Cultivating

Christian

Faith

A Step-By-Step Study Guide

by

Manuel J. Seymour, Sr., ThD

Copyright 2003, 2010

By Manuel J. Seymour, Sr., ThD

All rights reserved.

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About Cultivating Christian Faith

Every believer desires the crown of God’s acceptance, to hear those words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Cultivating Christian Faith provides the stepping-stones to assist in making that desire a reality. This step-by-step study guide has been designed to support every believer that is serious about growing in his Christianity. This book is a simple but deliberate study that can be enjoyed in the home or in the classroom. Each disciple will be ushered through the Biblical principles of Christian maturity the way God intended. Remember, the crown is only won when the race is run lawfully.

Cultivating Christian Faith is a study complete with memory verses, daily reading, and insight questions. Whether one chooses to study as an individual or as a group, he will be stimulated to think and to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. This book will challenge the real believer to be more today than he was yesterday in his relationship with God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Cultivating Christian Faith will provoke every caring believer to strive for a brighter crown.

“You can’t wear a crown

Unless you carry a cross;

The heavier the cross

The brighter the crown.”

In Loving Memory

Zacharias Levi Seymour

Nurse Practitioner

(with son Reece)

Dec. 02, 1977 – Mar. 16, 2010

“Soaking up the Glory of God!”

Contents

Acknowledgements

Scripture Text

Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 2: Faith - I

Lesson 3: Faith - II

Lesson 4: Faith - III

Lesson 5: Virtue – I

Lesson 6: Virtue - II

Lesson 7: Knowledge – I

Lesson 8: Knowledge - II

Lesson 9: Temperance - I

Lesson 10: Temperance – II

Lesson 11: Patience – I

Lesson 12: Patience – II

Lesson 13: Godliness – I

Lesson 14: Godliness – II

Lesson 15: Brotherly Kindness - I

Lesson 16: Brotherly Kindness - II

Lesson 17: Charity - I

Lesson 18: Charity - II

Lesson 19: Conclusion

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I wish to give a special thanks to sister Dorinda McCoy. She has given many hours from the first draft of this study guide to make me look better than I am. Dorinda’s work has been invaluable to the completion of this book. I pray God will grant unto her a special blessing for her endless patience and faithful labor.

“You can’t wear a crown

Unless you carry a cross;

The heavier the cross

The brighter the crown.”

Scripture Text

II Peter 1:5-10 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (KJV)

All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible (KJV).

Note:

Please understand when any references are made to the original languages, it is not to bring doubt on the King James translation. When translating from one language to another, it is frequently near impossible to bring the whole of the word over without much elaboration. Also, some English words have expanded in their meanings since 1611. Never would I consider bringing harm or doubt upon the Holy Scriptures of God.

For example, in the Greek New Testament there are nine different words translated correctly as “obtain.” However, each has its peculiar understanding of the obtaining. The majority reveals the self-effort in the obtaining, while one in particular reveals no self-effort on the receiver’s part. This is the one used in II Peter 1:1 - “...to them that have obtained like precious faith...” Yes, the person obtained it, but it was not by his self-effort; it was allotted to him. Saving faith is not obtained by self-effort. It is received by means of sovereign divine allotment through the sovereign grace and mercies of God, confirming that “faith” is a gift of God. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

These elaborations are not to bring doubt; rather they are to give reassurance to the students of the King James Translation of the preserved and eternal Holy Word of God. Please, never doubt my sincere belief in the holy inspiration of the Holy Scriptures of our God. My desire is simply to study to show myself “approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

“Father, glorify thy name. ”

Lesson 1

Memory verse: Galatians 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.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Luke 18:18-30

Tuesday - II Samuel 24:18-25

Wednesday - Philippians 3:7-14

Thursday - II Timothy 2:1-15

Friday - Luke 14:25-33

Saturday - Ephesians 2:1-10

Introduction

After our Lord Jesus Christ had been crucified, buried, risen and ascended beyond heaven’s veil into the Holiest of Holy, he sat down at the right hand of our Father. Ever since this glorious occasion, true believers tagged as Christians have desired to maintain a fellowship and oneness with the eternal Son of God. Sadly, few have ever possessed the passionate willingness to pay the cost for this oneness. For many, the price is far greater than they are willing to pay.

One should make no mistake in his understanding; there is a price to be exacted as he seeks to walk upon the spiritual paths of righteousness with the Lord Jesus Christ. If one’s desire is to fellowship, or be at one with the Sacrificial Lamb of God, then one must expect sacrifice to become an intrinsic part of his life. To participate with the Lord of Glory is to participate in his suffering as well. It requires unreserved and unconditional commitment.

A true relationship with Jesus does not come by mere chance or by an accidental encounter. It is acquired through much preparation and tremendous personal sacrifice. It is not a stroll in the park; rather it is finding oneself yoked to Jesus and plowing with Jesus. It is a continuous cultivation of the precious faith planted in the believer. One reaps what he is willing to sacrificially cultivate under the yoke with Jesus Christ.

Insight questions:

1. Have you been made a new creature (saved) in Christ Jesus by the pure grace of God, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb?

2. Do you have a willingness and passion to be at one with the Lord Jesus Christ?

3. What are you willing to forfeit to gain oneness with the Sacrificial Lamb?

4. Are there any reservations or conditions to your commitment of being at one with Jesus?

II

The question is: Are you willing to improve yourself spiritually to obtain the sweet fellowship and oneness with our eternal Saviour? Many are superficially desiring to have a better relationship, but very few are willing to improve themselves to gain this holy position. To participate with the Christ, one must be willing to deny self before he can live in Christ Jesus. It is as Paul the Apostle wrote: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8)

This particular type of “win” from the Greek means, “to acquire as a gain”; this is not “win” as in a game of chance. Oneness with God and Jesus does not come by a winning roll of the dice. It requires willingness, determination, and holy effort. What is the measure of your willingness, determination, and holy effort that you might gain more of Christ? Are you willing to sacrifice all, everything and everyone?” How great is your commitment? The gain is equal to the sacrifice.

Insight questions:

1. Are you willing to improve yourself spiritually IN Jesus Christ?

2. How important is the knowledge of Jesus Christ to you?

3. How determined are you to be at one with Jesus?

III

In the early years of my ministry, I preached in a nursing home. While visiting some of the residents, I came upon a doorway from which I heard a sweet, tender voice singing an old hymn. As I entered into the room, I saw an elderly black lady rocking in a chair. I sat for a moment near her, and shortly she stopped. Then without raising her head or opening her eyes, she said: “Preacher, you can’t wear a crown unless you carry a cross; the heavier the cross, the brighter the crown.” Then, as if I were no longer there, she went back to her singing.

This lady had been placed on the back wing of the nursing home because she was thought to be of no value. Yet, for the last twenty-nine years she and her words have been a treasure in my heart. In her simple words there is profound Christian wisdom. Found in those simple words are wisdom of purpose and wisdom of cost. Nothing of eternal value is without purpose and cost.

Cultivating one’s Christian Faith to obtain the fruit of spiritual growth begins with a legitimate purpose of the heart, not a whimsical fancy or a passing emotion. Every professing believer wants a crown, but the question is “Why?” Why does he really want to wear a crown? Does he have a legitimate purpose in his heart that would satisfy the crown giver?

Also, is he willing to pay the price? Will he pick up his cross daily and follow in the steps of the Lord Jesus Christ? Is he willing to sacrifice himself to gain the crown of being at one with the King of kings, and Lord of lords? Christianity worthy of a crown involves dying to self and living with the mind and heart of the Christ.

Insight questions:

1. What is your wisdom of purpose?

2. What is your wisdom of cost?

3. What is your legitimate purpose?

4. Why do you want to have a crown?

IV

In the book of Hebrews, chapter six, the first portion of verse one, it is written: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection...” Expanding for clarification only, but not changing the translation, will help us get a clearer picture of this statement: “Therefore, leaving the foundation of the account given of the beginning of the Christ, let us bear the burden along towards completeness, our full and intended end... ”

After one has been “quickened” (made alive) in Christ Jesus, he is referred to as a “babe” and “new creature” in Christ. It is a new beginning. However, no one ever envisions a new baby remaining a baby forever. A new baby is expected to grow and mature; likewise it is expected of every believer. The foundation of the believer’s faith and new birth is in the sacrificial blood of the Lord Jesus. This new life in Jesus is only the beginning, a starting point. From this starting point the believer is to bear the burden of spiritual growth along to a state of completeness, the intended end of every believer. The life of every believer is expected to be a constant cultivating of the gift of faith he has in Jesus. It is striving to bring one’s faith to a completed state of maturity, not by the physical but by the spiritual. With purpose of heart every believer should seek to reap the crown of being at one with Jesus, having the mind of the Christ.

We have not been purchased and washed by the precious blood of Jesus to remain on a pacifier or the milk of the word. We have been redeemed so that we should grow up into mature servants for the Master’s use.

Insight questions:

1. Give a witness of the new creature in you.

2. Are you willing to bear the burden along the paths of righteousness to gain the completed end in Christ?

3. Are you a growing servant fit for use?

V

Does your Christian life satisfy the Lord Jesus?

If one is sincere in his desire for a true spiritual walk with the Lord, he must be steadfastly willing to commit himself to a vigorous labor in the cultivation of his faith in Jesus Christ. Let me be absolutely clear, salvation does not come by any form of self-efforts. Biblical salvation is by the sovereign purposed grace of God and by the blood of Jesus Christ, that in the ages to come He will receive all the honor and glory. Once one has been made alive through the regeneration, and gifted “like precious faith” and repentance, he is then enabled by the Holy Spirit of God to begin his labor in spiritual matters. Having a sincere desire without salvation is having a dead desire which cannot act spiritually and will gain nothing. One must be born again, that he may live unto God.

Are you alive unto God in Jesus Christ? Many love to lay claim to the title of “Christian”; yet, few have any honest comprehension of the depths of its implications. Far too many individuals only possess pretentious, intellectual or emotional salvation. This is, of course, no salvation at all. One cannot cultivate what he does not possess. What do you have?

One who is born out of the Spirit of God through the blood of Jesus has a new nature. This new nature is created in the new birth, making one a partaker of the divine nature of God. It is this spiritual new nature that is enabled to be spiritually cultivated to the satisfaction of the Lord Jesus. This growth to heavenly approval requires one’s commitment to the task.

Insight questions:

1. Does your Christian life satisfy you?

2. Does it satisfy the Lord Jesus Christ?

3. Why do you believe you have salvation and newness of life?

4. What is your level of commitment to a satisfying growth?

VI

Paul the Apostle wrote: “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.” (Galatians 2:20) Christianity is not about living for “self.” It is Jesus Christ living in and through each believer. “Self” perishes and Christ shines forth into the world. This is why a real believer is called “Christian,” meaning his life is in the likeness of the Christ. The eternal Jesus Christ becomes visible through the professing one’s character and manner of life before the world. Make no mistake, the world will scrutinize everyone professing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Let us explore three passages of the Holy Scriptures. First, it is written in Matthew 17:2 that Jesus “was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” The word “transfigured” in the Greek is made up of two words. One of the words means the outward expression one gives to his inmost true nature, and the other implies a change of activity. Thus, Jesus manifested outwardly to Peter, James and John his innermost true nature. As it is written: “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)

The second scripture is II Corinthians 11:13-15: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” The word “transform” in these verses is a transformation of a direct opposite type. This transformation is the act of changing the outward appearance but inwardly remaining the same. This visible manifestation does not exemplify the innermost true nature. It means to masquerade. Satan masquerades as an angel of light. His ministers masquerade as ministers of righteousness. His children masquerade as Christians, children of God. Churches are full of individuals who pretend to be that which they are not. It is the craftiness of the old Serpent.

The third scripture is in Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The word “conformed” in this text has the same meaning as the word “transform” in II Corinthians 11:13-15, and the word “transformed” in this text has the same meaning as the word “transfigured” in Matthew 17:2.

Therefore, in Romans the Apostle Paul charges each believer not to be artificial, or not to be masquerading, as do the children of the Wicked One. Instead, Paul encourages to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God...” One who is not born of God should not pretend to be. Likewise, one who is born of God should not act as if he is not free from the bondage of sin. One who is truly born out of the Spirit of God by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ through the gracious gift of faith ought to show outwardly what he is inwardly, a child of God. Also, there ought to be a change of activity in his life because of the indwelling Christ.

This active force in every believer is the power of God molding the clay into the image of His dear Son, Jesus. This changes the believer inwardly, and by its nature changes his outward activities. Remember, the Apostle Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...” If Jesus Christ honestly lives within, there is an inherent passion to be at one with him and in consecrated fellowship with him. This requires willingness, determination, effort, and sacrifice in the cultivation of one’s gift of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The question is: Are you willing to pay the full price for this oneness with the Lord of Glory, which is dying to self and living unto God in Jesus, who purchased you with his own blood?

Insight questions:

1. What does the title “Christian” mean to you?

2. What does it mean out of the Scriptures?

3. After reading John 8:31-47, name some groups you feel are possibly masquerading as the children of God.

4. How does Romans 12:1-2 apply to you?

5. Why do you believe the Jesus of the Bible lives within you?

Lesson 2

Memory verse: I Corinthians 2:14

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - I Corinthians 2:1-16

Tuesday - John 6:32-71

Wednesday - Romans 9:8-24

Thursday - Ephesians 2:1-10

Friday - Matthew 13:10-17

Saturday - John 3:1-21

Faith: Part I

“...to them that have obtained like precious faith...”

I

This epistle of II Peter was not just written indiscriminately to every one throughout the ages without exception. If one discerns verse one of chapter one, it is readily understandable that this letter was written “to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” This makes it abundantly clear that this epistle is only to those who have been recipients of the “like precious faith,” no one else.

The question then must be: Why just these? The answer is in the fact that the heavenly Father has decreed to give that which is spiritual only to those who are born out of His Holy Spirit. You see, God does not cast His pearls before the swine either. The Apostle Paul revealed more to us by writing to the Corinthians: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:14) Since the natural man will not and cannot receive or know the things of the Spirit of God, Peter understood there was no need to write unto the spiritually dead. Only when one is made a partaker of the divine nature will he receive and know that which is spiritually discerned. Therefore, the things contained in Peter’s letter are for the instruction of the believers, who will receive them because they are born out of the Holy Spirit through the blood of the Lamb of God, and are made partakers of the divine nature of the living God. Thus, that which is born of the Spirit, blood, and righteousness of God joyfully receives what is of God. Heavenly is its nature, and of the heavens is its desire and lifeline.

There are nine different Greek words that are translated correctly as obtain. However, each one has its own characteristic of the “how” of the obtaining. The majority of them carry the idea of “self effort” being involved in the obtaining. The one used in our text of II Peter 1:2, “have obtained,” contains the thought of no “self effort” having been involved in the obtaining. The idea is that the obtaining was accomplished by having been allotted to the recipient, or having been divinely appointed to the recipient. Nowhere in the analysis of the word used is there ever the slightest hint of “self involvement” in the obtaining. The subject, or recipient, is acted upon in the totality of the obtaining.

The same Greek word is used in Luke 1:9 in reference to Zacharias: “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.” Also, Acts 1:17 states, in reference to Judas: “For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.”

Zacharias was born unto the tribe of Levi, unto a priestly family. Did he choose his tribe and family? Did the tribe and family choose its responsibilities to the Tabernacle/Temple and duties? Zacharias had no choices in the matter. He did not ask; he did not choose; he was divinely appointed to tribe, family, and duties of the Temple without having been consulted or involved in the decision-making. It was his lot, he was divinely appointed.

Jesus said to the Apostles: “ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you...” (John 15:16) He also said to them: “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” (John 6:70, 71)

Let us consider two facts in these passages. First - Did the twelve call themselves out and appoint themselves to Apostleship? Or, were they divinely called out and appointed? Now, if we believe Jesus, and I am certainly inclined to believe him, then it is plainly understood that they were acted upon, divinely called and divinely appointed, including one Judas Iscariot. They did nothing of themselves to be singled out. They did not call out themselves, and they did not appoint themselves. They were acted upon according to the purposes of God. From the beginning to the end, it was all of God.

Second - Notice the word “should” in John 6:71. Out of the Greek it carries the thought of that which is about to be done and implies that it will be done by necessity arising out of the nature of things, by divine appointment. Thus, that which is about to be done must be done because it was foreordained to be so.

Why were the twelve chosen? It was because they were divinely appointed to the Apostleship. Why was Judas chosen? It was because he was divinely appointed to betray Jesus. These twelve were allotted this destiny of having part in the ministry of the Apostleship spoken of in Acts 1:17, 24, 25. They did not seek it out; they did not ask for it. They did not plan and go to school to learn the part. They obtained it by having been divinely appointed according to the purposes of the Eternal Sovereign Creator before the foundation of the world.

Now, let us return to our text of II Peter 1:1 - “...to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:” From where did this faith come? It was allotted by divine appointment. It never was, never is, and never will be obtained by any speck of one’s self-effort or choosing. The Apostle is writing to those who have been acted upon by divine appointment to obtain saving faith through the righteousness of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Insight questions:

1. Why does God NOT reveal spiritual, heavenly truths to the lost?

2. Why is it important for the saved to know the things of God?

3. From where and from whom comes the allotment, or divine appointment, of saving faith?

4. Who does the acting, or who makes the initial move in respect to saving faith?

5. Why was Zacharias said to have been divinely appointed?

6. Who did the acting in the selection of the Apostles?

7. Who initiated the call?

8. According to what were the Apostles called and appointed?

9. Why “should” Judas betray Jesus?

10. Why were the twelve Apostles chosen?

11. How and why does one receive saving faith?

II

It is written in Ephesians 2:1, 5-9: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: ... Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Every detail, every infinitesimal portion of this saving faith originates with God. By His divine appointment the “receiving one” is acted upon by the giving of the faith through the righteousness of God and Jesus. Take notice of the words “he quickened, ” “hath quickened us,” “hath raised us up,” and “made us”.

Who did the acting? God did! Who was acted upon? The ones who were dead in trespasses and sins and who were incapable of any spirit life toward God! Why were they acted upon? “That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” God is not motivated by the acts (past, present, or future) of those whom He would act upon, because they were dead and not able of themselves to act. They had to be given life! God gives life where there is death, light where there is darkness, and grace where there is no hope.

God’s decree is that there shall NOT be one smidgen of the receiving one’s effort or merits involved in this gift of saving faith which bring forth sovereign eternal salvation. Why? Again, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” He is the beginning and the ending of saving faith. Grace, grace, all of grace! Even in Ephesians 2:8, he abundantly clarifies it by saying: “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that (a pronoun referring to faith) not of yourselves: it (a pronoun referring to faith) is the gift of God.” Hence, we clearly understand saving faith is not conjured up by the emotional whims of man; it is the gift of God. The Lord Jesus even said: “Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” (John 6:65) Do you suppose Jesus is telling the truth when he reveals true saving faith must come from the Father?

Our forefathers of the Philadelphia Baptist Association wrote:

“The precious grace of faith is a free and sovereign gift of God, conveyed through the power of the Holy Ghost, and the instrumentality of the Word; and is co-existent with regeneration, if not an essential part of it; and as it is not of ourselves, we see that all boasting is excluded, so that we may all say, ‘by the grace of God, we are what we are.’ ...We know that this doctrine is too humiliating to carnal hearts, but it is as true as if they believed it; and if it was not so, there would be no true Christian on earth.” (Oct. 7, 1788) (Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Assn., 1707-1807, pg. 240)

This “precious grace of faith” is what gives believers redemption through the blood of the Lamb and is the essential element that brings one into holy fellowship with God and the Lord Jesus. It is upon this foundation, the grace of faith, that all other graces are built and strengthened. If the foundation of true saving faith were not there, all else would crumble to the ground.

Insight questions:

1. What does the word “quicken” mean in the Scriptures?

2. What is the spiritual state of lost man?

3. Is man capable within himself to change this state?

4. Who is the only one who has the power to change man’s deadness into life everlasting?

5. What part does man play? Why?

6. Where does saving faith come from?

7. What does John 6:65 mean?

8. Upon what foundation are all the other graces of God built?

9. What happens to all “Christian” efforts if they are not built upon the foundation of saving faith? Discuss.

III

V.5: “And beside this giving all diligence add to your faith...”

The word “diligence” means haste through earnestness and zeal. The word “add” as used in this passage means to furnish abundantly or overflowing. Thus, the Apostle Peter instructs those possessing that divinely appointed grace of faith to give all earnest haste to furnish overflowing to it. What is to be furnished overflowing to the gift of faith will be discussed in future lessons. However, let us understand better this grace of faith before we start trying to add anything to it. Then, we will be in a better position to add effectively to the God given gift of faith.

From a Biblical perspective, when one receives the gift of faith that saves to the uttermost, his desires and passions conform to the new divine nature. A true believer is overwhelmed with a passionate desire to know more of the God who brought him out of darkness into a marvelous light. There is an urgent need to know more of the One whose blood broke the bondage of sin and purchased everlasting life for him. Religionists of today would have man to believe salvation is an emotional starry-eyed high, strolling through La-La-Land, while beating a tambourine and singing “Tip Toe Through The TuliPsalm” A religious emotional jamboree never conjures up the Holy Spirit. It may raise a spirit, but it will not be a holy one. In true saving faith, there is a new heavenly nature, a partaker of the divine nature of God.

The theologian John Gill, whose pastorate was in London, England, in the 1700’s, wrote:

“Where there is no faith there is no desire after God, nor after Christ, nor after salvation by him, and communion with him; such neither desire him nor the knowledge of his ways; but where there is ever so small a degree of faith there is a panting after God, a desire to see Jesus, and to have fellowship with him, and a view of interest in him: where there is no faith there is no sense of want of it, nor complaint of it, nor desire of it, and an increase; but where there is faith, though of the least degree, the soul is sensible of the deficiency of it, and complains of its unbelief, and prays for an increase of faith; as the poor man did, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief, Mark ix.24” (Body of Divinity, pg. 741)

If you find no passionate “panting after God” within your bosom, it is because you have not experienced even the smallest degree of the grace of faith. Therefore, without heaven wrought faith, you have nothing to build upon, and nothing to which to add. Hear the Lord Jesus: “Ye must be born again!”

If, however, you find within your bosom an unquenchable panting for even the smallest glimpse of God and Jesus, then you must with great zeal and haste begin a cultivation of that precious faith. In newness of life there is a hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of God. There is also an eagerness to furnish overflowing God-breathed precepts of spiritual growth to His gift of faith.

Is there even the smallest degree of faith within your bosom? Is there even a hint of an honest “panting after God”?

Insight questions:

1. What does the word “diligence” mean?

2. Does this describe your labor of growth?

3. In this text what does the word “add” mean?

4. Does this describe how much you are adding to your faith?

5. Do you have an honest desire for a closer fellowship with God and Jesus?

6. Would you describe your desire as a “panting after God”? Why?

7. Do you have saving faith to build upon?

Lesson 3

Memory verse: Hebrew 11:1

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

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Hebrews 11:1-40

Tuesday - Matthew 16:13-20

Wednesday - II Kings 6:8-23

Thursday - Matthew 3:1-12

Friday - John 15:1-14

Saturday - John 14:16-26

Faith: Part II

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

I

In this passage the nature of the word “Now” as used in the Greek causes that which are about to be written to refer back to what has been previously stated. Thus, Hebrews 11:1 refers back to Hebrews 10:35-37, which states: “Cast not away therefore your confidence (this is in reference to having boldness of speech), which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”

When persecution and ridicule come because of one’s witnessing of Jesus Christ, he is not to cast away his boldness of speech, for he will abundantly receive his reward. Every believer needs to have patience in doing the will of God, because he is guaranteed to receive the promise in due season. Remember, the promises of God are not earth born; the King of kings will bring heaven’s rewards in the day He gathers His elect out of the dead and the living in the first resurrection. (Revelation 11:18) The God who cannot lie will fulfill all His blessed promises. However, for now “faith” (that firm confidence in the promises of God and the Lord Jesus Christ) is the substance of things hoped for...”

The word “substance” is in reference to a “firm foundation.” That precious grace of faith, which has been divinely bestowed upon the believer, is the believer’s “firm foundation” upon which is fixed all his well-grounded expectations. When Jesus asked his disciples, “But whom say ye that I am? ” Peter’s answer was “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ” Jesus explained to him “...flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Further, Jesus revealed that “upon this rock, ” that is, the divinely bestowed faith in Jesus, being the Christ, the Son of the living God, is and shall always be the firm foundation upon which “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ” Why? Because hell cannot overcome or vanquish the fact that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God. People will die, buildings will deteriorate, congregations will break up, but Jesus will forever be the Christ. God’s bestowed eternal faith cannot be shaken. It is fixed firmly with all anticipation and expectation in the “Rock of Ages.” The anchor of the soul is eternally secured in Jesus. Yet, without this gift of faith one has no security and no firm foundation, instead hell will enjoy the victory over him.

Insight questions:

1. Do you faithfully witness of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? Is your witness with boldness of speech?

