for specific direction regarding the source of the sickness. Then he must be willing to do whatever God reveals, such as, repenting of sin, being reconciled to someone else, renewing the mind in the Word or replacing doubt and unbelief with faith and trust in God. Healing is received when the believer, by faith, accepts the provision of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Faith is absolute trust in God and in what He has spoken through His Word. Faith is looking to the integrity of the Word of God and believing that He will do what He said. It is choosing to believe God above, beyond and in spite of the circumstances. It is not denying the circumstances, but it is simply choosing to believe God has made a higher provision for His people.

The Word gives us a number of ways to be healed, but faith is always the common denominator.

1. One provision for healing is through the laying on of hands by the elders of the Church with the anointing of oil, the prayer of faith, and the forgiving of sin (James 5:15-18).

2. Healing can be received by faith in the Word through personal prayer as the believer seeks God’s direction and provision (Matthew 7:7).

3. Healing can also be imparted to the believer as he worships, praises and communes with God. In His presence is protection and deliverance (Psalm 91; 32:7).

4. Healing can be imparted to a person in special ways or through special God-led means such as was done through the ministry of Paul (Acts 19:12).

221

Foundational Discipling Principles

5. Those who partook of the lamb on the night of Passover in the land of Egypt received healing. Likewise, the believer can receive healing as he partakes of the Lord’s Supper, because Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).

6. Healing can be received as believers are gathered together in believing prayer (Mark 16:18).

7. Healing can be received through spiritual warfare. As we know, Satan walks about seeking whom he may devour. Sickness weakens, debilitates and diffuses the body’s strength and full effectiveness. It may turn our attention from proclaiming the gospel and expressing God’s kingdom to a self-centered concern and attentiveness which focuses on our own discomfort and bodily threat. We are not to receive sickness from the enemies’ hand, but are to resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9).

8. Some people receive their physical and emotional healing at the same time as they receive the gift of salvation. People have been miraculously transformed, inside and out, at the moment they receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior (1 John 3:8).

All of God’s provisions of healing become more accessible as the believer knows the Word of God. It becomes the very healing agent itself as the revelation becomes more visible (Proverbs 4:2023), for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Therefore, it is worthwhile for the believer to become knowledgeable of God’s provisions for His children. We must study the Word and seek to learn how to walk and live in the fullness of those provisions for the glory of God. God is glorified through a people who are healthy and fit for the work of spreading the Kingdom of God in the earth.

“Lord God, Jehovah Rapha, we thank You for Your provision of healing in our lives. We stand upon the gift of faith You have also provided, upon Your Word, and upon Your Character for our healing.

Praise You, Lord Almighty, for You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory. You are a good Father, You are our Healer, our Provider of life, even more abundantly. Reveal to us, O Lord, any spot or blemish which might inhibit us from receiving Your healing power.

222

Foundational Discipling Principles

Remove every obstacle from us which would keep us from being completely healed. We humbly ask this of You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

223

Principle Three:

The Gifts of the Spirit

, A. Introduction

T

he gifts of the Spirit are those gifts, workings and manifestations of the Holy Spirit, which operate through the believer to extend Christ’s work on this earth. These gifts are released for the profiting, building up, and strengthening of the body of Christ.

Through these divine enablements the body of Christ functions with the same supernatural power and ability that Jesus had when He walked on earth. The gifts belong essentially to God and are a part of His overall character, but they are given to the Church through the impartation of the Holy Spirit to whoever He wills (2 Corinthians 12:11). They are to be desired by the believer and can operate through a yielded and willing vessel. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit we have become “God-gifted” or “God-graced” humans who are to proclaim, “The Kingdom has come” and Jesus is Lord and King to the glory of the Father.

B. Jesus Christ and the Gifts Before we look at the individual gift manifestations of the Holy Spirit, we need to understand the relationship between Jesus as He walked on earth and the Holy Spirit and His gifts. This will help us to grasp the function of the gifts in our own individual lives.

The Son of God emptied Himself of His position and took on the form of man (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus Christ was totally God and 224

Foundational Discipling Principles

totally human when He became a baby. He had both a divine nature and a human nature. He gave up none of His divine attributes, only His “equality with God,” and took on human attributes. However, in order to be our example and to sympathize with us in all points, He chose to lay down His divine power and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is extremely important to understand, otherwise, we will not see the need for the gifts to operate in our lives.

Jesus was baptized in the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22), was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1) and ministered “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14). Obviously, if Jesus received the fullness of the Holy Spirit and ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit, He did not use His own divine power. All that Jesus did was done in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. This is the way that God desires for us to function today. We must be like Jesus, our Lord, who ministered to all who came to Him by the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

C. The Gifts in Operation Although we generally think only of the Holy Spirit being associated with these gifts, we must understand that the complete Trinity is involved. The will of the Father is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the believer that the continuing Lordship of Jesus Christ might be demonstrated.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. . .”

The word “gifts” is translated from the Greek word “charisma,” meaning “a divine gratuity, spiritual endowment, religious qualification, miraculous faculty.” From this word, we get our word “charismatic,” which means “grace gifts.” This word is usually associated with certain natural qualities within a gifted person who is able to use them in a persuasive way. However, when the Bible speaks of “charisma,” it is speaking of “grace gifts” given for the purpose 225

Foundational Discipling Principles

and furtherance of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 12 gives us instructions concerning the gifts of the Spirit. However, in verse 1 of 1 Corinthians 12, the word “gifts” is added to the original. It actually reads, “Now concerning spirituals, brethren, I would not want you to be ignorant.” These “spirituals” are manifestations of the living Spirit of God who dwells within the believer. Paul emphasizes the importance for the body of Christ to become knowledgeable of these endowments of the Holy Spirit for the good of all. Additionally, he admonishes the believer that the gifts are to be eagerly sought after, not for self-glory, but for the edifying of the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:31 “But earnestly desire the best gifts. . .”

1 Corinthians 14:26, 40 “ How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. . . Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Many times one believer will be used to operate one gift more often than another, but God can and does cause any believer to operate any of the gifts as He wills and when He wills. This means anyone may be used at any time. However, the distributing of the gifts is generally proportioned throughout the body according to maturity, desire and personality.

It is evident as we study the giving and the operations of these gifts that God desires to manifest His personality and power not only to His children, the body of Christ, but to a lost world. God has given supernatural gifts to aid in the expansion of the kingdom of God through the Church (Hebrews 2:34). It is, therefore, very important that Spirit-baptized believers ask to be used in gifts, but also that they seek to understand and know how to operate them scripturally for the exaltation of God through His amazing love and power. We must learn to move in the gifts of the Spirit in our daily lives as well as in the church services.

1 Corinthians 12 gives instructions about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and about the body life of the assembly. Chapter 13 gives admonitions concerning the motives of the gifts within the body, 226

Foundational Discipling Principles

and Chapter 14 gives the working out of both within the body. “. . . Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:26). The proper and orderly function of the gifts within the body is for edification, exhortation, comfort, and restoration. God breaks through our natural fellowship to manifest His supernatural life in each one of us in order to change us. He uses one to minister life to another spontaneously and we all rejoice together (1 Corinthians 12:25-26), giving glory to Him. We really need each other for the body to be whole and complete, lacking nothing (Ephesians 4:16).

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 “. . . for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another discerning of’ spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

Before we look at the gifts individually, we must realize that they are all interrelated. We sometimes divide the nine gifts of the Spirit into three groups for greater ease of understanding. The revelation gifts impart knowledge. They are the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits. The utterance or voice gifts are spoken. They are kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy. The power gifts are operated. They are faith, gifts of healing, and working of miracles.

D. The Revelation Gifts 1. The Word of Wisdom Although the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge very often work closely together, they are two distinct manifestations. The word of wisdom is the supernatural ability to perceive a fragment of the wisdom of God when needed in a specific situation. Wisdom may be defined as the correct use of knowledge and facts. All wisdom is resident in God and in order to extend His kingdom, He reveals a portion of that wisdom supernaturally through the believer. It is not 227

Foundational Discipling Principles

the totality of God’s wisdom, which is revealed, but only the portion that is needed at a specific time to meet a specific need.

Jesus operated in the word of wisdom many times. One example would be His answer to the Pharisees and Herodians who were attempting to trap Him with the question pertaining to tribute money to Caesar.

Matthew 22:21 “. . . Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

There is no new information or knowledge disclosed by His statement; only a word of wisdom that leaves them unable to dispute Him. The statement is sharp, to the point, cuts through all issues, and settles the question, argument, or doubt. The word of wisdom, while offering no new knowledge, provides the needed answer, guidance and direction.

2. The Word of Knowledge The word of knowledge is a gift of divine knowledge given for specific times of ministry. It is a portion of God’s knowledge that was previously unknown to the individual. The new information given by the Holy Spirit through another believer is precisely the insight needed at that moment. It allows one to see a part of God’s dealings or purpose and reveals how to go about the kingdom business.

Generally, this gift brings wholeness and restoration to the situation to which it is spoken. The word of knowledge very often is used in combination with the gift of healing, raising the level of faith and expectancy.

The word of knowledge in the ministry of Jesus is very pronounced. When the death of Lazarus was announced to Jesus, He spoke a word that contained insight that no one could have known.

John 11:4 “When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”

228

Foundational Discipling Principles

The word of knowledge is given in circumstances where one needs a revelation of God’s loving heart or a warning of impending danger. At other times it may disclose sin.

Acts 5:3 “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”‘ 3. The Discerning of Spirits The discerning of spirits is the gift of the Holy Spirit that enables us to recognize the particular spirit behind different activities and manifestations. It is the defense gift in the body of Christ whereby the workings of Satan can be distinguished from the operation of the Spirit of God. Satan can counterfeit God’s word and works, but the spirit in them gives him away. He operates with “all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 ). The Bible warns us , “. . . false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders” (Mark 13:22). We need to be able to discern the source of miracles and not just accept them at face value.

Discerning of spirits also is given by the Holy Spirit to identify the spirit by which a man speaks or by which he is motivated. This is not to be confused with the human endowment of discernment nor with psychoanalysis or extrasensory perception. Discerning of spirits is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, which reveals spiritual sources.

This gift is of tremendous importance in intercession and spiritual warfare, as well as in other areas of ministry. The spiritual bondage and manifestations of evil over people and geographical areas need to be brought to light in order to be dealt with. The Holy Spirit provides this discernment.

Luke 9:35 “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of’”

229

Foundational Discipling Principles

Matthew 16:23 “But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’”

Acts 16:16,18 “. . . a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us. . . but Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.”

E. The Utterance or Speaking Gifts 1. Speaking in Tongues Among the most controversial of the gifts is speaking in tongues.

The gift of tongues is the manifestation of the Spirit through a language not previously known to the person who is speaking. The companion gifts of tongues and interpretation of tongues are the only two gifts which are not found in the Old Testament and which came specifically with the baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are three major purposes for speaking in tongues. First, for personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4); Secondly, through interpretation, for edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 14:5); Thirdly, tongues are a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22).

How does speaking in tongues build up and personally edify us?

The first way in which tongues edifies the believer is through direct communication with God (1 Corinthians 14:2). God has provided this way for us to commune with Him spirit to Spirit without the necessity of human understanding, although human understanding can be there as well (1 Corinthians 14:15). The key to understanding tongues is that we SPEAK TO GOD. It is not meant to be used to speak to man, but it is a devotional toll through which man can speak to God. It is not gibberish or a mystery to God, for He understands all languages and tongues. It is a language of the Spirit. Most people have a real desire to be able to speak directly to God, to really know how to pray, and tongues are for that purpose.

On the Day of Pentecost the believers who received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of tongues did not preach to those who were around them the good news of the Gospel. It was 230

Foundational Discipling Principles

Peter, who later stood up with the other Apostles, who proclaimed the message which resulted in 3,000 converts. Those believers who received the baptism in the Holy Spirit were lifting up their voices unto God declaring the wondrous works of the Lord. They did not understand what they were saying, but those standing nearby from all the various regions understood.

1 Corinthians 14:2, 4-5) “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. . . He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues. . .”

The second way that tongues edifies us is that in the spirit we speak the “mysteries of God.” From the place of communicating in the spirit with God we become aware of the depth of the utterance with which we are speaking. Through interpretation, we may find that we are speaking deep biblical truths that we may have never studied or understood before. The value of speaking in tongues is not just in the language itself, but in the spiritual message that is expressed. This is why we need the interpretation of our tongue to find the mystery revealed in the Holy Spirit.

The third way tongues edifies us is through knowing that everything spoken in an unknown tongue has a purpose or significance (1 Corinthians 14:10). What is the point of a revelation if it does not reveal? What meaning is there to music if we cannot distinguish the tune? What is the point of conversation if we cannot understand one’s language (1 Corinthians 14:6-11)? We need to understand that when we pray in an unknown tongue we do not simply utter words into the air, but every word we speak is vital to a particular situation or purpose. If, while praying in tongues, we sense a real breakthrough in the spirit, then we are edified knowing that something was achieved.

The gift of tongues is for personal edification as well as for the edification of the Church. Just as tongues edifies the individual believer, even so tongues, when interpreted, will edify all believers 231

Foundational Discipling Principles

present. As the mysteries of God are revealed through interpretation to the Church, all that hear will receive greater understanding.

The gift of tongues is also a sign for those who do not believe (1 Corinthians 14:22). It is through signs and wonders that the unbelieving will open themselves to the Gospel. When they see the supernatural manifest before them, such as by knowing the interpretation as those on the Day of Pentecost did, their hearts will be opened unto the Lord. Examples of this are found in Acts 2:1-11; 10:44-48 and 19:1-7.

2. The Interpretation of Tongues Interpretation of tongues is the God-given ability to bring forth an interpretation in a known, understood language to a message spoken in tongues within the Church (among believers). Even though tongues and interpretation of tongues are separate gifts, one cannot properly function without the other. When the gift of tongues is manifest within a meeting of believers, it should always be followed by the gift of the interpretation of tongues.

We must remember that tongues is not a message to the Church but unto God. Therefore, interpretation is not necessarily a translation, that is, word for word, but it provides the sense or meaning of the tongue spoken. This could explain why sometimes the message in tongues is much shorter than the interpretation or vice-versa, depending on who gives the interpretation. A good way to illustrate this is with two people interpreting what they see in a picture. One could be brief and the other lengthy, but both interpretations would be valid.

The address of tongues is to God, yet the interpretation is the heartbeat of that message to the Church. It can come forth as prophecy, a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom or any other gifts. It can be in the form of praise, prayer, or a response from the throne of God to His Church.

3. Prophecy The gift of prophecy is the ability to speak forth a message from God to the Church. Prophecy in the Old Testament had its major emphasis on the foretelling of future events. Prophecy was based on 232

Foundational Discipling Principles

what God already knew, what God had decreed, what God foresaw.

He simply chose to reveal the things He had already foreseen, or to reveal something He had decreed to happen.

Clearly, the New Testament sees this as an important function, but the use of the gift of prophecy is to build up or edify, to exhort and to comfort or console. The gift of prophecy must agree totally with the Bible or it is not of the Spirit of God. It is either of a false spirit of prophecy or spoken from the mind of a person.

1 Corinthians 14:1, 3-5 “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. But he who prophesies speaks edification, and exhortation, and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”

Speaking in tongues is toward God; man to God. Speaking in tongues is our inner spirit speaking directly to God. Prophecy is just the opposite. It is from God to man. “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men for edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”

1 Corinthians 14:29-33 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

The congregation is open to flow in prophecy, but the words are to be judged as to accuracy and to whether or not they are from God. There is never an excuse for a word of prophecy or any other verbal gifts to come forth in an uncontrollable or compulsive manner. We are told in the Word that the prophet has control over his own spirit (1 Corinthians 14:32).

233

Foundational Discipling Principles

G. The Power Gifts 1. The Gift of Faith The gift of faith is the God-given ability to believe God for the impossible to be accomplished. This is not simply saving faith or faith to live by; it is a special kind of faith, that is, faith as a gift. Through the gift of faith, the Holy Spirit imparts a portion of God’s own faith, directly and supernaturally, to the believer. This is faith on a divine level, as high above mere human faith as heaven is above the earth.

Many times this supernatural faith is expressed through a spoken word, as when Jesus cursed the fig tree and caused it to wither (Mark 11:20-23). Other times this faith is imparted in prayer for a situation, a nation or a person. An example of this is in James 5:15-17. Elijah, by his “prayer of faith,” stopped all rain for three and a half years and then caused rain to fall again.

Generally, the gift of faith works with the other power gifts: miracles and healing. In practice, the gift of faith often serves as a catalyst to bring the other two gifts into operation. For example, the gift of faith is necessary to raise the dead or to cast out evil spirits.

We can help people who want to be delivered, whether we have the manifestation of the Spirit or not, and we can deal with the devil in our own life on our own faith. However, we cannot just indiscriminately go around casting the devil out of everyone we meet (Matthew 12:28). Paul did not; he waited (“many days”) until the Spirit gave the discernment of spirits, and then the gift of faith came to cast it out (Acts16:18; Matthew 17:19-20).

2. The Gifts of Healing God has given unlimited means for His people to be healed and walk in the divine health, which He provided through Jesus. These particular gifts are the only ones spoken of in the plural, indicating the multi-faceted provision of God. There are times after praying for healing for oneself, body ministry prayer and laying on of hands by the elders, that a special gift from God is needed to receive healing. The Holy Spirit gives someone the gift of faith to believe for your healing and under the guidance of God they pray for you with the laying on of hands.

234

Foundational Discipling Principles

The gift of healing is deposited to them by the Holy Spirit while they are praying, and with boldness and assurance they declare your healing. They have within them a knowing that you are healed and they speak that word to you. You sense also that God has healed you and rejoice with them. This is a gift of healing in operation.

Although the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts “as He wills,” He does use one person as a channel for one type of healing while using another person in another way. For example, one believer may be used “successfully” to pray for stomach problems (being more comfortable themselves to pray for this). Another believer may be a channel for healing of twisted limbs. Some are more comfortable praying for healing of the mind, while others for the body. Outside of the body of Christ, however, the gifts of healing are related to signs and wonders in demonstrating the Gospel of the kingdom of God. Together with the working of miracles they show forth the mighty power and love of God in meeting the needs of hurting mankind. One can describe the whole ministry of healing by the general expression “healing all who are oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38).

Acts 3:6-8 “Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ Then he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them — walking, leaping, and praising God.” 3. Working of Miracles The manifestation gift of the working of miracles is the ability to perform works by the power of God that would otherwise be impossible. While sudden healing may be considered a miracle, the working of miracles is not limited to healing (Matthew 14:25-33).

While the gifts of healing are restorative, the working of miracles is more creative (Mark 6:41-44; 8:6-9; John 2:7-11).

What works come within the scope of the gift of miracles?

They are any work that brings the government of God. Jesus said, “All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore. . .” (Matthew 28:18-19). No place exists where He is 235

Foundational Discipling Principles

not the sovereign Lord, no situation lies outside His direct government. Where Jesus reigns, the gift of miracles operates. No domain can close its doors to His government. All spiritual powers, natural forces, and civil authorities must bow the knee to King Jesus.

However, God’s kingdom on earth usually operates within the limitations of natural laws set by God Himself. It is only when they are standing as obstacles to the immediate will of God being done that miracle power is necessary to overrule the problem.

God has provided the gifts of the Spirit so that we will be effective ministers of the Gospel. We are all called and commissioned to minister in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our part is to desire the gifts, pray to be used, and be available to God; as we do, we will flow in the gifts and move in supernatural power.

“Lord God, our Provider and Bestower of wonderful gifts, we give thanks to You, for You desire that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven; that You choose to use Your believers as vessels and instruments for Your gifts to be manifested and bring You glory and honor and praise. We pray that as You exhibit Your gifts through us that the nations will witness Your glory and be brought to their knees before You, seeing and believing in Your power and love. We earnestly desire Your gifts, Holy Spirit, and all that You have for us for Your praise and honor, as Your kingdom is established forever and ever, in Jesus name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

236

Principle Four:

The Motivational Gifts

, A. Introduction

T

here is much teaching today concerning who we are in Christ and what it is that God has called us into. Many people are trying to discover what it is that makes them respond the way they do. There is a genuine hunger from everyone to know what makes them tick. If a person does not know who he or she is or what God wants them to do, they miss an important part of the plan of God and live an unfulfilled life.

Fortunately, the Bible does not leave these important questions unanswered, but provides specific answers to them. God did not leave us in the dark concerning our purpose in life or concerning the way He gifted us to minister.

Romans 12:4-8 “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another, Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he shows mercy, with cheerfulness.�

237

Foundational Discipling Principles

This passage of Scripture reveals some important truths concerning the body of Christ. It reveals that we are not all the same, but we each have an important function within the body. God has gifted each member with what they need to be able to minister effectively.

These particular gifts are known as motivational gifts, because it is these gifts that motivate us to function in our calling.

B. The Categories of Gifts There are three major categories of gifts in the Scriptures. Before we go into the motivational gifts, we need to see how all are distinguished. For our purposes, I will divide the gifts into the three categories of ministry gifts, motivational gifts, and manifestation gifts.

1. Ministry Gifts a. “Diversities of administration” is the meaning of the Greek word “diaconia” (1 Corinthians 12:5). b. Ministry gifts provide opportunities for recognized Christian service through the Church. These gifts are confirmed by Church leaders. They include pastors, teachers, Church workers, assistants and administrators (1 Corinthians 12:28). c. Church leaders ordained Timothy by the laying on of hands and sent him out to assist Paul. His service to Paul was a ministry gift. Twice, Paul reminded Timothy about the ministry gift which he had been given: 1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

2 Timothy 1:6 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

2. Motivational Gifts a. “Diversities of operations” is the meaning of the Greek word “energema” (1 Corinthians 12:6).

238

Foundational Discipling Principles

b. Motivation gifts are the unique “energizings” of the Holy Spirit within a believer that give that believer the desire and the power to concentrate on a particular aspect of spiritual concern. They are given by the Holy Spirit in order to carry out the ministry. c. Every Christian has one of the seven motivational gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8. Every Christian then views other Christians and circumstances through his or her motivational gift. Christians with the gift of teaching look at things through the eyes of a teacher. The same is true for those with the gift of prophecy, serving, exhortation, giving and mercy.

3. Manifestation Gifts a. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:7) is the meaning of the Greek word “phanerosis.” b. Manifestation gifts are supernatural results of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and in the lives of those to whom we minister. c. As we develop and use our motivation gift through our given ministry, God causes supernatural results to occur. The Holy Spirit may give one person to whom we minister the gift of wisdom; another may receive the gift of discerning spirits, and still another may be given the manifestation gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

C. Two Broader Categories of Motivational Gifts 1 Peter 4:10-11 (Amplified Bible) places motivational gifts into two broad categories: speaking and serving. Peter writes, “As each of you has received a gift (particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as (befits) good trustees of God’s many­-sided grace —faithful stewards of the extremely diverse (powers and gifts granted to Christians by) unmerited favor.

Whoever speaks (let him do it as one who utters) oracles of God; 239

Foundational Discipling Principles

whoever renders service, (let him do it) as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, the Messiah.”

Notice the following items: • Every one has received a gift.

• The gift is said to be singular, not plural.

• Some are speaking gifts. Here we would probably include prophecy, teaching, and exhortation. These might be termed the more “public” gifts or the “direct” gifts.

• Some are serving gifts. Here we would include serving, giving, ruling, and showing mercy. They might be termed the more “private” or the “indirect” gifts.

• All gifts are to glorify God. • All gifts are to be used for others.

• All gifts are to be done by the power God supplies.

D. What Is A Motivational Gift?

Motivation is the thing that “moves” us. Motivations are the real factors behind our decisions and actions. They explain why we do things the way we do. Therefore, when a person knows his motivational gift, he can better understand himself.

We are not to imagine that having a primary motivational gift limits us from doing many things for the Lord. For we are actually commanded to do all seven of the things listed under the motivational gifts. However, most of us do one thing best. We are personally the most fulfilled and the most fruitful with others when we know our area and concentrate on it. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:3-8.

Note the following: 1. We are told to think clearly about our limitations, and emphasis is placed on our individuality (verse 3-5).

2. We are to concentrate on one particular gift (Verse 6-8). “It is a wise man who stays within the sphere of service for which God has fitted him and does not invade some other field of service for which he is not fitted” (Wuest).

240

Foundational Discipling Principles

In the following section you will look at the strengths and the weaknesses of these individual gifts mentioned in Romans 12, and then for homework answer questions relating to the way you function. Please look into this section with a teachable attitude and a desire to learn and answering every question.

E. Motivational Gifts 1. Prophecy (Declaring Truth) This is the ability to draw from the heart of God and to sense spiritual things. It is the motivation to reveal unrighteous actions by the presentation of scriptural truth.

Evidences: a. The ability to discern the character and motivation of people. b. The willingness to experience brokenness and prompt brokenness. c. The capacity to verify and hate evil. d. A dependence on scriptural truths to validate authority. e. A need for outward evidences to confirm effectiveness of ministry. f. A directness and persuasiveness in speaking. g. An inward weeping, a personal identification with sins (feels for sinner and God). h. An eagerness to have others point out their spiritual blind spots, not wanting to have problems of sin within their lives.

Problems: a. Frankness may be interpreted as harshness. b. Interest in groups may be interpreted as disinterest in individuals. c. Efforts to gain results may be seen as using gimmicks or impatience. d. Focus on right and wrong may be judged as intolerance of the partially good; can’t see the little good or the right for the wrong. e. Public boldness and strict standards hinder development of intimate personal relationships.

241

Foundational Discipling Principles

f. Emphasis on decisions may be criticized as neglecting Christ­ ­ian growth or follow-up. g. Strong desire to convey truth may be interpreted as little interest in listening to another’s point of view; most easily misunderstood by “mercy” motivated person.

2. Serving This is the motivation to demonstrate love by detecting and meeting practical needs; the ability to detect personal needs and overlook personal discomfort in order to meet these needs.

Evidences: a. The ability to recall specific likes and dislikes of people. b. Alertness to detect and meet personal needs. c. The ability to meet needs as quickly as possible; the physical stamina to disregard weariness in meeting needs when everyone else has dropped out. d. The willingness to use private funds in order to avoid delay in serving. e. The desire to complete a job with evidence of extra service; goes the extra mile. f. Ability to sense sincere and insincere appreciation of service. g. Involvement in various projects; reluctance to say “no” in any project. h. Greater enjoyment with short-range goals; frustration over long range goals. i. Frustration when time limits are attached to job; likes to do job properly and well.

Problems: a. Quickness to meet needs may be seen as pushiness; really wants to get job done. b. Desire to avoid red tape may result in excluding others from the job; or denying others the chance to say “yes” or “no” in helping job get done.

242

Foundational Discipling Principles

c. Disregard for personal needs may result in missing out on own family needs; family thinks “you do it for everyone else, why not me?” d. Eagerness to serve may prompt suspicion of self-advancement motives. e. React to others who don’t detect personal needs; tendency to get angry with people who don’t seem to be doing things, only delegating. f. Insistence on serving may seem to be a rejection of being served; doing the whole thing yourself without wanting any help from anyone. g. Desire to have sincere appreciation may result in being hurt; if overlooked, tend to go off somewhere else; a real need to have verbal appreciation for ministry/service. h. Quickness in meeting physical needs may interfere with meeting spiritual needs of the person being served; God may be teaching someone a lesson by their need; most easily misunderstood by “administrator.” i. Meeting practical needs may be judged as disregard for spiritual things. j. Stamina may be interpreted as impatience with others helping; likely to be a driver. k. Success with short-range projects and goals may result in being put in long-range goal situations that frustrate the gift and service; promotion is not always good for server. l. Inability to say “no” to a need may result in server being sidetracked into other jobs not given them.

3. Teaching This is the motivation to search out, validate and clarify truth which has been presented; to engage in research and detailed study in order to validate truth; digging out of facts.

Evidences: a. The belief that their gift is foundational to the other gifts. b. An emphasis on the accuracy of words; right definition, pronunciation, derivation.

243

Foundational Discipling Principles

c. A testing of knowledge of those who also teach; ask odd questions to check them out. d. A delight in research; desire to accumulate facts and knowledge. e. Desire to validate new information by established systems of truth. f. Presentation of truth in systematic sequence; loves to hang everything together. g. An avoidance of illustrations from non-biblical sources. h. A resistance of Scriptural verses or illustrations given out of context. i. A greater joy in organizing and researching material than presenting it.

Problems: a. Emphasis on accuracy of Scriptural interpretation may lead to neglect of practical application; may be misinterpreted as no concern for changing the lives of hearers. b. Persons may be tagged as too dependent on books, other ministries; may not give adequate place to the revelation of the Holy Spirit. c. Using knowledge to test others may be interpreted as pride of learning. d. Concern to impart details may appear unnecessary to those listening, thus boring; a need to develop discrimination concerning what is really useful to people. e. Need to be objective in handling of facts may appear to the audience as a lack of warmth and feeling in your presentation. f. Concern for full facts of truth may result in such an objective presentation that people don’t feel you’ve said anything; people are moved by strong emphasis on one side of facts. g. Being more concerned about research than the response of the students. h. Concern for details may result in not communicating basic life principles; most easily misunderstood by “exhorter” or “server.”

244

Foundational Discipling Principles

4. Exhortation This is the motivation to stimulate the faith of others; to call to the side to urge on to pursue a course of conduct; personal counseling to encourage spiritual growth; a public “stirrer.”

Evidences: a. A desire to visualize specific achievement and prescribe precise steps of action. b. Ability to see how tribulation can produce new levels of maturity. c. A dependence on visual acceptance when speaking to individuals and groups; must have eye contact or feels that no one is listening or responding. d. A discovery of insights from human experience which can be validated or amplified from Scripture; life illustrations are very meaningful and precious to them. e. An enjoyment with those eager to follow steps of action. f. A grief when teaching is not accompanied by practical steps of action; if people don’t follow instruction, they feel their counsel is wasted. g. A delight in personal conferences and sharing that results in new insights. h. In counseling, they prefer one-to-one situations to group situations. i. A tendency to avoid systems of thought that lack practical application.

Problems: a. Emphasis on steps of action may appear to over-simplify the problem. b. Urgency in giving practical steps of action may appear as overconfidence in them. c. The desire to win non-Christians through being a living example may appear to others as a lack of interest in personal evangelism. d. Use of Scripture for practical application may appear to others as taken out of context.

245

Foundational Discipling Principles

e. Emphasis on steps of action may seem to disregard the feelings of those counseled. f. An exhorter raises anticipation rather than fulfilling it; he visualizes and holds forth what can be done rather than what is done; he may be accused of being a visionary; most misunderstood by the “teacher.”

5. Giving This is the motivation to be a spirit-led steward of God’s resources.

Evidences: a. Ability to make wise investments and purchases. b. Desire to give quietly to effective projects and ministries while avoiding the pressure of publicity; doesn’t like or respond to public high-pressure challenges to give. c. Attempts to use giving to motivate others to give (you raise half, I’ll raise the other). d. Alertness to valid needs that he thinks others might overlook. e. An enjoyment in meeting needs without the pressure appeal. f. A joy when his gift is acknowledged to be an answer to specific prayer. g. A dependency on partner’s counsel to confirm the amount of a gift (i.e., husband and wife; “I thought this amount…$.”

“So did I.” “OK, that’s what we’ll give.”) h. A concern that his gift must be of high quality; that it costs something to give it. i. A desire to feel a part of the work or person’s ministry to whom he gives. j. Ability to be frugal and save.

Problems: a. The need to deal with large sums of money may appear to be a focus on temporal values; men who are rich can be mightily used of God, and have less of a problem with money than the people judging them (criticism from people with temporal values).

246

Foundational Discipling Principles

b. Desire to increase the effectiveness of a ministry by giving may appear to be an attempt to control the work or ministry of the person, or his own life. c. The encouragement of others to give may appear as a lack of generosity and unnecessary pressure on the ones receiving; a giver won’t always just “dip in.” d. A lack of response to pressure appeals may also appear as a lack of generosity; the giver likes to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in his giving; doesn’t respond to appeals. e. Personal frugality by which he lives may appear to friends and relatives as selfishness in not meeting their needs. f. Ability to detect sincerity and genuineness in appeals may seem to be an unconcern or callousness to other works or ministries, and a favoritism for only a few; most easily misunderstood by “prophet,” “administrator” or “exhorter.”

6. Administration (ruling) This is the motivation to co-ordinate the activities of others for the achievement of common goals; to preside over, lead, stand before; to distinguish major objectives and to help others around him both visualize these objectives and accomplish them.

Evidences: a. Ability to see the over-all picture and clarify long-range goals; has a broader frame of reference than others. b. Doesn’t like to explain why things should be done, or in taking the time to explain. c. Likes to organize that for which he is responsible; wants to write things down and get them done. d. Desires to complete tasks as quickly as possible; get them out of the way. e. Aware of resources available and needed to complete a task. f. An ability to know what can or cannot be delegated to others. g. Won’t be pushy; tendency to stand on the sidelines until those in charge turn it over to him. h. Tendency to assume responsibility if no structured leadership exists.

247

Foundational Discipling Principles

i. Willingness to endure reaction from workers in order to accomplish ultimate task; ability to put up with complaints, grumblings, cross-purposes, and murmuring. j. A sense of fulfillment in seeing all the pieces coming together, and enjoying the final, finished product or the completed task. k. A desire to move on to a new challenge when previous project is fully completed.

Problems: a. Ability to delegate responsibility may appear as laziness, or avoiding work. b. Willingness to endure reaction may appear to others as callousness or unconcern. c. Neglect in explaining why task must be done may prompt workers to feel they are being misused; don’t like ABC explanations; they love people to “just do it.” d. Viewing of people as resources may appear as if projects are more important to him than the people involved in the project; tendency to use people must be watched. e. Desire to complete tasks swiftly may appear that projects are more important than the schedule or priorities of the workers involved; or as insensitive to them. f. May appear to be dictatorial; must guard against being a driver with his workers. g. May overlook character faults in those useful to accomplishing goals; must be aware of temptation to use people with talent and not meet their spiritual needs or deal with their major character faults.

Note: It is possible to be a ruler under authority. Joseph is a prime example in the Old Testament. Sometimes, in a family, if the wife has a gift of administration and the husband another gift, her gift may be interpreted as a lack of submission. Don’t judge with surface judgments. They are most misunderstood by “server.”

248

Foundational Discipling Principles

7. Mercy This is the motivation to identify with and comfort those who are in distress; to feel empathy with the misfortunes, misery, and joys of others; to mentally and emotionally relate to their needs and give them aid.

Evidences: a. The ability to sense or feel an atmosphere of joy and distress in an individual or group; mental and emotional empathy. b. An attraction to, and understanding of people in distress. c. A desire to remove hurts and bring healing to others; tempers other gifts. d. A greater concern for mental distress than physical distress. e. An avoidance of firmness, unless you see how it will benefit someone. f. Has a sensitivity to words and actions that would hurt other people. g. An ability to discern sincere motives in other people. h. Enjoyment and unity with those sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. i. Closing of spirit to those who are insincere or insensitive; puts you off.

Problems: a. Avoidance of firmness may appear to be weakness (a husband with the gift of mercy may appear to his wife to be wishy-washy). b. Sensitivity to the spirit and feelings of others may cause some to feel he is guided by sentiment and emotion, not by facts and logic. c. Those of the opposite sex may misinterpret this person’s attraction and understanding of those in distress; empathy can create a temptation to sexual involvement. d. Sensitivity to other’s feelings may appear to some as the taking up of other’s offenses or the supporting of their problem by someone else trying to deal with the problem.

249

Foundational Discipling Principles

e. Ability to detect insincerity may appear to others as if they are hard to get (stand-offish). f. Temptation toward resentment for those who don’t have this gift, and appear hard. g. May be a lack of firmness when needed, and a failure to really bring about change; most easily misunderstood by “prophet.”

“Lord Jesus, we thank You for all You have done and are doing for us everyday. We thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your impartation of gifts for the fulfillment of Your kingdom here on earth. Father, we thank You for creating within each of us a portion of Your character, reflected in Your gifts that motivate us to serve each other and Your kingdom. We receive Your gifts by Your grace, and ask that we be held to Your higher standards and not allowed to stumble into the weaknesses caused by a lack of seeking a full relationship with You. We know that if we press in to hear Your voice and follow You unconditionally, we will not fall into the weaknesses of our flesh while operating within Your gifts. Bless You Lord, for You are faithful to Your People. Enhance Your gifts within us so that we may serve You and Your people, and the lost nations as witness to Your power and glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

250

Foundational Discipling Principles

Discovering Your Motivational Gifts Note: In each grouping of seven statements, circle the statement that best describes you and your way of thinking. Place a check mark by one additional statement in each grouping that next best describes how you see yourself. Read all seven first before circling one or checking one. There are no right or wrong points of view or answers; there are no negative choices!

1. To reveal unrighteous motives or actions by presenting THE WORD, God’s truth.

2. Demonstrates love by seeing others’ needs are met as quickly as possible.

3. A clarifier of truth; searching out and validating truth.

4. Is zealous in searching for ways to stimulate faith in others.

5. Emphasis entrusting personal assets to others for the furtherance of the ministry.

6. Coordinates the activities of others for the achievement of common goals.

7. Identifies with and comforts those in distress.

1. To be persuasive in speech.

2. Acute ability to detect personal needs.

3. Engages in research and detailed study to validate truth.

4. Calls to one side and urges one to pursue a course of action or conduct.

5. Organizes personal business in order to gain assets.

6. Presides, leads, stands before.

7. Identifies with those who are unfortunate and miserable.

1. To bring to light things previously concealed.

2. Overlooks personal discomforts to meet the needs of others.

3. Digs out little known facts and chronicles them.

4. Has the ability to see both sides of an issue with equal zeal.

5. Has the ability to make quick decisions regarding the immediate needs of others.

251

Foundational Discipling Principles

6. Has the unique ability to distinguish objectives and visualize long-range goals.

7. Emphasizes mental and emotional relationships in helping those in need.

1. To reveal the secrets of men’s hearts causing them to fall down and worship God. 2. Has a genuine affection for other people.

3. Accumulates knowledge of man and indexes it for further study or presentation.

4. Enjoys personal counseling to encourage spiritual growth.

5. Gives freely to other Christians.

6. Tends to take over if no other leadership exists.

7. Avoids confrontation unless a positive resolution is found.

1. Possesses a high regard for his/her reputation; feels that a smudge on their reputation is a mark against righteousness.

2. Demonstrates true brotherly love.

3. Is diligent in the details of their work.

4. Uses personal experiences to gain insights that can be validated and amplified in the Scriptures.

5. Desires to give gifts of high quality and lasting endurance.

6. Needs loyalty and confidence from those under you or those you are serving.

7. Instantly senses an atmosphere of joy or distress in individuals or groups.

1. Will ONLY use Scripture to support and under gird their authority.

2. Is willing to let others have the credit for your work.

3. Places heavy emphasis on accuracy.

4. Grieves when practical steps to a solution are not given.

5. Emphasizes preciseness of figures (numbers, etc.).

6. Knows what and what not to delegate to others.

7. Possesses sensitivity to words and actions that will hurt others.

252

Foundational Discipling Principles

1. Must see outward evidence of change to show “real” inward conviction.

2. Cannot say “no” to people.

3. Feelings that your gift is the basis for all other gifts.

4. Wants a visible acceptance from individuals or groups with whom you are working.

5. Gives at God’s promptings and not at the appeals of man.

6. Is paralyzed if your position is usurped; when those in charge do not give you responsibility.

7. Measures acceptance by physical closeness and quality time together.

Note: In the next series of seven statements, please circle the statement that best describes your negative viewpoint or feelings. Put a check mark by one other statement in each of the series of seven that next best describe your negative feelings.

