This Bro. Leo continues us on a Biblical study of how God wants our faith progress from the day we’re saved until the day we pass from this life into eternal life.

Last week we learned our faith in Jesus should always be driving us, moving us or pressing us forward in our spiritual life. With our relationship with Jesus there’s always deeper and deeper, more and more that God has for us. In Heb.12:1-2, Phil.3:14 we see movement (run), forward motion (set before me, set before Him). God has a course laid out for us with experiences, lessons and blessings that will reveal more and more of God to us.

This week we learn that we should be asking God to give us His wisdom. In Col.1:9 the word “wisdom” is translated from the Greek word “sophia” which means a divinely imparted skill in navigating through or managing circumstances that result in a Godly or righteous outcome. Godly wisdom is the most practical blessing we can and should be asking for (1Kings 3:5-13, 16-27, James 1:5).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Heb 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Heb 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1Ki 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
1Ki 3:6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
1Ki 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
1Ki 3:8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
1Ki 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
1Ki 3:10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
1Ki 3:11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
1Ki 3:12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
1Ki 3:13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
1Ki 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
1Ki 3:17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
1Ki 3:18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
1Ki 3:19 And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
1Ki 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
1Ki 3:21 And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
1Ki 3:22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
1Ki 3:23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
1Ki 3:24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
1Ki 3:25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
1Ki 3:26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
1Ki 3:27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

This Bro. Leo starts us on a Biblical study of how God wants our faith progress from the day we’re saved until the day we pass from this life into eternal life.

Our faith in Jesus should always be driving us, moving us or pressing us forward in our spiritual life. With our relationship with Jesus there’s always deeper and deeper, more and more that God has for us.

In Heb.12:1-2, Phil.3:14 we see movement (run), forward motion (set before me, set before Him). God has a course laid out for us with experiences, lessons and blessings that will reveal more and more of God to us.

This is a great introductory study, so please take a little time and listen to this audio file so you don’t miss any of the several points brought out in this study.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Joh 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

This week Bro. Leo continues us in a study of following the guidance and will of God. For the last several weeks we have learned about the object of our faith and the action of our faith.

Today’s study concentrates on the “mechanics” of recognizing God’s will and actually doing God’s will.

In Matt.16:24 “let him deny himself, and take up his cross” speaks to salvation. This is the point when we realize that we can not do enough good works to earn our salvation (self) and we become completely dependent upon Christ’ work on the Cross for our salvation (His Cross), Eph.2:8-9. “and follow me” happens after salvation with the help and inspiration of His Holy Spirit indwelling us, Matt.4:19-20, Psa.48:14. His Holy Spirit will put desires and thoughts in our minds and hearts that will lead us to His will. God will not force us to do His will, we always have the choice to follow or not.

Here are two reasons why we sometimes choose to not follow His will, 1) herd mentality, a lot of the time we don’t like to do things that our friends aren’t doing, we would rather fit in with the crowd than stand out as different. 2) We like our comfort zone, we don’t like to venture outside of what we are comfortable doing (Heb.12:1).

In Psa.16:11 and Matt.7:13-14 we are told that God has a narrow, detailed, outlined and specific plan for our life. We see in Matt.4:19-20 that Peter and Andrew followed Jesus, for the next 3-1/2 years, so they were in His presence and He was in their presence all the time. It is the same with us after we are saved, His Holy Spirit is in and with us all the time. 1) His presence is constantly with us. 2) He is fully aware of everything we say and do, He has a complete awareness of us and He will reveal to us things about ourselves that we don’t know (John 1:47-48, Psa.139:1-10).

We are capable of recognizing God’s will through His Holy Spirit (John 10:2-5, 9-10, 27, Rev.3:20, Psa.32:8-10).

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow 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.