2. Why do you need to be patient for the promises of God?

3. When will the saints receive their rewards?

4. What is the firm foundation of all believers and churches of the Lord Jesus Christ?

5. Can anything or anyone destroy the firm foundation or the gift of faith fixed on that firm foundation? Is this eternal security?

II

Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Perhaps, this is because faith is said to be the eye of the spirit of man through which he is enabled to see the spiritual. Through faith man sees the Sacrificial Lamb of God hanging upon the cross of Golgotha paying the price for the redemption of his eternal spirit. He sees the Sacrifice buried as if defeated; yet, he sees and is elated as He rises victorious over death, the grave, and hell. The eye of faith sees the Bridegroom ascending to the heavens to go prepare a place for those given to Him before the foundation of the world. (Read: Ephesians 1:1-14) He sees our High Priest sitting at the right hand of the Father as Mediator and Advocate for those redeemed by His blood. He sees the Son of God as the Promise Keeper who shall gather His elect, for they have the promise of eternal life. He sees Jesus as the one called Faithful and True who shall tear the clouds back violently as He charges forth upon His white horse with the armies of heaven to bring judgment and war upon the ungodly. He sees Him being proclaimed as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The eye of faith sees this Jesus as the One who was, and is, and ever shall be the Messiah of God. This faith is the foundation, the title deed, to all that is hoped for in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God. If you have not received the birth that comes from above out of the Spirit of God through the blood of Jesus, you cannot SEE.

Every individual who has believed God from Adam and Eve to this generation has been fully persuaded that the promises of God were not for this world. As it is written: “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. For they that say such things declares plainly that they seek a country. ” ... “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. ” ... “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:13-14, 16, 39-40)

The eye of faith sees the kingdom of God and believes the promise of God that he shall be a joint heir with the Lord of Glory. Therefore, he is not satisfied with this world and admits this is only a temporary pilgrimage with ambassadorship,

Arising out of this grace of faith comes a panting after God. There is a hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus. No surer foundation will ever be discovered upon which to build and cultivate steadfast godly men and women of the Gospel, for His name’s sake.

Insight questions:

1. What do your eyes see? What are they focused upon? Is it earthward or heavenward?

2. When are you anticipating for the promises of God to be fulfilled?

3. What is a Mediator? What is an Advocate? How many are there between God and Man? Give Scripture reference.

4. What gives every believer the title deed to all for which he hopes?

5. By what did all the saints of old obtain a good report? Would this also be true to today’s saints?

III

Not only is faith the foundation and the title deed to all for which we hope, it is also “the evidence of things not seen.” This word “evidence” from the original language means to give demonstration, or proof, or a convincing argument. You say you have received the gift of faith which brings forth repentance; where is the demonstration of it? Where is the proof of it? Where is the argument on your behalf that is able to convince the believers and the unbelievers? Where is the evidence of the new creature within you? John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees that came to him to be immersed: “Bring forth therefore (ripe) fruits meet for (worthy of) repentance:” (Matthew 3:8) You say you have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God; where are the fruits that are ripe and worthy of having been “granted repentance unto life”?

The grace of faith by its very nature cannot remain alone and idle. It is a living, growing, and producing faith. This growing and fruit producing gives an abundance of evidence that the faith of God and Jesus is present in the professing one. The faith that brings forth salvation is only the foundation and beginning of spiritual life. This faith has two sides to it. One side is the believing side that is the inner working of the Holy Spirit. The other side is the performing side that is the outward working of the Holy Spirit. The performing side is that which gives the abundance of evidence of the new creature with a divine nature. It must give witness to its heavenly character to the glory of God.

If the branch is truly abiding in the vine, it will bear fruit. Jesus said: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. ” (John 15:4-5) The same eternal life giving nature flowing through the Vine flows into the branches causing them to produce fruit. This is evidence that there is life dwelling in the branches. The saints have been given a living faith not a dead faith.

Jesus said: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ... But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:16, 17, 26)

Notice that the unbelieving blind world cannot see the Holy Spirit and they do not know Him. Yet, He surely dwells with and in every believer, the ones possessing by GRACE the gift of faith. Well, if the Spirit cannot be seen, how does one give proof of His indwelling and His teachings as Jesus had promised? Truly, you cannot see the Holy Spirit, but the results of His teachings will give an extremely convincing argument of His presence. However, if He is not present, there will be an extreme lack of evidence. Since the Holy Spirit is the only one who knows the things of God and the mind of God, He is the only one who can instruct and bring ripe fruit through one’s gifted holy faith.

It is written in I Corinthians 2:10-14:

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 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. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

As the Holy Spirit teaches that which is of God to the new spiritual “babe” within, a holy growth begins to take place. As this new growth ripens to maturity in the inner man, it begins to perform outwardly the things that are within him. Thus, it gives convincing evidence of the spiritual indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are evidences, or demonstrations of the presence of God’s grace of faith. By the cultivation of these we are able to give the convincing argument that we have faith in Jesus, and we believe God. The unbelievers cannot see what the believers see, but they cannot overcome the abundance of evidence being produced by this life-changing faith.

You say you have received the gift of faith; where is the convincing evidence?

Insight questions:

1. What does the word evidence mean?

2. What are the two sides of faith?

3. What evidences are you demonstrating that are worthy of repentance?

4. According to John 15, who brings forth much fruit?

Lesson 4

Memory verse: II Timothy 1:7

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Numbers 13:1-33

Tuesday - Matthew 6:25-34

Wednesday - Matthew 8:23-27

Thursday - Matthew 14:22-33

Friday - Matthew 16:1-12

Saturday - Mark 9:14-29

Faith: Part III

I

“of little faith”

In the Gospels we find four times where Jesus uses the term “O ye of little faith.” With this term Jesus rebukes four particular states of mind. They are negative qualities that hinder the spiritual cultivation of one’s faith in God and Jesus.

1. In Matthew 6:30, Jesus rebukes worry and apprehension: “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”

This verse is situated in the midst of verses 25-34, which teach the believers to place their trust (faith) in the heavenly Father’s ability to care for His own. In these verses is the Greek word “merimnao,” translated in its various forms as “take thought.” (See verses 25, 27, 28, 31, 34). This word means to be disturbed, distressed, fretful, or apprehensive, to the point of being distracted by the cares of this world.

When a believer becomes filled with anxiety and apprehension over his daily needs, he doubts the ability of the Father to wholly provide for him and, in reality, he has little faith in God’s sovereign rule over all His creations, and His ability to sustain them. Now does God rule, or do chaos and chance rule? Jesus encourages us to place full confidence in the Father and to stop being distracted in our duties by the cares of this world.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “But my God shall supply (make full) all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) The word “by” carries the thought of location, “in.” Thus, where are all our needs made full? - In Christ Jesus! If you are not “in” Christ Jesus, all your needs will not be filled up.

This is why Jesus instructs the believers to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) If believers would spend less time fretting over the things of this world and more time upon the things of God, individual, family, and church spirituality would soar to loftier heights.

The Holy Scriptures teach the believers to have a childlike faith in the heavenly Father. In other words, they are to have an unconditional and unquestioning faith in God’s faithfulness to never leave them, to never forsake them, and to forever fill up their needs. He did not promise to give them all their wants. Every believer desperately needs to maintain a full faith in God!!

2. In Matthew 8:25-26, Jesus rebukes fear: “And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us; we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”

Paul the Apostle wrote to young Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) Well, if God has not given us the spirit of fear, why are we so fearful in our daily walk? If God is our Protector, what is there to fear? God told Abraham: “Fear not Abraham: I am thy shield,” (Genesis 15:1) And Paul to the Ephesians wrote: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16) True saints believe God, as Abraham believed the Eternal One. God is our everlasting shield. When the Wicked One shoots his fiery darts at the elect of God, the breath of the Omnipotent God extinguishes the darts. If the darts could forcibly penetrate through God, the believers would have something to fear; but they cannot rip through the living Shield; praise be unto His holy name. The precious elect of God are safe and secure because God is our almighty Shield, what is there to fear? Satan cannot overpower God, and neither can man. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Thus, what is there to fear?

The notable English preacher of the late 1800’s, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said that we are immortal until God’s will for us is done, then nothing could hinder death’s door from swinging open. Perhaps, believers spend far too much time gazing behind rocks and into shadows looking for the proverbial “Boogie Man.” Believer, fear not what might be behind the rocks, nor what is hid in the shadows; have faith in the Father!

3. In Matthew 14:29-31, Jesus rebukes doubt: “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

God is still a sovereign God in every situation, and He with sovereignty rules in the storms of life. Nothing takes Him by surprise! Believers are overcome by the boisterous gales of rampant fears when they remove their eyes off of the Lord Jesus and begin to doubt God. Absolutely nothing transpires in His creation without the consenting of His will. Now, either God is sovereign in all things, or He is not the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God of the Holy Scriptures; and we are left adrift on the Sea of Chaos. Therefore, if it is by His consent, it is for our good. It is written: “...that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. (Romans 8:28) If the ultimate outcome of every situation and circumstance will be to the believers’ good, and according to His purpose, why do we sling doubt into the face of God despairing all is gloom and doom of ill-fated winds? When the believer is full of faith there will be no space for doubt to dwell.

4. In Matthew 16:7-10, Jesus rebukes forgetfulness: “And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?”

Far too often believers forget the blessings, mercies, and commands of God. As the disciples walking with Jesus were quick to forget what He had done, so are we equally forgetful today. This forgetfulness is rebuked by Jesus, for in forgetting, we find ourselves disadvantaged and weak in His service.

God has commanded to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Yet, many have become preoccupied with “self” and have forgotten “holy things.” This forgetfulness has plunged them into the depths of spiritual destitution. It is hard to walk with God when one has forgotten where the path is. Remembering the eternal command of the Sabbath day with holy action could aid in remembering this pathway of righteousness where God walks.

The children of Israel were told to put “blue ribband” upon the fringe of the borders of their garments that when they looked upon it they would “remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.” (Numbers 15:39-40) Failure to “remember and do” provokes the anger of God; but “remembering and doing” provokes the blessings of God. Which would you prefer?

Jesus told the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:5: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Now, these are strong words that the Lord uses to rebuke their forgetfulness. The first love of every preacher and every church is witnessing of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of the living God. To forget this is to forget the very foundation of the church’s purpose for existing. Without the first work being done there is no need for the church, and the Candlestick (this is in reference to the Holy Spirit) is removed. Therefore, the church is called upon to repent of forgetting the first love of witnessing, and to return to the active witnessing of Jesus and Him crucified. It is written: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me... ” (Acts 1:8)

Cultivating Christian Faith involves weeding out of one character, as much as possible, anxiety, fear, doubt, and forgetfulness, for it is written: “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23) These four things rebuked by Jesus directly oppose faith in the sovereignty of God. One must continually dethrone self-dependency and place full trust in the Father and the Lord Jesus. Paul wrote, “...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God...” (Galatians 2:20) Notice it is not by any fleshly faith Paul could conjure up, rather “by the faith of the Son of God. ” This faith by which the believer walks is not of earthly origin, it is of the Lord Jesus, hence, the true believer is sincere in faith, abounds in faith, is strong in faith, is rich in faith, is with a full assurance of faith, and is praying for an increase in this faith, that he be not found “of little faith”

Insight questions:

1. What are the four negative qualities rebuked by the Lord Jesus Christ?

2. Do you honestly believe that God is able to take care of all of your needs at all times and in all places?

3. Are you distracted in your daily walk with the Lord by the care of this world?

4. What does the word “sovereign” mean?

5. Is God sovereign over all His creation, including mankind?

6. Will God take care of all your needs if you are not in Christ Jesus (saved)?

7. What is the first seeking priority of every believer?

8. From whence comes the spirit of fear? According to II Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit does God give unto the believers?

9. Who and what is the shield of the saints?

10. If God is on our side, who really has the ability to conquer us?

11. Who is in absolute control over every situation, and over every storm of life? Is he trustworthy?

12. Of whom is Apostle Paul writing in Romans 8:28? Do you believe what Paul has written is the truth?

13. When one is preoccupied with “self”, or in other words “self centered”, what happens to them spiritually? Does this describe your life?

14. What is the most important day every believer must remember? Why?

15. God is provoked to what when the saints forget to “remember and do”? What are they to remember and do?

16. What did the church located in Ephesus fail to remember and do? What would happen if the failed to remember and do?

17. What must be the first love of every believer and church of the Lord Jesus Christ?

18. If the believer refuses to walk and do by faith, what is he doing before God?

19. From whence comes saving faith and faith by which to live?

II

“faithless”

Jesus said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?” (Mark 9:19) To the Apostle Thomas, Jesus said, “...be not faithless, but believing.” (John 20:27) This word “faithless” from the Greek is used of one not being worthy of confidence, or being untrustworthy because he will not receive the teaching, the power, or the evidences of the grace of God. The disciple Thomas would not receive the witness from the others of Jesus having truly risen from the dead with power and victory over death, hell, and the grave. Yet, this is the very foundation upon which the evidence, that God is able to give eternal life by His grace, is anchored. Thomas’ doubt of it caused him to be considered unworthy of confidence and trust.

Therefore, if you will not believe God in all things, you are not worthy of any confidence or trust. The Apostle Paul wrote, “...I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able...” (II Timothy 1:12) It is written: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) Again, it is written: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

True faith is an unquestioning faith. It answers to the will of God with “here am I,” and responds to His will with “send me.” Living faith places full confidence and trust in the abilities and purposes of God. We are told in the Holy Scriptures that the believers of old obtained a good report. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice. ... By faith Enoch was translated ... By faith Noah ... prepared an ark ... By faith Abraham ... went out, not knowing whither he went ... By faith Isaac ... By faith Jacob ... By faith Joseph ... By faith Moses ... By faith Joshua ... By faith Rahab ... By faith Gedeon … By faith Barak ... By faith Samson ... By faith Jephthae ... By faith David ... By faith Samuel ... These all died in faith...” (Hebrews 11)

Spiritual cultivation of necessity must have its beginning and ending in faith. Faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ must exist before any cultivation can begin. Do YOU have an honest, true, and real faith? If not, BELIEVE GOD!!

Insight questions:

1. What does the word “faithless” mean?

2. Do you truthfully believe God?

3. When Abraham believed God, what was accounted unto him?

4. It is impossible to please God without what?

5. God is the rewarder of whom?

6. How did the saints of old obtain such a good report?

7. How is your report?

Lesson 5

Memory verse: Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - I Samuel 17:1-58

Tuesday - Ephesians 6:10-18

Wednesday - II Timothy 4:1-8

Thursday - Matthew 10:24-39

Friday - Acts 4:1-33

Saturday - Romans 8:28-39

Add to your faith: Virtue

Part I

I

In examining the steps of Christian growth in II Peter 1, it is evident that all of the separate and distinct points of growth (knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity) are indeed virtues in themselves. This prompts the question: If all these are virtues in themselves, why is “virtue” included at the head of the list? The answer is in the fact that since this word is not used in the plural but in the singular, there is and must be a logical reason for it being the first addition to one’s faith. Thus, an examination of “virtue” bears evidence that there is a rudimental essence within the word that is of value to one’s faith. God does not just use words to fill up space. There is a purpose of God in all His words, and so it is with this one.

By God’s design, virtue is the first to be used in the cultivation of one’s grace of faith so that this faith might be brought to full maturity. It is logical and reasonable for each tool to be used in its own order and at the proper time, yet, the tool must never be discarded or cast away. Each tool must be kept ready because there is a continuous use for every tool. Just as a farmer does not use the harvester unless there has been first plowing, sowing, fertilizing, and the cultivation process that bring the crops to the point of harvesting, so to, there must also be first things first that faith may grow to spiritual maturity. This process has been designed and decreed by God. It cannot and will not be altered by wicked devices of man. Logically, therefore, the use of one tool makes preparation for the use of the next.

The Greek word, translated as “virtue” in this passage of Scripture, is best defined as power, vigor, manliness, active courage, and energy mixed with moral excellence, and contains a sense of the impression this makes on others.

The Biblical understanding of virtue is not weakness; rather it is power, energy, and strength. The saints of God are in the heat of a raging spiritual warfare that has a tremendous demand upon the grace of faith. Weak faith produces casualties, while strong faith produces old soldiers. One must endure the hardness to qualify as a good soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ. Virtue is not a passive cowering down in a foxhole; it is an active boldness standing fast in the face of the enemies of the cross and of God.

When young David was facing Goliath, he was not weak, nor passive, nor tame. He was full of power, energy, and manliness in the strength of his faith in the God of Israel. David had active virtue! Notice what David said to Goliath: “... I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (I Samuel 17:45, 46) Was David a whimpering, keep-your-mouth-shut believer? A thousand times, NO! David possessed God-given virtue, which definitely made an impression.

The Apostles and the church in Jerusalem were horridly hated, not because they were meek and mild but because they with great courage and boldness, turned Jerusalem upside down and filled it with the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. The impression they made using the tool of virtue remains even to this day. How long will the impression we make in the midst of this world remain?

Insight questions:

1. Define Biblical virtue.

2. Why do the saints of God need virtue?

3. What happens to a soldier without virtue?

4. On a scale of 1 to 10, what is the level of our virtue? What should it be and why?

II

Virtue is also firmness and steadfastness. The Scriptures teach the believers to be steadfast in the faith and not to be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive...” (Ephesians 4:14)

True Christians do not compromise the doctrines (teachings) and the commands of the eternal sovereign God, who has forever settled His word in the heavens. It may not be settled in our minds, but it is settled in the heavens. Strong Christians are not swayed by emotional deceptions, but are grounded, steadfast, and anchored firmly in the foundation of the faith once delivered to the saints of old. They turn not to the left or to the right, but have planted their feet firmly in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. They have a steadfast resolve to put self into the work and into the raging battle with a firm grip on the reality of its eternal importance. They are careful with whom they associate and the places they go, abstaining from all appearances of evil for fear of a wrong impression being made before this wicked world.

Virtue does not turn from, change, or compromise the doctrines set forth in the Holy Word of God. It is not tossed about by the great swelling words of crafty men.

Insight questions:

1. What other words could be used to define “virtue”?

2. Why is it necessary to be steadfast in the faith that was once delivered to the saints?

3. Where is God’s Word forever settled?

4. Why is it important not to turn to the left or to the right?

5. Why do believers need a steadfast resolve?

III

The tool of virtue is also made of mental fortitude. It is being fixed firmly in one’s mind not to be swayed away or distracted from the purpose and will of God. It has a resolve that “by the grace of God I will follow Jesus, I will do what God bids me to do, and no one or nothing will hinder me from my task.” Virtue is having an unshrinking courage while faced with the wiles of the Devil. It embodies a sturdy and noble spirit for the presentation and witness of the Word of God. Virtue is standing as a fortress in the midst of the battle “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Without this mental fortitude the believer would crumble like the walls of Jericho.

Noah, a preacher of righteousness, possessed this mental fortitude in the face of a wicked and condemned world. Moses, the great deliverer of Israel, possessed it in the face of Egypt’s evil Pharaoh. Elijah, the prophet of God, possessed it in the face of pagan prophets on Matthew Carmel. John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way of the Messiah, possessed godly virtue in the face of Herod. The Apostles and saints of old possessed it in the face of persecutions and death. It is written: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) Is this not virtue?

Fortifying the mind is an absolute necessity for Christian growth. The mind must be fortified against the wiles of the Devil, who seeks to create doubt, fear, and confusion in an attempt to disable the children of God. It is essential for the Christian mind to be found sound, firmly fixed, absolute, and fortified in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is built up in the assurance that God is faithful in all His promises and decrees; that Jesus is faithful to never leave nor forsake; that the Holy Spirit is faithful to comfort and keep sealed every believer until the day of redemption. The mind of man is fortified by believing God! How is the fortification of your mind?

After the victory at Gibeon, Joshua called for all the men of Israel and commanded the captains of the men of war to put their feet on the necks of the five kings that had been defeated in battle. Then Joshua said, “Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.” (Joshua 10:25) Now, what was Joshua’s purpose in this performance? It was to give the men of war, especially the leaders, mental fortitude — “virtue.” It was not to give them pride in self-ability; rather it was to impress upon them to trust in the ability of God to deliver the victory. The saints have no authority or power over the rulers of darkness; but Jesus, the Captain of hosts, places His foot upon their necks and by the power and faithfulness of Jesus the saints are promised a sure glorious victory.

Insight questions:

1. Of what else is virtue made?

2. What is virtue’s resolve?

3. Virtue is a fortress in the midst of the battle against what?

4. Why is virtue an absolute necessity in Christian growth?

5. Virtue is built upon what assurance?

6. Does God expect every believer to be strong and of good courage?

IV

Virtue is also courage. God said, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) Is the God of Joshua the God of all the redeemed? Is the God of Joshua the same yesterday, today, and forever? Has He not promised to be with and to indwell every individual believing in Him? Is it not reasonable, therefore, to understand that where God is He equally issues the command to “be strong and of a good courage” because He is with you and in you?

It is written: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) The words “be against” are translated from the word “kata” which carries the thought of “down.” Thus, the idea is, “If God be for us, who can down us?” When one stands fast in good courage for the will and purposes of God, he cannot be cast down. This is because God is his shield, Jesus his foundation, and the Holy Spirit his power.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ...endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (II Timothy 2:1, 3) Beyond all doubt, the saints are upon a raging battlefield against unnumbered foe from the powers of darkness. There are multitudes of saints refusing to fight because of their wounds, and many are cowering down in fox holes; but thanks be unto God, there are many strong and of good courage, enduring the hardness of the battle. They firmly believe God and refuse to be cast down from the side of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

As Satan terrifyingly views the approaching last days, he and his powers of darkness strive to the utmost to destroy the witnessing of God and the Lord Jesus Christ in every generation. The deceiving Serpent is attacking with tremendous power and vigor. He is attacking with a firm determination to destroy the families of all mankind. The enemies of God have sounded the bugle charge and are surging into the battle like a forest fire’s burning indignation. They have only two objectives, to victimize the unbelieving unto the everlasting damnation of their eternal spirits, and to victimize the believing by casting them down unfit for the battle. There are only victims and victors in the heat of the battle.

Yes, true believers are assured of having the ultimate victory through the blood of Jesus unto eternal life; but in this life, which we now live, will we be among the victims cast down unfit, or will we hold His banner high as we march dauntlessly forward in daily victory toward Matthew Zion? Without any doubt, the spiritual battle we face requires the adding of godly virtue to faith.

In Ephesians 6:11 the believer is encouraged to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Then in verses 14-17 there is a list of the armor needed to go into battle. Notice, there is not one thing listed for the protection of the back. Why? The reason is God has not given the saints the spirit of fear. They are not to turn and run in retreat. The march must ever be onward and upward unto “the prize of the high (upward) calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) The “upward calling” is the resurrection of the saints; it is the redemption of all the purchased possessions.

Jesus, the Captain of our souls, said: “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Every believer must forget those things that are behind, and he must keep his eyes upon the Captain. It is He that is in command of the situation; and it is He that will see the believer safely through, to the praise of His holy name.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit (behave) you like men, be strong.” (I Corinthians 16:13) In other words, keep your eyes open, don’t waver from your trust in the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and behave like a man being strong and of good courage.

It is time for every believer to set himself to the battle, diligently adding virtue to the grace of faith. Do not become a victim; but believe God!!! Be strong and of good courage with all power, vigor, mental fortitude, manliness, and energy; also, be mindful of the impression your caliber of participation in the battle makes upon the bystanders!!!

Insight questions:

1. What did God tell Joshua concerning virtue? Should this also apply to every believer?

2. If God is for us, who or what can defeat us?

3. Is there a valid excuse for a believer not to be engaged in the spiritual battle?

4. What are the two primary objectives the enemies of God have toward mankind?

5. What two types of soldiers are found on the battlefield during the heat of the battle?

6. List the whole armor of God as found in Ephesians 6.

7. When is ok to look back?

8. How are the saints of God to behave?

Lesson 6

Memory verse: I Samuel 2:3

“Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Psalm 1:1-6

Tuesday - Matthew 6:19-24

Wednesday - Romans 6:1-23

Thursday - John 3:22-36

Friday - I Peter 2:1-10

Saturday - I Samuel 2:1-10

Add to your faith: Virtue

Part II

I

Virtue also bears upon its shoulders the ideas of justice, truth, faithfulness, loyalty, unwavering fidelity, wisdom, and mercy. Therefore, the saints of God are to be just in all their dealings, truthful in all their words, faithful to the worship and purpose of God, loyal to the Word of God and the cause of Christ, unwavering in their devotion to duty and reliability, wise in the counsel of God, and full of compassion exhibiting the mercy of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Virtue is not a cold-blooded, cold-hearted act of religionism. It is unwaveringly fixed firmly upon the things of God; yet, it is equally warm in compassion for the redemption of the souls of men. Giving a man comfort while sitting in the burning house with him does not save the man trapped in the midst of the fire. He must be transported to safer ground. Neither is a drowning man, fighting the one who would rescue him, brought to safety by allowing him to drag the rescuer down with him. Virtue stands eternally safe and secure upon the Rock of Ages, yet, it will risk all at its disposal to rescue the perishing; but it cannot and will not budge off the Rock of its salvation to do so.