1. Proud of your ability to speak with persuasiveness.

2. Being proud of your good deeds.

3. Boasting of knowledge you have accumulated.

4. Boasting of personal results.

5. Being proud of your giving.

6. Being proud of your power or authority.

7. Taking pride in your ability to empathize.

1. Becoming more dependent on ability to speak than on the power of the Holy Spirit to convict.

2. Being pushy or premature in meeting needs of others before they even realize their need.

3. Concentration on details of information rather than communications of basic life principles.

4. Becomes discouraged with lack of progress.

5. Measures spiritual success by material assets.

6. Uses people to meet goals rather than meeting their personal needs.

7. Resents others who are not sensitive to needs of others, especially the mental emotional area.

253

Foundational Discipling Principles

1. Seeing people as groups rather than individuals with personal needs.

2. Becoming bitter when deeds are not recognized or appreciated.

3. Being more concerned about the research than the response of the students.

4. Motivate others for selfish gain.

5. Overlooks long-range goals in meeting immediate needs.

6. Overlooks major character flaws in those who are useful to reach­ ­ing your goals.

7. Fails to be firm when necessary.

1. Has a tendency to judge someone rather than working to reconcile.

2. Overemphasizing practical needs to the neglect of the basic spiritual needs, or what God may be doing in the life of the individual.

3. Tends to put down unlearned or poorly educated people.

4. Spends too much time with those who are only seeking temporary relief.

5. Frugality with family and generosity with others’ gifts causes family to resent your giving.

6. Shows closeness and favor to those who are more loyal or those who are harder workers.

7. Is guided by emotions rather than logic.

1. Becoming distant and withdrawn from those who have failed and encouraging others to do so.

2. Taking on more than you can handle and thus eliminating others from ministry opportunities.

3. Finding a flaw in research causes this motivator to debunk the complete presentation.

4. Generates enthusiasm that can prematurely heighten the expectations of others.

5. Controls people by the use of your money.

6. Becomes a person of leisure while workers carry the entire load of the project.

7. Clouded by emotions, you often sympathize with those who are directly violating God’s laws.

254

Foundational Discipling Principles

1. Focus on the negative in other people with an inability to see the positive without effort.

2. Placing heavy emphasis on ministry to the complete neglect of home and family.

3. Abuses listeners with long lists of details and facts not necessary to the presentation.

4. Creates a personal dependency on self rather than on God. 5. Tending to look down on those who cannot give as much or as often.

6. In viewing long-range goals from own perspective, valid suggestions or complaints are often overlooked.

7. Desiring personal contact, affections from the opposite sex are often promoted.

1. Being tactless in expressing opinions of others.

2. Suffering the “Epaphroditus Syndrome” — becoming sick from overdoing in the ministry.

3. Often emphasizes the accumulated knowledge of man opposed to the revealed knowledge of God. 4. Trusts visible results without discerning for a real change of heart.

5. Attracted to projects more than the daily lives of believers.

6. Viewing the whole goal in your mind often causes an improper explanation of what needs to be done.

7. Emphasis on immediate priorities may appear as disorganization.

Note: Please circle the one statement in each of the seven series that best describes how other people misunderstand you. Please place a check mark next to the statement that secondly best describes how others misunderstand you.

1. Frankness viewed as harshness.

2. Quickness in meeting needs may appear to be pushy.

3. Use of knowledge in teaching others may appear to be pride of learning.

4. Emphasis on steps of action may appear to oversimplify the problem.

5. The need to deal with large sums of money may appear to be a focus on temporal values.

255

Foundational Discipling Principles

6. Ability to delegate responsibility may appear as laziness in avoiding work.

7. Avoidance of firmness may appear to be weakness and indecisive­ness.

1. Interest in groups is often interpreted as disinterest in individuals.

2. Eagerness in serving may prompt suspicion of self-advancement.

3. Details shared from research may appear unnecessary to the listener.

4. Urgency in giving steps of action may appear as having over­­­­confidence.

5. Desiring to increase the effectiveness of a ministry by your gift may appear as an attempt to control the work of a person or group.

6. Willingness to endure a negative reaction may appear as callous­ness.

7. Sensitivity to the feelings of others may cause some to feel you are guided by emotions rather than logic.

1. Efforts to gain results viewed as using “gimmicks.”

2. Insistence on serving may appear to be rejection of being served.

3. Desires to win non-Christians through living examples may appear to be a lack of interest in personal evangelism.

4. Confidence in steps of action that work may make family seem to be “just another project.”

5. Attempts to encourage others to give may appear as a lack of generosity and unnecessary pressure.

6. Neglect in explaining why tasks must be done may prompt workers to feel they are being misused.

7. Attraction to and understanding of those in distress may be misinterpreted by those of the opposite sex.

1. Focus on right and wrong judged as intolerance of partial good.

2. Meeting practical needs may be judged as lack of interest in spiritual matters.

3. The insistence that this gift is fundamental to all others may appear to be pride or egotism.

256

Foundational Discipling Principles

4. Use of Scripture for practical applications may appear to take it out of context.

5. Lack of response to pressure appeals may also appear as a lack of generosity.

6. Viewing of people as resources may appear that projects are more important than people.

7. Sensitivity to words and actions that cause hurt may appear to be taking up another’s offense.

1. Public boldness and strict standards may be judged as self-centeredness and egotism.

2. Inability to avoid others’ needs may appear to be changing the original direction.

3. An insistence on their scholarship may appear to be a criticism of the other’s teaching.

4. Ability to see both sides of an issue and identify with both may appear to be two-faced or double minded.

5. Insensitivity to non-direct appeals or hints may appear as indifference.

6. Tending to direct within a leadership vacuum may be interpreted as taking over leadership.

7. Expressing the need to please others may be considered manipulative.

1. Dwelling on the faults and failures of others may be judged as a critical spirit.

2. Often thought of as pushy in your perseverance to meet a particular need.

3. Reaction to the uneducated and practical wisdom may appear to be self-righteousness.

4. Confidence in steps of action that work may make family seem to be “just another project.”

5. Attempts to see their gifts wisely invested can cause others to feel they are being controlled.

6. Enjoying loyalty of workers may appear to be favoritism.

7. Emphasis on immediate priorities may appear as disorganization.

257

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Motivational Gifts Tallying the Results Please print your name: __________________________________ Date: ________ First enter the total number of circles for each number, and then enter the total number of check marks for each number in the table below. Add the total of the check-marked column to the circled column and write the results in the Total column.

1’s 2’s 3’s 4’s 5’s 6’s 7’s

Total circles

Total check marks

Total of each

The largest number of circles and checks will normally indicate what your motivational gift is. Do you see yourself motivated in this area? On a separate sheet, please explain how your gift fits you.

1’s = Prophecy:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____%

2’s = Serving:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____%

3’s = Teaching:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____%

4’s = Exhorting:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____%

5’s = Giving:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____%

6’s = Administrative:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____%

7’s = Mercy:

No. (_____) / 42 = _____% 258

Principle Five:

The Five-Fold Ministry

, A. Introduction

T

hus far in this series on “Laying on of Hands,” we have seen that this foundational doctrine is very important to us as individuals. Through the laying on of hands believers may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, healing and many other blessings. In this lesson we will see how the laying on of hands affects us as a body, the Church.

B. The Gifts of Jesus Ephesians 4:8, 11-15 “Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’ . . . And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every kind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning and craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ. . .”

259

Foundational Discipling Principles

From this passage we understand that when Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave gifts to men. The gifts that He gave were actually gifted men who comprise what we call “the five-fold ministry.�

There has been much teaching concerning the gifts of the Spirit, but very little emphasis has been placed on the gifts that Jesus gave to His Church. These five gifted ministries are the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. I intend to examine each of these ministries and their relation to the laying on of hands. Also, we will look at the calling, preparation and ordination for the ministry. First, let us see why Jesus gave these gifts of ministries to His Church.

C. Why the Five-Fold Ministries Were Given Throughout history, God has used certain men to lead others.

Many Old Testament leaders come to mind: Moses, Joshua, David and Nehemiah are but a few. God specifically chose and equipped these men to lead His people. Likewise, the New Testament tells of leaders like Peter, Paul and, of course, the greatest leader of men, Jesus Christ.

When Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure, He told them that He would not leave them alone. Rather, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide them (John 16:714). The Bible says that the anointing of the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and that we do not need anyone to teach us (1 John 2:27). Some well-intentioned believers have misconstrued this to mean that we should not listen to sermons, read books or receive any teaching from men. Others have even gone so far as to refuse to learn to read and write. This is in direct contradiction to the many biblical commands to heed the instruction of God-appointed leadership (Matthew 5:2; Acts 18:26, Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:24).

1 John 2:27 means that man may dispense information, but all true spiritual revelation requires the inspiration and illumination of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). The Lord must open our eyes for us to be able to understand the truth of His Word (Psalm 18:28; 119:18; Luke 24:45 ). Without the Holy Spirit, we would have no spiritual discernment. We could read the Bible 24 hours a day, but there would be no understanding until the Spirit of God opens our eyes. Likewise, no man can teach spiritual truths without the 260

Foundational Discipling Principles

anointing of the Holy Spirit. However, we must not limit the Holy Spirit in the means He uses to teach us. He can teach us directly, through the Word, through nature, through other believers and even through donkeys if He so desires.

We must be wary of anything that would cut us off from the body of Christ. The Church is not a place for “lone rangers.� Loners are usually people who have trouble coming under authority. God, in His infinite wisdom, has planned and instituted leadership and spiritual authority in the Church. He could have arranged things so that we always dealt with Him directly and with no one else.

However, He has chosen for us to come under the authority, which He appoints. Certainly, we must hear from God directly and deal with Him as individuals, but we must also submit to the authorities that God has established (1 Corinthians 16:16; Hebrews 13:17). It is only to the extent that we are under authority that we are able to exercise authority.

The five-fold ministers are God-appointed authorities to whom we must submit. Jesus gave these gifted people to the Church for specific reasons. We find these reasons in Ephesians 4:12-16). They are as follows: 1. To equip the saints.

2. To do the work of the ministry.

3. To edify the body of Christ.

4. To bring us into the unity of the faith.

5. To bring us into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

6. To keep us from deception.

7. To bring us into the unity of the body.

First, the five-fold ministers were given to equip and perfect the saints. The idea of perfection in the New Testament is that of maturity and completion. God has promised to finish what He started in us when we were born again (Philippians 1:6). One of the ways He does this is through these God-given ministers. They have the heavy responsibility of watching over our souls and they will have to give account to God concerning this (Hebrews 13:17) 261

Foundational Discipling Principles

Secondly, The five-fold ministers were given to minister in the body of Christ. God does not call every minister to do the exact same thing, but He calls men to specialize in certain areas (such as prophecy, evangelism or teaching). A minister is required to do only that work to which God called Him to.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues?

Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

Another important interpretation concerning doing the work of the ministry is that not only must the five-fold ministries do what they are called to do, but they must equip the saints for the work of the ministry. Some people make the mistake of wanting their preacher to do their ministry. They call him every time they have a need or someone is sick or they need prayer. Some preachers want to be called upon to do the entire ministry work as well. This is immaturity that results in lazy Christians and worn out preachers.

God wants us to grow up and take our place as ministers. We are all ministers called of God to show forth His light to a world in darkness (1 Peter 2:9). It is the duty of the five-fold ministers to equip us to do the work of the ministry.

The third purpose for the five-fold ministry is to edify the body of Christ. To “edify” is to “build up.” We are living stones that God desires to be built together into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). We are God’s building, built upon the foundational cornerstone of Jesus Christ. This foundation is laid by the apostles and prophets of the five-fold ministry (1 Corinthians 3:9-11). The purpose of our edification is found in the following passage: Ephesians 2:20-22 “Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows 262

Foundational Discipling Principles

into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.”

The five-fold ministry has a vital part in God’s eternal purpose of building a habitation for Himself which will show forth His glory forever. Hallelujah!

The fourth purpose of the five-fold ministry is to bring us into the unity of the faith. God wants no divisions among His Church (1 Corinthians 1:10, 12:25). True unity will not take place until the five-fold ministers fulfill their fifth purpose, which is to lead us to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He is Truth (John 14:6), and we will not come into unity until we quit concentrating on truths (doctrine) and begin concentrating on the Truth, Jesus! When we all let go of truths that don’t really matter in eternity and look to Jesus we will be built into a perfect man (Ephesians 4:13-16), God does not desire many individuals; He desires one man; one corporate body (the Church) with one head (Jesus).

The sixth reason that God gave the five-fold ministry was to keep the Church from deception. Spiritual immaturity causes believers to be “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:13).

We all know unstable people who believe every new thing that comes down the pike. They run to and fro always seeking something new to hear. “They have itching ears. . .” and a lust to “. . . heap up for themselves teachers” (2 Timothy 4:3). In other words, they are looking for someone to teach them what they want to hear.

God desires for us to be stable with a sure foundation and He uses the five-fold ministers to mature and stabilize us.

The seventh purpose of the five-fold ministry is to lead us into unity of the body. This is very similar to the unity of faith, however, the unity of the body will only come when every joint supplies its own part. In other words, God-given ministries should be instrumental in leading people to find their place in the body and begin to function accordingly. There is one body with many members. If one member ceases to function, it hinders the whole body.

Unfortunately, rather than repairing a dysfunctioning member, most churches amputate that member and become handicapped, instead.

The five-fold ministers serve to motivate all members to work so 263

Foundational Discipling Principles

that we will have a unified, fully functioning body (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).

Now that we see God’s purpose in giving the five-fold ministries, let us look at each one of the ministries separately.

D. Apostle The word apostle means, “one sent forth.” An apostle is sent forth

by God to minister with God-given authority. He is a pioneer who establishes churches and lays foundational truth in people’s lives (Ephesians 2:20). Apostles could be called “spiritual builders” (1 Corinthians 3:10). They have fatherly oversight of the body (1 Corinthians 4:15).

The ministry of apostle is the most neglected of the five-fold ministries in the Church today. There are many pastors, teachers and evangelists, a few prophets, but very few apostles. One reason behind this is that apostles do not fit into denominational hierarchy.

They cannot freely function within the structure of committees, elected leadership and denominational red tape. The ministry of apostleship is an area much in need of restoration to the Church by the Holy Spirit.

Few people are familiar with the ministry of the apostle. In fact, most people think that the original twelve disciples are the only real apostles. Although they hold a special place as the original apostles, the Bible mentions many other apostles including Matthias (Acts 1:26), Paul (Acts 14:1, 4,14), Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25), Silas and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2:6). Also Andronicus and Junia, listed in Romans 16:7 were possibly Apostles. This shows that there were apostles after the original twelve.

The first and foremost apostle is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 3:1). He was sent forth from heaven on a divine mission for the Father. Jesus chose the original apostles (Luke 6:12-13), trained them (Mark 3:1415) and commissioned them (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:1-8). The book of Acts reveals how the apostolic ministry functioned in the early Church. As the apostles traveled and evangelized, they saw a need for permanent leadership in the churches they established. As a result, they ordained men to be elders, pastors and overseers in each 264

Foundational Discipling Principles

church (Acts 14:21-23;20:17-28). This caused the expansion of the five-fold ministry, including apostles. The Bible does not teach that apostleship was to cease. Rather, the Word teaches that apostles are much needed in the body of Christ.

E. Prophet A prophet is one who speaks for God to man. He does not necessarily have to foretell the future, although that is a valid prophetic ministry. He does foretell a word from God that reveals God’s plans for the Church. God uses prophets to give direction and correction to the Church.

According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, prophecy is given to edify, exhort and comfort the Church. In other words, prophecy should build up, stir up and cheer up. Prophetic words that tear down the body and depress the people are not from God. Prophecy always serves to encourage and strengthen. Sometimes a hard message will come forth, such as a call to repentance, but it will always result in building, not destroying.

A good example of a New Testament prophet is Barnabas, who is called “son of consolation or exhortation” (Acts 4:36). He exhorted the body to purposefully and steadfastly hold onto the Lord (Acts 11:23-24). Other New Testament prophets are John the Baptist (Luke 1:76) and Agabus (Acts 11:27-28; 21:10-13). John was sent forth to speak as a prophet through the tender mercy of God (Luke 1:78). True prophecy will always be tempered with mercy.

F. Evangelist The evangelist is a messenger who proclaims the good news. He brings the lost to salvation and exhorts Christians to witness for Christ. Phillip was a New Testament evangelist who preached the Word with signs following. His preaching and miracles led to revival and great joy in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8).

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul sets forth the work of an evangelist. He is to preach the Word, be ready at all times, reprove, rebuke, exhort with patience, be watchful and endure afflictions (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

265

Foundational Discipling Principles

G. Pastor The word pastor literally means, “shepherd.” A pastor is the shepherd of a local church flock. He is responsible to teach, exhort, protect, correct, comfort and discipline his flock. He has authority to watch over the flock (Hebrews 13:17) and to be an example (1 Peter 5:2-3). As a good shepherd, the pastor leads the sheep to pasture and water. One of his main duties is to feed the flock (Jeremiah 3:15; 23:4; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3). False shepherds feed themselves rather than their flocks (Ezekiel 34:1-6), but true shepherds are under Jesus, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) and they follow His example (Psalm 23).

H. Teacher A teacher is one who expounds and interprets the Word of God. He does not just impart knowledge, but living truth, which can be applied to the lives of people. Teachers build on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets (1 Corinthians 3.10). All those who function in the five-fold ministry must be “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

Each of these gifted ministries has an important part within the body of Christ in regards to the laying on of hands. It is through the laying on of hands that many who became ministers had their gift imparted or recognized through those who were part of the five-fold ministry before them. We have seen how the laying on of hands separates a person to the call of God. The laying on of hands will help the five-fold ministry continue as anointed leadership recognizes the calling and separates through the laying on of hands those God ordained for ministry. Let us examine the calling, preparation and ordination of leadership.

I. Calling God divinely calls those whom He has chosen for leadership. Out of His many disciples, Jesus chose only twelve to be apostles (Luke 6:13). At the beginning of the book of Romans, Paul said that he was also “called to be an apostle” (Romans 1:1). This divine call is an absolute prerequisite for leadership. The five-fold ministry is not something that you just volunteer for. There are far too many who were not sent; they just went. These volunteers usually result in 266

Foundational Discipling Principles

much more harm than good, both to the individual and the Church.

An example of this can be seen in the life of Moses (Exodus 2). God had divinely saved him from death and was preparing him for leadership. However, Moses took matters into his own hands and ended up causing trouble for himself and all of Israel. It took God forty years to fully prepare him for his call (Acts 7:22-30). Likewise, God desires us to be ready before we are called into leadership.

All believers are called to minister unto the Lord in prayer, worship and giving; to minister to the body in exhortation, comfort and love; and to minister to the world by witnessing of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We all have enough to do without volunteering for leadership. When God truly calls us we will have a definite “knowing” and so will a praying, seeking church.

Acts 13:1-3 “Now in the church that was in Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Mansen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

When God calls someone to a work, He will reveal it to the church leadership. We do not have to continually ask to be sent out or try to work our way into a position. Where God guides, He provides! All we must do is obey Him in doing what is set before us, rest in Him and allow Him to open doors for leadership. In doing so, our gift will make room for us (Proverbs 18:16).

J. Preparation Those whom God divinely called are also divinely equipped and prepared. God always prepares before He sends out, and this takes time. Jesus called twelve men and then prepared them for the work of the ministry. Their only call was to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). A disciple is simply one who follows another’s teaching. Many times the disciples just sat and listened to Jesus. Likewise, we must sit down before we can be sent out. We must learn before we can teach.

267

Foundational Discipling Principles

We must be disciples before we can be apostles. We must follow before we can lead.

Jesus prepared His twelve disciples in three basic ways. They were called to be with Him, to obey and to follow His example.

The disciples were called to “be with Him” (Mark 3:l4) so that He might pour Himself into them. Can you imagine what an education they received by living with Him for three years? They ate together, walked together, worked together, lived together and, by simply being with Him, they were constantly being prepared.

The disciples were also called to obey Jesus. Obedience is a great teacher. In fact, without obedience it is impossible to learn from Jesus (John 7:17). The Lord continually prepares us as we continually obey Him. Lastly, the disciples were called to follow Jesus’ example. The Lord did not just give a few commands to obey, but He lived His life for all to see. He is our supreme example (John 13:15). To learn to pray we must look to Jesus. To learn to witness we must look to Jesus. Not only is He our example, He also gives us the power to live as He did (Acts 1:8).

One who is fully prepared for leadership will know God and himself. God often prepares us by revealing our weaknesses, as He did with Moses. We must learn to trust fully in Him, not in our own natural strengths and weaknesses. A leader will also have a thorough knowledge of God’s Word. A list of qualifications for leadership is given in the following passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous, one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

268

Foundational Discipling Principles

Titus 1:7-9 “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, soberminded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convict those who contradict.”

K. Ordination When a person has been called and fully prepared by God, the Holy Spirit will lead the Church to ordain him into the ministry. He will have proved his faithfulness and ministry in his local church (2 Timothy 4:5). The elders of the church will seek the Lord as to when to ordain him. They will not ordain a novice, or a new Christian (1 Timothy 5:22).

The Bible gives no technical terms to describe the way to be admitted to the ministry. Ordination involves appointing and “setting in” ministry by the laying on of hands and prayer. This publicly confirms God’s call and approves a ministry. The laying on of hands imparts the spiritual strength and gift to be a leader (1 Timothy 4:1,4; 2 Timothy 1:6).

L. Our Response to the Five-Fold Ministry Now that we understand the five-fold ministry, what should our response be? First, we need to pray for these ministers (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Hebrews 13:18). Second, we must submit ourselves to their oversight (Hebrews 13:17). Submission is an attitude of yieldedness and love. Third, we must esteem and respect our leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Fourth, we should not gossip about leaders, but go directly to the source in the presence of witnesses to straighten gossip out (1 Timothy 5:19-20). We need to be loyal and faithful to the elders. Lastly, we must financially support the five-fold ministers (Corinthians 9:9-14). The laborer is worthy of his hire (1 Timothy 5:17-18).

The five-fold ministers were given by Jesus for the Church.

We need every minister that God has provided. One or two are not enough; we need all of the five-fold ministries. As God restores these ministries to the Church, we must correctly respond to 269

Foundational Discipling Principles

them. God’s purposes will not be fulfilled outside of His divinelyappointed leadership.

“Lord God, we give thanks to You for the order and authority You place around us. Help us serve one another in love and submission to Your five-fold ministries. Thank You, Father for all You do for us to build us into Your church body. We bless Your Holy Name in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

270

Principle Six:

Presbytery

, A. Introduction

A

ny significant study of the laying on of hands must include a section on presbytery. Even though it is a little known practice by most Christians today, those bodies of believers who practice the New Testament pattern of laying on of hands by the presbytery find it to be extremely rewarding. As the universal Church of Jesus Christ today attempts to walk in obedience to the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit, it is important to include teaching concerning the laying on of hands by the presbytery as a part of doctrinal foundations.

B. What Is Presbytery?

The word “presbytery” comes from the Greek word “presbuturion,” meaning “the body of elders, or order of elders.” It is translated “elders” in Luke 22:66 and Acts 22:5, and “presbytery” in 1 Timothy 4:14. All of these words indicate a plurality of eldership.

The Bible graphically reveals the procedure and purpose of the presbytery in the life of Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:14 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by Prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery.”

271

Foundational Discipling Principles

Paul had left Timothy at Ephesus to shepherd and teach the flock there. Before leaving him in such an important position, Paul wanted to be sure that he was adequately equipped to fulfill the ministry. It is evident from the Scripture that there was a particular time when the elders laid hands on Timothy. This could have occurred at the time of Timothy’s ordination when spiritual authority was also transmitted to him. Whatever the case, it is clear from this passage of Scripture that at least three things were accomplished at that time. First, there was the laying on of hands by the elders. Secondly, prophecy was uttered by one or more of the elders and thirdly, a gift was imparted to Timothy through the laying on of hands and prophecy.

We can establish a biblical definition of presbytery through our study of the Greek words for presbytery and the New Testament way that a presbytery operated. A presbytery is a group of two or more proven leaders anointed of God with prophetic gifts to confirm and impart God’s mind to certain individuals through the laying on of hands whereby the whole Church is strengthened. This group should be called together by the elders whenever there is a need for individual prophetic guidance in the local body.

The time of presbytery is an event that should be treated with respect and a sense of expectation by the body. It is a time when God speaks to confirm ministry calls and to impart the gifts necessary for that function of the ministry. In addition, there is great encouragement and exhortation that strengthens the whole body. Ministry calls and gifts are confirmed to individuals, to the entire body, and to the elders who are responsible for training and preparing these individuals. With this in mind, it is important for the entire local church to be prepared with prayer, fasting and a worshipful attitude.

C. Who Are the Presbytery?

Those who function in the presbytery are men and women of God who are recognized as elders in the body and who function in one of the five-fold ministries (Ephesians 4:11). They can be of the same local church, but for added confirmation and blessing they should be elders of another local church to whom the candidates are unknown.

The presbyters should be men and women of high reputation in the body, faithful, known for godly living, have a true life of holiness, 272

Foundational Discipling Principles

known and respected by the local leadership, mature and spiritual, doctrinally sound, not a novice in spiritual things and not influenced by money (1 Timothy 3:1-7). The presbyter should, of course, flow in the manifestation gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10).

D. The Function of the Presbytery After considerable prayer by the elders, certain individuals are set apart as candidates for presbytery. The presbyters will prophesy over these candidates, one at a time, as long as the prophetic mantel is upon the presbytery. Since no one ministry has all revelation, one presbyter would not usually have the whole of what God would desire to say to a candidate. It is God’s way to have every word confirmed in the mouth of two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1).

Prophecy should not be forced; rather it should flow. The ministry to the individual may include one or several types of prophecy: foretelling or speaking of something to come, confirmation, comfort, exhortation or correction. The prophets may judge the prophecies of one another according to Scripture.

1 Corinthians 14:29-30 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.”

E. The Candidate Timothy was taken before the presbytery, hands were laid on him, and God imparted a spiritual gift to him. God desires to accomplish the same thing today when his body obeys the scriptural pattern for presbytery. God’s Word gives us patterns for doing things, which are safeguards for His Church. Problems can result when these safeguards are not observed. Timothy’s example reveals several truths that give us a biblical pattern concerning candidates for presbytery.

Acts 16:1-2 “Then he (Paul) came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.”

273

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 Corinthians 4:16-17 “Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”

Timothy was a disciple of Jesus who was planted in a local church body. He had been water baptized and baptized in the Holy Spirit. He had a good reputation among the brethren and was considered faithful by the leadership. These same qualities must be exhibited in the lives of those who are candidates for the laying on of hands by the presbytery.

F. The Responsibility of the Candidate The one to receive ministry should prepare him/herself through fasting and praying, seeking God with an open and yielded heart.

He should go into presbytery service with a sense of anticipation, expecting God to speak and impart life.

The receiver of prophecy is to pray over the Word, asking God to prepare his heart. Whatever the content of the word he is to be diligent in “. . . rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The candidate for the laying on of hands by the presbytery should have a scriptural respect for those leaders in the church who are in authority over them, seeking ministry from God with an attitude of humility. There should be no pride allowed over things that may be spoken, even if unique or great.

1 Peter 5:5 “. . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

As with every move of God in an individual’s life, prophecy must be received by faith. Since this is such an important aspect of all Christian life, it is necessary to examine this area in more detail.

1. The Birthing of Faith A word spoken from God creates faith in the heart. When God speaks, either through prophecy or the Word, He gives the assurance that what He has spoken will come to pass. When God speaks 274

Foundational Discipling Principles

to us we are immediately faced with a choice: either believe and receive or disbelieve and reject. Once the word is received, it builds faith in the heart. God is intent on bringing us into a place of strong, unwavering faith in the things He has spoken as well as His ability to fulfill those things He has spoken.

It is necessary that prophecy be received by faith. Faith is the basic law of the kingdom, for “. . . without faith it is impossible to please Him. . .” (Hebrews 11:6).

Hebrews 10:35-38 “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.’”

God’s words to us are conditional. This means that He expects an active participation on the part of the receiver. That participation is our faith in the integrity of the Word of God and the character of God. We must have the patience that sees us through all obstacles to the manifestation of God’s Word. We must be tenacious to the finish, no matter the time involved.

God is not pleased with unbelief, but He is pleased with a child who puts his trust in Him, with no time limits on the fulfilling of His Word. God wants us to trust Him with childlike faith, giving praise for what He will do.

2. Obedience to the Word: Being Doers It is the responsibility of the one receiving prophecy to be obedient to any condition that may have been placed on its fulfillment.

James 1:22, 25 “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. deceiving yourselves. . . But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

275

Foundational Discipling Principles

An example of “a doer of the Word” is Abraham, to whom God promised multitudes of descendents. While he waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise, Abraham continued to walk in obedience to the command that God had given him.

3. The Testing of the Word 1 Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare. . .”

A word given by God will be tested in the life of the receiver, who will have to do warfare concerning that word. This is a principle throughout the Word of God. James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

As previously mentioned, patience is a powerful force in the life of a believer. According to this passage in James, patience results in perfected work done in the believer’s life. The one who believes with strong patience is founded on solid rock and is unwavering.

1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your, faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

God desires to build strong abiding faith in His people. However, Satan desires to thwart this by attempting to pull the believer from that place of abiding in Christ. Even as Jesus was tempted in the desert to move in His own power rather than according to God’s will and timing, the believer is also tempted to take matters into his own hands.

276

Foundational Discipling Principles

Romans 5:3-5 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

There are many scriptural examples of God testing those He spoke to. Moses received word he was to deliver his people.

However, this word was tested for many years before God actually brought it to pass.

Joseph received a dream from God concerning his future as a ruler. He then went through years of crisis when it appeared that there was no possibility of the word coming to pass. During this time of slavery and imprisonment, “. . . the word of the Lord tested him” (Psalm 105:18).

There comes a time when it is totally impossible (from our standpoint) to see the fulfillment of the word that God has spoken to us. This word will test us and purge any impure motives from us.

During this time, we must stand on God’s word and character. As with Abraham, obedience to the known will of God is essential. He obeyed God concerning the sacrifice of his only son, believing that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead if necessary (Hebrews 11:17-19).

4. The Fulfillment of the Word Hebrews 10:36 “. . . that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

In God’s due time the fulfillment of the word will be manifest.

This usually leads to a time of sweet rejoicing in the Lord. However, if one has stood believing throughout, he has known what the results would be all along, because he knows God is faithful. So, from the time of hearing the word, praise and thanksgiving are in order and due our Lord.

God exhibits great faith in us when He speaks prophecy to us and imparts gifts to us. He is giving us a glimpse of His perfect will and desire for us. He speaks mighty things at times when His 277

Foundational Discipling Principles

children may be farthest from Him. His grace sees beyond where we are now because of the finished work of Calvary. Even so, the believer is expected to fulfill his responsibility to see the fulfillment of the prophecy and to guard this treasure that God has given.

2 Timothy 1:14 NIV “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

It is the responsibility of the recipient of God’s gifts to not only guard that deposit but to keep it fresh, usable and available.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

1 Timothy 4:14-16 “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to Yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

G. Benefits of Presbytery Presbytery is always a time of excitement and expectation of the things that God will do and say. There are many results and benefits of presbytery. I am including a partial list here.

1. Benefits for the Individual a. There will be a greater understanding of one’s responsibility and function in the local body. b. Direction and purpose is given concerning specific ways to serve the Lord. c. The will of God is often confirmed in the individual’s life. d. Each one is helped to find his place in the body (1 Corinthians 12:18). e. Giving them specialized assistance through prophetic revelation strengthens individual lives.

278

Foundational Discipling Principles

f. There is an impartation of gifts and blessings to individual believers through the laying on of hands.

2. Benefits for Local Church Ministries a. All receive a greater appreciation for the various ministries in the body of Christ as well as the need for them (1 Corinthians 12:22-23). b. Presbytery also involves a “setting in” of local church ministries. c. Further development of local church ministries is made possible. d. There comes a greater recognition of God’s order in the authority of local church leadership.

3. Benefits for the Whole Church a. The spiritual level of the church is raised when the whole body seeks the Lord in prayer and fasting. b. The church as a whole will receive specific direction from the Lord. c. Faith will be imparted in the hearts of the congregation to see God’s purposes fulfilled.

“Lord God, how wonderful You are in designing a special way for us to hear and receive from You, with confirmation, affirmation, and confidence, through the laying on of hands by the presbytery.

It is truly an incredible and awesome thing to be given the gift of presbytery from our God so that we may understand and have the hope of fulfillment of Your calling in our lives. Praise You, Lord God almighty, for Your love goes beyond our understanding; but as we grow in our relationship with You, we begin to have a special glimpse of understanding Your love for us. By this we can say that we also love You, and are growing closer to You day by day. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your revealing power and merciful empowerment to us and through us. Bless the name of the Lord in which we pray, through Jesus Christ, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube 279

VI. RESURRECTION LIFE Principle One:

Resurrection Living

, A. Introduction

W

e are in the midst of laying a firm foundation in our lives. If we are living what we had been taught, then we have repented from dead works and have placed our faith in God. We have been baptized in water and the Holy Spirit. We know the importance of the laying on of hands. Basically we are fully empowered to live an abundant, victorious, overcoming life by the grace and power of God. Yet there remain two foundational principles with which we need to be equipped in order to walk rightly before God and our brethren.

This next series is called Resurrection Life. In it we will deal with the Hebrews 6 principle of “resurrection of the dead” as well as specific areas of our walk, such as family and church relationships, prayer and dominion, and communion. These lessons will make a tremendous difference in our lives and relationships when applied to our lives by the Holy Spirit.

B. Definition of Resurrection The Greek word for resurrection is “anastasis,” which simply means, “to make to stand or rise up again.” Resurrection is a rising to life again after death, but it is more than that. Specifically, it is the begin280

Foundational Discipling Principles

ning of glorification, or the changing of the physical body to share in the glorious redemption provided for the whole man by Jesus Christ.

C. Importance of the Resurrection There are three resurrections that are important for us to understand: the literal bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the present resurrection life for the believer, and the future resurrection of the dead. I will discuss each one separately.

In the debate with the Sadducees over the resurrection, Jesus said, “But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:23-33). The concept of “God of the dead” implies a blatant contradiction to our faith.

If God assumed the task of protecting the patriarchs from misfortune during the course of their lives, but failed to protect them from extinction, then His protection would be of little value. In quoting Exodus 3:6, Jesus showed how resurrection faith is linked in a profound way to God’s covenant faithfulness and character. He is God of the living! We are His covenant people!

The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all history. If Christ had not been raised from the dead, it would have shown that His sacrifice was not accepted for our atonement. Our faith would be in vain and there would be no salvation from our sins nor any hope of eternal life. Therefore his resurrection is connected inseparably with His sacrificial death and virgin birth. There is no gospel, or good news, without all three miraculous events. Without the resurrection of Christ, Christianity is just another religion rather than “a way of living.”

1 Corinthians 15:13-14 “But if there is no resurrection of the dead. then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain and your faith is also vain.”

Resurrection is the great and central hope of Christianity. In First Thessalonians Paul addresses the believers concerning the resurrection of the dead and the second coming of Christ. He encouraged 281

Foundational Discipling Principles

them not to sorrow as those who have no hope, for Jesus died, rose again and is coming again (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Man has an innate desire for immortality and a fear of death as a result of having been spiritually dead. The revelation of the resurrection of the dead removes the fear of death for the believer. God does not want any of us who are in Christ to suffer the bondage that fear of death brings upon us. Jesus has already removed death’s sting, demonstrated that the grave has no lasting victory, and destroyed the one who for so long tormented man with threats about death, Satan himself. This means that we can live with reckless abandonment for Christ since we no longer fear death.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 “. . .’Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? 0 Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 2:14-15 “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Although the resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Gospel, it is important for us to realize that His resurrection provided more than a historical and scriptural basis for the Christian faith. Actually, Christ’s resurrection opened the way for countless resurrections to follow. The Bible teaches that all believers experience the “resurrection life.” This lesson will center on this point.

Jesus Himself teaches of the future resurrection of the dead, “. . . those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28-29).

Paul speaks of that time when “. . . the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruption must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). John also writes, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in 282

Foundational Discipling Principles

the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ. . .” (Revelation 20:6).

D. What About the Dead?

The bodies of the dead are in the grave. The inner man, or the soul and spirit, of the righteous are present with Christ immediately at death. The souls of the ungodly are in Sheol (or Hades), their temporary abode.

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

Luke 16:23 “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom.”

Acts 7:59 “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, `Lord Jesus. receive my spirit.’”

E. Jesus Christ: The Resurrection and the Life John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”‘ John 10:10 “. . .I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

1 Corinthians 15:45 “And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life giving spirit.”

Scripturally, resurrection is always linked to life, newness of life. Jesus was raised to life, glorified and seated at the right hand of the Father, thereby releasing the life of God to those now living so they have eternal life now. His resurrection declares there is new life in the believer, new life to the being now and eternally! This life is a completely different “kind” of life, not just extended life, but something entirely new.

A seed has a dormant life in it. Place that seed in the soil and it dies, but at the same time a completely new kind of life springs forth 283

Foundational Discipling Principles

from that death. Jesus is the seed who died in order to give life to others (John 12:24).

In John 11 the Lord Jesus Christ does not declare that He will raise Lazarus from the dead, but instead simply declares Himself to be the resurrection and the life. We believe the Lord did raise Lazarus from the dead, but the emphasis was on having the Lord Himself.

Many people believe the Lord Jesus is the life-giver, but to believe He is life is quite another matter. You see, life is a person: Jesus!

However, there is another side of the resurrection. Resurrection means nothing if something is dead! In order to be resurrected, something must have died. The Cross came before the Resurrection. As stated earlier, the two events are inseparable. Likewise, the two events are inseparable in the life of the believer, that is, the death to the selflife and the abundant resurrection living. As the substitution of Christ for sin and the death with Christ to sin are indivisible, so death and life are not to be divided along the whole course of the Christian life.

Resurrection speaks of that which passes through death, but which is not held by death. Resurrection is the life that was put to death and is alive forevermore. Our Lord Jesus is life because He was dead yet is alive forevermore. Death has no power to hold Him in its grip, although the sign of death was in His body; hence a life that bears the marks of death and yet is alive is called resurrection.

F. The Resurrection Life It is possible to know the historical Christ without having any real power in our lives. It is not enough to know facts about His life, death, resurrection and ascension. Participation with Christ’s death changes all of this, for on the life-side of the cross, the Holy Spirit reveals the risen Lord, and He is known “after the Spirit” as the living One. In the Spirit we have been identified with what Christ has done.

