Rev City Discipleship

R E V C
 I T Y

DISCIPLESHIP FIRST EDITION

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Father’s Heart ................................................................................................5 The Father heart of Goodness ...................................................................................5 Identity .........................................................................................................21 Justified ..................................................................................................................21 Sanctified ................................................................................................................21 Redeemed ..............................................................................................................21 Baptisms .......................................................................................................23 The Body Christ and Water ......................................................................................23 Holy Spirit ..............................................................................................................26 Lifestyle of A Disciple ...................................................................................58 Four Pillars of Ministry: ............................................................................................58 The Disciple's Life in the Word: .................................................................................58 The Disciple’s Life in Prayer: ....................................................................................60 The Disciple's Life of Fellowship: ...............................................................................61 The Disciple's Life of Witness: ..................................................................................62 Spiritual Warfare .........................................................................................65 Victory over the Effects of Sin: ................................................................................65 Victory over the Enemy: ..........................................................................................67 Living With A Holy God................................................................................70 Hearing God’s Voice.....................................................................................74 God Is Always Speaking .........................................................................................74 Relationships ................................................................................................78 Marriage ................................................................................................................78 Framework to build your marriage ...........................................................................78 Needs: ...................................................................................................................78 Godly Families Get Real ..........................................................................................79 Godly Families “Get In” ..........................................................................................79 Godly Families Play and Laugh ................................................................................80 Godly Families Say No ...........................................................................................80 PAGE 3 OF 102

Godly Families Establish Vision, Values, and Traditions ..............................................80 Godly families celebrate God ..................................................................................81 Godly Families Fight ................................................................................................81 Stewardship .................................................................................................83 1. The principle of ownership. .................................................................................83 2. The principle of responsibility. .............................................................................83 3. The principle of accountability. ............................................................................. 84 4. The principle of reward. .....................................................................................84 Freedom .......................................................................................................86 Introduction ............................................................................................................86 You in Adam Before Christ ......................................................................................86 Us in Christ – Christ in Us .......................................................................................87 Access Points for Demonic Influence ........................................................................89 Kairos ....................................................................................................................89 Servanthood ................................................................................................90 Introduction ............................................................................................................90 I. Gods definition of Greatness .................................................................................90 II. Gods approval of faithful servants ........................................................................91 III. Gifts ..................................................................................................................92 Purpose and calling ......................................................................................93 In finding your purpose and calling: .........................................................................93 In finding your purpose and calling: ........................................................................93 Now what? .............................................................................................................94 Leadership....................................................................................................95 The Cost of Leadership ............................................................................................97 Legacy ........................................................................................................100

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FATHER’S HEART THE FATHER HEART OF GOODNESS Jesus’ Foremost Revelation; Our Most Urgent Need If I asked ten believers why Jesus came to earth, I’m likely to get ten different answers. And most of them would relate to what Jesus did. This is what I most often hear: • “Jesus came to die for us.”

• “He came to forgive our sins.”

• “He came to save us.”

• “He came to show us how to live.”

• “He came to make a way to heaven.”

These are all gloriously wonderful blessings that are ours because of what Jesus accomplished.

However, they are not the essential reason Jesus came.

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,” Jesus explained. “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Jesus essentially came to reveal the nature of God. He came to peel back the curtains of heaven and reveal the Father-heart of God. Jesus came to reveal the Father. And He came to restore all of creation back to God’s Fatherhood.

Let that sink in. Deeply. Profoundly. This is not merely a Sunday school lesson for children. Nor is it a dry, dusty doctrinal statement. This is the foundational revelation Jesus downloaded. Yes, He died for us. Yes, He forgave our sins. Yes, Jesus has saved us. But He did all this to restore us to the Father.

To re-unite us with the Father. In communing with God Himself, Jesus used father-language. In revealing God to us, He used the word father more than any other word to describe God. This single revelation frames our faith, shapes our values and informs our practices. Without this foundational revelation, we may well be seeking that which we already have. Without this undergirding truth, we may well miss our purpose and mission.

Let me illustrate this: Imagine trying to put a puzzle together from the picture on the box lid, not knowing, someone switched the lid. In the same way that you try unsuccessfully to build a puzzle PAGE 5 OF 102

with the wrong picture in mind, many believers are trying to build their life with a wrong picture of God in mind. If we have a broken or incomplete picture of God, we will have a broken or incomplete walk with God. Here’s the kicker: We are only as strong as our concept of who God is. What is Your Picture of God? For simplicity sake, let us consider just five pictures we may have of God and the problems that we inevitably land in if we do not anchor them in the revelation Jesus gave us.

CREATOR? Many people view God as a Creator. Of course, God is our Creator and as His creation we have incredible privileges and responsibilities. But if we view God essentially as the Creator we begin to relate to Him as a “Distant Relative” or worse yet, an “Impersonal Force”. The result? We believe He is everywhere but live our lives like He is nowhere!

PROVIDER? Others view God essentially as a Provider. Again, God is without doubt our Provider and we can be assured of His care and provision. Yet if we view God essentially as the Provider we begin to relate to Him as a “Cosmic Butler” or worse, a “Slot-Machine in the Sky”. The result? We believe God exists for our personal benefit… and become offended if He does not deliver on demand.

LORD? Still others view God essentially as a Lord. Yes, He is Lord … our King, our Supreme Ruler.

But if we view God essentially as the Lord we end up relating to Him as a “Drill Sergeant” or worse still, “The Divine Kill-Joy”. The result? The precious, intimate relationship God intends for us to have with Him is void of grace and becomes stifled by a thousand rules, demands and obligations.

SAVIOR? Many today view God essentially as a Savior. And thank God He is our Savior; we are saved … not by what we do, but by what He has done! However, if we view God essentially as the Savior we quickly start relating to God as a “Sin-Collector” or tragically, when in need: “The Instant GuiltRemover”. The result? We become sin conscious rather God’s righteousness conscious and this is a miserable way to live.

FRIEND? Finally, others view God essentially as a Friend. Certainly today more and more followers of Christ are soaking in what it means to enjoy fellowship with God and walk with Him as Friend.

But if we view Him essentially as the Friend we often slide into relating to God as a “Buddy” and develop casual attitudes toward Him like: “God and I are tight!” The result? We lose a sense of reverence and devotion.

While God is most definitely Creator, Provider, Lord, Savior and a Friend, it should be clear how a picture of God that anchors in any one of these, at the exclusion of the others, can become a distorted view of who God is.

We live in a world today where people know a lot about God; yet, often, this knowledge about God restricts an intimate relationship with God. There is a world of difference between knowing about God and knowing God; and we are invited to know Him personally, intimately and deeply. For PAGE 6 OF 102

example, becoming a theologian does not guarantee a quality relationship with God. Those who knew the Old Testament best; were the first to reject the One it revealed!

Of course, a passionate pursuit of God involves study and learning. We are called to be His disciples (learners); and there is simply no subject more comprehensive, more satisfying, more intense, more enriching and more life-changing than the quest to grow in the knowledge of God Himself. But here is the point: we must purpose to grow in the knowledge of God Himself; not merely knowledge about God. Paul warned us: “Knowledge (in and by itself) puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

All devotion … all learning … all study … should be centered on knowing Him; growing in an experiential knowledge of His character and His ways. Our thirst for knowledge is to transform our lives with revelation, not to merely fill our heads with information. And each mouthful of fresh revelation of God’s glory should result in an inner change, from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18), so that my role and responsibilities in life are energized with His Divine Life.

First and Foremost… The beginning of this quest to know God begins with a revelation of God as Father.

CREATOR? Yes, God is a Creator but only because He is first and foremost a Father. As our Father, He created us in His image and likeness that we may be His children. His Father’s touch is seen in our individual beauty and uniqueness; not one of us is the same! The Father’s fingerprint is upon each of us so that we all have our own unique finger-print.

PROVIDER? Yes, God is a Provider but only because He is first and foremost a Father. As our Father, He provides for us His children. And like any good father, He will—at times—withhold the provision from the child if the provision will spoil the child. Certainly, if our motives are selfish and bratty, we should expect Him to discipline us instead of throwing more toys our way. (I realize this is a revolutionary thought to many!)

LORD? Yes, God is our Lord but only because He is first and foremost a Father. As our Father, He governs us and leads us. He knows how best this life is to be lived … having created it in the first place. His rules are not there to restrict the enjoyment of life, but to enhance it. In the same way that the rules of a sport protect the participants, bringing order and maximum enjoyment of the game, so God’s government does the same.

SAVIOR? Yes, God is our Savior but only because He is first and foremost a Father. As our Father, He immediately sought to rescue us when we fell. Father God’s love bankrupted heaven to send Jesus to deliver us and forgive us. Father’s forgiveness not only cleanses us from all sin but enables us to walk with Him in holiness and faith.

FRIEND? Yes, God is our Friend but only because He is first and foremost a Father. As our Father, He amazingly desires our fellowship and friendship with us. This awesome reality does not negate PAGE 7 OF 102

that He is first our Father; He is not our buddy or our “china”. My own natural father is among my best friends; but he remains my father. In awe and reverence of our heavenly Father, we respond to His awesome invitation of friendship.

God hangs His identity on Fatherhood…

Ponder on this. God could have picked any foundational name to hang His identity on. Of course, He reveals Himself as Creator, Provider, Savior, Lord and even Friend. In fact, we know He reveals Himself by many names to help us understand His character and the various attributes of His wonderfully comprehensive and delightful personality.

However, as a foundational name, He could have easily and rightfully chosen the title, “Great and Awesome, Sovereign God”. And in so doing, everything from Him would then have been essentially defined around this. Our identity would then have been that of a slave: obligated to serve Him, robotic in our existence; and the highest we could attain would be to swear blind allegiance to His commands, suffering punishment for one indiscretion.

However, this is not what God did. Instead, He reveals Himself essentially as a Father. An incredible example of this is found in two passages in Isaiah. Through this prophet, God speaks to His backslidden people. They had forsaken and rejected Him, but how does God choose to respond?

God says: “Come now, and let us reason together … though your sins are like scarlet…” (Isaiah 1:18). Wow! Here is the Almighty Sovereign talking to His backslidden creation that has actively rebelled against Him … and He invites them … He appeals to them: “Come now … let us reason together”.

He could well have just squashed them like bugs. Instead, Father God invites them to fellowship with Him … to talk to Him … to reason together … to re-enter communication with Him. The picture is of a father who still believes the best of his children, trying to assure and affirm His relationship with them.

Later when God is then accused of neglecting these rebels … (Did you get that? They have betrayed Him but lash out with false accusations to justify their sin.) … God says, “Can a woman forget her nursing child…? Surely they may forget. Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands” (Isaiah 49:15).

When He could have clenched His fist at them and written them off, Father God opens up His heart and makes Himself vulnerable. He appeals to them using a metaphor of a nursing mother. Could a mother forget her new born infant nursing from her breast? The overwhelming response would be: never! Yet, God says that a nursing mother is more likely to forget her baby than He is of forgetting them! The picture is of a broken-hearted parent weeping; tears streaming down his face and falling into his open hands in which he pictures his child secure and safe. Wow! PAGE 8 OF 102

We could recount passage after passage revealing the Father’s heart towards His people. But consider just one more. Through the prophet Hosea God reveals His Father’s heart, appealing to backslidden Israel. He says: “When Israel was a child, I loved him. And out of Egypt I called My son. But the more I called them, the further they went from Me … I taught [them] to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them... [But] My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt [Me]. How can I give you up…? How can I hand you over…? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger” (Hosea 11:1-9).

God reminds Israel that He was intimately involved in fathering them, even though they did not recognize or honor Him for doing so: “When Israel was a child, I loved him … I taught [them] to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them…”

When Israel consistently rebelled against God, exhausting His grace and provoking His justice, God still appeals to them, this time revealing His broken-heartedness and the intense emotions of pain and grief: “My people are bent on backsliding from Me … How can I give you up…? How can I hand you over…?

My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred…”

The Almighty, Sovereign Creator of the Universe reveals Himself to us essentially as Father. No other religion does this. The gods of other religions are not personal; they are either raging tyrants demanding religious effort to appease them … or they are distant creators always too busy or simply disinterested … or worse still, they are some concoction of man’s imagination that has no power to intervene or deliver.

What about the Trinity?

God is One How does a revelation of God’s Fatherhood balance with an understanding of the Trinity? Good question. We worship and serve the Three-in-One God, the Trinity, or as Paul reveals Him: “the Godhead” (Colossians 2:9). While the concept of the Trinity often (always!) blows our finite minds , the fact is that grasping the Father-heart of God not only reminds us of the distinctive beauty of each member of the Godhead, but also brings revelatory clarity to understanding God the Son and God the Spirit.

First of all, lets remind ourselves that God is not “three-separate-gods” nor is He “one-god-who-disguiseshimself-in-three-masks.” He is the awesome “Three-In-One” God. “The Lord God is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4); yet He is three Persons in One: the Father3 , the Son and the Holy Spirit; the same in essence, distinct in personality, but equal in power and glory (see Matthew 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:18).

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The Son Reveals the Father As mentioned, when Jesus Himself spoke to God, He used the word father. In what is often called Jesus’ High Priestly prayer, Jesus “lifted up His eyes to heaven and said: ‘Father…’” (John 17:1ff).

And throughout the prayer we marvel at His intimacy with His Father as He repeatedly uses fatherspeak. When He taught us to commune with God, He encouraged us to focus on the Father. “In this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” (Matthew 6:9). Whenever He spoke of God in His teachings, He revealed God as a father. For example, in what is called the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus frequently uses the phrase: “your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5-7).

For example, He says: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven” (5:16). The disciples evidently got the message. Well, sort of. All the father-talk eventually compelled an exasperated Philip to say, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us” (John 14:8). Jesus replied: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). In fact, His response was a little like: “Are serious? Do you still not quite get it? I’m here to reveal the Father. Everything I say and do is to reveal Father God.” As already referenced, Jesus expressly declared that He came to reveal the Father: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Notice, He did not say, “No one comes to heaven…” Or “No one gets saved…” Nor did He say, “No one gets a better life…”.

God the Son reveals God the Father: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Yes, Jesus has saved us. Thank God! Yet John explains it best when he writes: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Being restored to Father God is the goal of salvation.

Yes, heaven is a blessing of the redeemed. But heaven is only heaven because of who is going to be there! Without Father God, heaven would simply not be heaven. In fact, Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing the Father intimately, personally, deeply (John 17:1-3).

Jesus did not come to merely promise us a place in the afterlife; he came to invite us into a relationship with Father. And yes, following God’s will does yield a better life. However, our life is only enriched because of Who we now know. The better life is only possible when it is lived from the Father’s perspective and in His counsel. Jesus did not merely promise us a better life; He came to welcome us into the loving arms of Father God. Over and over again Jesus stated emphatically that He came in response to His Father’s desire, that He only did what brought His Father pleasure and that He came to reveal what His Father was like.

We cannot fully grasp God the Son until we grasp God the Father who sent Him to restore us into relationship with Himself as His children.

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The Spirit Reveals the Father Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4, 5). Did you ever make that connection before? I mean, was Jesus Himself not the Promised Messiah?

Yes … in part. God promised the Messiah throughout the Old Testament but made it clear that His full intention was too indwell His children with His very being. Thus the promised Messiah was in part “God in the flesh” because only as a Man could He accomplish what He did. But the promised Messiah was fully received when “God by the Spirit” indwells in the miracle of salvation. God as a Man could not indwell us; He could and did die on our behalf paving the way for God the Spirit to indwell our blood-washed lives.

You may recall that Jesus first spoke of the Holy Spirit back in John 14:16-20 when He assured the disciples that He will “pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, the Spirit of truth.” Listen to His words: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you … At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (John 14:18).

Orphans. The picture is poignant. By the indwelling Spirit, an orphaned creation is reunited with their Father. Paul then wonderfully describes this miracle, amplifying on this picture. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:14-17).

Interestingly, the word Paul uses for “sons” refers to a “mature son” rather a “young child.” He is speaking about mature believers contributing to God’s purpose for creation in this eighth chapter of Romans. The implication of course is that maturity is only possible as we yield to the indwelling Spirit. But just as enlightening, maturity results in a deepening understanding of God’s nature, specifically manifested in a heart-revelation of His Fatherhood as we embrace “Abba, Father.”

Spiritual maturity yields a deeper intimacy with the Father.

The word Abba is Aramaic for “Daddy”. It stems from the simple word Ab which, according to the Hebrews, is the first sound an infant child makes in reference to their father or mother. Therefore, it is the purest and greatest expression of dependence on parental love. The Holy Spirit awakens the deepest recesses of our soul to the love and affection of Father God. As we mature in our faith, He reveals greater depths of intimacy with God as Father.