Virtue is not just an outward show before mankind. It has a stouthearted influence upon the inner spirit of the believer. It is not putting paint on an old barn to make things look good. It is a continuous strengthening of the new creature that shows outwardly the true strength of its Creator. With true virtue there is a spiritual and mental transformation which blossoms in an outward manifestation to man, because of what is on the inside of the one who believes God.

When virtue is yoked up with faith, they have a united singular purpose. There is not even one hint of division in their efforts. They work together, pull together, walk together, and participate together. The believer’s will conforms to the will of God and wills only one thing — God’s will. The true believer with great devotion and faithfulness to duty works with God, pulls with God, walks with God, and participates with God. He has what is called “virtue.”

Insight questions:

1. What is carried upon the shoulders of virtue?

2. What are some character traits in the lives of those possessing godly virtue?

3. What does virtue have in common with religionism?

4. What kind of transformation does virtue make upon the possessor? Why?

5. Are virtue and faith ever divided? Why?

II

Biblical virtue does not have a split personality. As it is written: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) When a believer is adorned with heaven wrought virtue, he will not be divided between God and the things and individuals of this world. He will be firmly fixed with only one mind - to do the will of God. His passion is only for the Creator not the created.

The Apostle James put it this way: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) The words “doubled minded” carry the idea of being “two-souled.” James is saying that a person whose soul is torn towards two opposing directions is in a state of confusion and is unable to find stability in his spiritual life.

The two directions to which James is referring are the direction of fleshly desires, and the direction of spiritual desires. One who staggers relentlessly between his desires for the world and his desires for God is of no value to God or the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. One cannot wear the yoke of Jesus and the yoke of Satan at the same time and expect to cultivate upon holy ground. One’s soul either belongs to God or it belongs to Satan. It is either a redeemed soul or it is a condemned soul. A true believer must have his mind and soul firmly anchored only in one place, and that one place must be in the Rock of our salvation.

Half-hearted followers are an embarrassment to the Lamb of God, the kingdom of God, and the churches of the Lord Jesus. What good does half-heartedness produce? God demands of the saints a 100 percent commitment. What commitment did Jesus have when He came to seek and to save that which was lost? What level of commitment did Jesus have when He rose in victory over the grave and death? What level of commitment does Jesus have at the right hand of the Father? The same level of commitment is demanded of all who are plunged into His blood and made partakers of the Divine nature.

In the newness of life the believer is made one souled, single-minded. Real believers whole-heartedly desire to do the will of God and to be found pleasing in His sight. Within this thing called “virtue” is a total surrender of the believer’s will, emotions, mind, and spirit to God and for the purposes of God. It is total availability with courage, steadfastness, power, and fortitude of mind and heart. As it is written: “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13) If you have been made alive out of the deadness of trespasses and sin by the grace of God, live in the newness of life. Give evidence of life by living His righteousness.

Insight questions:

1. Why can a believer serve only one Master?

2. What does “doubled minded” mean? What is the evidence of it?

3. To what good is a half-hearted believer?

4. What level of commitment should you have?

5. What is within this thing called virtue that is important to every believer?

6. If you have been quickened out of trespasses and sin, what is the evidence of the newness of life?

III

John the Baptist said: “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Now, this is one of the clues to understanding the essence of and the beginning of virtue. One cannot be conformed to the image of Christ if “self” is in the way. Each individual is important, but no person should be esteemed of greater value than Jesus the Son of God. When looking through the precious blood of the Saviour, the believer perceives himself differently. An honest believer has a passion to have Jesus completely unveiled as the source and purpose for his existence. When one’s “self” has been engulfed by the blood of the Lamb, “self” will sink or decrease out of public view. This is the point when the light and the witness of the Redeemer begin to glow the brightest. The Light of the Gospel is now able to shine brightly in this world of darkness. The Light becomes obscure when “self” wants to take center stage.

This is why the great Apostle Paul wrote: “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.” (Galatians 2:20) The believer is melted into the power of the Christ, the steadfastness of the Christ, the courage of the Christ, and the fortitude of the Christ. True virtue is in and of Jesus, who is the Christ of God. In the cultivation of virtue, Jesus increases in one’s life, and “self” decreases.

Unfortunately, it takes some of us a lifetime to realize that inner virtue comes not from outward activities; rather it comes from the inward activities of the Holy Spirit positioning Jesus upon the throne of the heart. As it is written: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Also, the Scriptures teach that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he:” (Proverbs 23:7) The more Jesus becomes the preeminent One in the inner man, the more He is the focus of the thoughts; then the more He is revealed in outward evidences. If Jesus does not rule the inner man, He does not rule the outer man, and there is no witness of the Light from that individual. If you are what you think, what are YOU thinking about? Is Jesus comfortable with your inner most thoughts and your outward actions?

Insight questions:

1. Why must Jesus increase in the believer and “self” decrease?

2. How do you see yourself differently since you believed?

3. When does the Light of the Redeemer glow the brightest?

4. Why did the Apostle Paul write: “...I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:”

5. Where is heavenly virtue found, and from where does it come?

6. Who is the preeminent one in your thoughts, in your heart, and in your life?

IV

The nature of Biblical virtue requires that it be founded upon and anchored in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. If the attempt is made to build it upon a church organization, a pastor, an individual, or some ideology it will surely crumble and be left desolate. The arm of flesh cannot aid one in the spiritual elements of God; the arm of flesh will always fail. Virtue that will stand the test of time sprouts out of faith in God and the Lord Jesus. Multitudes of religions have tried to mimic the heavenlies, but their best is only a sad substitution and vain.

John Gill wrote:

“Christian fortitude is concerned about things which are apparently the will of God, and is exercised in obedience to it; for the sake of a man doing his duty, and with a pure view to the honor and glory of God; trusting in and depending upon His power, strength and grace, to carry him through whatever he is called to do or suffer in the performance of it; and from which he is not to be deterred by any difficulties that occur, or dangers he may be exposed unto therein: this is fortitude becoming Christians.” (Body of Divinity, page 820)

Performing the many duties commanded of the believer requires boldness in faith, fearless faith, and confidence in God and Jesus for the grace, strength and fortitude. The saints of God are to be steadfast and immovable with constancy and perseverance. Honest outward virtue exposes the inner virtue in the obedience to the will of God without the overwhelming concern for “self.” Not only is virtue in the sense of moral excellence; also it is in the energy which Christians are to exhibit, as God discharges His energy upon them. God’s energy is a living and active energy, so must the Christian life demonstrate the like.

Insight questions:

1. Biblical virtues must have a foundation and an anchor; what are they?

2. Why will not ideology serve as a firm foundation and a secure anchor?

3. What keep a Christian from being deterred from doing the will of God in his life?

4. What exposes Godly inner virtue to the host of mankind?

5. What type of energy is of God, and what are the true Christians to do with it?

V

It is written in I Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

The word “praises” in this passage of Scripture is the same Greek word translated virtue in our primary text of II Peter 1:5. Therefore, it is understood that the believer is to show forth the power, courage, steadfastness, fortitude and energy of Him who has called us out of the darkness of spiritual death, the abyss of sin, into His marvelous light. The saints are to express outwardly the virtues of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit by the exercising of faith with vigorous actions. It is written: “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.” (I Samuel 2:3) God does not honor lip service; He requires actions that bear witness of His virtues to the praise of His Holy Name and the Lord Jesus Christ. An honest witness is the active giving of self, not just a simple showing up for church services.

When Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” he meant they would give themselves to an active steadfast participation with loyal faithful devotion to duty. As Apostle Paul wrote: “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20) Biblical virtue added to faith magnifies God and the Lord Jesus. Who does the virtue in you magnify?

Insight questions:

1. As a Christian what are to “show forth”? Why?

2. Is God impressed with the boasting of men? What does God weigh?

3. What would you describe as lip service, and what would you describe as actions?

4. What and who is magnified in your body and by your life?

Lesson 7

Memory verse: II Peter 1:2

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Proverbs 1:1-33:

Tuesday: - II Peter 1:1-4:

Wednesday: - Daniel 3:8-28:

Thursday: - Daniel 6:4-24:

Friday: - I Corinthians 2:10-16:

Saturday: - II Timothy 3:1-17

Add to Virtue: Knowledge

Part I

I

It is written: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) It is simply amazing how the Eternal One is able to separate in one simple statement the pretentious believers from the genuine believers. Honest reverential fear of God promotes a hungering and a thirsting for holy knowledge. Insincere hearts have no hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God, and cannot for they neither know nor fear the sovereign eternal God of all creation. The unregenerate may have had an experience of religion, but without the new birth will never intimately know GOD. Godly fear is experienced in the new birth; trembling fear is experienced in the judgment of the wicked. Where there is no godly fear, there is no godly knowledge.

The indwelling Spirit of God enables the believer to recognize that “...out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) From this enabling the new creature begins a quest to acquire as much knowledge as possible out of the mouth of God concerning Himself, the Messiah, the Holy Spirit, and the Kingdom. It is written: “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15) There is a passionate desire to sit in school before heaven’s throne, to absorb all that comes into the ears of the spirit from the bosom of the Father. It is not only a hearing, but also equally a receiving and an acting upon what has been instructed from heaven’s throne. Fear of the LORD is only the beginning of the quest and adventures in the knowledge that is eternal, holy, righteous, and of a divine purpose. It is a holy precious gift when God unveils Himself in the minds and hearts of His children.

Insight questions:

1. What is the beginning of the knowledge of God? Why do you feel this is true?

2. Is religion salvation? Briefly explain.

3. Can godly fear and godly knowledge exist separately?

4. From where does holy knowledge and understanding come?

II

The word “knowledge” is vividly brought to life in the two Greek words “gnosis” and “epignosIsiah” The fundamental or root meaning of the word “gnosis” is a seeking to know. That is, it is a knowledge that continually seeks to understand the subjects it encounters, and its conduct is determined by what it discovers. This is the one used in our text of II Peter 1:5.

Therefore, the knowledge that is to be added upon faith and virtue is one that seeks constantly to know. Then, as the truth is manifested and the understanding is enlightened by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, the believer, being mindful of the will and purposes of God, changes his conduct to conform to the righteousness of the Father’s dear Son, Jesus. This continual seeking, knowing, and conforming to the image of the Christ is what cultivates the believer to a mature state in the faith. It passionately seeks to know and to understand more and more abundantly the Great I AM and the Lord of Glory. The seeker’s conduct will unavoidably exhibit his level of knowledge and understanding of the Holy One.

Insight questions:

1. What kind of knowledge is to be added to one’s faith in Christ Jesus?

2. Is this an active faith or inactive faith?

3. What happens to the believer when he encounters holy knowledge and understanding?

4. Have you ever sought for more knowledge out of the Holy Scripture of God and Jesus?

5. If so, can you see any changes in your life?

III

When “epi” is added as a prefix to the word “gnosis,” it becomes more absolute. There is a clearer and more exact understanding because the seeker begins to participate, or interact, with the subject being studied. Hence, one obtains a more precise and fuller knowledge by participating. For example, it is one type of knowledge to watch bear hunting on television in the safety and comfort of one’s home; but it is quite another type of knowledge to meet the bear face to face in the wilderness. The level of knowledge changes with the level of participation. Epignosis is that knowledge which is so clearly precise because it is a knowledge of interactive participation with the subject. The more one interacts and participates with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit the more one is overwhelmed with a clearer knowledge. If one jumps into the arms of a grizzly bear, he quickly gets a newfound respect for the bear’s power. Now, jump into the arms of God! O, what a new knowledge one will discover!

In II Peter 1:2 we read: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” The word knowledge used in this text is “epignosIsiah” Thus, in a fuller and more exact knowledge drawn from an interactive participation with God and the Lord Jesus, grace and peace is multiplied.

In II Peter 1:3 we read: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue...” Again, this knowledge is “epignosis” and is used to bring to the believer’s attention the fact that in a clear and exact knowledge obtained through interaction and participation, he has been given all things that pertain unto life and godliness. However, the lack of this epignosis hinders one from participating in the things pertaining to eternal life and godliness. How does one store up treasures in heaven if he never participates in the storing up process? Many are deficient in their service for the Lord because they have never come to a clear, exact, and participating knowledge in God and Jesus. Correct participation requires correct knowledge.

Epignosis is not instantaneous. It comes through great endeavor, seeking truth and understanding in God’s Holy Word and participating in prayer before the throne of the Eternal One. It disciplines itself in “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:5) It studies to show itself “approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

Insight questions:

1. What happens to “gnosis” when the prefix “epi” is added to it?

2. What does this type of knowledge do for the believer?

3. How does the believer grow in grace and peace?

4. How is a clear and exact knowledge obtained by the believer?

5. Are you interactively participating with God and the Lord Jesus? Briefly explain.

6. How is the believer approved unto God?

IV

The knowledge that is to be added to virtue is the seeking to know. If it is cultivated correctly, it will bring the believer to a clearer and exact knowledge through interacting and participating with God and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter charges the saints to cultivate a seeking knowledge of God and Jesus, so that each of them might come to a joyously fuller interactive participating knowledge. Spiritual growth by its nature causes participation.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33) This knowledge is also the one used in our main text, a seeking knowledge. As one seeks to know God, he will encounter an overwhelming wealth of wisdom and knowledge. Sadly, few ever strive to seek these treasures of knowledge. Most believers are content in their poverty, when they ought to be as Paul in exclaiming, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:” (Philippians 3:8) What are you willing to give up to acquire more knowledge of God and Jesus? True spiritual knowledge requires sacrifice. The more you would know means the more you must count as loss. How far into the depths of the riches of knowledge are you willing to swim? Your gain will be in direct proportion to your honest sacrificial seeking.

Paul also wrote in reference to Christ: “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3) Since the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ, if Jesus Christ does not dwell within an individual, it would be impossible for him to acquire the hidden treasures. In short, no salvation - no treasures. Also, if a believer is seeking heavenly treasures of knowledge, he must look in Jesus to find them. The world has no true knowledge of the eternal treasures. Unfortunately, as it has been said, few students of the Bible ever go to the well of knowledge to drink of its living waters; most go only to rinse their mouths, not to quench a thirst. They do not wish to live of it; they just desire to experience the taste in their wretched mouths, and then spit it out.

Before one can drink of the spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus, he must be born out of the Spirit of God, and then the Spirit of God will nurture him. It is written: “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 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. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:10-14)

Clearly, if the Holy Spirit of God is not dwelling within the individual, he will never come to the knowledge of the truth concerning God and Jesus. The natural, or fleshly, man cannot by nature interact and participate with God. God may act upon him, but the dead cannot participate with the living. However, when one receives birth out of the Holy Spirit through the blood of Jesus by the will of God, the new creature of that heavenly birth is a partaker of the divine nature of God. The new inner divine nature is then in the right relationship to receive the nurturing of the Spirit of God. Heaven’s new creature desperately hungers and thirsts as a newborn baby to feed upon heaven’s righteousness.

William Shakespeare wrote: “Go to your bosom, knock there and ask your heart, what it doth know.” You say you are “born again,” then knock upon your bosom’s door and ask your heart what it knows of the things of God. What does your heart seek to know? Inactivity towards God reveals there is inactivity from God.

Insight questions:

1. What does spiritual growth bring into the believer’s life?

2. Where does one find the treasures of spiritual knowledge?

3. What are you willing to sacrifice to gain “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus”?

4. Why should you go to the well of knowledge?

5. Is there a hungering and thirsting in you for the knowledge of God and Jesus?

V

Today’s society places a great deal of emphasis on higher education; yet, when it comes to the Holy Word of God, there is an ever-growing prevalence of ignorance. The temporal things of this world have become of greater importance than the eternal things of God. This neglect of the Bible has resulted in a decreasing interactive participation with the God of heaven and little spiritual cultivation and growth.

The prophet Amos forewarned of this time as he wrote: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” (Amos 8:11-12)

That day of which Amos spoke is surely upon the world. There is a grave famine of hearing the Word of God. Many are searching but will not find, because they refuse to go to the source of living water. They are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (II Timothy 3:7) The masses are like those on Mars Hill worshipping the UNKNOWN GOD. Fear of the true and living God is the beginning of a true spiritual active participating knowledge. Brethren, add to virtue knowledge!

Insight questions:

1. What is the greatest ignorance of today’s world?

2. What is the crown of importance in the mind of society in this age?

3. Of what kind of famine did the prophet Amos speak that would plague the earth in the last days?

4. How can one ever be learning yet never able to come to the knowledge of the truth?

5. Where is the beginning point of true Godly knowledge? Are you there?

Lesson 8

Memory verse: Isaiah 28:9

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breast.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Isaiah 28:1-13

Tuesday - I Corinthians 3:1-23

Wednesday - John 14:15-31

Thursday - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Friday - Hosea 4:1-12

Saturday - Romans 10:1-21

Add to Virtue: Knowledge

Part II

I

It is written: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” (Isaiah 28:9-10) The prophet Isaiah presents two thought provoking questions, then follows them with the answers. These questions and answers are not born of Isaiah; they are God breathed.

Learn this one truth: God does not and is not obligated to teach knowledge to everyone without exception! The Eternal One is sovereign even in knowledge. This passage goes hand in hand with the verses of I Corinthians 2:10-14, used in the previous lesson. The knowledge of God is reserved for those born out of the Holy Spirit through the blood of Jesus, and whom the Holy Spirit of God teaches. Even the unweaned babies in Christ, those reluctant to leave the milk of the Word, are not taught His knowledge, or made to know His doctrines.

Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 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. For ye are yet carnal...” (I Corinthians 3:1-3) Proper cultivation weans a believer off the milk, causing a hungering and thirsting after the righteousness of God. This maturing enables him to correctly handle the knowledge and doctrines of God. This is why the Apostle Peter wrote to those of like precious faith: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3:18) As the believer grows, the Spirit guides him into building precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. Each building block, or precept, must be accurately placed upon the corresponding precept that the Word of God be rightly divided and learned. Biblical Christian zeal is always according to knowledge.

There is a common thought in these days that we do not need to concern ourselves with doctrine; we just need to tear down all walls and love everybody. To the humanistic ear it may sound good, but to the ear taught by the Spirit it is an absurd abomination. The Word of God is doctrine, and to say we do not need doctrine is to say we do not need the Word of God. Not to need the Word of God is a doctrine of that Wicked One, the deceiving Serpent of damnation. The word “doctrine” means teaching, and God teaches His children truth - doctrine.

Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me...” (John 14:21) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10) The Greek word for “keep” in these verses means to keep by watching over with care and devoutly complying with. How can one “watch over with care” if he does not have? How can one “devoutly comply with” if he does not know? If evidence of one’s love for Jesus is expressed in devoutly complying with His commandments, is it not reasonable to assume an accurate knowledge of them is of the utmost importance?

Insight questions:

1. To whom will God teach knowledge and make to understand doctrine? Why?

2. Is God obligated to teach knowledge and make doctrine understandable to everyone? Give a brief reason for your answer.

3. Why is maturing in the Word of God necessary for the children of God?

4. Authentic Christian zeal must be founded upon what?

5. The modern emphasis upon “love everybody” purposely ignores and avoids Bible doctrine. What do you suppose is the reasoning for this?

6. What does the word “doctrine” mean?

7. What did Jesus say to do with His commandments? Why?

II

The Apostle Paul revealed that the purpose of God in giving gifts of teaching pastors unto the churches was “For the perfecting (maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking truth in love,...”. (Ephesians 4:12-15) A pastor may say he loves his flock, but only when he is willing to risk everything to teach them the knowledge of the truth does he honestly love them. He knows if they are to participate with God in righteousness, they must have a clear and exact knowledge of Him. Therefore, the pastor must teach his people to passionately seek the knowledge and doctrines of God and Jesus.

Remember, “There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Religion is plagued with those who prefer “this is what I believe.” Yet, the source of truth is not what one chooses to believe, rather the eternal source of truth is in “Thus saith the LORD God.” Cultists and religionists are destitute of the saving knowledge of God and Jesus, deceiving themselves, having no hope.

Many have in their possession and in their assemblies the Blessed Holy Word of God; but their eyes are blinded against the knowledge of God, for they love darkness rather than light. Ungodly men and women, who were before of old ordained to condemnation, thrill in “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) “Lasciviousness” denotes undisciplined, unmanageable, given to luxury, extravagant, wasteful, emotionalism, sensationalism, and exciting lustful desires. When these deceivers change the sovereign grace of God into animalistic and humanistic reasoning, they are denying God and Jesus Christ unto their own eternal condemnation. Yet, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Man does not have the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience or heart. Man is not judged by “what I feel,” but by “It is written.” Far too often, folks are looking for a “feel good feeling” in the house of God, when they should be seeking to know more of God and Jesus and a growing interaction and participation with them. When assemblies think revival is a slaphappy, animalistic howling, barking, laughing, and jerking in the floor event, it is because their consciences are “seared with a hot iron.” They may find self-approval and pack approval, but they certainly have not studied to show themselves approved unto God. God approves of no such garbage. Lasciviousness is ruled by Lucifer’s throne!

Insight questions:

1. Why is a teaching pastor God’s gift to a church?

2. Why would a pastor speak the words of truth to his flock?

3. What does a pastor risk when he is courageous enough to teach the whole counsel of God? Why is this true?

4. What does Proverbs 14:12 reveal? How could this happen?

5. What does it mean to change the grace of God into lasciviousness? Is the church where you attend guilty of it?

6. What is a clear evidence of being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ?

7. Jesus said: “The truth shall make you free.”

8. Free from what?

9. True revival comes from where? From whom does real revival come? Who governs a true holy revival?

III

It is written: “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” (Eccl. 5:1) The word “keep” in this verse from the Hebrew language means to guard. Going to the House of God is a sacred privilege and is not to be taken lightly. There are severe consequences upon the wicked that bring their foolishness into the House of God. (Not every assembly is a House belonging to God.) It is said that birds of a feather flock together. Fools flock with fools, and the righteous flock with the righteous, and each are uncomfortable flocking with the opposite. God-given knowledge makes the difference in your choice of flocks.

While it is true “much study is a weariness of the flesh,” there are no shortcuts or instantaneous knowledge workshops. Seeking the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ is a lifelong endeavor but with gracious eternal rewards. As the believer grows in the knowledge of God and Jesus, he is overwhelmed by the joys of interacting and participating with the God of all creation. The earnest searching of the Scriptures triumphs over ignorance and foolishness. The sweet victory of knowledge is sweeter than honey to the mouth. “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:3-5)

Insight questions:

1. What does it mean to guard your foot when you go to the House of God?

2. Why should you be more ready to hear in the House of God?

3. Why are there no shortcuts in obtaining the knowledge of God?

4. If you earnestly give yourself to finding and understanding the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, what will happen?

IV

There are those who prefer to dwell in the land of willful ignorance, which results in being excluded from the graces and blessings of God. God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou has rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou has forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6) Why was the kingdom of Israel destroyed? They suffered destruction because Israel rejected the knowledge of God. According to Hosea 4:1, there was “no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.” These were supposed to be God’s people, but they had no time for Him, choosing rather to be willfully ignorant of Him. Notice, it not only had an effect on their generation, it also caused God to forget their children. Willful ignorance impacts far more than the willful participants; it overflows to the subsequent generations. The knowledge of God must be guarded because it is the most precious of inheritances!

Multitudes have a form of godliness but disdain the true knowledge of the eternal God and the Lord Jesus Christ, preferring instead their animalistic passions. Thanks be unto God, there are a few remaining faithful to the knowledge forever settled in the heavens. Some are daring to walk the narrow path of righteousness, while the multitudes dance to the music upon Baal’s broad highway to everlasting destruction.

The wise will hear God saying, “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) They will seek a clear, exact, and participating knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Insight questions:

1. Why did God destroy the kingdom of Israel and reject the people as a whole? Compare with this generation.

2. What was there a lack of in the land of Israel? Compare with this generation.

3. The devastating disease of willful ignorance brings an affliction upon whom? Why?

4. Is godliness simply having a form of godliness? Explain.

5. The wise seek after what? Why?

V

Apostle Paul wrote: “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; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10)

It is one thing to be a hearer of the Word of God, and quite another to be a hearer and a doer of the Word. Unfortunately, too many have “a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:2-3) If the believer is to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,” then he must be a doer of the Word; this requires an accurate knowledge of the Word. For example, Abel offered the perfect sacrifice because of his desire to be a doer of the clear and exact knowledge he had of God’s will. Cain did not offer that which was pleasing to God because he went about to establish his own righteousness, having no desire to fulfill the will of God. As a result, God rejected Cain’s righteousness. Accurate knowledge of God’s will, in a true believer, yields proper fruits of righteousness, which pleases the Father.

It is written: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) It is the knowledge of God that brings faith, and faith brings “victory that overcometh the world.” (I John 5:4) With the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, Biblical heroes and saints of the past “through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Hebrews 11:33-34) Active faith fuel by accurate knowledge brings a certain and overwhelming victory in the midst of this wicked world.

It is an exciting thing to know the Lord Jesus and to know that He knows you. Greater still, as the believer searches the Scriptures in learning more of God and Jesus, the excitement of the grace of faith is cultivated into rejoicing “with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Seek to know and rejoice!