When He died, our old “self’ died with Him. When He was buried, our old “self’ was buried with Him. When He came out of the grave, spiritually speaking, our new “self’ came out of the grave with Him. The death and resurrection of Christ are not mere historical events to be religiously celebrated. They have powerful, spiritual applications for our lives today.

284

Foundational Discipling Principles

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Philippians 2:5, 8 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. . . and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Colossians 3:3 “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” In order to mature in our faith we must have a continuous knowing that we are crucified with Christ and a steadfast dependence upon the Spirit of God. As we do, He will work in us the separating power of His death and the quickening power of His life.

However, we need a complete and thorough understanding of the practical outworking of this death in our life. What does it mean that I am crucified with Christ? It is probably best demonstrated in closest family relationships and our responses within those relationships. In that relationship how strong is our self-life? When our responses are not Christ-like, without complete disregard for ourselves, without thinking more highly of the other than ourselves, then we are not “dead.” Granted, this is a process, a working out in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, which must be appropriated moment by moment and not accomplished in our own strength.

Most of us want the abundant resurrection life without dying.

Matthew 16:24-25 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’”

We must come to the place again and again where we realize, not only as an admitted principle but in actual fact, that we have no strength or resources of our own. “We despaired even of life.”

285

Foundational Discipling Principles

2 Timothy 2:11 “This is a faithful saying. For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.” Philippians 3:10 “. . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. . .”

How do you know that you are dead? In 1 John 3:14 John states, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

We must be careful to pick the right focal point because we become what we focus on. We do not want to focus on the cross alone because that brings death. We want to focus on the resurrection life of Christ that flows on the other side of the cross. The point is that we are dead; we died with Christ but we do not focus on this truth. We focus on Jesus.

Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

For me to live is Christ! At the beginning of our Christian life, we saw how the Lord Jesus bore our sins on the cross so that by His death we were delivered from death, our sins were forgiven, and we were condemned no more. Here Paul tells me that because Christ lives in me, I am delivered from living. The meaning is simple: since He lives in me, I no longer need to live. As He died on the cross for me, HE NOW LIVES IN ME IN MY PLACE. This is the secret of the abundant, victorious, overcoming life. Now it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:20). Therefore God’s way and His secret for me is not in asking me to imitate the Lord Jesus nor parceling out power to me in response to my begging that I may be like Christ. God’s way for me is what Paul expressed.

2 Corinthians 4:10-11 “. . . always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

286

Foundational Discipling Principles

2 Corinthians 13:4 “For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.”

Paul prayed that the believers at Ephesus would know “. . . the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. . .” (Ephesians 1:19-20). We too need to experience the resurrection life daily. The same power which raised Christ from the dead dwells within us, bearing witness that we are the children of God and giving our lives a supernatural quality.

Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

Living thusly means we are not on a performance basis, striving to produce the life or the good works. It takes the pressure off our lives in having to “perform” because it allows the Lord Jesus to live His life through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Resurrection power is the ability to do what we cannot do.

The resurrection life is also a continuous one. It is not an experience that we passed through at some crisis long ago. Instead, the Living Christ, the Resurrection and the Life abides in us and releases His mighty energy through us, so far as we fulfill the conditions which permit Him to do so. Moreover, the life cannot be copied, and no assertion of life is needed when it is present, for it is its own witness by its manifesting power. Thanks be to God, the life in union with Christ is real life, a dynamic power that is indisputable, bringing the soul into such living relationship with the risen Christ as to make it know something of the “powers of the age to come,” to see the things of time from the standpoint of eternity, and to lift it above the attractions and absorbing interests of things on the earth.

There are two trees in the garden of your life (Genesis 2:1617, 3:22). One brings death, the other gives life. One fills you with knowledge; the other fills you with life. It is only as we choose Jesus, 287

Foundational Discipling Principles

the Tree of Life, that we will have life, and “that more abundantly.”

It is only as we choose Jesus, the True Vine, and abide in Him that we have the resurrection life flowing through our veins.

John 15:4-5 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

G. Living Unto Christ 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 “For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

“The love of Christ constrains us.” This love is the motivational power of our new life in union with the Living Lord, a love shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Spirit, a love that casts aside all selflove and self-interest and completely holds the soul in its power.

We who have “died” with Him now “live” in His life. We realize that it was for our sakes He died; for our sakes He lives, so for our sake we gladly consent no longer to live unto ourselves but unto Him. We see that we have been crucified with Him and now He who died and rose again fills our whole vision, constraining us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, “holy, acceptable unto God,” which is our glad and “reasonable service.”

H. Resurrection Living Lifestyle To know “the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10) is to live a paradox. The root of the Greek word for “power” (dunamis) is “ability” (dunamsi) or “can do!” For example, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

However, Jesus said that we “can do nothing without Him.” How is this possible? Simply that every avenue of our life must flow out of His strength. We look to His strength, wisdom or love rather than depending on ours. Whatever is needed for the moment, we look to His indwelling life for the provision. It is when we are 288

Foundational Discipling Principles

the most insufficient that this powerful life of the Lord is demonstrated through us, because when we are weak, then we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). When we reach the place of so abiding in Him that our every move is consumed with the harmony of His will, then we are capable vessels of the resurrection life of the Lord Jesus Christ. This place of abiding is the place of receiving life, just as the branch receives its life from the vine (John 15:4-6).

The abundant life is the resurrection life, for there really is no other option for the believer. When our life becomes “hid with Christ” (Colossians 3:3), then we truly live life according to the plan of God, reflecting the glory of God to a world that needs to know Him and His love.

Colossians 1:27 “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Here are the two corresponding lifestyles: Where There Is 1. drive 2. talent 3. presence 4. inflexibility 5. facade 6. labor 7. memories 8. pressure 9. avocation 10. busyness

There Should Be Empowerment Enabling Gifting Freedom Joy Serving Fruit Peace Application Prayer

289

Foundational Discipling Principles

The statement “. . . be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10), in context, is the opening sentence on spiritual warfare. Actually, the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection established dominion over all the forces of darkness, receiving “all power” (Matthew 28:18). God “. . . made us alive together with Christ. . . raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. . .” (Ephesians 2:5-6) where we carry on spiritual warfare in the power of His might. Resurrection living includes taking the dominion of the Kingdom of God into any area where He leads. Actually we might visualize it like this: Jesus is the Head and we are His body (collectively), His instruments to accomplish dominion resulting in Jubilee (Luke 4:18-19). Hallelujah!

With our lives so ordered by the Lord and empowered with His life, the rise and fall of the so-called normal Christian spiritual life is eliminated, and we are filled with the joy of the Lord. In fact, He promised that our joy would be full (John 15:11) as a result of abiding in Him. Another characteristic of the resurrection living lifestyle is peace. Since we have ceased from our labors and works, relying instead on Him, we enter into that rest of God (Hebrews 4:910) promised to those who enter by faith in Christ.

In summary, we must be conscious of the divine life inside us and not substitute our ability for His enablement, nor our energy for His strength. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to provide the life of Christ and quickening that life to us (John 16:14). There is a freedom and liberty here that we cannot obtain in any other way of living (Romans 8:2,13). As we each live in the light of the glory of the union with the Ascended Lord, we, together as His body, will bring a full revelation and manifestation of Christ to the world.

290

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Lord God, we give You thanks for Your enablement, Your strength and Your life that You have deposited within each of Your believing children. May we rest as we operate in this world, showing the nations Your glory through the manifested power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We rely on You, O God, for our energy is weakness in light of Your power; our love is self-serving without Your love within us. Our faith rests totally in You, Lord, and not in our own abilities. Our self-life has been put to death with our Lord Jesus, and we have been raised to a new life with Christ, empowered by Him to live and walk in a resurrected lifestyle. Praise You, O Lord. . . In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

291

Principle Two:

Body Life

, A. Introduction: The Body of Christ

O

ne of the great truths of the Bible is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Incarnation literally means, “to embody in the flesh.”

In other words, it means to become a human being. In regards to Jesus, He was “God. . . manifested in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16). In Jesus “. . . dwells at the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). Jesus Christ incarnate was not half­ man/half God; He was totally God and totally man.

While on earth, Jesus was limited to His physical body. He got tired and hungry and could only be at one place at one time; however, after the resurrection, Jesus had a glorified body that was not subject to normal human limitations. He remained on the earth for forty days revealing Himself to His disciples (Acts 1:1-3). He then ascended bodily to heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; Ephesians 1:20).

Jesus said that it was necessary for Him to go away so that He could send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-15). The Holy Spirit was given to indwell and empower all believers. Now, instead of Jesus ministering on the earth by Himself, there is a vast multitude of believers who are baptized into the body of Christ and baptized in the Holy Spirit who cover the earth and do the works of Christ (John 14:12).

The body of Christ is the expression of Jesus Christ on the earth.

292

Foundational Discipling Principles

When we were born again we changed kingdoms and became part of the family of God and the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head, and all true believers are part of His body. Each one of us has a particular place in the body (1 Corinthians 12:18). Being a member of a body means that we are not only intimately related to Jesus, but that we are also intricately connected to and involved with the rest of the body. The Bible states it this way, “. . . we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25). Each one of us is important to the body of Christ. We are all called to express the resurrection life of the body of Christ. One of the ways we can do this is through communion.

B. The Ordinance of Communion 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 “. . . the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, `Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

Jesus Christ offered His body and blood as a one-time sacrifice that is sufficient for the sins of all men who will repent (Hebrews 10:10-14). However, He gave us a way to remember and express His sacrificial death for all time by instituting the ordinance that we call communion. The setting was the last night of Christ’s earthly life in an upper room where He was partaking of the Passover meal with His twelve disciples. This is commonly called the Last Supper.

The Last Supper became the last Passover and the first Lord’s Supper. This is why communion is also known as the Lord’s Table, the Lord’s Supper, the Breaking of Bread, and the Eucharist (from the Greek word “eucharistos,” which means “to give thanks”).

C. The Passover In order to fully understand communion we must understand what the Passover meant to the Jews and the early Church. The Passover 293

Foundational Discipling Principles

meal was an annual celebration and remembrance of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Passover is the central focus in Jewish history and worship. In reality it commemorates the redemption of the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage and brings a remembrance of God’s love for His chosen people.

The story of the first Passover is found in Exodus 12:1-14. Each Hebrew household in Egypt was to sacrifice a perfect yearling lamb and sprinkle its blood on the lintel and doorposts of their house.

As God’s judgment came upon Egypt and the first-born of every house was slain, God’s death angel “passed over” those households protected by the blood of the lamb. They were delivered from death unto life through the sacrifice of innocent blood.

Likewise, we believers were in bondage to sin and were slaves to the world (Egypt). We have been redeemed and set free by the blood of our Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ. Jesus and His disciples shared the Passover meal, which celebrates God’s peculiar people being delivered in order to serve (worship) Him (Exodus 8:1; 9:1; 10:3; 12:31). During this Passover meal Jesus initiated the New Covenant meal that celebrates His sacrifice and our deliverance to worship God freely!

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 “. . .For indeed Christ, our Passover was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

God gave a specific order to the celebration of the Passover meal. For instance, God said to eat the flesh of the sacrificial lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. “Unleavened” in Hebrew is “schore,” which means “no swelling by fermentation, i.e., no yeast.”

All leftover flesh was to be burned. God restricted the ordinance to the Hebrews only; no strangers could partake of the meal unless 294

Foundational Discipling Principles

circumcised (Exodus 12:43-49). We will look into the meaning of these ordinances for us later.

D. The “Symbols” in Communion 1. The Table The table of showbread in the Tabernacle of Moses was a place of servanthood of the priest (Leviticus 24:5-6). Other times the table was a place of spiritual feeding for strength (Psalm 23:5) and a place of divine fellowship (Revelation 3:20). Significantly, when we are gathered in His name around His Table, He has promised to be there in our midst (Matthew 18:20).

2. The Bread God supernaturally gave His people bread (manna) for forty years in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Through it they received nourishment and divine health. There are many instances in the New Testament when Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it for nourishment to the people (Matthew 14:19; 15:36; 26:26). The breaking of bread described in Luke 24:30 was not a normal breaking of bread, for “. . . their eyes were opened and they knew Him. . .” In John 21:12-13 the resurrected Jesus said, “Come and eat” broke bread for His disciples. Each time Jesus broke bread there was a deeper revelation of Him. In the Tabernacle of Moses the showbread is known as the “Bread of the Presence” or “Bread of Face.” There is a deeper revelation of Jesus in the breaking of bread that we have yet to receive.

God desires to manifest His “Presence” in the breaking of bread in communion as He does in praise and worship. In the early Church, believers went from house to house breaking bread, “. . . praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42, 46-47).

John 6:48-51, 58, 63 “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever, and the bread that I shall give is My 295

Foundational Discipling Principles

flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. . . This is the bread which came down from heaven —not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever. . . It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”

What is the significance of Jesus’ words? He is asking, “What is reality? What gives life?” It is not physical bread that gives life to us but His spiritual flesh! It is Jesus’ giving of His body that brings forth spiritual life in another body, the body of Christ, His Church.

Jesus is that seed that falls to the ground, dies and brings forth much fruit (John 12:24). When we look at the verses in this way, we see that Jesus is the bread that came down from heaven and when we eat of this bread, His flesh, we live forever. It is not that the bread of the communion table actually changes substance, but that, as we partake of that bread, He supernaturally gives life to our bodies. The Lord Jesus is present at His table; there is grace in taking part in communion. We do experience more strength and health as a result.

We are taught that there is forgiveness in the blood of Jesus. This is absolutely true, but before we can really realize His forgiveness, we must experience His presence in the bread. Which did you realize first? Is it not true for all of us that we had a revelation of Jesus, His holiness and His perfection, before we experienced forgiveness? As we come to communion we see it as a time of cleansing and purity of the body, we realize His presence in the bread and receive revelation of forgiveness in the wine.

3. The Wine The wine is representative of the blood of Jesus which He shed for us. The life of Jesus was in His blood, which He gave to redeem us. It is a principle: “The life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). We were bought for the price of His blood; therefore we do not belong to ourselves. We are covered by His blood that our former sins might be “passed over.” We share His blood, His life. In partaking of the communion cup, we are sharing in His life.

296

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. Covenant Relationship After God gave the Ten Commandments and the Law (Exodus 20-23), He gave instructions to Moses concerning the reading of the “words of the Lord” to all the people (Exodus 24:1-4). Sacrifices were made, the blood was collected, and the covenant law was read to the people.

Exodus 24:7-8 “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.’ And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘Behold, the blood of the covenant, which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.’”

This is the sealing of the Old Covenant by the blood of the covenant. Notice the similarity with the words that Jesus spoke in establishing the new and better covenant: ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood: (Luke 22:20 NAS).

After the sealing of the covenant with the blood, Moses, the priests, and the seventy elders drew near to God and partook of a covenant meal (Exodus 24:9-11). During the last supper the Lord Jesus shared the bread and the wine with His disciples, signifying the covenant meal of the New Covenant. The meaning is intimate relationship and fellowship between the parties of the covenant.

With the bread and the cup Jesus is signifying that He is entering into everlasting fellowship and intimate relationship with us and we with each other.

Luke 22:16,18) “For I say to you. I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. . . For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

The Lord Jesus Christ said that He would not eat the Passover meal anymore until the kingdom of God came to men on earth. When did the Kingdom of God come to men on earth? It came when the way was made for King Jesus to reside in the hearts of His people; for where the King is, there is the Kingdom and authority of God. Now each time we take communion, we are taking it with Jesus in 297

Foundational Discipling Principles

the Kingdom of God just as He said. He is there! Praise the Lord!

Not only is this true, but also the fact that we are ratifying anew the covenant and the family relationship that He has established for us and with us. Hallelujah!

F. Remembrance When Paul quoted Jesus’ words, “. . . do this in remembrance of Me” (1Corinthians 11:25), he used an interesting Greek word, “anamnesis.” The meaning of this word is “past history becoming alive and real right now.” For us it speaks of a continual recognition or coming face to face with the Cross each time we take communion. In giving the cup to the disciples Jesus said, “Drink from it, all of you” (Matthew 26:27). This is indicative of all the provisions that His blood has provided for us. The salvation that Jesus provides is an ongoing process, and His blood has provided for that process and its fruit: atonement, redemption, justification, forgiveness, cleansing, deliverance, sanctification, and boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies. Communion should bring us face to face with the Cross and all its provisions. When this takes place, thanksgiving and celebration result.

Many times in Scripture a pile of stones or altar was erected as a memorial (Genesis 28:18; Joshua 4:4, 7). In the same way the communion is our pile of stones. Each time we come to communion, we are calling to remembrance the victory that Jesus won through the Cross, and the fact that we share in that victory now. As a result, we can rejoice and celebrate!

G. Fellowship 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”

Have you ever wondered why we don’t partake of communion alone at our home? It is significant that the body of believers come together to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Paul speaks here of the “communion” of the blood of Christ and of the body of Christ. The 298

Foundational Discipling Principles

Greek word used here is “koinonia,” which is translated “fellowship” other places. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in Prayers” (Acts 2:42). Communion or fellowship is not a social activity, but an interacting relationship energized by the Holy Spirit. Even in the natural, the sharing of a meal bonds people together; how much more so when the participants have also shared a life-changing experience together and the Holy Spirit seals the participation with His presence. Likewise, in the sharing of the communion bread and wine the lives of the members of the local body are spiritually bonded together by the Spirit through the common experience. Jesus had one body that was given for many. At the Table the one loaf of bread is broken and given to many. Then, we who are many become “one bread” because “we are all partakers of that one bread.”

In 1 Corinthians 10:19-21, Paul states that things sacrificed to idols are really sacrificed to demons, i.e., the whole business of idol worship was the work of demons. Furthermore, the one participating in the worship was really fellowshipping with demons. He warns that one should not partake of both tables (Verse 21). This establishes a principle: if a man has handled the body and blood of Jesus Christ, there are things of which he cannot touch or partake of. This separation produces unity when a separated and sanctified body of one mind comes together to fellowship in the presence of the Lord.

H. Grace in the Lord’s Table In speaking to the Canaanite woman concerning her daughter’s healing, Jesus made a very outstanding statement. He said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15:26). His meaning was that the children’s (God’s covenant family) bread (all the benefits of the kingdom) was not to be taken from the table and given to the dogs (Gentiles).

Although Jesus came to demonstrate the kingdom of God to the Jews, He commanded His disciples to take it to the seed of Abraham. Jesus came to save all, both Jews and Gentiles. In these statements Jesus links together the bread of the table with healing grace. When we come to the Table of the Lord, we can expect to 299

Foundational Discipling Principles

receive healing for our soul and body. Whatever the need, it is the children’s bread to receive it.

With the understanding of Passover as a type of the redemptive work of Christ, we may further add that the benefits of Passover are a type of the benefits of the redemptive work of Christ. The Hebrews came out of Egypt in health: “. . . and there was none feeble among His tribes” (Psalm 105:7). Likewise, we experience healing and health as a result of the atonement.

Communion, being our covenant meal, provides health and healing to our bodies through the presence of the Lord Jesus among His people (Matthew 18:20; Revelation 3:20).

Our experience is that we receive healing and continued health as we join together to break bread on a regular basis. Praise the Lord for our health, which He purchased with His body!

When the body of Christ gathers around the Table, we are remembering the body and blood of Jesus and what He accomplished on the Cross. We can rejoice each time because Jesus has freed us from sin and bondage, reconciled us to the Father, and given us a purpose to live. Jesus said, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. . . He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me” (John 6:54, 56-57). Coming to His Table, we rejoice in all that Jesus has done for us. As we eat the bread, drink the wine, and rejoice together, He gives life to us, both spiritually and physically.

The grace spoken of thus far is for one worthy to partake of Communion. Paul warns of those who partake unworthily.

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of our Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”

300

Foundational Discipling Principles

To partake “in an unworthy manner” means not giving full weight or worth to the meaning of the New Covenant Table. Do not get religious at the Table by just joining in because it is the thing to do or because you have always done it. Do not let it become just a symbolic religious ritual to be performed. When the believer takes the Lord’s Supper with an unprepared heart and an indifferent attitude, he eats and drinks judgment to himself.

The key to the passage above is the phrase, “discerning the Lord’s body.” The word “discerning” means, “to have complete under­standing and revelation.” “Discerning the Lord’s body” may have two meanings. First, we must discern the body of Christ, the Church. One should not come to the Table with fellowship broken with another member. This is to dishonor the body. Seeking fellowship with the Lord when one has a broken relationship with a brother is hypocrisy. For this reason Paul writes, “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31).

We must judge ourselves and go make it right with our brother.

Second, the phrase means to discern the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. Is there hidden sin in one’s life that cost Jesus His body and blood to cover it? To approach the Table of the Lord with hidden sin is a grievous thing. This should be repented of immediately. We discern the body and blood of Jesus when we appropriate them to cover our sin, forgive our sin and break the power of that sin in our lives.

Paul states that the penalty for not discerning the Lord’s body is very serious.

1 Corinthians 11:30 “For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” The worshiper must discern or judge the body of Christ and the sacrifice Christ has made. When the believer takes the Communion with an unprepared heart and an indifferent attitude, he eats and drinks judgment: weakness, sickness and death.

However, a positive meaning may also be given Paul’s phrase “discerning the body.” If failure to discern brings chastening, the faithfulness of thoughtful discernment should bring blessing.

301

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Father, Your Table is a place of worship, praise, celebration, thanksgiving, reconciliation, loving and even learning. Thank You Lord for allowing us to share at Your table, in Jesus’ exalted name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

302

Principle Three:

Church Life

, A. Proper Order

T

here is one Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many different denominations, fellowships and local church bodies, but only one universal Church. It is composed of all true believers, no matter what local body they are in. Each local church seems to have its own doctrines, governments, and order. With all of the differing opinions, the question may arise (even more so in these latter times): “Has God established any kind of specific order in the Church or are we free to do our own thing?” To answer that question we also must ask, “What does the Word of God say?” Has God spoken any kind of order in the Bible? It is our responsibility to find out what God has spoken and to obey His commands.

Throughout the Scriptures we find that order is an integral part of God’s design of things. As God spoke the world into being, He established natural order in the universe: The plant and animal life, the lights, and the nature of things (Genesis 1:6-21). God gave Moses a pattern for the tabernacle and its instruments (Exodus 25:9). He spoke to Moses to count Israel in an orderly fashion (Numbers 1:2-3) and to arrange the camp about the tabernacle in an orderly manner (Numbers 2:1). When the mixed multitude became too much for Moses to handle alone, he appointed seventy elders to rule and judge (Exodus 18:24-27, Deuteronomy 1:9-17). God established order in the family by creating the husband with the natural 303

Foundational Discipling Principles

function of head and provider, and the wife as the helpmeet. In the heavenly vision of John there is order about the throne of God with the 24 elders, their seats, the seven lamps, the four beasts and the worship (Revelation 4). Thus there is order to everything in God’s domain, and He intends for the Church to have order as well.

1 Chronicles 15:2 “Then David said, ‘No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.’”

When David became king of Israel, he desired to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. On the way, Uzza was killed attempting to steady the ark. This caused David to stop and seek the Lord for the reason. The verse above gives the reason — “No one may carry. . . but,” — proper order had not been followed. The ark of God was not to be transported in a cart, but was to be carried by the Levites in a specific manner.

Likewise, there must be proper governmental order if the Church is going to maintain the presence of God and bring the body to maturity. When there is order and the eldership is in place to bear the presence of the Lord before the people, unity and security is formed within the people. As a result, unscriptural teaching can be dealt with and Church discipline can be practiced. The Church stands because of God’s governmental order.

The main purpose of Church life is to worship in the manifest presence of God. Just as Israel wanted to bring in the ark of God, our goal is to bring in the presence of God. We are to worship God until His presence falls and He supernaturally does what we cannot do alone. As we do this, God accomplishes His purpose through us to spread His kingdom around the world.

B. The Rule, Authority and Government of God Psalm 145:13 “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”

304

Foundational Discipling Principles

Since God is Spirit, He is therefore a person who is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being and perfection. Since He is the Creator and Preserver of the universe, He is its absolute sovereign ruler. Does not the Creator of all have the right to reign over all? God did not create the universe and leave it to govern itself.

Instead, He is intimately involved in preserving and ruling over all that He has created.

Psalm 103:19 “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

All authority issues forth from the throne of God. No one else has the dominion that resides in His nature. “His throne is in heaven” is an expression that signifies the authority of God, His power of reigning and judging from on high. Although God’s throne is in heaven, His kingdom rules over all, including the earth and all who live on it. God is the sovereign Lord and King who exercises dominion over both heaven and earth. In this we can rejoice — God is in control! Authority and dominion are resident in the nature of God and have always existed in Him. Any authority outside of God is authority that He has delegated and/or allowed. For example, the angels have certain authority and government, which He has given to them. When God delegates any portion of His authority, He establishes government. Therefore government is inseparably linked to authority. Where you find one, you find the other.

When God made the earth and the universe, everything was under His authority and control. However, in keeping with His eternal purpose, God chose to share His rule with His creation. God delegated a measure of authority to man and gave rulership and dominion into the hands of man (Genesis 1:28). Since the creation of man, God has chosen human instruments through which He exercises His rulership in the earth. Since the kingdom is the Lord’s, He can give rulership and deliver the kingdom into the hands of whomever He will. The instrument that God uses to demonstrate His kingdom in the earth may change, but His purpose remains the same. Although God’s kingdom is one everlasting kingdom, He has used various instruments or channels for the demonstration of that kingdom on 305

Foundational Discipling Principles

the earth. These have included the patriarchs (Genesis 9:1-2; 12:12), the nation of Israel (Exodus 19:2-6; Deuteronomy 7:6-8), the Gentile world (2 Chronicles 36:22-23), Jesus (Revelation 19:1116), and the Church (Ephesians 3:10-11).

C. The Conflict of the Ages The account of the original state of God’s government is found in Ezekiel 28:11-19. While the king of Tyrus was a historical person, the terms in this passage could never have been employed to describe any mere human being. This is what is known as a double reference.

These verses refer not only to the king of Tyrus, but also to Lucifer.

In verse 13 he is spoken of as being in the garden of God. Satan was indeed there, not as a minister of God, but as an apostate and malignant spirit seeking the ruin of the new creation. Therefore, the Eden of this passage must have been of a far earlier date. The latter part of the verse reads, “the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day when you were created.” This refers to the music that surrounds the throne of God. This and the following verses lead us to conclude that Lucifer was the worship leader in heaven around the throne of God. He held this royal archangel position to direct all worship to God. In verse 14 we see the priestly role of Lucifer. He is called the “anointed cherub who covers.” Anointed means consecrated by the oil of anointing. This is connected with induction to an office and is apparently a reference to God’s appointment of Lucifer to fill a certain position. The cherubim appear to be the highest rank of heavenly being, sitting nearest the throne of God and leading the worship of the universe (Revelation 4:9-10; 5:11-14). The words “who covers” allude to the cherubim that overshadowed the Ark of the Covenant.

This gives us a picture of Lucifer’s nearness to the presence of God as a guard and protector of the throne of the Most High. He was the prime minister or vice-president in the government of God. In the statement “I established you” we see that Lucifer came to this position by the gift of his divine Creator, not by inherent right or by struggle. He is said to have been upon the holy mountain of God, which is the place of God’s presence in visible glory. Here God’s anointed High Priest would stand before Him to minister.

306

Foundational Discipling Principles

The mountain is a symbol of God’s power, government, and eternal throne. The whole passage suggests a position of great authority for which Lucifer was created and anointed. In fact, we may state that Lucifer held three anointed offices of prophet, priest, and king in the kingdom of God. Additionally, Lucifer was full of wisdom (verse 12), perfect in beauty (verse 12, 17), and perfect in his ways (verse 15) until he chose to sin (verse 15-16). In verse 16 the statement “by the abundance of your trading” indicates that Lucifer took something for himself rather than being a channel. He received the worship of all the angelic beings unto himself and pridefully desired to be worshiped “like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13-14). Satan’s purpose had now changed from bringing glory to God to trying to receive it for himself.

This led to a war in heaven in which God cast down Lucifer and a multitude of the angelic host that aided him (Revelation 12:7-9).

Evil in the form of pride and rebellion was found in heaven. The significance of Lucifer’s rebellion is that it hit right at the throne of God. The most beautiful, anointed, wise, near, and authoritative being ever created had rebelled before the very eyes of God. The impact was felt throughout all of heaven. This had never happened before; possibly as many as one-third of all creation fell into the same sin (Revelation 12:4). Where there was only one will in the universe, there were now two. The conflict of the ages had begun over the issue of worship and authority. Whom are you going to worship? To whom are you going to bow the knee? These are questions that every person must answer.

The fall of Lucifer left a void in heaven. The position that he once occupied in the government of God became empty. However, this did not change or alter God’s plan that was in His heart from the beginning (Ephesians 1:4).

God’s plan of restoration began with the re-creation of earth (Genesis 1:2). Man was created and given authority and dominion over it. When he was faced with the question of whom to bow the knee to, he chose against God and lost his dominion. Of course, God was not caught by surprise. In His wisdom and foreknowledge God knew what man would do. God, in Jesus Christ, redeemed man and 307

Foundational Discipling Principles

regained all authority and dominion from Satan (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23). The Lord Jesus Christ is building His Church through which the “manifold wisdom of God” will be made known to “the principalities and powers in heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10). In other words, the purpose of God will be demonstrated to all authorities in creation.

The body of Christ, the Church, now fills the void left by Lucifer’s fall. We fulfill the prophetic role by speaking God’s words of reconciliation to the peoples and nations of the world. We are a kingdom of priests who minister to our God (1 Peter 2:9). By taking dominion where we live, we extend the government of God and fulfill our kingly position. All the qualities and ministry functions that God bestowed on Lucifer in the beginning are now bestowed upon the Church. The Church is full of wisdom (Acts 6:3; 1 Corinthians 2:7-8; Ephesians 3:10), perfect in beauty (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:9, 19), and anointed of the Lord in power (Acts 1:8) and authority (Ephesians 1:20-23; Revelation 1:6).

D. The Purpose of Government Romans 13:1-4 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”

Whenever God delegates a portion of His authority, He establishes government. He does so in order to fulfill His purpose. One of the general provisions of government is protection. The ruler is a minister of God to restrain evil and provide security for the citizens to live in peace. In the family the husband provides protection and security for his wife and children. In the body of Christ the overseer watches over the souls of the saints (Hebrews 13:17).

308

Foundational Discipling Principles

The structure of government establishes form and function.

Nothing can have two heads; a two-headed thing is a monster.

Without form and function there is no order, and God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 11:3; 14:40).

Government assists in providing unity. When everyone does what is right in his or her own eyes, there is anarchy, and no common goal or purpose can be achieved. When God delegates authority and establishes government, He speaks vision and purpose to the people that will unite them behind the goal.

E. Unity 1 Chronicles 15:3 “And David gathered all Israel together at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it.”

King David called all Israel together to bring in the presence of the Lord — he “gathered.” When the delegated authority of God speaks to the people to gather themselves together, the shared vision produces unity. As the people obey, submit, and respond to leadership, they come together in one mind, purpose and flow to accomplish what God has spoken. At the same time a work is done by the Spirit to knit their hearts together. We are still individuals, but we each have our individuality without being individualistic. We are diverse, but without divisiveness. There is diversity within unity.

There are only two bodies on earth: the body of Christ (under Christ’s kingdom) and the body of the world (under Lucifer’s king­ ­dom). We either belong to one or the other; there is no in between.

All people on the face of the earth can be divided into two people.

The world is proud, arrogant; the world lies, steals and manipulates; the world is impatient and gets even. The body of Christ must be in unity against this.

Unity is you doing what you are called to do, me doing what I am called to do, and both of us loving one another in the relationship. The place where we come together in relationship is called the joint. Not only do we each have our own part to do, but also, the joint of our relationship supplies growth for the body (Ephesians 4:16).

The joint is our relating in love. When you do your function and I 309

Foundational Discipling Principles

do my function, we love one another, and our functions enhance one another and the body.

In Ezekiel I there is a creature that has four faces — each facing a different way, yet in some way they touch — a man in front, a lion on the right side, an ox on the left, and an eagle in the back. There is a wheel and the spirit is in the wheel. Wherever the wheel goes, the creature goes without turning. Each of these faces is symbolic of elements in the body of Christ. The man represents humanity and our relationships with one another. The eagle represents our worship of God. The lion represents our authority and dominion over the enemy. The ox represents our work and service to God and each other.

All four of these elements are found in the body of Christ. Each one of us has a basic desire and inner attitude, called motivation, which causes us to identify with one of these four elements. We must learn that there are times when the body will not be moving in the direction we think it ought to. Sometimes the Spirit will emphasize relationships, sometimes worship, sometimes service, and at other times dominion. We must all remain in unity, no matter what the emphasis. We must keep before our eyes the overall vision and purpose that God has revealed to our leadership.

F. The Structure of the Body The Church as the body of Christ has only one head, but many members. The one and only head is Jesus Christ, the sovereign authority of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). As the head, He guides, directs and controls the body.

There are two defined offices within the local church, although there are many ministries. These two are bishops and deacons.

Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.”

There are three main words used in the New Testament that refer to the same person. The word “bishop” is translated from the Greek word “episcopos,” which refers to the position given to the 310

Foundational Discipling Principles

man (1 Timothy 3:1). It is also translated “overseer” (Acts 20:28).

The word “elder” is translated from the Greek word “presbyturos,” which means “senior” and is the opposite of “novice.” It speaks of the man. The word “pastor” is translated from the Greek word “poimen,” which means “shepherd” or “one who is a feeder.” This speaks of the work or function of the man. The relationship of these three words may be found in the book of Acts.

Acts 20:17, 28 “From Meletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders (presbyturos) of the church. . . Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (episcopos), to shepherd (poimen) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

The five-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11) are all elders with oversight responsibility. Their titles describe their particular work or function in the body of Christ. In the local body the elders are the leaders of the flock (Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:17; Hebrews 13:17). One of the charges that is consistently given to elders is that of shepherding or tending the flock of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). Lastly, elders are responsible to teach or instruct the church (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9).

God is very particular when it comes to choosing just who is to minister in His House. It takes supernatural enablement to pastor in the House of the Lord. Without this God-given equipment, no amount of preparation or schooling will suffice. Apart from being called and equipped by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2), there are lists of qualifications that are given as the standards for all elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). These are qualifications that all elders must have (1 Timothy 3:2). By the way, the word for elder is always used in the plural in relation to local churches.

The word “deacon” is translated from the Greek word “diakanos.”

It means “minister” or “servant,” and is translated that way several times. The leadership with the consensus of the people initiated the origin of the deacons, and they were set in by an action of the leadership (Acts 6:1-6). The general function of the deacons is the performance of various services of a practical nature in the Church.

311

Foundational Discipling Principles

Deacons relieve the elders of burdens that might interfere with their ministry of spiritual oversight. The qualifications for deacons are set forth in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

G. Government and the Individual There is no such thing as a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ without a relationship with the body of Christ (“. . . where two or more are gathered. . .”). No one can reject God’s delegated authority with one hand and receive God with the other. For authority to be expressed in our lives, there must be submission. Biblical subjection is concerned with being subject to the authorities established by God. If there is to be subjection, self needs to be excluded.

Each of us must face the fact of the conflict of the ages that is taking place in our very life. The question is still being asked, “Whom are you going to worship (serve)? Whom are you going to bow the knee? Who is in authority in your life?” Each of us must deal with this in our own heart. Individuality and the self-life must bow the knee to the head of the body, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The fullest expression of God’s authority is found in the body of Christ. All other forms of authority lie within the scope of human relationships and consequently they are temporal. God has not called the Church to be an institution but an organism. He places each of us in the body just as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:18). This requires our meeting God’s authority face to face in our heart and dealing with whatever rebellion may be there. It must be taken to the Cross. Only then will His resurrection life flow through us freely.

Only then can Jesus be Lord and Head.

H. Discipline in the Church For most of us, when we reject the idea of discipline in the Church, authority is the problem. If we have not faced authority, we rebel at discipline. Generally, if we have a problem with Church discipline as a principle, we have a root problem with authority in general, meaning rebellion. That problem will carry over into the home, the children, on the job — against all forms of authority. However, every true believer desires to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. What must be remembered is that one cannot be a disciple with discipline.

312

Foundational Discipling Principles

Many churches today say to just love the people and do not give them any discipline. However, true love includes discipline.

If we love our children, we discipline them (Proverbs 13:24). God also disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6-7). The attitude that rejects discipline has produced what some call Charismatic frogs!

They do not know how to love; they do not know how to work through relationships; they do not know how to receive discipline.

You touch them in just the right spot and they blow up and hop over to another church.

If we cannot receive correction, then there is something wrong with us. Always receive reproof and use it to search the heart for an area that needs change. However, there needs to be a tension between tolerance and reproof because not everyone is walking in the same truth at the same time. There are several reasons for biblical discipline in the Church. The main objective is for the purpose of restoration. Discipline is not to be used to judge or condemn a believer, but to restore him to a place of forgiven fellowship.

Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Another objective for local church discipline is to bring liberty in lieu of condemnation. When a believer is in sin, he is in bondage to that sin (Romans 6:16). He senses that bondage, but can’t break out. The Holy Spirit brings conviction and the guilt increases. Just like a child whose hand is continually in the cookie jar, he may need discipline to break free from the bondage.

A third reason for Church discipline is to maintain unity and purity among the people of God. This assures good fellowship with Christ and with one another.

Romans 16:17 “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

313

Foundational Discipling Principles

Jesus only used the word “church” twice in the gospel record.

The first was when He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, symbolizing the authority of the Church (Matthew 16:17-19). The second time was when He established the principle of local church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17). He set forth a clear process to be followed if a brother should sin against you.

1. Go alone and tell him his sin.

2. If he listens, you have gained your brother.

3. If he will not listen, take one or two brothers with you as witnesses the second time.

4. If he will not listen to them, tell it to the church.

5. If he will not listen to the church, let him be to the church as an unbeliever.

A church must be strong, healthy, and have a high view of authority in order to deal with discipline. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that their divisions and strife opened the door to sin and weakened the discipline in the church (1 Corinthians 5:2), for a man was living in incest. They were to gather as a body and deliver the man “. . . to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved. . .” (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). The covering and protection of the covenant family of God must be removed from the man that Satan could try him. The Scripture is clear that this was to restore him, and implies that he was at a later time (2 Corinthians 2:6-­8).

Correction should be handled without condemnation, gently but firmly, and with follow up and support for those who repent.

I. Conclusion God has given us specific direction concerning order, authority, and government in the life of the Church. As individual members of the body of Christ we must be aware of these directives and submit to them. As we do, God will impart vision, unity and life to the Church and to us as individuals. Church life is not a place to “do your own thing,” but it is a place where all things must be done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). We must always remember that we are a part of something greater than ourselves, the body of Christ.

314

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Lord God, Perfect in all Your ways, we give You thanks and praise for Your order that You established out of Your great love for Your people. We humbly submit to Your authority, and the authority You have ordained to oversee Your Church. We lift those who are placed over us before You, and ask that You watch over them and bless them abundantly; for we know that Your blessing will be shared through them for our good. We give You all the honor, praise, and glory for all that You do, for all of Your ways, and for the Headship of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. It is in His name we pray, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

315

Principle Four:

The Overcoming Life

, A. Introduction Romans 8:37 “. . . we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. . .”

