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Understanding the Basics of the Faith: A Question and Answer Bible Study

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Introduction to the Basics of the Faith

Understanding the Basics of the Faith is a question and answer Bible study series put together for the person who wants a better understanding of what the Bible teaches in the major areas of theology, such as God, Christ, the Spirit, man, the Devil, sin, salvation, the church, and end times. It can be used individually or in small groups. Each study is from four to six pages and attempts to include most of the important biblical passages on any one issue. Thus it is comprehensive in its approach to studying theology, yet not so detailed that it becomes cumbersome and tedious. This is not to say, however, that it is simplistic. On the contrary, it will require some reading, prayer, and thought. Both older believers as well as younger, newer believers will benefit greatly. The question and answer format encourages the reader to look up the passages on his own and to read them for him/herself in their context. In this way, the Bible can be learned firsthand!

1. The Bible: “A Lamp Unto My Feet…”

2. Our Great and Awesome God: “I Am the Lord, That Is My Name”

3. Jesus Christ: “Our Great God and Savior”

4. The Holy Spirit: “Sovereign Lord and Life-Giver”

5. Man: “Who Are We, Anyway?”

6. Our Adversary: “That Ancient Serpent Called the Devil”

7. So Great A Salvation: “Blind But Now I See”

8. The Church: “A Home Away From Home”

9. A Brilliant Future: “Where’s It All Leading?”

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1. The Bible: “A Lamp Unto My Feet”

Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the Heavens (Psalm 119:89)

Meditation: The God Who Speaks To Me

The Importance of Scripture

      1. Read Deuteronomy 32:47. Where were the Israelites? What were they getting ready to do?
      2. How does Moses refer to the Word of God in Deuteronomy 32:47? What does the term “life” mean here? Is it similar to Jesus’ comments in Matthew 4:4? How?
      2. How does the idea that the word of God is our life, according to Deuteronomy 32:47, relate to what Jesus said in John 6:63?

Meditation on Scripture

      1. Read Joshua 1:1-9. What is God telling Joshua to get ready to do? What are some of the things God promises to do for this new leader?
      2. What is Joshua’s responsibility in Joshua 1:8? How does a person meditate on Scripture?
      3. What is the goal of our meditation according to Joshua 1:8 (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23)?
      4. What is God’s promise to us if we meditate and obey (cf. John 15:7-8)?

The Nature and Purpose of Scripture

      1. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How does Paul refer to the Bible (i.e., the OT and by inference the NT)? Does this apply to all Scripture or just to those parts I like?
      2. According to 2 Tim 3:16-17, what functions does the Scripture have in my life? How are they different, yet related to each other?
      3. What is the goal for which God gave Scripture to the church according to Deuteronomy 29:29 and 2 Tim 3:17? How should this affect my Bible reading?
      4. How does what Jesus prayed in John 17:17 relate to 2 Timothy 3:16-17?
      5. What is our responsibility according to 1 Thessalonians 2:13? Note the hostility mentioned in the immediate context?
      6. What does true belief look like according to James 1:22-25? Why do you think James refers to God’s word as “the perfect law of liberty”?
      7. According to Romans 15:4, what is another reason Scripture was written? Do you experience this when you read God’s word? How does this relate to 2 Timothy 3:16-17?
      8. Read Psalm 119. List some of the qualities and functions of the word of God. How important was the Word of God to the Psalmist? How important should it be to you and me as Christians claiming to know and love the Lord?
      9. Read John 5:39-40. To whom does the word of God ultimately point? How does this relate to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and other verses you looked up in this section?

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

A Reading Program

Have you ever thought about a reading program for Scripture? There are several different approaches. If you were to read 3-4 chapters a day you could read the entire Bible through in one year. However, some people have decided that this is too much to do at one sitting (say, for example, 30 minutes in the morning). They have instead thought of reading just a Psalm or some smaller unit of Scripture. This is perhaps the better choice and most people should opt for something along these lines.

But there is yet another choice—one that is more helpful for those who are more zealous and for those who sustain a teaching ministry. The Old Testament can be read in larger chunks each week as you have time. The NT, on the other hand, can be read repetitively. The point here is to take a letter of the NT, such as Galatians, and read it through at one sitting. Do this each day for a month or so. At the end of that month, you will have an understanding of the whole message of Galatians and chances are, you will not forget it, at least not as easily. Verses that were once obscure, will become clear in the light of their immediate and remote contexts. In any case, you can do this for all the books in the NT, breaking up the longer books and letters into smaller, manageable units. For example, Matthew could be broken up into four units of seven chapters each; Revelation into two units of seven and one of eight, or two units of five and two of six. Read each unit once a day for thirty days. This means that at the end you will have spent about 120 days in Matthew. At this rate you can finish the entire NT in about 3 years. But…and this is a big difference, you will probably understand what you read and you will be inclined to remember it too! How cool is that?

Memorizing Scripture

We can hear Scripture read or preached. We can read it for ourselves. We can also memorize it so that we can have it available at any instant for meditation, evangelism, spiritual warfare, and encouragement. Though memorization requires effort, perseverance, and a plan of attack, the benefits are enormous and well surpass the investment. The reader is encouraged to check out the scripture memory program we have at the Biblical Studies Foundation.

Reading to Hear God’s Voice

Our primary posture toward God’s word is the same posture we should have before him. As Isaiah says, God esteems the one who is contrite in spirit and who trembles at his word (Isa 66:2b). We are to come before him in humility, open to receive, and wanting to receive instruction, correction, rebuke and encouragement. Let the word of God read you and speak to your needs. Through meditation ask God to show you his will in his word. He will do it.

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2. Our Great and Awesome God: “I Am the Lord, That Is My Name”

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth (Isaiah 40:28)

Meditation: Who Are You, Lord?

The Example of Paul in Acts 22:8, 10

      1. Read Acts 21:1-22:21. Where is Paul and what is happening?
      2. After his encounter with the risen Christ, what two questions did Paul ask (see Acts 22:8, 10)? The first part of this lesson focuses on the first question and the second part focuses on the second question.

God Loves You

      1. Read 1 John 4:8. What does John say about the essential nature of God?
      2. What’s wrong with reversing John’s statement in 1 John 4:8 and saying that “love is God”?
      3. What do the following verses teach us about the love of God?
    a. 1 John 4:10
    b. Isaiah 49:15-16 (cf. Exodus 28:9-12)
    c. Ephesians 1:4-5, 2:4-5
    d. Romans 8:38-39

Our God is a Holy God

      1. Read Isaiah 6:1-6. What did Isaiah see in 6:1-2?
      2. How were the Seraphs in v. 3 referring to God?
      3. What did Isaiah experience in v. 5? What did God do through the Seraphs in vv. 6-7?
      4. What is the testimony of the Psalmist in Psalm 99:9?
      5. What did Peter say about God in 1 Peter 1:15-16? What OT passage is he using to make his point?
      6. One of Isaiah’s favorite titles for God concerns God’s holiness. Read Isaiah 1:4; 12:6; 41:20, etc. Isaiah refers to God this way over twenty five times. What is the title and what do these verses teach you about God’s holiness?
      7. Why is it important that we as individuals, and the church as a whole, not lose sight of the holiness of God? Why is it critical for our spiritual and moral lives that we learn to esteem God as holy and one who hates sin?
      8. Why is it important to keep both the love of God and the holiness of God in the proper tension? How does the cross relate to both God’s love and his holiness?

Our God Is A Trinity

      1. Read Ephesians 1:2. How does Paul refer to the Father?
      2. Read Titus 2:13. How does Paul refer to Jesus (cf. Philippians 2:6)?
      3. Read Acts 5:3, 5. How does Peter refer to the Holy Spirit?
      4. Read Deuteronomy 6:4 and Mark 12:29. According to these texts, how many Gods are there?
      5. What can you conclude from the Biblical evidence about God? Answer: He is numerically one, but subsists as three distinct persons. He is One in essence (i.e., all members of the Trinity possess the attributes of deity), three in subsistence (there are three distinct persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). We will look at this in greater detail in coming lessons. In summary, then, we can say that the Bible does not support tri-theism (three different gods) nor does it support modalism (one God in three different forms), but it supports trinitarianism: three persons in One Godhead. Read Ephesians 1:3-14 and note the Trinitarian nature of God’s saving acts.

