This week Bro. Leo continues us on our study of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus, by looking at the object of our faith.

In 2Tim.1:12 there are two aspects of faith found, 1) “I have committed unto” our actions of faith 2) “unto him” the object of our faith. Faith does not exist within itself or in a vacuum, faith must be placed in something or someone. The object of our faith is critical to our faith.

In Eph.2:8 we are told that we are saved by our faith Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. We do possess the ability to save ourselves. Therefore when we come to this conclusion we make the decision to fully depend on God for our salvation and our faith is now complete. We change our mindset from 1) depending on our own ability to God’s ability 2) from our own works/power to His power 3) from our lack of knowledge to His omniscience 4) from our good works to His one work on the cross. (Rom.11:1,6, Gal.3:1-3, 5-6)

Our complete faith is the transfer of our total dependence from our own ability to God’s ability. It is our complete confidence in the ability of God to accomplish the task (Rom.4:19-21, Rom.14:23c). Rom.14:23c tells us that any dependence on ourselves for salvation is sin. An example of this can be found in Matt.14:28-31, Peter walked on the water just fine as long as he kept his focus on Jesus, but as soon as his focused changed to the waves and his own ability he began to sink. (Mark 11:20-24, John 14:1)

Scriptures used in today’s study:

2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Rom 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Rom 14:23 ………… for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Mat 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
Mat 14:29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Mat 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Mar 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Mar 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

This week David Sisk fills in for Bro. Leo. David does a great job of covering the Biblical principles of our eternally secure salvation in this study. The title of this weeks study is the definition of the Greek word “sphragizō” found in Eph.1:13 and translated as “sealed”.

David starts this study by looking at how the Bible says God establishes our salvation (John 14:2-6, Rom.10:13-17, 1Cor,15:1-4).

Next we look at the security of our salvation (2Cor.1:20-22, 2Tim.2:19, Eph.4:30).

The difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit during the Old Covenant and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant (Psa.51:10-11, 1Sam.16:13-15, Judges 16:19-20).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Eph 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Joh 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2Co 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2Co 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

1Sa 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
1Sa 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
1Sa 16:15 And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.

Jdg 16:19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.
Jdg 16:20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

Luk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Luk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

This week Bro. Leo continues us on our study of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus, by looking deeper at how God works in us and with us. Can you identify the areas in your life where you have fully turned it over to God? Is there areas in your life that you haven’t turned it over to God and are still trying to carry the load yourself?

This week we take a deeper look at what is “our part” and what is “God’s part” of Christ’ power working in us, through us and with us. In Matt.28:18 Jesus tells us that all of God’s power has been given to Him and in vs.20 He tells us that He is always with us. So, all of God’s power is always available to us. With this truth we should always be content, because we should be relying in and trusting in His power, knowing that He is with us to help us (Heb.13:5-6).

In Psa.103:13 the word “pitieth” is translated from the Hebrew word “râcham” which means to posses a deep compassion for, a kind sympathy for with a strong desire to relieve hardship and suffering. God is compassionate towards us and He desires to relieve our hardships and sufferings.

God’s part is to make our lives easier by carrying our burdens for us “I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28-30). Our part is to “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden” (Matt.11:28-30). We do this by telling Him “Lord Jesus I want you to take over this part of my life”.

In 1Pet.5:7 we are told to “cast” our troubles on Him. The word “cast” is translated from the Greek word “epirrhiptō” which means to cast off and upon, transferal with confidence. We are to transfer our troubles from our own control and power to the control of Jesus and His power. Jesus will gladly handle our troubles because He cares for us (1Pet.5:7). The word “cares” is translated from the Greek word “melō” which means concern for, care about deeply.

In 2Tim.1:12 the word “keep” is translated from the Greek word “phulassō” which means to watch over, guard, protect and take responsibility for. God’s part is to be responsible for our wellbeing. The word “committed” is translated from the Greek word “committed” which means to make a deposit, establish a trust, to committ something to someone elses responsibility and care. Our part is to trust in Jesus and His power to the point of allowing Him to take control and care of the trouble (Psa.56:9,3-4,11).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Mat 28:18 ……….. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:20 ………… I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Psa 59:9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
Psa 59:3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
Psa 59:4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
Psa 59:11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

2Ti 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

This week Bro. Leo continues us on our study of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus, by looking at how God works in us and with us. Can you identify the areas in your life where you have fully turned it over to God? Is there areas in your life that you haven’t turned it over to God and are still trying to carry the load yourself?

In Phil.2:13 we see that God is 1) working in us 2) through us 3) for us, for the purpose of His glory. God desires to bless us in every area of our lives so that we can minister to others for His glory.

In John 10:10 the word “life” is translated from the Greek word “zōē” which means spirit of physical life, eternal life, inner blessed state of life found in Christ Jesus, state of inner joy peace and inner hope found only in Jesus Christ. There is a personal relationship in “Zoe” (John 10:3), Known by your name. There is a personal divine guidance in “Zoe”, He goes before them. Zoe starts at the moment of our salvation, John 10:9. Part of our eternal life is our security and protection in God. God gives us provisions (pasture) when we follow Him (John 10:9). We’re not just living for Jesus we’re living with Jesus.

Jesus tells us, in Matt.11:28-29, that He will carry our burdens and give us rest from those burdens. God is with us at all times and will help us at all times (Heb.13:5-6) if we allow Him to. We are not to live for ourselves or by ourselves (2Cor.5:14-16, Gal.2:20) because He loves us and that love is what motivates us to live in Him.

In Acts 26:14 the phrase “kick against the pricks” that Jesus spoke to Paul about is how we sometimes respond to God trying to carry our burdens for us. A prick (kentron) was a long stick with a sharp metal tip used to steer an ox while it was being worked. A stubborn ox would kick at the prick instead of letting the prick guide it. Like us, the ox was using a lot more effort resisting the prick than it would have if it just followed the prick. When we resist giving an area of our life over to God (kicking at the prick) we are working much harder and without the same results than if we would have handed that area over to God (Acts 5:34-35, 38-39).

God will take care of (keep)every area of our life that we give over to Him/commit to Him (2Tim.1:11-12). The word “keep” in vs.12 is translated from the Greek word “phulassō” which means make a deposit or to establish a trust. We base our committed areas of our lives to God because of who and how well we know God (2Tim.1:12) “I know whom I have believed”.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Joh 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Act 26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Act 26:15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
Act 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Act 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Act 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
Act 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
Act 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

2Ti 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.