James 4:7 “. . . Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

T

hese verses describe what the Christian life is meant to be. It is to be a life of victory rather than defeat; hope rather than despair; and faith rather than depression. God is not at the mercy of Satan. In fact, Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Since God is sovereign and has provided all that is necessary for us to live a victorious life, there is therefore no excuse for us to live in defeat.

B. Dominion Genesis 1:28 “Then God blessed them, and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

316

Foundational Discipling Principles

God created man and woman in His image and gave them authority and dominion on the earth. They were created to fellowship with God and to rule over the rest of creation. However, man and woman sold themselves into servitude of Satan by acting independently of God’s rule. Satan had tempted them to rebel against God’s authority as he had done. By giving in to this temptation sin entered into God’s creation. This brought death and its physical and spiritual implications to the entire earth. Sin was the inroad through which God’s enemy gained dominion over God’s own creation. The fact that Satan actually had dominion over the world can be seen in the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and then said, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish” (Luke 4:6).

Fortunately, God did not leave man in his fallen condition under the dominion of Satan. Even while in the garden, God cursed the serpent and promised that the Seed of woman would bruise his head (Genesis 3:14-15). God sent His redeemer, Jesus Christ, into the world to regain dominion. Jesus became the sacrifice for man’s sin. Through His resurrection He destroyed the works of Satan and “having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15). Jesus Christ absolutely defeated and disarmed Satan. He then departed from the earth to be seated at the right hand of the Father, where He “. . . ever lives to make intercession. . .” for us (Hebrews 7:25).

We all need a revelation of the risen Christ and of our position in Him. When Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God and ascended, He was seated at the right hand of the Father “. . . in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:20-23).

All true believers compose the body of Christ. Jesus is the rule and authority over the body, which should function according to the commands of its Head. God has put all things in subjection under 317

Foundational Discipling Principles

His feet. Since we are His body, this means that all things are under our feet also! All things! We must not walk under subjection to anything or anyone other than our Lord Jesus Christ. He has provided the Headship and authority necessary for His body to deal with the enemy. Jesus defeated the enemy and now God is using the body of Christ to take back lost dominion, thus establishing and spreading the Kingdom of God according to God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 1:10-11). Jesus said that upon the rock of revelation of the Son of God He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

C. Call to War Christians, we are in a war! Yes, the enemy has been defeated and disarmed, but he is loose for a season to try to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:3). Two of His greatest deceptions are: 1) to make people believe that he does not exist, or 2) to make people believe that he is all-powerful, all-knowing, etc. He wants people to either think that he does not exist or to worship him as God. Either way, he wants to control (by deception). We must not go to either extreme by trying to ignore him or by being afraid of him. We must be aware of his devices and “. . . wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18).

James 4:7 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Before we can resist the devil we must be submitted to God. If we are not submitted to God, then we will be like the sons of Sceva who ended up being overcome by the demons they tried to resist (Acts 19:13-17). Spiritual warfare is not the beginning or the end of the Christian life. Our walk is based on relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. We must be dependent upon Him, remembering that it is through Him alone that any ground can be taken in restoring dominion to the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:17-21).

Jesus was a man who knew true authority. He knew the strength of the covenant better than any man alive. He knew power and understood dominion and the fullness of the Kingdom of God, yet He never moved aside from submission to God. Jesus knew 318

Foundational Discipling Principles

the necessity of dependence upon Father God; so how much more should we as heirs to the Kingdom?

Jesus declared in John 5:19-20 that He could not do anything of Himself. He could only do what He had observed the Father doing.

Jesus indicated that He could only function out of personal intimacy with His Father. He further told His disciples that He could do nothing out of His own power or initiative. He came to do His Father’s will, not His own (John 6:38). Jesus functioned in total dependency upon God. We must also be totally submitted to and dependent upon God. To function out of one’s self is to deify self.

Attempting to operate the principles, power and authority of God out of self, independent of God’s personal direction, is selfidolatry and humanism. Attempting to operate God’s ways independent of true relationship with Him is rebellion that, as Saul found, is witchcraft — attempting to manipulate God and man as well as the created things (1 Samuel 1:22-23).

In Luke 4 we are told that immediately after water and Spirit baptism, the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The temptations were real and powerful, for He was tempted in all things as we are (Hebrews 4:15). In a physically weakened as well as spiritually susceptible state at the end of a forty day fast, the devil attempted to cause Jesus to move from dependency upon God to dependency upon His own self. Satan was confident in the knowledge that Adam had given over dominion to him through disobedience. Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, to receive the Kingdom before God’s time, and to move in supernatural power and presumption upon the Word of God. All three temptations of Satan were an attempt to move Jesus off the total dependence and submission to His Father. This is the same way that Satan tempts us today. If the Son of God could not function without drawing from the Father in close relationship, certainly neither can we.

D. Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:10-13 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do 319

Foundational Discipling Principles

not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that You may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”

Our warfare is not physical; it is spiritual. Likewise, our weapons of warfare are not physical; they are spiritual. We must be aware of who our enemy is and what his methods of warfare are. We must stand against his methods with God’s methods. Although our battle may sometimes seem to involve other people, the real battle is not with them. Our battle is with Satan and His spiritual hierarchy, as listed in Ephesians 6:12.

The battlefield of spiritual warfare concerning the individual is the mind. The enemy seeks to attack or oppress through the mind (through impure thoughts, vain imaginations and deceiving ideas).

The believer can give the enemy access to his mind by allowing his mind to dwell upon the lusts and desires of the flesh (Romans 8:56), and by failing to renew his mind daily in the Word of God and in communion with God. If the believer is not abiding in the Word of God, he is not prepared to guard against the lies and deceptions of the enemy.

When Satan tempted Eve, he brought accusation against the Word of God by questioning it (Genesis 3:1). In the temptation of Jesus in Luke 4, Satan even quoted the Word, but he used half-truths to attempt to cause Jesus to operate presumptuously against the knowledge of God. The believer who places himself in a passive state endangers himself to the onslaughts and deceptions of the enemy in the mind. The Holy Spirit works in cooperation with the submitted vessel, not through a passive robot. It is Satan who delights in a passive mind in which he can plant his thoughts. We are to bring down strongholds and imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing our every thought captive to 320

Foundational Discipling Principles

the obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). The enemy’s goal is to pervert or destroy the true knowledge of God through these attacks on the mind of man. His plan is to blind and deceive the mind of the unbeliever to prevent him from believing in Jesus Christ.

Satan uses every means available to deceive the minds of believers to misinterpret the Word of God. His goal is to pervert the true knowledge of God by falsifying His character and His Word.

According to Romans 8:29, the believer has been predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. The believer has been born again into new life with a soul that has to be matured in the things of God. Satan’s goal for the believer is to prevent this maturing in the image of Christ. He does not want us to develop into kingdom citizens who are capable of taking dominion in every sphere of influence. He does not want us to be capable of doing the spiritual warfare necessary to set captives free, bring in the harvest of unbelievers, and loose others from the bondage of the enemy.

E. Principles of Spiritual Warfare To “fight the good fight” we must be aware of who our enemy is and what his methods are. We must also be aware of what our position, strength and methods are. Finally, we need to know the principles of warfare as set forth in the Word of God. Before we look at these principles we must first realize that relationship with God is our first priority. 1 Chronicles 14 reveals what our attitudes should be when attacked by the enemy. David inquired of God every time he was attacked, and God gave him different instructions concerning warfare each time. Our first response should be to inquire of God, not to go out and fight based on our ideas or even on what God has done for us in the past. Always remember, seek God first.

1. Submit and Resist The believer has been given authority to resist Satan and overcome in every area of life without fear and intimidation. The believer who is fearful of the enemy or of engaging him in battle is ignorant of the Word regarding God’s provision. Jesus did not leave His body helpless. He delegated the power and authority to the body to accomplish His purposes on the earth. However, as we have previously 321

Foundational Discipling Principles

seen, we must first submit to God before we can resist the devil. The word “resist” is from the Greek word “anthistemi,” which means, “to stand against, oppose, resist, withstand.” This resisting is active, not passive. The Christian who submits and humbles himself to God has obeyed only half the command. He is still responsible to resist the enemy.

2. Put on the Armor of God God has not left us defenseless against the onslaught of the enemy.

He has given us armor in order that we may be able to stand and fight (being active). Ephesians 6:13-17 reveals what this armor is. This armor is not something we piece together out of our own determination; it is God’s armor. First, we must put on the belt of truth, which guards against deception. It is truth that sets us free (John 8:32). Next, we put on the breastplate of righteousness by realizing that our righteousness is of Christ and not of ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then we can stand and fight because of our position in Christ as revealed in the gospel of peace. We can “. . . quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. . .” by taking up the shield of faith. The helmet of salvation protects our minds from Satan’s deception. Lastly, “. . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. . .” is our offensive weapon against the enemy.

The armor only works as we enter into warfare through prayer. It is not enough to have your armor on; you must stand and fight in prayer and intercession. Just like David, seek the Lord for your directions.

3. Praise Psalm 149:6-9 “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment — this honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord!”

Very few believers understand that praise can be warfare. However, 2 Chronicles 20 gives us a vivid example of praise defeating the 322

Foundational Discipling Principles

enemy. When the people praised, God fought for them and defeated the enemy. Praise is a powerful weapon for believers today.

4. Overcome the Enemy Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

This verse shows us that the basis of our overcoming life is not our strength or righteousness; the basis is the blood of Jesus Christ.

The blood of the Lamb signifies all the provision and blessing of the New Covenant. The blood of Christ gives us access to the presence of God as well as power over our defeated foes.

The word of our testimony is the Word of God on our lips. Jesus, our example, defeated the enemy by saying, “thus says the Lord.”

We must speak the Word of God, which is our sword, and apply the Word of God in every situation and circumstance. We must speak it and live it.

Not loving our lives unto death speaks of dying to self and living the resurrection life of Christ in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. In the original Greek there are two different words that translate into the English word “power.” The word “exousia,” means “privilege, delegated influence, authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.” The word “dunamis,” means “force, miraculous power, miracle, strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 states that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The preaching of the Cross is the dunamis or miraculous power of God that gave us new life. Having been saved and maintained by the dunamis power of God, we are then given exousia or delegated authority because of our position in God through Christ.

The power of God and the resurrection life of Christ flows through the vessel who reckons himself dead by taking up his cross daily. The man or woman of prayer, intercession and spiritual warfare will not be effective as long as they attempt to function on their own intellect, logic, planning, or strength. It is only

323

Foundational Discipling Principles

Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) who accomplishes anything in the Christian life. “Lord God, we praise You for equipping us for warfare against any and all who would come against Your people and Your kingdom. We choose to actively participate, according to Your Word, in the conflict between Your kingdom and the principalities and powers, and rulers of darkness who desire to destroy Your people, Your Church.

Our strength is in You, Lord, our hope is in You. You have already defeated the enemy on the Cross and through Your resurrection from the dead. You already have dominion over everything, as all has been placed under Your feet. Lord Jesus, by Your power, by Your enabling strength, and through the precious Holy Spirit, we stand firmly with You and seek Your will as David did, in anticipation of Your guidance and direction for battle. Our trust, our hope, and our strength are in You, Lord. Praise be to God, for You are worthy of all honor and praise and glory, forever and ever, in Jesus name we pray, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

324

Principle Five:

Family Life

, A. Introduction: The Family Genesis 1:1, 31; 2:18 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. . . Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. . . And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”

I

n the beginning, God created everything and called it good. The only thing that God said was not good was the fact that man was alone. God then created woman and instituted marriage, the union of man and woman. He commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply,” which means to have children. What we need to see from this is that God instituted both marriage and family. He also established order in marriage and in family life. Moses wrote that man was to “1eave,”or “cleave,” and “become one flesh” with the woman (Genesis 2:24). Jesus said, “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). God had a pattern and order for marriage and family before the Fall, before sin entered the human race. We must realize that since God created family, we need to know what His will is concerning family life. If we will agree that the order, which God established at Creation, is His will for our families today, then we can extract some principles for us to live by as a family.

325

Foundational Discipling Principles

“But times have changed,” the world says. “You cannot order a modern family according to an outdated book.” The truth is that times have indeed changed because man has changed. There has been a wholesale shift from absolute values that were based on the Truth to a relative system based on what feels good or is convenient.

Sixty-plus years ago God and family were the focal point of all relationships, activities, communications, etc. The demands upon the average family at that time by vocation, society, government, and others were not as severe as now. Generally, life was slow-paced and much more relaxed. Just as the speed of high tech industry has increased, so also has the lifestyle of citizenry and with it the pressure on the family.

“You, you’re number one! Be a success by the time you are 30!

Enjoy the good life! Grab all the gusto you can! If it feels good, do it! You owe it to yourself, and your family!” These and many more advertising slogans hype the materialistic hedonism (devotion to pleasure) of our society. This is the result of our denial of absolute Truth and values. Now add the pressure to achieve, to be successful at all costs, and to be involved in everything with every whim. Throw it all together in the “instant, have it now” mix, “shake and bake,” “why wait,” “buy now, pay later,” easy credit system and heat to the boiling point with further demands on your time by organizations, schools, friends, relatives, children, spouse and chores around the house. You might even stir in church involvement, programs, and other activities done out of a sense of duty to the Lord. Is it any wonder the family has suffered a breakdown?

But that is not the end of it! There is also the satanic attack on authority as a whole, with a specific focus on the family. Profes­ sionals, doctors, educators and “Blue Ribbon Committees” comprised of experts from all fields have punched and probed at the family, giving their opinions and views to explain how the family should be run. Humanists have redefined the family and declared it to be democratic and able to make its own laws. Attacks on authority, standards, and values have resulted in role confusion, role reversal, unisex, effeminacy, affairs, divorce, working wives, ERA, and husbands that are “copping out.” Relativism, situation ethics, and moral values that derive their source from human experience and choice 326

Foundational Discipling Principles

rather than God’s absolutes have become the norm for society. This has produced people that are “me” centered, selfish, and individualistic. There is conflict and war as this overflows into the home. How is the Christian family to survive this onslaught of Satan? Only by becoming Christ-centered and following the principles that God has ordained for family life.

B. God’s Order for Families 1 Corinthians 11:3 “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Ephesians 5:22-25 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.”

Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

God created and ordained the family with purpose, design and order. Please understand that order has nothing to do with rank.

Proper order, whether in the Church or in the family, does not mean that some are better or higher than others, it simply means that God has chosen channels of authority through which He ministers to all.

We must submit ourselves to God, His Word and His delegated order.

Martin Luther said that God’s two greatest tools for our sanctification are the Church and the family. By that he meant that God uses the Church and the family as the central organisms for the establishment and development of fellowship and relationship, character, function, ministry, and natural and spiritual reproduction. The family is the building block of the Church, community and society, and an extension of the Church (body) into the world (community).

It is the training ground for personal development in our spiritual lives and a place of healing, refreshment, and rest. It is a picture of 327

Foundational Discipling Principles

the relationship between Christ and His Church, called as such by Paul, a mystery. The family itself may be likened to a small body of Christ in function, fellowship, and relationship.

The bond between husband and wife is unique, called marriage.

Jesus taught that it was inseparable (Matthew 19:4-6). Although many call marriage a commitment, God calls it a covenant with Him (Malachi 2:14). When we begin to view marriage from this perspective, it takes on an entirely different significance out of which order may be established. The Creator of the family ordained order in the family in the beginning. The very fact that man was created first suggests an order of headship (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13; Genesis 2:7). It is strengthened by Adam entering into dominion by naming the animals before the creation of woman. The fact that Adam was the prophet/priest of the family suggests headship. God had given His command to Adam who had the responsibility to communicate it to his wife (Genesis 2:16-17). Then God only confirmed this order after self-will was introduced (Genesis 3:16). These principles will be studied in depth in the sections to follow.

C. God’s Order for Husbands There are three extremes in the relationship between the husband and the wife: the so-called 50-50 marriage (democracy); marriages that do away with all authority and order, each doing their own thing (anarchy); and the legalistic approach (dictatorship). None of these are of God! Romans 13:1 states that all authority is from God and is delegated to others according to His purpose. He delegated authority to Jesus (Matthew 28:18) and Jesus delegated authority to His Church (Matthew 28:19). God’s authority remains where His order and function are maintained. Functionally, God is the head of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; 3:23; 15:28), Christ is the head of man and the Church (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23), and the husband is head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23).

God, not man, establishes this headship and authority. No striving, harsh demands, intellectual gambits, nor physical threats can establish God’s authority, for headship is not lordship — it is servanthood within the relationship. This is the headship principle: authority comes from serving (Mark 10:43-45; Luke 22:26). The 328

Foundational Discipling Principles

root of authority is the sacrifice of one’s self, just as Jesus gave Himself for you and the Church and now exercises loving authority over her (Ephesians 5:25). This kind of behavior is not natural to carnal man and must not be worked up by the believer or the result will be dead works. The husband should humble himself and die to self (Philippians 2:5-8), letting the work of the Cross have its perfect result. By this, he loves his wife as Christ loves the Church and gave Himself for Her. Motivated by this attitude of the giving of himself to serve, the husband will have his headship established

by God. One of the ways in which headship is practically demonstrated might be called “loving leadership.” Leadership is leading by example. Of course, the greatest example of this kind of leadership was Christ who motivated people to follow Him by His example (John 13:14-15) and who requires this of those who lead His people (1 Peter 5:33). The purpose of leadership is to be a channel for the authority of God. Loving leadership is motivated by a godly concern for others rather than self-seeking desires (Philippians 2:3-4).

Seeking what is best for others is never easy. It takes more strength to love others into submitting to God’s will than to force them into surrendering to your will.

Paul writes Ephesians 5:25-32 that the relationship between the husband and the wife is the same as that between Christ and His Church, a mystery. Close examination of these verses may give us examples of the proper attitude and responsibility of the husband toward the wife.

1. The husband as lover, giver, savior (verses 23, 25) Results in : • Giving himself up for her.

• Laying down his life for her.

• Loving her as his own body.

• Total, unqualified commitment. Selflessness.

• Sensitivity to her needs and hurts: (spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical).

• Not dependent upon submission.

329

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. The husband as sanctifier (verses 26-27) Results in: • Accepting her just as she is.

• Cultivating her spiritual maturity.

• Responsible for her spiritual health and sanctification.

3. The husband as nourisher, cherisher (verses 28-29) Results in: • Shepherding his wife.

• Feeding her spiritually.

• Promoting her health and strength.

• Cherishing her.

This relationship may also be confirmed with a type from the Old Testament. God, as husband of Israel (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 31:32), raised up two ministries to guide, guard, and govern her.

His design was to bring forth Israel as a glorious people in the midst of the nations (Exodus 19:6). Likewise, just as Jesus is the High Priest and King (Head and Lord) of the Church, so the husband is prophet, priest, and king to guide, guard and govern in the family relationship.

As prophet, the husband represents God to his family by hearing and knowing the mind and will of God for the family. As priest, he intercedes for his family by offering prayers for their health, protection and spiritual growth. As king he acts as God’s representative by establishing God’s order in his home. He establishes a biblical code of conduct and sees that the family lives a Christian life.

Now, in reading Ephesians 5:20-33 again, we find here that marriage is a showcase of God’s desired relationship to man and to the world. The world should be able to look at the Christian family and see what God is like. Anyone who does not know God or about the Bible should be able to look at our Christian families and see the Christ-life in reality. The world should see the way the husband loves his wife and knows this is the way Christ loves them. The world should be able to look at the wife and see how the Church responds to the Lord Jesus Christ. When we look at our Christian home in that light, we get an understanding of why it is necessary 330

Foundational Discipling Principles

for each of us to die to our own self-life in order to be a part of a much higher purpose.

Since the husband is the spiritual head and functional leader in the home, he is responsible to God for any lack of love or disunity.

The husband is commanded to love (agape: unconditional love) his wife. If there is no love in the home, it is because the husband is not fulfilling his responsibilities “as to the Lord.” If there is no harmony in the home, it is because the husband has not died to self, is not serving his wife and is not praying for her. It is time we put the responsibility where it belongs — directly on the husband — and not on the unsubmissive wife. Most men have been trained by the traditions of the world to believe that it is the responsibility of the wife to love them and the responsibility of the husband to earn a living, provide a home, and protect the family if necessary. It is true that they are to care for the family, but God commands the husband to love (agape) the wife.

God has commanded us to love one another, but the Scriptures never specifically command the wife to love her husband. God has designed the woman to respond to the “agape” (unconditional love) love of her husband. Therefore, any lack of commitment, any rebellion, any lack of submission, etc., on the part of the wife is usually a result of the husband not being like Jesus in the marriage relationship. Now you can understand the importance of the resurrection life in the home.

In 1 Corinthians 11:7 Paul states that the woman is the glory of the man. The word “glory” here may be freely translated “showpiece” or “fruit.” Therefore the wife is to be the fruit or open display of the success of the husband as a husband. The wife will reflect what the husband puts into the marriage relationship. In fact, the woman has been so created by God to respond to man in much the same way the Church responds to the Lord Jesus Christ. In the marriage the wife is the “responder.” One of the meanings of “helpmeet” is “corresponding to,” or we might say “with response to.”

Therefore, if the husband senses that his wife needs to display more love, he must give her more love. She will respond to that love with love. Actually, what the husband puts in will be “amplified” back to him and to others because the woman is also the “amplifier.” What 331

Foundational Discipling Principles

is given to her is amplified back. It is the principle of sowing and reaping — sow one seed and at harvest the fruit is multiplied (or amplified!).

D. God’s Order for Wives God made Eve as a “helpmeet” for Adam (Genesis 2:18). The Hebrew word for “helpmeet” describes the woman as “completing, adapted, suitable, fitted to, appropriate to, corresponding to, called to the side of, a helper, an aid.” The woman is actually the “other part” of the man. There was actually something unnatural about man being alone (“not good”), suggesting the need for woman. It has been said that woman was not taken from his foot for him to walk on her, nor out of his head that she should rule, but out of his side to stand beside him. The woman is to stand alongside the man in leadership (Genesis 2:21), and in Genesis 1:28 the Word suggests that there is a need for and mutual dependence upon each other. God brings them together in a covenant relationship where they are “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Here the wife brings God-given abilities and gifts into the relationship that need to be unlocked and exercised to complete the husband. The man and the woman, in a sense, loose their own self-dependency, independence and self-sufficiency to become one new interdependent being, the mystery of the Christ/ Church relationship. It is this “oneness” or “union” that reflects God’s image (Genesis 1:27). It is in this relationship that God uses our mate’s weaknesses as a tool to perfect our character and where our mate’s weaknesses are an opportunity for us to be needed. Much has been written about the submissive wife. Submission is a biblical principle (Ephesians 5:22, 24 Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1, 5). However, most writings put the emphasis on the wife and this should not be. Submission is a natural response to love. If husbands love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it, the wives would naturally submit. Just ask any wife this question: If your husband absolutely gave himself totally to you, unselfishly laying down his life for you, would you be willing to submit to him in everything as a total commitment? Now this is not to be used as an excuse to break the Word of God if the husband is a rebel. No husband will perfectly love as Christ loves. This is why 332

Foundational Discipling Principles

the wife needs to die to self and partake of the resurrection life made available through the Cross. There is no other way to be submissive because submission is not a matter of “grit your teeth” obedience.

Submission is a matter of the heart.

Submission means to yield to the authority of another. Here we are talking about the ordained function in the family; divine order, not spiritual position. The same order is established on earth in the family as in the Godhead. The functions and roles of God the Son and God the Spirit are distinctly different from those of God the Father. Biblical submission requires spiritual strength based on a firm trust in God (faith). If the wife cannot believe God for the perfecting of her husband, her submission will lack depth. Therefore, there must be a strong commitment to the Lord and His Word, and faith to believe Him to accomplish His purpose in the family.

What can God do in a family where the wife is submissive, according to the Word?

1. The husband is released to lead.

2. The grace of God is released in a greater way into the husband and wife relationship.

3. It sets up the creative potential for bringing every family member into his or her highest level of spiritual and natural achievement.

4. I t sets up the conditions for blessing, health and fulfillment for all family members.

5. The wife is a role model of a helpmeet for her children.

6. Others see a model of the Church’s relationship to God. What are the results of submission?

1. There is unity and harmony in body, soul, and spirit.

2. It is the privilege and responsibility of the husband to receive the wise counsel of his wife who fully and freely expresses her thoughts.

3. The best atmosphere is provided for the wife’s creativity and individuality, drawing upon her gifts of intelligence, insight, and judgment.

333

Foundational Discipling Principles

4. There is protection and a buffer from undue stress — physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual.

5. The husband and wife are a team in the leadership of the family.

There are four areas where every wife needs to be discerning about deception creeping into the marriage relationship. These are as follows: 1. Role Reversal: being protective of the husband who is “not spiritual enough,” acting as a buffer for him; therefore, not truly being submissive although giving the appearance thereof.

2. Wrong Motive: trying to get the husband saved or to become more spiritual by playing the part of the Holy Spirit; playing God. 3. Wrong Attitude: “I’m only submitting because the Bible says I should. And it had better work!”

4. Spiritual Pride: “I can manage the family better than he can,” or “I can run the Church (or teach or preach) better than those men do. I know more than they do.” This is equivalent to the Church taking authority over Jesus.

E. The Marriage Relationship Probably the most important principle of the marriage is that it is a covenant Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:5-9). Realize that you and your mate have entered into a binding eternal agreement with God and with each other. God’s purpose is to maintain the family unit in purity, to reflect His image (Genesis 1:26-27), to reproduce a godly heritage, and to reign over creation (Genesis 1:28).

Individually, there must be a total commitment to God, to God’s purpose for the marriage covenant and to His principles. This will first include Jesus being the Lord of each individual and of the marriage. Secondly, both you and your mate must be committed to the marriage covenant before God. Finally, you must make a total commitment to your mate, accepting him or her as the one who perfectly completes you. These three commitments are the foundation of the marriage. Additionally, be aware that divorce is not an option.

It would make a tremendous difference if you would state to your mate that “divorce is no longer an option for me.”

334

Foundational Discipling Principles

Communication is another important facet of marriage.

Communication is nothing less than the establishing and nurturing of relationships, the interaction between human beings — their personalities, their self-images, their environment, and their total being.

It is through communication that we come into a blending, a unity of soul. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). How can you agree unless you communicate? It is something that must be worked at; it does not just happen. It is part of making the marriage work.

One of the big helps in communication in marriage is understanding the difference between men and women. Generally, man is goal-orientated, sees the big picture or headline, and is interested in the essentials, the concept and the facts. On the contrary, the woman is detailed-orientated, sees the fine print or little things and is interested in the emotional feelings. They balance and complete each other when they communicate. Women are created by God to need relationships that are intimate enough to share their deepest thoughts, fears, visions, hopes, and dreams. Men, as a general statement, are project oriented and not relationship oriented. This makes them prone to see their marriage as a project that they work on from time to time. As a result the wife can be wounded or hurt by her husband’s apparent lack of desire for relationship.

Husbands need to listen to their wives with understanding. To give advice or correction when she is sharing her fears will cause her to withdraw from the conversation. She wants you to listen and allow her to share, knowing that you are her best friend and will stand with her even when she is wrong.

The following is a checklist for establishing communication: 1. Verbalize total commitment to the marriage.

2. Be transparent before your spouse and before God. 3. Submit yourself to God’s view of authority.

4. Recognize that we are different; accept your mate as is (only God can change people).

5. Learn to listen.

6. Learn to “own the problem,” i.e., make your spouse’s problem your own problem.

335

Foundational Discipling Principles

7. Take turns — listen, then talk.

8. Do not misinterpret feelings.

9. Set regular times to talk, as a couple and as a family.

10. Learn how to open your wife up to share with you.

11. In humility, discuss with your mate how you can both improve “our” communication.

12. Do not attack your spouse’s character or personality.

13. Do not raise issues again that have already been settled.

14. View your partner as one set in a sacred position by God. 15. View your wife or husband as your sister or brother in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

We must be sure that our families are ordered according to the principles revealed in God’s Word. The husband must love his wife and children by giving himself to them on a daily basis. The wife must submit to her husband as unto the Lord. The children must honor, respect, and obey both parents. As each one dies to self and loves others, the resurrection life of Jesus Christ will be revealed through our families.

“Lord God, we give You thanks and praise for instituting marriage and order for the family. What a blessing it is to be given the gift of relationship; to not be alone on this earth, but to have the gift of a mate to share our lives, with You and each other. Bless You Lord, for teaching us Your principles of marriage and family order so that we might glorify You before the world as an example of Your unconditional love. Help us institute these principles in our lives, as we know that it is Your plan for a joyful, fulfilled life. Praise, honor and all the glory to You Lord, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

336

Principle Six:

Prayer Life

, A. Introduction 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

Luke 18:11 “. . .men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”

P

rayer is more than saying grace before meals, more than saying, “Now I lay me down to sleep” at bedtime, and more than asking God to bless what you have already decided to do. It is not something that is optional to the Christian life. In fact, prayer is a life of communion with God. Prayer is an absolute necessity for the believer. Prayer is so essential that it has been described as “the breath of life.” The depth and the effectiveness of our walk with the Lord is directly dependent upon our prayer life.

B. What Is Prayer?

The word prayer in the Greek is “proseuchomai,” meaning “to pray to God, to supplicate, worship, make prayer.” It is derived from two words: “pros,” which has to do with a forward motion, direction, by the side of, a motion towards, accession to, or nearness to; and “euchomai,” which means “to wish, to will, to pray to God.” In this segment we will take a closer look at the elements involved in prayer.

1. Communion with God Simply and foremost, prayer is communion with God; conversing with Him, fellowshipping with Him, and spending time with Him. 337

Foundational Discipling Principles

Prayer is multifaceted, but at its foundation it always involves time and attention turned toward God. We are told in (Matthew 6:6) to go into our room, close the door, and pray to our Father. Jesus spent much time, even entire nights, alone in prayer communing with His Father (Mark 1:35). It was from this time that His instruction came, His disciples were chosen, and He received power.

2. Discipline It is easy to see the importance of prayer when you see how hard the enemy fights against it. He will do anything to keep us from praying.

Not only must we deal with the enemy’s attack, but also with the flesh that does not delight in praying. Prayer is a discipline for the believer for we must choose to yield to the Spirit rather than the flesh or the enemy. We must submit our wills and humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, admitting our need and acknowledging God as our only power and solution. Prayer gives praise and honor to God by acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and greatness.

It is through the discipline aspect of prayer that the believer responds to the preaching of the Cross — dying to self, to his own desires and wishes, and laying all his plans, ambitions and longings before God. It is through this discipline of prayer, worship, and communion with God that we submit ourselves, and He then responds.

What a glorious grace to know that the prayer of the believer can and will receive a response from the great Creator!

3. Obedience Prayer is not one of those time-consuming activities that the believer is expected to do occasionally because it is what is right. The believer is commanded in the Word of God to pray (1 Timothy 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18). His failure to do so is a very serious neglect that will result in stunted spiritual growth, not receiving from God the things which are needed (James 4:2), and attacks from the enemy. Most seriously, lack of prayer is a withdrawal from God, who is our Source. In short, prayerlessness is sin (1 Samuel 12:23). It is willful disobedience to the Word of God. The believer should not justify himself with “I can’t” or “I don’t have time.” Prayer is a choice, and when man seeks first the Kingdom 338

Foundational Discipling Principles

of God and His righteousness, all other things will be supplied (Matthew 6:33).

4. Practicing the Presence of God Prayer without ceasing involves a life lived with an ear and heart toward God. It involves practicing the presence of God. It is possible for the believer to go about his daily business dealings with his heart and mind continually in an attitude of prayer and communion with God. This kind of prayer keeps the believer available at all times for God to use in intercession or spiritual warfare. Praying without ceasing truly keeps one continually in the presence of God where growth and maturity can be freely produced. This type of prayer may require thought and conscious discipline at first, but it soon becomes natural to talk to God about every detail of our lives.

C. Prerequisites for Prayer The Word of God gives us basic guidelines for effective prayer which the Christian needs to discover and practice if he or she is to pray effectively.

1. Praying in the Name of Jesus John 16:23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”

Jesus taught His disciples that there would come a day when they would no longer ask Him for anything. Since Jesus is our only access to Father God, prayer should be directed toward the Father through Him. As the veil in the temple was rent (torn open) when Jesus was crucified, so also His death and resurrection has given the believer access to the Father of Glory. All the believer does must be done in the name of Jesus (Hebrews 13:15; Colossians 3:17). We have a hope that is an anchor of the soul, that is both sure and steadfast that enters within the veil where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us. He has become the High Priest forever and “therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come 339

Foundational Discipling Principles

to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

The first basic thing to remember is that our access to the Father in any area, including prayer, is in the name of His Son, Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Jesus has also given us the use and authority of His name (John 14:13-14). This is the power of attorney to extend His ministry wherever we happen to be. It does not mean that we can do our own thing in the name of Jesus. Rather, it means to do the will of God the Father in God’s way for God’s glory. It means to do what Jesus would do in that situation. This only comes by being in union with Him. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4).

2. Praying in Faith Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The life and way of faith is our only means of reaching God. Everything we will ever do with or in God can be done only through faith. Faith, simply put, is believing first that God exists, then believing that everything that He has spoken is true. If we establish in our hearts and minds that God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2) and become settled upon the Word of God, we will dwell by faith in the presence of our God. Faith is an absolute prerequisite for effective prayer.

James 1:6-8 “. . . ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

If the believer prays according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, there can be no place for doubt. To doubt is to question the character and faithfulness of God. Doubting places more faith in circumstances than in God who is Lord of all. Faithless praying denies the 340

Foundational Discipling Principles

integrity of God and results in instability and unanswered prayer.

The mature Christian is one who has settled the Word of God in His heart, is satisfied in the integrity of the Lord, and who will believe God rather than the circumstances.

3. Praying According to the Word of God Having a full working knowledge of the Word of God is a requirement for effective prayer. Since God cannot lie, He is Truth and the Source of all Truth. God is the sovereign creator and sustainer of all things, and we must come to understand that He is absolute in His integrity. Since this is true, then the Word of God is the speaking forth of His character. God has magnified His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2). He has given us His Word whereby we can know Him, His plan and His purpose. When we come to Him in prayer and are led to pray a specific way, we must check this leading against the Word of God. Does it agree with His character; does it agree with who He is? If it does, then we know we are praying in the will of God, that He hears us and will answer our prayer (1 John 5:14-15).

4. Purity Jesus reacted with righteous anger at the pollution of His Father’s house by greedy moneychangers. In Matthew 21:13 Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” The believer is the temple of God today and is to be a house of prayer. We need the fear of the Lord and the desire to be a clean temple of the Holy Spirit. If the believer’s temple is unclean, that temple cannot be an effective house of prayer. If Jesus was angered at the pollution of the earthly temple, how He must grieve at the pollution of the temples of His Holy Spirit. He desires pure vessels He can call upon for prayer, intercession, and spreading His kingdom.

D. Kinds of Prayer 1. Supplication The prayer of supplication is the most simple type of prayer since it is a fairly simple matter for every believer to ask for the meeting of his own basic needs. The Greek word for “supplication” is “deesis,” 341

Foundational Discipling Principles

which means “petition, prayer, request, supplication.” A petition is simply a request made of a higher power.

2. Thanksgiving The prayer of thanksgiving is the acknowledging of God’s goodness in answering our prayers “. . . exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). The thanksgiving prayer acknowledges that God is the Source of all things and that we have nothing that was not first given to us (1 Chronicles 29:14). When we pray, it must always be with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).

3. Intercession The word “intercession” is from the Greek word “entugchano,” meaning, “to confer with, to entreat (in favor or against), deal with, make intercession.” Intercession is to stand between God and a person, conferring with God for the benefit of the other and making petition for them. It is also standing in the gap in spiritual warfare for the benefit of another, a group or a nation. We are told in Ephesians 6:18 to intercede for the saints. The saints, the believers in the body of Christ, are to be in prayer always with all kinds of prayer and petitions in the Spirit, being alert and persevering for one another to supply the needs in the body, to protect the body, and for the growth and unity of the body.

The prayer of intercession can make a difference in what God does in any situation. God seeks for intercessors, for someone who will stand in the gap. God has chosen to work through His body on this earth, through the intercessory prayer and warfare of this body. When the body of Christ is ignorant of intercession or will not order their lives to set a priority for intercession, the work of God is hindered.

There are two main types of intercession that may be done separately or in combination.

Intercessory petition is the prayer standing in the gap between God and man, requesting needs to be met for the other, requesting His moving in that life, to accomplish His purpose in the other’s life. The Spirit will lead in specific praying for specific situations.

The work of intercessory warfare is standing in the gap between the person and the works of Satan. The intercessory warrior uses his 342

Foundational Discipling Principles

or her spiritual authority to stand against and to back off the works of darkness that have held a person or which have come upon that person in a sudden attack. The intercessory warrior does the work of warfare that frees the victim’s mind, body and surroundings so that he can then receive the work of God in his life. The victim’s spiritual vision may become so clouded by the enemy that only through the spiritual warring of the intercessor can he begin to see the situation clearly and begin to take a stand himself.

The believer is commanded to intercede for “. . . all men, for kings, and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. . .” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). The believer is also commanded to intercede for nations so that judgment will not bring total destruction (Exodus 32:13-14), so that the direction of a battle might be changed, and that righteousness will reign (Daniel 9, Ezra, and Nehemiah). Intercession is an important tool that God uses to accomplish His purposes in the earth.

4. The Prayer of Agreement Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

The prayer of agreement is accomplished when two or more people pray for a common purpose, laying down personal desires and prejudices, exalting the Lordship of Jesus Christ and praying according to His will in total perfect unity and harmony. This is a very powerful type of prayer since there is strength in unity. The power is increased and multiplied through the unified work of the body.

As we have seen, God works through the body of Christ in the earth today. The body is to be unified under the leadership of its head, Jesus Christ. The body of Christ is not just an idea; it is a living, functioning organism. We have all seen a physical body in which there is a malfunction between the signals sent forth by the brain and the limbs that were designed to respond to those signals.

When there is a rebelling, disunifying factor at work, the entire body becomes weakened and less effective. The head can be functioning 343

Foundational Discipling Principles

perfectly, but it has little effect if the body cannot or will not respond to it. Likewise, when the body of Christ will not follow the orders of the Head, the manifestation of His glory is limited and the world sees a divided, arguing, ineffective, powerless Church that it wants nothing to do with; thus, the problem that exists today in every community across this nation.

Jesus said that a nation divided could not stand but would fall (Luke 11:17). Satan works diligently to divide and separate the body of Christ to make her ineffective in doing God’s work in the earth.

So once again we see that the preaching of the Cross is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). As believers die to themselves and appropriate the resurrection life of Jesus Christ, there will be unity and power to take dominion.

5. Persevering Prayer Persevering prayer is that prayer that does not give up, but persists to see the will of God accomplished. It does not lose heart and back down at the insistence of the enemy or the passage of time. When one persists in the prayer of faith, regardless of the time involved, there is power worked through the fruit of patience that strengthens faith. It is that kind of prayer that has weighed the consequences, examined the outcome, counted the costs, and has come to the decision to see this through to victory. Persevering prayer is tenacious, fearless, and full of faith.