He Is Always at Work in Your Life

      1. Read John 5:17. In terms of bringing salvation to people and setting them free from sin, what did Jesus say about his father and himself? Does this give you comfort?
      2. How does Paul in Romans 8:28 echo the teachings of Jesus in John 5:17? Meditate on each word in Romans 8:28 and then thank God for his unceasing commitment to you.

Meditation: What Would You Have Me Do, Lord?

Worship

In this lesson we learned that our God is loving and holy. He loves people, but he hates sin. We have also seen that God is a trinity of persons, all of whom are rightly to be regarded as deity or God. The psalmist said, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. No one can fathom your greatness” (Psalm 145:3). We should respond in the same way that Isaiah responded, by falling down on our knees and worshipping God (cf. also Romans 11:33-36)!

Trust

How does the fact that God is loving and holy help you to trust him implicitly? How does his love relate to the difficult things he brings into your life? How does his holiness relate to his truthfulness about who he is and what he says he’ll do? How does it relate to who he says we are and his plan for us?

Obey

Now that you have studied God’s love and holiness, what does it mean for you to obey God in every area of your life? How is obedience related to trust (discussed above)?

Love

Read 1 John 2:5. How do we express our love to God? How does this relate to 1 John 2:15-16?

Be Holy

The primary focus of our worship and love to God is to grow in holiness. Read 1 Peter 1:15-16 again. Then read Hebrews 12:14 and 2 Corinthians 7:1. What does it mean to be holy and how does that relate to being loving? Why is it important to be holy according to Hebrews 13:14?

Proclaim Christ

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. How did God’s love for Paul affect him? According to 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, what did he do (cf. Rom 1:16)?

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3. Jesus Christ: “Our Great God and Savior”

For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)!

Meditation: “I Will Come and Be Among You”

Jesus Christ Is Fully God

      1. Read John 1:1, 14. Who is the “Word” in John 1:1? What did the word do in 1:14? NOTE: With the use of the expression “took up residence” John is alluding to God’s presence in the tabernacle of the OT.
      2. What was the result of the Word taking on flesh in John 1:18 (cf. John 8:58; 14:8-9; 20:28)?
      3. How does Paul refer to Jesus in Philippians 2:6? NOTE: The expression “form of God” is one of the strongest possible ways to express Christ’s deity in the Greek language. The term “form” (morphe) refers not to outward similarities, but to inward or essential attributes, properties, and characteristics.
      4. What titles does Paul give Christ in Titus 2:13?
      5. What does the title “Lord” reveal about Jesus in Romans 10:13 (cf. Acts 2:20-21)? What OT text does Romans 10:13 cite? Who is Lord in the OT passage? In Jewish thought only God can save. Note: certain OT terms for God such as Yahweh (i.e., God) and Adonai (i.e., “Master”) are usually translated as kurios in the Greek Old Testament1 (i.e., LXX; used frequently by the apostles). Thus it is highly significant in certain passages, such as Romans 10:13, when these Jewish monotheistic writers refer to Jesus as kurios.
      6. Read Hebrews 1:3 and 1:8. What does the writer say about Jesus?
      7. Read 2 Peter 1:1. How does Peter refer to Jesus?

Jesus Christ Is Fully Man

      1. Read John 8:40 and Acts 2:22. How did Jesus refer to himself? How did Peter refer to him?
      2. Read Luke 2:52. What does this say about Jesus’ humanity?
      3. Read Hebrews 2:14. What does the author say about Jesus Christ regarding his humanity? How does his death prove that he was human?
      4. What two important points does Hebrews 4:16 make about Jesus?
      5. Read 1 John 1:1-3; Matthew 4:2; John 4:6; 19:28. What do these passages teach us about Jesus and his humanity?
      6. Read Hebrews 12:2; Mark 3:5; 6:6; 10:14; Luke 7:9. How do these passages contribute to our understanding of Jesus’ humanity.

Summary of Who Jesus Is

Jesus is both fully God and fully man. Obviously the precise “way” in which God accomplished this union is a mystery (1 Tim 3:16). While Christ’s two natures are taught in Scripture, the Biblical record only ever refers to Jesus Christ as a single person and he himself only acts and speaks as a single individual. Divine titles are used to refer to his human qualities and acts and human titles are used when his divinity (qualities or acts) is in view. In short, he has two natures (divine/human) united in one person forever, without confusion of the attributes.

What Jesus Accomplished in His Death and Resurrection

      1. Read 1 Peter 3:18? Who paid the penalty for sin? Why did he do this? Read Hebrews 9:27-28. Does Christ need to continually die or be sacrificed again and again?
      2. Read 1 John 2:2 and 4:10. The term “propitiate” means to “satisfy.” How, then, has the death of Christ affected God’s just wrath (Rom 5:10) against us?
      3. Read John 12:31; 16:11, and especially 1 John 3:8. What did the death and resurrection, i.e., the glorification of Christ, accomplish with respect to Satan and his authority?
      4. What did Christ’s death and resurrection accomplish for us as Christians? Read Colossians 1:13-14; Acts 2:31-33; Romans 5:1 and 6:1-14; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:5-7.

A Summary of the Nature of Christ’s Death and Resurrection

While Christ’s death is a model of sacrificial service to God and love for people (cf. Phil 2:6-11), this is not the primary explanation of it in the New Testament. The primary explanation and summary of the multifaceted cross-work of Christ is to refer to it as vicarious atonement or penal substitution. This means that Christ’s sacrifice paid the full penalty of our sin by dying in our place. The penalty for sin is death and Christ completely paid that penalty on the cross.

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

Worship

Paul referred to Jesus as “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13). Just as Peter fell at Jesus’ feet and worshipped him (Luke 5:8) so we too should humbly worship the Lord and love him with an undying love (Ephesians 6:24). What do you think it means to worship Jesus Christ? Compare Mark 12:29-30 and Romans 12:1-2. What is God really looking for? See John 4:23-24; Mark 12:41-44.

Obedience

What does it mean to serve a new master now instead of sin? How is Jesus a better master than the dictates and lusts of our previous life when we were without him (cf. Romans 6:12-13; Eph 2:1-3)?

Mystery: Let God Be God

There are those who deny the deity or humanity of Jesus Christ and thus they distort the teaching of Scripture on this matter. Almost always they begin with the presupposition that the incarnation is absurd or logically contradictory. This is simply false. There is nothing contradictory about asserting that Jesus is both God and man, that is, that he has two related, yet distinct natures. We have not said that his human nature was divine and human at the same time and in the same way, nor have we said that his divine nature is both human and divine at the same time and in the same way. This would be a contradiction. Rather, we are asserting that within the one person of Jesus Christ there are two natures, one human, one divine. Indeed, the biblical evidence, which we only lightly touched on above, demands this interpretation. Now, while the incarnation is not logically contradictory, the precise relationship between his divine nature and human nature is for the most part beyond our powers of rational explanation. Again, because we cannot completely explain it does not mean it is contradictory, it simply means we don’t understand it’s inner workings and dynamics very well. And here’s where we—along with the early church—joyfully cry out, “mystery” (1 Tim 3:16; Compare also Romans 11:33-36). In short, the incarnation must be both logically and existentially possible because scripture says it happened.