Insight questions:

1. What does it take to walk worthy of the Lord?

2. Is it enough to just hear the Word of God? Explain.

3. Is a zeal for God sufficient in itself? Why?

4. How is the believer enabled to walk worthy of the Lord?

5. Why was Cain’s offering rejected?

6. What can faith founded upon accurate knowledge accomplish?

7. Discuss I Samuel 2:3.

8. Discuss I Corinthians 15:34.

Lesson 9

Memory verse: James 1:14

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Isaiah 14:12-17

Tuesday - Genesis 3: 1-24

Wednesday - Joshua 7:1-26

Thursday - Judges 16:1-24

Friday - James 4:1-17

Saturday - James 1:1-27

Add to Knowledge: Temperance

Part I

I

Biblically speaking, every sin can be categorized under three basic headings: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are the three categories of sin which are the embodiment of Lucifer’s sin of “self” above God. It is the sin of all the condemned, “I am above the need of God,” failure to believe God. It is from these three categories that every sin is rooted and springs forth as weeds and tares against even the believers. Why does one sin ignoring the consequences? Self-gratification!!!

In the cultivation of Christian faith, every weed and tare must be rooted out, or else they will grow in strength, choking and hindering the believer’s maturing in Christ. Temperance is an indispensable instrument in uprooting and casting out that that would prevent one’s healthy growth in Christ. Temperance is the archenemy of “self gratification.” It encourages death to self and life unto God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

When the Apostle Paul stood before Felix, Paul spoke to him concerning his faith in Christ, “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:25) Apostle Paul’s reasoning scared the great Felix, causing him to tremble. Felix became afraid and fearful at the hearing of the words of the prisoner Paul.

Now, what was in Paul’s message to bring such fear upon Felix until he shook uncontrollably? Yes, Paul did tell him of the righteousness of God and man’s need of that righteousness through the sovereign grace of God and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, Paul also told him of the coming judgment, when every individual will not only stand before God, but every knee will bow and every tongue confess the deeds done in this life. Yet, there was one more element contained in Paul’s reasoning unto Felix - TEMPERANCE. Why would Felix tremble at temperance?

Indeed, why would anyone be brought to uncontrollable trembling over temperance? Is temperance so essential to eternity as to be ranked with the righteousness of God through the blood of Jesus, and the coming eternal judgment before a holy God? The answer is yes, a million times yes!! It is upon this attribute of temperance that we find suspended the eternal balances of righteousness and the coming judgment. Righteousness requires temperance, and the coming judgment will reflect one’s temperance. Therefore, temperance is of paramount importance, because it will have a tremendous impact on one’s eternity. Every believer, especially, should be made aware that election and secured preservation do not diminish the elect’s responsibility to maintain temperance.

Insight questions:

1. All sin can be categorized under three major headings. What are they?

2. What was Lucifer’s sin?

3. Why does one ignore the consequences of sin?

4. What is temperance?

5. Why did Felix tremble at the reasoning of the Apostle Paul?

6. What is the archenemy of temperance?

7. Upon the attribute of temperance is suspended the eternal balances of what?

8. What does the answer to the above question have to do with you personally?

II

The word “temperance” in our text of II Peter 1:6, “And to knowledge temperance,” originates from the Greek word that refers to the grace by which the flesh of the believer is restrained. It is, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, a mastery over evil inclinations, passions, desires, conduct, expressions, and appetites, including all the variations sprouting out of each. Temperance is that essential element in Christian cultivation by which one is, by the grace of God, in control over “self.”

Paul the Apostle wrote: “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.” (Galatians 2:20) Paul expressed the very essence of temperance. It is the mastery over “fleshly self,” that Christ may glory through the “spiritual self.” The reason onlookers referred to the real believers as “Christians” was that their lives mirrored the Christ. The fleshly self was restrained, and their faith in Jesus was revealed as a shining light in the darkness of the unbelieving world.

As Jesus said to the Father, “not my will, but thy will,” so is the passionate desire of everyone born out of the Spirit through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ by the sovereign grace and eternal purpose of God. Honest believers seek to gain mastery over self-desires and self will and strive to immerse the “total self” in the likeness of Christ. To see the real believer is to see Jesus. They are tempered in the likeness of the Christ!

Insight questions:

1. Temperance is the grace by which the flesh of the believer is what?

2. Temperance is a mastery over what?

3. Why was the title “Christian” tagged on the early believers?

4. Is there a reason to tag you with the title of “Christian”?

5. Whose desires and will are fulfilled in your life?

III

The Biblical expectation of self-mastery, or restraint over the animalistic nature, is an impossible task without the power of the Holy Spirit. By sovereign design, temperance is not an instantaneous victory. It remains a lifelong ongoing process. It requires constant attention through cultivation and years of trials, temptations, and tribulations in the believer’s quest to be in the likeness of the Christ.

When an unbeliever encounters authentic Christianity, he is bewildered and perplexed; but those who pass through the portals of the new birth experience it with enormous adoration and astonishment. It truly is an awesome thing to be a partaker of the divine nature of God and experience the heavenly holiness and righteousness of the Eternal One. The inner knowledge that you are a purchased possession bought with the blood of the Christ on Calvary’s cross creates a passionate desire to be like Him. It is saying with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease. ” (John 3:30)

Life, as mankind understands it, imparts only two alternatives - to be crucified with Christ, or to be destroyed without Him. One cannot truly enjoy the self-indulgent pleasures of this world and the Christ centered pleasures of authentic Christianity, because they war one against the other. Religionists are flaunting about in their sumptuous worldliness; but the Holy Scriptures teach: “...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4) It is true that the flesh does constantly war against the spirit for control. However, it is also true that honest Spirit-filled Christianity is not lacking in spiritual courage but gains victory over the flesh by the power of God and the blood of the Saviour.

Please understand, the bona fide child of God does not just wake up one day and arbitrarily decide to take a stroll into entrapment of sin. He does not whimsically decide to be a drunkard, an adulterer, a liar, a lover of this world, a robber of God, or whatever. He does, however, in the likeness of the guilt of Lot, pitch his tent toward Sodom based on selfish reasoning. Then because he has placed himself in the direction of sin, Satan with all his luring powers overtakes and engulfs him in the deceptive allurements of sin.

Understand, also, the believer purchased by the blood of Jesus is free from the bondage of sin, but a willful surrender to the deception causes one to perceive he is in bondage with no hope of escape. Remember Samson? His yielding to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life caused him to be deceived by sin and resulted in the losing of sight, the losing of freedom, and the bondage to a cruel taskmaster. The believer cannot flirt with sin and win. A vigilant and constant guard must be set against the lion crouching at the door.

The Apostle James wrote, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:13-15) How is one drawn out of the way of righteousness? He is drawn out by his own lust, self-gratification!

Have you ever tried to catch fish when they were not hungry? It does not matter what variety of bait is used; they will not bite. Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) Therefore, if the believer has been feeding upon the righteousness of God, any bait does not tempt him so easily, because he is not hungry. He is satisfied and filled up with the righteousness of the Father. God may permit Satan to dangle the bait, but Satan does not catch those who are filled. The old saying “you are what you eat” is very true when it comes to one’s spiritual diet.

Insight questions:

1. By what power does self-mastery begin to take root in the believer? By what does it continue to grow?

2. Are you honestly a purchased possession?

3. In a true believer who must increase and who must decrease?

4. What does friendship with the world do to one’s relationship with God?

5. Why do believers often find themselves in the bondage of sin?

6. When one flirts with sin, who is the winner and who is the loser?

7. How is man tempted?

8. If YOU are what YOU eat, what are YOU?

IV

It is also written: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” (James 1:12) It is not a question of “if” you will be tried, rather of “when” you will be tried. It is a guaranteed fact that every believer will encounter Satan’s endless dangling of the bait. By God’s eternal purpose all those inheriting everlasting life must have their faith (trust in Him) purified through the fires of trials and temptations. Faith satisfied in the righteousness of God overcomes all the bait Satan has to offer of this world. This is the sweet victory!

Understand this, too: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13) Every conceivable and even inconceivable temptation that could ever confront a believer is only the same old bait always used by Satan in three distinct categories: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. God, however, is faithful not to permit the Tempter to dangle more before each saint than he is able to endure. The saint’s level of temperance over the animalistic self determines the outcome of the encounter. One without temperance yields to the temptation, but the one having that mastery over self finds the way of escape.

Insight questions:

1. Are you ever tempted? What is the usual outcome?

2. If you have yielded to the temptation, why do you feel you did?

3. Why has God purposed the saints to be confronted with temptations?

4. Do you feel you are tempted above what you are able to endure?

5. How much temperance do you have over your animalistic nature?

6. Can you think of ways to overcome your temptations?

V

There is, however, a warning to those who think too highly of themselves. It is written: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (I Corinthians 10:12) Far too often, the self-righteous Pharisees around us bring railing accusations upon those babes in Christ who have sadly been overcome by sin. Instead of coming to the aid of the weak, they stand aloft with their pious finger pointing. It is because they are ignorant in the blindness of their own sins. They know not that only by the grace of God they are not guilty of the same sin as the one they look down upon. Only by the grace of temperance is one able to resist and escape from the Evil One.

Perhaps, with proper knowledge, each believer would possess Christ-like compassion for the weaker vessels. Is it not written: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) The problem in most settings is finding “ye which are spiritual”; but there seems to be no shortage of the pious self-righteous.

Every believer is capable of sinning at any given moment, and only by the grace of God through the grace of temperance is it hindered from happening. One filled with the righteousness of God understands the spiritual warfare raging against the saints of God. Therefore, he has Christ-like compassion for the lambs, and seeks to restore and strengthen them. The spiritual do not bring railing condemnations, rather in meekness they encourage the malnourished lambs in Christ to hunger and thirst after righteousness, where they will find strength to restrain their animalistic nature. Their souls will be satisfied, having been filled up with heaven’s righteousness.

If a man sent from God was to stand before you this day to reason of righteousness, temperance, and the coming judgment, would you be brought to uncontrollable trembling, or would you rejoice in the gladness of the grace of temperance? Victory comes moment by moment!

Insight questions:

1. Do you think too much of your self-ability to stand against the temptations of Satan?

2. Are you one of the pious self-righteous?

3. Are you ignorant of your own sins?

4. Do you find others to look down upon to build yourself up?

5. Are you spiritual enough to help a weaker brother and help in the spirit of meekness?

6. Do you have a Christ-like compassion for the lambs? Are you able to help restore and strengthen them?

7. Is there someone to whom you could offer help? Will you?

Lesson 10

Memory verse: Romans 6:12

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - Genesis 39:1-23

Tuesday - Romans 8:1-17

Wednesday - Colossians 3:1-10

Thursday - Romans 7:7-25

Friday - Psalm 139:1-24

Saturday - James 3:1-18

Add to Knowledge: Temperance

Part II

I

Temperance is not the refusal of temporal honors and riches bestowed upon the believer in the providence of God. Many of the Biblical patriarchs, including Abraham the father of the faithful, were substantially blessed by the purpose of God. Neither does temperance purposely deny oneself of life and health, as did the false prophets on Matthew Carmel in the sight of Israel and God’s prophet Elijah. Temperance does not abuse the body, because every believer has the Spirit of God dwelling within one’s being.

Temperance does, however, renounce or postpone anything or anyone that may be in competition with one’s love for God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It resists everything and everyone that hinders one’s total yielding to the commands of God. God must be the preeminence in every believer’s life, for it is written: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38) Anything or anyone that would dethrone God as the King of kings and Lord of lords over the believer’s physical, spiritual, or mental life must be restrained and resisted, or else he will become the enemy of the Eternal One and extremely dangerous to the spiritual well being of the child of God. When the heavenly Father reigns steadfastly over the believer’s whole life, the believer is able to enjoy the fruits of sweet victory.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:12-14) Also, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:5)

When we were dead in trespasses and sins, bound by unbreakable chains of the condemned and ruled over by a cruel taskmaster, God out of His sovereign grace broke the bonds of our eternal death with the blood of Jesus. The Father created in us an everlasting and abundant life, and did redeem us out of the abyss of eternal death. The Eternal One by the power of His might did cast out the cruel Serpent of Hell, and did set Himself upon a new and living throne full of life, love, and freedom from the bondage of sin and unrighteousness. God made us alive and free by His marvelous grace! Therefore, the believer is expected to exhibit in his mind, body, and spirit this God given freedom from sin and to live a holy life with holy vigor. (not vinegar)

Temperance is denying ungodliness and worldly lusts: Romans 6:12, Titus 2:12. It is controlling one’s appetite as not to overindulge in eating: Romans 16:18, Philippians 3:19. Temperance abstains from “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” I Peter 2:11, and does not live to the lust of men, I Peter 4:2. It mortifies sinful lusts and deeds of the body: Colossians 3:5-10, Romans 8:13. It seeks not to please self, but crucifies the flesh and is crucified unto the world: Romans 15:1-3, Galatians 5:24, 6:14. Temperance also prefers Christ to all earthly relations: Matthew 8:21-22, Luke 14:26. It does not seek external honors from mankind, only that honor which comes from the heavenly Master: Acts 4:19-20, 5:29, Galatians 1:10. Self-mastery expresses itself in contentment even to the loss of all (name, worldly profit, employment, credit among men, friends, relatives, etc.) for Christ’s sake: Philippians 3:7-10, 4:5-13. Temperance does not serve self; it serves God!

Insight questions:

1. Does temperance mean that you cannot have any material possessions?

2. Does temperance purposely bring harm to one’s life and body?

3. What does temperance bring to the believer’s life?

4. What impact does Matthew 22:37-38 have on your life?

5. Has God made you alive from the dead? If so, who do the members of your body serve?

6. How is Romans 6:11-12 relative to your life?

7. According to I Peter 2:11, fleshly lusts wage war against what?

8. How is the wrath of God provoked by the children of disobedience? (Colossians 3:5-6)

II

One of the most difficult lessons to learn in faithful Christianity is to part with “sinful self.” The fleshly or natural man has been conceived in sin and from his very birth comes forth sinning, habitually and willfully walking in the darkness and death of sin. Thus, this lifelong companion of sin strenuously opposes the spirit of man being ripped from the claws of the dark abyss and everlasting death. This enemy of the soul resents the life-giving light of the redeemed. With desperate jealousy it persistently casts forth emotional deceptions. It endlessly strives to lure the redeemed away from the light of the righteousness of God. In this life the sin nature and the divine nature are forced to house together in the same body, but not without conflict. The sin nature launches a battle that rages within each believer for control and usage of the body. Temperance controls this rage and uses the body through the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Be not deceived; this is a fierce battle until the believer is thoroughly convinced by God’s Spirit of the wickedness and deadliness of sin. In the light of the unveiling, the believer abhors sin and detests the animalistic self for having yielded his members unto the servitude of sin.

There is a war that wages within,

Whose height and depth seems to have no end.

The casualties are none too few,

Yet, I seem to be the only one it pursues.

The battlefield is not wide but slim,

It lies raging only in my heart within.

I cannot express the pain I feel,

It seems there is only I upon this battlefield.

Even if I win I lose, you see,

For the battle is betwixt the flesh and spirit of me.

The flesh mournfully cries its desire to live,

But the spirit desires its praises to Jesus give.

How long must this war within destroy

Before this flesh be mortified and the spirit of life enjoy?

How long must I suffer this torment within,

Before my Jesus gloriously returns again?

How long, O Lord, must this battle of life be waged,

Before I with Thee march in that victory parade?

The Apostle Paul told of his battle within this way: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:22-25)

The Apostle Paul was not some crazed lunatic with suicidal tendencies. On the contrary, Paul had an acute perception of the two natures of man, natural and spiritual. Every partaker of the divine nature of God through the new birth experiences the war within! Do not think it a strange thing. When the spirit of life clashes with the flesh of death, there are battles to fight. Paul understood the spirit and the flesh were natural enemies. He also knew that through the grace of temperance the spirit could enjoy victory over the flesh. It is extremely crucial for the believer to recognize the war within himself and to strive for victory in the spiritual battle over the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It is normal for believers to feel the rage of the battle. This is evidence of the new creature within.

Insight questions:

1. What are some emotional deceptions of the flesh?

2. Why do the spirit and the flesh have a conflict?

3. Does every believer have this conflict within himself?

4. Discuss some of the everyday conflicts you experience.

5. Does this battle within mean there is something wrong with you?

6. The battle is the evidence of what?

III

Being born again does not mean the opportunity to sin has been eliminated by the indwelling Christ. It does mean, however, that Jesus, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, removes from that “born again” spirit in man the bondage and motivation of sin. It is as God speaks to Israel through the Prophet Ezekiel: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27) The new heart coupled with the Holy Spirit has a new motivation and desire, and that is to live in the spirit and of the Spirit in obedience to God.

In the cultivation of Christian faith there are many stones in the field of life that must be removed by tremendous effort, much tribulation, earnest diligence, and sincere faithfulness. Preoccupation with the cares of this world impairs the believer in his efforts to remove the stones of sin. Instead of freedom, he will find himself subjugated to a most grievous bondage, as if the stones were anchored about his neck. The severest conflict facing every believer is the subduing of “self.” Mastery over “self” is the most noble of all endeavors. It requires the greatest of spiritual strength. It is written: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

A believer must constantly seek to captivate every mental thought. The Word of God teaches that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) You become whatever your mind constantly dwells upon. Therefore, the saints are further instructed: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:3-5) Is our every thought in Christ-like obedience to the Father?

There is much merit in the old saying “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” If one’s mind is not being cultivated in the Word of God and the will of God, Satan moves in to create havoc, giving birth to wicked imaginations. As the believer ponders the wicked imaginations, his tent is pitched towards Sodom and Gomorrah. Satan then begins to manipulate and shape the thoughts of the mind. Consequently, before he realizes, the believer is committing that which the wicked imagination has conceived and brings forth sin. TAKE ALARM! - It is of the utmost importance that the believers relentlessly pursue, dwell, and meditate upon the Word of God. Do as King David said: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11) Every thought must be brought into captivity creating an acceptable obedience unto God, a Christ-like obedience.

Temperance is also self-mastery over sexual passions. It has been said that in mankind “illicit sex is the effort of the flesh to rape the spirit,” and “only spiritual strength can successfully resist this attack.” This perhaps is one of the most notable and most commonly used weapons in Satan’s armory. The Bible gives ample examples of the destruction it causes, yet, it is still a lesson hard learned. Ask King David, a man after God’s own heart. Ask Samson, a man of great physical strength. Ask Solomon, whose gift was wisdom from God. These all learned, the hard way, the tough lesson of the necessity of controlling one’s sexual passions.

The wagging tongue can also be a tremendous enemy of the cause of Christ; as it is written: “it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8) Oh, that the believer would learn to control his tongue that reproach is not brought upon the precious work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are unable to tame their tongues have worked so much useless destruction in the Lord’s churches. Even so, the Scriptures teach, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2) The word perfect is in reference to one who is spiritually mature. What a glorious day it would be in the churches if the believers could cultivate tame tongues!!

Insight questions:

1. Does being “born again” mean that the believer can no longer sin?

2. In Ezekiel what does God say happens when He puts His Spirit within an individual?

3. How does His Spirit impact a believer’s motivation and desires?

4. What happens when a believer is preoccupied with the cares of this world?

5. What is the noblest of all endeavors?

6. What happens to a believer when he does not control his thoughts?

7. What should a believer do about his thoughts?

8. How does a believer allow Satan to manipulate and shape his thoughts? How can he prevent Satan?

9. What is one of Satan’s most notable and most common weapons in his armory?

10. What is the most destructive thing that many believers use to wreak havoc upon the Lord’s churches? What can be done about this?

IV

Temperance is knowledge in action!!! It is applying the Holy Scriptures to one’s walk in life. Knowledge induced by the Holy Spirit sets the believer on the pathway of righteousness; then holds his hand through the valley of temptation with the grace of temperance. It is putting into action that which the Holy Spirit has taught.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.” (I Corinthians 9:25-27) The word “castaway” from the Greek carries with it the idea of being not approved or disapproved. Paul’s desire was to keep his body in restraint that it sin not, lest he be disapproved by God and by those to whom he preached. Too often, a believer loses his witness for the Lord Jesus because he refuses to bring his body under subjection, to guard it from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - “self-gratification.” As a result, what they do speaks louder than the message they bear. One must exercise extreme caution when found in the presence of that destructive animal “self-gratification.”

One final observation: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (I John 1:8-10) BE ON GUARD - SIN CROUCHES AT THE DOOR READY TO DEVOUR THOSE WITHOUT THE GRACE OF TEMPERANCE!!!

Insight questions:

1. Who leads the believer into all truth?

2. Why is it important to know the truth?

3. For what kind of crown should every believer be striving?

4. Why is it important to bring the body under subjection?

5. What does it mean to be a “castaway”?

6. “Self-gratification” is the filling up of what?

7. Is there anyone who does not sin? Should this be used as an excuse?

8. Why should every believer be ON GUARD?

9. How would the grace of temperance change you life and witness?

Lesson 11

Memory verses: James 1:3-4

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - James 1:1-12

Tuesday - Hebrews 6:9-20

Wednesday - Romans 5:1-21

Thursday - Acts 5:17-42

Friday - Romans 8:28-39

Saturday - Romans 12:9-21

Add to Temperance: Patience

Part I

I

It is written: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Now, it would seem to be an impossible thing for the believers to find any joy when they “fall into,” or “are surrounded by,” various types of temptations. However, put this in context with all we have passed through to this point. Beginning with faith in God and Jesus Christ, we add upon this faith virtue (fortitude), upon it we add knowledge of God and His Word, then temperance, which is knowledge in action that is gaining control over fleshly “self.” The result: when the believer is surrounded by temptation, he is not hungry for it because he has already been filled up with the righteousness of God. Therefore, he is not taken in by the temptation. There is joy when one can stare temptation in the face, fully acknowledging its presence; yet, because of the filling of the righteousness of God, the bait does not tempt Him. Temperance resists the lure of Satan’s devices, and in patience the joy of sweet victory overflows.

Being surrounded by temptations is to be esteemed with all joy because this is the time God tests the pureness of one’s faith in Him. This process of purifying one’s faith brings forth patience. Therefore, the Apostle James instructs the believers to not hinder the course, but allow the birth pains that bring forth patience. He states the reason why is so the believer may be brought to maturity and wholeness, that he be not lacking in anything. The word “perfect” means to be brought to the completed and intended end. One of the places the believer’s faith is going to be put to the test is in the valley of temptations. The birth and maturing of patience in the midst of the valley helps to bring the believer along the pathway to God’s purposed complete and intended end, Christian wholeness.

Patience in the Word of God is ranked with such marvelous graces as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, meekness, long-suffering, soberness, temperance, soundness in faith, brotherly love, and holiness. Yet, patience is an essential makeup of all these graces. This cultivation of patience is of grave importance in every believer.

In our text of II Peter 1:6, the word “patience” is from the Greek word “hupomone” which is composed of two words, “hupo-” and “-mone.” “Hupo-” indicates “under”; and “-mone” signifies “to remain, to abide, to bear-up, to endure.” Hence, patience is to remain or to abide under, to bear-up under, to endure under. It also carries with it the idea of steadfastness, constancy, and unswerving from purpose. Webster defines patience as “the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint; steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in performing a task. Patience implies the bearing of suffering, provocation, delay, tediousness, etc., with calmness and self-control.”

Therefore, we may say that patience is that grace which, when permitted to reach its full and intended end, enables the child of God to wait steadfastly for the coming Christ. It is also that attribute by which the saints through calmness and self-control endure suffering and provocation. It is the power to hold out, without being annoyed or disturbed, until the will of God be accomplished. It is one of the essential contributors to the obtaining of all the graces of Christian maturity. However, by divine design it can only be cultivated through the fiery testing of one’s faith. This fact being true, will the faith we say we possess really stand through the test?

Insight questions:

1. Why is patience important to Christian character?

2. To bring forth heaven wrought patience, what has to happen to the believer?

3. Can the believer be complete without patience? Why?

4. Patience is ranked in the Scriptures with what other graces?

5. Define patience as it relates to believers.

6. How is patience cultivated?

II

It has been said that the life through which the believers now pass is the worst life they shall ever know; yet, it is the best life the lost (the children of eternal damnation) will ever know. For every true believer, the trials and sufferings of this present world are for a relatively short span of time. Eternity to praise God’s Holy Name has no end. Therefore, the true believers remain unswerving in their hope of the Messiah’s redemption and return in glory - patient in their faith. This brief time in the valley of the Wicked One’s evil temptations is the worst; the best is yet to come. Thanks be unto His Holy Name!!!

We all know, however, that nothing of value is achieved or fashioned in an instant. It requires time. As the giant redwood trees do not obtain their immense strength and stature in a moment, so it is with the grace of patience. The noble qualities of Christian growth emerge only through years of weathering through the storms. The precious pearls are only brought forth by much agitation to the oyster. If one desires the strength of the precious pearl of patience, he must endure the storms and the agitation!