6. Praying in the Spirit 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.”

Praying in the Spirit is the sure way to bypass the logical thinking that sometimes hinders effective praying. Praying in the Spirit is giving the Holy Spirit within the believer a direct line to God to pray the perfect will of God in a situation. It is a prayer of submission and of yieldedness as we admit we do not know how to pray and yield our tongue to the Spirit’s use. We may not know with our understanding what the prayer of the Spirit is, but we trust that the Spirit 344

Foundational Discipling Principles

of God in us is praying the most effective prayer for the situation at hand. Another positive aspect of this type of praying is the edifying or building up of the one who prays (1 Corinthians 14:4). Praying in the Spirit builds up ourselves and our faith (Jude 20). The believer is commanded to pray in this manner as Ephesians 6:18 says to pray in the Spirit “. . . always with all prayer and supplication,” E. Hindrances to Answered Prayer God loves us and desires to communicate with us and bless us. The Word of God clearly teaches how to have our prayers answered. If we pray according to the guidelines, which He has set forth in His Word, the answers will come. Also, through the mercy of God, the Bible just as clearly shows the causes of unanswered prayer. All believers have experienced times when fervent prayer went unanswered. If we know the hindrances to answered prayer, then we can make the adjustments necessary to move into the place of answered prayer. Let’s take a closer look at those things that will keep our prayers from being answered.

1. Rebellion Rebellion is the most dangerous of sins against God for it is disobedience to His Word. It is rooted in pride, which is the foundation of the original sin of Satan as he exalted himself and rebelled against God. He later led God’s newly created human beings to follow the same route.

We see in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 God’s exact thoughts regarding rebellion. King Saul had received specific instructions from God through the prophet Samuel, but being moved by what he saw around him and the fact that Samuel was late in arriving, Saul moved to take matters into his own hands. Samuel addressed Saul’s disobedience with great force and finality, saying, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king,” Saul never manifested a true heart of repentance and God removed His Spirit from 345

Foundational Discipling Principles

him. From that time forth Saul degraded farther and farther into selfdeception and spiritism, and finally a desolate death.

Rebellion is a serious sin against God and will be a definite hindrance to prayer. Rebellion against God-called leadership, His proper lines of authority in the family and in the Church, and against His Word are all direct rebellion against God Himself. The believer must be diligent to search out any rebellion in his own life. It has been suggested that the best guard against rebellion is a heart wholly given to the Lord (Psalm 119:145).

2. Pride 1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

As we have seen, pride is at the root of rebellion and disobedience. Pride is self-deceptive, self-centered, manipulative and unteachable. God has said that the antidote for pride is humility.

Humility is teachable, other-centered, transparent and yielded to God. The Scripture says God is opposed to the proud. The word “opposed” is an active word meaning, “to set oneself against.”

When operating in pride the believer places himself in a position to have Almighty God set Himself against him. Obviously, answered prayer is hindered in this state. One must humble himself, repent of sin, and pray according to the Word of God. 3. Unconfessed Sin and Iniquity Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.”

Unconfessed sin not only prevents answers to prayer, but also actually prevents our prayers from coming before God at all. He is a holy God and it is only through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ that man has access to God. When sin is held and covered, fellowship with God is broken and prayer is hindered. It is through confes346

Foundational Discipling Principles

sion of those sins, repentance and obedience to His Word that we have access through prayer to God. The key to having instant access to God is by keeping “short accounts” with Him. This means to instantly acknowledge any sin, to have a repentant heart and to receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).

4. Unforgiveness and Bitterness God’s Word gives strong warnings against the sins of unforgiveness and bitterness. These sins are not only devastating to the believer, but can also place bondage upon the one who is the target of the unforgiveness (John 20:23).

God makes it plain that He will not forgive the person who does not forgive others. In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus gives the model prayer to the disciples and concludes in verse 14 and 15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will Your Father forgive your trespasses.”

In the original Greek the word “bitterness” means, “to press down.” In other words, bitterness is poison that results from presseddown, unrepented unforgiveness and resentment. Hebrews 12:15 says, “Looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” A root of bitterness obviously endangers one of coming short of the grace of God as well as being an agent that defiles the body of Christ. A root is the basis from which something grows, and bears a type of fruit or seed. The root of bitterness bears bitter fruits and seeds, poisonous to the body.

Christians today tend to take lightly the serious sins of unforgiveness and bitterness, but God does not take them nonchalantly.

The Church must begin to guard against the deception of the enemy in this area and to deal with these sins that defile the body of Christ.

These sins are devastating to the unforgiving person and the results will eventually be manifest in the physical body through sickness of various kinds.

347

Foundational Discipling Principles

5. Covetousness Coveting is “desiring that which you do not have.” The Bible calls this idolatry (Colossians 3:5). When we covet, our thoughts and goals become centered on someone or something other than God. This dethrones God from His place of Lordship, in our hearts, to that of being of lesser importance than what is desired. It has been said that idolatry is anything that takes away from our love and devotion to God. Man worships that which he desires the most.

The most dangerously deceptive form of idolatry, however, is the idol that can be set up in the unsuspecting heart due to the influence of humanism in our society. That influence says, “Meet my needs, give me what I want,” with everything in the person’s life centered on selfishness, self-satisfaction, self-seeking and self-idolatry. The god who is perceived through that type of deception is a god who fits into a certain mold, or box, and may not truly be of the character and personality that is revealed in the Word of God. The person and character of this “god” then becomes that which is “created in our own image” and we are practicing nothing more than a humanistic, self-serving religion: idolatry.

The antidote for idolatry of any type in our society today is a total commitment to Jesus Christ and His Lordship in our lives. We must submit ourselves in total yieldedness before the mighty God, asking for the fear of the Lord, and asking for the absolute truth about Himself and His Word to be revealed to our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The prideful Christian (an oxymoron of terms) with all the answers, astute in working the principles of the Word, has laid himself open for the deception of the enemy and is holding heart idols (Ezekiel 14:3). A humble Christian is always learning and seeking the truth, and may be knowledgeable in the working principles of the Word, but knows that it is by the grace of God and by His revelation that understanding is imparted, through no works or self-ability within the believer.

6. Wrong Motives James 4:3 “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

348

Foundational Discipling Principles

Holding heart idols and not knowing the true God will obviously lead the Christian to wrong praying. James says that asking amiss is one source of quarrels and conflicts among members of the body (James 4:1-17). He says that many times we do not have because we simply do not ask, trying other methods rather than submission to God through the channel of prayer. Other times the believer asks and does not receive because he asks with the wrong motives in order to satisfy his own lusts.

If the believer humbly walks in the fear of the Lord, knowing the Word of God and praying in line with the Word of God, he will not fall into the sin and hindrance of wrong praying. God only answers prayers that line up with the Word that He has spoken to us. Matthew 6:5-8 warns against praying with the wrong motive of desiring to be seen of men. If that is the motive, that also is the reward and the answer, for God will not respond.

7. Wrong Relationships Throughout the Bible God uses the marriage relationship to parallel and clarify the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church.

In 1 Peter 3:7, in the midst of an exhortation to have right marriage relationships, Peter says, “Likewise you husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” The husband must follow Christ’s example of a life of sacrifice, love, forgiveness and protection. This is necessary in order for him to freely receive the answer he needs as he prays.

8. Doubt and Unbelief James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the Wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways.”

349

Foundational Discipling Principles

In speaking of the nation of Israel in Hebrews 3:12, the writer says, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” In Psalm 95:10-11 God said, “For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, `It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.’ So I swore in my wrath. ‘They shall not enter My rest.’”

We see then that the sin of unbelief is a serious affront against the very character of God for it says, “I will not believe what God says; I choose to believe what I see, feel, hear, and experience myself.” God said the children of Israel did not know His ways. If the believer will not get well acquainted with the Word of the living God, he will not know God’s ways and he will waver, being tossed about and overwhelmed by the circumstances. We are told that without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6), and our prayers will be hindered.

The solution for unbelief comes through the decision to believe that every “rhema” word that God says is true. Faith believes fully and unwaveringly in the integrity of God and makes the choice to abide in His Word that it might become a vital part of our being. It is a decision to believe God before believing what is seen in the world.

The men who pleased God, Joshua and Caleb, chose to believe what God said despite of what they had seen in the Promised Land giants. Even as Joshua and Caleb had to walk through the forty-year wilderness experience because of the disobedience and unbelief of the rest of the nation, so the Christian today must consider his or her responsibility and the results of their actions upon the rest of the body of Christ. Joshua and Caleb knew their God. They spent time with Him and saw His wondrous power deliver their people out of Egypt. They experienced His provision and love, and He never gave them any evidence to distrust Him. Not only did they have this special relationship with God, but also all of Israel had the same experience with Him. But when the twelve spies returned from scouting out the Promised Land, ten of them reported that there were giants in the land, and they spread fear into the hearts of the people. Only two, Joshua and Caleb, who agreed to the natural report of the other ten, stood up and supernaturally testified of their God who would deliver their enemies into their hands and give them the land as He had promised. They believed His Word and His promise-keeping 350

Foundational Discipling Principles

character. So too should you trust in God, know Him and His character, and you’ll continue in His grace and receive the answers, He promised, to your prayers.

“Praise You, O Lord God almighty, for You desire to communicate with Your people, to share in our lives with Your grace through prayer. Bring Your kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven, and may we partake daily in the living bread of Jesus Christ’s body.

Show us where we need to forgive others, where we may hold any bitterness in our hearts that would hinder Your hearing our prayers.

We desire to come before You with a pure heart of repentance and praise, trusting only in You and receiving Your grace and staying continually in Your presence, seeking You and Your Word that gives abundant life to our life. Deliver us from evil, and fill these vessels with Your thoughts, desires and motives — Your Word. Thank You, Lord! We praise You forever and ever, all our prayers are lifted before You through and by the name above all names, Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

351

VII. ETERNAL JUDGMENT Principle One:

The Eternal Perspective

, A. Introduction

O

ur lessons on the Principles of the doctrine of Christ have covered repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands and resurrection of the dead. I began our studies with the Vision series, so it is appropriate that I conclude with a lesson that will enlarge our vision.

I pray that God will impart revelation as I begin our final series: Eternal Judgment.

B. Why This Study We are studying eternal judgment because it is one of the foundational principles mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-2. Many Christians fail to mature because they have either no concept or a false concept of eternity. To avoid this, we must be diligent and obedient in establishing those things that God wants in our lives, including eternal things.

Secondly, we study eternal judgment to obtain the proper perspective on life. Our world system tends to trap us to the temporal, the immediate and the tyranny of the urgent so that we may become like the rich fool whom Jesus mentioned in Luke 12:16-21. He was caught up in his life: planting crops, building barns and building bigger barns. His limited perspective of life concentrated on getting 352

Foundational Discipling Principles

more so he could “. . . eat, drink and be merry. But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul will be required of you. . .” We must study God’s eternal purpose so that our involvement will be with those things which have eternal value, not just temporary meaning.

We may need to realign our priorities to avoid wasting our lives on those things that are not related to eternity. God wants to enlarge our vision so that we view everything from His perspective, the eternal perspective.

C. Biblical Words for Eternity There are seven Hebrew words (Old Testament) and three Greek words (New Testament) that are translated “eternal” or “forever.” As seen in the following chart, these words are used over 1,000 times in the Bible. Obviously, the subject of eternity is an important one.

Old Testament Words for ‘Eternity” or “Forever” Word

Times Used

Meaning

Example

Netsach

34

Continually, Completeness

Psalm 16:11

Ad

48

Long lasting

Psalm 45:6

Oedem

60

Ancient, Old

Deuteronomy 33:27

Orec

93

Length (no limit)

Psalm 93:5

Tamid

103

Constant, Continual, Perpetual

Deuteronomy 11:12

Dor

129

Dependability

Genesis 9:12

Olam

400

Eternity, Everlasting, Unending

Psalm 90:2

353

Foundational Discipling Principles

New Testament Words for “Eternity” or “Forever” Word

Times Used

Meaning

Example

Aidios

2

Continuous, Everduring

Romans 1:20

Ainios

70

Unending, Perpetual

Romans 16:26

Aion

102

Endless time, Perpetual

Hebrews 13:8

It is extremely difficult for time-bound creatures to understand eternity. However, since eternity does not exist outside of God, we can better conceive of it by looking at the eternalness of God. This is still no easy task, for how can finite creatures totally comprehend their infinite Creator? With the understanding that our view of God is limited, let us examine what the Word reveals about the eternalness of God. God is boundless. There are no limits to His knowledge (Psalm 147:5), His power (Luke 1:37) or His presence (Jeremiah 23:24).

There are no limits to any of God’s attributes such as love, holiness, grace, justice, etc. God is only limited by what He limits Himself to.

God is not bound by space or time. His infinity in relation to space is called omnipresence: God is everywhere at the same time (Psalm 139:7-8). He does not have to leave point A to arrive at point B; He is at both (and all) places simultaneously. God is everywhere right now.

Likewise, God is infinite in relation to time. This is called God’s eternalness. God fills all time at the same time. He does not have to move in time from point C to point D; He experiences both (and all) times simultaneously. God beholds all time (past, present and future) right now. His presence and existence encompasses all of time. This is how He can answer prayer before we pray (Isaiah 62:24) and how He knows what has been, what is and what will be.

Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 354

Foundational Discipling Principles

declaring the end ,from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.’’’

God exists apart from time, so we can equate the eternalness of God with timelessness. Before time began, God existed. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God. . .” Before the beginning, God was.

If we could travel backwards in time for a million years, we would still be no closer to the beginning of God. This is because He had no beginning. Likewise, when we have been in heaven a million years, God will be no older. He is no older today than when He created the world. He is without beginning or end and cannot be measured by time. For God, time is not past or future; eternity is one big now!

We can see God’s eternalness in His name as revealed it to Moses: “I AM” (Exodus 3:14). God is always “I Am,” not “I was” or “I will be,” but “I AM.” Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). He did not say, “Before Abraham was, I was.” He is always “I AM.” Jesus also said, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. . . the first and the last” (Revelation 1:8, 11). He did not say, “I was the beginning” and “I will be the ending,” but instead said, “I am both the beginning and the ending.” He is both at the same time: right now! God’s view of time can be seen in the following passage: 2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, do not ,forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

To God, one day is the same length as one thousand years! How can this be? It is because God is outside of time, although He can and does act within the framework of time, by choice. God inhabits both today and a day 1,000 years away right now. Not only that, He inhabits everything in between. This should be of great comfort to us. When Peter wrote this verse, he was quoting Psalm 90, which is a prayer of Moses.

Psalm 90:1-4 “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had 355

Foundational Discipling Principles

formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting.

You are God. You turn man to destruction, and say, `Return, O children of men.’ For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.”

The thought of God’s eternalness was comforting to Moses and is also to us. No matter where we are, what the times are like, or what we are going through, “the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27 ). May we respond like Moses: (Psalm 90:12) “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Living for eternity now results in a heart of wisdom. We who are bound by both space and time find it difficult to relate to not being bound by either. We even view eternity in terms of time. We say things like, “Eternity is unending time,” or “Eternity is time without beginning or end.” Some consider eternity to be forever past and forever future. However, eternity has nothing to do with time. Eternity is actually a completely different dimension from time. Eternity is timelessness! It is perpetual, continuous existence without beginning, end or succession. We know this to be true because it is true of God. Eternity began when God began. . . never! However, God does not possess eternity. He is eternal! Eternity exists because God exists.

God is the untreated Creator and every other thing owes its existence to Him. This is true of time. Since God created time, he cannot be bound, measured or controlled by time. I’ve said many times that time was God’s way to keep everything from happening all at once.

Time is something God created for man.

Genesis 1:14 “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years.’”

Not only did God create time, He also controls time.

Acts 1:7 “And He said to them, `It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.’”

356

Foundational Discipling Principles

There are two vivid examples of God controlling time in the Old Testament. Joshua 10:12-14 records how God made time stand still for one whole day. 2 Kings 20:9-11 reveals that God made time go backwards. Obviously, God not only created time; He also controls time (Daniel 2:21). He is eternal — totally timeless.

E. Illustrations of Eternity To help us understand eternity, let us consider some illustrations of it. Keep in mind that the limited ideas of men cannot adequately explain God. However, they do help us better understand eternity.

C. S. Lewis once said, “If you picture time as a straight line along which we have to travel, then you must picture God as the whole page on which the line is drawn” (Moody Monthly, January 1986, “The Attributes of God”). God encompasses all of eternity, of which time is only a speck.

Some picture eternity as a circle. A circle is unending; it has no beginning or end. Of course, eternity would be a circle on which you start at one point and travel forever without getting any closer to where you started.

A favorite analogy of the comparison of God’s view of history versus man’s view is the story of two brothers watching a parade.

One boy was watching through a knothole in a fence. All he saw was one thing pass by at a time. His brother was up in the top of a tree from which he could see the whole parade: beginning, end and everything in between. The view through the knothole is like man’s experience of history, one thing at a time. The view from the tree is like God’s view; He sees it all at once! He knows what has gone by and He knows what is yet to come, but He sees it all now.

Another example of this eternal perspective is that of two men watching a movie. One man is caught up in the excitement and suspense of the movie, wondering about the outcome. The other man never seems to be surprised by what happens. The reason? The second man was the director of the movie. He had filmed every sequence and knew the end from the beginning. Such is God’s view of time (Isaiah 46:10).

357

Foundational Discipling Principles

F. What Things Are Eternal?

We have seen that God alone is eternal. Everything about Him is eternal. His name is eternal (Psalm 135:13), His covenant is eternal (Psalm 105:8), His Word is eternal (Isaiah 40:8), His purpose is eternal (Ephesians 3:11), His kingdom is eternal (Daniel 4:3), His judgment is eternal (Psalm 119:160) and His life is eternal (1 John 5:20).

Angels, man and all other created things are not eternal. Every­ thing had a beginning except God, so He alone is eternal. However, angels, man and many other things are everlasting, which means, they had a beginning, but will never end. Eternalness is more than being everlasting and thus belongs to God alone. The incredible thing about this is that when we are born again we receive the life of God, which is eternal life (Romans 6:23). This eternal life is not something possessed apart from God. In fact, eternal life is Jesus.

He is our life (John 14:6; 1 John 5:12). We will study eternal life in depth in a later lesson. We will also uncover God’s eternal kingdom, judgment, Word and worship. Since we studied God’s eternal purpose in the Vision series, we will just briefly review it here.

G. What Is the Eternal Purpose of God? We must realize that God does nothing without a purpose. He does not act haphazardly or without forethought. Since God’s Word reveals God’s purpose, we should never be in the dark concerning what God has done, is doing or will do. God’s purpose is not hidden; He has revealed it to us in Christ (Ephesians 3:11).

Ephesians 1:9-12 “Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him., in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”

358

Foundational Discipling Principles

The first chapter of Ephesians reveals three things concerning God’s eternal purpose. First, God is a Father who desires children.

However, God does not want just any kind of children. From the beginning God has declared His purpose to man. God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion. . .” (Genesis 1:26). So we see secondly that God’s purpose has always been to bring man into HIS OWN IMAGE. God is conforming all believers into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).

When God breathed into Adam the breath of life, He literally breathed His Spirit into him. Adam therefore contained the very nature of God. All that God was, Adam in a measure contained.

However, with the Fall, man lost the most precious thing to him, the presence of God. Yet God had provided from the foundations of the world the perfect sacrifice through Jesus Christ (Revelation 13:8).

Being conceived of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was the perfect seed of man bearing the image of God. God had given the promise of this seed when Adam fell, and we find this theme of the seed throughout the Scriptures.

Jesus was the promised seed who bruised (crushed) the serpent’s head. When He commissioned the Church, before ascending to heaven, He revealed our part in God’s eternal purpose. As the body of Christ resident in the world, the Church is involved in bringing to completion all that God purposed from the beginning. We will then dwell with our Lord forever, ruling and reigning with Him. Revelation 21:1-4 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’”

359

Foundational Discipling Principles

God desires children who are “. . . holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). We are being conformed to His image, not for our own glory, but to glorify Him in all things (Ephesians 1:6, 12). This is the third aspect of God’s purpose: His Christ-like family lives to be “. . . to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12). We are not here to please ourselves, promote ourselves or glorify ourselves.

We are here to manifest His glory, His wisdom (Ephesians 3:10-11) and His character (Romans 8:29). When we do these things for His glory, we are fulfilling His eternal purpose.

“Lord God, Father whose name is Eternal, we praise You with thanksgiving from our hearts for Your everlasting gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. That You should consider us Your people and desire to dwell with us is a miracle of joy to our hearts.

It is unfathomable to even try to comprehend Your love, Your sacrifice, Your character, Your eternal life within these earthen vessels.

But we trust that by Your Holy Spirit, by our living our lives by the power of the blood of Jesus and by the quickening of the Holy Spirit in all that we do, we will be able to experience Your perspective of eternal life, as You, being eternal, dwell within us. As miraculous as this is, it is by faith, which is supplied by you, as nothing is of ourselves, that we live and have our being. We trust in You Lord, for all that is or was or will be rests in the now of Your control. You are “I AM.” We are Your possession, bought with a precious price, the blood of Jesus. We are Your children, a bride being adorned for her husband. Praise the Lord. His name is Eternal. We give You thanks, and our loving devotion, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

360

Principle Two:

The Eternal Kingdom

, A. Introduction Psalm 145:10-13 “All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of man His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”

T

he kingdom of God is an eternal kingdom. It had no beginning and will never end. Rather, it is ever present. God’s kingdom is eternal because He is the eternal King (1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 74:12). Since the King has always existed, so has His kingdom.

The kingdom remains as long as the king reigns. . . forever (Exodus 15:18; Psalm 29:10; 45:6).

B. What Is the Kingdom of God? The English definition of “kingdom” is “a government ruled by a king; a realm; a domain.” Both the Hebrew word (malkuyah) and the Greek word (basileia) for “kingdom” mean, “royal power, dominion and rule over a territory subject to the king.” A kingdom involves both a reign and a realm. A reign must have a realm in which to rule, and a realm needs a ruler. A kingdom involves both the authority and power to rule plus an area over which this authority is exercised.

Therefore, the kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God over 361

Foundational Discipling Principles

His realm, or area of authority. Before we take a closer look at the kingdom of God, we need to understand the sovereignty of God. C. The Sovereignty of God Since God created everything, He also has the right to rule everything. The Creator is greater than His creation. The Creator must be Lord over His creation (Job 38-41). This is called the sovereignty of God. To be sovereign is to be the supreme, independent ruler over all. God alone is sovereign for He alone has supreme authority over everything!

Psalm 93:1-2 “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.”

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; and in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now, therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name.”

God’s omnipotence is His power to create. God’s sovereignty is His power to rule. Since God is who He is, He does as He pleases (Psalm 115:3; 135:6). God moves unhindered toward the accomplishment of His eternal purpose. Nothing or no one can thwart Him (Isaiah 46:9-11). God is in control!

D. What Is the Realm of God’s Sovereignty?

Since God is sovereign, over what does He rule? What is God’s realm, or area of authority? The Bible reveals that God rules over the following: the wind (Psalm 135:7; Mark 4:39), rain (Deuteronomy 11:17), snow (Job 37:6), storms (Exodus 9:23-33) and lightning (Psalm 135:7). Obvious God is in control of the elements (Psalm 147:15-18; Amos 4:7-10).

362

Foundational Discipling Principles

God also controls light and darkness (Exodus 10:21-23), stars (Matthew 2:9), animals (Genesis 2:19; 6:19-20; Exodus 8; Psalm 104; John 21:6), grass, herbs, and trees (Psalm 104:14-17). In short, God is in control of nature.

God’s Word says that He controls the rich and the poor (1 Samuel 2:7-8), all rulers (Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-2), all kingdoms (2 Chronicles 20:6), the heathen (Psalm 47:8; 2 Chronicles 20:6), heaven and earth (Psalm 47:7; Genesis 14:19; Daniel 4:35; Acts 17:24), life and death (1 Samuel 2:6), angels (Psalm 103:20-22), Satan and demons (Isaiah 24:21-22; Revelation 20:1-10; 2 Samuel 24:1; 1 Chronicles 21:1).

Needless to say, God rules over all (Psalm 103:19)!

E. Our Response to God’s Sovereignty How then, should we respond to our sovereign God? When Job was confronted with God’s incredible revelation of His greatness and power, he responded correctly.

Job 42:1-6 “Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You ask, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, `I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of You by the hearing of my ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.’”

In the light of God’s awesome power and holiness, what can we do but repent? Seeing His power contrasted with our weakness, His holiness compared to our filthiness, we too must cry out like Isaiah, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:1-8). Like Daniel we must bow in holy awe, having no strength left in us (Daniel 10:5-9).

This is not something we have to work up! When we see the King and ourselves in His light, we will gladly reverence, love, obey, and 363

Foundational Discipling Principles

submit to His sovereign rule. We will say as Jesus did, “Not My will, but Yours” (Luke 22:42).

F. The Unveiling of God’s Kingdom We have seen that God’s sovereignty is His absolute rule over all things. This is different than the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is His rule and reign over those who voluntarily submit to His Lordship.

God rules over all, but only those who are born again enter His kingdom. The kingdom of God has always existed. However, it has been expressed through different people in different ways. When God created Adam and Eve in His own image, He said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:27-28). Being created in God’s image, man had the ability to be fruitful, to multiply, to fill the earth, to subdue and to have dominion. The Hebrew words for “subdue” and “dominion” have the same root meaning: “to tread down under foot, to conquer, subjugate and rule.”

Man was created to rule. Of course, this was not absolute authority, but delegated authority. God was, and is, still in control, but He wanted man to work with Him in establishing His kingdom.

So, He put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to “tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). This meant they were to rule it and protect it. As they were faithful in little, God would have increased their realm of authority (Matthew 25:23). However, Satan came along and tempted Adam and Eve to sin and thus forfeit their authority to him. Satan became the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He did not take any of God’s authority, only man’s delegated authority. Man became enslaved to sin (John 8:34) and Satan (2 Timothy 2:26). Even so, God immediately set into motion His plan of redemption (Genesis 3:15). Through His seed, God would restore man to his place of fellowship with God and dominion in the earth. The whole fallen creation groans and travails as it waits for this “revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).

God revealed His kingdom to Abraham, through whose seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). His seed became the children of Israel whom God chose to be “a kingdom 364

Foundational Discipling Principles

of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6). Through His chosen people, God revealed His kingdom to the world. Israel, the expression of God’s kingdom, was vastly different from the surrounding nations. Israel was monotheistic, non-idolatrous and believed her God was in control of nature and history. The people of Israel believed they were the people of God . . . and they were.

Originally, Israel was a theocracy. That meant God was in control and He ruled through His delegated authorities (such as Moses, Joshua, the priests, and the judges). Later, the people wanted a king like the other countries had (1 Samuel 8:6-7). In doing this, they rejected the rule of God. Saul became Israel’s first king. After him came David, from whom monarchy was established. Rather than God raising up leaders, the leadership was passed down from father to son. Gradually, Israel fell into idolatry; the land became divided and eventually was overthrown. Why? Israel had presumed that the kingdom of God was equal to the kingdom of Israel. The people began to live in sin and idolatry, thinking they would escape judgment because they were “God’s chosen people.” But where God is not allowed to rule or reign, His judgment comes. So God judged Israel. They went back and forth from captivity to repentance to captivity as the prophets spoke forth God’s judgment. Eventually, God literally destroyed Israel for her sin (Amos 9:8-12).

Although God rejected Israel, He promised to raise up David’s Tabernacle and a people who are called by His name. God always brings about His purposes; nothing can thwart His plans (Isaiah 46:9-11). God works “all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).

So, God sent forth His promised Redeemer.

Isaiah 9:6-7 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

365

Foundational Discipling Principles

G. The King of Kings After the last Old Testament prophet (Malachi) spoke forth the Word of God, there were 400 silent years. During this time there were no prophecies, no men of God speaking forth His Word, for God had rejected Israel. However, seemingly out of nowhere came “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make His path straight. . . And all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:3-6). John the Baptist was raised up by God to prepare the way for the King. He preached repentance and righteousness, and many people began to be spiritually stirred. After all these years, the Word of God was finally coming forth again (Luke 3:2). Six months later, Jesus came forth preaching the kingdom of God was at hand.

The Jews took this to mean that the earthly Davidic kingdom would be set up again. They believed that God would intervene on their behalf. After all, they were His chosen people. They expected to be released from their captivity and have their fortunes restored.

Zechariah 9:9-10 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.’”

The Jews grasped the part about the King and His domain, but not the part about Him being lowly. They expected a mighty, conquering king like David, not a suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). So, they rejected the kingdom of God once again by killing the King; however, He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father. He was then given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom over all (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and gave believers authority over him and his demons (Luke 10:19). The Lord restored man to his place of dominion.

Daniel 7:21-22, 27 “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient 366

Foundational Discipling Principles

of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.

Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” H. The Kingdom Preached by Jesus Jesus began His earthly ministry by declaring His kingdom. He also ended His ministry “Speaking the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Jesus’ ultimate purpose was to “Preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). His preaching was full of the phrase, “The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” (Matthew 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47, 52). When Jesus sent forth His twelve disciples, He told them, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 10:7). Obviously, the kingdom of God is central to the teaching of Jesus. Therefore, we must have an understanding of what He meant by “the kingdom of God.” The kingdom of God as preached by Jesus is vastly different from ordinary worldly kingdoms. As previously stated it was a different kingdom from that which the Jews expected. First of all, the kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, not a worldly, political kingdom.

Luke 17:20-21 “Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or `See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.’”

The kingdom of God is not a place! It is not a certain nation.

Rather, it is a state of being, a state of yieldedness to the King. The kingdom of God exists wherever people submit to God’s rule and authority. The realm of God’s reign is within us.

Secondly, the kingdom of God is eternal, not temporal. Worldly kingdoms rise and fall, but the kingdom of God is ‘‘not of this 367

Foundational Discipling Principles

world” (John18:36). God’s kingdom never fails; it will last forever (Daniel 4:3).

Revelation 11:15 “. . . The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’

The third difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world is that God’s kingdom is moral, not material. In other words, God’s kingdom has to do with “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).

1 Corinthians 15:50 “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”

I. Entering the Kingdom of God There are two kingdoms; the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. Satan and his demons are “the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:12). When we are born, we are in this worldly kingdom. However, when we are born again, we change kingdoms (John 3:3-5; Acts 26:18).

Colossians 1:12-12 “. . . giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. . .”

We change kingdoms when we change kings! We do this by becoming “as little children” (Matthew 18:3-4), totally trusting in the Lord of lords and King of kings and not in ourselves.

J. Kingdom Living To Jesus, the kingdom of God was an ever-present reality (Matthew 12:28). Likewise, we must not view the kingdom as something off in the future; the kingdom of God is here, now! As Amos prophesied, the kingdom was taken from Israel, “. . . and given to a 368

Foundational Discipling Principles

nation bearing the fruits of it (Matthew 21:43). This new nation is the Church, spiritual Israel (Romans 2:28­-29). The Church is not the kingdom of God, just as Israel was not the kingdom of God. However, the Church is part of God’s kingdom and the instrument through which God is expressing His kingdom today. The kingdom of God is shown forth through the people of God. Therefore, we have kingdom responsibilities.

First, even though we are in God’s kingdom, we must still seek “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Our first priority is to seek God’s rule, reign and righteousness for our own lives. If we are not under His rule, we cannot reveal His kingdom to others.

Secondly, we must pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). God’s kingdom is established in heaven, for His will is always done there. We pray for God’s will to be done here as well.

Thirdly, the Church has been given the keys of the kingdom and the power of binding and loosing (Matthew 16:18-19). We must be aggressive in binding the strong man.

Matthew 12:28-29 “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.”

We have the power in Jesus’ name to bind the enemy and set the captives free. The early Church went forth preaching the kingdom (Acts 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23); however, “. . . the kingdom of God is not in word but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). Therefore, when they preached, the word was always accompanied by signs and wonders following (Mark 16:15-18; Acts 8:7; 19:6). We too, are commissioned by Jesus to go forth preaching the kingdom, healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons. We who have freely received, must freely give (Matthew l0:7-8). As we do this, we will express God’s eternal kingdom and fulfill His eternal purpose: bringing glory to the eternal King!

369

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. . .”

“Praise be to God, our Father almighty, for You Lord are worthy of all our praise, honor and glory, forever and ever! You are our redeemer, Lord God, our hope and our refuge in these times of peril.

You are our eternal Hope and the King of all heaven and earth who blesses us with great gifts of faith, dominion, and a holy priesthood.

We humbly receive Your empowerment through Jesus Christ to fulfill Your eternal purpose to glorify our King. May all the earth know our Lord and King and bow their knee to Him, magnifying His glory to all the nations. We are Your Church, O Lord, Your Bride, Your possession forever. We love You Lord, for You are He who even gives us this love first. Fill us to overflowing with Your love, power and light, that we may shine it upon the earth and dispel the works of darkness. You are our God, and we are Your people. Praise You Lord, in Jesus’ pure and holy name we pray, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

370

Principle Three:

Eternal Judgment

, A. Introduction Psalm 119:160 “The entirety of Your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”

T

he eternal King is also the eternal Judge of all (Hebrews 12:23).

God’s judgments are eternal and based on His eternal perspective. However, in order to help us understand God’s judgment, we will look at it in terms of past, present and future. Because we are creatures of time, we see some of God’s judgments as completed, some as current, and some as future. But from God’s perspective, all judgments are eternal.

B. What Is Judgment?

There are many biblical words for “judge” and “judgment.” The basic root meaning of “judgment” is “to try (through investigation and examination), to reach a verdict or decision, to pronounce the sentence and to carry out judgment, either through punishment (if guilty) or exoneration (if not guilty).” Judgment involves more than reaching a decision; it also requires execution, or enforcing the sentence.

C. Past Judgment When Adam sinned, man fell. Adam did not fall alone. Because he was the father of all mankind, all men fell with him. By one man, sin 371

Foundational Discipling Principles

entered the world and death passed upon all men (Romans 5:12-21).

Since all men were in Adam when he sinned, “. . .judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation. . .” (Romans 5:18). As we learned in the Repentance series, all men are born sinners (Psalm 51:5). “. . . There is none righteous, no, not one” (Psalm 53:1; Romans 3:10). Because no man is righteous, and the “. . . wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. . . (Romans 1:18), all men stand condemned before God. The light of Jesus Christ came into the world, but some men loved darkness rather than the light because of their evil deeds (John 3:19; 8:12). When a person refuses the light of Jesus, he rejects Christ’s saving work. This results in condemnation that leads to eternal judgment.

John 3:17-18 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Every man has sinned and, in so doing, has earned death and hell. Death is the wages for our sins; it is what we deserve (Romans 6:23). However, because of God’s great love for us, He sent His innocent Son to die in the place of all who are guilty. When we believe this and turn from self to God, we receive the gift of salvation and are made righteous in the sight of God. However, everyone who refuses this gift of eternal life will receive what he or she deserves: death and everlasting torment in hell. Those are our only two options, either believe in Christ and get what we do not deserve, or reject Christ and receive what we do deserve.

The first Adam sinned and death passed to all men. However, Jesus Christ is the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). This means that when Jesus died, all that had to do with the first Adam also died. Our old man (all that we were in Adam) was “. . . crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6). Praise God! Jesus is not only the last Adam; He also is the second Man (1 Corinthians 15:47). This means that He is the Father of a whole new creation of men (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old 372

Foundational Discipling Principles

man is dead and the second Man is a life-giving Spirit who gives us new life and conforms us into His own image (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Romans 5:17-19 “. . . For if by one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

God is a God of justice and His justice must be fulfilled.

Likewise, His holiness and wrath must be fulfilled. So how can man escape God’s wrath and judgment? He cannot! God’s wrath is revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness. This includes the unrighteousness of every man. No one can escape God’s judgment; however, those who receive the saving work of Christ have already been judged, condemned and punished. God has given us the death sentence and we have died.

Romans 6:3-6 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him that the body of sin might be done away with that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

When Jesus died, He died not on1y for us, but also as us. He died in our place, so we were actually crucified with Him. This is an accomplished fact!

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in 373

Foundational Discipling Principles

the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

We who are “in Christ” were in Him when He was crucified.

Therefore, in Christ we have already been judged, found guilty, and have been punished. This is the glory of the Cross! “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). “. . . He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many” (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus became sin for us “. . . that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus was made sin for us. He bore our sins and died for us. Why? Isaiah 53:10 “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When you make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed. . .”

Because Jesus died for us and as us, He received in His body the judgment and wrath of God for our sins.

I mentioned earlier in this lesson that judgment was not only reaching a decision or verdict, but also enforcing the sentence. God reached a guilty verdict about our sin that required the death penalty.

Jesus allowed the sentence to be enforced on Him, rather than on us. So, God’s judgment was complete — a verdict was reached and a sentence carried out. Jesus’ sacrifice completely satisfied God’s righteous judgment.

The results of our death in Christ are incredible, almost beyond our ability to comprehend. First, our sins are forgiven and God does not remember them anymore (Isaiah 43:25). The blood of Jesus cleanses all sin (1 John 1:9). Next, we are “justified by faith” (Romans 5:1). Justification is more than forgiveness. Justification imputes the righteousness of Christ to us. We now stand before God as if we had never sinned! This justification gives us “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Romans 5:8-9 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more 374

Foundational Discipling Principles

then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Because of Jesus, we are saved from God’s wrath. Jesus is our propitiation (1 John 2:2, 4:10). Propitiation is a big word that simply means that God is not angry with us anymore!

Romans 3:22-25 “Even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth to be a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.”

Since we are in Christ, we are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). We have been redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). The curse of the law is the punishment, which results from not keeping it. However, we who are born again are no longer under the law or its curse (Galatians 3:10-26).

A man can be judged and punished for a crime only once. Since we have already been judged and punished in Christ, then we are totally free from condemnation and future judgment of sin. Our sins have been eternally judged! Praise God! D. Future Judgment The fact that we are free from condemnation and judgment of sin does not mean that we will escape future judgment.

Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment . . .”

Yes, our sins have already been judged, but we will still stand before the judgment seat of Christ where our works will be judged.

375

Foundational Discipling Principles

2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

There are two future eternal judgments. One is the great white throne judgment that will include everyone who ever lived.

Revelation 20:11-15 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. The Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

As previously explained, non-believers are already condemned because of their unbelief. Since their names are not in the Book of Life, they will be “cast into the lake of fire.” This is where the devil and his demons will also be cast (Revelation 20:10). It is a place of torment “day and night forever and ever.” Eternal punishment is truly a dreadful thought.

All believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ where we will be judged according to our works (Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12). This will not be judgment for salvation, but judgment for rewards. The things God has worked in us, we are responsible to work out in our lives (Philippians 2:12-13). God expects good works from us. We are saved by grace, not works. Works have no redemptive power, either before or after salvation. However, true saving faith will always result in good works (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26).

376

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. What Will Be Judged?

The Bible reveals specific areas of works that will be judged: 1. Stewardship: How we used what God entrusted to us, such as time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5; 1 Peter 1:17) and money (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6).