1 The Greek Old Testament, translated sometime between ca. 285 B.C. and 150 B.C., is often referred to with the Roman numeral LXX (i.e., “seventy”). Apparently this comes from a tradition which states that the work of translating was done by seventy two translators and completed in seventy-two days. This tradition seems to have had its beginning in the Epistle of Aristeas (2nd century B.C.) but is also found in Philo (Vita Mosis, 2.5-7.25-44), Josephus (Antiquities 12.2.1-15), and Justin (Against Heresies, 3.21.2). For more information, the reader is urged to consult Everett Ferguson, Backgrounds of Early Christianity, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993), 407-10.

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4. The Holy Spirit: “Sovereign Lord and Life-Giver”

Not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6)

Meditation: The God Who Gives Life!

The Spirit’s Ministry Now Is A Fulfillment of OT Promises

      1. Read Genesis 12:1-3. What did God promise to do for Abraham and his descendants?
      2. What is the ultimate scope (i.e., who will receive) of the blessing envisioned in Gen 12:1-3? Compare Acts 1:8; 3:25, and Galatians 3:29.
      3. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-16. For how long will God establish David’s kingdom and his throne? What does a throne symbolize?
      4. Note: For a future Israelite to fulfill the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7, he must be of the line of Judah, of David, in particular. Question: If the blessing promised in Genesis 12:1-3 is intended to be universal (i.e., for all people) and David’s throne in 2 Sam 7:12-16 is to be established forever, what do you think the connection is between the two? Read Acts 13:23ff and Romans 1:3-4.
      5. God promised to make Abraham and his descendents great and bless the entire world through them. He decided to develop that promise through the Israelite kings as they obediently ruled under his authority. But Israel, as all people are, was disobedient and so the question emerges as to how God can fulfill his promises (with sinful people) to bless the entire world (cf. Heb 8:7-8a). The answer: The New Covenant. Read Jeremiah 31:31-33. What is the term in Jeremiah 31:31 that God uses to describe this new promise he’s establishing? What does the term covenant mean? Look in an English dictionary.
      6. The new covenant contains many interrelated promises. What does God promise regarding the Law in Jeremiah 31:32-33? What does he promise with respect to his people? What does the Lord say the new covenant will establish with respect to knowledge of Him? What does the new covenant teach with regard to the forgiveness of wickedness and sin?
      7. The New Covenant in Ezekiel involves the Spirit. Read Ezekiel 36:27. How will God enable us to obey him?
      8. Read Luke 22:19-20. On what basis did God enact the New Covenant? Compare Hebrews 9:15-22.
      9. Read Acts 2:32-33. After his death and resurrection Jesus ascended to the right hand of God (i.e., to a place of power and authority) and from there he poured out the promised Holy Spirit in fulfillment of the New Covenant. Compare 2 Corinthians 3:6, 7-18. He now reigns in fulfillment of the promises made to David, dispenses the Spirit as the fulfillment of the promises made to Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and does so universally (i.e., to all who believe, not just Jewish people) in fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham. Do you see how the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New covenants all relate to each other?
      10. Read 1 Peter 2:4-10. How does this passage relate to the theme of “being God’s people and he being our God”—an important theme we saw in Jeremiah 31:33?
      11. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. How are we brought into this new people of God and what is the name Paul gives to the new people of God? Read Ephesians 2:22 as well. How does Paul refer to the church?

Summary of OT Promises and the Coming of the Spirit

The promise in Genesis 12:1-3 establishes God’s plan to bless the nations through Abraham and his descendents. In the progress of revelation we find in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and later in Acts 13:22-23 that the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise involves the fulfillment of another promise to David regarding a future king and kingdom. We saw that the NT writers claimed that Jesus fulfilled this by his death, resurrection, and exaltation. It is here that we also see the fulfillment of the New Covenant as the Spirit is given to all believers by the exalted Christ, on the basis of his death and resurrection. The point of our brief survey was to help the reader understand that the coming of the Spirit is inextricably connected to Jesus’ coming and God’s plan to bless the entire world. This is made especially clear by the apostle Paul in texts like Galatians 3:14.

The Spirit’s Ministry Is To Be Understood in Connection with the Work of the Trinity

      1. Read Ephesians 1:3-11. What is the word Paul uses in v. 3 to describe what God has done for us in salvation? According to the rest of the letter to the Ephesians, what are some of blessings Paul has in mind?
      2. What does the Father do to secure our salvation in v. 4? When was this choice made?
      3. What did the Son do to secure our salvation (v. 7)? Clue: What is the reference to Christ’s blood an allusion to (cf. Colossians 1:21-22)? How does this relate to the provisions of the New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:33?
      4. What does the Spirit do in our salvation (vv. 13-14)?
      5. Read Ephesians 1:4 and Romans 8:29. For what ultimate spiritual and ethical goal has God chosen us? Cf. Romans 8:30 and Colossians 3:9-10.
      6. Summary: We have seen that the coming of the Spirit is in connection with the fulfillment of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants. We have also seen that the work of the Spirit is integrally related to the work of the Father in choosing the elect and the Son dying for those persons. He has come to apply the benefits of the Son’s death to those whom the Father has chosen in eternity past. There has been, therefore, an integrated historical outworking of God’s eternal purposes and the three persons of the trinity are carrying out God’s plan in unison.

The Spirit’s Ministry of Glorifying Christ and Empowering Us

      1. Read Titus 3:5. What does the Spirit do to begin our experience of salvation? Cf. John 3:5-8; John 7:37-39.
      2. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20, and Romans 8:9. Where does the Spirit come to reside? According to 1 Corinthians 3:16, the Spirit indwells us. On this basis how does Paul refer to believers? How does this relate to the OT and Ezekiel 36:27?
      3. We saw above that the Spirit gives us life and permanently indwells us. Now, given that this is true, what, according to John 16:13-14, is his primary ministry to believers? How do you think that relates to Romans 8:16?

The Spirit’s Ministry of Transforming Us

      1. Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 (cf. Philippians 1:19). In keeping with the goal of our election and the reason for the Son’s death, the Spirit is working to what end in this passage? What word does Paul use to describe the essential nature of the Spirit’s work here? In a short sentence, explain what this word means. Use other Bible passages if you like
      2. Read Romans 8:1-17. In v. 13 (and other verses in Romans 8) how does Paul describe the nature of our “transformation”?
      3. Read Galatians 5:16-26. Should we as believers who love the Lord expect a conflict during the process of our transformation into Christ’s likeness? Explain. How is the fruit of the Spirit related to God’s purpose in choosing and calling us (Eph 1:4)?
      4. Read Ephesians 4:30. How does our sin impact the Holy Spirit who is transforming us? Certainly the Holy Spirit is deeply grieved over all our sin, but which sins does Paul specifically mention in the context, i.e., v. 29, 31? Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
      5. Read Ephesians 5:18. This passage is better translated, “be filled by means of the Spirit.” What is the command here? Who does the filling? With what are we to be filled? Compare Ephesians 1:23; 3:18-19. What are the results of being filled with the Spirit as outlined in 5:19-21? Again how does this relate to God’s choosing us for holiness, that is, to be conformed to the image of his Son? These are crucial questions that profoundly affect one’s view of sanctification and the Christian life. They should not be passed over lightly.
      6. Read 2 Timothy 1:7-8; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5. How does the Spirit enable us to minister the gospel to others?

The Spirit’s Ministry of Giving Spiritual Gifts

      1. Read Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-21; Ephesians 4:1-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11. What are some of the spiritual gifts given by the Spirit?
      2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:11, who determines who gets what gift(s)?
      3. Why does the Spirit give gifts? Read Ephesians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:7.
      4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-14:1. What is the ideal community context for the proper functioning of the spiritual gifts?

The Spirit’s Ministry of Guaranteeing Our Future

      1. Read 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:5, and Ephesians 1:13-14. How does Paul refer to the Spirit in these passages?
      2. In what way does our current possession of the Spirit relate to the certainty of our future with the Lord?
      3. Try and summarize the main points of this lesson in a sentence or two.