A word of caution, one must not mistake the lack of purpose, the lack of liveliness, and the absence of enthusiasm for patience. It is not patience; it is laziness and apathy. Far too many folks vocalizing claims to the title “Christian” are indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested, unresponsive, unmoved, uncommitted, and unemotional to the Gospel message and its urgency to be preached to every creature. This is not patience! It is ungodly gross laziness and putrefying apathy. Many want the honors of patience, but few want to engage in it. Laziness and apathy engage in nothing but self-pity and excuses. If one would have the Biblical precept of patience, he must bear-up under the proving of his faith as he steps lively along with enthusiastic purpose.

Insight questions:

1. Why is this the worst life the believer will ever know?

2. How does this help give us patience in faith?

3. If you desire the grace of patience, what must take place in your walk with Christ?

4. What is often mistaken as patience?

5. What is patience in all honesty?

6. If you would have the Biblical precept of patience, what must you do?

III

Patience is not a restrictive trait of individual saints. It is also to be a collective quality of every true New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is written of the churches of Ephesus and Thyatira: “I know...thy patience.” (Revelation 2:2, 19) As the Lord Jesus knew the patience of these, He equally knows the patience or lack of patience of all His churches throughout every generation. Every called out assembly of the Lord’s is expected to cultivate the grace of patience as they are tried in the valley of temptations. Satanic forces will entice the Lord’s churches to depart from the faith and compromise all, in exchange for the luxury of wallowing in the ungodly filth to the world.

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience...” (Revelation 3:10) The Greek word translated “thou hast kept” carries with it the idea of guarding or watching over protectively. “The word of my patience” refers to the Holy Scriptures that give witness to the long-suffering of God towards man. The local church in Philadelphia carefully guarded those sacred writings that contained the records of the patience of God.

No other writings under heaven have so authoritatively recorded in witness to man the continuous sovereign patience of the Living God, the patient determination of the Lamb of God, and the patient persistence of the convicting and indwelling Holy Spirit. No other writing has persistently so angered the satanic demons of hell. The local church is to guard faithfully and tenaciously the Word of His patience, ensuring a pure and truthful witness of it in the darkness of this world, holding forth the light of the hope of salvation. The saints are to steadfastly endure all things that they might faithfully convey to mankind that the long-suffering of God has brought forth His sovereign grace in undeserved redemption through the blood of the Lord Jesus. They are to watchfully occupy with patience.

The trying or proving of the faith of the saints as revealed in the Scriptures “worketh patience.” That is to say, that by enduring faithfully the trials, tribulations, afflictions, heartaches, and other misfortunes surrounding the pathway of the righteous, patience is cultivated. Bearing-up under each progressively intense trial gives strength to overcome the next. The Bible encourages “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) The promises are received at the end of our journey, not at the beginning. Patience is an absolute necessity for the Christian’s journey through this world.

Insight questions:

1. Is patience a trait restricted only to individual saints?

2. When does patience become a collective trait?

3. Why do the Lord’s churches need the collective grace of patience?

4. Why does Satan despise the collective patience of the saints?

5. What is meant by “thou hast kept,” and how is this relative to your church?

6. What did Jesus mean by “the word of my patience”?

7. What writing throughout all the ages has angered Satan and the demons of hell the most? Why?

8. What is the duty of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ toward the Word of His patience?

9. What will work godly patience in your life?

IV

In the analysis of patience there is found an active and a passive patience. Passive refers to that which is being acted upon, while active refers to that which is doing the acting.

Passive: Patience engulfs such attributes as endurance, long-suffering, forbearance, sufferance, imperturbability, equanimity, uncomplaining, and fortitude. Passive patience bears-up and holds itself up with Christian composure while continuing steadfastly under injuries, insults, distress, fatigue, trials, and temptations. Christian patience acknowledges that God is sovereign in all His ways; therefore, it maintains victoriously its composure in the confrontation of such afflictions. It is written: “...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

As the faithful Apostles were filling Jerusalem with the doctrine that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, the religious rulers had them arrested. They were acted upon! Then after they had “beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.” Then the Apostles “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:40, 41) They were acted upon; nevertheless, they were able to bear-up under with rejoicing that Jesus “counted them worthy to suffer shame for his name.” Real faith in Christ passively endures and shares the sufferings of Christ in this present world with undisturbed calmness. It finds reassurance in the knowledge “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Jesus speaking to His Apostles said: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Here we have the clear words of our Master, that His disciples will have tribulations. It is not “may have” or “could have”; it is “shall have.” Knowledge is power. Knowing we “shall have” tribulations enables us to prepare for the trying of our faith, much like an athlete prepares for testing on the field of challenge. Jesus exhorts His disciples to “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” All the apostles were acted upon and they endured. Paul and Silas were acted upon and with calmness were able to bear-up under. Stephen suffered being stoned to death with remarkable patience. As we are challenged on every side in the valley of life’s temptations, by faith we shall emerge victoriously with the grace of godly patience.

Even the Apostle Paul implores the saints to be “patient in tribulation.” (Romans 12:12) Understand this, God has never had any children who did not suffer in some manner or another having their faith purified. Since Cain and Abel the righteous have always suffered, including our Lord and Saviour. Are we LESS WORTHY than all who have ever gone before us to suffer shame for His name? If so, then we are WORTHLESS!!!

(*This passive patience will be continued in the next lesson, as well as the active patience.)

Insight questions:

1. What are the two types of patience?

2. What are some attributes of passive patience?

3. Christian patience acknowledges what?

4. Why do the believers glory in tribulations?

5. Why did the Apostles rejoice when they were acted upon?

6. For whom do all things work for good?

7. Must every disciple face the trying of his faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ?

8. Will you be found WORTHY to suffer shame for His name?

Lesson 12

Memory verse: Hebrews 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.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday - I Peter 4:1-19

Tuesday - I Peter 1:1-25

Wednesday - John 15:1-8

Thursday - Psalm 27:1-14

Friday - Romans 8:14-25

Saturday - Job 1:1 - 2:10

Add to Temperance: Patience

Part II

I

(Passive Patience Continued)

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” (I Peter 4:12-14)

Notice the believer is being acted upon, which places him in the passive position. The fiery trials WILL come as part of that purifying process of the believer’s faith. Yet, trials are not to be considered as some strange or unusual event in the life of a believer. The believer is to bear-up under the testing placed upon him with rejoicing for having been allowed to be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings -- in other words -- passive patience. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote: “Know how sublime a thing it is to suffer and be strong.” The sadness of it is that all too often we suffer and cry, “Woe is me!” as if some strange thing did come upon us. We should, however, recognize the event as an opportunity of destiny. As Arnold G. Kuntz stated: “We are not in this world simply to enjoy God’s gifts. We are here to use them in the building of His kingdom, which calls for some kind of sufferings.”

In the previous lesson we saw the Greek word “hupomone” translated as patience. There are two passages where the word is translated as “suffer” in the sense of a patient bearing-up under, or a patient steadfast enduring. In II Timothy 2:12 it is written: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” Also, in II Timothy 3:12 we find: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” When the true believer is acted upon he will bear-up under with a steadfast enduring, because the faith that has been gifted to him is not of the flesh. Faith conjured up by the flesh has no sticking power. Faith given to the regenerated by God is of divine nature and steadfast by the almighty power of God. This enables the believer to steadfastly bear-up under being acted upon.

It is in this suffering, or bearing-up under, that faith in the believer is tried and purified. This means holy faith is separated from fleshly impurities. The believer is immersed in the fiery trials that faith may come forth as pure gold. The Apostle Peter wrote: “...though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (I Peter 1:6-7) A purified faith in the believer is far more precious than purified gold, because pure faith brings praise, honor, and glory at the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. What value is pure gold to the One by whom all things were created?

Insight questions:

1. Why should the believer rejoice when fiery trials come upon him?

2. From whom does the believer’s faith come?

3. What happens to holy faith in the purifying process?

4. Bearing-up under the purifying is referred to as what kind of patience?

5. According to II Timothy 2:12, what happens to those who suffer with Christ, and those who deny Christ?

6. What should a true believer do when acted upon by fiery trials? Why?

II

Active: 1st -Patience is found in the company of such attributes as persistence, stamina, tenacity, perseverance, and tirelessness. Patience in the active sense persistently seeks to fulfill the will of God in every respect without quitting.

Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) The believer is to set himself to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and stick to it, persistently overcoming until called upward to meet the Lord in the clouds. The disciple is to have an active Christianity in his waiting for the Savior to return. One may have to change his course of action from time to time, but he is ever to be looking and going forward. Even Paul the Apostle sometimes had to leave quickly, also the Holy Spirit hindered him from going into Asia Minor; therefore, he was forced to change his course of action. Yet, it did not stop his determination to go forward in actions witnessing of the Lord Jesus, and seeking the salvation of the lost.

It is written in the Holy Bible that God “will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.” (Romans 2:6-8) Also, “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:” (I Peter 2:15) Again, “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” (I Peter 3:17) And, “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (I Peter 4:19) Also, “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” (II Thessalonians 3:13) Let God guard your eternal soul, you keep working! Can your eternal soul be plucked out of the hand of God? If God is not faithful, you do not have to be faithful! Now, is God faithful in all His ways?

The believer is expected to be persistent and tireless in well doing. The saints of God have not been saved to remain idle, or to just warm a pew while singing “I shall not be moved.” As it is written: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) Well doing means to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22) This stick-to-itiveness in doing the Word of God is active patience in the performance of the will of God. God is a living God; therefore, He is in the active. Hence, that which is begotten of Him unto a lively hope would by nature be found active, as He is active. Now, how lively is your activity?

Insight questions:

1. Active patience is found in the company of what other attributes?

2. Active patience persistently seeks to do what?

3. What puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men?

4. As unto what are the believers to commit the keeping of their souls unto God?

5. Who or what can pluck your soul out of the Father’s hand?

6. Is God faithful in all His ways?

7. The believer is expected to be what in well doing?

8. “Doers of the word” expects what of you?

III

2nd - It may be said that active patience is exercised in bringing forth fruit. It is written: “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15) Every believer cannot deny four unimpeachable truths: 1) the Father has done and will do His work, 2) the Spirit has done and will do His work, 3) the Son has done and will do His work, and 4) every believer has a work to which he is called and must be doing. The time of the harvest is upon us, and we must be exercising active patience laboring in the fields. It is His harvest, but He has ordained and created us to be doers in His field. He purposed us to be gatherers, not scarecrows.

Jesus taught, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) Abiding in Jesus until and during fruit- bearing time is the working of active patience, or stamina and perseverance. The amount of fruit is relative to the level of activity the branch patiently (persistently) interacts with the vine. The branch recognizes that the living strength to endure the load comes from actively abiding in the vine. The branch also knows it has no life and no fruit unless it remains fully interactive with the vine.

Jesus also said: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8) The Father is glorified when the believer is flourishing in the Vine bringing forth much fruit, and in His strength endures the load of fruit bearing until the harvest. “...so shall ye be my disciples” reveals the fact that His disciples are fruit bearers.

Insight questions:

1. Active patience is exercised in what?

2. What are the four unimpeachable truths every believer cannot deny?

3. What was, is, and shall be the Father’s work? the Spirit’s? the Son’s?

4. What is the work to which every believer is called and must be doing? How is this work applicable to you?

5. What does it mean to be a scarecrow in the midst of the harvest?

6. How is a believer enabled to bear fruit?

7. Does God expect every believer to bear fruit?

8. The amount of fruit one bears is relative to what? Why?

9. How do the Disciples of Christ glorify the Father?

IV

3rd - Active patience is exemplified in running the Christian race. It is written: “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, 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.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) The words “the race” reveal the test or the trial of endurance set before every believer. The words “let us run” reveal the option. Therefore, to engage in the running of the race that has been divinely designed to try the endurance and persistence of the believer is active patience. The believer with activity endures all that he might victoriously finish the course set before him by the providential decree of God. Inspiration and energy to spur the believer onward in the marathon of life is found in the list of names of the faithful of God who have raced upon the course before them. With such a great cloud of witnesses, who cannot be moved with vigorous active persistence in the race set before them?

Our Lord Jesus Christ voluntarily endured the cross of Calvary that the Father’s will be “finished.” Because of His persistence in doing the Father’s will, Jesus with perseverance accomplished it in the “fullness of time.” This is active patience because it was not (humanistically speaking) an unavoidable circumstance. Did not Jesus say: “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53) He also testified: “...I lay down my life for the sheep. ... No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. ...” (John 10:15, 18) The Lord of glory of His own volition suffered as the Sacrificial Lamb to redeem those given to Him before the foundation of the world. This was a sure exhibition of active patience. Is it not written that God did predestinate the elect “to be conformed to the image of his Son...” (Romans 8:29) Active patience is in the image of the Christ.

Insight questions:

1. Who are the witnesses we are “compassed about with” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1?

2. Why should these witnesses concern us?

3. What is meant by “every weight”?

4. What race is set before every believer?

5. From whom does the believer’s faith originate? Who brings the believer’s faith to its completed end?

6. The race that is set before the believers is designed to test what?

7. With what does the believer endure all that is set before him?

8. When Jesus voluntarily endured the cross, it is referred to as active patience; why? Please, explain.

9. When a believer exhibits active patience, of whom does it give an image?

V

4th - Active patience is waiting. King David wrote of patiently waiting upon the LORD: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14) “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:” (Psalm 37:7) “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

Cultivating “patient waiting” is truly a trying and burdensome task. Too many of us are like little children running ahead into harm’s way, when we should be calmly and obediently walking alongside in the shadow of the Father. As a result, impatient children do much damage to themselves and others. Impatience will also result in missed blessings. Timing is important when reaping heavenly fruit. Heavenly blessings are much like a papaya. Papaya in the peak of ripeness is a succulent and marvelous delight to the palate and taste buds, but partaking of it before the fullness of time, one is confronted with a hard and bitter disappointment. Heaven sent blessings at the appropriate time are a sweetness to the soul. However, impatient rushing to grab them before the fullness of God’s timing can leave a bitter taste. Blessings like papaya are fabulous if one waits for God’s timing. The determination to wait for God’s leadership and direction is referred to as active patience.

Waiting for the trumpet sound of the First Resurrection and the Lord of glory is active patience. Apostle Paul wrote: “...and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” (I Thessalonians 1:9-10) Also, “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (II Thessalonians 3:5) Again, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:22-25) ***Active Patience! ***

The believer is not to remain in an idle state of “twiddling thumbs”; he is expected to do something. Active patience is not a constitution of numbness; it is a posture of liveliness while in the status of waiting. Like in Nehemiah 4, the saints desperately need to be actively building, having the Sword of the Spirit by the side, yet all the while, patiently waiting and listening for the trumpet sound from the heavenlies. Yes, wait, but be busy doing something while you are waiting!

Insight questions:

1. What does it mean to be waiting with active patience?

2. What happens when the believer waits patiently upon the LORD?

3. How are heavenly blessings like a papaya?

4. Why must the believer wait for the fullness of time to receive a blessing from God?

5. What usually happens when a believer rushes ahead of God’s timing?

6. The determination to wait for God’s leadership and direction is called what?

7. What are the believers to be patiently waiting to hear?

8. What should the believers be doing until the trumpet sounds and we are caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds?

9. In what are you actively involved while waiting for the trumpet sound?

VI

Passive patience and active patience reflect genuine Christian character. When the believer is passively and actively purified in the fires, he identifies with the words of Job: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) God knows exactly where we are and what we are going through, and He is still in control of all things.

It is written: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) The realization of this truth enables us to bear-up under and to hold out tenaciously until the fullness of time. It is also written: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” (Hebrews 10:35-37) Again, “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12)

For every believer there will always be trials and tribulations, and a holy work to do. These will require blessed patience. However, our Lord Jesus said, “In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

Insight questions:

1. What is the difference between “passive patience” and “active patience”?

2. Do you believe God knows what is going on in the world and our personal lives?

3. Is God sovereign over all His creation? If so, how does Roman 8:28 apply to every believer?

4. Why do you need patience after you have done the will of God?

5. How does Hebrews 6:11-12 apply to you?

6. How can “passive” and “active” patience be beneficial to your every day life?

Lesson 13

Memory verse: I Timothy 3:16

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – Isaiah 43:10-15; 44:6-8; 45:20-24

Tuesday – John 1:1-14

Wednesday – Psalm 119:1-56

Thursday – Psalm 119:57-112

Friday – Psalm 119:113-176

Saturday – I John 1:5-2:6

Add to Patience: Godliness

Part I

I

It is written: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (I Timothy 3:16)

“the mystery of godliness”

1. God - There is ONLY ONE God - Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:8; 45:6, 21, 22; 46:9

2. God - was manifest in the flesh - John 1:1-14; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 7:14

3. God - was justified in the Spirit - Matthew 1:18; 3:16-17; Isaiah 50:6-10; John 4:24; Luke 4:1, 14; Romans 8:1-39

4. God - was seen of angels - Luke 2:7-15; Matthew 4:11; 28:1-7; Acts 1:10-11

5. God - was preached unto the Gentiles - Acts 13:46-49, 10:1 - 11:18

6. God - was believed on in the world - John 3:16; 1:11-13; Romans 4:9-25; Revelation 7:9-17

7. God - was received up into glory - Acts 1:8-11; Hebrews 1:1-14; 4:14; Revelation 1:10-18; 5:1-14; 19:16; 21:1-4; 22-23; 22:1-6

GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS!!!

Genuine godliness is indeed a great mystery to this ungodly world. According to the Holy Scriptures, one cannot see or enter into this realm of godliness unless he is born into it. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Also, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, 5)

If one is unable to see the kingdom of God, how can he be expected to see the God of the kingdom? Therefore, to understand this great mystery, one must be a part of the mystery, which is made possible through the new birth out of the Spirit of God. Being made a partaker of the divine nature of God enables one to understand more of the nature of God. A mystery is only a mystery if there is no revelation of the truth. When the light overtakes the darkness, everything that dwells in that darkness is revealed and everyone having light sees what is revealed. It is written: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

The word “manifest” means to make openly known. God made Himself openly known for it is written, “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,” “and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Jesus the Christ is God manifesting Himself to man. There remains ONLY ONE GOD, and every honest believer worships ONLY ONE GOD. There is much complexity in this for the human mind, yet completely logical and simplistic in the mind and purpose of God.

The word “justify” signifies to be set forth as righteous. When the Word was made flesh, it was examined by the unrighteous and found to be truly righteous having “no fault.” Nevertheless, the jealousy of unrighteousness pierces the heart of the righteous convicting of sin, of righteousness, and of the judgment to come. By His Spirit He makes known His righteousness and reveals man’s desperately wicked unrighteousness.

The word “trinity” is not found in the Holy Word of God, so we must be careful with the use of this word. Triune gods, father – mother – son, have been a long-standing pagan polytheistic doctrine. Its origin is in ancient Babylonian worship of Nimrod, his wife, and Nimrod reincarnated (the baby in the woman’s arm). [One good book to read on this subject is “The Two Babylons” by Alexander Hislop, published by Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., Neptune, New Jersey ]

We worship only one God, not three. Jesus, the Word, is not “a god,” rather as John 1:1 states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Holy Spirit is not “a spirit,” rather as John 4:24 declares: “God is a Spirit.” [Now, does a spirit have a spirit?] When we say God the Creator, does that mean we believe in a fourth God? Of course not! When I talk to some folks, they refer to me as the preacher, some as their pastor, my wife refers to me as her husband, and my children refer to me as their daddy. Are there four individuals? No, there is just one person, but four expressions of that one and only one person. Hence, to understand the mystery of godliness, one must first comprehend that there is ONLY ONE GOD, and this God has purposed to reveal Himself to man in various ways and for various purposes. The three particular manifestations in the Scriptures are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, yet all three are manifestations of the one God. He is eternal and sovereign in all of His ways, to the praise and glory and honor of His Holy Name.

Insight questions:

1. Why do you suppose that godliness is such a mystery to man?

2. What is the main hindrance to one comprehending the mystery of godliness?

3. How can one come to understand this great mystery of godliness?

4. What happens when the light of truth overtakes the darkness of ignorance?

5. How many Gods are there?

6. What does the word “manifest” mean in its relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Spirit?

7. What does the word “justify” mean in its usage towards God?

8. Why should we be careful in the usage of the word “trinity”?

II

Let us now turn our attention to the meaning of “godliness.” If we are to cultivate godliness in our Christian faith, we must of necessity be able to identify what it is Biblically.

The word godliness comes from the Greek word “eusebeia,” which itself is composed of two words: “eu,” meaning “well or aright,” and “sebomaie” meaning “to worship.” Therefore, godliness is to worship well or correctly. One is said to possess godliness when he worships God well and in the correct manner as set forth in the Holy Scriptures. It is not following the dictates of one’s own heart and conscience; rather it is following the dictates of the Holy Word of God, which is forever settled in heaven. It needs no emotionalizing, sensationalizing, mystifying, or modernizing.

When Cain and Abel worshipped before God, Cain worshipped incorrectly, and Abel worshipped correctly. God accepted Abel’s worship but rejected Cain’s worship because Cain did not obey His divine decrees for correct worship. In retaliation, unrighteousness attempted to kill righteousness. One may kill the righteous man; however, the righteousness of God cannot be killed or terminated. It is everlasting. Acceptable worship before God requires correct worship, which is godliness.

E. W. Bullinger in defining godliness states that godliness “relates to real, true, vital, and spiritual relations with God,” while religion “relates to the outward acts of religious observances or ceremonies, which can be performed by the flesh. Our English word ‘religion’ was never used in the sense of true godliness. It always meant the outward forms of worship.”

John Gill in his reference to godliness wrote: “This is none other than the inward devotion of the mind, and fervency of the spirit in serving the Lord; it is a holy disposition of the soul towards God.”

We may thus conclude that godliness, true godliness, has for its foundation a firm faith in the one and only Eternal God, Creator of the heavens and the earth; and believes God in His manifestations and works upon the soul. This firm persuasion gives birth to “real, true, vital, and spiritual relations with God.” With holy disposition the believer naturally with devotion of mind and fervency of spirit passionately worships correctly before the Everlasting Father.

Insight questions:

1. How is the word “godliness” defined Biblically?

2. Why did God refuse to receive Cain’s worship?

3. Do you believe God receives your worship? Why? What about the church’s worship where you are worshiping? Why?

4. What is the difference between godliness and religion?

5. Can you give some examples?

6. What do you think is meant by John Gill’s words “the inward devotion of the mind, and fervency of the spirit”?

III

Godliness believes the inspired, manifested Word of God! It believes God created the heavens and the earth. It believes God created man, not evolution. It believes God is the only Hope, Saviour, and Justifier of quickened souls by the mercies of His sovereign grace. It believes, “all that the Father giveth me shall come to me.” It believes, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” It believes, “Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” It believes, “that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” It believes, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (The words of Jesus in John 6:37, 44, 45, 65, 47) Godliness believes all of the sacred teachings of the Holy Word of God, without deceiving, twisting, perverting, distorting, or compromising with the humanistic traditions of men.

Godliness believes with Abel, that the only correct worship of the living God is through the remission of sins by the blood of the Lamb by grace, grace, all of grace, His sovereign grace. It believes the Holy Writ revealing “after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14) Godliness truthfully believes God, which causes the believing one to devoutly worship correctly.

It is through the knowledge of this mysterious foundation and these manifestations of God upon the heart and the spirit that one seeks the face of God and strives to maintain a God ward attitude. In godliness the believer is engulfed with holy affections and dispositions. He has a conscious communion with God. He walks and meditates with God. Hence, God reveals Himself in the believer’s attitude, conduct, conversation, and existence. The believer wills only one thing; he wills the fullness of God in his life now and in eternity.

Insight questions:

1. What are some things that godliness believes?

2. Do you believe the same things?

3. Does true godliness find fault with the Word of God?

4. Does true godliness seek to change the Biblical worship of God?

5. What does godliness cause each believer to do?

6. What is the one thing every honest believer wills?

IV

However, let us not presume that salvation and godliness eradicate the carnal nature, for they most assuredly do not. It is because of regeneration and godliness that the believing ones strive to fulfill the desires of the spirit and mortify the deeds of the flesh. The new heavenly born creature earnestly endeavors to worship correctly, but there will always be battles betwixt the flesh and the spirit. As long as God is pleased to permit the new divine nature of man to dwell in the sinful nature of man, sin will until death fight to rule.

It is written: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Yet, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (I John 1:8-10) Correct worship requires acknowledgment of sin, confession to God of sin, repentance of sin, and God’s forgiveness of sin. One cannot walk in the light of God while wallowing in the darkness of sin. Authentic godliness casts off all works of darkness that it may stroll at peace in the light of His wondrous glory. Correct and honest worship is not found in public beating its drum and tooting its own horn, making loud proclamations and a show of its “look-at-me-self-righteousness.” Genuine godliness finds itself in silence before the glorious throne of the only Eternal Holy God. If finds more importance in humble obedience to His commands than strutting about like a peacock. If you have to grandstand your godliness, then you are the object of your worship and not God. Correct worship finds itself with its head upon the bosom of the Father listening for the words of His heart. “It is Here am I Lord, what would YOU have of me that I might be found pleasing in YOUR sight?”

Godliness is God-willed worship, not self-willed worship. Are you experiencing true godliness?