2. Authority: How we submitted, and how we operated within it (Acts 20:26-28; Hebrews 13:17; James 3.1).

3. Witnessing, or soul winning: How we shared Christ with others (2 Corinthians 5:10-l1; Thessalonians 2:19-20; Ezekiel 3:18-21; Proverbs 11:30).

4. Relationships: How we treated others (Matthew 10:41-42; Romans 14:l0).

5. Fruitfulness: How we matured and developed (John 15:1-11; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:2-12).

6. Discipline: How we have run the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:13-14).

7. Faithfulness: How we endured temptation and suffering (James 1:2-4; Revelation 12:11; Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 2:19-21, 4:12-19).

F. How Will Jesus Judge?

God is the judge of all (Hebrews 12:23). Nonetheless, He has chosen to delegate the authority to carry out His judgment to Jesus (John 5:22).

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation 377

Foundational Discipling Principles

with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives. We will be judged according to what we build upon this foundation. We can build either with gold, silver, and precious stones or with wood, hay and straw. Gold, silver and precious stones are valuable works that result from our union with Christ. They have already been tried and purified and are imperishable. On the other hand, hay, wood, and straw are the works of the flesh. They are the results of self-effort rather than abiding dependency on the Lord. Since they are our works, not His, they are dead works and will perish in the fire.

The fire that will test our works is nothing other than the eyes of the Lord (Psalm 11:4, 90:8; Revelation 1:14). His eyes are discerning and they penetrate to the very depths of our being. What we are and have done will be exposed in the light of His presence. “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). He will expose, make manifest and try our works. Only what can stand the test of a direct encounter with a holy God will be rewarded.

According to Romans 6:12-14, good works are the actual works of God performed through a yielded instrument. Good works are works which are instigated by the will and Spirit of God and which are performed in God’s way, power and time for His glory. These works will receive eternal rewards.

G. What Will Be the Result of Our Future Judgment?

According to 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, some believers will suffer loss, and others will receive rewards. The Bible describes these rewards as crowns, which speak of public recognition and honor. Also, crowns represent Christ’s approval and acceptance of our work. The Bible mentions five crowns. Each one will be given for a specific accomplishment.

378

Foundational Discipling Principles

1. The crown of life is given for faithfulness (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

2. The crown of glory is given to shepherds (1 Peter 5:1-4).

3. The incorruptible crown is given for self-mastery (1 Corinthians 9:25).

4. The crown of rejoicing is given for soul winning (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).

5. The crown of righteousness is given to those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

The Lord tells us that our crowns are to be guarded.

(Revelation 3:11) “Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

When we receive our crowns, we can join the four and twenty elders as they “. . . fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne” (Revelation 4:10).

Not only will judgment result in crowns, but it will also determine our position in God’s eternal kingdom. The bride of Christ (Church) will rule and reign with Christ forever (Revelation 22:5, 20:4-6,11:15 ,1:5-6). We shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:910). The meek will indeed inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37:9, 22, 29). The saints will also be involved in judging the world and angels (Psalm 149:6-9).

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?”

According to Daniel 7, Jesus was given dominion, glory and an everlasting kingdom over everyone (verse 14). The saints will possess this kingdom forever (verse 18). Judgment will be given to the saints (verse 22) and the entire kingdom will be given to them under God’s dominion (verse 27).

379

Foundational Discipling Principles

Jude 14-15 “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him” Christ has chosen to rule, reign and execute eternal judgment through His bride, the Church (Revelation 2:26-27). We will be judged by our works to determine what our position will be in God’s kingdom. God will be in control, but there will be levels of rulership under His authority. Those who are faithful now will rule over many cities (Luke 19:12-27). Others will rule a few cities. Those who do nothing now, will receive nothing then. They will be eternally saved, but will go unrewarded in the Kingdom.

H. Present Judgment We now live between two great judgments: past and future. How then should we live?

1 Peter 1:16-17 “Because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your sojourning here in fear.”

The thought of standing before our holy God causes a holy fear to rise up in us. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, so we need the “terror of the Lord” now (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). We also must judge ourselves now.

1 Corinthians 11:31.) “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.”

The absence of self-judgment necessitates divine judgment.

Therefore, we judge ourselves by examination (1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4). Remember, to judge is to examine, reach a verdict and carry out the sentence. The sentence is always death. We must confess our sins (1 John 1:9) and appropriate 380

Foundational Discipling Principles

the work of the Cross by reckoning ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). Since the old man is dead, we must put him off and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). The crucified life is a daily dependence upon God, choosing His will over our own. Because of our past judgment at the Cross we live, yet Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). As we are identified with Him, we can rest in His work and allow Him to live out His life through us. We are eternally judged in Him and He will eternally judge through us!

“Lord, God almighty, Judge of all, Ruler and King of glory, we praise You and worship You forever and ever. You are our righteousness and our strength; You are our Lord and Master, through Whom we receive judgment daily within our hearts. Praise the name of the Lord! Lift Him up on high in our lives, in our hearts, and before the nations. All glory, honor and praise belong to our God, for He has established His kingdom within us. Let us show His light through our lives; may our works be from Him who directs our paths. Holy is the Lord, and holy are those who call upon His name, for He answers the prayers of His people, according to His Word and His ways. Lord, build Your kingdom here on the earth, raise Your Bride, the Church, before the nations, and may the earth tremble before her as she expresses her great love for her Lord, Jesus Christ, who reigns over all with might, power, strength, majesty, and glory. He is our righteous judge forevermore. Thank You God for our Savior, our Lord, and Your Son Jesus. We lift His name above all names; He is enthroned upon our hearts. Hallelujah! For it’s in His name we pray and have our being, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

381

Principle Four:

The Eternal Word

, A. Introduction Psalm 119:89 “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.”

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

1 Peter 1:25 “But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

W

hen God created man, He did not intend for man to live apart from Him. In fact, man was created for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11) and for fellowship with his Maker. When man fell he became separated from God. Nevertheless, God carried out His plan and purpose for reconciling man to Himself. To do this, He graciously revealed Himself to man.

B. The Progressive Revelation of God God has revealed Himself to man in many different ways. The first way is through natural, or general revelation. Romans 1:20 states that God’s creation reveals His eternal power and Godhead. The world itself is proof of the existence of a powerful God. God reveals 382

Foundational Discipling Principles

Himself in nature, for the creation is proof of a Creator (Acts 14:17, Psalm 97:6).

God has also revealed Himself through special supernatural revelations, including angels (Exodus 14:19), dreams (Job 33:1516), visions (Ezekiel 1:1), the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-10), and through an audible voice (Acts 9:5; Isaiah 30:21).

God moved upon some men to write down what He had revealed to them. The Lord told Jeremiah, “Take a scroll of a book and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you. . .” (Jeremiah 36:2). The Apostle John said, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write. . .’” (Revelation 14:13). The Lord led men to record forever His unfolding revelation.

2 Peter 1:20-21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

This progressive revelation of God can be seen in Psalm 19.

Verse 1 shows how God’s creation (natural and revelation) reveals His glory and His handiwork. Verses 2-6 show how this revelation is seen by the whole world. Verses 7-14 speak of God’s written revelation and its benefits. However, these natural and written revelations are not the ultimate revelation of God. Hebrews 1:1-3 “God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. . .”

Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God. All other revelations testify of and point to Him. Jesus Christ is the Word! The written word is a revelation of the living Word.

383

Foundational Discipling Principles

John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

This written revelation of the living Word of God we now call the Bible, which means, “The Book.”

C. Who Wrote the Bible?

The Bible does not just contain the Word of God; it is the Word of God! As we saw in 2 Peter 1:20-21, The Holy Spirit moved men to speak and write God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God. . .” The Greek word translated “inspiration” is “theopneustos,” which literally means, “God-breathed.” Just as we speak by breathing through our mouths, so also God breathed, or spoke His words to and through men. The result is the verbal, plenary (fully) inspired, inerrant (without error) Word of God. Matthew 5:18 “For assuredly, I say to you; till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

D. How Was the Bible Written?

The fact that God breathed the Word does not mean that He dictated words to men who were simply passive instruments or machines.

Instead, God used the different personalities of the over 40 men who wrote the Bible. They knew God was giving them revelation and inspiring them to write the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 14:37).

As we saw in Hebrews 1:1, God spoke in “different ways.”

Some of the words of the Bible are the identical words written or spoken by God (Exodus 32:16 Daniel 5:5; Matthew 3:17). Other words are the very words God told men to speak or write (Exodus 34:27; Isaiah 8:1-12; Jeremiah 30:1-2; Revelation 2:1-18). Some words of the Bible were God’s truth put in the writer’s words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:1-4). Inspiration does not necessarily mean dictation; it means that the Spirit of God breathed 384

Foundational Discipling Principles

clear ideas, thoughts, and facts that the writers could put in their style of writing. The Bible is the Word of God expressed in the language of men. Hence, we have various styles and different writers, but one inspired Word given by one Author. God is solely responsible for every word of Scripture. In fact, this is so true that God has magnified His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2).

E. How Do We Know the Bible Is the Word of God? We know that the Bible is the Word of God by many different proofs, each showing that the Bible is supernatural, from start to finish. First of all, the unity of the Scriptures is proof of divine authorship. The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years (c. 1450 BC - c. 90 AD), in three different languages (Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic), by over 40 men. These men had extremely diverse backgrounds. They include kings, shepherds, fishermen, priests, prophets, a general, a cupbearer, a doctor, a tax collector, and a tentmaker. The conditions they wrote in ranged from palace to prison, from war to peace, from times of plenty to times of lack. Yet, with all of this incredible diversity, the Bible has one unifying theme, one subject, and one message: Jesus Christ!

John 5:39-40, 45-47 “You search the Scriptures. . . for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. . .

Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you - Moses, in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

The words of Moses testify of Jesus. The Psalms speak of Jesus (Luke 24:44). In fact, all the Old Testament from Moses to the prophets testifies of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27). This is because there is one Author. Jesus said, “. . . the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26). The Bible is the Word of God because it has one Author and one message: “. . . Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

385

Foundational Discipling Principles

Another reason that we know the Bible is the word of God is the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. On many occasions He quoted Old Testament Scriptures, such as when He read from Isaiah at the start of His ministry (Luke 4:18-19). Also, when He was tempted in the wilderness, He quoted three Old Testament Scriptures. So the Bible is the Word of God because the Son of God treated it as such.

Thirdly, we know the Bible is the Word of God because of its infallibility and accuracy. It gives thousands of names, titles and dates with absolute accuracy.

Fourthly, the hundreds of fulfilled prophecies are incredible proof of divine origin of the Bible. There are hundreds of prophecies concerning the life of Jesus alone, and they all came to pass without flaw. There are also prophecies concerning Israel, Egypt, and other lands, all of which are 100% accurate. No other book has even a small fraction of this supernatural content.

Another proof of the Bible being God’s Word is the fact of its preservation. Down through the centuries, many rulers have tried to destroy the Bible, yet it remains to this day, numbering in the millions of copies. Even present day communist dictatorships and Islamic rulers cannot totally suppress the circulation of God’s Word. This is truly miraculous. God’s eternal Word will last forever (1 Peter 1:25).

There are many other reasons that show the fact that the Bible is the Word of God, such as the testimony of the early Church and history. Also, archaeology has served to prove the Bible. There is not one shred of archeological evidence against the truth of the Bible.

However, one of the best ways to see that the Bible is God’s Word is the effect it has on people’s lives. God’s word has changed countless lives and this is the unanswerable argument.

Psalm 19:7-10 “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

386

Foundational Discipling Principles

F. What Is the Value of God’s Word?

The Word of God is valuable first and foremost because it is God’s revelation to us. As we have seen, the Bible is a book with one message: Jesus Christ. God’s Word and Jesus are one, for “. . . His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11-13). To believe in the name of Jesus is to believe in the Word of God. Therefore, the written Word testifies of the living Word (John 5:39).

The Word is important because God uses it to accomplish His eternal purpose in us, which is to conform us to the image of the living Word (Romans 8:28-29) so that we will glorify Him in all things (Ephesians 1:9-12). To do this God uses circumstances, teachers, other people, prayer, praise and worship. One of the main things He uses is His Word.

2 Peter 1:4 “By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

This can be seen in the many accomplishments the Word performs in us: The Word cleanses us (John 15:3).

The Word sanctifies us (John 17:17).

The Word reveals our hearts and divides soul from spirit (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word is a devouring fire (Jeremiah 5:14).

The Word is a crushing hammer (Jeremiah 23:29).

The Word heals (Psalm 107:20).

The Word feeds us (Matthew 4:4).

The Word gives victory over sin (Psalm 119:11).

The Word builds faith (Romans 10:17).

The Word gives hope (Romans 15:4).

The Word makes us fruitful and prosperous (Psalm 1:2-3).

The Word works in those who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Word of God is profitable for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

387

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Word is profitable for doctrine, or principles to live by; reproof, in that it reveals our hearts and convicts us; correction, to line us up with the Word; and instruction in righteousness. The end result is completeness and spiritual preparation to do the work of God. The word of God is also a powerful spiritual weapon.

Ephesians 6:17 “And take the Helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. . .”

The power of God’s Word can be seen in the instance of Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-14). Jesus spoke the Word to him and totally defeated him.

Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

G. How Should We Respond to God’s Word?

Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

This word of the Lord to Joshua is also important for us in our walk with the Lord. It is absolutely necessary for us to read the Word, meditate upon it and then do what it says. It’s not enough to read, we must also meditate in it, pray over it, bring it up and chew on it again and again. Our attitude should be one of being teachable.

John 16:13 “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher. As the Spirit breathed the Word into those who wrote it, so must He also breathe it afresh to those who read it. Without the Holy Spirit, God’s Word is a dead letter.

388

Foundational Discipling Principles

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These words we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

We need to be in the Word, but we need to depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal and enlighten. We cannot divorce the Word from the Spirit. Jesus said that true worship involves both spirit and truth (John 4:24). He also said, we “. . . are mistaken (deceived), not knowing the Scriptures nor the Power of God” (Matthew 22:29). It is not enough to know the Bible, for without the Spirit it is a dead letter that leads to legalism. However, seeking the power of God apart from the Word can lead to error and “strange fire.” We need both the Word and the Spirit. So, we must read, meditate (listen to the Spirit), and then do what He tells us.

H. Why Is It Important to Act Upon God’s Word?

As we have seen, we cannot grow as Christians without being in the Word. We must study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). Still, we must also act upon God’s revelation. He does not give revelation just to add to our knowledge; He wants to change us. It is important to act on God’s Word for the following reasons: 1. It is necessary for eternal life.

1 John 2:17 “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

We are not saved by knowledge. We are saved when we act on revelation through repentance and faith. Faith always involves action.

389

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. It gives a stable foundation.

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. . .”

It is not enough to hear the Word; we must also do it!

3. It leads to relationship with Jesus.

Mark 3:35 “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

4. It leads to revelation knowledge.

John 7:17 “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

5. It keeps us from deception.

James 1:22-25 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

As we continue in God’s eternal Word, our lives will be grounded in relationship with Jesus and we will be stable and free from deception.

John 8:31-32 “. . . ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

390

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Praise the Lord! We bless You, O Lord, for Your Word endures from everlasting to everlasting. Holy Spirit, our Guide, our Revealer, lead us in Your Word and empower us to be doers, and not hearers only.

We find our freedom in Your revealed truth, by the very Word of God, spoken to us today throughout the Scriptures. Thank You Lord Jesus for fulfilling the Word, as You are the Word from the beginning of all beginnings. Our faith is in You, Lord, the hope of glory and all honor to You. Reveal all of Your truth to us, and help us to remain faithful to the working out of these truths in our lives. We lift this prayer and praise up to You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

391

Principle Five:

Eternal Worship

, A. The Eternalness of Worship (Psalm 145:1-2) “I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.”

W

e saw in our last lesson that the Bible has one unified message: Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

The written Word reveals the Living Word. The Bible’s message is Jesus, and its most common theme concerns our worship of Him. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is about worshiping God. Long after this world is gone we will still be worshiping God. Worship is eternal!

Even now, worship is the highest occupation of the angels. Every glimpse of heaven is filled with worship (Isaiah 6:1-3; Luke 2:1314). Heaven is a place of continual worship.

Revelation 4:8-11 “And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes, around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: `Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!’ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to 392

Foundational Discipling Principles

receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and

by Your will they exist and were created.’”

Heavenly worship consists of non-stop, active giving of glory, honor, and thanks to God. We know that Jesus prayed for God’s will to “. . . be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Since God’s will is done in heaven, and it is a place of continual worship, then it must be His will for us to be involved in continual worship. We can enter into our eternal occupation now by worshiping the Lord.

Revelation 14:6-7 “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth — to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people — saying with a loud voice, ‘fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His Judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’”

This incredible passage ties together the major themes we have studied in the Eternal Judgment series. The angel speaks from the eternal perspective of heaven about God’s eternal kingdom, judgment, Word and worship. He proclaims the eternal gospel, which is to fear God and to give Him glory and worship. Since worship is so important, it must be central in our lives.

B. The Heart of Worship In this lesson we will examine the heart of worship, not the forms or expressions of worship (such as singing, shouting, bowing, dancing, etc.) since these have been covered in past lessons. I mention them here to say that you can be involved in the forms of worship and still not worship. Worship is not just something you do. Worship is the expression of your heart. We enter into God’s manifested presence through praise (Psalm 100:4), but worship is what we do once we are in His presence. Worship is simply our heart response to God expressed in an appropriate manner. Sometimes we dance; sometimes we fall on our faces. At other times we may laugh, cry, shout or be silent. Always we express what is in our hearts for God. This is worship: the attitude of our heart expressed.

393

Foundational Discipling Principles

C. The Essence of Worship The essence of Worship is giving. Every time someone worships, they give.

Psalm 29:1-2 “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

Psalm 96:7-9 “Give to the Lord, O kindreds of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.” Worship always involves giving: giving God the glory He is due, giving a sacrifice, giving an offering or simply giving “. . . thanks in the great congregation” (Psalm 35:18). The essence of worship is giving.

This can be seen throughout the Word of God. The issue between Cain and Abel was proper worship, which involved giving offerings to God (Genesis 4). When Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, he told his servants, “. . . the lad and I will go yonder and worship “(Genesis 22:5). Sacrificial giving is worship.

The major part of Israel’s worship was giving. The three compulsory feasts all involve giving. At the feast of Passover, the Lord said, “. . . none shall appear before Me empty” (Exodus 23:14‑19). At the feast of Pentecost, the Lord said, “. . . none shall appear before Me empty handed” (Exodus 34:20-23). At the feast of Tabernacles, the Lord said, “. . . and they shall not appear before the Lord empty handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:16-17).

In the Old Testament, no one could approach God with empty hands. Old Testament worship always involved sacrifices, offerings and giving.

We see this also in the life of David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). When he brought the ark of God back to Jerusalem, he shouted, sang, and danced with all his might (I Chronicles 394

Foundational Discipling Principles

15:27-29). Then he offered burnt sacrifices and offerings to God (1 Chronicles 16:1‑2).

Following this he gave everyone in Israel food and wine (1 Chronicles 16:3). Then he gave a psalm of thanks to the Lord, in which he spoke over and over of giving to the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:8, 28-29, 34). He worshiped with all his might and all he had to give.

We can see this giving attitude even more developed later in David’s life. In 2 Samuel 24 we have the account of God’s judgment against David for numbering Israel. The prophet of God told David to build an altar and sacrifice to God in a certain spot. This place belonged to someone else, but the owner offered to give it to David. However, David said, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen. . .” (2 Samuel 24:18-25). David, Abel, Abraham and all the children of Israel knew the essence of worship: giving! True worship is costly!

This can also be seen in the New Testament. When the wise men found Jesus, they . . . fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). The early Church understood that giving is the essence of worship so much that they “. . . had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” (Acts 2:44-45).

Worship always costs us something!

D. How to Give to God Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”

The key to giving is simply realizing that God already owns everything. We do not really own anything; God owns it all.

However, He has entrusted things to us to manage, or be stewards of. Stewardship is recognizing that God owns everything and then managing God’s things in God’s way.

395

Foundational Discipling Principles

When we learn the principle of stewardship it removes resistance against tithing. The tithe (giving10 % to the Lord) was instituted before the law was given (Genesis 14:18-20). Also, the tithe was confirmed by Jesus (Matthew 23:23). However, the New Testament way of giving is to give everything to the Lord (Matthew 19:16-29; Acts 2: 44-45, 4:34-35). The tithe is the first fruit, which we give in recognition of God’s ownership of all. It is the starting place of giving to the Lord.

We need to recognize that God is a giver. He gives food (Genesis 1:19), wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and even our sleep (Psalm 127:2).

His greatest gift is a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 11:19-20) through the gift of His Son. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God so loved that he gave! The Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). This was the ultimate sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-11). God is still giving gifts through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). God gives “. . . to all liberally” (James 1:5).

John 3:27 “John answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.”

God is a giver. He has given us everything we have. Since we are being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29), surely we can do no less. We too, must be givers.

Matthew 10:7-8 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

We give of our money, time, talents, and gifts. In short, we give our lives, our very selves. We give by healing the sick and casting out devils. We live to give! When we do this, we are storing up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

396

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. Where Is Your Treasure?

Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Our treasure’s location reveals the location of our heart. We are either storing up worldly treasure or heavenly treasure. We can determine where our storehouse is by examining where we spend our time, talents and treasure. Our giving reveals our heart: we worship what we give ourselves to.

We saw that the key to worship is giving. We can also say that the key to giving is worship. Just as we cannot truly worship without giving, likewise, we cannot truly give without an attitude of worship. Whenever we give only in order to receive, or when we give outside of love, we give in vain.

1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love suffers long and is kind. . . does not envy. . . does not parade itself, is not puffed up.”

True giving is an act of worship. We give in love as unto the Lord. We must not substitute sacrifice and service for true worship.

Worship does involve these, but true worship is wholehearted sacrifice without a thought of receiving. In worship, we come to give, not receive; to bless, not be blessed; to give glory, not receive glory.

F. The Lifestyle of Worship Romans 12:1 NAS “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

Worship is not something that we do only on Sundays at church.

Worship is not something that we just add to our lives. Jesus is our life (John 14:6) and our worship consists of giving ourselves to Him in total abandonment and complete obedience. Everything else is an overflow of our hearts full of the Lord! Then, and only then, our lives will be lived as an act of worship to the glory of God.

397

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Glory to God! Bless His holy name in the heavens and upon the earth, for He is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise! Bless the Lord, for He is the I AM of all that ever was, is, and will be. He is our God, and He gives to us abundantly for all our needs. He is our Provider, our Healer and our King. We offer up to You, O Lord, a sacrifice of praise and of thanksgiving. Thank You God, that You desire for us to be conformed to Your Son, Jesus, who was the Divine Giver of life to us through the sacrifice of Himself for us, and through the gift of faith imparted to us by You, O Lord. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your perfect gifts. We will use these gifts in our giving to others; we will pour ourselves out, knowing that we will be continually filled from You so that we can continually be poured out and worship You through our giving. Praise You God! We pray and enter before You in the name of Jesus, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

398

Principle Six:

Eternal Life

, A. The Life of God John 5:26 “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.”

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

G

od has life in Himself. His life is self-existent, self-sufficient and eternal. This means that God’s life is uncreated and is derived from no other source than Himself. God depends upon nothing or no one for life because He is life (John 14:6). The life of God is eternal; without beginning, end, or succession. In other words, God’s life cannot be changed in any way.

B. Biblical Words for Life It is important for us to understand that the writers of the New Testament used four different words that were translated “life” in the King James Bible. These four Greek words are “bios,” “psuche,” “anastrophe,” and “zoe.” The word “bios” means, “manner of life, or existence.” An example of “bios” can be found in 1 John 2:16.

“Psuche” speaks of natural human life or the self-life (Matthew 10:39, 16:25-26). “Anastrophe” is usually translated “conversation,” 399

Foundational Discipling Principles

which is an Old English term for behavior, conduct, or manner of life (Galatians 1:13). It speaks of the way we are living. The word “zoe” is the word used when speaking of the life of God. “Zoe” literally means, “life as God has it.” It is the life that God has in Himself.

Zoe is the life that man lost in the fall (Ephesians 4:18) and which is miraculously restored by God in the new birth.

C. Receiving Eternal Life Since God alone has life in Himself, He is therefore the source of all life. Acts 17:25 says that “. . . He gives life, breath, and all things.”

Verse 28 says, “For in Him we live and move and have our being. . .” All living things owe their very existence to God because all life is God-given. The following reveals how God gave life to man: Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

God formed man from the ground and then breathed His very life into him. This interaction between Spirit and body made man a “living being.” Man derived his life directly from God. Job 33:4 “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” God told Adam that sin would result in the loss of his life (Genesis 2:17). The fall of man did indeed result in immediate spiritual death and the onset of physical death. This did not affect Adam alone, but through his fall, sin and death passed to all men (Romans 5:12). All men are born sinners and furthermore, are born spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) because man is “. . . alienated from the life of God” (Ephesians 4:18). However, God did not leave man in his fallen condition, for “. . .while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

John 10:10 “. . .I have come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Jesus came to earth for the very reason of imparting life to man once again. This is truly the greatest miracle! Through the death and 400

Foundational Discipling Principles

resurrection of Jesus, life is once again made available to men who are spiritually dead. Hallelujah! When we are born again through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we receive new life (Romans 6:4). This new life is eternal life (John 3:15-16). Eternal life is nothing less than the very life of God. We who were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1) are made alive in Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11).

1 Corinthians 15:45-46 “And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.”

The life given to Adam was “psuche,” which is natural human life. The natural came first. However, the last Adam, Jesus, is a lifegiving Spirit. The life He gives is “zoe,” the very life of God. When we are born again, we don’t receive natural life, but the actual uncreated eternal life of God. This life cannot be earned or worked for in any way (Ephesians 2:8-9). The only thing we desire in ourselves is death, but God offers us the free gift of His eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, or unmerited favor, and is received by turning from trusting in self (repentance) and then placing our trust in Jesus Christ (faith). He is the only source of life (1 John 5:12).

When we receive Jesus Christ, we receive eternal life. Eternal life is not something we enter into after death. Eternal life is ours now!

Jesus said,”. . .he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24). He also said, “. . .he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). We have already “. . .passed from death to life. . .” (John 3:14). 1 Timothy 4:8 states that we have the “. . . promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” Eternal life is ours, both now and forever! Hallelujah!

D. Christ — Our Life We who are in Christ are totally new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) partaking of God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This is true because 401

Foundational Discipling Principles

we were in Jesus when He died and when He resurrected (Romans 6:4-5). We are dead to the old life and alive in the new. Our life is now “. . . hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Christ now lives His life through us (Galatians 2:20). In fact, Jesus Christ is our life (Colossians 3:4; John 11:25-26, 14:6). For us to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21). Jesus is the Water of Life (John 8:12). He alone has the words of life (John 6:63, 68). Jesus Christ is indeed our life!

Eternal life is something we possess apart from Jesus Christ; He is eternal life.

E. A Living Relationship Christianity is not an institutional religion, a man-made tradition, a legalistic system of do’s and don’ts, nor a way of honoring a dead religious hero. Rather, Christianity is a living relationship with a living God! John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

We are saved and receive eternal life not just so we can escape Hell and live forever. Rather, we receive eternal life so that we can know God. It is impossible to know God without the Spirit of God revealing Him to us (1 Corinthians 2:9-14). It is possible to know a great deal about God without really knowing Him. It is not enough to have correct doctrine; we must have a living knowledge and relationship with our Lord.

We were created for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11). God has done everything necessary to reconcile us to Himself so that we can live in relationship with Him (Romans 5:11). We were made to know God intimately and He gives us His very life so that we can “. . . pursue the knowledge of the Lord” (Hosea 6:3).

Some people think that because they received the Lord when they were born again, they no longer have the need to seek God. This is not true! Being born again is just the beginning of our relationship with God, and we spend the rest of our lives getting to know Him (Hosea 6:6). What an incredible thought this is, that we can know the holy, loving, just, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent 402

Foundational Discipling Principles

Lord God Almighty! This knowledge of God is the only thing we should glory in.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus says the Lord: `Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.”

Eternal life is not a pie-in-the-sky, mansion-over-the-hilltop existence where we float on clouds playing shiny new harps. Eternal life is knowing God, ruling and reigning with Christ, fellowshipping with the Lord and His saints in the Spirit, and worshiping the Lord of lords and King of kings. Eternal life is abiding in God with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Eternal life is ours, both now and forever. Hallelujah!

“Blessed be the name of the Lord, for He is our God, almighty in eternity, exercising His lovingkindness and righteousness in the earth. Yes, You Lord are our delight. The more we know You and have our being in You, the more we love You and adore You. We are humbled that You would choose to dwell within Your people, to reign over the thrones of our hearts. We are Your possession, O Lord, to do Your will on earth, and to worship You forever and ever.

Glory and honor and praise and adoration belongs to You, Lord God. May Your principles be established in our hearts and result in glorifying Your name throughout the earth, bringing the nations to their knees before You, confessing You as God, the great I AM. Thank You, Lord, for all You are doing in us. Complete Your work in us, conforming us to the image of Your Son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray and give glory, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

403

VIII. BECOMING A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS Lesson One:

God is Looking for Worshipers

, A. Introduction

J

esus said that His Father is looking for worshipers, not just good people, not just nominal Christians, not even “converts,” but those who actually worship.

In these lessons entitled “Becoming a Kingdom of Priests” I will establish that worshipers are priests. We will also examine what it means to offer acceptable sacrifices and what will happen when we do. We will ascertain that we are part of an international network of worshipers, referred to in Scriptures as a “kingdom of priests.”

In this first lesson, I will present a prophetic view of this international restoration of praise and worship and will be challenged to be totally committed, as individuals and as Church leaders, to worship God in spirit and in truth.

B. The Search for Wholehearted Worshipers “But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”(John 4:23-24).

404

Foundational Discipling Principles

• Right now! Something is going on right now, right where you are!

• God is looking for something, right now. Think of this: as He’s looking at you, He’s looking for something.

• Two questions: Does He find a worshiper when He finds you? Does He find a worshiping Church when He finds your Church?

What does it mean to worship?

Definition No. 1: Worship is the act and attitude of wholeheartedly giving ourselves to God in Spirit, Soul, and Body.

• Act — Worship is something you actively do.

• Attitude — Worship involves a particular heart attitude (Matthew 15:8-9).

• Wholeheartedly — If it’s not wholehearted, it’s not worship.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. . .”

(Deuteronomy 6:5). Worship is wholehearted love for God expressed.

• Worship must involve self-giving (Romans 12:1).

• Spirit, Soul, and Body — “. . . with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

C. Becoming a Priesthood To understand the scope of what God is doing in calling us to worship, let’s carefully examine the Biblical concept of the Church as a priesthood, offering sacrifices.

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”(1 Peter 2:5) • We are “being built” — present progressive tense — it is going on now, it isn’t completed yet.

• We are becoming a priesthood. That means we are priests.

We need a new appreciation for the term “priest.” It is not just a figure of speech, it is who we are in Christ, Jesus.

Think of yourself as a priest. Use the term in your speech, in 405

Foundational Discipling Principles

your thinking. If you are a Christian, then you are a priest.

The term needs to be rescued from misuse and neglect.

The concept of priesthood was fundamental to the Reformation.

However, in these days, God is giving His people a new understanding of its meaning. Whereas in the Reformation, priesthood came to imply access to God, today we are seeing priesthood in terms of the worship in the presence of God. Definition No. 2: A Priest is: a. A Worshiper b. One who draws near to God (Exodus 19:22). c. One who offers gifts and sacrifices • According to Exodus 19:22, 24; 2, 28:43, 30:20; Deuter­ onomy 21:5 and Ezekiel 44:13, 15, priests are simply those who “draw near” to God. In precise terminology of the law, the word “priest” (“kohen” is the Hebrew word for priest) is used of one who may “draw near” to the Divine presence.

• The challenge to the New Testament worshipers is also to “draw near.” (Hebrews 10:22 — compare with vs. 39 — and James 4:8).

• New Covenant priests are those who draw near to God’s presence. You are a priest, if you are “drawing near” to God and not “shrinking back.”

D. The Great Tragedy “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . The people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was. (Exodus 19:5, 20:21) • God’s intention for Israel: a nation of priests! That everyone in Israel would be a priest. That everyone would draw near to His divine presence.

• Israel forfeited the promised privilege of being a kingdom of priests among the nations by not drawing near to God’s presence.

406

Foundational Discipling Principles

• As a result, God established a priestly tribe, the Levites, which was to “draw near.” (Exodus 28) • Even among the Levites, God had to make distinctions, because all of the priests did not “draw near.” (Exodus 44:10, 13, 15) E. The New Priesthood • Jesus Christ is the head of the new order of priests (Hebrews 7:15-19, 23-25).

• The Church is spoken of as the fulfillment of God’s desire for Israel. Compare Exodus 19:5 with the following text: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) • A royal priesthood. Not of the order of Levi, but of the order of Melchizedek, who was a king and a priest. (Genesis 14:18) • We are already that royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and we are becoming that priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). We are becoming the worshiping people that God has made us to be. “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins by His own blood, and has made us kings and priests (or a kingdom of priests) to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen.” (Revelation 1:6) • Many Christians know God loves us; • Fewer understand that we have truly been washed from our sins by His blood; but • Even fewer realize that He has made us to be a kingdom of priests! However, the number is growing!

Definition No. 3: The kingdom of priests is the international, transcultural, wholehearted, Spirit-filled community of reigning worshipers, in heaven and on earth.

Visualize the Church (starting at the local church) as an emerging international network of wholehearted worshipers under God. No matter what the people of this kingdom do for a living, all of them are priests. They all have a habit of drawing near to God’s presence. This is the significance of the worldwide awakening of God’s 407

Foundational Discipling Principles

people to wholehearted praise and worship. Just imagine the signs and wonders that will follow!

F. Restoration: The Three Phases of Church History (Ephesians 5:25-27) • C atholic emphasis — focus on the Lord’s Table (Eucharist), His sacrifice for us (Ephesians 5:25).

• Protestant or “Reformation” emphasis — focus on the ministry of the Word (Kerygma), and the washing of the water (Ephesians 5:26).

• “Third era” or “Restoration” emphasis — focus on ministry unto God (Leitourgeo), presenting ourselves to Him (Ephesians 5:27). The congregation is no longer the audience; God is the audience!

“You shall be named the Priests of the Lord. . . the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” (Isaiah 61:6, 11) We are seeing a tremendous international revival of praise and worship. Every tongue and tribe and people and nation is being represented in this emerging network of worshipers. From the local church to the nations, the worship of God is becoming our ultimate priority. We are, and are becoming, a kingdom of priests!

“Lord, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

408

Lesson Two:

Power of an Acceptable Sacrifice

, A. Introduction

W

hen Solomon offered an acceptable sacrifice, the fire of God fell and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. When Elijah offered an acceptable sacrifice, the fire of God fell and the nation of Israel was turned back to God. When David offered an acceptable sacrifice, a plague was turned back.

Do we really expect anything to happen when we offer our sacrifice of praise and worship? Do we understand New Covenant sacrifices? What is the difference between an acceptable and unacceptable sacrifice? I want to illustrate how God is going to release His power to and through the worshiping Church.

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) “Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (2 Chronicles 7:1) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (or service of worship). (Romans 12:1) 409

Foundational Discipling Principles

B. Definition Definition No. 4: Priestly sacrifice: A Biblical specified gift offered to God as a symbol of giving yourself. (2 Samuel 24:24; Romans 12:1) David said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). Whatever we offer the Lord, in service or in worship, must involve self-giving.

It is important, however, to distinguish between a thank offering and sin offering. Christ has offered once and for all the offering for our sins (Hebrews 7:26-27).

Our sacrifice to Him is simply a loving response to God’s sacrifice for us. Praise and worship is not a new gimmick to get Him to do something for us.

Principle No. 1: For every acceptable sacrifice, there is a divine response.

Principle No. 2: You cannot use worship to manipulate God (Matthew 20:20-21).

Biblical Examples of Acceptable Sacrifices: • N oah (Genesis 8:20, 9:17) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• Abraham (Genesis 15:8-21) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• Elijah (1 Kings 18:21-39) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• David (2 Samuel 24:25) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:6-7) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• Solomon (2 Chronicles 5:6; 7:1-3) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• Jonah (Jonah 2:9-10) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

• Jesus (Hebrews 10:14) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

410

Foundational Discipling Principles

• Early Church (Acts 16:25-30) An acceptable sacrifice/a divine response.

Effects of an Acceptable Sacrifice: • The glory of God in our midst. His presence (2 Chronicles 5 and 7).

• Power over our enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

• Financial provision (2 Chronicles 1:7; Isaiah 61:6).

• Deliverance from impossible situations (Jonah 2).

• Miracles (Acts 16:25-30).

• Release of Spiritual gifts and ministries (Romans 12:1, 6-8).

• Church growth (Acts 2:46-47; 13:2).

C. The Church that Sacrifices (Jeremiah 33:1-22) The restoration of the welfare of God’s people (including health, prosperity, security, deliverance, forgiveness, cleansing, honor among the nations, peace, etc.) is associated with the restoration of praise (Jeremiah 33:9), bringing the thank offerings into the house (Jeremiah 33:11), continual offerings and sacrifices (Jeremiah 33:18), and ministry unto the Lord (Jeremiah 33:21‑22).

Definition No. 5: A worshiping Church is comprised of “activated” worshipers. Definition No. 6: The priestly anointing is a quickening of the Holy Spirit, which authorizes and activates our priestly functions.

“Lord, anoint us as priests to offer the sacrifices that please You. We don’t desire to just go through the motions, but to present ourselves more totally to You for Your purpose. Move by Your mighty hand to accomplish Your works through us in this generation. And by Your grace, answer our offerings with Your fire! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

411

Lesson Three:

Acceptable and Unacceptable Sacrifices

, A. Introduction

I

n the first lesson, we learned that we are now and are becoming a priesthood. In this lesson I want to look at the ancient problem of unacceptable worship, and see the privilege of acceptable worship.

B. New Covenant Priests Offer Sacrifices “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) Many Christians have no idea that they are to offer sacrifices.

Some may even have a vague theological notion that the sacrificial system is over because of Christ’s “once and for all” offering for sin (Hebrews 7:25). And didn’t David say, “You do not desire sacrifice. . . You do not delight in burnt offering?” (Psalm 51:16) To understand we must see two important distinctions: • The distinction between a thank offering and a sin offering.

Jesus Christ has offered once and for all the offering for our sins (Hebrews 7:26-27). Our sacrifices are thank offerings, our responses to His finished work. Worship is not some new system of works whereby we gain acceptance with 412

Foundational Discipling Principles

God. Because of His blood, “let us draw near” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• The distinction between the outward symbols of our sacrifice and the inner reality of giving ourselves to God. The symbols or tokens of our devotion to God have changed from the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament to other symbols.

Even David understood this in his day. Following his comment that God does not desire sacrifice, he goes on to say: “The sacrifices of God are a broken and a contrite heart — these, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) And then: “Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness.” (Psalm 51:19.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (of worship: NAS).” Romans 12:1 Far from the sacrificial system being over, New Covenant sacrifices are to be continually offered! We are a royal priesthood, made to proclaim the bountiful praises of our wonderful God. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

(Hebrews 13:15) C. Unacceptable Sacrifices Now knowing that New Covenant believers should offer sacrifices, let’s carefully acknowledge that God is looking for a particular kind of worshiper — one who worships in Spirit and in truth.