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

The Need To Think Consistently

The Spirit works in conjunction with the work of the Son and the Father. The Father chooses certain ones for salvation and the Son dies to save them. The Spirit then gives new life to the ones God has chosen on the basis of the death and resurrection of the Son. How does this larger salvation framework help you understand the Spirit and his ministry better? What implications does this have for what God is doing in your life right now?

Understanding the Battle Within

We know that our salvation is so secure that Paul could speak of our glorification (i.e., when we get to heaven and are perfect) in the past tense, as if it were already accomplished (Romans 8:30). It is a done deal, resting as it does on the integrated work of the Trinity. But, at the present time we experience struggles and sometimes a lot of pain and suffering come our way. In terms of the inner struggles, how does this relate to the ministry of the Spirit? Why is there this conflict at times? What are we to do about it (Romans 8:13, 26-27)? Up until now, how have you generally dealt with trials?

Experiencing the Power of the Spirit

We should never think about the Spirit simply in terms of power. It is true that He is the One who gives us incredible spiritual power to worship God, face our sin head on, experience spiritual joy, serve others, and share the gospel with words and acts of kindness. But we must never reduce the third person of the Trinity to a force of some kind! May it never be! He is a divine person having come to mediate the presence of God in Christ to us. How does this relate to your current understanding of the Spirit and his ministry?

Discerning and Using Our Spiritual Gifts

What spiritual gift(s) do you have? Why did God give it (them) to you? How will you exercise it (them) so that many will benefit? Is your church a place where the gifts can be used and where the context is one of love? If not, how can you prayerfully discuss this issue with the leadership? How can you humbly be a part of a solution if there are problems balancing truth, love, and unity in your church? Blessed are the peacemakers!

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5. Man: “Who Are We, Anyway?”

Let us make man in our image, in our likeness (Genesis 1:26)

Meditation: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!

Some Introductory Thoughts

      1. As an introduction to this doctrine, read Psalm 139:13-16. What does David say regarding how he was created by God and what that means to him?
      2. Why were we created by God? Read Ephesians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 11:1, and Philippians 4:4. How would you summarize these verses? What does it mean to glorify God and rejoice in him?

It All Started…

      1. Some people think we were the chance outcome of blind evolutionary forces.2 But the Bible has other ideas on this important matter. Read Genesis 1:26. Who’s idea was it to bring man into existence? What does this mean for people who feel that they live alone in a purposeless and lonely world?
      2. God created many different living things according to the Genesis creation narrative (Gen 1-2). What is unique about man? Read Genesis 1:26-27.
      3. What do you think “image” and “likeness” mean? Some thoughts: Theologians have wrestled long and hard with this question because the answer to it impacts how we think about Christ’s saving work, ethics, and other important matters. Some have argued that the image refers to man’s capacity to rule, since ruling is mentioned in connection with the image in Genesis 1:26. Others, on the basis of passages such as Colossians 3:9, have argued that the image relates to personal knowledge of God. Still others argue that it relates to morality, righteousness, and holiness (see Ephesians 4:24). Finally, some have suggested that the image relates to man’s capacity for relationship. The truth probably lies in a combination of all these things. Every way in which man is like God, while maintaining the necessary and obvious Creator-creature distinctions, is what is meant by “image”—at least in its broad canonical context. Man, in his pre-fallen state, is so much like God that he can adequately, under His care and direction, represent him (Psalm 8:3-8). It is very important to realize this because in so doing we will hold together the twin truths of privilege and responsibility.
      4. Broadly speaking, what two “elements” did God unite in the creation of man, according to Genesis 2:7? How does our physical body relate to being created in God’s image? Is it the vehicle through which we express our likeness to God (cf. Romans 6:12-14; 12:1)? How do you think the NT doctrine of the resurrection of the body relates to God’s work of restoring us to the image of God (cf. Phil 3:20-21)?

5. What does Genesis 1-2 and Psalm 8:3-9 teach you about your privileged place in creation? What do God’s command and warning in Genesis 2:16-17 teach you about what goes along with such high privilege?

The Fall of Man, Sin, and the Image of God

      1. Read Genesis 3:1-6. Who was behind the serpent according to 2 Cor 11:3; Revelation 12:9 and 20:2?
      2. What was the serpent attempting to do when he said to Eve: “Did God really say….?” Why do you think he used a question rather than a direction statement?
      3. What insinuations is the serpent making about God in 3:5?
      4. What are some of the catastrophic results of the Fall? Read Genesis 3:7, 8, 10, 12-13, 16, 17-18, 22-24; 4:8; 5:5ff.
      5. Read Romans 3:9-20. What is the state of humanity after the fall?
      6. What, according to 1 John 3:4, is the essential nature of sin? Why is John’s definition better than saying that sin is “selfishness” or something like that? What are some sins outlined by Jesus in Matthew 15:19 and Paul in Romans 1:29-32 and Galatians 5:19-21?
      7. Read Genesis 9:6-7 and James 3:9. Does the image of God persist after the fall or did the fall destroy it completely? Note: Some theologians refer to it as the image of God effaced, but not erased. Thus there are probably two words which capture well the state of man under sin: Dignity and Depravity (i.e., sinfulness).
      8. Read Colossians 1:15. Who is the image of God?
      9. According to Romans 8:29 and Colossians 3:9 into whose image are we being renewed and transformed?
      10. When will this transformation into Christ’s image be complete? See 1 Corinthians 15:49.

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

The Issue of Dignity

      1. To what is our dignity connected?
      2. Does everybody possess at least some dignity, no matter what the extent of their sin? How should we then treat people (cf. James 3:9)?
      3. How does a person’s dignity relate to sharing the gospel with them?
      4. What are some ways that you can demonstrate to others that they have dignity and worth in both God’s eyes as well as your own?

The Issue of Depravity

      1. What does depravity mean and how does it affect our dignity as those created in the image of God?
      2. What are some ways that people express their fallenness or depravity? Can you group some of them into relational styles and how people feel this helps them deal with the pain of living in a fallen world (and their own sinfulness)? For example, Denial (i.e., hiding, refusing responsibility, and therefore being unfaithful), Anger, Demandingness, Codependence, etc. Be careful not to over “psychologize” the faith; we are viewed predominantly in scripture as spiritual/ethical and relational beings not autonomous, mostly psychological entities.
      3. How do we communicate the idea that some sins are more acceptable than others? How do we think God feels about this?
      4. One particular problem that many Christians have is an inability to relate well to others with whom they disagree. Is this sin? Why or why not? When does it become sin? How does it relate to the issue of fear and Adam and Eve’s response in Genesis 3:8-10?
      5. What do you think it will be like to live in perfect bodies with the image of God completely restored? In other words, what do you think our experience of heaven will be like? I am thinking particularly of the relationships we will enjoy there. Read 1 Corinthians 13:12.

2 For a damaging critique of Darwinian evolution, see Phillip E. Johnson, Darwin on Trial, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1993).

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6. Our Adversary: “That Ancient Serpent Called The Devil”

I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven (Jesus in Luke 10:18)

Meditation: The God Who Calls Me To Battle

Who Is The Devil

      1. Read Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-15. In each case, to whom is the prophet primarily speaking (Isa 14:4; Ezek 28:1-12)? How does the language used to refer to these kings seem to go well beyond them to refer perhaps to Satan? (NOTE: There is debate among Bible believing Christians as to whether these passages actually refer to Satan, but many seem to agree that at least Isaiah goes in this direction.)
      2. What are some of the ways in which the Bible refers to Satan? What do these names reveal about his character?
    a. Job 1:6; 2:1
    b. Matthew 13:39
    c. Luke 11:18-19
    d. John 10:10
    e. John 12:31
    f. 1 John 2:13
    g. Revelation 12:9
    h. Revelation 12:17

Who Are Demons?