Insight questions:

1. Does salvation in Jesus Christ and godliness eradicate the carnal nature of man in this life?

2. What do real salvation and godliness strive to do?

3. If we say we have no sin, what do we do?

4. Worshiping correctly requires what?

5. Can one walk with God and wallow in sin at the same time? Why?

6. Where does genuine godliness find itself?

7. Are you exercising and experiencing Biblical godliness?

Lesson 14

Memory verse: I Peter 2:9

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – Matthew 23:1-39

Tuesday – Titus 2:1-15

Wednesday – Ephesians 3:1-21

Thursday – Romans 12:1-21

Friday – Psalm 51:1-19

Saturday – Daniel 1:1-21

Add to Patience: Godliness

Part II

I

Authentic godliness springs forth from the incorruptible seed within every believer, having been birthed from above by the sovereign will of God out of the Spirit through the purifying blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, with hypocrites (false professors, pretenders of the heavenly birth) there is a pretentious masquerading. Their lives are as a masquerade party in which they disguise themselves with masks, but behind their radiant masks they are still natural brute beasts dead in trespasses and sin.

When our Lord Jesus spoke to these pretenders he said: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:25-28)

[Personal questions for you: Are you masquerading behind a mask of outward religion? Are you just being religious, or is true godliness springing forth out of a new heaven born creature within you?]

The Apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy, warned of the masquerading hypocrites “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (II Timothy 3:5) The power to which Paul refers is the superior power of God by which He sovereignly and forcefully thrusts eternal light into eternal darkness expelling the authority of darkness, and commands the birth of eternal life into that which was by nature already condemned in eternal death and unbelief. By this power He graciously grants repentance unto life eternal. By this power the believer is made a witness of the indwelling Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and set in a devotion of correct worship and outward manifestations of the only true and living God within him.

There is no eternal profit or acceptable worship before God that comes out of darkness and death. No matter how perfect the pretentious outward show may be, it is still nothing more than charade. “Ye must be born again.” This is why the saints are exhorted to turn away from any display of hypocrisy. The light never has fellowship with the darkness. Every form of religious worship, regardless how sincere, that is not correct and acceptable to God is not of God but of the Prince of the Darkness, and it must be shunned and cast away.

Insight questions:

1. From where does authentic godliness spring?

2. Describe what a hypocrite is through the eyes of Jesus.

3. Why do pretenders masquerade?

4. Are you a religious masquerader?

5. What is the warning the Apostle Paul gives concerning these pretenders?

6. What is the power of godliness and from whom does it come?

7. What happens when the sovereign power of God enters into a dark and sinful heart?

8. Is there any profit in sincere worship made behind a mask of a false profession?

9. Does God have to accept every form of sincere worship?

10. What kind of worship does God accept?

II

One is non-hypocritical when manifesting outwardly what he is inwardly. If there is a new creature born of God inwardly, by its divine nature and design, it forcibly gushes outwardly the living water that is springing up from within. A true believer cannot and desires not to suppress the outward exhibition of this heavenly birth. Where God dwells He will make Himself known. Oh what a glorious everlasting experience and joy it is to know God and to know that He knows you. The joy of the presence of God is so overwhelming that the believer naturally seeks to know more of his God and to worship Him correctly. There must be an inward attitude God-ward before there can be an authentic outward attitude toward God. Any act of masquerading hypocrisy fools no one but “self,” and most assuredly not the omniscient God of the heavens.

When the Scriptures reveal that Jesus gave Himself for us that He might “purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” it did not mean that they were going to be strange or weird. It meant that they were a purchased and reserved people resulting in them being zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14) It is also written: “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (I Peter 2:9) This means that God’s people are a purchased and reserved people for the purpose of manifesting to the world His praises, that is His virtues or holy character. Making oneself odd, strange or weird does not make one godly, nor does it exhibit the virtues of God. The believer is to unveil the righteousness of the indwelling Lord, Master and Redeemer.

Grant it, to the lost a life devoted to true godliness (not religion) is not understandable or reasonable. Jesus said of the redeemed, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John17:16) The Apostle Paul wrote: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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” (Romans 8:5-9) The unbelieving are of the world, and in their darkness seek only to please the Prince of Darkness; which is being true to their animalistic nature, or fleshly. However, the ones receiving the heavenly birth out of the Spirit are no longer citizens of this world; rather they are citizens of the origin of their new birth, heavenly Jerusalem, and in the light they seek to please their heavenly Father, the Eternal God.

Insight questions:

1. What is it to be hypocritical? What is it to be non-hypocritical?

2. Does a real believer seek to suppress the exhibition of his divine nature?

3. Why does a believer want to know more of the God he worships?

4. When the term “peculiar people” is used in reference to God’s people, what does it mean? What doesn’t it mean?

5. According to John 17:16, what is the elementary reason the believers are different and think differently?

6. What is the mindset of the lost? What is the mindset of the saved? Why?

III

Paul wrote to the saints: “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breath, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Paul knowing that Jesus is already within every believer, prays that the Christ may “dwell,” or “feel at home” in them. Jesus was not, is not, and will not be at home in the world. He is at home in heavenly or holy surroundings. This condition in the believer requires a constant God-ward life, godliness. How is this possible? It is possible as God graciously grants to the believer a strengthening with might by His Spirit in the inner man. The Holy Spirit strengthens the new creature within each believer, enabling him to be holy as He is holy, thus providing holy surrounding that Jesus the Christ may feel at home. Does the Christ feel at home in you and in your daily life?

God was not created by man and for man; man was created by God and for God. Yet, man in his arrogant depravity seeks to bring God down to his level and endow Him with humanistic limitations. This ignorant attempt is not even in the realm of possibilities, and believers must guard against this dangerous tendency of thinking like earthly men. The heaven and the heavens of heavens cannot contain God. God is the Creator, not the created! Is any upon the earth, under the earth, or above the earth equal or superior to the Eternal Living God?

The bona fide child of God possesses the seeking of knowledge that grows to a clear, exact, and participating knowledge of and with the one true God. Without such knowledge of God, there can be no true and correct worship of Him, or godliness. For it is written: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) Yet, as the Scriptures teach, the natural spiritually dead state of man is not equipped with the ability to correctly worship God in spirit and in truth. Man desires to worship something, and as Cain in his own way, but he cannot of himself orchestrate a correct worship of God. He may put together a religion of sorts, but he is totally incapable of exercising holy acceptable worship, which is known as godliness. However, when God quickens and makes Himself known unto an individual and brings forth salvation, the Holy Spirit will teach that individual how to worship correctly in spirit and in truth. But without being a partaker of the divine nature of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, godliness is impossible.

For this reason Jesus told Nicodemus, “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5, 6) By the textual setting, it is understood abundantly that being born of water is the fleshly birth, which is a water birth. Being born of the Spirit is the heavenly birth out of the Spirit of God through the blood of Jesus and into the kingdom of God. The words “ye must be born again” carries the idea in the Greek of “receiving birth from above.” (John 3:7) Without this divine birth from above it is impossible to see or to enter into a correct worship of the Father. All real spiritual endeavors can only begin when there is a partaking of the divine nature of God in the new birth that comes from above.

To be godly is to mind the things of the Spirit. It is hungering and thirsting for honest spiritual teachings, spiritual lives, spiritual graces, spiritual gifts, and spiritual blessings that are administered by God through His Spirit. Now, these true spirituals have no relationship with the modern pep rallies that stir up the crowds into emotional, sensational, and theatrical performances. God is not the author of confusion; neither is He the God of those who turn His grace into lasciviousness. [Lasciviousness denotes undisciplined, unmanageable, luxurious, extravagant, wasteful, emotional, sensational, and lustful desires]

Godliness is not erratic, emotionalized, self-righteous, piousness; it is a loyal devout disposition of the inner spirit of the believer towards God and to His service. Godliness means to eagerly and correctly pursue a closer fellowship and communion with God. Godliness is a burning desire, a fire, within every fiber of the believer to live in the likeness of Christ. Godliness cannot be of just mediocre importance. It by nature must be the whole substance of the possessor, consuming all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. Godliness is an absolute, unconditional, and unreserved surrender to the correct worship and to the outward manifestation of the only true and living God. It is not just words coming out of the mouth about God; it is more precisely being obedient to God, living with God, having power with God, giving witness of God, and rejoicing over the inward devotion of the spirit towards God. It is placing oneself at God’s complete oversight.

The Apostle Paul put it this way: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Using the term “brethren” gives acknowledgement that Paul is writing to the saved. One does not become a living sacrifice in order to be saved; rather, salvation places one in the position to be “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” Fulfilling this position is only the believer’s “reasonable service”; not doing so means the believer is not being reasonable. By evidence of the Scriptures, in the mind of God it is not reasonable for one who has been transferred out of darkness into His glorious light by the new birth through the blood of Jesus to not give full evidence of the grace that has been bestowed upon him. It is reasonable to acknowledge and give knowledge of God’s everlasting grace. It is reasonable for every believer to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Insight questions:

1. Does Jesus Christ feel at home in you?

2. Does Jesus Christ feel at home with your life style?

3. What must believers guard against in their thoughts about God?

4. Why must the believer maintain a proper perspective concerning God?

5. Why is it necessary to grow in grace and knowledge of God?

6. Can one, without being born again, worship God correctly? Why?

7. How does one come to know the correct acceptable worship of God?

8. What does lasciviousness mean?

9. What are some evidences in the churches of folks changing the grace of God into lasciviousness?

10. What does it mean to fulfill your “reasonable service” to God? Are you being reasonable or unreasonable in your service?

IV

Godliness is being Christ-absorbed inwardly and outwardly. It is the branch giving evidence of its vine. (See John 15:1-8) Godliness is even the attempt to bring every thought under control, because it is written that as a man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) It is also written: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Also, “The thought of foolishness is sin:” (Proverbs 24:9) The Scriptures as well teach that part of the saint’s warfare is “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:5) If evil thoughts are permitted to habitually abide, sin will give forth its fruits. This is true in the individual, in the family, and in the church. There is no correct worship among evil thoughts.

Possessing godliness and outward walking in godliness unveils the believer as a vessel of righteousness. However, if there is no God-ward spirit, there can be no God-ward activity. A holy vessel of righteousness is one through whom the light of God shines forth out of the midst of darkness. Any percentage of self-will in the believer tends to dim or hinder the heavenly light shining through him. To be Christ-like is to yield to “not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) It is written: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:29)

Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:24) In other words, if the big “I” is of more importance than Jesus Christ, then it is evident you do not have Him within you; you are still in your sins, still dead in trespasses and sin, lost. One is not saved to do the will of “self,” but to do the will of the Father. True believers acknowledge they are only clay in the Potter’s hand, and that He may and will make of them whatever He wills. Absolute surrender is godliness. In the state of godliness the believer is totally and instantly available for any task the Master assigns. Godliness concedes to God, His lordship, and is pleased and at home in His will. Godliness flourishes in the midst of godly elements.

Not one person is godly by accident. The natural flesh born man is by nature sinful and spiritually dead, because he is not of God. He is of the sin-plagued nature of Adam. When God quickens the spirit of man, he comes forth in newness of life out of God with a new nature that is spiritually alive. Now, this that is born of the Spirit is compatible with God and is able to have a correct relationship with Him. The authentic believer unreservedly purposes to honor the Father, yield to the teaching of the Spirit, and to be the light and witness of Christ in the world. Genuine godliness separates a true believer from masking pretenders. Every believer feels securely at home in godliness.

Insight questions:

1. How is the branch able to give evidence of the vine?

2. Discuss II Corinthians 10:5.

3. What reveals one as a vessel of righteousness?

4. Whose will is to be done in the believer’s life? Why?

5. If the big “I” is more important to you than Jesus, can you worship God correctly?

6. Godliness requires absolute what?

7. What brings one into compatibility with God?

8. Are you compatible with God?

V

Godliness is also fighting the good fight of faith. The Apostle Paul wrote: “...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Worshipping God correctly means taking a stand on the side of God and in God. Godliness does not compromise the Word of God, and does not associate in self-willed incorrect worship. It is faithful unto God in every respect. When the battle rages, godliness does not cowardly seek to retreat; rather it picks up the Sword of the Spirit and with the power of God courageously charges into the battle.

Martin Luther said, “If we are correct and right in our Christian life at every point, but refuse to stand for the truth at a particular point where the battle rages, then we are traitors to Christ.”

The Apostle Peter wrote: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” (II Peter 3:10-11)

This is truly an excellent question! What sort of person should every believer be in holy behavior and correct worship? If only “correct worship” is acceptable to God, why would any true believer desire anything else? Give yourself to cultivating godliness in your Christian faith.

Insight questions:

1. Why is the believer told to put on the whole armor of God?

2. What do the saints wrestle against?

3. Why must every believer make a stand?

4. Discuss Martin Luther’s quote given in this lesson.

5. According to the Apostle Peter, why should every believer give himself to the obtaining of godliness?

6. Are you giving yourself to godliness?

Lesson 15

Memory verses: I John 4:20-21

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God loveth his brother also.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – I John 3:1-24

Tuesday – I John 4:7-21

Wednesday – Philippians 2:1-16

Thursday – Matthew 18:15-35

Friday – Romans 14:1-23

Saturday – Galatians 6:1-10

Add to Godliness: Brotherly Kindness

Part I

I

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God loveth his brother also.” (I John 4:20-21)

Spiritually speaking, who are our brothers and sisters? They are those who are truly born out of the sovereign will and grace of the Father, out of the bowels and power of the Holy Spirit, out of the sacrificial blood of the Lord Jesus, raised out of the spiritually dead by His power into the newness of life, and made partakers of the divine nature of the Everlasting Creator of the heavens and the earth. The Father never refers to all mankind as being the sons of God. Jesus told some of the religious crowd, “Ye are of your father the devil.” (John 8:44) He thus gave us the insight that not all men have our heavenly Father as their father. Of the flesh we all have our father in Adam, but of the Spirit we do not all have God as our Father. There can be no brotherhood between the divine nature and the carnal nature. They are diametrically opposed to each other. Their fathers are different. The father of every unbeliever is Satan, the father of the spiritually dead. The Father of every believer is God, the Father of the spiritually alive. This context demands that “brother” is in reference to one whose Father is God, the brotherhood of the redeemed.

The word translated “hateth” in this passage of our text carries with it the idea that there is an active ill will in spirit, speech, and one’s character towards another. Therefore, one who presumptuously declares he loves God, but continually harbors animosity and indulges in hard feelings towards a brother or sister in Christ is not in reality a true child of God. The liar is only giving a false witness and a deceptive profession of the heavenly birth and sonship. The evidence unveils the nature of the heart.

The charge and precept we have from God our Father is “That he who loveth God loveth his brother also.” It is not up for debate or discussion. It is forever settled in heaven. If you love God, you will by the divine nature within you naturally love everyone who is of the same divine nature of God, born of Father, Son and Spirit. If you do not love the brethren, you have not yet loved the Father; neither have you been engulfed by the love of God. Hence, you are still dead in trespasses and sin, still of the brotherhood of darkness.

Insight questions:

1. If a person says that he loves God but hates his brother in Christ, what do the Holy Scriptures say he is?

2. What is the commandment we have from the Father concerning our relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ?

3. To whom does the term “brother” refer in our text?

4. What qualifies one to our brother in Christ Jesus?

5. Are you qualified to be a brother or sister in the brotherhood of the redeemed? What is the reason for your answer?

6. Is everyone without exception the “sons of God”? What did Jesus reveal to us on this subject in John 8:44?

7. What is the meaning of the word “hateth” in our text?

8. Are you guilty of this hate? If so, what must you do about it so that you might be brought into a right relationship with the Father?

II

In our ongoing text of II Peter chapter one, we are instructed to add brotherly kindness in the cultivating of our Christian Faith. The words “brotherly kindness” are translated from the Greek word “philadelphia.” This word is made up of two words, “phileo” (a natural instinctive unconditional love), and “adelphos” (brother or near kinsman). Biblically it means to cling to and to hold dear by natural instinct every true believer. The new birth through the blood of Jesus Christ creates heaven wrought brethren. They instinctively love each other even when there is no just cause for that love to exist. It is a natural thing for believers to love other believers unconditionally. To do contrary is not natural and is out of character for the divine nature. Equally, the absence of brotherly kindness is natural and in character for the children of the darkness though masquerading as the children of the Light. The root of bitterness will produce bitter fruit; it is its nature to do so.

There are three primary reasons for problems in a church: 1) ignorance of the Word of God; 2) stagnant babies in Christ constantly arguing over “my toy” and “my way”; 3) and the most damaging – masqueraders, empty professors, false brethren. The children of the Light and the children of the darkness have never had any common ground for a true brotherhood. They are by nature at odds with each other because they are not of the same father; therefore, they cannot have natural instinctive unconditional love for each other. The lost are by nature enemies of God, and the redeemed are by nature lovers of God. One is death from a corruptible seed, and the other is life from an incorruptible seed. This makes them natural enemies, and thus it is impossible for them to co-exist in the House of God peacefully. Pretenses can deceive for a period of time, but eventually the mask will come off and the ugliness of the spiritually dead will be unveiled.

It is written in the Scriptures: “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (I John 3:10-11) Also we find, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (I John 4:7-8)

Now there is a love amongst thieves and drunkards, but it does not make them the sons of God. A mother naturally loves her children, but that does not make her a child of God. Satan worshipers have a love for the brotherhood of darkness, but would we dare say they are the children of the true and holy God? I certainly hope not. Therefore, let us leave the love of the Holy Scriptures in its context. The love that comes from the Father is a holy love and is naturally directed toward holy brethren.

This brotherly love, which is a manifestation of the believer’s spiritual birth from above, cannot be learned or purchased. It is a heavenly grace gifted by the Holy Spirit out of the bosom of the Father in the new birth. It is a natural instinct of the new creature born in the likeness of the divine nature of God. It loves and clings to the brethren instinctively. Only those born of God can genuinely experience and manifest authentic brotherly love. It would be easier for a cucumber seed planted in the garden to produce a great living whale of the sea than for the corruptible seed of that wicked one to produce an honest love for the children of the Eternal God. True brotherly love is of God because it manifests the possessed love of God.

Insight questions:

1. The Greek word for brotherly kindness is “philadelphia,” which is made up of two words; what are these two words, and what do they mean?

2. Are we permitted to set conditions of our love toward true brethren in Christ Jesus?

3. Do the text of our study teach believers to have brotherly love for all men without exception? Explain.

4. Do all men possess the natural instinct for the love of the sons of God? Who does? Who does not?

5. What are the three primary reasons for problems in a church?

6. Of the three primary reasons for problems in a church, which is the most damaging? Why?

7. There are two types of children in the world as taught by I John 3:10; who are they and how do you identify them?

8. How is brotherly love obtained?

9. Can anyone without exception experience and manifest authentic brotherly love? Explain.

III

According to the God, who are the “brethren”? Are they not those referred to as “holy brethren” in Hebrews 3:1; who indeed are the partakers of the same heavenly calling? Are they not those who walk in the light and have a genuine relationship with God?

It is written: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (I John 1:3-7)

Fellowship is the act of mutual sharing, partaking, and participating. Fellowship is the cost and the blessing of brotherly love. It actively gets involved. It cares about the brethren and cares with the brethren. It is found in ministering to the saints, in the joy of the saints, in the reaping of the saints, and in the rewards and glory of the saints. It denies self for the sake of others. It entails bearing one another’s burdens by assisting, sympathizing, and weeping.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:10) The words “kindly affectioned” are from the Greek word meaning to love with the tender affection that is naturally enjoyed between kindred. All the elect are born of the same Father; therefore, they are united in heavenly birth and are expected to extend to each other natural brotherly love.

The word “preferring” carries the idea of “taking the lead.” In other words, each believer is to take the lead in rendering honor to his holy brethren who are partakers of the same heavenly calling. He is to naturally and instinctively favor the brethren over “self.” He is not to be self-centered. He is not to demand or expect all the kindred to bow toward the big “I.” He takes the lead in giving respect to his brethren. He does not wait to see what the other person is going to do. He gives honor even when there is no just cause to do so, because of who his brother is, not what he does. He takes the lead in giving honor, understanding there is nothing more important than the blood of Jesus that makes them holy brethren.

Insight questions:

1. In Hebrews 3:1, “partakers of the heavenly calling” means what? Does this include you?

2. To have fellowship with the brethren is to have fellowship with whom? (I John 1:3)

3. What is fellowship?

4. What do the words “kindly affectioned” mean?

5. What does the word “preferring” mean?

6. How are these things relative to your life?

IV

Fellowship is not one-sided. It is not just all the brethren sharing in one’s problems, but like Christ, it is their sufferings overshadowing one’s little burdens. If one is to have real fellowship with brotherly love, then he must first give brotherly love in fellowship. The right of passage is through the valley of heavy hearts to the mountaintops of peace in the heart of the kinsman Redeemer. It is repeatedly going back into the valley to walk hand in hand with another beloved to the place of sweet rest.

In the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, he wrote: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:1-3) It was Paul’s desire for the brethren to bind together in the one common cause of spreading the Good News of the Messiah in truth with one mind and purpose in Christ Jesus.

If genuine believers founded upon the truths of the Word of God cannot bind together in brotherly love, then the Lord’s churches and fellowships will continue to split and splinter causing an obscuring of the Light. Jesus said: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” (Matthew 12:25) For the brethren to be divided is to hand over the victory to Satan, and to permit such an atrocity is to play the part of a fool.

Holy brethren of necessity must band together. There is an enormous task before the saints of God in the struggle to preach the Gospel to every creature upon the face of the earth in this and every age. This means the Gospel must be preached all the way around the world at least once in every generation. It is written: “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? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:14-15)

Fellowship is sharing and partaking in the burden and suffering of the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus. Does it break your heart to look upon the multitudes that know not Christ? The fellowship of brotherly love seeks to ease the heavy burdens of the kinsmen struggling in the fields white unto harvest. It shares in the suffering of their tormented hearts for lost souls. It participates in their cries before the throne of God. It holds the brother’s hand in the heat of the battle. It naturally and instinctively takes the lead in seeking opportunities to clothe kindness upon the brethren.

Insight questions:

1. If you are to have true fellowship with the brethren, what must you first do?

2. The believer is instructed by the Apostle Paul to do what in all lowliness of mind? (Philippians 2:1-3)

3. What happens when brethren grounded in the truth refuse to bind together for the cause of Christ?

4. What did Jesus say about divisions?

5. Fellowship is what?

V

It is written: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (I John 4:11-12)

The Apostle John levels before us the big “IF”: “Beloved, if God so loved us.” Now here is the eternal “IF” question, has God loved us? Having preceded the “if” with the identifier “Beloved” makes the question rhetorical. If a person is counted among the beloved, then there is no doubt he has been the recipient of the love of God. Thus, having been on the receiving end of God’s love, we as brothers are to love one another. With the same kind of unconditional love we have received, we ought to naturally and instinctively give the brethren. Yes, even when there is no just cause to love them.

However, unconditional love does not imply a believer ought to be a “Welcome” mat for everyone that wants to wipe his feet on him. God loves but He does not allow men to exploit Him. God is still sovereign in all His ways. Love of the brethren does not condone or ignore their sins of inflicting cruelty. Brotherly love strives to help the brethren not to enter into the sins of vicious maltreatments of other brethren. Love them unconditionally, yes; but do not permit their rank exploitation of your love toward them. Warn them of their sin! It is a sin against the revealed love of the Father.

Sadly, there is not enough evidence of brotherly love in most “Christians” to convict them in a court of law. They want to wear the title, but an honest jury could never pronounce them guilty. The majority of folks under the umbrella of Christianity could never be convicted of having a love for God in their heart, much less a love for the brethren. Far too many are weighed in the balances of truth and are found lacking – no guilt of brotherly love.

Oh what force could be brought to bear by the children of the Kingdom upon the wickedness of this world if the brethren could dwell together in love and unity! We could turn the world upside down with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world would be persuaded that we fully believe in a sovereign eternal God and would find us guilty of having secured faith in the blood of the Lamb. The power of brotherly love is unmeasured.

Insight questions:

1. Do you know the love of God?

2. Is the love of God maturing in you?

3. Do the “brethren” experience the living God from their acquaintance with you?

4. Would there be enough evidence to convict you of brotherly love in an honest court of law?

5. In God’s balances of truth, how do you weigh out?

6. Do you have a desire for brotherly love and unity? What are you doing about it?

Lesson 16

Memory verse: I Thessalonians 4:9

“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – Colossians 3:1-17

Tuesday – I Thessalonians 3:12 – 4:12

Wednesday – II Thessalonians 3:1-15

Thursday – Ephesians 4:17-32

Friday – I Corinthians 5:11- 6:8

Saturday – I Corinthians 12:12-27

Add to Godliness: Brotherly Kindness

Part II

I

It is written: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

The Apostle Paul encouraged the brethren, as the elect, holy and beloved of God, to cloth themselves in the virtuous garments that are characteristic of the divine nature. These include putting on “bowels of mercies,” or in other words, to have one’s affections saddened because of the misfortunes and calamities of the brethren. The elect are to be clothed with kindness, not faultfinding bitterness. They are to be adorned with meekness; that is, not to be full of self, rather to be tender of spirit and gentle towards one’s brother or sister in Christ. It includes being longsuffering, or enduring with patience the weaknesses of the brethren. It means forbearing, or holding up one another during the rough times. It stands ready to forgive as graciously as forgiveness was received from the Lord Jesus Christ. These are all garments of extreme importance; yet, there is one more virtuous garment of even greater importance – love. It is this love that is the binding element of the complete wardrobe of the elect. It makes the elect completely clothed in his fellowshipping with the holy brethren.