If worship is not in harmony with God’s Spirit and in accordance with God’s truth, it is unacceptable.

“And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry.” (Genesis 4:4-5.

Definition No. 7: An unacceptable sacrifice is an offering that is offensive to God, violating either His Spirit or His truth.

413

Foundational Discipling Principles

Unacceptable worship has to do with: • worship of false gods; • worship of the true God and idols; • worship of the true God in a wrong way, and • worship of the true God in the right way with the wrong attitude.

Idolatry involves worshiping gods of our own making. It involves worshiping the creation rather than the Creator. Whenever a nation turns to idolatry, creating its own gods, God will deliver that nation to its enemies (2 Chronicles 36:14-17). Maintaining the true worship of the Living God, therefore, is essential to the welfare of a nation. A nation’s culture is simply an outworking of what that nation worships. Whatever you are willing to make sacrifices for is what you worship. The best gauge of what we truly worship is how we sacrificially spend our time, our money and energy. We need to carefully examine our hearts in this area.

Biblical examples of unacceptable sacrifices: • Cain’s sacrifice (Genesis 4:3-8).

• Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2).

• The worship of Baal and the Asherah under Ahab (1 Kings 16:30,33).

• Israel in Amos’ day (Amos 5:21-24, worship without justice).

• Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11, a dishonest sacrifice).

We need to have the courage as King Asa to pull down the foreign gods (2 Chronicles 14:3) first in our own lives. Then God will allow us to bind and loose the powers and principalities in the spiritual realm that affects the world around us.

D. Acceptable Sacrifices In order to be an effective priesthood, interceding for the nations, our nation, our city, and our neighborhoods, we must learn to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

414

Foundational Discipling Principles

Definition No. 8: An acceptable sacrifice is an offering that is pleasing to God, in harmony with His Spirit and in accordance with His truth.

Many Christian traditions have emphasized only one aspect of worship. Some have emphasized the Truth to the exclusion of the Spirit. Some have emphasized the Spirit to the exclusion of the Truth. Even David, in his enthusiastic attempt to bring the ark back to Jerusalem, had to learn the hard way that worship must be in accordance with God’s truth. (1 Chronicles 13:8-10) God’s presence will attend offerings that are in spirit and truth.

As I said earlier, worship is the act and attitude of giving ourselves to God — spirit, soul, and body. In learning “worship in accordance with truth” we will be enabled to give ourselves more completely to God — in Spirit and in Truth. And thus, we will see God’s power attend these sacrifices.

“Lord God, we desire to worship You in spirit and in truth. We want to present our offerings of worship as acceptable sacrifices, as a pleasant fragrance, pleasing to You. Help us understand and find joy in the reason for our being created for Your pleasure. We love You, Lord, and we bless Your name! We praise You in Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

415

Lesson Four:

Acts and Attitudes of Worship

, A. Introduction

W

orship is something that you do . . . it involves action. It is not passive experience. Now I will examine Biblically prescribed tokens of worship. But worship is not only action, it is also an attitude of heart. Let’s look at what the Scripture says about the inner dimension of worship.

It is possible to do the right thing in worship and have an unacceptable attitude (e.g. lifting hands with anger in your heart (1 Timothy 2:8). It is also possible to have a right heart yet worship in an unacceptable manner (2 Samuel 6:5-7).

It is my desire that through this lesson we may become those worshipers that please God in spirit and in truth.

B. Acts of Worship Worship is action. The Church is, and is becoming, a priesthood. We are learning to offer acceptable sacrifices. Priests are “appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices” (Hebrews 8:3). In learning to worship, we need to be reminded to come into His presence with gifts.

“No one is to appear before me empty-handed.” (Exodus 23:15) As I said earlier, a priestly sacrifice is a “biblically specified gift offered to God as a symbol of giving yourself.” Here are some of the Biblically prescribed tokens of worship: • Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18) • Vocal declaration (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 34:1; 89:1) 416

Foundational Discipling Principles

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Good works (Hebrews 13:16) Prayer (Revelation 5:8) The song (Psalm 40:3; Ephesians 5:18-21; Psalm 69:30-31) Instrumental music (Psalm 150; 1 Chronicles 15:28) Lifting of hands (1 Timothy 2:8; Psalm 63:4) Bowing down (Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 66:23) Dancing (2 Samuel 6:14; Psalm 149:3; 150:4) Clapping (Psalm 47:1) Shouting (Psalm 47:1) Offerings and tithes (Malachi 3:8-10) Any act of obedience to God in faith (Psalm 40:6-8) Etc., etc.

The relationship between the acts of worship and a life of worship is best defined as follows: Principle No. 3: The acts of worship are merely a reflection of a life already given to God and a rehearsal of future obedience to God. Broadly speaking, any act of obedience to God in faith is an acceptable sacrifice. The specific acts of worship are meant to be a regular rehearsal for our life of obedience.

“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate (to share with others) forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) These verses contrast vocal declaration (act of worship) with good works (the life of worship). In worship, we enact our submission to God. If we are not free to shout unto God, for instance, our ability to follow through in other areas of obedience will be hindered.

C. Acceptable Attitudes • Honesty (John 4:23, “in truth” = “in reality”) • In the Spirit (Philippians 3:3) 417

Foundational Discipling Principles

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Gratitude (Hebrews 12:28) Reverence (Hebrews 12:28) Faith (Hebrews 11:4) Humility and Brokenness (Psalm 51:15-19) Righteousness (Malachi 3:3) Purity (Leviticus 22:18-22) Joy (Philippians 4:4; 1 Chronicles 15:16) Wholeheartedness (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 Chronicles 29:6-9) Simplicity (Exodus 20:25 — a simple altar) Loyalty (Hosea 6:4,6 NAS) Justice (Amos 5:22-24) Self-giving (Ephesians 5:1; Romans 12:1)

“Lord, as we learn to be wholehearted in our worship, teach us also to learn to worship in harmony with Your Spirit and accordance with Your truth. Let Your word examine us in order that we may truly offer up history changing sacrifices in Christ Jesus. Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

418

Lesson Five:

Ministry Unto the Lord

, A. Introduction

T

he high calling of priests is to minister unto the Lord. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we will discover that our greatest privilege is to draw near to God for His sake, and not our own.

B. Two Kinds of Ministry “But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me. . . They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My table to minister to Me . . .” (Ezekiel 44:15-16)

This passage (Ezekiel 44:10-19) contrasts two kinds of ministry: One, ministry to the house (vs. 11); and two, ministry to the Lord (vs. 16). Ministry to the house involves the horizontal functions of ministry; ministry to the Lord involves vertical function of ministry.

Definition No. 9: Ministry unto the Lord is a drawing near to God for God’s sake, and not our own.

• Do we come to God primarily to ask Him to meet our needs or because He is worthy of our devotion and worship?

419

Foundational Discipling Principles

• He surely wants us all to come to Him in our need (Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 11:28), but that shouldn’t be the only reason we approach God. • Worshipers have a desire to give to the Lord, not just get. If we learn to be givers, we will discover that in our giving, it will be given to us (Luke 6:38).

• Coming into His presence with thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100:4) is coming to give, or coming to minister unto Him. C. Fragrant Incense • Intercession is an act of worship, an act of ministry unto the Lord. If we intercede in accordance with God’s truth, our requests will be like an aroma to God. • Incense is the symbol for intercession in the Scripture (Revelation 5:8; 8:3).

• Intercession is an “inner court ministry.” The altar of incense was the actual transition between the holy place and the holiest of all.

• The four “fragrant spices” (Exodus 30:34-35) for effective intercession: Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1; Petition (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1); Faith (James 5:15); Confession (James 5:16) • Petition without thanksgiving tends to be man-centered. Much of what we call intercession is not fragrant to God: it lacks thanksgiving, faith and/or confession.

• If our intercession is predominated by a sound of wailing rather than a sound of praise, we should ask ourselves if we have mixed the incense correctly.

D. Linen Garments and Sackcloth “When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. . . They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.” (Ezekiel 44:17-18)

420

Foundational Discipling Principles

“He (Mordecai) went as far as the square in front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.”

(Esther 4:2) • “Sackcloth” praying is petition without thanksgiving.

• “ Linen garments” speak of trusting in God’s ability and initiative rather than man’s. “. . . that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) • “Sweat” speaks of human effort and achievement.

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) • You cannot mix worry with prayer!

• Worship intercession is God-centered. It is for His sake.

E. Singing and Praying “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing. . .” (Acts 16:25) “Each one (of the elders) had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song. . .” (Revelation 5:8-9) • Paul and Silas mixed songs with their prayers. . . and the results were phenomenal!

• In heaven, the elders have a harp in one hand and bowls of incense in the other. May the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven! May we pray and sing, and sing and pray!

F. The Power to Bless Principle No. 4: The power to bless the world around you is a direct result of your ministry to the Lord.

“The Lord separated the tribe of Levi (the priests) to bear the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to Him and to bless in His name.” (Deuteronomy 10:8) Priests were appointed to: 1. bear the ark (this speaks of the presence of God) 421

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. minister unto God 3. to pronounce blessing When we minister unto God, we are empowered to bless.

Worshipers are blessors!

Imagine this kingdom of priests as an army of blessors throughout the nations. We don’t evangelize to get, but to give. Jesus went about “doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). We, like Abraham, are called to bless the nations (Galatians 3:8; Romans 4:13).

Priests always have the nations in mind (Isaiah 61:11; 57:7).

G. Application • In your personal prayer times, come before God with thanksgiving and praise. Then, in His presence, let your intercession be Spirit-led.

• When you are singing and worshiping be ready to make requests.

• Likewise, in the Church service, try to create an atmosphere in the worship times for spontaneous intercession. See it as an act of worship.

• Ministry to the needs of people will flow very naturally out of worship times.

• Be aware of the need to bind the powers of darkness and loose God’s provisions for His servants.

• Don’t allow worry to cancel the effects of your intercession.

“Lord, we thank You for teaching us how to best serve You. Thank You for all of Your provisions You give to us by Your precious grace.

You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. We praise You, almighty God, for the nations shall kneel before Your throne. Help us show the nations Your glory, Lord, so that those who desire to know You will come together to worship You in Spirit and in truth. We bless You and praise You, in the name above all names, Jesus Christ.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

422

Lesson Six:

Worship Evangelism

, A. Introduction

H

ow does the renewal in praise and worship in the Church relate to the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations? Why is it that worshiping churches are growing churches?

In this message we will discover a very strong Biblical relationship between our ministry to the Lord and our ministry to the world.

Worship evangelism could be summed up in this statement: If you really meet God, you will worship; and if you really worship, others will be drawn to God. B. Worship: the Goal of Evangelism • We are saved to worship (Exodus 7:16, 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13). God to Pharaoh: “Let my people go that they may worship me.” If we don’t become worshipers, the salvation process is frustrated.

• The Church is made for praise (1 Peter 2:9; 2 Chronicles 7:12) • (John 4:21-24) Jesus and woman at the well: an evangelistic encounter, and the topic of worship. Worship is not just for the veteran Christians, it is for the new believer, too. Immediately upon conversion, a new Christian should be instructed in worship. Even unbelievers will be interested in worship.

• The eternal gospel calls us to worship (Revelation 14:24-25).

• If you really meet God, you will worship (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

423

Foundational Discipling Principles

C. Evangelism: the Result of Worship A careful look at New Testament evangelism will reveal that evangelism is the by-product of people ministering to the Lord. They were more conscious of ministering unto the Lord than evangelizing, yet they evangelized! True evangelism should spring out of our love and devotion to God, not out of our mere duty.

1. The giving of the Great Commission (to take the gospel to the nations) followed a time of worship (Matthew 28:17).

2. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5, 11, 41 • A sound from heaven: same sound as Revelation 14:2-3.

• The sound of eternal worship • The 120 joined the “everlasting song” and their worship spilled out onto the street • Men from every nation heard them “singing a new song,” feared and put their trust into the Lord (See Psalm 40:3) • They asked: “Brothers, what shall we do?”

• 3000 were added to the Church.

3. Paul’s first missionary journey was the result of ministering unto the Lord (Acts 13:1-3) 4. The spread of the gospel in Philippi happened as “missionary priests” were “drawing near” to God in prayer (Acts 16:13, 16).

5. Evangelism: “a priestly duty.”

• (Romans 15:16, 9-11 NIV or NAS) Paul was a worshiper who evangelized. The desire to bring glory to God should be our motive for evangelism.

• (1 Peter 2:9) “To declare the praises. . .” Worship or evangelism? Both.

6. Acts 15:16-17) restoration of the Tabernacle of David (the Church as a worshiping people) so that all mankind would seek the Lord.

Worship Evangelism is abundantly illustrated in the Old Testament as well: 1. ( Daniel 2:19, 22, 27, 46-47) What Daniel said to God in worship was the same thing he said to the king in outreach. The king ended up confessing the same.

424

Foundational Discipling Principles

2. (2 Chronicles 9:3-9) The Queen saw the kingdom and the worship. She was overwhelmed and gave glory to God. 3. (Isaiah 6:1-9) A) Revelation of Christ, B) Revelation of angelic worship, C) Recognition of guilt, D) Cleansing, and E) Commissioning.

Commissioning came in an atmosphere of worship.

4. (Isaiah 61) this chapter is about priests (vs. 6) and the international revival of praise (vs. 11). Worshipers are anointed to preach, to heal, to set captives free, etc.

5. If you really worship, others will be drawn to the Lord (Psalm 40:3).

D. Worship Evangelism in the Psalms: Calling All Creation into Worship • (Psalm 18:49; 57:9-11; 108:3) Evangelism is declaring God’s praise among the nations.

• (Psalm 40:3) Evangelism, the result of praise.

• (Psalm 66:4) The whole earth is singing praise.

• (Psalm 67:3-5; 86:9; 99:2-3; 117:1) David calls on the nations to sing for joy.

• (Psalm 96:1-3, 7-8; 98:4-6; 100:1) David calls on the whole earth to praise God. • (Psalm 96:11-13; 145:10; 148:1-13) David calls on all of the created order to glorify God. • (Psalm 97:7; 138:1) The gods are commanded to worship the Lord.

• (Psalm 105:20-22) David instructs the angels to praise the Lord.

• (Psalm 138:4-5) David calls on the kings of the earth to praise the Lord.

• (Psalm 150:6) Every living thing is called on to praise the Lord.

Definition No. 10: Worship evangelism is wholehearted worshipers calling the whole world into wholehearted worship.

E. Getting Started • Be wholehearted in your worship to God, individually, in your family and in your church.

• Draw near to God regularly.

425

Foundational Discipling Principles

• • • •

Fill your life with gratitude and praise to God. Spend time in the presence of God ministering to Him. Ask Him to empower you to bless the world around you.

Get the “nations” in your heart. Be knowledgeable of their needs. You are a priest on their behalf.

• Let your relationship with the Lord become public.

• Consider a church activity of Praise in the Park, or a Praise Parade (reaching your city through praise).

• Pray for citywide demonstrations of unity and praise all around the world.

“Lord, God almighty, the desire of my heart is for the world, the nations, to worship You, for You are worthy of their praise and adoration. After all, You made them for your pleasure, and for relationship. Let them find their relationship in You, Lord, through Your holy Church. Restore the world into an attitude of worship, Lord.

Rise up Your priests, raise their voices with a mighty shout unto You, O Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

426

IX. WORSHIP AND VICTORY Lesson One:

The Spiritual Conflict

, A. Introduction

T

here is an increasing awareness worldwide that the Church is involved in a conflict with unseen powers and forces. There is also a growing understanding that there is a vital relationship between wholehearted worship and spiritual victory. In these sessions entitled “Worship and Victory,” I shall: 1. Go behind the scenes and see the spiritual nature of our warfare.

2. Better understand Satan’s plans to divert worship from God. 3. Realize that to be an effective “worshiping warrior,” we must know our identity and position in Christ.

4. Discover the relationship between being a priest (a worshiper) and a king (bearing Christ’s authority).

5. Learn God’s secret strategy for complete victory.

6. Actively participate in establishing God’s victory for your “city” — that part of the world where God has appointed you.

B. Worshipers Will Encounter Resistance “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

(Ephesians 6:12)

427

Foundational Discipling Principles

Not Against flesh and blood, but against unseen rulers, authorities, powers, and forces of darkness.

C. We Have Been Given Mighty Weapons to Pull Down These Strongholds “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.

On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

(2 Corinthians 10:3-4) D. The Power to Bind and Loose “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Again I tell you if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them.”

(Matthew 18:18-20) God has given His people on earth the power to affect the heavens.

What a neglected truth! How often do we tolerate the effects of the powers of darkness instead of binding them!

There are requirements. This can only happen when two conditions are met: One, we are gathered in His name; and two, we are able to spiritually agree on what we are asking.

Note: The Greek word for “agree” is “sumphoneo,” from which we get the word symphony. We must be in accord, like musical instruments in a symphony, tuned and in harmony. This underscores the need for unity in our worship.

He goes on to say that this amazing thing happens because: One, we are gathered in His name; and two, that He is there with us.

Gathering in His name = Gathering in His presence.

E. Worship and the Word in Warfare “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand. . . to bind their kings with chains” (NAS).

(Psalm 149:6-9) 428

Psalm 149, which I will deal with more fully in Lesson Six, gives us further insight into Jesus’ words about binding and loosening. It shows that those who bind and loose have the high praises of God in their mouths and a sharp sword (the word, Ephesians 6:17) in their hands; in other words, Word-centered worshipers.

It’s not enough to have the Word of God without the High Praises. It’s not enough to have High Praises without the Word of God. We should love the Word and love to worship. Such people will be effective against Satan’s dominion. Ask yourself: “Do I love the Word? Do I love to worship? Am I ready to bind the strongman?

F. Conclusion • Our conflict is not with people or circumstances; our conflict is with unseen powers.

• Worshipers wielding the Word of God have been entrusted an awesome authority to bind the powers of darkness.

• The authority of the Name of Jesus operates as we are in agreement (symphonized) in His presence.

G. Further Study (Revelation 12:7-11) The war in heaven spills out onto the earth.

The victory of the saints through the Blood, the word of their testimony, and the commitment to obedience, even if it meant death!

(Ephesians 3:10) The role of the Church in declaring God’s truth to the spiritual principalities.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your victory, Lord. We praise You as the Commander of the Heavenly Hosts! Thank You for allowing us authority in the Name of Jesus Christ over the powers of darkness. In Jesus’ Name we give You all the honor and glory and praise, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

429

Lesson Two:

Knowing Our Adversary

, A. Introduction

T

rue worship involves a spiritual conflict because Satan himself is dedicated to preventing true worship and diverting it to himself. No warfare strategy is complete without some knowledge of the enemy that is faced. Though we are not to dwell on Satan and his demons, neither are we to disregard them and thus give them room to operate undetected. They are a part (negatively speaking) of the whole picture of praise and worship. I will view the enemy (Satan and his followers) in three aspects: past, present, and future.

(Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-17 Ephesians 6:12) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Matthew 4:8-10 “Again the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘ All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you bow down and worship me.’

Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”

B. The Enemy’s Past 1. Isaiah 14:12-17) Information on Lucifer, “son of the morning:” 430

Foundational Discipling Principles

• • • • • •

His name is Lucifer (“light bearer” or “brilliant one”), (vs. 12); he has fallen from heaven, cast down to the ground, (vs.12); he has weakened the nations, (vs. 12); pride was his downfall, (vs. 13-17).

Five times Lucifer is recorded as saying, “I will. . .”

His willful rebellion caused his demise.

2. (Ezekiel 28:11-17) Further information on Satan, introduced here as the king of Tyre, the human expression of Satan. The following description leaves little room for doubt about the one with whom we are dealing.

• He was full of beauty, perfect in wisdom, (vs. 12); • he had lived in Eden, (vs. 13); • he seemed to have been intimately familiar with musical instruments (some even speculate that they may have been built into his body), (vs. 13); • he was perfect in all his ways, (vs. 14); • his heart was lifted up because of his beauty, (vs. 17); • as a result, he was cast to the ground (vs. 17).

3. In summary of these passages, we may safely gather that: • Satan was a created being with beauty and wisdom and a leader among the angels of heaven. (It is suggested that he was once one of the three archangels in heaven with Michael and Gabriel.)

• He seemed to have some musical responsibility in heaven and could well have been the praise leader in heaven.

• His pride was his downfall.

• His iniquity and rebellion have influenced the whole earth.

C. Jesus and Satan In the temptation scene described in Matthew 4 and Luke 4, the third and ultimate temptation presented to Jesus was to worship Satan.

This is the central issue of the whole world for all of time: whom will we worship? Jesus countered this with, “Get thee behind me, Satan, for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.’” At last the truth had come out about the 431

Foundational Discipling Principles

devil: He wanted the world to worship him and not God. He is set, with all his demons, opposing and resisting throughout the whole earth the true worship of the Living God. D. The Enemy’s Present 1. He still wants to be worshiped, (Matthew 4 and Luke 4).

2. He is still trying to exalt himself over the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

3. He is primarily a liar and an accuser (John 8:44; Revelation 12:10).

4. He is a vicious adversary to all those who are God’s children (1 Peter 5:8).

5. We wrestle against him and his demons (Ephesians 6:10).

6. We must resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7).

7. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

In summary, we can declare that the devil and his demons are our enemies, seeking not only to prevent our worship of God, but to recruit us to worship him. We must practice resistance and worship God and God alone.

E. The Enemy’s Future Because of what has happened through Christ’s death and resurrection, the future of Satan and his demons is firm.

• 1 John 3:8 states: “For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, to destroy the works of the devil.”

• Revelation 12:7-11; 20:7-10 Satan is overcome by the saints, and finally thrown into the lake of fire forever.

• Isaiah’s prophesy foretells that Satan “shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15).

• Ezekiel confirms the end of the devil as well: “. . .and never shalt thou be any more (Ezekiel 28:19).

F. Conclusion The devil is a fierce foe and opposes God in every way. He wants to be worshiped instead of God. His ferocious opposition will be a total failure in the end. Whereas Satan is a liar and an accuser, 432

Foundational Discipling Principles

constantly declaring falsehood, worshipers should continually use their mouths to declare God’s truth and praise Him (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 34:1; Revelation 12:11).

The ultimate issue of our lives here on planet earth is worship, that desire which has been created within us, and whom shall we worship and how?

G. For Further Study • (Luke 9:1) Jesus gives us power over evil spirits.

• (Luke 10:17-20) This is the report that the authority given us was valid and confirmed by Jesus. Note: When Jesus saw Satan fall from heaven, as the result of the obedience of simple disciples, He praised His Father in the Spirit!

• (Ephesians 1:15-23) God’s power has placed Christ over every principality and power.

“Lord God, thank You for the authority You graciously have given us over the powers of darkness. Thank You for showing us the ultimate outcome of our adversary. You, O Lord, are a shield about me and my protector. Raise up Your Church, Lord, as an army of worshipers of You, praising You for the victory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

433

Lesson Three:

The Worshiper’s Position in Christ

, A. Introduction

N

ow that we are aware of our adversary, let’s learn more about our High priest. Let’s see how He has already equipped us as worshipers to engage in a victorious campaign over the works of darkness. Many worshipers are unsuccessful in the conflict because of a sense of condemnation, a guilty conscience, or a lack of confidence.

The good news is that Jesus has already won the battle! It is essential that we have a working understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ so that we can be effective worshiping warriors! We must not attempt spiritual warfare without personal knowledge of what has already been accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ, Jesus!

B. The Finished Work 1. Jesus has already defeated Satan!

“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by it. . .” (Colossians 2:15)

It is accomplished already. It is a finished fact. . . Satan is defeated! When we bind the powers of darkness in worship (see Matthew 18:18 & Psalm 149:6-9). We are simply “carrying out the sentence written against them.” The sentence has been passed. It 434

Foundational Discipling Principles

is the result of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and rising from the dead. This is the basis of our victory in Christ.

2. Righteousness by Faith, Not Works!

We can neither earn salvation, nor earn our position because we are good or because we have kept all the rules (laws). See Galatians 3:9-14.

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. . . For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”

(Romans 3:22-24, 28) C. The Crucified/Resurrected Life Most believers know that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead. But few know that when He was crucified, we too were crucified, and when He was raised from the dead, we too were raised by the same power of God! “You have been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the workings of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12 NAS) Our crucifixion with Christ deals with our old nature, which was once toward the world and all it had to offer. Now we are dead to that.

“Our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”

(Romans 6:6) D. Worship and the Blood 1. The blood of Christ is the price paid for our position with Christ.

It is absolutely the highest price ever paid for anything, ever! (1 Peter 1:18-19) His blood is the constant reminder of the finished work of salvation. Were it not for His blood, we simply could not enter into the presence of God. The worship of God around the throne requires the pure white robes of righteousness — robes 435

Foundational Discipling Principles

made white by the blood. (Revelation 7:9-14) “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most High Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19-22) 2. How to draw near to God’s presence: • With sincerity (vs. 22). Worship without sincerity is mere ritual.

• With confidence and full assurance (vs. 19, 22). Satan is constantly accusing us, saying that we are not worthy to come boldly into God’s presence. Our simple answer: we are drawing near BY THE BLOOD! • With faith (vs. 22). It is impossible to please God. . . without faith (Hebrews 11:6). This applies to worship as well.

• Without guilt (vs. 22). We must know that our hearts have been sprinkled and our bodies have been washed.

3. We War with the Blood Satan cannot overpower us if we stand in the finished work of Christ, and declare it with our mouths.

“They (the saints) overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11) G. Conclusion Let’s conclude this lesson with a corporate confession of who we are in Christ. As we speak these words, be aware that we are overcoming the accuser of the brethren by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Then let us worship God together.

“Lord God, I am in Christ, and Christ is in me (John 14:20).

I am forgiven of sins through Christ (Acts 13:38).

436

Foundational Discipling Principles

I am dead to sin (Romans 6:2).

I am no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6).

I am being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

I am a holy temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:17).

I am made righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6).

I am protected from the evil one (John 17:15).”

“Praise You Lord, God, for all Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the victory over death through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank You for making us overcomers by the blood of the Lamb. We love You, Lord. You are worthy of all the glory, and honor and all praise! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

437

Lesson Four:

Spiritual Authority in Praise

, A. Introduction

I

n the last lesson, we learned that our position in Christ and His finished work on the cross is our only basis of victory as worshiping warriors. Now let’s learn how the acts of praise and worship release God’s power and authority.

In essence, praise is the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, His complete authority and power. In this study I will show that those who praise Him thereby also participate in the exercise of His authority and power. By looking at the relationship of kings and priests, we shall discover that “our worship with Him is directly related to our worship of Him.” (Jack Hayford, Worship His Majesty).

B. Jesus Has All Authority Definition: Authority is the inherent power, or ability, to act in behalf of one with inherent power.

1. There is no authority in the universe that is greater than the authority of Jesus. “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18) 2. There is no power in the universe that is greater than the power of Jesus. Christ is seated at the Father’s right hand “. . .far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that 438

Foundational Discipling Principles

can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything.” (Ephesians 1:21-22) C. God Wants Us to Participate in His Authority “. . . we will reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12) “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne. . .” (Revelation 3:21) To rule with Christ means: • To overcome the obstacles of life by His power (Romans 5:17); • To officially represent His kingdom to the needs of the world (Luke 9:1-2); and • To officially speak His Word with power (Matthew l0:7).

D. Kings and Priests “They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him. . .” (Revelation 20:6) “You are. . . a royal priesthood. . . that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness. . .” (1 Peter 2:9) 1. Kings rule; priests minister unto God. After Sinai, the priests came from the tribe of Levi and the kings were from the tribe of Judah. In contrast, however, the royal priesthood, of which Christ is the High Priest, is made up of priestly kings, or kings who worship and worshipers who rule. God’s intention for us as worshipers is that we rule. “Our function as worshiping priests is the key to our role as reigning kings. Our rulership with Him is directly related to our worship of Him. “(Jack Hayford, Worship His Majesty).

2. King David’s life is a testimony of this great truth. He was a worshiper of the highest caliber and he was Israel’s greatest king!

He represents to us a worshiper who reigned!

439

Foundational Discipling Principles

3. The book of Revelations, more than any other book in the Bible, reveals the truth of reigning with Christ. (Revelation 1:6; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4; 22:5) In most of these references, reigning is mentioned in conjunction with priests.

“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on earth.” (Revelation 5:10) By the way, this is the subject of one of heaven’s favorite hymns (vs. 9).

“They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him. . .” (Revelation 20:6) The atmosphere surrounding the throne of God is worship (Revelation 4, 5). As we come into God’s presence in worship, we are also in the atmosphere of His authority. The authority of God operates in the presence of God. The presence of God is among the praises of His people.

“But Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest (art enthroned upon) the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3) Ministering unto God in praise and worship is the key to participating with His power and authority. God is calling His Church to draw near to Him with sacrifices of praise. The result will be that new power and authority will be at work among His people for the whole world to witness.

E. Application • Call to mind the various characteristics of God. Example: His love, His Power, His faithfulness, His long-suffering, His mercy, His grace, etc.

• Begin to acknowledge these attributes to God. Personalize these statements. Example: “Lord, in my distress, Your great love and faithfulness have not changed. In fact, I have discovered your care in a brand new way!”

• As you begin to speak words of praise, offer them as a priestly sacrifice.

• Realize that God is giving you power to overcome.

440

• In times of corporate prayer and praise, allow God to lead you to exercise His authority in pulling down strongholds.

“Father, like seeds planted upon rich soil, allow Your Word to go deep within us and root strongly. May spiritual growth and maturity spring forth to bring before You all the honor and praise You so richly deserve. We are humbled by Your grace, Lord, for we know that what we deserve is not what You give. You give us robes and crowns and rings and allow us to worship You at Your holy throne.

You are a loving, caring and merciful God. Adoration and praise to You, forever and ever, in Jesus’ precious Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

441

Lesson Five:

God’s Strategy for Victory

, A. Introduction

2

Chronicles 20 records a story which represents a clear outline for victory through praise. I’ll use the King James version for this story: 1. Facts about Jehoshaphat, the king: • He was from the tribe of Judah (whose name means, “praise.”)

• He walked with God in the ways of David.

• He refused to consult with the followers of Baal.

• The Lord established the kingdom under his control.

• He sent teachers throughout the kingdom to teach the Word of God. • God blessed his reign and other nations brought tribute.

• Jehoshaphat made a mistake in the alliance with Ahab by marriage.

2. The Situation: • Several armies are moving against the kingdom ruled by Jehoshaphat.

• He called the people of Judah together for a fast to seek the Lord.

3. The Prayer (moved them into the proper procedure of praise) • It recognized God’s position (“. . . art thou not God in Heaven?” 20:6).

442

Foundational Discipling Principles

• It recognized God’s power (“. . . in thine hand is there not power and might?” 20:6).

• It recognized God’s past performances (“Art thou our God who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people, Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham, Thy friend, forever?” 20:7).

• It brought reliance and concentration on God (“. . . but our eyes are on thee.”20:12).

B. Jehoshaphat Understood God’s Strategy: 1. He started at the point of the problem.

He did not evade it.

• He did not underestimate it.

• He specified and clarified it.

2. He abandoned all trust in the flesh. He said, “Lord, we have no might against this great company, neither know we what to do.”

(20:12) • He confessed their impotence.

• He confessed their ignorance.

3. He completely concentrated on God. (“Our eyes are on thee. . .”

20:12) this is the mood of all praise. . . concentration on God. • Praise is not problem centered.

• Praise is not human centered.

• Praise is God centered!

4. They continued before God. (“And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their wives and little ones.” 20:14) • They were standing in expectation.

• They were standing in worship and praise.

5. God revealed the plan. (“Do not be afraid or dismayed by reason of their multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 20:15).

• The prophet heard from God and repeated what he heard.

• God revealed where the armies were coming from.

443

Foundational Discipling Principles

• God instructed the people that they did not need to fight but rather to stand still and see God’s salvation.

6. They committed themselves to obedience. They were commanded: “. . . go up and face them tomorrow and God will be with you.” (20:17) • Their faith in God was greater than their fear of the enemy.

• They took seriously the command NOT to be afraid.

• Their rejoicing was a sign of their belief that God’s promise was good.

7. There was praise and worship upon hearing from God. • The king led the way by falling down to worship (vs. 18).

• The people followed his example (vs. 18).

• The Levites and others stood to praise the Lord in song (vs. 19).

8. They went forward in praise.

• The choir led the march singing, “Praise the Lord, for His mercies endure forever!”

• At the moment they began praising the Lord, God sent ambushes against the enemy and they turned on each other.

• When God’s people reached the scene, the whole army was dead on the battlefield.

• God’s people were enriched by the spoils of war.

C. Conclusion No episode in the annals of military history compares with this story! It was a vital turning point in the history of the people of God. Yet, the value of this story extends into all future history as a valuable illustration of the steps which can be taken to secure victory in the spiritual realm for all of us. The story is worthy for reading of all people who would understand history, but is even more vital when retraced for the purpose of discovering what our procedures are to be when we walk in such crises as are inevitable to all who walk with God.

444

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Thank You, Lord, for all You have done to secure the victory on our behalf for Your Honor and praise. You reign in heaven and earth, and Your enemies shall fall to the earth and Your people shall shout out to You, ‘Praise, honor, and Glory to the Lord! He is worthy of all our praise! Glory to God in the highest!’ We stand before You, Lord, and we do not fear the enemy, for The Captain of The Heavenly Hosts has already rendered them toothless! Thank You Lord for Your might and power. We offer this to You in the Name of Jesus, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

445

Lesson Six:

Taking Your City

, A. Introduction

N

ow having studied God’s strategy for victory through the example of Jehoshaphat, let’s look at Psalm 149 and discover how we can take your “city,” that part of the world where God appointed you.

B. Fill Your Life and Your Congregation with Vigorous Praise!

“Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.” (Psalm 149:1-5) • Sing new songs of praise in your congregation (vs. 1).

• Let joy and gladness be the atmosphere of your praise (vs. 2).

• Dance for joy (vs. 3).

• Encourage instrumental music (vs. 3).

• Be reminded of God’s delight in you and His desire to bless you (vs. 4).

• Let your joy not just be at church, but consistent throughout your life, even when you are going to bed or rising up (vs. 5).

What does any of this have to do with spiritual warfare?

Everything! All these acts of worship represent the first step of spiritual warfare: submitting to God! 446

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

(James 4:7) Worship is submission to God (Romans 12:1 NAS). Worship is our first priority — everything else is secondary. Our first priority is not evangelism or warfare or anything else — it is worship! We can only resist the enemy after we have submitted to God. C. Warfare Flows Out of Worship “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the judgment written. . .”Psalm 149:6-9a This cannot be worked up. God prompts us in the midst of worship to enter into warfare. Let Him put His Word in our hands to wield. Keep in mind that the object of all this vengeance, punishment, binding, and judgment is not flesh and blood, but rather spiritual rulers and authorities, principalities, and demonic powers.

D. Know Your “City” and Its Particular Stronghold(s) “A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.” (Proverbs 21:22) This involves prayer and research concerning the history of the city. Let God give you revelation as to the actual names of the spiritual forces working against God’s purpose in your area.

E. Bind the Strongman, Then Take the City No plans will work as long as the ruling spiritual force is in power.

You can evangelize, march, go door-to-door, but there will be minimal results until you take the king and the demonic hierarchy. See Matthew 12:29.

F. Warfare is Corporate as Well as Individual “This is the glory of all His saints.”(Psalm 149:9b) 447

Foundational Discipling Principles

We all intercede for the city — individually and corporately.

Individual Christians are able to deal with individual demons, but principalities must be met with unified, corporate opposition. There is power in unity!

G. The Key is to Seek God! Seek God! Seek God! David sought God before every attack: 1 Samuel 23:2 “David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack. . . ?’”

1 Samuel 23:4 “Then David inquired of the Lord once again. . .”

2 Samuel 5:19 “And David inquired of the Lord, saying, `Shall I go up. . .?’”

2 Samuel 5:23 “And when David inquired of the Lord, He said, ‘You shall not go up. . .’”

There is no single way to wage warfare. There is no easy 1-2-3 formula for taking your city. We must hear from God. If we let God direct us, He will fight for us (2 Chronicles 20:15).

H. Conclusion God is challenging us to be effective “worshiping warriors.”

Let’s fill our lives with vigorous praise; • Let’s learn to move into spiritual warfare out of worship; • Know your city so as to effectively confront the principalities; • Be sensitive to God’s direction and timing in warfare.

Now, let’s pray for our city together!

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

448

X. LEADING WORSHIP Lesson One:

The Goals of a Worship Service

, A. Introduction

W

hy do we have a worship service? What should a time of worship accomplish? Does worship simply “warm up” the people for the ministry of the Word? In order for congregational worship to be meaningful, the leaders of that congregation need to agree on what they expect to happen when they worship.

B. 10 Reasons for Congregational Worship 1. To help people come into the presence of the Lord. “. . . come before His presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1-2) • Without singing, there is a measure of the presence of God that we will not know.

• Don’t think of worship as a “song service,” think of it as a progression into the manifested presence of God! • Lives are changed in God’s presence.

2. To glorify God and to enjoy Him. “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me. . .”(Psalm 50:23) “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11) 449

Foundational Discipling Principles

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13) 3. To help get the Word of God into our minds.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.., as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) • Singing God’s truth is a tremendous way to memorize scripture.

• The worship time is, among other things, a teaching time.

4. To stimulate the ministry of the Word of God. “While the minstrel played, the hand and power of the Lord came upon Elisha.” (2 Kings 3:15) 5. To stimulate the exercise of the gifts in the service.

• Praise and worship lead us into the presence of God, where the gifts of the Spirit operate freely.

• The response of the unbeliever in 1 Corinthians 14:25, when the gifts of the Spirit were in operation, was “God is really among you!”

6. To celebrate the finished work of Christ and our salvation history.

“To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood. . . to Him be glory and power for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:5-6) • Example: The song of Moses (Exodus 15) is a celebration of what God has done for His people.

• Psalm 136 is a review of Israel’s history in praise.

7. To quicken our awareness of the final outcome of history.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3) • As we bow in worship to God, we are just practicing for that day when all the earth will bow before Him!

450

Foundational Discipling Principles

8. To defeat the enemy.

“As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab, and they were defeated.” (2 Chronicles 20:22) • Praising people who love the Word will bind the enemy.

(Psalm 149:6-9) 9. To establish a spiritual throne for the Lord in our midst.

“You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3, NIV margin) • Praising people are stewards of Christ’s authority.

• His throne is upon our praises.

• He rules as we worship!

10. To help unify people.

“They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and shall flow together.” (Jeremiah 31:12) • Singing in the heights of God’s presence will cause a flowing together.