      1. Read 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6. Who are demons and what has happened to them?
      2. Does their (i.e., the demons) “confinement in gloomy dungeons” mean that they are unable to affect people on earth? See 2 Peter 2:9 and Peter’s comparison of the fate of the fallen angels with that of unrighteous men who are still active in the world. We may conclude from Peter’s analogy that since unrighteous people are being held for judgment and yet are still active in the world, so also are fallen angels. Besides all this, the gospels give ample testimony to the activity of demons who promote evil in the world (cf. Eph 6:10-20).
      3. Read Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25; Ephesians 1:20-21 and 1 Peter 3:22. What are some other names used to refer to demons and what do you think each signifies? To whom will these demons someday pay homage (Phil 2:10)?

What Are the Strategies of Satan and His Demons

      1. Read Genesis 3:1-6. What does Satan do with respect to the word of God? How does this relate to Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 6:17? See also 1 Thess 2:13.
      2. Read 1 John 5:19 and 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:3. What is Satan’s chief priority? Why do you think he does this? See also Revelation 12:9
      3. Read 1 Peter 5:8. What does Satan desire to do to people and especially Christians?
      4. What are some of the ways in which Satan and his demons attempt to hinder, oppress, and “devour” people?
    a. Mark 2:21-28
    b. Mark 5:1-20
    c. Luke 9:37-42
    d. Luke 11:24-26
    e. 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-14
    f. 1 Tim 4:1-4
    g. 1 Peter 5:5-10
    h. Revelation 12:10

How Does the Work of Christ Relate to Satan’s Authority and Power

      1. The coming of Christ, and his death and resurrection, accomplished many things under the one heading of saving the elect and establishing the kingdom of God. In that process, what has Christ done with respect to the Devil? See John 12:31; Luke 11:21; Colossians 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8.
      2. According to John 10:28-30; Romans 8:38-39 and 1 John 5:18, can the Devil ever separate us from the love of God?
      3. According to Revelation 20:10, what is the final end of Satan and his demons?

How Do We As Christian Believers Fight Against Satan and His Demons

      1. What does James tell us to do when Satan attacks (James 4:7; cf. also 1 Peter 5:8-9)? What is the promise associated with that? What is the significance of the term “flee” as opposed to “depart” or “leave”? Read James 3:15, 16; 4:2, 4 and list some of the Devil’s ways which James says must be resisted.
      2. What does Ephesians 6:10-18 tell us to do in preparation for Satanic attack? List each item.
    a. In whose power do we fight against Satan and his demons, v. 10?
    b. What is this armor to which Paul refers in v. 11 (see vv.12-18)? How much of it are we commanded to put on?
    c. What is the ultimate against which we struggle, according to v. 12? What would happen if we were ignorant of spiritual attack or denied that demons actively tempt and oppose us (cf. 2 Tim 2:26)?
    d. What is the emphasis in v. 13? How does v. 14ff. explain what it means “to stand”?
    e. What is the “belt of truth” and the “breastplate of righteousness” in v. 14? What was the purpose of the belt and the breastplate in the Roman soldier’s armor?
    f. How important do you think the shoes would have been to a Roman soldier who often traveled hundreds of miles on foot and did hand-to-hand combat on his feet as well? How does the analogy relate to the gospel of peace?
    g. What is the significance of faith as a “shield” in v. 16? What’s the difference between “Christ-centered faith,” “gleeful optimism,” and “ stubborn denial”?
    h. What is the significance of a helmet and how does this relate to being saved, v. 17?
    i. What is the purpose of a sword and how does this relate to the word of God? Cf. Matthew 4:1-11.
    j. How is prayer part of the armor, v.18? What does “being alert” mean? How often are we to pray for the saints?
      3. Can we actually have victory over Satan and his demons? Why? Read Luke 9:1; 10:19-20; Revelation 12:11 along with Romans 16:20; Ephesians 1:19-22; 2:6.
      4. What is the final end of the Devil and his demons? Read Revelation 20:10.

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

The Need for Holiness

Satan and his demons operate in the kingdom of darkness and sin. When we live in unconfessed sin we give the Devil a foothold and a place from which to further harden our hearts, hinder our walk with Christ, and all but extinguish our productive witness for the Lord. Is there unconfessed sin in your life? How does 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 13:14 relate to this? Satan is constantly accusing us of sin, but now, in light of the definitive break with sin which Christ inaugurated for his people, the Devil’s accusations are powerless and completely unable to permanently separate us from God. The more we grow in sanctification and holiness, the more unable he is to successfully tempt us. What does it mean to you to grow in holiness, to put sin down, and to walk in victory (cf. Romans 6:12-14; 8:13; 2 Cor 7:1; Eph 4:22-24)?

The Need for the Word of God

Review Genesis 3:1-6; Ephesians 6:17, and 1 Thessalonians 2:13. How important is the Word of God in your life? The Devil can surely wreak greater havoc with ignorant and therefore unequipped Christians (please compare Eph 4:14). Do you read, study, memorize, and meditate on it? How does the example of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11 help you?

The Need for Prayer

Prayer is integral to resisting Satan. Do you pray that God will meet all your needs? Do you pray for things you really need? Want? Pray also that God would enable you to be alert in the battle against Satan and give you the strength to resist him where necessary. Do you pray for other Christians and the powerful furtherance of the gospel in your community and around the world? Such prayer is required of kingdom citizens. Pray also that God might give you an undivided heart and that obedience to his will would be your delight!

The Need for Fellowship

One of the best protections we have from Satan is the encouragement, wisdom, and friendship of our brothers and sisters in the Lord (Heb 3:12-13). Are you regularly encouraged by other Christians? We need this source of God’s grace in our lives if we are to have victory over the Devil. Do you make it a practice to encourage and strengthen other Christians? This was Paul’s practice (e.g., Rom 1:11-12).

The Need to Advance the Kingdom of God in the Face of Satanic Opposition

Not only are we to never give up ground won for the kingdom of light, we are never to stop advancing into the world, Satan’s domain, “plucking people from the fire,” as Jude says (Jude 22-23). We are to preach the gospel in all the world, calling on the Lord of the harvest to confirm his Word in spite of Satanic opposition. When we are confronted with a person who has a demon or is demonized, we should command the demon(s) to depart immediately in the name of Jesus and under his authority. But we must be very alert to the more subtle ways in which the Devil works, e.g., his ability to slip in destructive heresies and encourage people to violate their consciences through questionable practices. NOTE: Ideas are powerful things and lead to strongholds in people’s lives, in the life of a community, a nation, and even an entire intellectual tradition (e.g., the Western tradition and its love affair with naked “reason” and human autonomy). In most respects we may be certain that the god of this world stands behind, in one form or another, the promulgation of doctrines which attempt to overthrow God’s government and render vain the preaching of the gospel. We are able to combat this through obedience to the truth, prayerful preaching of the truth, and living holy lives while we lovingly reach out to our neighbors.

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7. So Great A Salvation: “Blind, But Now I See”

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus who has become to us wisdom from God, namely, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor 1:30)

Meditation: The God Who Saves Me

The Sovereignty of God in Life and Salvation

      1. Read Ephesians 1:11. How many things does God work out in conformity with or in agreement with the purpose of his will? Thus, his choice of you to be saved and to know him is simply consistent with the way he does all things, in the sense that he works them out according to His gracious and wise plan. Now most of his plan remains a mystery to us, but by his grace we have become sharers in the gospel; that much we do know!
      2. Read Acts 2:23. Did the death of Christ catch God off guard, so to speak? Did the Jews and other wicked men willingly put him to death? Are they held responsible for his death? Conclusion: Not even the sinful acts of men, for which they will be held responsible, can overturn the sovereign purposes of God. Think about how Joseph’s brothers sold him into slaver and intended him harm, yet even he admits that while his brothers meant it for evil, God used it for good, i.e., the preservation, development, and ultimate salvation of his people (see Gen 45:5-8).
      3. We saw above that God is sovereign in literally everything that happens on the earth (Eph 1:11). We also saw that men put Christ to death, but that God used their sin to redeem the world. Now Read Matthew 11:20-30. How does God express his sovereignty in salvation and how did Jesus feel about this?