Paul actually refers to the “Spirit of adoption”. However, the adoption he refers to is not the concept of adoption we know today. In Hebrew culture, a father would adopt his own son at the age of thirteen, an act that would affirm his pride in his son, an expression of the father’s blessing: “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” In this concept of adoption, the father invites his son into adulthood; a more mature relationship in fellowship and a recognition of his inheritance in the family business.

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Therefore, Paul’s use of the phrase, “if children, then heirs.” God the Spirit continues to reveal God the Father. Again, we cannot fully grasp God the Spirit until we grasp God the Father who sent His Spirit to indwell us, to make His home in us, and to fully restore us as His children into His inheritance.

The Godhead Paul taught the function of each member of the Godhead in sublime simplicity in one verse to the Ephesian church: “For through [Jesus], we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).

Therefore, we come “to” the Father, “through” the Son, “by” the Spirit. The focus of our devotion is the Father and we have access to Him through what Jesus has done and by the Spirit who indwells us.

In one of the most amazing passages on Scripture, Paul outlines God’s eternal plan and how the Godhead works together to restore all of creation back God’s Fatherhood. First, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Notice how he directs his praise and gratitude to the Father. Then He outlines what these blessings are and how they fit into the His overall purpose: Father God has chosen us, predestined us and redeemed us (vv. 4-7) in order to “gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth” (v. 10).

In other words, Father God is restoring all creation to Himself in Christ. Paul then goes onto to mention that the “Holy Spirit of promise” is the seal and guarantee of God’s plan (vv. 13, 14). Wow! No wonder Paul bursts into prayer in the next few verses praising the “Father of glory” (vv. 15ff).

A Quick Recap…

In the last few pages we considered the implications to the Trinity. If it made things a little technical, I apologize. Discussing the Godhead often gets a little … (okay, a lot!) … complicated. If we have muddied the waters, let us then sum up the core point of this article.

Narrow views of God and the ditches we may fall into…

Concept of God

Ditch if Held Exclusive

Creator

Distant-Relative or Impersonal-Force

Provider

Cosmic-Butler or Slot-Machine-in-the-Sky

Lord

Drill-Sergeant or Divine Kill-Joy

Savior

Sin-Collector or Guilt-Remover

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.

Friend

Buddy or My-China

Grasping the Father-heart of God brings balance…

Foundational Revelation

Father

Characteristics of Father-God Creator Provider Lord Savior Friend

Our Blessings .

We are created uniquely We are provided for wisely We are governed fairly We are forgiven graciously We are befriended intimately

A Parable with a Knock-out Punch…

Luke, Chapter 15 is famous for what is called, “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” I’d like to suggest that it is in fact not primarily about the prodigal. It is the first of three parables and the third builds pointedly on the first two to reveal The Father’s Heart.

Luke opens the setting for these three parables by revealing Jesus’ audience (vv. 1-3). The religious establishment of the day were aggravated beyond comprehension at Jesus’ openhearted and generous acceptance of the dregs of society; the lost, the last and the least. “This Man receives sinners, and even eats with them!” complained the indignant religious leaders.

Jesus then tells them, not one, but three parables. Jesus seldom did this. It was not His habit to underline a point He was making. Yet the fact that Jesus tells three parables to hammer one point, and concludes with one of the longest parables He ever told, seems to add significance to it. At the very least, it was the subject that mattered most to Him. Or maybe He knew it was something we struggled to embrace.

First, Jesus tells the parable of the faithful shepherd who will hunt high and low” to find his lost sheep (vv. 4-7). Then he tells the parable of the faithful woman who goes on a search and discovery mission to find her missing coin (vv. 8-10). The words that He uses to express the elation of heaven —“rejoicing” (v. 5), “rejoice” (v. 6) and “more joy” (v. 7)—are in stark contrast to His audience’s cold and gloomy attitude toward those they considered sinners.

As if Jesus had not made His point; He then goes for the jugular. In a kind of jab-jab-and knockout, Jesus then tells the parable of the faithful Father … “The Parable of the Father’s Heart” … revealing the love of the Father not just for lost sheep; not just for a lost coin; but for His beloved children.

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Therefore, this is primarily not a parable about the prodigal son even though he is the primary beneficiary in the story. The parable essentially reveals the Fatherhood of God and the message is in fact directed to the religious leaders represented by the older brother in the story. The younger, prodigal son only features to expose the older, religious brother’s hard-heart and to reveal the extravagance of the Father’s lavish, unconditional love.

According to the Jewish law on inheritance, the older son would receive two-thirds of the inheritance, and the younger son would receive one-third. A Jewish father brought his children into their inheritance while he was still alive, and in this story, the father clearly released both sons into their inheritance at this time (v. 12).

The next few verses highlight the popular, well-known account of how the younger, prodigal son wasted his inheritance in wild living, only coming to his senses after being forced to scrap for a meal with a pig … not exactly a kosher moment (vv. 13-19).

Now, let’s pick up the less popular account of what the older son did not do with his inheritance.

Notice the way Jesus describes the oldest son’s actions and reactions. First we learn that “the older son was in the field” working (v. 25). The man is hard working and dutiful. However, when he hears the sounds of celebration, who does he ask about the commotion? “He called one of the servants and asked what these things meant” (v. 26). What? He asks the servants rather than his father?

On hearing that his younger, troubled and disgraced brother had finally returned home safely, what is his reaction? Joy? No. Relief? No. “But he was angry and would not go in” (v. 28). His immediate reaction was anger … and then to pout and sulk! And was he angry that his brother had broken his father’s heart? Sadly … no.

Was he righteously angry that his brother had brought shame upon their family? Oh, no! He whined and complained bitterly, saying, “you never gave me a young goat that I might make merry with my friends” (v. 29).

The older son lived in the same home as his father, he enjoyed the blessings of his father … but he never knew the heart of his father. How many times would he have seen his grieving father pacing up and down the porch, scanning the horizon with longing for even a glimpse of the prodigal son?

How many times would he have seen his broken-hearted father bent over in sorrow, weeping for his lost son? Did he share his father’s grief? No. Did he carry he’s father’s burden? Sadly, no.

The older brother, symbolic of the religious leaders, focused on his own efforts and rewards— his self-interests, his stake, on what he had and what he did not have—rather than on relationship with his father: “Lo, these many years I have been serving you” (v. 29). Never once did he share his father’s heart.

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He missed the point: relationship with his father. There is a story about an advertisement that was placed in the classified section of a newspaper. The advertisement was short and to the point: “Single man with 160 irrigated acres of fertile land seeks marriage-minded woman with tractor. In replying, please send picture of tractor”.

Talk about the point missed! We too can be good, dutiful, faithful believers and miss the point entirely. Until we know whose we are, we will never know who we are. A revelation of the Fatherheart of God is crucial to intimacy with God and a fruitful walk in Christ.

Looking in the Mirror…

Here lies another core issue: the older brother found his identity in what he did; rather than in who he was. The sad truth is that he was more a servant than a son, even though he had already been given his inheritance. Unless we live in a clear revelation of God as our Father, and thus derive our identity from that revelation, we too may miss the point. Just as God hangs His identify on fatherhood, our destiny hinges on a clear sense of identity borne in the revelation of the Father-heart of God. Until we know whose we are, we will never know who we are. Until we understand whose we are; who we belong to; who our source is; who we derive our identity from … we will never know who we are.

We may spend our life trying to find something we already have in Him! Identity…

Experts tell us that we get our identity—our sense of personal-worth—primarily from our parents, mainly from our father. They teach us that the feeling of being valuable is the product of parental love, and this conviction must be gained in childhood before the age of ten. If we do not develop this vital sense of worth by then, there is little chance of ever grasping it.

The psychologists are right … to a point. Or better yet, they are onto something but don’t have all the information. First, the Scriptures underscore the vital role of parenting in the development of a secure and significant child, capable of facing adulthood. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

However, the Bible goes onto provide a powerful answer for those who have not had an ideal upbringing. There is hope for this orphaned society. What can Christ-followers do to rise above the unintentional inadequacies or negligence of their natural parents? What resources are there to those who have suffered the horrors of abusive parents? For those without Christ there is a wicked deadend, but for the children of God there is an awesome solution!

Of course, we need to restore our relationship with our parents if it is damaged, but that alone will not restore the damage to our soul. You see, we cannot undo a bad childhood; but we can overcome it!

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Paul faced a generation even more distressed than ours in this regard, a confused society whose concept of family and parenting had been absolutely shattered by pagan stupidity. But God used this apostle as a master builder to reveal the true children of God. As we’ve seen, Paul taught the principle of adoption. “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage … but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry our, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15).

Too often we preach rebirth but we forget about the importance of adoption. Jesus did not just come to save us; He came to bring us back to Father. There is no salvation until we are secure in Father’s arms!

Too often Christendom comes across as offering eternal fire insurance when many feel they’re going through hell on earth…Now. Consider this next statement. The greatest need of the human heart is not the assurance of eternal security. It is the desperate need for security in the Father’s heart now! The fact that this security is eternal is, of course, a wonderful but secondary blessing. So, Paul taught a formal transference of parenthood to God Himself. And this is not just applicable to those who have had a difficult upbringing.

Rather, those who have enjoyed a good upbringing are also invited to discover the dynamic reality of God’s Fatherhood.

The damage or deficiencies of childhood can be healed through a new father—our Heavenly Father—who parents us with perfect love, when we allow Him to become a functioning father to us (see Hebrews 12:5-11).

A Functioning Father. This is absolutely key. Throw away your theoretical clichés of Father God. This is not merely a kid’s Bible story. Consciously and deliberately yield to His functional parenting in your life. Ask the Father to parent you in how you think; how you manage your attitudes and emotions; how you make decisions; how you relate to others and your world about you; how you respond to difficulty and adversity. Yes, we’ll enjoy the emotional well-being and security that comes from knowing God as Father, but we’ll also experience His character-shaping work in our lives, too.

Why would Jesus go so out of His way to stress that we must be childlike in our faith? In fact, His words are scary: “unless … you become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2). Jesus isn’t making a threat in this verse. Rather, He’s showing us that without childlike faith we won’t be able to grasp the new reality He came to establish on earth. We won’t see it. We won’t get it.

A quick qualification. There’s a world of difference between the word childlike and childish. God calls us to grow up. Great weight is placed on the need to grow in maturity, as we understand the ways of our Father and learn to align our lives with His intentions. Repeatedly, God calls us to lay aside all our selfishness and shed our childishness. But even as maturing followers we’re urged to maintain a childlike faith in Him; active in our yielding to His functional parenting. As we grow out of our childishness, we’re to maintain and foster the innocent, trusting dependence of a child.

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So, I need to define myself as a child … and do so regularly through prayerful evaluation and reflection. To be honest, this isn’t easy to do. Everything in me wants to rather define myself as an accomplished, successful person. My ego and pride seeks for something more. But in terms of my relationship with God, I am to define myself as a child. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right [both the privilege and responsibility] to become children of God” (John 1:12). And here’s the kicker again: I can only define myself as a child, when I embrace a revelation of His Fatherhood.

“Father God can only functionally parent me to the degree that I am actively fostering a childlike attitude.”

The Building Blocks of the Soul…

God created Adam and Eve as, to borrow a psychological term, fully actualized individuals, in other words, at creation they had reached their full potential. They existed in harmony with their heavenly Father, with one another, and within the world they were created. With a healthy sense of personalworth (identity), they enjoyed a sense of security in this union and a sense of significance in the dominion mandate God entrusted to them.

As we well know, Adam and Eve’s rebellion ended this bliss. However, in their fall, what were once inherent blessings—security and significance—turned into deep, defining, driving needs.

Disconnected from God, man became a driven creature. Out of sync with the Father, man is driven to meet his or her need for security and significance by pursuing a host of “other things.”

It’s a little clichéd but it is often said that a woman’s primary need is for security and a man’s primary need is for significance. Truth is, every man and woman since Adam and Eve has been driven to meet both these needs. Irrespective of century, culture or circumstance, to the degree men and women remain disconnected from Father God, to this degree he or she seeks (both consciously and unconsciously) to fulfill these needs in various ways. And the result is universal and inevitable…

We have a God-shaped hole that only restoration with the Father can fill, and no matter how much else we try to shove into that vacuum, it only ends up deepening it. Only reunion with Father God restores the soul. Only in His Fatherhood do we find security and significance. Only in Him does our soul rest. Only in Him do we find a sense of purpose and meaning. Only in the Father’s heart is our identity (personal-worth) rebuilt.

Who am I? So, let’s take a moment to spotlight this issue of identity because it is just so crucial. Several words can be used to describe the walk of faith, and again for simplicity, let us stick to just a few: son5 , steward, servant and soldier. Unless we understand the Father-heart of God and thus derive our essential identity as son first we will fall into a few ditches, incorrectly understanding who we are and what He has called us to do. Let me explain.

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STEWARDS? Yes, we are called to be stewards of all that God has entrusted to us (1 Peter 4:10). But unless we derive our identity as a son first, we will never be faithful stewards … instead, we’ll hold onto things too tightly, failing to entrust to God what is His. Rather than stewards, we become hoarders and end up deriving our identity in what we have.

SERVANTS? Yes, we are called to be servants of the Lord, revealing Him to others (Matthew 20:26). But unless we derive our identity as a son first, we will never be faithful servants … instead, we’ll serve others for our own benefit with mixed motives, seeking attention or approval for what we do. Rather than servants, we become slaves and incorrectly derive our identity from what we do.

SOLDIERS? Yes, we are called to be soldiers of Christ, battling the forces of darkness to establish the Kingdom of our God (2 Timothy 2:3). But unless we derive our identity as a son first, we will never be faithful soldiers … instead, we will consistently fight the wrong battles, looking to defend our turf and protect our self-interests. In this case, rather than soldiers, we become renegades and error in deriving our identity in what we fight against.

SONS FIRST! When we define ourselves as sons first; we find our sense of personal-worth in Him and Him alone.

Then…

• …we can be faithful stewards. Our attitude is “I’m a son, and therefore I look after all I have as a gift from Father which I will ultimately return to Him for account.” And not “I have worked for all that I have and will do whatever I must to keep it. Everything ultimately depends on me.

If I don’t look after number one, no one else will”.

• …we can be faithful servants. Our attitude is “I’m a son, and therefore I serve for my Father’s pleasure and delight.” And not “I use others to fill my own need for affirmation, approval or recognition”.

• …we can be faithful soldiers. Our attitude is “I’m a son, and therefore I only fight the battles my Father deems important.” And not “I fight the battles that trigger me off, battles that validate my sense of worth or that move my sense of injustice”.

When we grasp God’s Father-heart and accept the privilege (and responsibility) of our sonship in Him, we are empowered to live life as He intended … because every child is empowered by the Presence of his Father.

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Foundational Revelation

Father

Characteristics of Father-God Creator Provider Lord Savior Friend

Our Identity

Our Role

Son

Steward Soldier Servant

A Lesson from Parenting…

Without doubt, being a father to my own two children has been the single most enriching revelation of God the Father other than the Scriptures itself. To sense the selfless, unconditional love of a parent flowing through my entire being reveals something of Father God’s love to me, to some degree at least.

Perhaps this is why Paul encouraged Timothy and Titus to ideally choose elders from those who have children of their own (1 Timothy 3:1-5; Titus 1:5, 6).

I have always encouraged my children to express themselves through, among other things, painting and drawing. As a household, we have gone through reams of paper determined to give them a continual new and blank page to express their little imaginations. Initially, their “work of art” was a sum total of blotches and scratches, but with much encouragement—genuine delight at “baby strokes”—and a continued supply of “try-again” blank paper; slowly, slowly, they began to learn how to express their creativity in more distinguishable pictures. Does not Father God do the same with us?

Some assume God is expecting perfection from day one and every day following. Any attempt that colors outside the lines will get a crack behind the ears and a heavy scolding … no place for expression, kind of like: “If at first you don’t succeed … shame on you!” The result: so many live trapped by a fear of failure.

However, no decent father would treat his children this way. And the writer to the Hebrews reminds us that our earthly fathers parented us “as seemed best to them,” but our heavenly Father parents us “for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). God the Father is the perfect parent.

As each day dawns, Father presents us with a new “blank page” to express ourselves in line with His delight. Jeremiah described it this way: “the Lord’s mercies … are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22, 23). No matter what a mess we have made before, each new day opens alive with the possibilities of forgiveness, restoration and a new start. No wonder Paul cheered: “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). As we awaken to each new day and align ourselves with Him, He gives us another “clean slate”. In this way, the Father’s kiss enlarges us … and we share of His Divine nature.

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The Father’s Pleasure Jesus ended this parable in Luke, Chapter 15 with an uppercut aimed at the religious jaw of those He squared off against. He concluded in such a way that He expected the older son, and by extension, the religious leaders to be convinced of the Father’s love. Jesus finished His parable with these words from the loving father: “It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” (v. 32).