Insight questions:

1. What are the five characteristics of the divine nature with which the elect of God are to be clothed?

2. What two duties are discharged toward the brethren when one is clothed with these five characteristics?

3. What does it mean to have bowels of mercies?

4. What does it mean to have kindness?

5. What does it mean to have humbleness of mind?

6. What does it mean to have meekness?

7. What does it mean to have longsuffering?

8. What does it mean to forbear one another?

9. With what kind of forgiveness are we to forgive others?

10. What is the binding element to the complete wardrobe of the elect?

II

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” (I Thessalonians 4:9-11)

The indwelling Spirit of God by nature teaches every child of God to love the brethren. Paul acknowledged the love of the Thessalonians for the brethren in the province of Macedonia, however, he also emphasized that he did not want that love to be restricted to the home folk. Paul instructed them that the love of the brethren must extend beyond their local boundaries to all the holy brethren, elect, and partakers of the same heavenly calling. It is absolutely imperative in the cause of Christ for the love of the brethren to grow and mature beyond a close-knit group of “us four and no more.”

In the next portion of the passage, the Apostle Paul instructed the brethren to “study to be quiet.” The word “study” used in this passage carries with it the idea of making it an issue of honor to be quiet and to mind one’s own business. True brethren are not to be busybodies, which are void of all honors. Every believer, including preachers, is to make it a matter of holy honor to mind his own business, and not plunder into the affairs of other brethren. Jesus had these words for the Apostle Peter, “…what is that to thee?” Brethren desperately need to keep their nose out of other brethren’s affairs, for this is honorable before God! Far too much commotion is stirred up in the ranks by meddling busybodies.

The Apostle Paul also commands every believer to work with his own hands. It is Scriptural to eagerly and quickly come to the aid of a fellow brother in need. However, it is not Scriptural to be the local “hand-me-out center” for every lazy bum who doesn’t want to work and provide for his own family. It is written in the Holy Word of God, “…this we command you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (II Thessalonians 3:10) It is also written: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (I Timothy 5:8) Brotherly love gets excited in the opportunity to help those who honestly need help. However, it is also true that brotherly love withholds help from those who deny the faith by not working that they may learn to work with their own hands and by so doing give honor to the faith. Love among the brethren is positively essential, but it must remain within the bounds of the will of God, which means sometimes exercising tough love by saying NO.

Insight questions:

1. Who teaches the believers to love one another?

2. Is brotherly love restricted to those of our choosing?

3. Is “brotherly love” directed toward all mankind without exception?

4. As used in I Thessalonians 4:11, what does the word “study” imply? It is an issue of what?

5. Busybodies are void of what?

6. Is anyone exempt from the command not to be a busybody? Explain the Lord’s words of John 21:21.

7. What is the command concerning believers working?

8. Has the local church, Biblically speaking, been designated as the hand-me-out center for deadbeats?

9. What do the Holy Scriptures say concerning those who do not want to work?

10. If one does not provide for his own house, he denies the faith and is worse than what?

11. Why is it better to refuse to give help to those brethren who will not work?

III

The Apostle Peter wrote to the elect: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” (I Peter 3:8-9)

Being of one mind does not mean all the brethren are to conform to your mind. It means every believer is to be of one mind in Jesus and of the mind of Jesus. Since the Scriptures teach that Jesus had compassion for the brethren and gave Himself for the brethren, then this reasonably should be the one mind of the brethren of Jesus. It is also revealed that the mind of Jesus was to sacrifice “self” for the sake of others, so should also be the mindset of the brethren. There should not be the attitude of “me for me, and all for me.” The one mind seeks to preserve the unity of the body of the brethren.

The words “be pitiful” have the thought of being full of tenderheartedness toward fellow brethren. To our scorn, this generation of believers is plagued with the cancer of cold-heartedness eating at the very core of the brotherhood. Self-gratification and self-spotlighting has become more fashionable than the love of the brethren. Lifting one’s “self” up at the expense and degradation of others has become the mindset, rather than lifting up Christ Jesus and giving honor to the brethren. Courtesy toward other believers has become an antiquated virtue. The Bible teaches the believer to be tenderhearted and courteous to the brethren. One does not have to agree 100 percent in every point to be tenderhearted and courteous.

If believers are to be obedient to the Word of God, then every child of God is expected to be a blessing to his heaven born siblings. The elect are called upon to be a blessing as well as to inherit a blessing. I believe one of the greatest blessings is the gracious opportunity given by the Father for one brother to be a blessing to another brother. Thank God for the opportunities set before the brethren to be blessed brethren.

The Apostle Peter strives to strengthen the unity of the brethren with the bonds of love. Unfortunately, too often the love of “self” hinders the binding together. It is extremely difficult to be “knit together in love” when there is not knitting in progress. Love of the brethren is the golden link that joins and binds true Christians together at the Cross of Calvary. It is love out of a pure heart.

Insight questions:

1. What did the Apostle Peter mean by “be ye all of one mind”?

2. What was the mind of Jesus concerning the brethren?

3. What thought do the words “be pitiful” carry?

4. What is the cancer eating at the very core of the brotherhood?

5. “Self” was and is the sin of Lucifer; how is this sin having an effect on brotherly love?

6. What does the Bible teach concerning common courtesy toward the brethren?

7. Do you have to be in 100 percent agreement with a brother to be tenderhearted and courteous toward him?

8. With reference to the lesson, what is one of the greatest blessings given by the Father to His children?

9. What is one of the major hindrances in the brethren binding together?

10. What is the golden link that joins and binds true Christians together?

IV

Brotherly love also means LOYALTY – loyalty to Christ, loyalty to the salvation of souls, and loyalty to those in the faith. It is extremely inconceivable for one to be a verifiable Christian without having loyalty to Christ Jesus. In the mind of the Christ, it is equally inconceivable that the brethren cannot dwell together in loyal unity, loyal fellowship, and loyal love. If the Christ dwells in one brother and the same Christ dwells in the other brother, how can there not be loyalty when Christ is to Christ? Are not the brethren inhabited by the same Spirit?

Are not the brethren kinsmen with Christ? Are they not fellow citizens of the same Heavenly Jerusalem? Are they not fellow countrymen and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God? Are they not companions in Christ’s sufferings? Are they not joint-heirs with Christ? If so be, why should they not also be loyal to Christ, loyal to the work of Christ, loyal to the witness of Christ, and loyal to the brethren of Christ?

Christ-like loyalty maintains an unselfish interest in the brethren. It is written: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (I John 3:16) Brotherly love comes forth when one dies to “self” and strives not to hinder Jesus living through him. It is dethroning the big “I” and yielding to the rule of the love of God. It loves the brethren not in word only but in deed and in truth, even when there is no just cause in the brother to do so. It is written: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” (I John 3:14)

Jesus said: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:12-14)

There are two major questions that come into play in these passages of Scripture: 1) Has the person experienced the love of Jesus? 2) Is the person a friend of Jesus? First, before one can be an honest brother in Christ, he of necessity must have experienced the love of the Saviour. Second, only one born of the Spirit of God is found to be a friend, for he who is of the flesh is an enemy of God and seeks no true friendship with the Christ. The love of the brethren is not in the inherent nature of those not born of the divine nature of God. They can have no honest loyalty to the brethren. The life of a brother is not precious to them.

Loyalty does not make a spectacle of the shortcomings of others; neither does it ridicule them for their weaknesses. Loyalty finds itself in prayer with and for the brethren in love. It does not seek the destruction of a brother; rather it strives to establish him. Loyalty is tenderly cultivated in an unpretending heart of love and purity. The Apostle Paul wrote: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) If one’s service toward his brethren is a reflection of his loyalty to that brother, what kind of loyalty do ridicule and destruction unveil?

Insight questions:

1. How is your loyalty to Christ and to His church?

2. How is your loyalty to the salvation of souls?

3. How is your loyalty to the brethren of the faith that was once delivered unto the saints?

4. How is your loyalty to the unity of the brethren?

5. What kind of spirit do you have toward those who are inhabited by the Spirit of God?

6. Do you have an unselfish interest in your brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ?

7. Do you find verifiable evidence in your heart that you have passed from death unto life?

8. Have you experienced the love of God?

9. Are you a friend of Jesus?

10. What does your service to the brethren reveal about the kind of loyalty you possess?

V

It is written: “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:30-32) [Question: Until when is one sealed in his salvation?]

It brings grief to the Holy Spirit of God when the brethren are found in any form of evil towards each other. The word “bitterness” carries the idea from the Greek of acting with snake’s venom. When brethren lash out towards each other in an attempt to poison or kill the spiritual well-being or ministry of another, it inflicts tremendous grief to the heart of the Spirit of God. It tears at the unity of the Spirit among the saints. It is an attempt to inject the venom from that old Serpent into the life and well-being of another. The venom of Satan seeks only to destroy. It never has good intentions.

The word “clamour” means screaming or shouting; it is an angry rising of the voice. Brethren need to act like brethren with respect and love, not hostility. Brethren must not yield to the temptation to scream and shout that their views may be heard over the other person’s. It is only an attempt to shut up the other person, which reveals the absence of love and respect.

The words “all malice” mean every form of evil. Thus, there is no justification to direct any form of evil towards brothers and sisters in Christ. Brethren are to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Evil is evil whether it is among the lost or the saved. It has no place in the midst of the saints of God.

Great care must be given to cultivate a Christ-like brotherly love. The Serpent’s venom must be vanquished, and malicious speaking must be quieted. The brethren must remember they are holy brethren and ought to act and speak accordingly for Christ’s sake.

Salvation does not place the flesh in a state of perfection. Every saved individual is acutely aware of this fact. Therefore, with brotherly love he acknowledges the interference of the flesh and quickly forgives, looking to the Christ that dwells within every brother. Brotherly love does not seek to find fault; rather it seeks to exhibit the love of Jesus that it has received. It would truly be marvelous if the flesh was made righteous in salvation, but the nature of the flesh will always be sin. Honest brethren recognize this truth, and they compensate for this in their love for each other. The flesh is of sinful Adam, but the new creature within is of the divine nature of God.

What should a brother do when the fleshly nature of a brother sins against him? Jesus said: “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4) He also said: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Now, surely this seems to be an impossible task, and it is as a babe in Christ. This is why every believer must cultivate a continuing growth of brotherly love. As one matures, the tasks set before him no longer seem so impossible.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

There is a fact that all believers must learn. It is that believers, regardless of their maturity, are vulnerable to sin! As long as the children of God are kept in the bondage of this sinful flesh, they are apt to be engulfed by sin at any given moment if given the right set of circumstances and the right frame of mind. This is why they must ever be diligent to keep their heart, mind, and spirit in the ways of righteousness. Sin is always crouching along the pathway of life. Knowing this vulnerability, brethren must stand at the ready to help each other.

It is a horrid thing to watch the “holier-than-thou” brethren attack like vicious dogs a brother who has been overcome by sin. They stand in their most pious “look-down-their-nose” self-righteous arrogance and boastfully proclaim they would never do such a thing. Herein is the problem, the Scripture says, “ye which are spiritual.” Yes, they are religious, but they are not spiritual, if they even have the Spirit of God.

Restoration of a brother is not stained with self-righteous piousness. With all meekness of spirit, the brother considers that if it were not for the grace of God, he too would be found engulfed in the same sin, if not something worse. Brothers in Christ seek to restore, as humbly and as quickly as possible his fallen brother or sister with tender Christian love of the heart. Jesus said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John13:35)

Insight questions:

1. In reference to brotherly love, what grieves the Holy Spirit of God?

2. In Ephesians 4:31, what thought does the word “bitterness” carry with it? What about “clamour” and “all malice”?

3. According to Ephesians 4:32, how should you as a believer act toward your brethren?

4. When one is saved, does he become perfect in every way? Explain.

5. What should one brother do when another brother sins against him?

6. When a brother is overtaken in a sin, what should the brethren do?

7. What kind of brother does it take to restore others?

Lesson 17

Memory verse: Ephesians 3:19

“And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – Mark 12:28-44

Tuesday – John 5:1-47

Wednesday – Revelation 2:1-7; 3:14-19

Thursday – I Corinthians 13:1-13

Friday – Romans 9:6-24

Saturday – Genesis 18:17 – 19:38

Add to Brotherly Kindness: Charity (Love)

Part I

I

It is written: “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

God is simply amazing in all His ways, to the praise of His holy name! He never asks nor commands where He does not supply the means. It is never so evident as it is in the use of the Greek word translated in this passage as “love” and as “charity” in our overall primary text of II Peter 1:7. The only difference is that in II Peter it is in the noun form and in Mark it is in the verb form. Yet, it is still the same root word.

The uniqueness is that it was a word unknown to writers outside the New Testament. It is said that the highest word used by the Greeks was an extremely lower form of love than the one under consideration in our texts we will be looking at in the next two lessons. Now, this makes perfect sense when one understands that the “love” being considered has its origin in the bosom of God, and it is not known or comprehended by the secular world, nor indeed can be.

“Agape” (noun) and “agapaoo” (verb) are purely Biblical words. These are words use to describe the high and holy love which is of God, which has its origin in God, which can only come from God, and exists only for the purposes for which God has ordained and decreed for it. One can only possess and express this love when God in all honesty dwells within him. Only in the new birth from above through the blood of the heavenly Redeemer, Lord Jesus, does one come into intimate contact and is absorbed in this holy “agape.” Many pretend to give exhibition of it, but “agape” cannot co-exist with falsehood. This high and holy “love” can only live in the midst of truth. It cannot and will not be contaminated because it is the very essence and expression of its originator, the eternally pure and holy God. Anything less is a counterfeiting fraud.

This high and holy love is permeated with such values as self-denial, compassionate devotedness, good will, benevolence, and faithfulness. Its substance is purely godly spirituality, and it never suffers from infectious fleshliness. It is God, of God, and the evidence of the pure and holy God manifested through the life of a mature believer.

Insight questions:

1. What is the first of all commandments?

2. What is the second of all commandments?

3. What does the Biblical term “charity” mean? How does this contrast with the world’s definition of the word?

4. Why is this type of “love” unique?

5. From where does this love originate?

6. Who truly possesses and expresses this love?

7. Can it be counterfeited? Why?

8. Can it co-exist with falsehood?

9. This love is permeated with what kind of values?

10. Can the flesh infect this love? Why?

11. Do you personally possess and express this love?

II

Paul the Apostle wrote: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love (agape), May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love (agape) of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

The words “being rooted” carry the thought of a plant taking root unto life. The word “grounded” promotes the idea of a foundation upon which a building is constructed. Thus, a believer is rooted unto life in the pure, high, and holy love of God, and it is this same love upon which his future life and eternity is built. Consequently, the believer is thoroughly and perfectly “able to comprehend with all saints what is the breath, and length, and depth, and height” of the pure, high, and holy Sovereign Love and Sovereign Grace of God, “and to know the love of Christ.”

Without a doubt, this is truly far beyond the comprehension of mere fleshly men. Yet, this heaven wrought understanding and powerful working is crucial to being filled with all the fullness of God. No believer is complete or fully mature without the comprehension and the mighty working of this “agape” in the inner man by the Holy Spirit of God. There can be no growth without it. It is the beginning and it is the end; it is also everything in between. This is not a knowing about “agape”; rather, it is having a personal relationship with the One who is pure and holy love, or “agape.” Agape is the crown in the cultivation of the believer’s faith. It is being filled with the fullness of God.

Apostle Paul also wrote: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (agape), which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

What is the bond of perfectness? “Agape” is! It is the “bond” that holds it all together. The word “perfectness” means completeness, or that which has reached its full and intended end. Therefore, the pure, high, and holy love of God is what holds together all the attributes, which we have studied in previous chapters, and usher the believer along to his complete and intended end – the fullness of God. It is being conformed to the image of Christ, an exhibition of the heavenly Father. The Apostle Paul expressed it this way: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:” (Galatians 2:20) Agape empowered in the believer constrains him to self-denial so that the Christ may live in and through him. The love of God shines through.

Insight questions:

1. When Christ dwells within, what is the believer rooted and grounded in?

2. What does this enable the believer to comprehend and to know?

3. Can one be complete in Christ without “agape”?

4. What is the crown of one’s cultivation of his Christian faith?

5. What is the bond of perfectness?

6. What does it bind together?

7. Does this “agape” of God shine through you?

III

Our Lord Jesus said: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love (agape) of God in you.” (John 5:39-42)

Jesus told them that they only thought they had eternal life, but He knew the truth about them. They did not have that pure, high, and holy love of God in them; which is absolutely essential in a heaven originated salvation. Consequently, without agape they did not have the Eternal One in them, because God is Agape and Agape is God. It is very simple, if the love of God is not within an individual, it is due to the fact that God is not within him and he does not have eternal life. Yes, the ones to whom Jesus was talking did have their religion, but they were void of God, void of Agape, void of a Saviour, and void of everlasting life.

The thing about religion is that it is dreadfully destitute of God’s pure, high, and holy love. There is no one more angry and vicious than a religious person because he longs for what he does not have and loathes to see it in others. God is sovereign over “agape,” and He gives it to whomever He will. It cannot not be purchased or obtained by the efforts of man.

The Emmanuel was God with man upon the earth. Christ-likeness is the evidence that God is with the one professing to be a believer. Agape is the fullness of that evidence. Where Christ is, “agape” is, and where “agape” is, Christ is sure to be there also. This is the fullness of God.

One is only able to share what he has, not what he does not have. The inward working of the love of God brings salvation through the blood of the Lamb. When the believer manifests outwardly the Agape within him, it gives convincing evidence that he is a partaker of the divine nature of God, which is the new creature graciously born of God. Agape shines light into darkness, crying out Grace, Grace, all of His sovereign Grace! It acknowledges salvation to be all of God, and void of all religionism. In the Holy Scriptures one will discover that only by God’s sovereign exercise of “agape” will one be quickened in the knowledge and salvation of Jesus Christ.

Insight questions:

1. Why did Jesus tell the religious folk to search the Scriptures?

2. What did Jesus say He knew about the religionists?

3. Is “agape” essential in salvation?

4. Who is sovereign in every aspect of “agape”?

5. Can one possess “agape” without being saved?

6. Can “agape” be separated from Jesus Christ?

7. How is one quickened unto life eternal?

8. Have you personally experienced the love of God?

IV

The Lord Jesus Christ told the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (agape).” (Revelation 2:4)

The word “left” means to send away or to let go from one’s care. The word “first” carries with it the idea of first in honor and dignity, first in order, or foremost importance. Hence, the church at Ephesus was not careful to maintain agape’s position of importance in its church activities. They were too busy doing the work of the church to do the God-given work of the church. The pure, high, and holy love of God had lost its foremost position of dignity, and it had been downgraded to some obscure position. It was no longer first and foremost of all things to the church. They ceased to cultivate it with great care and honor.

The witness of the love of God sent forth in Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation, had been set aside for the desire of other things. Other churchy things became more important than the witness of the love of God in Christ. For this reason, if the church in Ephesus did not repent and reinstate the “agape” of God back into its proper position of dignity, they would be in danger of having the candlestick (Holy Spirit) removed out of His place over the church. They would no longer constitute a New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This would indeed be a very serious and grave course of action by the Master. However, one must understand that dethroning the witness of the “agape” of God out of its honored place, as the foremost work of the church is an extremely grievous sin against God and the Lord Jesus Christ. How dare any believer neglect so great a salvation?

Let no honest believer be found guilty of dethroning His great love. Every believer must be rooted and grounded in it, know it, be clothed in it, and lift it up for all to see, so that honor and glory may be given unto God through the blood of the Lamb. This is the purpose of all the elect of God. This is why Jesus said: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” (Acts 1:8) “Ye shall,” reveals the divine command and it must not, cannot, and will not escape the eye of God. Agape must forever remain upon the throne of the heart and life of a church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It must forever maintain its place of honor, dignity, and importance for every believer.

Insight questions:

1. In Revelation 2:4, what does the term “left thy first love,” mean to the believer and the church?

2. Is there any activity of a church more important than the witness of the love of God in Jesus Christ?

3. What usually happens when a church gets too busy doing churchy work?

4. When a church downgrades the position of “agape” in the church, what is the warning of the Lord Jesus Christ to that church?

5. When the Holy Spirit is removed by the Lord out of the church, what happens to the church’s standing before God?

6. When a church realizes it has been guilty of neglecting the “agape” of God, what must it do?

7. Has the church you attend dethroned “agape” from its proper place of honor, dignity, and importance?

8. Are you personally guilty of having some part in this?

9. What are some things that you personally can do to insure “agape” is never dethroned in your church?

V

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (agape), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (agape), I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (agape), it profiteth me nothing.” (I Corinthians 13:1-3)

Notice there are three times the term “and have not” is used in these verses. Now, the word “have” means to have and to hold with the idea of continually possessing. The emphasis is not in the exhibition of “agape;” rather it is in the possession of “agape.” When one does not “have” the agape of God he is empty, void of all relationships with God. One may seemingly possess all the saintly attributes of the previous chapters, yet, if they are not sown and cultivated in the ground of pure, high, and holy love, they are practiced in vain. Remember, agape is the one element that binds everything together in completeness. This love of God must have consumed the individual before he is able to accurately express this love in all things he says and does. As is written: “Let all your things be done with charity (agape).” (I Corinthians 16:14) Every action of the believer and of the church must be done with the pure, high, and holy love of God in Jesus. It cannot be so if you “have not.”

In reference to the type of believers that are going to be living in the last days, Jesus said: “And because iniquity shall abound, the love (agape) of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Since believers are the only ones in possession of “agape,” the little doubt the passage is warning the believers of the possibility of the pure, high, and holy love in their custody waxing, or blowing, cold. The reason it will become cold is that there will be an abounding of lawlessness. This is exactly what happened to Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah. (Read Genesis chapters 18 and 19)

Jesus also spoke to the Laodicean church, which is typical of the majority of the churches in the last days, saying: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16) In essence Jesus is saying that they had dethroned agape and relegated it to a position of less importance. The church had not totally disregarded it, only that it just became less honorable than material gain. Their burning excitement in the love of God and the witness of Christ had cooled to lukewarmness. Jesus said it was enough to make Him want to vomit. The church became nauseatingly apathetic in the cause of Christ and the foremost work of the Kingdom of God.

Strange isn’t it? This pretty much describes most of the churches in our day and age. Could this age be a fulfilling of what was told to the Laodiceans? Has the “agape” of God been chilled by the blowing winds of lawlessness?

Remember, the Lord Jesus said: “And thou shalt love (agape) the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love (agape) thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

God commands; then He supplies the means of making it a reality, but one must have “agape” before he can live with it. The problem comes when the believers do not guard it with care in a place of honor and dignity and leave it exposed to the chilling winds of sin. If you have it, guard it! Secure it upon the throne of your heart and never forget the eternal importance of it. Care for it and cultivate it, and it will serve the Master well.

Insight questions:

1. Do you have and hold within you “agape”?

2. What is the emphasis of I Corinthians 13:1-3?

3. Can one truly have the attributes of the previous chapters without “agape”?

4. With what are the believers and churches to conduct themselves in all things? Why?

5. What has happened when the love of a believer waxes cold?

6. Why did Lot lose his power to witness to his loved ones in Sodom?

7. What is the problem in a Laodicean type church?

8. How does the Laodicean church compare to the majority of churches today?

9. How does it compare with your church?

10. What can you do as a believer to preserve and guard the “agape” of God in your life and in your church?

Lesson 18

Memory verse: I John 4:10

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – Luke 11:33-44

Tuesday – John 17:1-26

Wednesday – Matthew 9:18-38

Thursday – Romans 8:28-39

Friday – Luke 6:20-49

Saturday – Luke 7:36-50

Add to Brotherly Kindness: Charity (Love)

Part II

I

It is written: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh not evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: …” (I Corinthians 13:4-8)

The above passages are among the many throughout the Bible that give an expressive picture of the life of Jesus Christ. Agape is the very essence of the Lamb of God. Therefore, it is only this pure, high, and holy love that securely binds together all that is imperative to Christian maturity. It is also that which best exhibits to others the reality of the indwelling Christ, and the new divine creation within the believer. Agape is the convincing evidence that God is firmly fixed upon the throne of the believing one’s heart and life. The only way one can adequately express Jesus is to genuinely possess Jesus.

Now, there is no doubt that multitudes of people attempt to counterfeit this holy love of God. By some self-rationalization they seduce themselves into believing that acting will bring reality. So, they play the religious game with the expectation of winning the big one, the love of God and salvation. Yet, all the masquerading in the world will never turn the love that comes from God a reality. Is it not written? “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is by grace not by works of counterfeiting. Anything short of grace is merely a poor imitation at best.