Chosen By God

      1. Read Ephesians 1:4. Who chose us? When? If he chose us before we came into existence, and before we could do either good or bad, what does this tell you about his choice (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9; Rom 9:11-12)? What is the motivating factor in God marking us out beforehand, according to Ephesians 1:4? NOTE: Theologians often refer to God’s free choice of people—on the basis of his love and not on the basis of any foreseen merit in them—as “unconditional election,” that is, his electing or choosing is not conditioned upon foreseen merit in the object of his choice, namely, us. As Paul said, we were sinners when Christ died for us (Rom 5:8) and objects of his wrath (Eph 2:3); therefore, God saw us as sinners before the foundation of the world.
      2. Read Acts 13:48. What does Luke say about those who believed the gospel?
      3. Read Romans 8:29-30. Who takes the initiative in salvation? Can you see the logical progression in Paul’s description of the entire salvation process in v. 30? Outline it.

Called By God

      1. We saw above that God is the sovereign author and finisher of salvation. He uses several means to save us, including the cross as the primary means, as well as the preaching of the gospel and granting us faith to trust him (Read Ephesians 2:8-9 again). In the preaching of the gospel, there is both a “general call” and a “special call.” The “general call” goes out to all people, i.e., as when someone preaches or shares the gospel, but it alone does not result in salvation for anyone. Read Matthew 11:28-30. Here Jesus calls all who recognize their need to come to him.
      2. Theologians also speak of a “special” or “efficacious” call (effectual call) of God. This is where the Spirit takes the preached message of the gospel and enables the sinner—who is dead in sin (Eph 2:1)—to believe and trust in Christ. See 2 Thessalonians 2:14. According to Romans 8:30 who are those who receive this special call?
      3. Read Romans 1:6-7. What is our calling to? See also 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9.
      4. Read Galatians 1:6. How does God call you to faith in Christ?
      5. Does God ever Change his mind in terms of his calling us to salvation? Read Romans 11:29.

Regenerated by God

      1. Read Titus 3:5. The term “rebirth” (NIV) means “regeneration” or “new birth” (see NET Bible). On what basis did God “birth” us? Which member of the Trinity is specifically involved in the process of giving us new birth, i.e., a new principle of spiritual life within us.
      2. What does John 3:3-8 teach you about the new birth?

Conversion to Christ: The Proper Response to God’s Invitation

      1. According to Romans 10:17 how does faith come about?
      2. Although, as Romans 10:17 points out, true faith involves knowledge of the facts of the gospel, it is much deeper than that. See James 2:19. True faith requires that one agree with those facts and that one personally trust or commit him/herself to the living Christ. See John 1:12; 3:16, and 5:24.
      3. What is repentance in Acts 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 7:9-10? See also Acts 17:30. NOTE: Faith and repentance are two aspects of the one true response to God for salvation. See Isaiah 55:6-7. Repentance is generally understood to be the negative aspect of turning from known sin and faith is the positive response of turning to Christ to embrace him.
      4. Who gives faith, according to Ephesians 2:8?
      5. Who grants repentance according to Acts 5:31 and 2 Tim 2:25? NOTE: Faith and repentance stand so closely together, the Scripture often times uses only one in the sharing of the gospel, though both ideas are present ( but see Acts 20:21).

Justified by God

      1. The term “justify” in the New Testament means to “declare righteous”; it does not mean to “make righteous.” On the other hand, sanctification often times means “to consecrate” or “to grow” in righteousness or holiness. Though the two ideas are closely related, the former is the ground and foundation of the latter; they are not the same thing, and should not be confused.
      2. Read Romans 4:1-12. How many times does the term “credit” appear? Some versions translate the Greek term as “reckon” or “consider”. The term is an accounting term.
      3. How was righteousness “reckoned” or “credited” to Abraham? See 4:3. Is this also true for us? See 4:22-24 and 5:1.
      4. Are good works necessary for justification? Read Romans 4:4-6. What about religious rites? Are they necessary for justification? See 4:9-11. Is there room for bragging then? See 4:2.
      5. What is a key element in the doctrine of justification? Read 4:6-7.
      6. Since justification is clearly granted by God apart from works, religious rites, and any human merit, but through faith, what does this imply? Read 4:16

Placed into Union with Christ by God

      1. Read Ephesians 1:3. What is the sphere of all our blessings?
      2. Read Ephesians 1:4. When was the choice made that we would be “in Christ”?
      3. Read Romans 6:4-5. How has God brought us into a living union with Christ?
      4. How does Ephesians 2:5-6 relate to the idea of being “in Christ”?
      5. What kinds of things are said to be “in Christ”?
    a. 1 Corinthians 1:30
    b. 1 Timothy 1:14
    c. 2 Timothy 2:1, 10
    d. 1 John 5:11
    e. 2 Corinthians 5:21
    f. Ephesians 1:7
    g. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
      6. NOTE: It is safe to say that every good thing we have is “in Christ Jesus,” on the basis of his merit and God’s grace, won for us through his earthly obedience, cross work, resurrection, and exaltation to the Father’s right hand. In all these things we are regarded as “in Christ” and benefit, through God’s electing purposes, in his magnificent grace, his triumph over sin, and his victory over all the powers of darkness.

Adopted by God

      1. How does John refer to Christians? Read 1 John 3:1-2. How does Paul refer to Christians in Galatians 3:26?
      2. How does a person become a “child of God” or a “son of God”? See John 1:12 and read Galatians 3:26 again.
      3. What is the term or analogy that Paul uses to describe our status as children of God? See Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5, and Ephesians 1:5. NOTE: The NIV translates the Greek term as “sonship” or something similar. The term is “adoption.”
      4. How does Paul refer to the children of God, corporately speaking, in Ephesians 2:19?
      5. Who convinces us of our adoption into God’s family as one of his special sons or daughters (on “sons” and “daughters,” see 2 Corinthians 6:18)? Read Romans 8:16.

Sanctified by God

      1. What is the context for sanctification? See Romans 5:1-2.
      2. What does sanctification mean in 1 Peter 1:15? Read also 2 Corinthians 3:18. What is the key term Paul uses in 2 Cor 3:18 to describe this moral and spiritual change as Christians undergo?
      3. On what basis is this change actually taking place in us? Read Romans 6:4-5.
      4. Who works in you to produce holiness? See especially 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:18, and Philippians 2:12-13.
      5. What does holiness look like in Romans 13:8-10 and how does that relate to Galatians 5:22-24?
      6. Is perfect holiness ever achieved in this life? See Philippians 3:12-14.
      7. Is sanctification or growth in holiness ever simply “letting go” and “letting God”? How does the language of conflict in Galatians 5:17-18 relate to this idea? NOTE: There are times when we need to let go, if you will, but this will not do as a comprehensive view of how to grow in holiness. It is far too passive and misses the stress on the command to work “out” (not “for”) our own salvation (Phil 2:12-13).
      8. Why can’t we as Christians just do what we want, after all, we’re “under grace” (see Romans 6:1-23)? In Galatians 6:7-8 Paul has a warning for those of us who willingly or unwillingly adopt this attitude. What is the warning? How does it relate to our justification and status as God’s children?

Glorified by God

      1. What is the final stage in God’s plan of saving Christians? See Romans 8:30.
      2. Glorification includes the resurrection of the body to perfect holiness and redemption. See Romans 8:23 and read slowly 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 (esp. 1 Cor 15:53).
      3. What does glorification also include according to Romans 8:19-21?

The Sovereignty of God

Why is it important to understand the Biblical doctrine of God’s sovereignty? What happens, though, if we equate “sovereignty” with “fatalism” or a rigid “determinism”? Remember, God was completely sovereign in the death of his Son, but the Jews and wicked men acted freely to commit the crime. The point is, that though there is tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom and responsibility, do not fall off either the side that sees God’s decree or plan as rigidly fixed from a human perspective or that he does not know the future and responds to it as it occurs. Both are false: God knows the future for he designed it and directs the present toward it, yet we can and ought to render him intelligent and free service through His Spirit who lives in us. This is the best balance between the clear statements of Scripture and our experience as free creatures. See Phil 2:12-13 again.