Although we do not know if the older son ever caught his father’s heart, we do know that most of the religious leaders did not. But let us make sure that we do.

Throughout the three parables in Luke 15, Jesus gives us an amazing inside peek behind the curtain of heaven. He used the word “rejoice”, “rejoicing” or “joy” five times from verses 5- 10 to describe the prime activity of heaven. He even refers to degrees of joy that the host of heaven experience in the Father’s Presence (v. 7). He then powerfully and extravagantly paints the picture of Father’s joy in describing the reunion between the prodigal and his father, detailing the celebratory party held to express the father’s love (vv. 11-32).

Think about it. The prime activity of heaven centers on the Father’s delight in His children. All this goes to underline a powerful point. You are dearly loved. Extravagantly so. Lavishly and unconditionally. Father God delights in you. He takes pleasure in you. The Father is for you. The question is … are you for you?

While teaching on the purposes of God and mankind during a foundations class, I was once asked why God created us. The question was asked in a way that said, rather refreshingly, “I get all these theological answers but… why? Why would a self-sufficient God, totally enjoying the community of the Trinity, entirely satisfied and fulfilled in Himself, create us?”

Suddenly the light went on for me. I answered, “Father God was having a party and wanted us to share in the fun”. And for all the theological answers I have, which are Biblically true and correct, this one remains my favorite. Listen. The Father is inviting you to the party: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

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IDENTITY JUSTIFIED Spiritual Birth: JUSTIFICATION Romans 5:1 Jesus gives me new life. This stage of salvation begins at the moment of faith in the gospel wherein God declares the sinner to be righteous before Him based on the death of Christ.

SANCTIFIED Spiritual Growth: SANCTIFICATION 2 Corinthians 5:17 Jesus changes me to be progressively more like Him. The present experiential or progressive work of continuing to be set apart unto the things of God during the whole of our Christian lives. Every command and exhortation to holy living concerns this stage of salvation.

REDEEMED Spiritual Maturity: GLORIFICATION 1 John 3:2 Jesus changes me forever when I see Him face to face. Spiritual growth and the Maturity of the Believer God’s Word is fuel for the refiner’s sanctifying fire, water for the planted tree’s growth, and a rock-solid foundation for the builder. The truth sanctifies the sinner (John 17:17), bringing growth to the believer and results in the fruit of the Spirit being made manifest.(Galatians 5:16-25).

1. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen automatically. It takes time, effort. Did you know that you can be a Christian and you can never grow up spiritually? Hebrews 5:12-14 - For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

2. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen quickly. It takes time. It’s not instantaneous. There are some Christians that have known Christ for years. By now they should be mature. But they have stalled out, causing a traffic jam behind them. 2 Peter 3:17-18 – “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.”

3. Spiritual maturity won’t happen without discipline. There is no shortcut to spiritual growth. It’s a continual process. You have to learn to be mature. 1 Timothy 4:7 - “Have nothing to do with PAG E 21 O F 10 2

irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.” To be physically fit you’ve got to exercise, develop some basic habits. That’s true in the Christian life.

Specific verses describing Christian maturity. All of the following verses are in the English Standard Version.

1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

1 Corinthians 14:20 “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.”

Ephesians 4:13-15 “…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, …”

Ephesians 4:20-24 “But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Colossians 2:6-7 “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Colossians 3:9-10 “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

Hebrews 6:1-2 “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

1 Peter 2:1-3 “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

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BAPTISMS T H E B O DY C H R I S T A N D WAT E R The Body of Christ - Salvation: I. Introduction – Jesus and Nicodemus II. Salvation and the Christian Life.

A. Jesus’ description in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-6) 1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” – Man’s intellect recognizing his spiritual poverty (separation from God through sin) 2. “Blessed are those who mourn” – Man’s emotions responding in true sorrow (a repentant heart) metanoia 3. “Blessed are the meek” – Man’s will submitting to God’s will (surrendering my life to Him) epistrepho 4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” – The whole man committing to being changed into the image of Christ (being sanctified in soul and body) B. An illustration from Marriage 1. INTELLECT: A woman may think in her mind that a certain person is the “right” husband for her.

2. EMOTION: She may be involved emotionally with strong love for him.

3. WILL: But marriage requires more than intellect and emotions. It also involves the will. Not until a man and a woman, as an act of the will, commit themselves to each other in a marriage ceremony do they become husband and wife. What two words in a marriage ceremony make all the difference? ________ ________ Salvation comes when a person intellectually believes in Christ, and that person has an emotional response to Christ’s work on the cross, it is not complete until as an act of the will, he receives Christ into his life as Savior.

III. Blood Atonement, the Remedy for Sin A. God is holy and requires the blotting out of sin. Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV): “ And according to the law almost all things are purged with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

B. God becomes the incarnate Christ for the redemption of mankind, and His unblemished blood cancels the debt of sin for eternity. Matthew 26:28 (NKJV): “For this is my blood of the new PAGE 23 OF 102

covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Colossians 2:14 (NKJV): “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”

C. Jesus shed His blood for our total redemption. Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV): “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Skin — Head — Back — Hands — Feet — Side IV. Six Transformations from the Born-again Experience A. Regeneration; we pass from death to life.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV): “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.”

B. We are forgiven of our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV): “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” C. We are given new authority. Matthew 16:19 (NKJV): “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

D. We are restored into fellowship with God. Romans 5:1 (NJKV): “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

E. We receive the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV): “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

F. We begin a process of Christian growth into maturity; we have been justified; now we are being sanctified. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV): “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.” God supplies everything we need for our Christian growth, but we must act and respond in obedience for growth to occur. One of the essential steps toward maturity is water baptism.

Water Baptism: I. Defined – Water baptism is an act every believer is commanded to do following conversion. It is an outward expression physically of what God has done in us spiritually. It is preceded by repentance, faith and confession, and is done by immersion in the name of the Father, Son and PAGE 2 4 OF 102

Holy Spirit.

II. Symbol - Colossians 2:12 (NKJV): “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

Romans 6:3,4 (NKJV): “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.”

Death ——— Burial——— Resurrection Baptism is identification with Christ. In salvation, we accept His death, burial and resurrection as our own.

III. Baptism questions: Do I have to be baptized to be saved (baptismal regeneration)? Should infants be baptized? What does baptism have to do with church membership? If I question the legitimacy of my baptism, should I be re-baptized? How is baptism done at Rev City Church?

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H O LY S P I R I T Who Is The Holy Spirit?

Objective: To review and understand the various paradigms for understanding and studying the Holy Spirit. To understand the varying levels of Christians' experiences with the Holy Spirit. To define the Holy Spirit as a member of the Trinity Godhead.

Issue: Many Christians know very little about the Holy Spirit, nor do they have a relationship with Him. Many churches do not teach about the Holy Spirit, or they define the role in a tight, restrictive manner.

I. Introduction to the series A. Why Discipleship 2? (Story of wealthy man). We can do greater works than Jesus- John 14:12; Ephesians 1:15-20. The power that raised Jesus from the dead, encumbered with the weight of the sins of the world, is the power that is in you.

1. Christians have varying levels of knowledge and experience with the Holy Spirit. Most Christians have a degree of spiritual poverty related to the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. As a new Christian I was taught the "disciplines" of the Christian life; prayer, the Word, fellowship, and witnessing. I was not taught that the Holy Spirit energizes and equips those areas, and that the Holy Spirit experientially allows me to have a relationship with God. 2. As a Charismatic and evangelical church, foundational knowledge of the Holy Spirit is essential.

3. As a believer, the Holy Spirit's work in your life is essential to growth.

B. How do we learn about the Holy Spirit?

1. Our own personal study of God's Word.

2. Experiencing the Holy Spirit (based on the Word of God) 3. Knowledge and experiences of others; the operation of the Spirit in the church.

C. Schedule of sessions and topics What are the Characteristics of the Holy Spirit?

Objective- To become familiar with the characteristics of the Holy Spirit; to know in a familiar manner what the Holy Spirit is like or who He is.

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Issue- For most people, the term spirit is a vague and colorless term. It is used in euphemisms that suggest a human mood or attitude, like, "that's the spirit", or, "he has a downcast spirit." For many Christians, the Holy Spirit is a vague representation of God, unlike our ability to identify with an incarnate Jesus.

I. The Holy Spirit as representative and mediator of Christ's presence; The Holy Spirit mediates Christ's presence to us in a relational manner.

A. As Jesus of Nazareth- Once crucified, now glorified, is here, personally approaching me and addressing me, revealed to me as my savior.

B. To change my life- He is active, powerfully enlightening, animating, and transforming me. As Christ identifies with my weaknesses, the Holy Spirit represents His identification with me in a life transforming way. (i.e. Garden of Gethsemane experience.)

C. He is glorious, meriting all the worship, adoration, love and loyalty we can give Him. II. The Holy Spirit has a personality (We know someone best by knowing their personality.

Personality traits and mannerisms are what we identify with.)

A. Distinctive characteristics 1. Will - I Corinthians 12:11 The Spirit distributes the gifts of the Spirit . ."to each one as He wills.”

2. Knowledge - I Corinthians 2:11 . . . "even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God." This reveals what He knows, He is not just a reflector.

3. Mind- Romans 8:27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

4. Love- Romans 15:30 Now I beg you brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me. Love is a fruit of the Spirit.

5. Grief- Ephesians 4:30 ". . . grieve not the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is very sensitive to sin; our thoughts, actions, attitudes, etc.

III. The Holy Spirit In the Old Testament A. 97 references, the Holy Spirit is always God at work, exercising His power to: 1. Mold creation into shape and give life to created beings. Genesis 1:2, 2:7.

2. Control the course of what we call nature and history. Psalms 104:29, 30, Isaiah 34:16.

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3. Reveal God's truth and will to his messengers. Numbers 24:2, 2 Samuel 23:2.

4. Teach God's people through these revelations the way of faithfulness. Nehemiah 9:20, Psalms 143:10.

5. Elicit personal response to God (faith, repentance, praise, obedience, etc.) Psalms 51:10-12, 
 Isaiah 11:2.

6. Equip individuals for leadership (Joseph, Genesis 41:38; David, I Samuel 16:13) 7. Equip individuals with skill and strength for specific tasks Exodus 31: 1-11, Haggai 2:5.

IV. The names of the Holy Spirit A. The names of the Holy Spirit further reveal His attributes.

1. The Spirit of Truth - John 14: 16-17 ". . . and He will give you another paraclete, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit alterates the natural man to receive the things of God (I Cor 2:14).

2. The Spirit of Holiness - Romans 1:4 Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by the Spirit.

This name is used here by Paul to stress the sanctity of sinless Christ in His resurrectionDeath could not hold the sinless Christ.

3. The Spirit of Life - Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free . . . It is now possible, by the Spirit, to fulfill the just requirement of the law (Romans 8:4) 4. The Spirit of Adoption - Romans 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. a. We are children of God by adoption, and b. We have received the Spirit - Galatians 4:5,6 says that God proves our adoption by sending us the Spirit. Abba is the most personal, familiar name used. for Father.

5. The Spirit of Grace - Hebrews 10:29 (context, insulted the Spirit of Grace.)

6. The Spirit of Glory - 1 Peter 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Wherever the Glory of God is, there is the Spirit.

7. The Eternal Spirit - Hebrews 9:14 V. The symbols of the Holy Spirit 1. Wind - John 3:8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes or where it goes, so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. We

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are aware of His presence, but we can't control Him. He is everywhere. He has a will. It is also translated breath, signifying life.

2. Water - John 7:37-39 If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, 'Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.' Now this He said about the Spirit. He quotes Isaiah 44:2-3, which signifies what water does to dry and thirsty ground. Other passages that express a "river of God" depict that wherever the river flows, there is life. Without the Holy Spirit there is no spiritual life.

3. Dove - All four gospels depict the Holy Spirit as a dove descending on Jesus. Gentleness and innocence are its attributes. The Holy Spirit is said to "hover" or "brood" like a dove. The dove brought signs of life after the flood. Doves were also used in OT sacrifices. Matthew 12:20 "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench.”

4. Oil - Oil equates to anointing. Luke 4:18 says that the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus. As believers, we are anointed (1 John 2:20). Oil represents the abiding presence of God. Oil also represents consecration (set apart), strengthening, healing, illumination, and God’s provision.

5. Fire - Matthew 3:11 He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Burns the chaff away (Matt. 3:12) The fire of judgement burns away evil. There is a baptism of fire that comes in a believers life. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

6. Seal - Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.

VI. Hebrew and Greek Names A. Hebrew - ruah- Means breath B. Greek - pneuma- means breath Breath of life; the vital part of life, residing in man; the spiritual entity in man; depicts the spirit as that part of man that can live independently apart from the soul and body, and that can relate to God C. Greek - paraclete- means helper, but used with the word allos (another), meaning one of equal quality to Christ himself. He is called paraclete because He undertakes Christ's office in the world while Christ in not in the world incarnate. To comfort, help. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Mourn=threneo.

Summary - The names, symbols, actions, and attributes of the Holy Spirit signify how we experience the Spirit's work in our life, thereby defining how we relate to Him and know Him. How does the Holy Spirit relate to me in a personal way? What is the indwelling spirit?

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Objective - To become familiar with the contrasting concepts of the indwelling spirit and the empowering spirit. To understand how the indwelling spirit works in our lives, producing Christian maturity. To understand the four types of people.

Issue - Many Christians lack an understanding of how the indwelling Spirit produces maturity in us over a period of time. Many Charismatic Christians lack spiritual maturity because they cling to an experience with the Holy Spirit and deny the Spirit's indwelling work over time.

I. The indwelling Spirit and empowering Spirit defined.

A. The Bible uses a variety of terms to describe how the Spirit works and relates to us. (living within, indwelling, coming upon, falling upon, being poured upon).

B. Indwelling Spirit defined- Portrays the indwelling Spirit as the source of an ongoing sanctification process which results in Christians developing more "Christ like" character, making them different from the world.

Seldom ever includes manifestations; focuses on the importance of repentance, obedience, and spiritual growth. The evangelical movement orients Christians to the indwelling Spirit, leaving out the empowering aspects.

C. Empowering Spirit defined-- Portrays the Spirit equipping and energizing the believer to carry on an assigned ministry or to enable to do spiritual warfare to a greater degree. Usually includes some type(s) of manifestations.

The Charismatic and Pentecostal movements orient Christians to the empowering work of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (manifestations). There is a neglect of the indwelling work. Some even say that non-Spirit filled people aren't saved.

D. Contrast clarified: The indwelling Spirit gives you the character of Christ The empowering Spirit gives you the ministry of Christ The Spirit of God works in both ways.

II. The indwelling Spirit A. The beginning of indwelling 1. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit- John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another helper, that He may abide with you forever.”

2. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to the disciples- John 20:22- "and when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. . .

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B. At your salvation - Ephesians 1:13- In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

Romans 8:9 - Only Christians have the Holy Spirit, and all Christians have Him. "But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." C. His abiding presence - Ephesians 1:14- "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” (also read this verse from the Living Bible).

II Timothy 1:13-14 In the context of being loyal to the faith.

D. Indwelling is automatic; indwelling is usually non-experiential E. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit I Cor. 3:16 III. The purpose of the indwelling Spirit A. To give you a "bent" toward the character of Christ and ministry.

1. To develop the "fruit of the Spirit" - Galatians 5:22-23 a. "Fruit" isn't forced, it doesn't come through works. It just grows as a result of "abiding in the vine." We must be faithful to exercise our will to keep our heart fixed toward Him. 2. To be spiritually minded - Romans 8:5-6 "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

3. To develop our ability to minister (contrasted with empowerment to minister) a. Motivational gifts b. Ephesians 2:10- "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

IV. Why some Christians don't live in victory, though they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (Read narrative of Corinthians letter)

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A. There are four types of people 1. "Natural" people (not Christians)- I Corinthians 2:14 "The natural man (without the Spirit) does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned." His life is in darkness. His flesh is in control.

2. "Baby" Christians - I Corinthians 3:1 "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual men, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ . . . When Paul first ministered to the Corinthians, they were new in the Faith. The Spirit had given them some truth and had worked in some areas of their life, but they were like natural men in other areas. Paul was describing a "normal"phase all Christians go through.

3. "Spiritual" Christians- I Corinthians 2:15-16 "But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one, for who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." The "spiritual" Christian is a mature person who is yielded, who the Spirit reigns in all areas, who is able to receive and appropriate spiritual truth.