Agape is instantaneous, but it is not spontaneous. It is directed by the determined eternal counsel of God. It is not awarded by accident or by some twist of fate, nor by some “al-la-ka-zam” order of repeat-after-me words. It gives life where there was death by the sovereign will of God. (Read Romans 9) Agape comes with the fullness of life and a powerhouse of divine energy. It is as a fire burning within the bones, and is continual warmth to all the saints of God.

Insight questions:

1. Describe charity as it is revealed in I Corinthians 13:4-8.

2. Why is this imperative to Christian maturity?

3. What is the one evidence that can convince others that you are truly a believer in Jesus Christ?

4. Will being religious make the love of God a reality in one’s life? What will?

5. According to Romans 9, how does the saving “agape” of God come into an individual?

6. Do you feel this love of God burning within you?

II

It is this pure, high, and holy love of Jesus that moved Him to compassion over the multitudes “because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) It was “agape” that brought healing to the sick, cleansing to the leper, sight to the blind, the raising of the dead, and the casting out of tormenting demons. It was “agape” that moved Jesus to yield Himself to be suspended between heaven and earth as the Sacrificial Lamb of God for those given to Him before the foundation of the world. The height and depth of this great everlasting love has no measure. Every thought and action of the Lord Jesus was and is rooted in this pure, high, and holy love.

It is this “agape” love with which every true believer has been engulfed in the quickening. Agape is the Alpha and the Omega of all that we are in the mind and bosom of the Father through the blood of the sweet smelling sacrifice of the Kinsman Redeemer. Sovereign agape within the bosom of the Eternal One pulsated the moving of His grace to predestinate, call, justify, and glorify certain ones according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28-39) Even when there was no just cause or reason, His love brooded over the dead abyss of their hearts and gave life where there was no hope or deserving of life. By the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, we are made to acknowledge that the causative force of sovereign grace was not what man could achieve; rather it was solely God’s sovereign “agape” love. It is this love that fuels the eternal flame burning within the heart of every new creature born of God. It is the very presence of God.

Where the Holy Spirit of God is, there must also be the presence of “agape” love, for it is the very essence and nature of the Spirit of God. He quickens with love, convinces of sin with love, convinces of righteousness with love, convinces of the judgment to come with love, gives the gift of faith with love, gives the gift of repentance with love, and teaches the whole truth of the Word of God with love. How can any child born of the love of God despise His Holy Word taught by His Spirit with love?

It is written that “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26) The word “groanings” is in reference to that which cannot be expressed in words. When the believer is weak in his resistance to sin, it grieves the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is wounded in His “agape” love; yet, in His grief He still makes intercession for the believer. However, the overwhelming agony inflicted on His “agape” love causes inexpressive groanings in the ear of the Father, which cannot be uttered in the human mind and mouth. Though He may be grieved, the Spirit never casts the child of God away because of his weaknesses. In pure, high, and holy love He is faithful to help in every time of need.

Insight questions:

1. What is the causative force of sovereign grace?

2. What kind of love is the Father? Explain.

3. What kind of love is the Son? Explain.

4. What kind of love is the Spirit? Explain.

5. Of what kind of love is the child of God?

6. What moved God to predestinate, call, justify, and glorify those given to Christ before the foundation of the world? (Romans 8:28-39; Ephesians 1:4-14)

7. What moved Jesus to be the Sacrificial Lamb?

8. What moves the Holy Spirit to keep the believer sealed until the day of redemption?

9. What motivates the Holy Spirit to intercede on behalf of every believer, even when He is grieved by the sins of the believer?

10. What should motivate every believer to be faithful, obedient, and strive to resist sin?

11. How are you personally doing in this area of your life? Where can you improve?

III

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love (v. - agapaoo) you, the less I be loved (v. - agapaoo).” (II Corinthians 12:15)

“Agape” love is above and beyond the ordinary measure of natural humanistic love. This love originating out of the bosom of God caused Paul to joy in the opportunity to be spent out on the behalf of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s life was consumed with the presentation of the truth concerning the Lord of Glory. There was no cost too high, no distance too far, no suffering too severe, and no service too harsh for his Saviour to demand of him. God’s implantation of “agape” love never failed to guide and motivate the Apostle Paul. Agape is the love that is unconditionally and unreservedly spent out on the behalf of others. One can see this in the life of the Lord Jesus.

Paul captures the thrust of agape when he wrote: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth”; (Romans 1:14-16) This is what fueled the fire of his zeal for the Gospel. It was the pure, high, and holy love of God for the witness of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Agape fills every true believer with the knowledge of the debt we owe to the witnessing of Jesus Christ to all mankind, regardless who they are, where they are, or what they are. This is not to insinuate that anyone deserves or is owed anything. It is this love of God in the believer that moves him to the duty of the Gospel. As it is written, “…for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (I John 4:7-8)

The Apostle Paul also gives a warning, “Let love be without dissimulation.” (Romans 12:9) “Without dissimulation” means without hypocrisy. Honest agape begins with a heaven sent inward manifestation. As the new babe in Christ is nourished by agape, it begins to grow in the likeness of Christ. By its divine nature agape naturally extends its light outwardly towards others. Yes, many have and will attempt to imitate this pure holy love of God, but it is feeble effort at best. The problem is how can one duplicate that of which he has no knowledge? The flesh cannot reproduce an attribute of God. The best one could do would only be some ignorant humanistic emotional masquerade.

Play-acting is effective in the theater but not in the Kingdom of God. The brethren need and deserve real heavenly love, not hypocrisy. Through personal experience the Apostle Peter wrote it this way: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8) Agape by divine design extends out beyond “self” because it is of no value to others if it remains concealed. It was in holy love that God sent His only begotten Son into the world. It was in holy love that Jesus was obedient in dying upon the cross as the Sacrificial Lamb of God. It is in holy love that the Holy Spirit with power quickens the dead in trespasses and sins. It is also this same holy love in the believer that gives him a passion for the lost and a devotion to the brethren.

Insight questions:

1. From where does “agape” love originate?

2. Why was the Apostle Paul consumed with the witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

3. Why was Paul willing to be spent out on the behalf of others?

4. What fueled Paul’s zeal for the witness of the Gospel?

5. What drives every believer to witness?

6. According to I John 4:7-8, is one honestly saved if he does not have holy love? Explain.

7. When Paul wrote, “Let love be with dissimulation,” what did he mean?

8. How does this “agape” love fit into your life?

9. How does this “agape” love fit into your church?

IV

The Apostle Paul wrote: “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love (n. agape) one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” (I Thessalonians 3:12-13)

It is this “agape” love that is the beginning, the end, the fullness, and the binding factor of all that is contained in Christ-likeness. This is why every believer must grow and abound in it, not only to the brethren but also to all mankind. It is the very witness of the presence of God and the grace of God in man. The believers are joined in unity of Spirit by the glue of agape. The witness of the Gospel is propagated to every creature by the zeal of agape. All is bound and established by it so that the believer’s heart may be found unblameable in the holiness before God.

Now, the other side of the picture is that if the believer does not increase and abound in pure, high, and holy love, he is found with blame and outside holiness before God. Also, his heart is not established, or brought to its full-intended maturity that the Father has purposed for His child.

Charity, holy divine love, can only come out of a pure heart. Charity is a self-sacrificing love. It is putting “self” aside that Christ may be magnified by life or by death. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) Agape is a love that is stretched to the point of suffering, and at times even unto death so that others may know Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God. Therefore, charity is not an impulsive emotional outburst, and it does not always follow after natural humanistic inclinations, “because as he is, so are we in this world.” (I John 4:17) This world cannot comprehend the reality of Jesus Christ, nor can they grasp this love that is the embodiment of the Lamb of God. Yet, it is this holy love that causes a real believer to present himself before God as a living sacrifice, holy, which is acceptable unto God. It is said that this is his reasonable service; which means, to not do so is being unreasonable in one’s service before God.

Insight questions:

1. What is meant by “abound in love”?

2. According to I Thessalonians 3:13, why is the believer told to abound in love?

3. What is the glue that holds the unity of the Spirit among the believers?

4. What is the driving zeal of the Gospel? Explain.

5. Are you a living sacrifice before God?

6. Does God find your service to Him reasonable and acceptable?

7. Give some ways that you can improve upon your service.

V

When heaven’s love in the believer blossoms outward to all men, it is not with a love of the world; rather it is with a love of the witness of the sovereign grace of God in Jesus. “Agape” love does not change or compromise the truth of God’s Holy Word in a supposed attempt to win lost souls. It would be far easier for man to turn the sun into ice than for agape to deny and pervert the inspired Word of God. Because of its passion for the truth, agape suffers all things so that the truth of the sovereign grace of God through Jesus Christ will be accurately revealed to man.

Godly love understands man is not perfect and that he is full of sin. Nevertheless, it reaches out to the sinful creature with the witness of the Holy and Righteous Saviour. It remembers, “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) It makes no assumption as to who were given to Christ before the foundation of the world; rather it gives witness to every creature.

I seriously doubt any one would have assumed that Saul of Tarsus was one given to Christ. What does an elect look like before he is quickened out of trespasses and sins? Is there some identifying mark or characteristic to pick him out of the crowd? We do not even have a clue! That is why this pure, high, and holy love is active in its witness of the Gospel to all men.

Jesus said: “But I say unto you which hear, Love (v. agapaoo) your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. … For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. … But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:27, 28, 32, 35)

Notice, Jesus did not say condone or take part in what they are doing. He did not say to strike back in retaliation and vengeance. He said to answer their actions with that which manifests the very essence of God – holy love. The child of God is to give a sure witness of the living God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this show of holy love will be all some will ever experience of the agape of Eternal God.

Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Now the end of the commandment is charity (agape) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” (I Timothy 1:5) When one unveils the agape of God within him, “self” is lost in Jesus, then an unselfish interest in others naturally flows out. Agape lives and breathes in its desire to exhibit the Redeemer of men’s souls. It radiates the Lamb of God. It is ever mindful of the words of Paul, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” (II Corinthians 4:3)

Insight questions:

1. When heaven’s love blossoms outward, what does it unveil to all men?

2. How does agape handle the Word of God?

3. Why doesn’t agape in the believer make assumptions and selections as to whom it directs the witness of Christ?

4. What do the elect look like before the Holy Spirit of God quickens them? Is there a way of identifying them?

5. According to Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15, to whom are the believers to give the witness of the Gospel of Jesus? Is this consistent with “agape” love?

6. How is every believer to handle his enemies? Why?

7. According to I Timothy 1:5, out of what does charity come? Why do you suppose this is true?

8. What happens when a believer conceals the work of the Gospel within himself?

9. What are some things you can do to insure the Gospel is never concealed in you or the church?

VI

It is written: “…be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity (agape), in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (I Timothy 4:12) It is not just the preacher’s responsibility to be an example of what a believer should be. It is the duty of every child of the Living God to possess within and without an authentic working of the Spirit that is consistent with one having been born of the divine nature of God. Every thought and action must be brought into captivity “to the obedience of Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:3-6) This is not done by the moving of the lips but by the moving of agape in the heart. Agape strives to give full witness of the likeness of the Christ and the heart of the Father.

This pure, high, and holy love is the beginning of the life of the believer, and it is the fullness of the believer’s eternity. It is the Alpha and Omega of real Christianity. It is God in man, and it is God expressed through man. Holy love is what binds and keeps together all the attributes expected by God of every soul born out of His Spirit through the blood of His Son, Jesus. It ushers to maturity the incorruptible seed.

Brethren, give “all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (II Peter 1:5-7) The cultivation of these precepts of God brings one’s Christian faith unto maturity, where it bears the fruit of the Spirit of God; which is the full and intended end of everyone born of God.

Insight questions:

1. As a believer, in what are you to be an example? Why?

2. Is the preacher the only one who is to set a good example of Christianity?

3. Every thought and action is to be brought unto what? (II Corinthians 10:5) Why do you think this is important?

4. Do you see any areas where you and your church could improve in your duty to be an example? Explain.

5. Do you personally desire to improve in your relationship with God and the Lord Jesus?

6. When can you start?

Lesson 19

Memory verse: II Peter 1:10

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

Daily readings:

Pray for the understanding of these truths.

Monday – II Peter 1:1-14

Tuesday – I Peter 2:1-25

Wednesday – John 6:22-69

Thursday – Ephesians 1:1 – 2:10

Friday – Romans 8:28-39

Saturday – Romans 9:1-33

The Conclusion of the Matter

I

II Peter 1:8 – “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

[For if these things] - The word “For” used in this passage has the weight of expressing the reason for that which has been stated before it. Thus, it is to say, “The fact is” if faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are “in you, and abound…” The other side of the fact is that if they are not in you and abound then you will be barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord. This passage makes us to understand the necessity of these attributes in a believer. The believer has not been called to be a stagnant baby in Christ. Therefore, Peter emphasizes the fact that these things are critical to the growth of his relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Now the question is laid before the believer as to “if these things” are in him and abound. It is strange but man can be very presumptuous about his relationship with God and the Lord, but the proof is in the absence or presence of these things within him. The Apostle Peter exhorts the believers to give all diligence in adding to that gift of saving faith, which he has graciously been given. These things that have been listed for the believer are the essential elements in the cultivation of the believer’s faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[in you, and abound] - The word “abound” means to flourish. What good is a babe in Christ that refuses to add to his faith in God and Jesus? To what earthly or eternal value is he? Pastors and churches are always burdened down with having to cuddle and pacify them. Some refuse to do anything but sit and suck on their thumb, while others throw crybaby fits and are constantly creating a ruckus. They are a drain on other believers and the cause of Christ. If they would give themselves to flourishing in these things, the churches and pastors would be more focused on the work of the Lord. The Father demands of His children a full growth to the completed end to which He has intended for them. Anything short of that is spiritual neglect.

[they make you] – The word “make” carries with it the idea of “to make up or to constitute.” In other words, if these things are in you and flourishing, they will make you what you ought to be before God. The embodiment of these things constitutes what a true mature Christian ought to be. Therefore, each Christian must be diligent in the cultivation of these attributes.

[that ye shall neither be barren] – the word “barren” from the Greek has the thought of “not working or being idle.” When one is being what he ought to be as a mature Christian, it causes him to be active in the work of the Kingdom of God. The old saying, “Idleness is the Devil’s workshop” is an absolute truth. Idle minds and bodies open the doors for a multitude of deviant temptations. Jesus had some fitting words for all of us when he said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” (John 5:17) Also, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) Notice the Father works, the Lord works, and He surely expects every believer to be working in the Kingdom work. Work, work, work is a sure cure for idleness and closing the doors to the Devil’s workshop. Brethren, we desperately need to be about our Master’s business.

[nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ] – Being what one ought to be, because these things are within him and flourishing, will bring forth fruit in clear, exact, and participating knowledge of Jesus. The Apostle says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (I Peter 2:2-3) Increased knowledge of Jesus will produce spiritual fruit because of that knowledge. Knowledge will give fruit to more knowledge.

Just as milk is critical to a fleshly baby, so to the milk of the word is important to the stability of one who is born of the Spirit. While this is true, it is also true that staying on the milk will stunt the maturing of the baby. It must be ushered on to stronger food. To this fact the Apostle wrote to the church at Corinth, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 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. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (I Corinthians 3:1-3) There comes a time when every believer should be weaned off the milk and ushered to the meat of the word. There are far too many spiritual babies in the churches that need a drastic adjustment in their spiritual food. Their pacifiers and bottles need to be taken away in favor of sinking their teeth into something of substance. If “these things” are flourishing within the believer, he will be what God has purposed him to be. He will be laboring and having fruit in the meat of the clear, exact, and participating knowledge of Lord Jesus. The believer will become a participant rather than a bystander.

Insight questions:

1. Why are “these things” so critical to one’s Christian growth?

2. Name the eight “things” that must be within and flourishing in the believer?

3. How do you personally measure up in your cultivating of the faith given to you?

4. Have you tasted the grace of the Lord? Explain.

5. Why are pastors and churches sometimes hindered in the work by spiritual babies that refuse to grow?

6. Why is it neglectful to not cultivate the faith you have?

7. Idleness is what? What did Jesus say he and the Father do? What do you suppose you ought to do?

8. What is the difference between the milk of the word and the meat of the word? What should you be feeding upon? Are you?

II

II Peter 1:9 – “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

[he that lacketh these things is blind] – The believer in whom these things (faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity) are not present is spiritually blind. He is as a blind man groping for safe passage in the abyss of darkness, fearing every bump, every step, every move that it may bring him harm. He has no vision, no light, no peace, and no rest. He fearfully attempts to reach his full and intended end without directions or eyes to see the way. He cannot see the realities of his inabilities and extreme frailties.

Spiritual blindness causes one to stumble in the dark against his brother. It is written: “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” (I John 2:11) However, if brotherly kindness were found flourishing within, there would have been no occasion of stumbling in the dark.

Spiritual blindness is not only devastating to an individual, it is also damaging to a church. Jesus told the church of the Laodiceans, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Revelation 3:16-17) Their blindness hindered them from seeing what Jesus saw, their real state of spiritual sickness. It was enough to make the Lord so nauseated that He was on the verge of vomiting. When a believer lacks “these things,” it has a nauseating effect upon the Lord Jesus.

[and cannot see afar off] – The lack causes the believer to be self-centered, because he cannot see beyond his darkness. He cannot see the whole picture. He cannot see that the Kingdom of God does not evolve around him. Not being able to see what he needs to see, he (in ignorance) takes on the Pharisee’s attitude, the “holier-than-thou” cloak of self-piousness. His vision is obstructed by “self,” thus, he is never able to lift up his eyes and rightly look upon the cause of Christ. “Self” is all that is of any importance to him. This is a sure evidence of the lack of Christian maturity.

[and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins] – When one is spiritually blind, he is not only blind in where he is going, but he is equally blind in where he has been. He can see nothing but his own perception of present “self.” He cannot see what others see and certainly not what God and Jesus see. This darkness brings on a selective forgetfulness. However, when “these things” are present, one is able to consistently remember the sovereign electing grace of God, the effectual working of the Holy Spirit, and the cleansing and redeeming blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He maintains an excellent memory of the miry clay from whence he came and the fullness of grace that has brought him thus far. Christian maturity remembers what grace it took to purge away the old sins, the high price of the purging, and the eternal sweetness of having been purged. He is not forgetful, no, not even for a second. Hence, the mature believer labors and is fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus. He has a passion to know more about this saving grace and the One who brought it to fruition. Being forgetful of the grace, the price, and the sweetness of the heavenly cleansing can bring on a host of temptations and shortcomings.

Insight questions:

1. Why does the lack of “these things” have a blinding effect?

2. What are some things that can happen to a believer when he is spiritually blind?

3. What are some things that can happen to a church when some or all of its membership is spiritually blind?

4. Can you think of some way that you personally can help to prevent this in yourself and your church?

5. How does the Lord Jesus feel about lukewarmness in a church? Is there something you could do to insure your church doesn’t become lukewarm?

6. What keeps one from seeing the whole picture of the cause of Christ for him and his church?

7. What can you do to prevent this in you and your church?

8. What happens when a believer forgets that he was purged from his old sin?

9. What can you personally do to prevent forgetfulness in you and your church?

10. When you examine yourself, can you find any areas of these eight elements of Christian growth upon which you can improve?

11. Make a list of these eight points of Christian maturity; then next to each one write down some goals for prayer and improvement. Do not put the list away; instead keep it in your Bible and each day examine it, pray for God to aid you in maturing your faith in Him and the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not give up! Commit yourself to a lifelong endeavor to please God.

III

II Peter 1:10 – “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

[Wherefore the rather, brethren,] – Instead of being idle, instead of being fruitless in the knowledge of Christ, instead of lacking, instead of being blind, instead of forgetting the purging of old sins the believer ought to have abounding within him: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (agape). It is not the mere acknowledgement of them, but the continual increasing of them. The word “rather” from the Greek carries with it the idea of “more and more strongly.” Therefore, the believer is commanded by the Holy Scriptures to increase more and more strongly in these eight essentials of Christian maturity. Don’t worry; there is not even a hint in the Bible of anyone ever becoming so full that he cannot hold any more of the increasing of these things. No one has ever been filled to the max. It is probably safe to say that it will ever be in this life and in that to come an endless growing. Yet, the more one grows, the closer he draws nigh unto God and the Lord Jesus.

In the beginning of the book of Job, it is told in chapter one and verse 7, how Satan came before the LORD and complained of his boredom. Notice what is said in verse 8: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Can you fathom the awesomeness of this statement? Job’s faith had flourished in its maturity to the level that God recognized that there was none other like it in the earth. Not only did God have respect to it, but also God didn’t mind Satan testing Job’s matured faith. This is where every true believer ought to strive to be.

[give diligence to make your calling and election sure:] – Notice the reemphasis on “give diligence.” The Apostle Peter is stressing that the believer is to give all earnest haste or speed to make his calling and election sure. The thought is not to do it at one’s own leisure, or when it is convenient, or when he can fit it into his schedule. The thought is for the believer to make it a matter of priority, to zealously endeavor to make it happen. It is not if one has the time; rather, he must make the time and however much time is needed to insure that it takes place. It is that important.

The word “calling” means summons (order, writ, directive, command). This is not just a meager blanket invitation. It is in the same character as a summons to court, except with the force of God. It is an effectual summons. Look at these passages: “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” (Hebrews 3:1) “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (II Timothy 1:9) The believers have been called out by a holy effectual summons.

The word “election” means a picking out, an appointment, or a selection. Notice these passages: “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” (I Thessalonians 1:4) [By Acts 17:1-4 we know that the church in Thessalonica was not just made up of just Jews.] In Romans it is referred to as “the election of grace.” “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.” (Romans 11:6)

Now look at both thoughts put together in the Scriptures in a reference to Jacob and Esau: “(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)” (Romans 9:11) The election, or the selection, does not stand upon anything that one having been selected has done or will do; it is based solely in the purpose of God. It is God that issues the summons according to His purpose and will. “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans9:15-16) The summons and the election is all of God’s sovereignty.

The word “sure” means to firm up or to make steadfast and unmovable. The idea is to strengthen it up to the point to where it will not waver in the storms.

OK, let’s bring the thought together. The Apostle Peter is encouraging the believers not to remain idle, but to make all haste in strengthening up that holy summons and selection they have received from God. The believer is not to remain a weak babe in Christ. He is to cultivate these eight attributes so that he cannot be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and temptation cast at him. The term today would be for the believer to “bulk up” his calling and election, and be quick about it. “Just do it!”

[for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:] – The word “do” in the Greek is a participle, which reveals it to be a continuing action. Therefore, the idea is if one is doing, or continuing to be strengthened in “these things.” In other words, there is a constant developing and intensifying without stopping and without giving up in one’s cultivation of these eight attributes. If this is what is being accomplished in one’s life, then “ye shall never fall.”

The promise “ye shall never fall” is based on the premise that the believer is constantly developing, or “bulking up” his holy calling and election. It is this muscle power that prevents him from being thrown around like a weakling. It is adding strength to his Christian Faith. It keeps him firmly planted on the Rock of Ages. The stronger one is in the Faith, the less probability the bait of the Tempter will overwhelm him.

In the words of Paul the Apostle: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (I Corinthians 16:13)

Insight questions:

1. The Apostle Peter instructed the believers to make haste in their Christian growth instead of what?

2. According to the Apostle Peter, has the believer been given the luxury to cultivate his Christian faith at his own leisure? Explain.

3. Is it possible for one to be too strong in these eight attributes?

4. Why did God ask Satan if he had considered His servant Job? Why do you suppose Satan was bored after “going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it”? Could it be that there was no one to challenge him?

5. Why is it important to give oneself to the cultivation of his Christian faith?

6. In our text of II Peter 1:10, what does the word “calling” mean, and how is it relative to you?

7. What does it mean to you to be partaker “of the heavenly calling”? What does it have to do with salvation?

8. Taking I Thessalonians 1:4 and Acts 17:1-4 into account, is election only in reference to the Jews?

9. According to what does God elect unto salvation? Upon what does it stand? (Romans 9:11-16)

10. What does it mean to make your “calling and election sure?”

11. Why is it important for you to “bulk up” your calling and election?

12. Upon what premise does the promise “ye shall never fall” stand?

13. What are the eight “these things” you are to cultivate?

14. Discuss the words of I Corinthians 16:13.

Final Words

Every child of the Heavenly Father has an inherent desire to draw nigh unto Him and to be found in the similitude of the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the name “Christian” because we hope to be seen in His likeness. This is the ultimate earthly fulfillment of our love for the Redeemer of our souls. We yearn to be at one with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The common thread that ties the hearts and desires of every believer together from all the ages is this passage from Galatians 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.” It is what every blood bought child would hope to fulfill. Yet, there are few who are willing to pay the price to be at one with the Saviour.

I still hear the echo of these mighty words:

You can’t wear a crown,

Unless you carry a cross;

The heavier the cross,

The brighter the crown!

Strive to be found worthy of a crown!

May God bless you and carry you into all truth.

May He glorify His name with your life!