C. Taking an Inventory of Your Worship Service 1. How would you describe the value of your worship service?

2. What are the current reasons for worship in your church?

3. What would you like to see happen during your worship times?

4. Do you see the role of praise and worship changing? How? 5. What are the next steps for your church?

6. Other Comments and /or suggestions?

“Lord God, Creator of all, King of all, we worship You, for You alone are worthy of our praise. You have brought our foes under our feet, You have made us kings and priests to reign with You forever. You are raising Your Church, preparing Your Bride for Your return. You are restoring outward worship from within our hearts, how can we resist praising You Lord? How can we not take our cities for Your glory through worship of the Most High God? How can we not help but shout for joy for even thinking of Your return for Your Bride? As we worship You, Lord, and as we are preparing 451

Foundational Discipling Principles

Your Bride for Your return, may You receive joy as a love offering from Your people. Bless the name of the Lord, in whose Name we pray, Jesus Christ, Amen!�

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

452

Lesson Two:

Preparation for Worship

, A. Introduction

I

f the goal of worship is to bring the participants into the presence of God, then the preparation of worship becomes very important.

“Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway!

Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples.” (Isaiah 62:10) The job of the worship leader is to facilitate the people coming into the presence of God. He/she must “take the stones out of the road” — those things that would cause them to stumble as they are entering the presence of the Lord. Stumbling blocks could be something as simple as: • An instrument out of tune.

• Being unsure of the melody.

• Playing a song in the wrong key or with wrong chords.

• A poor transition between songs.

• Lack of unity among the singers/musicians.

• Lack of skill among the singers/musicians.

• Weak or inappropriate songs.

• Having an indecent look that would be distracting, such as short dresses, low cut blouses, unkempt countenance or poor grooming.

• Lack of spiritual preparedness, etc.

453

Foundational Discipling Principles

B. Spiritual Preparation 1. Be a worshiper.

• This will create an atmosphere for God to dwell in and He will give you direction, as your spirit is open to Him. • You should not try to lead worship if you are not living a life of worship.

2. Live in the Word.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.., as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16) • This is a vital discipline for all worshipers, but especially worship leaders.

3. Pray. . . ask the Lord to: • Give you direction (the goals) for the service.

• Give you an inspired song list.

• Make you sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

• To use you in a special way to bless Him and lead His people into His presence.

• Draw the congregation into wholehearted worship.

• Save, heal, change and deliver people because of the power of His presence in worship.

• Move in signs and wonders upon the praises of His people.

C. Musical Preparation 1. Prepare a song list.

• Prayerfully list the songs the Lord gives you.

• Prepare the list with songs that are in the same key or in keys that will flow together smoothly or segue into one another.

2. Rehearse the songs with your musicians.

• Play and sing the song service as if it were not a rehearsal.

• Work on modulations in songs and transitions between songs.

I’ll cover this more in Lesson Three: “Continuity in Worship” in this segment.

• Make the necessary changes as you go.

454

Foundational Discipling Principles

• Check with the singers and players to make sure their questions or concerns are answered.

4. Worship with the musicians in rehearsal.

• After you learn the actual music of the songs, practice spontaneous singing, or “spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19) with the worship team.

• This prepares everyone for the spontaneous element that will occur in the actual service.

5. Also, see “Building a Worship Team” in Lesson Five of this segment.

D. Physical Preparation 1. Be punctual: Musicians should arrive to the meeting early to tune their instruments and prepare their hearts for leading worship.

2. Displaying the words: You may find it helpful to display the words of the songs to the congregation, using 1-2 overhead projectors.

• This works particularly well with new songs.

• Whoever is responsible for operating these is a part of the worship team, and must also do it as unto the Lord.

3. PA system: Make sure all the equipment is functioning properly so as to not interrupt or disturb the worship service.

4. Music/song list: Give each participant a copy of the song list including the key of the songs.

• Each participant needs a copy of the song and/or music, as well.

5. Your physical well-being.

• Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:16).

• Rest well so your mind is alert to the Holy Spirit.

455

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. The Fruit of Preparation “To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.” (Proverbs 16:1) If a man prepares his heart, God will speak through him.

Likewise, if worship musicians make appropriate preparation for corporate worship, God will show forth His glory.

“Lord, it is our desire to be fruitful in our worship of You, Lord. We don’t want to be coming to You in a professional, worldly way. We want to come before Your presence finely tuned, mentally ready, and with our hearts prepared for worship. We want our praises to be as a sweet fragrance for You, Lord. We want all the peoples of the world to be moved toward You by our worship of You. Thank You, Lord for Your blessings and Your grace. Glory, honor, and praise to You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

456

Lesson Three:

Continuity in Worship

, A. Introduction

O

ne of the recent developments in the Church’s understanding of worship has to do with the difference between a “song service” and a “worship service.” A song service can be a loosely connected collection of “our favorite songs,” whereas a worship service has direction. It is taking us somewhere!

Therefore, a fundamental concept in worship is that of continuity — the flow of worship. Let’s learn how we, as worship leaders, can facilitate a feeling of continuity in our services.

B. Worship is a Progression “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

(Psalm 100:4) There is a general progression of worship we find in Scripture.

It is not, however, a rigid formula. Be flexible and sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

1. Start with songs of thanksgiving and rejoicing.

• “Enter His gates with thanksgiving. . .” (Psalm 100:4) • “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.” (Psalm 95:2) 457

Foundational Discipling Principles

• These are generally faster, livelier, louder, and more joyful than other songs.

2. Transition into songs of praise and exultation.

The mood may shift to songs that are slower and broader, for instance: “Majesty” or “All Hail King Jesus.”

3. Enter into deeper worship or “spiritual songs.”

• This could be a very simple song like “Hallelujah” or “O Come Let Us Adore Him” that can be sung from the depth of our being with very little instrumentation necessary.

• This could be spontaneous singing which might include “free form worship” wherein we corporately sing our prayers, or sing psalms or other scriptures, or even sing out prophetically.

• The early Church sang “spiritual songs.” This was probably the music that was later codified by Pope Gregory into what we now call the “Gregorian Chant.”

4. Revelation As we worship God in spirit and truth, God will reveal Himself to us in a special way, possibly through: • a personal insight or word of direction, or • a new understanding of a scripture, or • through an anointed utterance, or • a renewed sense of God’s favor and grace.

• Humbly expect God’s response to our worship.

Scriptural examples of this pattern: 1. Psalm 95 • Thanksgiving (vs. 1-2) • Praise (vs. 3-4) • Worship (vs. 6-7) • Revelation (vs. 7b-8) 2. Psalm 96 • Thanksgiving (vs. 1-3) 458

Foundational Discipling Principles

• Praise (vs. 4-8) • Worship (vs. 9) Don’t try to force the pattern.

1. The terms “thanksgiving,” “praise,” and “worship” are not meant to create an exact science of worship. God is more interested in the correctness of attitude than a formula for relating to Him. 2. Another helpful approach to this progression is in the New Testa­ ment terms: Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This includes these three accompanying words: celebration, adoration, and revelation.

E. Building Continuity Moving from one song to another with a sense of progression (going somewhere), requires a consideration of four factors: 1. Tempo. Sing a couple of songs at the same tempo before moving to a new tempo. Don’t go from a fast song to a slow song and then back to a fast song.

2. Keys. Don’t change back and forth between keys. Modulate up to a new key either by half steps or whole steps either during a song or between songs.

3. Meter. Be conscious of the time signature of songs. Example 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, etc. Don’t jump back and forth between different meters. When you do change from one meter to another, build a smooth transition.

4. Theme or mood. Songs will create a “feel” both by the words and the musical style. Don’t try to jump too far from one feel to another. For instance, don’t go from a song of deep repentance to a light-hearted song.

459

Foundational Discipling Principles

Hindrances to a smooth flow in worship: 1. Talking too much. Although there are occasions for the worship leader to exhort, excessive talking between songs causes a break in the continuity or progression of worship.

2. Blank spots. Build musical bridges between songs. If you stop a song abruptly, the progression will stop and have to start over again.

3. Teaching new songs. Have the singers introduce a new song at the beginning of the service. In some cases, let the people know that they are being prepared because you’ll be doing the song again later in the service. Don’t try to introduce a new song once a progression of songs has begun.

G. Example of a Worship Time with Continuity The following songs illustrate a 20 - 30 minute worship time with continuity. It is not intended to suggest how long your worship service should last; that’s up to the Lord! It is just a tool using examples to illustrate continuity: Title

This Is The Day We Bring The Sacrifice All Hail King Jesus All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name (Free Praise) Worthy Is The Lamb

To Him Who Sits On The Throne

Key

Eb, F

Tempo

Meter

F

Fast 4/4 Fast (slow 4/4 last) Medium 4/4

F

Medium

F

Theme

Rejoicing Praise Praise

4/4

Majestic

4/4

Praise

Bb, C

Slow

4/4

Worship

C

Slow

4/4

worship

460

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Lord God, we come to You recognizing Your majesty and splendor.

We are humbled in Your presence, yet desire to come closer than ever before. We stand in awe of Your magnificent power, and confident in Your Word. You are worthy of all praise, honor, glory and all the affection and love we can give. Fill Your vessels to overflowing worship, Lord. Make Your people ready. Come for Your perfected Bride, O Lord. Deliver Your Church. Raise her up before the nations, Lord, to Your glory, so that all the kings of the earth and all their peoples will bow down before You and give You all praise and honor. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

461

Lesson Four:

The Worship Musician

, A. Introduction

E

veryone in the kingdom of God should be a worshiper. But not all worshipers are musicians. And not all musicians are worshipers. The need in the Body of Christ is not just for talented musicians, but anointed worshipers who are skilled musicians — “worship musicians.”

“All the Levites who were musicians — Asaph, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives — stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: `He is good; His love endures forever.’ Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.” (2 Chronicles 5:12-14) B. The Power of Music Evil spirits flee anointed music.

462

Foundational Discipling Principles

“. . .when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took an harp, and played with his hand so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (1 Samuel 16:18, 23) Enemies are defeated when musicians praise.

1. J oshua at Jericho. “. . .when the people heard the sound of the trumpet. . . the people shouted with a great shout. . . the wall fell down flat. . . and they took the city.” (Joshua 6:20) 2. Gideon. “And the three companies blew the trumpets and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal; and they cried, `the sword of the Lord, and of Gideon’. . . and all the host ran and cried and fled.” (Judges 7:20-21) 3. Judah and Jeroboam. “When Judah looked back, behold the battle was before and behind; and they cried unto the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.”

(2 Chronicles 13:14-17) C. The Role of the Worship Musician Worship musician defined: The worship musician is a musician called and anointed by God to minister in the house of God by helping the congregation in worship and ministering unto the Lord. This ministry is a high calling commanded by God. (2 Chronicles 29:25) D. The Qualifications of a Worship Musician All worship musicians should be of sound moral and spiritual character, and should aspire to excellence in their musicality. They should not be proud, but teachable, cooperative, and responsible.

They should not be in it to make a name for themselves, but to serve.

The same qualifications for deacons apply to church musicians (1 Timothy 3:8). They should be involved, not just because they are musicians, but because they are consecrated musicians, having devoted themselves to musical ministry unto the Lord.

463

Foundational Discipling Principles

E. The Consecration of a Worship Musician It is vital for the sake of worshiping churches that church musicians move beyond talent into worship. Skillful, consecrated, anointed musicians are coming forth. They are taking the time to connect their musical craft with the power of God, like David did (1 Samuel 16:23). They are prophesying on their instruments and lives are being changed (1 Samuel 10:5-6).

Be encouraged with the high calling you have as a worshiping musician.

Be determined as David was: “My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all of my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! . . . I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.”

“Lord, we offer our lives, our musical training, and everything we have to worship You. Increase our skills and the power of God in the music. Let us be part of the demonstration of worship unto You, O Lord. Put within us the heart of praise of David. Thank You, Lord.

We ask and offer this in Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

464

Lesson Five:

Involving Your Congregation

, A. Introduction

E

veryone in the congregation should see himself as a priest, regardless of his vocation. Worship is not a spectator activity; it is designed for everyone’s participation. The congregation is not the audience; God is the audience! Part of a worship leader’s task is to involve everyone in the worship life of the church.

B. The Power of Congregational Worship • On the Day of Pentecost, the 120 believers were in one accord (Acts 2:1) and the sound of their worship drew thousands (Acts 2:6-11).

• Unified worship: The worshipers worshiped “as with one voice” and the glory of the Lord fell. (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)

C. Building a Worship Team to Aid Congregational Worship To help the congregation enter into worship, it is very helpful to have a group of dedicated worship musicians. Therefore, let’s look at what is involved in building a Worship Team! The worship team is to stimulate acceptable sacrifices from the congregation. The worship team is made up of the worship leader or leaders, the key instrumentalist (either piano and/or guitar), other worship singers, and other instrumentalists.

465

Foundational Discipling Principles

Clear communications between the worship leader and the key instrumentalist is vital. Signals should be established to know when to modulate, when to end a song, when to repeat the chorus, what kind of transition between songs is coming up, etc. Planning the worship service will cover much of this, but these signals are necessary for flexibility in the live service.

Worship singers may consist of an ensemble of three or four key singers, as well as a choir. It is helpful to the worship leader to have this smaller group to insure that the basic song, harmony, and answering parts are communicated to the congregation. The larger choir can sing in unison if need be.

Other instrumentalists: Beyond the piano and guitar, we should ask the Lord to send many other musicians, such as bass guitar, a drummer, percussionist, flutes, trumpets, saxophonist, trombonist, French horns, clarinets, strings, etc.

Regular rehearsals are necessary for the worship team to learn to minister in the Spirit together as a group. Rehearsal isn’t just about learning songs. It is a time of learning to enter into the Lord’s presence, learning to worship in spirit and in truth, learning their position in ministry and how to pull down strongholds, and help the congregation in warfare before the Lord; to usher in the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders.

D. The Worship Leader and the Congregation 1. David was a man after God’s heart. He sang, praised, worshiped, cried, danced, and shouted. More than anything, he wanted to be with God. 2. Worship should be an enjoyable experience. David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, `Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1) 3. Most people will participate if it is enjoyable. The spirit of worship is joy!

• Be more conscious of worshiping than of leading. People will respond to your heart.

• Be wholehearted in your worship. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions.

466

Foundational Discipling Principles

• Take the people where they are. Be aware of what they know and they don’t.

• Pick songs that the people know. If you sing a more complicated song, use a song sheet or overhead.

• Don’t try to push people into worship. Don’t coerce people.

Just leave the door open in front of them, but let the Holy Spirit draw them in.

• Don’t get in a rut. Keep fresh. The congregation will always respond to something fresh.

• Involve members of the congregation with responsive readings, having them read your text, etc.

• Pray for signs and wonders to accompany your worship time.

The congregation will be eager to be involved in worship.

• Don’t allow you and your team to become the only worshipers in the meeting.

• Don’t let the worship team become the performance group.

E. Summary To involve your congregation in worship, be a worshiper, build a worship team, know where the people are and move from there.

Great things will accompany the worshiping Church!

“Father God, build Your worship ministry, Lord. Call Your singers, Your instrumentalists, Your worshipers to come before You with praise and worship in their hearts for who You are, Lord. Let the nations hear Your Church praise You that they too shall come before You to honor Your Name! Raise this ministry as never before, Lord, we ask in the precious Name of Jesus, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

467

Lesson Six:

Practical Guidelines

, A. Introduction

W

orship is not so mysterious that it is beyond some good common sense. The following is simply a list of practical suggestions that will help you as a worship leader to enter the presence of the Lord and lead others there as well.

B. The Attitude of the Worship Leader • Be enthusiastic and positive. Smile. Let your face reflect His glory and joy.

• Be in charge. Don’t be too timid.

• Lead by example. Set the example in active involvement.

Example: clapping, shouting, lifting hands, etc.

• Be an encourager.

C. Suggestions While Leading Worship • Be sensitive to the people. Know if they are tired or whatever.

• Be prepared and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The two are not mutually exclusive.

• Effective worship leading is a response to the moving of the Holy Spirit. Constantly be listening for His direction.

• Don’t get in a hurry. Allow time for the Holy Spirit to move.

• Change the mood of things by letting the women sing a verse and then the men, let the congregation sing a cappella, sing simple rounds or songs with answering parts, etc.

468

Foundational Discipling Principles

D. Range and Keys of Songs Comfortable range is C to C. Lower limit: A or Bb. Upper limit: D or Eb. Worship songs generally need to be sung in a lower range than praise songs.

E. Communication and Coordination 1. Provide a list of songs with keys (or the songs themselves on sheets, in order) to the musicians before the service.

2. Meet before the service to review the plans and pray together.

(The prayer times before the services are to prepare your hearts to go before the Lord, seek the Holy Spirit and begin praising God for who He is and for what He will do in the service!)

3. Create hand signals that would communicate: • Tempo changes.

• Modulation or key changes.

• Directions within a song, e.g., repeat the last phrase.

• Volume changes.

• What kind of transition between songs.

4. The worship leader and key musicians should stay in touch with each other (eye contact, etc.), so don’t get so “lost in worship” that you don’t know what is going on.

5. Now, go have a great time leading worship!

“Praise You Lord! Holy is Your Name! You are the God of grace and mercy and forgiveness and power and glory. You are the God of Israel, the God of the early Church, the God of yesterday, today, and forever. You have redeemed Your people for Your pleasure and given us robes and crowns and rings, and by grace and the blood of Jesus You allow us into Your throne room to worship You with all the saints and elders in heaven. Thank You, gracious Lord. What an honor it is to be a worshiper of the most high God! We pray and offer sacrifices of praise in the name of Jesus, Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube 469

XI. PRINCIPLES OF PRESBYTERY

, A. Introduction

P

resbytery is not used much today, but it is a strong biblical practice and principle that imparts encouragement, excitement through strong foundational doctrine, and spiritual truths. A pattern of presbytery is the laying on of hands, which is very rewarding for the body of Christ. As we are washed in obedience by the word of God and are led by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is important that you understand and include the teaching of the foundational principle of presbytery. The laying on of hands by the presbytery is part of God’s foundational doctrines for His church.

You may ask, “What’s presbytery?” It’s actually from the Greek word, “presbuterion,” meaning a body of elders, or order of elders.

It is translated as “elders” in Luke 22:66 and Acts 22:5, and translated “presbytery” in 1 Timothy 4:14. It says, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”

(1 Timothy 4:14-15).

B. The Call to Serve Paul left Timothy at Ephesus to shepherd and teach the flock there.

He gave Timothy a lot of responsibility. When God calls your pastor to a new work, which He will do soon, then there will be one raised up to take his place and to carry on the work of the Lord’s calling. In fact, there will be more elders raised up here soon, for it is needed.

Before leaving Timothy in such an important position, Paul wanted 470

Foundational Discipling Principles

to make sure that Timothy was adequately equipped to fulfill the ministry he was called to.

Paul wanted to make sure that he had everything that he needed, as evidenced in the Scriptures that there was a particular time when the elders laid hands upon him as Paul said “which was given you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery.” The gifts were bestowed upon him at that time; a type of ordination.

There were three things that were accomplished at the time that this was done.

1. There was a laying on of hands by the elders.

2. There was a prophetic word uttered by one or more of the elders.

3. By the laying on of hands and by the prophetic word, a gift or gifts were imparted to Timothy.

C. The Purpose of the Presbytery A presbytery is a group of two or more proven leaders, anointed of God with prophetic gifts to confirm and impart God’s mind to certain individuals through the laying on of hands whereby the whole church is strengthened. This group is called together by the elders whenever there is a need for individual, prophetic guidance in the local body.

God has showed me that He would like to see this happen every six months for new members, and once a year for the whole body.

Why? Because it does encourage and it builds up the body of Christ, imparting a current, like electricity, going through you to keep you all going throughout the rest of the year. It is an event that is to be treated with reverence and respect, with a sense of expectation and anticipation for the body, because what we are literally doing is asking for God’s mind, the mind of Christ, to be shared among us through prophetic utterance. It is powerful! It’s a time when God speaks to confirm ministry callings and to impart the gifts necessary for the function of that ministry.

Some of the flock are asking, “What am I supposed to be doing, God? What is my function?” In all of the times that I have participated in the presbytery, I have never seen a time when God hasn’t answered in some life-changing, prophetic way. Also, some feel that the Lord has given them some direction, some function. The 471

Foundational Discipling Principles

presbytery will impart confirmation of that call and bestow the gift upon them to fulfill that vocation.

There is also encouragement through exhortation that strengthens the whole body. Ministry calls and gifts are confirmed to individuals, to the entire body, and to those who are responsible for preparing and training them. You may be called to a certain ministry and the Lord says, “You’ve been called to this ministry, etc.” Thus, it also adds responsibility and accountability to the leadership and to the body as a whole to train, equip, and edify with prayer those who have been called to service.

D. Preparation The entire church is to be prepared for presbytery through prayer, fasting, and a worshipful attitude. The body needs to do everything they can individually and corporately do to get their prayer lives in line; to fast as they are able according to their health and discipline (there is something those people with poor health can still fast of); and in all things they do, worship God. E. Who are the Presbyters?

Presbyters are usually men and women of God who are recognized as elders within the body of Christ, and function within one of the five fold ministries. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:1-12). The presbytery must function in one of the five fold ministries. They can be of the same local church, but for added confirmation and blessing they should be elders of another church to whom the candidates are unknown. In some of the presbyteries I’ve been involved with in the past, I have known some of the candidates as acquaintances, but not as close friends, so that familiarity did not breed contempt.

Once this principle has been taught and practiced within a local body, the true understanding of presbytery is present and continual outside presbyters may not always be required. If presbyters are used from your body, they must be of high reputation. They must be considered faithful and godly, and lead a true life of holiness, known 472

Foundational Discipling Principles

and respected by leadership, mature and spiritually and doctrinally sound. Not a novice in spiritual things, nor influenced by money, they must be able to flow in the gift of prophecy. If you ever feel the calling to be a presbyter, then these are the qualifications.

F. What is the Function of a Presbyter?

After considerable prayer by the elders, the candidates are set apart to receive from the presbyters. The senior pastor will give the order in which each person comes forward, with couples staying together.

The presbyters will let the senior pastor know how many they can handle in one day or night. Depending upon the number of candidates, this may take several meetings, or days, to complete all of the candidates. The presbyters also pray, fast, and wash themselves through the word in preparation. They remain prayerful throughout the time they are ministering. The presbyters will prophecy over the candidates one at a time, as long as the prophetic mantle is upon them. They will remain in order and will not interrupt one another.

They will wait on the Lord and know that they are hearing His voice. They take this very seriously with considerable prayer. If the Lord does not give them a word for the candidate, they will not speak. Presbyters are human! They can miss the Lord. But you’ll know it, and they’ll know it, too. They will be quick to repent if that happens, for they will have a humble spirit.

One will not have the whole of what God wants to say. God will not give it all to one of them; He’ll split it up between them. Only God can see all facets, all sides at once, for He is omnipresent. He shows us each a part of the whole, causing us to need one another to get the whole picture, the whole story, and the whole truth. He will not give the whole to one. “This will be the third time I am coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” 2 Corinthians 13:1, (Acts 18:1 was his first visit; 2 Corinthians 2:1 was his painful second visit, and here he tells of his forthcoming third visit). “Two or three witnesses” was a part of the application of the Jewish rules of evidence, which all understood at that time. This is biblical and important.

Prophecy is not going to be coached, it will be a flow. It may include one or several types of prophecies. It may be foretelling, or 473

Foundational Discipling Principles

speaking of something to come; it could be confirmation; it could be of comfort; and it could be of exhortation and/or correction. “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophecy one by one, that all may learn and all be encouraged. And the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”(1 Corinthians 14:29-32) This is how the presbyters must function.

G. What about the candidates?

“Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium” (Acts 16:1-2). Notice Timothy was well spoken of. “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:17). Notice Timothy is beloved and faithful. These are qualifications to be a candidate of presbytery. He had been water baptized and baptized in the Spirit, he had a good reputation among the brethren, and was considered faithful by the leadership of the church.

What are the responsibilities of the candidates? First, candidates must prepare themselves through fasting and praying, seeking God with an open and yielded heart. It is important not to go into this without being open minded, open hearted and yielded unto God. If they go in with any pre-conceived ideas about what is going to happen, they’ll probably be disappointed. If God wants to give a rebuke to someone, the presbyters will probably stay silent and take that person off to the side rather than cause any embarrassment. This is to be kept as an uplifting experience. But God’s will be done!

Candidates need to come with a sense of expectation, not preconception, and anticipation that God is going to speak to them and impart life! They will not come out of this the same as they are now.

Unless someone’s heart is hardened, not one will remain the same.

The receiver of the prophecy is to pray over the word they receive, asking God to prepare their heart for that which God is calling them. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a 474

Foundational Discipling Principles

worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) The candidate should have a scriptural respect for the leaders in the church who are in authority over them, and seeking ministry from God with an attitude of humility. There should be no pride allowed over the things that may be spoken, even if they are unique and great. Do not be proud over it, nor let it frighten, for God is the equipper.

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for `God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

(1 Peter 5:5) Prophecy must be received by faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

“Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: `For a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.’ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:3539). God’s words to us are conditional. The prophecies received will be conditional.

He expects an active participation on the part of the receiver.

“Well, if I’m supposed to lead Israel to the Lord, then I’ll just sit here and wait for God to magically pick me up and move me over there.” The receiver must actively seek the word given. They must have the patience to see God work through all the obstacles by the manifestation of His word. No, the receiver cannot make it happen, but must be a willing participant. They must be tenacious to the 475

Foundational Discipling Principles

finish no matter how much time is involved through obedience to the word by being doers.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).

If the hearer of the prophecy just sits there and soaks it in like a sponge and does nothing, then he is operating as his natural man (vs 23).

“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25) Abraham continued to walk in obedience to the command that God gave him while waiting for the fulfillment of prophecy that he would get a son. He didn’t just lie in his tent and wait around.

He and Sarah just didn’t stay away from each other and expect to get pregnant either. Not meaning to be crass, they had to be doers!

That’s a fact of life. Abraham continued to walk in obedience to what he knew to be true, even while he was waiting on the fulfillment of the prophecy, through God’s perfect timing.

The word needs to be tested.

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck. . .”

(1 Timothy 1:18-19).

The word will be tested by the light of the receiver, and the receiver will probably have to do warfare concerning the word given. To take the Promised Land, warfare is usually required. We have an enemy who wants to keep us from walking in the victory of God’s word and His promises.

The enemy’s greatest weapon is doubt. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven 476

Foundational Discipling Principles

and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) The light of the receiver will be tested. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

If Satan can keep them from abiding in Christ, then the prophecy will not be fulfilled. He’ll try to tempt them by having them take matters into their own hands. Yes, we are to be active participants, but not so zealous as to go ahead of God’s timing.

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) God tests those He speaks to. Throughout the word, every time God has spoken to someone He has tested them. Jonah was tested.

Isaiah was tested. Jeremiah was tested. Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Paul, Peter and all that heard and will hear from the Lord will be tested.

Moses received a word that he was going to deliver the people of Israel. But this word was tested for forty years before it was brought to reality. Actually, God knew when Moses was born that he was to be the deliverer of Israel. 8o years before Moses began his ministry! God gave Joseph a dream that he was going to be a ruler and his brothers were going to be bowing down to him. He went through years of crisis, and it seemed that there would be no possibility of that word coming to pass, but look what happened. Just like Abraham, obedience to the known word of God is essential.

H. What About The Fulfillment Of The Word Received?

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Hebrews 10:36) 477

Foundational Discipling Principles

The key word is endurance. From the time of the hearing of the word, the receiver and all that hear are to offer praise and thanksgiving, which are in order and due our Lord. God gives great faith in us when He prophesies and gives gifts to us. He entrusts us with His word, and He entrusts us with His gifts.

“That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” (2 Timothy 1:14) Keep God’s gifts fresh, and keep them usable and available.

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7) “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.

Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:13-16) This is the promise of presbytery. It gives each person a better understanding of their function in the body. The person receives more direction and purpose in their service to the Lord.

The word of God is confirmed in the person’s life.

“But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” (1 Corinthians 12:18) God places His people in the body exactly where He wants them to be. Lives will be strengthened with this revelation, gifts, and blessings.

I. What Are The Benefits To The Church, The Local Ministry?

First of all, it gives an appreciation of the various ministries and callings within the body. It will help people understand and appreciate one another as to what their functions are. “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those 478

Foundational Discipling Principles

members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:22-25) It establishes and sets in the ministries for the local church. It gives people function and purpose to be participants and not just observers. That’s why this is also important for new people to experience this after they have been there for a season, so they are put in place by God for service. This is why churches diminish and lose members. It’s not because of the lack of programs and groups, it’s because they don’t know their function, or how or where to fit, or if they ever will. So they look elsewhere, while we wonder why people don’t get committed.

It gives greater recognition of God’s order in the authority of local church leadership. It raises the spiritual level of the church.

When a church prays and fasts together, the spiritual awareness raises, hearing specific direction from God as a church. More faith will be imparted in the hearts of the members to see God’s will fulfilled in them, in their families, in their church, in their local community, and in the nations.

Not many churches today practice the principles of presbytery.

Those who have experienced it have wondered why they hadn’t done it sooner.

“Lord God, You are restoring your Church. You desire to restore the principles of presbytery for Your glory and as an empowerment to Your bride to be a witness to the nations that you are Lord! In Jesus’ precious name. Amen!”

Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

479

XII. IN THE MIDST OF TESTING

, “With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” (Daniel 11:32-35)

A

great time of testing has come upon the righteous, upon “those of understanding,” those who do exploits for the Lord, who walk with God and have the wisdom of Christ. I’ve been asking myself for the last year and a half, “What is going on? Am I being tested? Why is all of this happening to me?”

I remember being in school and being tested to see how much I have learned from my lessons. Paul also spoke of a different school, one where we are “learning Christ” and are “being taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:20-21). If I say I belong to Jesus, then I am in His school, and I won’t graduate until I’m in glory. In school I hated “pop-quizzes;” the Lord also has told us to be ready to be tested at all times until He returns. All of us who love the Lord are going through fiery trials and are being purged of all that is not Christlike, in preparation for the soon-coming wedding of the Lamb!

David also spoke of being tested and tried: “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity” (1 Chronicles 29:17).

480

Foundational Discipling Principles

“Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin” (Psalm 17:3).

There are so many ways in which the Lord tests and purges us, but I want to focus on three tests common to all of us: 1. We are tested by afflictions and sufferings - both our own and those of other righteous believers. Up to the time of Christ, the Jews associated prosperity and good health with godliness. They believed if you were wealthy, blessed or in good health, God was with you.

This was why Jesus’ disciples had a hard time understanding His statement, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). This same mistaken doctrine is even active today that says those in covenant with God will never suffer. According to this doctrine, just call out and your covenant-partner-God will come running and immediately solve everything. Oh Church, this is not the gospel!

Hebrews 11 talks of those who walked in covenant with God, and they all suffered stonings, torture, and violent deaths (vs. 37-38).

Others suffered trials of cruel mockings and scourgings (vs. 36).

Even Paul was shipwrecked, stoned, whipped, and left for dead. He was robbed, jailed, persecuted, and suffered the loss of all things.

Why? These were all testings, purgings; the proving of his faith.

Peter said, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

“In this you greatly rejoice, though for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

481

Foundational Discipling Principles

One of the most dangerous things a parent can do is to offer sympathy and comfort to a child who’s under discipline before that child can learn the lesson. This can destroy the child. If the rod is spared and the lesson never learned, rebellion sets in. Jesus is our parent, and while we’re being disciplined we can call on Him as much as we want. But He will not move until we have learned what He wants to teach us. He will not lift the rod until we yield.

Yet the whole time we’re being tested and disciplined, we are under God’s protection. The Word says that those who are tested by many trials and temptations are “kept by the power of God through faith” (1 Peter 1:5). We can call out to God thinking we’re in danger, but He knows we’re not. He’s only waiting for us to learn the lesson.

God allowed Abraham to lead Isaac up the mountain and raise the knife above him. It was only then that the Lord said, “No!” What was the Lord after? Simply this, “Abraham, do I mean more to you than the object of your deepest earthly affections?” Abraham was willing to lay down all that was near and dear to him - his only son, the very object of God’s promise to him and to put his future in God’s hands. He gave all to the Lord.

God uses our sufferings to expose our hearts!

Whether we are suffering under poverty, unemployment, or illness, God may be using those trials to expose a murmuring or complaining spirit in us. God hates murmuring and complaining. He allowed Israel to suffer hardships for forty years because the people had become habitual murmurers. Their hardships could be traced to their tongues. Murmuring begins in our thoughts — thoughts of discontentment, of being mistreated by the Lord, of being misunderstood by God’s people. It usually starts with disrespect for the ministry, those who are called of God and anointed of the Holy Spirit.

Murmurers are never satisfied. If you do what they think you should do, they come up with a dozen more demands. The list never ends because their spirit is out of control – it’s not under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Jude 16 says that “these are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts.”

482

Foundational Discipling Principles

The Jews complained that they had no water so God gave them water from a rock. They complained that they had no bread so God gave them bread from the ground. Then they complained because they had no meat, and God gave them meat out of the sky. The Lord gave them all these things and the Bible says the people loathed it.

They complained once they got it! And there are Christians today who, if God answered their prayers, would complain about what they got.

We can be tested as well by the suffering of righteous, holy servants of God. This is probably the most difficult to understand.

Psalm 34:19-20 says, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.” I am convinced we don’t understand the kind of marvelous deliverance the Lord has in mind for us.

His ways are far above ours. God wants to plant something in our hearts through our testings and trials. He wants us to be able to say, “Jesus, You’re my protector, and I believe You rule over the events of my life. And if anything happens to me, it’s because you let the wall down, and you have a purpose in doing it. If I am walking in righteousness and have your joy in my heart, then my living and dying will bring glory to you. You may have some prepared glory, some eternal purpose my finite mind doesn’t understand. Either way, I’ll say ‘Jesus, live or die, I am yours!’”

2. We Are Tested By Delayed Answers To Prayer.

Most of us pray as David did: “Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly” (Psalm 102:2).

“Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble” (Psalm 69:17).

The Hebrew word for “quickly” means, “Right now, hurry up - in the very hour I call on you do it!” David was saying, “Lord, I put my trust in You - but please, hurry up!” God is in no hurry.

He doesn’t jump at our commands. Sometimes we wonder if He’ll 483

Foundational Discipling Principles

ever answer. We cry out, weep, fast, hope — but days go by, weeks, months, even years — and we receive not the slightest evidence that God hears.

First we question ourselves: “Something must be blocking my prayers, some hidden sin. I must be deceived. Maybe I’m not praying right, or out of God’s will. Or perhaps my faith is too weak. . .” We become perplexed, and over time our attitude becomes something like this: “Lord, what do I have to do to get my prayers answered?

You promised in Your word, and I prayed in faith. How many tears must I shed?”

Why does God delay answers to sincere prayers? It certainly isn’t because He lacks power. He could merely wink an eye or think a thought and the work would be finished. And He is most willing — even more than we are — for us to receive from Him. The answer is found in Luke 18:1, “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Other translations say “faint”. The Greek word for faint means “relax, become weak or weary in faith, give up the struggle, no longer wait for completion.” Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I believe that the Lord is seeking a praying people who will not relax or weary of coming to Him. Such a people will wait and not give up until the work is completed, and they will be found waiting when He brings the answer.

At one time I really thought I had unshakable faith, that I fully trusted the Lord. Then some of my very important prayers were not answered for a long time - and some still are not answered. I told the Lord, “If You will just answer my prayers, it will build my faith.

Why, I could go to the sanctuary and boast of Your faithfulness, like David did. Think how others will be greatly encouraged.”

But the Lord was saying to me, “I don’t build your faith on answers. I build your faith on my delays.” Anybody can believe when the answers to prayer come flooding in. But who’s going to believe after one or two years? As time goes on we abandon our prayers and the belief that He will answer, and we move on to something else. God wants to make sure you’re not going to relax in your 484

Foundational Discipling Principles

prayer vigil. He wants our heart set on persevering, no matter how long His answer takes.

Jesus gave us a parable to prove that He waits on us to dig in and determine not to give up. It is the parable of the distressed widow who kept coming to the judge and requesting justice (Luke 18:2-8).

The judge finally granted her request only because he did not want to be worn down by her constant pleading. Jesus added to this parable, “And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily” (vs. 7-8).

Most of us misinterpret this passage completely. Jesus isn’t speaking of delaying a long time, not at all. He says God wants to speedily answer us - but God is enduring something. He is bearing something that calls for patience on His part. He’s saying, “I’ll put up with this thing I see in your heart — I’ll bear with you — until you’re willing to lay hold as you should for the answer!”

As I look back at some of the things I’ve prayed for over a long time, I see the Lord saying, “I’m holding up this request to you, like a mirror. And through this, I’m going to show you what’s deep in your heart.” I’ve seen doubt, fear, unbelief. . . things that have made me throw myself at Jesus’ feet and cry, “Oh Lord, I’m not interested in the answer anymore, but only in getting this spirit out of me. I don’t want to doubt You, to pray and weep for an answer yet still have seeds of unbelief in my heart.”

It seems when it looks as if God won’t answer, we give up, put all behind us and go on to something else. And as we do this, we think we are surrendering to God’s providence, depending on His sovereign will. We say, “Lord, do what You think is best,” or “Well, God, You must not have wanted it after all.” No! That is not what God intended. When we are praying for what obviously is the will of God - salvation of family, for instance – we have every right to hold on and never give up until Jesus answers. We have every reason not to listen to the devil, and to ask God to plant the faith of Jesus Christ in us, and not to relax until we see completion. But instead, we fainted: we failed the test. If we hadn’t fainted we would still be holding on more determined than ever to see the 485

Foundational Discipling Principles

answer through. (See and read 2 Kings Chapters 6 & 7). This may be exactly what’s happening with us. We’ve given up and we’re not pressing in anymore, but God is already at work and His answer is about to arrive.

3. We are tested by our falls and failings. I do not mean that Christians who fall back into old sins and turn back to the world are being tested. No, those believers are being shipwrecked. But Peter warned, “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position” (2 Peter 3:17).

Peter is warning believers who are growing in holiness and are set on following the Lord.

Some of us may have taken a fall in spite of all the progress we’ve made with the Lord. If asked what caused it, you may say, “It was a fit of anger. I was provoked by my own family, and I blew up. I can’t understand it, I thought I was becoming a little sweeter, a little more like Jesus, but somebody just pushed the wrong button, and I lost it!”

If there is a root of anger in us, God will use our home as a testing ground. We will be provoked time after time until all hidden anger is exposed and plucked out by the Holy Spirit. We may say, “I’m only human. How much am I supposed to take?” It does not matter that we were provoked, or even that we were in the right. The provoking simply proved we need deliverance.

Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” God’s going to keep purging and testing until we say, “I’ve got a spirit in me that’s got to go!” We will see no growth in Christ, no peace until we can say, “You’re right, Lord - take it out.”

No matter what area we are being tested in, we may be thinking, “I feel so unworthy. How much ground have I lost? Does the Lord still love me?” All I can say is that if we have truly repented, we haven’t lost any ground at all. God puts His loving arms around us and says, “I allowed that to happen so you would see what’s in your heart. But you’re making progress. You’ve said you want to walk with Me, and I’m teaching you. I know what’s inside of you, and I’ll 486

Foundational Discipling Principles

allow you to be provoked until you get rid of all of it.” God has put His finger on some areas in me. As I allow Him to pluck them out of my heart, He’ll encourage me that I’m not going backwards, but forward with Him! Gratefully in His love, Dr. Robert Straube

487