4. "Carnal" Christians- I Corinthians 3:2-3 "I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able. For you are still carnal . . ." Two years have passed since he left Corinth. They should have grown, but haven’t. They are acting like "natural" men.(Superfluity of naughtiness) B. We grow from being babes to spiritual persons by the indwelling Holy Spirit. What is required of us is: 1. Repentance; turning away from the old nature and resisting evil.

2. Meditate on the Word- I Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby . . .�

3. Exercise and grow your faith by learning to trust God in all things- Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.�

Summary - The indwelling Spirit is a part of the life of all Christians. The indwelling Spirit moves us to maturity in Christ as we practice the disciplines of feeding on His word, turning from our old nature, and learning to trust in Him. An "indwelling Spirit Christian" may be developing the character of Christ, but there is more available and more essential, for the equipping for ministrythe "empowering Spirit.

Narrative of Corinthians Letter Paul looked down at the letter in his hand once again and shook his head. It had been three weeks since the courier had brought the letter from Corinth and it still weighed heavily on him.

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He kept asking himself, “How could the things reported in this letter be true? Could those Christians in the city of Corinth really be doing the kind of things this letter described?” Yet the “still, small, voice” of the Spirit of God within him bore witness to what the letter said.

Here was a whole church, several hundred people, who claimed to love Jesus. Yet, in their lifestyle, they seemed very little different from the pagans that surrounded them in that wicked city of Corinth.

The letter described a church full of strife and factions: Christians full of hatred and anger toward each other. Christians taking other Christians to court and suing them before unbelieving judges.

Christians engaged in various kinds of sexual immorality. Christians misusing the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christians actually getting drunk at the Lord’s Table!

Paul didn’t have any doubt these people were saved. He had personally led many of them to Christ.

He spent time with them, praying for them and nurturing them through the first few months of their life with Jesus.

When he left Corinth to continue his missionary journey, Paul had given them specific instructions on how to go on in the Lord. But somehow they had missed it. Instead of growing to maturity as men and women of God, these Christians were still acting like unbelievers!

Paul often said he had no greater joy than seeing his spiritual children walking in the truth. Now he discovered there was very little that distressed him more than seeing his children walking in sin!

For three weeks his heart had been burdened for the Corinthians. He recognized well the weight in his spirit that indicated a call to intercession. All through the day he would pray and fast for them.. If there had been any way possible he would have left the work in Ephesus and rushed to Corinth to deal with the problem himself, but he knew he could not.

As he re-read the letter one more time, he sensed the Spirit of God beginning to speak to him.

Taking a parchment and quill, he quickly began to write down what the Spirit was saying. It was a letter to the Corinthians. He wrote… “Paul...to the church of God in Corinth…”

As the Spirit directed, Paul gave a salutation, and began to bring up some of the problems in the Corinthian church. Ten, in a moment of revelation, the Spirit showed him their root problem…

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What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (or the empowering Spirit)? How does someone receive it?

Objective: To draw a contrast between the empowering Spirit and the indwelling Spirit, and to demonstrate the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation. To define the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and to explain how one receives it.

Issue: Many Christians are not aware of or do not believe in an empowering experience with the Holy Spirit.

I. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (empowering Spirit) contrasted with the indwelling Spirit.

A. Indwelling Spirit – The Spirit indwells ALL believers at the time of salvation automatically.

They are not even aware of it. For Christians that have their hearts turned to God and are abiding in the vine, the indwelling Spirit produces maturity and fruit over time.

B. Empowering Spirit – The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience subsequent to salvation, as shown by scriptural pattern. It is defined by Scripture as an entry-level introduction to experiencing the Holy Spirit's supernatural power for the equipping of the believer. Its characteristics are: 1. Subsequent to salvation (the scriptural pattern is clear).

2. Volitional – to ask for and receive (there is a norm and exception).

3. Entry level – one experience is only the beginning. We must continue to seek it.

4. Usually accompanied by evidences or manifestations.

5. Requires belief and total surrender.

II. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a subsequent experience (read the missionary story).

A. Disciples John 20:21-22 – The disciples receive the indwelling Spirit; Acts 1:5,8 – Jesus announces the baptism. Note why they will receive power. Acts 2:2-4 – Peter’s sermon begins in verse 14 and concludes with results in verse 41. Note the change in Peter from denying Jesus to this point.

B. Samaria Acts 8:14-17 – They volitionally receive, through the laying on of hands. Simon’s response suggests evidences or manifestations. Tongues are not mentioned. 3 of 5 times they are.

Suggests that they either weren’t received, or we don’t know.

C. Paul 9:3-5 – Paul’s conversion; 9:10-16 – Ananias given a charge; 9:17-18 – Paul baptized in the PAGE 3 4 OF 102

Spirit and healed (no tongues but he testifies to the gift later).

D. Cornelius’s household Acts 10:1-2 – Household described; 10:3-7 – Vision and instructions from the angel; 10:9-16 – Peter has a vision, v.19 Spirit tells him about the three men, v.22 Peter is summoned; 10:24,28 – Peter accepts Cornelius; 10:33 – Cornelius still doesn’t know what he is going to hear but he is ready; 10:34-43 – is Peter’s sermon; 10:44-46 – During the sermon, they have a heart response of faith, and without asking they are filled with the Holy Spirit (but their heart response indicates it was still volitional, without asking). Tongues are a manifestation.

E. Empowering must be maintained, and even increased. (Peter and the disciples were filled in Acts 2, but they prayed for and received again in Acts 4).

III. Evidences of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. By understanding that the empowering Spirit is primarily to equip the believer with power for ministry, it stands to reason that evidences would correspond.

A. A new desire for praise and worship – Ephesians 5:18-20 – We have an intimacy with God that is expressed in deeper praise and worship.

B. Supernatural manifestations 1. Prayer language 2. Other gifts in I Cor. 12 3. Other manifestations C. Spiritual discernment, perception – results in a deeper perception of the spiritual realm, greater discernment.

D. Spiritual warfare and prayer – We are more of a threat to the enemy, therefore we are under greater attack. We have a corresponding power to do warfare. (We don’t have any more authority than any other Christian, just a deeper perception of the spirit realm).

New ability in ministry – We are God’s agents on earth to exercise the authority given back to us. Satan will put up a fight.

E. Greater understanding of the Scripture. The Holy Spirit has greater access to our mind, to give us the rhema and logos Word.

Note: I Thessalonians 5:19 gives an example of a church with maturity (character) but who is warned not to put out the Spirit’s fire. (Contrast this with the Corinthian church). God doesn’t want you to choose between maturity and power. He wants you to have them both!

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IV. Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit A. My personal testimony B. Readiness 1. Readiness is the key, rather than understanding. The level of understanding required depends on a person’s belief system about the Holy Spirit and gifts. Understanding doesn’t draw us closer to the Spirit, it just removes barriers. Readiness is best defined by strength of desire.

2. Readiness is converted into seeking.

C. Prayer – The biblical norm is to seek and then ask.

1. Luke 11:13 says that is all we must do.

2. James 4:3 says we must ask with right motives.

3. We must ask in faith, believing.

4. We must be totally surrendered.

Note: Many of the instances recorded in scripture of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred through the laying on of hands. Although this is not an absolute, for some people, having someone pray for them to receive is the manner in which God will do it. Laying on of hands sometimes signifies the impartation of giving a gift that one has to someone else.

Summary: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or empowering Spirit, is an experience that every Christian should seek. It is available to all, and is essential for the church to fulfill its ministry in this world. It is an experience that must be a daily experience in the life of the believer. We must keep taking drinks of the Holy Spirit.

Laying a Foundation for the Ministry of the Gifts of The Spirit Objective: To establish the principle that we are all called to do the work of ministry in the church, and that our ministry includes operating in the gifts of the Spirit. To lay a scriptural foundation for the operation of the gifts.

Issue: There are many Christians that never operate in the gifts of the Spirit. Much of the work of ministry either remains undone or falls to someone else. For the Body of Christ to mature, every individual part must respond to the Holy Spirit's calling on our lives. God's Word and the experience of the church provides the practical instruction we need to operate in the gifts of the Spirit.

I. We are all ministers in the church.

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A. We are all called to do the work of ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12- "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, to equip God's people for the work of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up.�

1. The oďŹƒce gifts are given by Christ to equip the rest of us for the work of ministry.

Unfortunately, this is not the norm for the church today, but it must become the norm for us to become who Christ wants us to be. a. Acts chapter 2 records that the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly preach the gospel, resulting in many conversions. The apostles ministered to those converts to equip them for ministry. b. Acts 8:1 - "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." Verse 4 says that they preached the word wherever they went. The rapid spread of the gospel was due to the church functioning properly.

2. The motivational gifts (Romans 12) are given to all believers. These gifts give us a primary motivation, or "bent" toward a style and method of ministering to others.

3. The manifestation gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) are given to all members of the Body. a. 1 Corinthians 12:18-25 states that the feeble and uncomely parts of the Body are necessary so that there is no division among us. God chooses to use us all. b. The purpose for using us for the manifestation gifts is for the edification of the church (Chapter 14:12). Edification is oikodome, which is; the act or process of building up; spiritual profit or advancement; the verb tense in verse 12 emphasizes all being built up in the house, not a few. c. The manifestation gifts are given as momentary unctions of the Spirit, "to whomever He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). However, it is still possible for individual Christians to flow more often in a particular gifting area (1 Corinthians 12:27-31).

Note: God is doing a work of restoration in the Church today, as the time approaches for the Coming of Jesus. Restoration of the Tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16-18) includes the fullness of the operation and manifestation of the Spirit to make the Church what it is destined to be, fully equipped to powerfully eect full salvation for all those coming to a saving knowledge and experience of Christ.

II. Practical instruction concerning the gifts of the Spirit.

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A. Exhortations to believers concerning the gifts 1. The Holy Spirit will manifest gifts through everyone who is open, and multiple manifestations through some people. 1 Corinthians 12:7 a. Paul is an example of multiple manifestations: Word of Wisdom (2 Peter 3:15) discerning of spirits and word of knowledge (Acts 13:10-11), tongues and interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:13), Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:6), faith and miracles (Romans 15:18-19), and Healing (Acts 14:8-10).

2. We are not to be ignorant of the gifts- 1 Corinthians 12:1.

3. We are to earnestly desire the gifts- 1 Corinthians 12:31.

4. God operates through people as a cooperative act. We submit to Him, but that does not make us a puppet, or unconscious.

B. Gifts are subject to God's Word.

1. Paul gives instruction on the use of gifts, especially the verbal gifts. If communication to the Body is wrong, confusion and error result.

2. Graphe is the written Word of God. Logos is the revealed Word of God Rhema is a specific, revealed Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Timothy 2:15 state that the Word is our safeguard. The Holy Spirit will speak to us, but He will never add to, change, or contradict the Logos Word of God.) C. Covering- Gifts are subject to local church oversight 1. God holds leaders accountable for spiritual health and well being and protection from error. Acts 20:28-30.

2. Prophecies must be judged. 1 Corinthians 14:29 "Let two or three prophets speak and let the others judge.

D. Principle of yielding our members (Romans 6:13) 1. We are not to be passive- we are involved with our will and our body. Participation is intelligent and voluntary. God brings us face to face with a need and then quickens us to fill the need.

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(2) Waiting for a supernatural sign to act E. The gifts are energized by love to birth a response in the recipient. Gifts operating by faith alone lack power.

1. The predicted response from a gift operating by love is edification. Exceptions- even a gift operating in love can be rejected.

2. Done decently and in order- when we are selfish, there is disorder. When we are selfless, order is kept.

F. Proper demeanor in administering gifts: 1. Not as an exhibitionist or over emotional- distracts from the work of the Spirit.

2. Should reflect what we know of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit (gentle, loving, not overbearing) G. Timing and unity 1. God has a flow- a rhema word is a specific word given at the kairos (correct) time, not chronos (linear) time.

2. The message or manifestation will fit in with the unity of the rest of the message and work God is doing.

H. Correction- Gifts operating through people will result in mistakes. We are to press on (Philippians 3:14) and not be discouraged when we are corrected. That is how we learn.

Specific mistakes to avoid will be taught in each of the gifts during the next sessions.

Summary: All Christians should be open for the Holy Spirit to use. The setting might be a church service, small group, or personal ministry. The gifts are essential to the church maturing, so we must press on to be used by God.

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The Revelation Gifts: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits Objective: To understand the basis or benefit for the diversity and operation of the gifts. To understand the purpose, application and administration of each of the revelation gifts.

I. Diversity of gifts.

A. The nine manifestation gifts in I Corinthians 12 are generally grouped into 3 categories.

1. Revelation gifts- Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits.

2. Utterance Gifts- Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Prophecy 3. Power gifts- Faith, Healings, Miracles B. The gifts are given for a specific purpose by the Spirit, in diversity.

1. The purpose is always edification. The Spirit always knows what we need.

2. The combination of gifts in diversity produces a result that is fitting and whole.

Note: Greek Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-8 "Now there are diversities (diairesis) of gifts (charisma), but the same Spirit, and there are differences (diairesis) of administrations (diakonia), but the same Lord. And there are diversities (diairesis) of operations (energema), but it is the same God which worketh (energeo) all in all (pas). But the manifestation (phanerosis) of the Spirit is given to every man (hekastos) to profit (sumphero) withal. For to one is given (didomi) by (dia) the Spirit the . . ." diairesis (diversities, differences)= divide, division, classification charisma (gifts)= Grace gifts of God, overflowing diakonia (administrations)= to minister, serve another, provide what others need energema (operations)= effect, working, results of the energy of God's grace in the believer. Used only in this verse. energeo (worketh)= produce an effect, used in passages referring to Jesus's miracles pas (all)= whole, complete, oneness, all the necessities phanerosis (manifestation)= to make visible or observable hekastos (every man)= each, everyone, strength that comes from distribution PAGE 40 OF 102

sumphero (profit)= in a personal tense, to bring together for profit or advantage or benefit didomi (given)= to give of one's accord and good will, to put into the hands or possession of someone dia (by)= to pass through Note: Revelation gifts allow us to see in part, but only God is omnipotent.

II. Word of Wisdom A. Characteristics logos= revealed word of God, in 12:8, it is also the power of eloquent speech sophia= knowledge, insight, deep understanding, represented as a Divine gift, including practical application, specifically, the ability to know and deal with people.

1. Not "a" word, but "the" word.

2. Not gained through study or experience, although that kind of wisdom is to be sought after and desired.

B. Examples 1. Jesus- Matthew 13:54 2. Paul- Acts 6:6-8 Paul forbidden to go into Bithynia; Acts 20:22-24 Holy Spirit testifies to Paul in every city C. Manifestation of the gift 1. By the Spirit speaking within- spiritual intuition (eureka, or “aha"!) Remember, the gift is given to tell you what to do, or to tell another what they are to do. It gives direction for action, or revelation understanding that results in action.

2. It takes God to discern the hearts of men. Hebrews 4:12 3. The gift is often given to help in counseling others. Brings God’s solution to complex issues and problems.

4. Can be combined with other gifts, or a scripture quickened to memory.

5. Can come as a dream or vision.

III. Word of Knowledge A. Characteristics of the gift PAG E 41 O F 10 2

logos= word gnosis= knowledge- unfolding of the deeper knowledge of God, doctrine, etc. To separate truth from non-truth. Present and partial knowledge.

1. Issue- The common application of this gift is the revealing of an unknown, or hidden fact, (someone having a certain illness a lost article, etc.)? The Greek use of the word knowledge is for revealed truth and deeper understanding of God's Word, as well as any other revealed information from God. It has kinship to Word of Wisdom. Wisdom results in application, knowledge in understanding.

This definition from Dr. Ron Cottle describes it well; "A Word Knowledge is a supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of a portion of God's knowledge at specific time. It brings an understanding of facts unknown by natural means. The all knowing God releases an element of His knowledge in a situation of need."

IV. Discerning of Spirits A. Characteristics of the gift diakresis= discerning- To distinguish, decide, judge. To discern an act or power. To pierce through what is outward to the inner reality. Not for pronouncing judgment on thoughts or opinions. pneumaton= spirits- In 12:10 May refer to human, angelic, or demonic.

1. Human spirits- as in the "spirits of prophets" in 1 Corinthians 14:32. Also, in John 2:25 "Jesus knew what was in man." In John 1:47 Jesus saw no guile in Nathaniel.

Application: Discerning in an individual or group a "spirit of heaviness" or "spirit of deceit."

2. Demonic spirits- as in the unclean spirit torturing a man Mark 1:23- 25. Peter’s discernment of Ananias and Sapphira lying.

Application: Listed right after prophecy, where discernment must be exercised. Also, discernment of miracles, causes of illness, etc. It is a spiritual sensitivity given by the Holy Spirit.

3. Angelic spirits- Hebrews 1:14 says that angelic spirits are ministering spirits sent by God. Can discern their presence as well. Elisha discerned angelic spirits in 2 Kings 6:16-17. Many examples in the gospels of discernment of angels.