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

Chosen by God

What does it mean to you that God chose you for himself in eternity past? What should our response be when things are difficult?

Adoption

What does it mean to you to be able to call God “Abba father”? We have a father who knows us through and through and still loves us. He understands us intimately and longs to hear our cries and comfort our hearts. He provides for us like any good father and he protects us as well. He even chastens us for our good so that we might share in his holiness. Someday he will bring us to himself where we will live in his family without the struggle which sin occasions.

Sanctified by God

What do you think the Spirit is most interested in working in your life these days? When you face struggles and defeat, why is it important to reflect on God’s electing purpose in your life as well as the doctrine of justification and repentance?

Further Applications

From this study what are some things you need to believe, attitudes to change, and behavior to work out? Ask God for insight, wisdom, and strength in the carrying out of his will.

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8. The Church: “A Home Away From Home”

So then, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)

Meditation: The God Who Gives Me A New Family

The Nature of the Church

      1. Read Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:19. Were the Christians meeting in these houses regarded by Paul as a church?
      2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:1 and 1 Thessalonians 1:1. How does Paul refer to the church in these passages? How does this compare with the passages cited in question #1 above?
      3. Read Acts 9:31. How is the church referred to here? Why is it significant in all these passages (see questions 1-2) that the church is not referred to in the plural as “churches,” but only in the singular? Did you notice the expanding size of the churches being referred to, i.e., “house,” “city,” “region.”
      4. Based on the passages above we can say that the church is one single, spiritual, and invisible entity composed of all true believers in Christ. Read Ephesians 4:1-6. How does this passage explain the essential, spiritual oneness of the universal church, though local churches—with certain differences—may spring up in every town (cf. Titus 1:5)? Further, though we do not know in every case who is and who is not a true believer, God certainly “knows those who are his” (2 Timothy 2:19).
      5. According to Ephesians 5:25, for whom did Christ die? What does this imply regarding the essential oneness of the church and the positional (before God in Christ) unity she has and should demonstrate practically before the world in her relationships, i.e., Christians with each other?
      6. Read Ephesians 2:11-22 and 3:6. What is the nature of the church viewed ethnically (i.e., viewed according to the different people groups)? How important is this truth for today?

Scriptural Metaphors for the Church

      1. In scripture there are several metaphors (symbols) for the church drawn from the world of agriculture, religion, biology, and so on. Each metaphor contributes something unique about the nature of the church and taken together they greatly enhance our understanding of God’s wonderful work called the ekklesia. Read John 15:5. What symbol is used to describe our relationship with Christ? What feelings and images does this metaphor evoke in you? What does 15:6 state about our total need to abide in Christ?
      2. In talking about his ministry to the Corinthians, how does Paul refer to the church? See 1 Corinthians 3:6-9. (See below for further reference on the church as a building.)
      3. Read 1 Corinthians 3:9-15. To what does Paul compare the church? In what ways is the church like a “building” and what is the point of this metaphor here, i.e., why does Paul mention this to the Corinthians? Read Ephesians 2:19-20. How does passage relate to 1 Corinthians 3:9-15?
      4. How does Paul refer to the church in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17? See also 1 Peter 2:4-8. What was the function of the Temple in the OT? See Exodus 40:34-38; 2 Samuel 7:5; 1 Kings 8:17-19, 27-30. What does this imagery invoke with regard to privilege and responsibility?
      5. What imagery is used in 1 Timothy 3:15 to refer to the church? What does this imply about her relationship with God, the Bible, and the world?
      6. How does Jesus refer to God in Matthew 6:6, 9? What are Christians called in Galatians 3:26 and 1 Corinthians 6:18? What does this imply about the nature of the church if God is our Father and we are his sons and daughters? See Ephesians 3:14-15 and Galatians 6:10.
      7. One of the most often used metaphors in Scripture to refer to the church is “the body of Christ.” Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. What does the imagery of a body reveal about the nature of the church in this passage?
      8. Read Ephesians 1:22-23 and 4:15-16. Here the church is viewed as a body, but Christ is also included in the metaphor as the Head. This is a different use of the body imagery than in 1 Corinthians 12. According to these passages in Ephesians what appears to be the role of the Head in terms of the body? What then should be the response of the body?

The Power and Service of the Church

      1. According Ephesians 1:12 what is the chief reason God has brought the church into existence? How does Romans 12:1 and 2 Corinthians 7:1 relate to this idea?
      2. What is the mandate of the church with respect to its own members? See Ephesians 4:11-16 and Colossians 1:28.
      3. Who gives the church the authority and power to fulfill its mission? See Matthew 28:18.
      4. With respect to the world, what is our primary mandate in Matthew 28:19-20? How does Matthew 5:16, Luke 10:25-37, and Galatians 6:10 relate to this?
      5. What does Paul say about the gospel in Romans 1:16 and 10:14-17?

Marks of a True Church

There are several marks of a true church, but some of the more commonly mentioned include: (1) biblical doctrine; faithful preaching of God’s word combined with living faith in Him (2 Timothy 2:15); (2) the proper interpretation and faithful administration of the sacraments, i.e., the Lord’s Supper and Baptism (1 Corinthians 11); (3) the Biblical exercise of restorative discipline (Matthew 18:15-20); (4) equipping each member toward holiness and effective service (Colossians 1:28), and (5) strong emphasis on reaching the world for Christ and training new christians (Matthew 28:19-20).

Gifts Given the Church

      1. Read Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-26, and Ephesians 4:1-6 and note the emphasis on diversity in the context of an overall unity. Who is the cause of the diversity and the unity? Why were gifts given to each member? Do you think that the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 28-30, Ephesians 4:11 are exhaustive? Why or why not?
      2. Who determines which person receives which gift according to 1 Corinthians 12:11?
      3. Does everyone have the same gift? See 1 Corinthians 12:29-31. Should everyone have the gift of tongues? Teaching? Etc.?
      4. 1 Corinthians 12-14 forms a single unit of thought. All three chapters hang together around the topic: “the use and abuse of spiritual gifts.” Chapter 13 is about love and is sandwiched right in the middle of 12-14. It can be broken down into three sections as follows: (1) the pre-eminence of love (12:31b-13:3); (2) the practice of love (13:4-7), and (3) the permanence of love (13:8-13). How does this chapter contribute to Paul’s point in chapters 12 and 14? Why is this so critical to understand and apply in our fellowships? What would happen if love were absent or not at the forefront of people’s thinking in the exercise of the gifts?

Offices in the Church

      1. Read Acts 14:23; 20:17, Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and Titus 1:6-9 (overseer probably equals elder). Who were the main leaders of the church? What were their qualifications?
      2. Read 1 Timothy 3:8-12. What is the other main leadership group in the church? What are their qualifications and perhaps some of their functions?

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

The Nature of the Church

Does learning that Paul referred to believers who met in homes as churches change your perspective on the church? How? What other facts about the nature of the church caught your attention and how can this new understanding benefit you in the situation into which God has called you?

Scriptural Metaphors for the Church

What did you learn about the organic nature of the church from these metaphors? In your mind, how do these metaphors relate to the institutional church? Which metaphor, in your thinking, best expresses your relationship with Christ and other believers?

The Power and Service of the Church

What does it mean to you, in the context of sharing your faith, that Christ has all authority in heaven and earth? In talking about the service of the church, we discussed three areas. What were they and why is it important that all three be present in any church? How do you serve in your church? How can you develop and mature this ministry?