Psa 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mat 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Psa 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Joh 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Joh 1:48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Psa 139:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Psa 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Psa 139:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Psa 139:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Psa 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Psa 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
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 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
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 10:10 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 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Psa 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psa 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
Psa 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

This week Bro. Leo leads us in a study of following the guidance and will of God. For the last several weeks we have learned about the object of our faith and the action of our faith.

Today’s study concentrates on the fact that God has a perfect plan for each of our lives from birth to Heaven. I’m not going to try to summarize the study for fear of missing some important points, so please click on the play icon and listen to the entire study.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Psa 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Psa 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Psa 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psa 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Pro 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Pro 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Mat 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Psa 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Psa 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psa 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

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

In order to commit something or cast something, we must first be carrying a burden that isn’t ours to carry (2Tim.1:12, 1Pet.5:7). When we exercise our faith, we are putting our trust in the one Creator and all knowing (Psa.146:1-6, Psa.121:1-2).

The key to being “persuaded” (2Tim.1:12) is having a intimate knowledge of God, the better we know Him the more trust we will put in His ability to take care of our burdens (John 14:6-11). In John 15:13-15 the word “friends” is translated from the Greek word “philos” which means someone who is loved or very dear to someone else. As a Christian we are part of the inner circle of friends of Jesus. As such, we enjoy being in the presence of Jesus and He enjoys being in our presence.

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.

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psa 146:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Psa 146:2 While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
Psa 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
Psa 146:4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
Psa 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Psa 146:6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

Psa 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
Psa 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

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.

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.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Joh 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Joh 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Joh 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

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

Joh 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Joh 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

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.

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 our lives. Can you identify the areas in your life where God is doing a work in? Is there areas in your life where God is not working and why is that?

Last week looked at the Biblical identification of every true born again Christian. Col.3:1-4 identifies Christian’s lives are covered by Christ’ life. Our life is no longer ours, it is now our life in Christ. Our self identity as my life in Christ gives me my self worth, self esteem and self purpose as long as it’s based on my life in Christ. We should identify as a born again, spirit indwelt child of God (John 3, Rom.8, Eph.2). We are to take seriously our relationship with God. We must realize that God desires and is working in us and is for us and through us (Phil.2:12-13). God has a plan and purpose for our lives and we need to be seeking it out.

Three results from God working in us, on us and through us:
1) we will be blessed
2) God will be glorified
3) others will be ministered to

In Phil.2:12-13 tells us that God works in our daily lives if we allow Him to (work out your own salvation). It’s common among Christians to only see Jesus at the moment of their salvation and they see Him in Heaven, but they fail to see Him working in their day to day lives (Phil.1:6). Rom.8:9, Gal.4:6, Col.1:27 tells us that the Holy Spirit must be indwelling us if we are in fact a Christian, so we need to know without a doubt whether or not the Holy Spirit is indwelling us (2Cor.13:5, Acts 19:2, Heb.5:11-14).

In 1Thes.5:12-24 we find 17 directives (work out our salvation) that we must do (vs.12-22) in order to allow God to work in us (vs.23-24). God is faithful to His work in every area of our lives, but we must be willing to have God search us and reveal to us the areas we need to turn over to Him and then ask Him to do a work in those areas (Psa.139:23). The word “search” in Psa.139:23 is translated from the Hebrew word “châqar” which means to search out diligently and deeply. The word “know” in Psa.139:23 is translated from the Hebrew word “yâda‛” which means to consider and reveal my heart. The word “try” in Psa.139:23 is translated from the Hebrew word “bâchan” which means to test or examine. The word “see” in Psa.139:24 is translated from the Hebrew word “râ’âh” which means reveal to me what you see.

There are four reasons why we do not seek God’s work in every area of our lives. 1) not been taught that God desires to be in action in every area of our lives 2) don’t want God to work in some areas of our life, because we think we’re okay handling it on our own 3) we think we’re not good enough or worthy enough for God work in us 4) not willing to do our part so that God can do a work in those areas of our lives.

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.

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.

Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Th 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1Th 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
Psa 139:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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.