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B. Purposes of the gift 1. Protect, guide, guard the flock I John 4:1 2. Brings clarity, removes confusion 3. Provides basis for believer to act with faith and authority.

Note: Discerning of spirits doesn't solve the problem, only identifies it.

Summary: The revelation gifts give us revelation in part, for a specific purpose at a specific time.

The exercising of the gifts results in an individual or corporate group being edified.

The Utterance Gifts and the Power Gifts Objective: To understand the utterance and power gifts and their role and purpose in the believer and the church. To understand the difference between the kinds of tongues and the manifestation of the three power gifts. To understand the abuses of the use of these gifts and how to avoid them.

Review: 1 Corinthians 12:4-8 provides and expectation for how and why the gifts operate in the church today. The gifts are given to all members of His Body in diversity, for service to the Body, emanating from God who knows what we need, to accomplish a specific work of edifying us.

The Utterance Gifts: Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues Issue: The utterance gifts contain the most instruction from Paul because they represent communication from God to the body and therefore potentially provide tremendous blessing or destructive confusion. The instruction should be heeded carefully, but do not indicate that these gifts should be hindered in any way.

I. Prophecy – propheteia = prophetic gift, interpreter of His mind or will, telling forth a word or revelation from God. More a forth telling than foretelling.

A. Distinction between three levels Office of prophet (Ephesians 4:11) Rare, an office gift from Christ to the church. Prophecy as a momentary unction – anyone may prophesy (12:7,10, 14:1,5,31) Prophecy as a gifting that flows often through certain people (14:29,32) B. Manifestation – it is spoken revelation from God. Concepts and words are not of the speaker, emanate from God (always subordinate to Scripture).

1. Remember, as a revelation, it is something we have in part.

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2. Vitally connected to faith – cannot truly prophesy without faith. Fear counteracts faith in hindering this manifestation.

3. Can be given by speaking, singing, written form or demonstration (Acts 21:10-11).

C. Purpose, importance and value of the gift 1. 1 Corinthians 14:3 – three specific purposes are identified a. Builds up (strengthens), edifies (oikodome) to build a house, all in the house benefit b. Encourages/exhorts – can direct a person toward future plans or ministry in an exhorting way (not the same as forthtelling) c. Consolation – comfort 2. Primarily for believers. Reference to unbelievers refers to conviction of sin (14:24,25) 3. J. Rodman Williams says that no gift excels prophecy. Listed after miracles. Sometimes called the “miracle of speech.”

4. As an utterance gift it is communication from God. Strong instructions and warnings about judging prophecy indicate the power to bless or abuse the church.

D. Judging of prophecy and protection from abuse 1. Imperfect gift. Depends on yielded-ness of individual to God. Five tests for prophecy: a. Valid representation of Christ b. Harmonious with scripture – always subordinate to scripture c. Builds up d. Finds consent and agreement with others in the church. Does not cause confusion e. Glorifies God, not man 2. Invalid messages and abuses

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a. Personal prophecy that is intrusive in replacing direction the Holy Spirit gives us directly (i.e. who we are to marry), although prophecy sometimes is the confirmation for something God has already spoken to us. b. Scolding or lecturing or correcting (sometimes people use prophecy as a “weapon” against leadership) c. Manipulation – either to manipulate people or God 3. Judging prophecy – responsibility of leadership. Spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. Those who prophesy much discern well. Groups of two or three prophesying together is a good model.

II. Divers kinds of tongues (glosso) and interpretation of tongues. These two gifts belong together.

Excursion: The gift of tongues as a prayer language for personal use and edification.

1. Tongues is unique in that it (a) does not appear before Pentecost, and (b) is supramental, operates outside of the mind.

2. J. Rodman Williams distinguishes between devotional (for personal edification) tongues and ministry (for edification of the church) tongues.

3. The difference is not in essence, but in practice. Tongues for edification of the church must have interpretation, and both of these gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit as He wills. Devotional tongues are primarily for prayer and worship, and are exercised by the will of the individual. Opinion – Paul was bringing correction to the Corinthian church for inappropriate use of tongues that was causing confusion. Probably the unrestrained use of devotional tongues or ministry tongues without interpretation during preaching and teaching was causing confusion and discord.

4. Delineation in scripture – Ministry tongues and interpretation identified in 12:10 Devotional tongues – 14:2,4 Ministry tongues – 14:5,6,13 Devotional tongues – 14:14,15 5. Purposes of devotional tongues – a. Fundamentally – supreme communication with God. Vehicle of prayer by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:14 b. Most unruly member of our body is totally submitted to God. Unintelligible to us but totally intelligible to God. PAGE 45 OF 102

c. Searches the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10) and mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 14:2) d. Praise – Acts 2:11 and 10:46 e. Edifies and cleanses – like running old hose water out until fresh water comes out. Jude 10, 1 Corinthians 14:4 6. tongues may be the tongues of men (unknown) or of angels A. Purposes of ministry tongues 1. Tongues may be praise to God, speaking His mysteries, or offering supplication. The result is the same as other gifts – edification of the body.

2. 14:6 – May have the application of revelation, knowledge, prophesying, or teaching – but always toward edification.

3. 14:21-22 – May be a sign to unbelievers. There are many testimonies of glossolalia occurring in a language or dialect that prophesies or speaks directly to an individual, resulting in conviction and salvation.

Note: Tongues and interpretation are to have a place in the church and are not to be despised (14:26).

B. Interpretation of tongues – Spontaneous ability to interpret communication given in tongues, not translation. Quickened, as from the Holy Spirit.

1. May vary in length from the message in tongues.

2. May be by person giving the tongue (14:13) or by someone else.

3. May sound like praise, supplication, prophecy, encouragement, revelation or knowledge.

Note: The church is subject to falling into a trap of limited experiences, which form a paradigm about the operation of a gift.

Summary: The utterance gifts are given to the church as gifts that make up part of God’s communication to us. They in no way replace scripture, but just as God speaks to us in our spirits to answer prayer, in dreams, by confirmation from counsel or the words of others, so He speaks to us though these gifts.

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The Power Gifts: Faith, Healings and Miracles I. The power gifts A. Faith precedes healing and miracles. Although faith is essential for all of the manifestations, it is actively represented in healings and miracles, as it is faith flowing out in action.

II. The gift of faith. A special impartation of faith by the Holy Spirit, as a gift.

Pistis=firm persuasion, conviction, belief in, veracity. It is a God-given ability to believe Him for the supernatural in a given situation.

A. Illustrated by “faith that moves mountains” (1 Corinthians 13:2). A mountain symbolizes pictorially that which man cannot do by human nature.

Distinguished from: 1. Saving faith-faith through which someone comes to salvation (Ephesians 2:8) 2. Faith as fruit-Faith that comes as fruit of the Holy Spirit working In us over time (Galatians 5:22).

B. Illustrated and seen in the outworking of the first five books of the New Testament.

1. Christ-Matthew 8:1-3, John 11:11 2. Apostles-Acts 3:1-7, Acts 27:25 3. Matthew 17:20-“nothing will be impossible” (it will accomplish what is needed.) “Faith as a mustard seed.” (A little faith goes a long way, but it must be there).

C. Working with other gifts. Often associated with: 1. Word of knowledge 2. Healings 3. Miracles 4. Prophecy PAGE 47 OF 102

D. As a gift, should be desired and asked for. Cannot coexist with doubt (Matthew 21:21) 1. Doubt is a condition of the heart, not of the mind. When our Heart is turned to God, we know His will and our faith is Increased. Also, words and actions cannot be used as Leverage to motivate God to act. Faith emanating from a Pure heart releases the will of God into action.

III. Healings=iamata, or plural of “iama”. Jesus used iama but gives iamata (as a gift, always in the plural).

A. Recipient of the gift-the person through whom the manifestation flows is a “delivery person” for the gift. They transmit the gift to the person needing it. They never become a healer.

B. Healings (plural) reflect multiple uses of the gift corresponding to multiple types of infirmities (i.e. physical, emotional, mental, etc.)

C. Healing may occur through natural or supernatural means. Results or Fruit of healing may be instantaneous or gradual. (Gradual healing often occurs reflecting the abiding presence of God and the ongoing application of our faith and heart turned toward God. D. Manifestations 1. Laying on of hands-James 5:14-15 (elders), Mark 16:16-18 2. Spoken word - Luke 7:1-10, Acts 9:34 3. By supernatural transmission of the gift a. Mark 6:56 hem of His garment b. Acts 5:15-16 Peter’s shadow c. Acts 19:11-12 Paul’s garments 4. The Holy Spirit distributes the gift, but we should desire it, seek it, and ask for it.

5. Praying for healing as a manifestation gift is prompted by: PAGE 48 OF 102

a. An inner witness of the Spirit to do so. b. Faith for the person to be healed. c. A strong motivation for the healing (love, compassion) F. Purposes of the gift 1. God loves us and wants to see us well and whole. It is a Part of our redemption in Christ, and the nature of God to Extend His love and mercy to us. (Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:16-17) 2. Confirm the gospel message with signs and wonders.

G. Sources of sickness 1. Organic-we live in a fallen world and environment. Although our bodies are wonderfully created to fight sickness, we will get sick.

2. Satan-Acts 10:38. We can be oppressed by Satan.

3. Sin-Deuteronomy 28:58-61 H. Hindrances to healing 1. Sin-Numbers 12:13 2. Lack of forgiveness-we must forgive others. Mark 11:24-25 3. Lack of faith - Mark 6:5-6 4. God’s sovereign will and plan for a person’s life (impossible to understand at times. We cannot limit God by our own thinking and faith.)

IV. Working of miracles - energemata dynameon=The outworking of the power and energy of God, from dunamis, which is where we get the word dynamite; demonstrations of supernatural power, against the laws of nature.

A. The supernatural is natural for God, supernatural for us. In the church, PAGE 49 OF 102

when there is a need for a miracle, we can expect a miracle to happen if we are willing to act on it.

B. Scriptural pattern 1. Christ-miracles accompanied Him everywhere He went.

Represents that miracles are: a. An integral part of a complete gospel message b. An outflow of the nature of God c. Manifestation 1. Requires faith and action - James 2:17 – “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

2. We must hear the mind and will of God for a given situation.

Ezekiel 37:1-20.

3. Believe the word and act on it-when God desires to perform a miracle, He seeks an instrument through which to perform it.

Ea. John 11:43-44, raising of Lazarus; Acts 20:9-10, Paul and Eutychus.

D. Purposes of miracles 1. Deliverance and preservation-the love and compassion of God to give His children what they need. All the plagues in Egypt were for the deliverance and preservation of Israel.

2. To counteract and do warfare against spiritual darkness. Note: Satan performs miracles through magic and witchcraft-a Counterfeit of God’s power.

3. Miracles accompany the preaching of the gospel-is a means of drawing some people to the cross. Mark 16:15-20. Note: Miracles never replace or supersede the Gospel of the power of the cross. The power of the cross is always sufficient to save apart from miracles. The resurrection of Christ is the greatest miracle ever performed, and our personal salvation is the greatest miracle each of us will ever experience.

4. Part of the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. This gift PAGE 50 OF 102

is being restored to the church, and will increase in intensity as we “see the day approaching.�

Summary: The power gifts are given according to the will of God and are distributed in the same manner as the other gifts. They are being restored to the church in fuller measure in the last days.

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MINISTERING IN THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CHARACTER DETERMINES EFFECTIVENESS Objective: To learn how to maximize the work and effectiveness of the Holy Spirit by providing a prepared vessel through which He will work. To begin the work of developing one’s character to reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and a mature life of ministry.

Issue: Most people really desire the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and ministry, but they may encounter frustrations and temporary or even disappointing results, because of underdeveloped character issues in their lives. Character is the inner world of motives and values that shapes our actions. It is the ultimate determiner of the kind of leader we will be.

Character distinguishes those who steward the Holy Spirit’s power well from those who abuse it. Character weaves such values as integrity, honesty, and selfless service into the fabric of our lives and ministries.

“What we do matters less than who we are. How we do things matters less than for whom we do them.”

I.

Godly Character Begins with Proper Attitudes

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5)

What we believe about ourselves, about God, about people and about our environment will shape our character. All of us come into the world with self-centered motives and a desire for self-sufficiency, and each one of us must depend upon the grace of God to change our hearts.

Only then can we have the same attitude as Jesus Christ.

A. Godly Attitudes 1. No problem is too big for God. Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV): “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” a. Think instead of reacting. When difficulties occur, resist the temptation to panic or become upset. Remember the Bible’s instructions for how to think and on what to think. b. Look for God’s working in every situation. Genesis 50:19-20 (NIV): “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’”

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c. Believe in your God given potential. 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV): “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides…”

2. Stay enthusiastic “What happens in me is more important than what happens to me.” a. Enthusiasm means “inspired by God.” b. Draw daily from the fresh well of God’s Word (Psalm 5:3). c. Godly passion inspires others.

3. Love life and people a. If Jesus died for them, we can love them too. b. Great leaders see life as a positive challenge.

4. Allow peace to rule your heart a. Philippians 4:7 (NIV): “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” b. Psalm 23:4 (NIV): “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” c. Does your attitude produce confidence? d. “What would Jesus do?”

5. Expect the tomorrow to be better than yesterday. a. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV): “…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…” b. Living in the past will rob you of the future’s blessings. c. Too often we try to control things we cannot. Too seldom we control what we can … our attitude.

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Problems are: Predictors: They have the ability to predict what you’re going to be.

Reminders: They teach us that we need God. Opportunities: They allow great solutions to arise.

Blessings: They allow us to grow more.

Lessons: They teach us something.

Everywhere: They are common to man.

Messages: They give us signals about our lives.

Solvable: There is always a way out.

7. Faith is a choice a. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV): “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” b. 1 John 5:4 (NIV): “… This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” c. You only have the option to show your faith and courage when you are faced with doubt and fear. Otherwise it is no faith at all.

B. Activating Godly Attitudes 1. Make a list of attitudes you find most attractive in others.

2. What are the attitudes that you find most distasteful in others?

3. List two positive or godly attitudes that you are working to improve in your life.

4. Why are attitudes, godly or ungodly so contagious?

Godly character begins with our attitudes, and …

II. Godly Character must affect our Community

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Acts 1:14 (NIV): “They all joined together constantly in prayer,…”

Acts 2:1 (NIV): “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.”

“The unity of the community made the distribution of the power possible.”

A. Community is Defined as the Sphere of our Relationships and Influence with Others.

1. How we relate to those around us, our family, our friends, our co-workers, and strangers, reveals the depth of our character and the extent to which the Holy Spirit will bestow His power for ministry upon us.

2. Key to building community: Cease living solely for the benefit of ourselves, and begin living for the benefit of others.

3. We all have a choice: We can use people to build the ministry, or We can build people to use ministry.

B. Community Comes from Listening James 1:19 (NIV): “Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Proverbs 1:5 (NIV): “Let the wise listen and add to their learning…”

1. Our first responsibility is to listen to the voice of the Lord.

2. Find a mentor to help you grow. a. “Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” - Larry King b. Mentors can accelerate your learning and spiritual growth because they have already walked down the path.

3. We add value to people when we listen to them.

4. Listen for more than words. Listen for feelings, meanings and undercurrents.

C. Community Comes from Building Relationships Proverbs 17:17 (NIV): “A friend loves at all times.”

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John 15:15 (NIV): “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

1. We must understand how people think and feel. a. They like to feel special, so compliment them. b. They want a better tomorrow, so show them hope. c. They desire direction, so show them the way. d. They are selfish, so speak to their needs first. e. They get emotionally low, so encourage them. f. They want success, so help them win.

2. We must love people as individuals. a. Adapt your style or approach to the personality of the person you are meeting. Understand and know how to relate to the four personality types. b. Develop an ability to find the best, not the worst, in people. Since a person’s faults are easiest to detect, concentrate on their positive traits and abilities.

3. We must help people to be successful.

-Those who keep people’s best interest in mind are loved and respected.

D. Community Comes from Remaining Teachable “Your growth determines who you are. Who you are determines whom you attract. Who you attract determines the success of your organization.” John Maxwell 1. Accomplishing our goals can be the greatest enemy of growth in our lives. If we believe we have attained, we may be forfeiting our greatest potential. “As long as you’re green, you’re growing. As soon as you are ripe, you start to rot.” – Ray Kroc 2. Determine to pay the price to learn right. One does not become a champion by stepping into the ring, but by the discipline, exercise, practice and experience that comes

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before the fight. “The longest distance between two points is a shortcut.” – Nancy Dornan 3. Give up your pride. No one can be prideful and teachable at the same time, and those who refuse to admit they might have something to learn are bound to repeat the same grade over and over again. Pride causes a fear of making mistakes which squelches our ability to risk and learn.