Marks of a True Church

What things should a person look for in a church? What is the minimum that must be present before you would fellowship somewhere? When is it proper for a Christian to leave a church for reasons other than relocation (e.g., due to a career change, or the like)? Is there a difference between the importance of the gospel, and the importance of one’s eschatology? If so, which is more important and at what point would you begin to struggle with a church in any one of these areas (if the church differed from you). NOTE: In all these questions we would encourage people to stay where they are and try to mature together with other believers, rather than leaving simply because someone holds to a pre-tribulational rapture and another a post-tribulational rapture. Of course, there are certain doctrinal errors that might lead to leaving a church since it appears in some cases that any hope for restoration to clear Biblical standards is unlikely. But, it has been our experience that there are a lot of Christians, in the US and Canada, in particular, who change churches at the first sign of differences or dislikes. This is unhealthy and prevents a person from truly committing himself to God and His people in a certain location.

Gifts Given the Church

What is your spiritual gift(s)? If you do not know, what is a good way to begin the process of discerning your gift? Prayer? Godly counsel? See Romans 12:1-2. What is the basic ethical and spiritual context for the healthy functioning of the gifts? How can you contribute to developing this kind of ambience in your church?

Offices in the Church

Why does God establish leadership in his church? What should be our response to the leaders God has appointed over us? See Acts 17:11; Hebrews 13:7, 17.

The Issue of Unity

How has reflecting on these passages given you fresh insight into God’s passion that his children live and walk in unity? What can you do to foster unity in your church and among churches in your community? Trust God to bless you in this.

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9. Our Brilliant Future: “Where’s It All Leading?”

I am God and there is no other…I make known the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10)

Meditation: “He Will Wipe Away Every Tear”

We come now to the final study in this series, i.e., the study of the end times. In every area of theology there are differences of opinion among Bible believing Christians simply because we lack sufficient understanding or Scripture itself seems unclear (e.g., 1 Cor 15:29). Nowhere is this more true than in the study of the end times. Nonetheless, there are also crucial areas of agreement among Christians and we will do our best to examine them as well. In fact, we will start with them first.

Points of Agreement

      1. Read Acts 1:11. What does the Bible teach regarding the second coming of Christ? See also Matthew 24:30, 44, 50; 25:31; Mark 13:32-33; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 22:12. NOTE: The fact that his return could be at any time, does not necessarily mean that it will be soon (as we think of “soon”). If you do not understand this, please take the time to think it through. There is a huge difference between the two!!
      2. What should our response be to the coming of Christ? See Philippians 3:20 and Revelation 22:21.
      3. What does John also say will happen at the end when Christ returns? Read John 5:28-29.
      4. What will follow Christ’s return and the resurrection of all peoples? See Matthew 25:31-46.
      4. What will be the final state of the wicked and the righteous according to Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, and Revelation 20:11-15.
      5. Read Matthew 5:22 (18:9); 8:12; 13:42; 22:13; Luke 16:23; Jude 7, 13. How does the Bible describe Hell?
      6. Read Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:22-25; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 7:13-17; 21:1-22:21; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. What do these passages teach us about heaven and our resurrection body? See also the study of “So Great A Salvation” where we talked about the resurrection body.
      7. In summary, the Bible teaches and most Christians throughout the history of the church have believed, that Christ will return bodily, visually, suddenly to the earth, after which there will be a general resurrection and judgment. The wicked will be consigned to eternal separation from God in Hell and the righteous, in glorified bodies, will receive eternal life in the New Heavens and the New Earth.

Points of Disagreement

There are also some points of disagreement. These usually include: (1) the fact and timing of the rapture; (2) the nature and length of time of the millennial kingdom in Revelation 20; (3) the nature, timing, and extent of the tribulation period; and (4) the role of national Israel in the unfolding of the end times and in the millennium.

      1. The term rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 means “to seize,” “catch up” or “snatch up.” Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53. Although some theologians deny that 1 Thess 4:16 teaches a general “catching up” or “rapture” of the saints, this does seem to be the best and most consistent rendering of its meaning. The biggest question for many is not the fact of the rapture in this passage, but it’s timing. “When will this happen?” There are several positions on this, and it is impossible to list here all the verses and arguments people use to support their viewpoint. The following are the most tenable positions: (1) the rapture occurs before the period of the Great Tribulation, which in this schema, is generally thought to last seven years; (2) the rapture occurs at some time during the Great Tribulation (e.g., at the midpoint), and (3) the rapture occurs soon after the Great Tribulation. In the nature of the case, one must be tentative about deciding this issue since there are no texts which appear to state explicitly what the truth is.
      2. Read Revelation 20:1-7. The big questions that surround the meaning of this passage are whether the “thousand years” should be taken literally or not and how such a period in time (i.e., the millennial kingdom) coordinates with the second coming. The typical premillennial answer is that the 1000 years are literal years and Christ will return before that period begins. Indeed, at his return he will usher in his 1000 year reign, in fulfillment, for example, of passages like Psalm 2. Some premillennialists, however, while maintaining the basic structure of Christ’s return after the millennium, nonetheless, argue that the 1000 years may not be precisely 1000 literal years, but simply a reference to an incredibly long period of time. Amillennialists do not regard the thousand years as literal, but often take it as symbolic referring to the period beginning with the ascension and sending of the Spirit at Pentecost. Postmillennialists do not necessarily take it as a literal thousand years either, but rather argue that a glorious, “millennium-like period” will be gradually ushered in by the church’s preaching of the gospel, at the end of which the Lord will return. For them, the term millennium refers primarily to a quality of time, and only secondarily to a certain length of time.
      3. Read Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 2:22, and 7:14. It appears in these passages that the Bible speaks about a period of unmatched judgment and stress to come on the whole earth (cf. Rev 3:10). This time-period has frequently been referred to as the Great Tribulation. Dispensational theologians often argue that this period fulfills Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:25-27) and should be placed before the return of Christ at which time he will set up his literal, 1000 year earthly kingdom. Further, they argue that it will last seven years, but that the church will be raptured beforehand. Both amillennialists and postmillennialists, on the other hand, put the Great Tribulation at the end of the church age before the coming of Christ and often associate it with the battle of God and Magog in Revelation 20:8-9. There are some, however, who argue that the Great Tribulation (thlipsis megale) simply refers to tribulation the saints have undergone throughout all of church history. In light of Jesus comments in Matthew 24:21, however, this last position seems to the present writer to be highly unlikely.
      4. We come to our last debatable issue, the role of national Israel in the future. Read Romans 11:1-32. There are at least three lines of argument on this issue. First, there are theologians within Dispensationalism who argue that covenants and promises made with national Israel have not yet been fulfilled, but they will be in the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth. On the other hand, there are amillennial theologians who deny that national Israel has any future in God’s program. Largely in light of her disobedience in crucifying Christ, she has been replaced by the church. There are some, however, especially covenant premill theologians, who argue that there is a future for ethnic Israel and that in the last days many Jews will be converted. One of the key questions is when Paul says in Romans 11:26 that “all Israel” will be saved, is he referring to ethnic Jews or to national Israel?

Meditation: What Does This Mean for My Life?

Our Great Hope

Describe what it means to you that God is in control of the world and bringing it to its grand consummation. We know that Christ could conceivably come at any time, but this in no way means that he will come today or soon for that matter. This is a great error and often leads to a lack of healthy Christian involvement in the world. Therefore, how should we balance the fact that he could come at any time with the Biblical admonition to be prudent and make wise plans for the future? NOTE: Never forget, that although this world is fallen and as John says under the power of evil one, it is nonetheless God’s world and we are to act responsibly in it. We are not to seek, in any sense, an escapist agenda.

Differences among Christians Regarding the End Times

How will you deal with other Christians who differ with you over issues related to the interpretation of the finer points of the end times? Will it do any good to hurl insults and bring into question people’s motives? Is this honoring to Christ? I ask this because there has been—over this issue in particular—a lot of mud-slinging among Bible believing Christians for quite a while. Determine now to listen to others, weigh carefully what they say, graciously offer your own version, and pursue unity above all things.

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