E. Activating Community in our Lives 1. Be a good listener by asking questions. Write down 3 or 4 questions you can use with a person to get the know them, seek common ground, or build a connection with them.

2. Make a list of things you could do to add value to your family, friends or colleagues.

Then try to do one of them every day.

3. How did you respond the last time that you made a mistake? Did you admit it?

Apologize? Become defensive? What did you learn?

4. Take on a new challenge that will stretch you mentally, emotionally or physically. Write down what that challenge will be.

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LIFESTYLE OF A DISCIPLE FOUR PILL ARS OF MINISTRY: • • • •

Ministry of Worship – Intercession John 15:7 Ministry of Evangelism – Matthew 28:19 Ministry of Nurture/ Care – John 21:15-19 Ministry of Teaching or Preaching - Luke 9:1

THE DISCIPLE'S LIFE IN THE WORD: I. The five stages of growth from Hebrew culture 1 Corinthians 2:14 – 3:3 Nepios - Strong’s # 3516 [nepios /nay·pee·os/] adj. 1 an infant, little child. 2 a minor, not of age. 3 metaphorically used for childish, untaught, unskilled.

Paidion - The new Strong's dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words - #3813 paidion, pahee-dee´on; neut. dimin. of 3816; a childling (of either sex), a halfgrown boy or girl; fig. an immature.

Teknon - Enhanced Strong's Lexicon 5043 [teknon /tek·non/] n n. 1B2 in affectionate address, such as patrons, helpers, teachers and the like employ: my child. 1B3 in the NT, pupils or disciples are called children of their teachers, because the latter by their instruction nourish the minds of their pupils and mould their characters.

Huios - Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon - 5207 [huios /hwee·os/] - 3D - those who revere God as their father, the pious worshippers of God, those who in character and life resemble God, those who are governed by the Spirit of God, repose the same calm and joyful trust in God which children do in their parents (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:26), and hereafter in the blessedness and glory of the life eternal will openly wear this dignity of the sons of God. Term used preeminently of Jesus Christ, as enjoying the supreme love of God, united to him in affectionate intimacy, privy to his saving councils, obedient to the Father’s will in all his acts.

Telios - Enhanced Strong's Lexicon 5046 [teleios /tel·i·os/] adj. 1 brought to its end, finished. 2 wanting nothing necessary to completeness. 3 perfect. 4 that which is perfect. 4A consummate human integrity and virtue. 4B of men. 4B1 full grown, adult, of full age, mature.

Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV): “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

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II. The purpose and importance of studying God’s Word A. The Word reveals God to man. Psalm 19:7-9 (NKJV): “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord 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.”

B. It is alive and life giving.

Hebrews 4:12 C. Its is at work in believers, doing a renewing and sanctifying work. 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV): “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”

D. It is good for doctrine, reproof and instruction.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 III.How to study God’s Word A. Distinction between: 1. Hearing 2. Reading 3. Studying 4. Meditating (Psalm 1, haga, to mutter to oneself) B. The discipline of studying and meditating C. Suggestions for studying and meditating

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T H E D I S C I P L E ’ S L I F E I N P R AY E R : Prayer: I. What is prayer?

There is no reason to complicate prayer. Prayer is talking to God. We know Him through prayer, just as we learn to know anyone through spending time with him or her. Prayer is both talking and listening. God is always present with us, and will never leave us or forsake us; but prayer is the way that we feel connected with Him moment by moment. Prayer bends our will toward the will of God. He is interested in every area of our lives, our successes and failures, our needs and wants, our frustrations and challenges; but He also is to receive our thanks and praise and reverence.

II. Truths about prayer A. We have the authority to boldly come to God. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV): “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

B. We have the responsibility and authority as believers to enforce victory in the Kingdom won by Christ.

Matthew 16:18-19 C. We can have confidence that our prayers release the working of His power to effect the will of God. 1 John 5:14-15 and Ephesians 3:20 D. Pray through to victory.

III.Hindrances to prayer A. Wrong motives – James 4:1-4 B. Pride – Psalm 138:6 C. Iniquity – Proverbs 28:13 D. An unforgiving spirit – Matthew 18:21-35 E. Doubts – James 1:5-7

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THE DISCIPLE'S LIFE OF FELLOWSHIP: I. The two themes of God’s revealed plan in the New Testament A. As an individual – you were saved.

B. As the Church – he is preparing a Bride for His Son. II. Principles of being a member of a “functional” family A. Come into the family from a clean disconnect. Make a commitment.

1. Bow a knee to unity. Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV): “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” 2. Esteem your family members as more important than yourself. Philippians 2:2-3 (NKJV): “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

3. To put others first, in humility.

4. Honor and protect family members.

B. Resist the schemes of the enemy.

1. Refuse to be offended.

2. Extinguish factious behavior.

C. Come under authority.

1. Commit to being a son or daughter in the house.

2. Honor and protect authority.

Hebrews 13:17 3. Pray for those in authority.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

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4. Become an instrument of service in the house. Be involved. You are a chosen instrument and vessel for the house of God. D. Reap the benefits of being in the family.

1. Spiritual protection. 2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV): “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come...”

2. Nourishment from God. Ephesians 5:26 (NKJV): “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”

3. Comfort, encouragement, exhortation, sharing of burdens 2 Corinthians 1:4 4. A place of belonging - Psalm 93:13 “They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.” 5. Christ is returning for His Church 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

THE DISCIPLE'S LIFE OF WITNESS: I. The Command and the Power to Witness A. The Command 1. Jesus: "Go" Mark 5:19-20 and Matthew 28:18-20 2. Peter: "Be Prepared" 1 Peter 3:15 B. The Power 1. Holy Spirit - Acts 1:8 2. “Successful witnessing is sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God." - Bill Bright

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II. Our Lives are a Witness - James 2:14-18 A. The witness of our character 1. A life of peace and holiness reveals Jesus - Hebrews 12:14.

2. Good lives and good deeds leave no room for accusations and bring glory to God 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 5:16.

3. Blameless and pure living stands out like the stars - Philippians 2:15.

B. The witness of our family 1. Marriage reflects a believer's relationship to Christ - Ephesians 5:22-25, 32.

2. Your behavior can reach your spouse - 1 Peter 3:1-2, 7.

3. Your behavior can reach your children - Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4.

III.Our Mouths are a Witness A. How to share a Personal Testimony 1. A Personal Testimony should not... b. c. d. e. f.

Contain meaningless statements, facts, etc.

Contain too much personal trivia.

Give a "holier than thou" impression.

Use technical or religious terms that are not properly defined.

Be too lengthy.

2. A Personal Testimony should... a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

Identify with the listener by discussing mutual interests.

Contain honest statements.

Give clear account of how you were saved.

Be a personal expression of what Christ has done for you.

Keep Christ and the Gospel central.

Be an illustration of Christ's faithfulness.

Base assurance of salvation on scripture.

Refrain from negative comments about persons, other churches or denominations.

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B. How to lead a person to salvation in Jesus Christ 1. GRACE a. Heaven is a free gift - Romans 6:23. b. It is not earned or deserved - Ephesians 2:8, 9.

2. MAN a. He is a sinner - Romans 3:23. b. He cannot save himself - Proverbs 14:12.

3. GOD a. He is merciful and doesn't want to punish us - Jeremiah 31:3b. b. He is just and must punish sin - Exodus 34:7b.

4. CHRIST a. Who He is... God's Son - John 1:1, 14. b. What He did... He died for our sins - Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:24.

5. FAITH a. What it is not... It is not just intellectual knowledge. b. What it is... It is trusting Jesus Christ alone for eternal life - Ephesians 2:8.

ASK FOR A COMMITMENT a. Does this make sense? b. Would you like to receive this gift of eternal life? c. Pray a prayer of repentance and ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life.

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SPIRITUAL WARFARE VICTORY OVER THE EFFECTS OF SIN: I. The Curse of Adam A. Adam and Eve were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), but the temptation and fall of man in the Garden of Eden brought a curse of sin, sorrow, disease, strife, and death to each of us as descendants of Adam. Satan still uses the same pattern of temptation and sin today to get us to disobey God and “do our own thing” that he used in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-7).

B. Eight Results of the Fall 1. Everyone stands guilty of sin before a holy God. Romans 5:19 (NIV): “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners.”

2. The Fall resulted in spiritual death. Romans 5:12 (NIV): “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.”

3. The Fall caused man to hide from God. Genesis 3:8 (NIV): “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

4. The Fall brought fear. Genesis 3:10 (NIV): “He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid’.”

5. Man began blaming others for his sins and shortcomings. Genesis 3:12 (NIV):“The man said, ‘The woman you put here with me- she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it’.”

6. The ground became cursed. Genesis 3:17 (NIV): “To Adam He said, ‘...Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life’.”

7. Man’s mind became perverted and wicked. Genesis 6:5 (NIV): “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.”

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8. Man, without Christ, lies in darkness, without hope, and under the power of the devil.

Ephesians 2:12 (NIV): Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ ... without hope and without God in the world.”

John 5:19 (NIV): “The whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

II. Salvation Reverses the Curse A. The Steps to Salvation 1. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23).

2. Repent and turn to God (2 Peter 3:9).

3. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10).

4. Ask God to forgive you and invite Jesus Christ into your heart (1 John 1:9; Revelation 3:20).

5. Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

6. Receive salvation as a free gift and not as a reward for good works (Romans 6:23).

III.Live as a New Creation in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

A. Believe you have God’s new life within you. Galatians 2:20 (NIV): “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

B. Live with a new purpose – to be God’s worker. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV): “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

C. Rejoice in your new destiny. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV): “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

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D. Accept your new family. Ephesians 3:14-15 (NIV): “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”

E. Receive your new inheritance. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV): “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.”

1. Wisdom (James 1:5) 2. Clear conscience (Hebrews 9:14) 3. Divine healing (1 Peter 2:24) 4. Victory over the enemy (1 John 5:4) 5. Victory over circumstances (Romans 8:37-39) 6. Victory over the flesh (Galatians 5:16) 7. The Spirit of life (Romans 8:2) 8. God’s provision for your needs (Philippians 4:19) 9. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) 10.Success (Joshua 1:7) 11.Answers to prayer (John 15:7) 12.Fellowship with God and with believers (1 John 1:3)

VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY: Satan uses three basic weapons with which he hopes to defeat you.

• Temptation • Condemnation • Destruction Remember, God has given you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

I. Victory over Temptation A. How Temptation works (James 1:12-15) 1. The devil looks for an area of our life where you are weak.

2. He then entices you in that area. Temptation is not sin – only yielding to it is.

3. If you give in to the temptation, sin is conceived.

4. After sin gets a hook in you, it becomes stronger and stronger (if you do not repent) until it controls you and finally destroys you.

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B. Areas where believers are tempted (1 John 2:16) 1. The lust of the flesh – appetites of the flesh.

2. The lust of the eyes – appetites for wrong relationships with people or possessions.

3. The pride of life – an appetite for self at the center of all relationships and things.

C. How to successfully overcome temptation: 1. Daily put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

2. Build yourself up through prayer and Bible study.

3. Avoid and flee from evil influences (1 Corinthians 15:33; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).

4. Use scripture as a sword against temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

5. Repent of all known sin in your life especially un-forgiveness, bitterness, rebellion, or occult involvement.

6. Stay in close fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).

7. Stand on God’s promise that He will not allow Satan to tempt you beyond what you can handle but will give you a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

8. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

II. Victory over the Devil’s Condemnation (Revelation 12:10-11) A. His purpose is to make you quit.

If he can convince you that you are not changed, that God does not love you, or that you will never get victory, then what usually results is discouragement, depression, despair and eventually spiritual shipwreck.

B. Three areas of Protection Revelation 12:11 (NIV): “They overcame him 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.”

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2. The spoken Word 3. Absolute Surrender to the Lord III.Victory over the Devil’s Destruction John 10:10 (NIV): “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

A. Major areas of the Devil’s destruction 1. Physical sickness 2. Bondage to alcohol, drugs, sexual sins or food 3. Mental and emotional attacks 4. Financial problems 5. Family problems B. Ways to resist the Devil 1. Stand on God’s Promises (Psalm 119:11) 2. Speak God’s Word to the situation (Matthew 4:1-11) 3. Obey God (Malachi 3:10-11) 4. Bind the devil and loose the blessings of God (Matthew 16:19; 12:28-19) 5. Walk in Faith (Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:4) 6. Stand your ground (Ephesians 6:11-13)

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L I V I N G W I T H A H O LY G O D A Believer’s Position with a Holy God - We are in Christ and Christ is in us (1 Peter 2:10; Galatians 2:20) I. The Christian Life is not a Reformation, but a Transformation A. We are a New Creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

B. We Belong to a New Family. 1 John 3:1 (NIV): “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” C. We are Given a New Righteousness – God credits us with Jesus’ perfect life.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” II. The Spiritual Blessings that result from being in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14) • • • • • • • •

Holy and Blameless (vs. 4) Sons of God (vs. 5) God’s grace (vs. 6) Redemption and Forgiveness of sins (vs. 7) Wisdom and Understanding (vs. 8) Made known His will for all things and people to be under His Headship (vv. 9, 10) Given the Holy Spirit (vs. 13) Guaranteed an inheritance (vs. 14)

A Believer’s Relationship with a Holy God “...Be holy because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15, 16) I. What is holiness?

A. “Holiness” comes from the Greek word hagios meaning, “to set apart,” “to separate.”

1. We are to separate from the world.

2. We are to be set apart for God. 3. “Sanctification” comes from the same word as “holiness.”

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B. Holiness is the work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and more like Christ.

1. God declares us to be holy when we receive the gift of salvation and are born again. 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV): “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Romans 6:18 (NIV): “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

2. We must continue to be transformed into Christ’s likeness by the sanctification process. a. While it begins at the “new birth,” it must be a process throughout our lives (Philippians 2:12, 13; Romans 12:2). b. We are changed in increasing degrees of holiness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

C. God’s intention is for believers to live free from the bondage of sin so we might experience full and abundant life.

D. The key to holiness is in knowing who you are in Christ.

1. Holiness is not a negative process of “don’ts” nor is it legalism.

2. It is a positive process of sharing in Jesus’ life. a. John 6:57 (NIV): Just as the living Father sent Me and I life because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of Me.” b. 1 John 2:6 (NIV): “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” c. Are you connected to Jesus and sharing his life?

II. How do we live a holy life?

A. Believe that God is good, created you with a purpose, wants a relationship with you, and has given you His Word.

B. Know who you are and where true life is to be found.

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1. We are aliens in this world. John 15:19 (NIV): “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

2. We have different values than the world.

Matthew 16:26 (NIV): “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”

John 18: 36 (NIV): “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’”

3. God expects his children to live without sin.

1 John 3:9 (NIV): “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 2:1 (NIV): “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the righteous one.”

C. Repent and confess any sin in your life and receive God’s forgiveness.

1. 1 John 1:9 (NIV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

2. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we sin, but when we come clean with God, He rejoices over us.

3. We must maintain a clear record and a clear conscious before God. D. Renew your Mind 1. Romans 12:2 (NIV): “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2. Battles are won or lost in the arena of one’s mind.

3. We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

4. Continually admit that you are dependent upon the Holy Spirit to help you live life like Jesus.

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5. Place yourself in an environment where holiness can grow.

6. Maintain the four disciplines of a disciple: Word, Prayer, Fellowship with believers, and a Witness to the world.

7. Be diligent in the work and ministry of God. 8. Physically remove yourself from places of temptation.

9. Refuse to entertain thoughts that could lead to sin. Replace those thoughts with God’s thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

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HEARING GOD’S VOICE G O D I S A LWAYS S P E A K I N G One of the greatest benefits of our salvation has to be that of hearing God speak to us personally.

There can be no intimate relationship with our heavenly Father without it. But, as easy as it is for us to speak to Him, the average Christian has a hard time hearing His voice. This is not the way the Lord intended it to be.

Learning to clearly distinguish God’s voice is invaluable. Instead of going through life blindly, we can have the wisdom of God guide and protect us. There isn’t a single person who couldn’t have their life radically transformed by hearing the voice of the Lord better. The worst marital problem is one word from the Lord away from a total turnaround. If you have sickness or disease, one living word from the Lord will instantly heal you. If you are in financial crisis, the Lord knows exactly how to turn your situation around. It’s just a matter of hearing His voice.

The Lord constantly speaks to us and gives us His direction. It’s never the Lord who is not speaking, but it’s us who are not hearing. Jesus made some radical statements about hearing His voice in John 10:3-5. He was speaking about Himself as the Shepherd of the sheep and the only way to enter the sheepfold.

John 10:3-5 “To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Notice that He said in verse 3, His sheep hear His voice. He didn’t say His sheep CAN hear His voice or SHOULD hear His voice. He made the emphatic statement that His sheep DO hear His voice.

Most Christians would question the accuracy of that statement since their experiences don’t line up.

But it’s not what Jesus said that is wrong; all true believers can and do hear the voice of God; often, they just don’t recognize what they are hearing as being God’s voice.

Radio and television stations transmit twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; but we only hear them when we turn the receiver on and tune it in. Failure to hear the signal doesn’t mean the station isn’t transmitting. Likewise, God is constantly transmitting His voice to His sheep, but few are turned on and tuned in. Most Christians are busy pleading with God in prayer to transmit when the problem is with their receivers.

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The first thing we need to do is fix our receivers — believe that God is already speaking and start listening. However, that takes time, effort, and focus. The average Christian’s lifestyle is so busy, it isn’t conducive to hearing God’s voice. For instance, what is your typical answer to the question, “How are you?” Many of you probably answer something about being very busy. I often say, “I’m busier than a one-arm paper hanger.” All of us seem to be busier than ever, and that’s one of the BIG reasons we don’t hear the voice of the Lord better. We’re just too busy.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s in stillness, not busyness, that we tune our spiritual ears to hear the voice of God. The Lord always speaks to us in that “STILL, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, emphasis mine), but often it’s drowned out amid all the turmoil of our daily lives.

Second, and this is very important, most often we mistake the voice of the Lord for our own thoughts. That’s right. I said the voice of the Lord comes to us in our own thoughts.

John 4:24 says, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

This is saying that communication with God is Spirit to spirit, not brain to brain or mouth to ear, the way we communicate in the physical realm. The Lord speaks to our spirits, not in words, but in thoughts and impressions. Then our spirits speak to us in words like, “I think the Lord wants me to do this or that.” The Lord doesn’t typically say “You do this or that,” but He will impress your spirit to do something, and then your spirit says, “I think I should do . . .” Therefore, we often miss the leading of the Lord, thinking it’s our own thoughts.

Every one of us has done something stupid and afterwards said, “I knew that was the wrong thing to do.” We didn’t feel right about our decision, but we followed logic or pressure only to find that our impression was actually the Lord speaking to us.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

This verse has often been interpreted to mean that the Lord will give you whatever you want and has been used to justify selfishness, greed, and even adultery. But it doesn’t mean that the Lord will give you whatever you want; it means that when you are seeking the Lord, He will put His wants or desires into your heart. He will make His desires become your desires. The Lord changes your “want to.”

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Colossians 3:15, which says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”

I am convinced that our gracious heavenly Father speaks to every one of His children constantly, giving us all the information and guidance we need to be total over-comers. There isn’t a problem with His transmitter; it’s our receiver that needs help.

Testing the Spirits As we are learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, we must realize that not every voice that speaks to us from the spirit realm is from God. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 In First John 4, we are instructed as "the beloved" to "not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." In this passage of Scripture, it is made clear that we—the beloved—are able to hear from spirits other than the Holy Spirit and are warned not to become false prophets by listening to the wrong spirit!

Therefore, if it is possible to become a false prophet by listening to the wrong spirit, then it becomes vital to know which voices can speak to us.

Who Is Speaking to Us? Voices that speak to us from the spirit realm come from four sources:

1. Our spirit.

2. The Holy Spirit.

3. Evil spirits.

4. Angels.

The Four Sources Our spirit: We are a spirit that has a soul and a body. When we are born again, our spirit comes to life making it possible to hear from the spirit realm, but not necessarily hearing from the Holy Spirit.

Hearing from our own spirit is still a spiritual experience and being aware of this will help us discern which voice is speaking to us.

The Holy Spirit: This is God's Spirit, the one who we are building a relationship with and learning to hear clearly.

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Evil spirits: Spirits from the evil realm can speak to Christians just as they spoke to Jesus when He encountered satan in the wilderness.

Angels: According to Hebrews chapter 1, these are spirits sent to render service to the saints.

Angels also speak to us about the things of God. Practice Makes Perfect It takes time to learn to discern what spirit is speaking to you and there is no substitute for experience. A banker who had reached the age of retirement was about to be replaced by a young man. Upon his arrival to take the helm from his predecessor, he asked the older man how he became successful. The man replied, "Good decisions.” "How do you make good decisions?" the young man asked. "Experience," the banker replied. The young man thought for a moment, and then inquired, "How do you get experience?” With a warm smile aged with wisdom, he replied, "Bad decisions!”

You cannot grow in the gifts of the Spirit without making mistakes! We gain experience as we step out in faith learning to listen to God the Holy Spirit.

Fishing Story A man goes fishing with another man who was several years his senior. The both of them stood on the same bank, using the same bait, and the young man watched as the older man caught several fish while the younger was unsuccessful. Certain that the problem was the pole that the young man was using, he asked if they could swap equipment and the older man graciously traded poles with him.

Still he caught nothing, as the older man continued to reel in more fish!

The young man finally decided that the only fish he was going to catch that day was one that was going to commit suicide. Now the older man knew what the problem was, but it took the younger man a while to realize that he didn’t know how it felt to get a bite. You see, the old man had experience.

Having a pure heart is vitally important in communicating with God. The pure in heart see God. Take some time now to ask the Lord to search your heart. Let humility and hunger be your guide.

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REL ATIONSHIPS MARRIAGE “24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:24-25 (ESV) 1. THE LAW OF PRIORITY - “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother…”

2. THE LAW OF PURSUIT - “… and hold fast to his wife,…”

3. THE LAW OF POSSESSION - “…and they shall become one flesh.”

4. THE LAW OF PURITY - “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.”

FRAMEWORK TO BUILD YOUR MARRIAGE “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:21-33 (ESV) Needs:

THE GREATEST NEED OF MAN (Husband) - The greatest need of a man is Honor THE GREATEST NEED OF WOMAN (Wife) - The greatest need of a woman is Security

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G O D LY F A M I L I E S G E T R E A L To become a successful, Godly family, we must overcome the strongholds and iniquities that have limited us!

Exodus 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the iniquities of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

I John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. NIV James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. NIV Iniquities can include: • Mindsets • Attitudes • Personality traits • Habits/Addictions • Patterns of behavior (Anger, Infidelity, Depression) We must take a stand to defeat strongholds and break iniquities!

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Forgive our family Ask God to heal us of the effects Take responsibility for ourselves and our future Be Equipped and Strengthened to become Doers of God’s Word!

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!”

Revelation 3:5-6 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Godly Families “Get In” The most successful Godly families center their life around the House of God! Psalm 92:13 “they are planted in the house of the Lord, they flourish in the courts of our God” Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV In times of cultural decay and despair, God always builds something to preserve His people! He once built an ark, now he has built His Church!

The church is: - A place of refuge from the flood and the storm - A place to heal and be restored.

Mark 2:17 "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." NLT PAGE 79 OF 102

- A place to discover the word and promises of God so we can stand and go forward.

Genesis 9:13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

The rainbow occurs where the sun and the storm collide. His promise is to be in the storm!

Godly Families Play and Laugh Prov. 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Home is where the heart is formed. Our needs for love, intimacy, affirmation, friendship and fun were designed to be provided for in the home and family.

1 Timothy 5:8 “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Practical things to prioritize: Daily Prioritize meals and tuck ins.

Weekly Prioritize family outings and date nights Seasonally Vacations and get-aways

Godly Families Say No Matt. 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. NIV What is shaping our families more? Media, the culture, your friends, or the Word of God? Areas to guard and defend: Our schedules. Hobbies. Friends. Music. Movies. Television. Social Media.

Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it is profitable for you or your family.

We cannot allow cultural expectations to define our expectations for our marriage, our kids, our teenagers.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Daniel 1:20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better

Godly Families Establish Vision, Values, and Traditions Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. NASB The Message - “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; PAGE 80 OF 102

But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”

Many of us enter into marriage and family with very little training, and even less vision, direction or specific goals for our marriage and family.

A Godly vision for your marriage, your family, your kids serves as an anchor, a lighthouse, a GPS to help you get and stay on track.

Make the time!

When money, success, and stature is at stake we research, analyze, inquire of experts, write and rewrite vision statements, business plans, mission statements.

Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. NASB A vision helps bring into focus what you believe and what you will stand for!

- Core Values. (Honesty, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Faithfulness, Forgiveness) Some Major Practical Areas: - How you’ll treat each other (Use God’s Word to shape and define needs, desires, preferences and areas that are important, from intimacy to helping around the house) - How you’ll discipline your kids Amos 3:3 “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” NLT - How you’ll manage money and goals you have for finances - How you’ll fight!

Godly families celebrate God Psalm 145:3Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. 4One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. 5They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.6They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Speak, Tell, Celebrate!

Psalm 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble” ESV Psalm 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story-- those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, NIV

Godly Families Fight Revelation 5:10 And He has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

As priests we minister to the Lord and to our families. As kings we take dominion and rule and reign in authority.

A king isn’t a king without a kingdom! Your home, marriage and family is your Kingdom!

Kingdoms are established in battle and must be fiercely protected!

1 Peter 5 8:9 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is PA G E 81 O F 10 2

undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” NIV 2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army….But David remained in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Jeremiah 1:17-19 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land….They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. NIV The Servant King is our example!

Ephesians 5:1 “Imitate God in everything you do” Ephesians 5:25 “…love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her”

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STEWARDSHIP “Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already.”

– C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity “What does stewardship look like in our lives today?”

Unfortunately many follower of Christ today only associate the idea of stewardship with sermons they have heard about church budgets and building programs.

However, we believe it is where the concepts of faith, work and finances intersect. There are four important principles about biblical stewardship we must understand:

1. T H E P R I N C I P L E O F O W N E R S H I P. The psalmist begins the 24th psalm with, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

In the beginning of Genesis, God creates everything and puts Adam in the Garden to work it and to take care of it. It is clear that man was created to work and that work is the stewardship of all of the creation that God has given him.

This is the fundamental principle of biblical stewardship. God owns everything, we are simply managers or administrators acting on his behalf.

Therefore, stewardship expresses our obedience regarding the administration of everything God has placed under our control, which is all encompassing. Stewardship is the commitment of one’s self and possessions to God’s service, recognizing that we do not have the right of control over our property or ourselves.

Echoing Deuteronomy 8:17, we might say: “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But Deuteronomy 8:18 counsels us to think otherwise: “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

2 . T H E P R I N C I P L E O F R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y. In explaining responsibility, author Bill Peel writes, “Although God gives us ‘all things richly to enjoy,’ nothing is ours. Nothing really belongs to us. God owns everything; we’re responsible for how we PAGE 83 OF 102

treat it and what we do with it. While we complain about our rights here on earth, the Bible constantly asks, ‘What about your responsibilities?’ Owners have rights; stewards have responsibilities."

We are called as God’s stewards to manage that which belongs to God. While God has graciously entrusted us with the care, development, and enjoyment of everything he owns as His stewards, we are responsible to manage His holdings well and according to His desires and purposes.

3 . T H E P R I N C I P L E O F A C C O U N TA B I L I T Y. A steward is one who manages the possessions of another. We are all stewards of the resources, abilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to our care, and one day each one of us will be called to give an account for how we have managed what the Master has given us.

This is the maxim taught by the Parable of the Talents. God has entrusted authority over the creation to us and we are not allowed to rule over it as we see fit. We are called to exercise our dominion under the watchful eye of the Creator managing His creation in accord with the principles He has established.

Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, we will be called to give an account of how we have administered everything we have been given, including our time, money, abilities, information, wisdom, relationships, and authority.

We will all give account to the rightful owner as to how well we managed the things He has entrusted to us.

4. THE PRIN CIPLE OF REWARD. In Colossians 3:23-24 Paul writes: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

The Bible shows us in the parables of the Kingdom that faithful stewards who do the master’s will with the master’s resources can expect to be rewarded incompletely in this life, but fully in the next.

We all should long to hear the master say what he exclaims in Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

As followers of Jesus Christ in the 21st century, we need to embrace this larger biblical view of stewardship, though important; which goes beyond church budgets or building projects, it connects everything we do with what God is doing in the world.

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We need to be faithful stewards of all God has given us within the opportunities presented through his providence to glorify him, serve the common good and further his Kingdom.

We Live to Give Giving is a Christ-like lifestyle. We generously give forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, time – whatever is needed to reveal Jesus to others. Regarding finances, we faithfully tithe as the starting point for extravagantly supporting and building God’s Kingdom through our local church.

Giving to God and Stewardship The financial operation of the church is dependent upon the faithful and obedient giving by its partners. Part of any church’s partnership responsibility involves faithfully tithing (the starting point). However, this isn’t the only reason that we include a section about Stewardship in this discipleship track. While giving is a part of the overall stewardship of what God has given to us, we are a giving church. Meaning, we as a church body, give locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 Giving is directed to God Even though giving is directed to the local church as the storehouse, it’s acknowledged as being given to God. Our giving, then, is an expression of our love for Him and is done out of obedience to Him. It becomes an extension of our personal worship (Malachi 3:8–10; Matthew 23:23; Mark 12:43).

Giving is an expression of our stewardship and God’s Lordship in our lives Our stewardship includes our time, our gifts and our talents as well as our treasure (Matthew 6:21; Luke 16:13).

Giving has a profound, practical effect on our lives.

God has promised that He will rebuke the devourer as we give (Malachi 3:11). God will always bless the giver, because God Himself is a giver (Luke 6:38). We don’t believe in withholding our giving as a form of disagreement or a “statement” about the direction of the church.

We give to bless the work of God, no strings attached.

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FREEDOM INTRODUCTION Freedom Ministry is a biblical teaching about who we are in Christ, what He has already accomplished for us, and what we have in Him as a result of what He has done. It helps us to see the reasons we continue to struggle in certain areas of our being – our thought life, relationships, temptation, fears, etc. It explains to us who our adversary is and why he may have access to oppress us. It is also an opportunity to receive ministry that brings inner healing and freedom through deliverance from demonic oppression in common but critical areas.

The Freedom Ministry goal is to help each individual achieve personal spiritual breakthrough through inner healing and deliverance. Inner healing definitively identifies and closes doors to demonic oppression so that deliverance is effectively achieved.

YO U I N A DA M B E F O R E C H R I S T Though you were created by God in your mother’s womb to belong to Him, you were born into Adam and derived your identity from Adam. You were independent of God until the day you would choose to lose your life in Adam and receive new life in Christ.

Matthew 16:25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

You were the old creation and you needed to be delivered from the old and to be made new.

You needed: •

A Savior/rescuer

•

Forgiveness from your sins (justification)

•

Deliverance from your old identity (new birth, regeneration, a new mind, a new heart)

•

Authority and dominion over death and sin

•

A restored relationship to the Father

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.

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God’s solution for your need was the miracle of the cross and resurrection. You received your new life from first dying to your old self. Death precedes the new birth!

US IN CHRIST – CHRIST IN US There are two great pictures of our union with Christ. Us in Christ, and Christ in us. Personalized, that would be, “Me in Christ, and Christ in me.” There are approximately 200 references of each of these in scripture. The Bible gives us these two distinct pictures because there is an important difference between them.

1. Me in Christ What happened to me at my new birth? The scriptures above tell us that in Christ, our old man was put to death and our new man was raised up with Christ.

The “in Christ” scriptures are exactly the same for all of us. Our identity in Christ is exactly the same:

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We are all forgiven of our sins, washed clean.

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We are all given our adoption as sons.

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We are all a new creation with a new identity

We are all given the righteousness of Christ.

The finished work of Christ is equally applied to all of us. No one is more forgiven than anyone else, nor is anyone more of a new creation than anyone else.

Colossians 2:9-10 “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”

This scripture says that all of us in Christ have been made complete in Him. The word for complete, pleroo, is a word that means “absolutely full.” No one is more pleroo (complete) in Him than anyone else. This is an absolute truth for all of us. It is how we are known by God in Heaven—complete in Him.

2. Christ in Me How am I growing into who I really am? Colossians 1:27 uses the phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The word hope refers to the future; it is something that has not yet happened.

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The approximately 200 “Christ in me” scriptures are different for each of us, because they are descriptive of the unique work of renewal the Holy Spirit is doing in each of us. We have been made complete (pleroo) but we are becoming complete (telios).

Paul said of himself in Philippians 3:12 that he has not yet attained telios. Telios is a word that also is translated as “complete or perfect,” but it is different than pleroo. It means “spiritually mature.”

There is always a level of spiritual maturity that we have not yet attained. It’s important to remember: •

We are complete, but not yet! The key is in understanding the two words pleroo and telios. We have been made into a new person that is completely new, but we have to grow up into who we are.

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We are becoming who we are. Our life experience, knowledge and understanding, and maturity are catching up to the truth of who we have already been made to be. It sounds like a paradox – that we are still becoming someone we have already been made to be. But this is illustrated by the Bible calling us “newborn babes” as new Christians. The DNA of who we are is already in there, but we have to grow up into the fullness of our being. This is why there are so many scriptures that talk about the renewing of our mind and the “putting off ” of the old self and the “putting on” of the new self. It is though we are practicing our new reality until we “get it.”

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“Getting it” is the key. Each of us must have our own personal revelation of who we are in Christ—our identity. It is a truth against which every life experience either stands or falls and a truth the enemy schemes to hide from us or distort. Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) We have “God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons.

He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.” (Colossians 1:13 MSG) The enemy (Satan) desires to keep us in bondage by keeping us in the darkness of not knowing.

This is why we start with knowing our identity in Christ. In truth, it is the only identity you have. There is no other, so you must know it.

What are some examples from your own life that seem not to align with the truth of who you are in Christ? These could be areas of recurring failure, obsessive fears, relationship failures, haunting memories or hurts, etc.

Five reasons we still struggle, despite all things being made new: 1. When born again, we are an infant version of who we are becoming.

2. We have a new nature, but we still have our flesh – your flesh is who you are apart from the power and life of the Holy Spirit (e.g. attempting to overcome sin on your own).

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3. We have been given the mind of Christ, but our thinking has to be renewed.

4. The enemy still seeks to steal, kill, and destroy – primarily through lies and deception.

5. We still live in a fallen and corrupt world – the first creation (world) still awaits its redemption.

None of these reasons changes the bottom line of our new reality!

ACCESS POINTS FOR DEMONIC INFLUENCE We may wonder if what we struggle with is our flesh or demonic influence. We will learn more about this as well as the limitations of Satan’s power in upcoming sessions. Satan is our enemy. As the god of this world, he used to have us under his dominion. He no longer does, but he doesn’t play by the rules of honesty and he schemes to either hide the truth from us or distort it. He operates through our past to keep us from the provision of our future. He hates the freedom and power that are ours, so he exploits any of the five above reasons in which we still struggle, in order to make our struggle even worse. He deceives us to a point of discouragement and despair.

The good news is, there is something we can do about it. We will learn that there are access points for demonic influence. Before you can go through deliverance, you must determine where the access points are that have given Satan a foothold in your life and take steps to close those access points.

We will be learning about those access points and ministering in each area in our future sessions.

They are:

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Un-forgiveness: mother/father wounds

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Willful sin: shame, guilt

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Hurts and traumas

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Generational iniquities/ word curses

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Mental and emotional strongholds

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Judgments and inner vows

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Unrighteous soul ties

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S E RVA N T H O O D INTRODUCTION Who comes to your mind when you think of great people? In your thinking, what qualities make them great? Is It: • Their relationship with the Lord?

• Their character?

• Their accomplishments?

• Their influence?

• Their wealth?

• Their generosity? kindness? wisdom?

What makes a person great in your eyes? Bigger question, what makes a person great in Gods eyes?

I. GODS DEFINITION OF GREATNESS 1. (Disciples) Greatness in the kingdom is not gained thru competition. Greatness in the kingdom is achieved thru being a servant.

2. Greatness defined as “servant of all”. Mark 9:33-35 33 “…and they came to Capernaum; and when He (Jesus) was in the house, He began to question them, “what were you discussing on the way”? 34 but they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 and sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “if anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant and slave of all”.

3. Greatness in the Kingdom is not gained thru recommendation.

4. Greatness defined as “servant” and “slave” Matthew 20:20-28 (read) Greatness in the eyes of the world is described as: “Rulers” of the Gentiles” vs 25 “Lord “ vs 25 “Great” vs 25 PAGE 90 OF 102

“Exercise authority” vs 25 Greatness “is not so among you,” it is described as: “servant ” vs 26 “slave” vs 27 Jesus’ example • “did not come to be served “ vs 28 • “but to serve” vs 28 5. Greatness defined as “humilty” Matthew 23:1-12 (read)

Greatness in the eyes of Scribes & Pharisees • “ seat themselves in Chair of Moses “ vs 2 • “ Demand but do not deliver” vs 3-4 • “Burden the people” vs 4 • “do deeds to be noticed” vs 5 • “Love places of honor” vs 6-9 Greatness in the Kingdom • “Servant” vs 11 • “Humility” vs 12

I I . G O D S A P P R OVA L O F FA I T H F U L S E RVA N T S Matthew 25:14-29, THE PARABLE OF TALENTS TEACHES 2 THINGS: 1. Responsibility • talents dispersed on basis of ability vs 15 2. Accountability • Each servant is evaluated on same basis • Each servant is complemented on the same basis PAG E 91 O F 10 2

3. Faithfulness as servants increases ability • Five (5) talent person’s ability increased to eleven talents vs 28

III. GIFTS I PETER 4:10 “as each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”.

1. Gifts to the Church. Ephesians 411-14 2. Gifts of the Holy Spirit I Corinthians 12:7-10 3. Motivational Gifts given to individuals Romans 12:6 FF Prophesy - Serving - Teaching - Giving - Leading - Mercy - Exhortation

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PURPOSE AND CALLING I N F I N D I N G YO U R P U R P O S E A N D C A L L I N G : What do you love to do?What you love to do and what you are good at is part of your calling. God isn't going to call you to something you hate to do.

Psalm 139:13 says, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Why would the God that formed your inward parts; your heart, mind, and soul allow your purpose to be something that you hated?

What do you love doing? What are you good at? That is the first part of your purpose. That is the part that the Lord knit and formed while you were still in your mothers' womb.

Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands."

There is something inside of you that the Lord will fulfill. His fulfilled purpose in you is a promise.

Take some time and truthfully think about what you are good at.

Ask yourself, write it down, brainstorm, journal it out, but answer this question . . . WHAT ARE YOU GOOD AT? WHAT DO YOU LOVE? That answer is the first part of your purpose in Christ.

I N F I N D I N G YO U R P U R P O S E A N D C A L L I N G : How can what you love to do help someone else? Our society is plagued with selfishness. As a society, we are completely focused on "self" and on what the "self" wants. We have become a society of help me, do for me, look at me, give me, praise me, and honor me. We have become a very selfish people.

The danger as followers of Jesus is that we get wrapped up in this society of self. The Bible says in Philippians 2:3-7, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Once you have found what you love and what your passion is, give it away.

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Finding your purpose and calling isn't about you. It is about sharing what God gave you to someone else. Our focus is in helping others, giving to others, bringing joy to others, through the gifts God has given you and I. The meaning of life is to discover the gifts that God has given you. Your purpose in life is to give them away to His children.

The Lord has given you gifts and talents. The Lord has given you a calling and a purpose in this life.

The Lord has called you to give what you have away so someone else can live.

NOW WHAT? 1. Once you have answered the above questions, pray and seek the Lord. Ask Him to convict you if you missed the mark. Ask Him to guide you and confirm to your heart His purpose and calling for your life.

2. Get moving. Once you sense God leading you to a purpose, get started. Don't wait for the perfect situation. Don't wait for the perfect door to open. Don't allow fear to get in the way. Don't allow doubt to get in the way. Even if you aren't 100% certain, GET MOVING. God sees your heart, and He will lead you on to the right path.

3. Find a Mentor/Spiritual Mentor. Write a list of names of people who mentored you throughout your life. Find a Mentor; someone to help you along the way.

4. Don't Grow Weary in Well-Doing. Starting out on a new path is exciting, but as in all things, that excitement fades from time to time. When negative words get thrown your way, don't grow weary in your calling. When doors are closed, don't grow weary. Look at them as doors that God didn't want you to open. When you get tired of people (which will happen!), don't faint. Keep on going and press on toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

You were created for a purpose. You have a calling and a mission to fulfill in Christ Jesus. It may be raising amazing, godly kids. It may be ministering to your neighbors or patients. It may be on the pulpit or in the mission field. It may be crafts or music or science or numbers. BUT YOU ARE GOOD AT SOMETHING! You have passion, you have a purpose, and you have a calling, and what you love, someone else needs!

Spiritual Gifts Assessment Personality Assessment

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LEADERSHIP A. Faith Filled, Healthy and Spirit Led 1. A leader must be faithful and faith filled in finances • Tithes • Show spontaneous generosity • Pays obligations in timely way 2. A leader must exhibit healthy, consistent, mature character in attitude and behaviors.

• A submitted attitude – not a chronic argumentative or contentious • Teachable – willing to learn and make changes • Non-political - Examples: Uses issues to control or have leverage or gathers other’s opinions when wanting to oppose an issue • Not independent - Works to build the big picture, not isolated on their ministry • Non-ambitious - Able to handle success without pride or a superior attitude; looks for advantages to promote self or agenda • Non-religious with opinions or decisions – Examples: not motivated by the fear of man; does not focus on non-issues or minor matters versus the major work of ministry • Positive attitude - Not negative or critical 3. A leader must show the signs of a general healthy marriage and family • Appearance that they are generally happy the majority of time • Shows priority to the spouse • Balance between using their family as an excuse for avoiding diligence versus abusing their family in the name of ministry • Not given to excessive carnality – Example: Frequently speaking well of television or movies that are questionable 4. A leader must be apt to teach and counsel in the Word • Shows a spiritually mindedness towards issue • Has a inward grace and kindness but does not fear man or hard decision • Is balanced with the Word and Spirit

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5. A leader must exhibit walking in the Spirit • Does not mock, ridicule, or doubt the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit – is willing and open to manifestations of the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit: o Participates in the gifts of the Holy Spirit – willing and open to all biblical gifts o Shows sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit o Is prayerful 6. A leader must exhibit high standards of commitment • High capacity doer • Regular attendance in fellowship and assemblies • Presents self well through clean dress B. How To Grow A Spirit Of Excellence In Leadership 1. Have a spirit of excellence in yourself – inward and outward. You cannot reproduce what you do not have.

2. Regularly inventory your attitude and mentality towards living a blessed life. Make sure that the devil has not waged war against excellence and worn you down to settling for less.

3. Do everything you can to make God good, great, and generous. Influence others through your standards and do not be afraid of confronting small thinking, mediocrity, the status quo, or impoverished thinking. Everyone has a spirit of poverty in some capacity in his or her life, money being the most revealing. We all enter into God’s Kingdom lacking or thinking small. We need to elevate our thinking and help others to do that as well.

Attitudes in people that God resist in promoting in leadership: • People who are easily offended • High-emotional maintenance • Are chronically negative • Are given to gossip or to speak outside of decent or proper parameters • Do not have a spirit of excellence • Cannot inspire, motivate or influence others

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Attitudes in people that God promotes in leadership: • Are able to pray through most matters that concern them • When confronted or confronting, works through issues in a Godly manner • Will speak the truth in love • Will sacrifice personal plans for the well being of the group • Exhibits a positive faith • Are ministry focused • Shows ability to organize or lead The Cost of Leadership Luke 14:28 “For which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.”

• Higher Standards - The higher the position, the higher the standards.

James 3:1)

(I Timothy 3, Titus,

• Lower Walls - More accountability, more visibility, and less privacy.

• Greater opposition from Satan and man. Matthew 10 is Jesus’ promise of opposition.

• Less for Self – Giving to others what self- wanted.

Ten Leadership Principles of Jesus 1. Leadership is servant-hood. Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 8:35 2. Let your purpose prioritize your life. Matthew 6:33; Luke 19:10; John 17:4 3. Live the life before you lead others. Luke 7:22; John 14:11

4. Impact and change comes from relationships, not positions. Luke 9:6; John 4:30 5. Leaders must replenish themselves. Mark 1:35-38; Mark 6:31

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6. Great leaders call for great commitment. Matthew 10:17; Mark 8:34-38 7. Show security when handling tough issues. Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:19-26 8. Credibility comes by meeting needs and solving problems. Luke 5:12-15; Luke 8:38-39 9. Leaders must choose to develop their key people. Mark 3:14; Luke 10:1 10.There is no success without a successor. Matthew 28:20; Acts 1:8

A Spirit of Excellence in Leadership 1. Remember that you cannot reproduce what you do not have 2. Regularly inventory your attitude and mentality towards living a blessed life.

3. Do everything you can to make God good, great, and generous.

4. Confront small thinking.

Leadership Points 1. Pray that the Lord would move you with compassion for those in their groups or circle of influence (leadership).

2. Recognize and avoid the issue of familiarity....and come to the revelation that EVERYONE can go further in the Lord.

3. Ask the Lord for His heart for the individuals in your group or circle of influence (leadership).

Taking care of people and having responsibility for others will cause growth like nothing else!

(Think of a healthy relationship between a parent and children!)

4. If you are a leader that is in a group of people that you know; there are unique tests and challenges for you as a leader that, you do not experience when in a group of people that you do not know. Both situations test the heart of the leader. Leaders are made, not born.

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follow as we help emerging leaders emerge. If they are not faithful in little, we should not give them more. This is for the benefit of them and the Body around them.

6. Also you can cast vision what it means to be a leader in general to the ladies if you meet with them separately.

7. Heart attitudes, motives, intent of the heart and character are always tested As the Lord looks for those to give more influence, increase in responsibility and increase in anointing.

8. I like to remind leaders of this so they know they have personal responsibility to make right and to grow in godly character when they sense the Lord calling them into leadership.

9. Also, having these small groups is a great way for emerging leaders to learn how to facilitate groups and how to navigate keeping their position of authority while allowing interaction in the group.

10.This might be another reason to have the leaders meet together a couple of times so that situations (without names) can be discussed and they can learn from one another. This also puts you in a position with emerging leaders and you will learn to navigate the same.

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LEGACY What kind of legacy will you and your spouse leave? Will it be lasting? Will it be imperishable and eternal? Or will you leave behind only tangible items—buildings, money, and/or possessions?

The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to invest his life in faithful men who would be able to pass God’s truth on to the next generation. Where does God want you and your mate to invest the time you have been given?

Living a Life Worthy of Legacy 1. Fear the Lord and obey Him. Your legacy begins in your heart, in your relationship with God. Psalm 112:1-2 reads: “How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.”

Give everything to God first. You begun with yourself— the your marriage, your hopes of one day having children, your family, your relationships, the rights to your lives, and finally to whatever ministry God gives you—Give everything to Him.

2. Recognize the world’s needs and respond with compassion and action. Matthew 9:36 “And seeing the multitudes. He [Jesus] felt compassion for them.”

You and your spouse need to leave a legacy by being committed to doing something about your world. Many Christians today are walking in the middle of the road; they’re so focused on what other people think that they are unwilling to take any risks in order to make an impact for Christ. In light of this, Jamie Buckingham wrote, “The problem with Christians today is that no one wants to kill them anymore.”

When you fly over rows of houses, do you wonder how many people in those homes know Jesus? This year thirty million people will die without hearing the name of Christ. Hundreds of millions will pray to idols. Someone needs to reach these people with the Good News.

John F. Kennedy, in Profiles in Courage, described the need for courageous people: “Some men show courage throughout the whole of their lives. Others sail with the wind until the decisive moment when their conscience and events propel them into the center of the storm.” If you want to leave a lasting legacy, you need to act with courage to reach out to those in need.

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hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”

What did Jabez ask God to do? Bless him. Give him new turf and enlarge his sphere of influence.

Keep him from temptation. Stay with him. Pray this prayer with your spouse, and at the end of the year, see how different your lives will be.

4. Help your spouse be a better steward of his/her gifts and abilities. Help them recognize how God has used their gifts and abilities in the past. Serving, Leading a Life Group, etc.

Help him/her plug into the local church, which needs committed men and women who have strong, godly character and a vision for their communities.

Help each other to recognize your convictions. Thomas Carlyle says, “Conviction is worthless until it can convert itself into daily conduct.” Help your spouse determine what he/she is willing to die for so they can ultimately determine what they can live for.

5. Ask God to give your children a sense of purpose, direction, and mission. The challenge here is to leave your children a heritage, not just an inheritance. As someone once said, “Our children are messengers we send to a time we will not see.”

Dignity through Destiny David Livingstone, the missionary to Africa, said, “I will go anywhere, as long as it is forward.” And by moving forward and advancing God’s kingdom, he undoubtedly also advanced his sense of dignity.

Gaining a vision and a direction in life will yield significance to your mate’s life as well, especially if the omnipotent God of the universe has set that heading and direction. In fact, true vision, direction, and destiny can come only from the One who controls not only the present but also the future. By discovering your eternal destiny, you will begin to build lasting dignity in your lives. The internal awareness of that God-ordained dignity will enhance the self-esteem of every member of your family.

The challenge is the same for all of us. Will we follow Christ and fulfill His call and vision for our lives? Just as we found spiritual life in no other Person than Jesus Christ, so we find a dignity like no other in the destiny He provides.

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