Resurrection Authority
I Peter 3:18 - 22 Christ made proclamation to the spirits in prison, Christ is above all
Colossians 1:18 - 22 His victory was over all in heaven and earth
Colossians 2:10 - 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities
Matthew 28:18 All authority has been given to him
Ephesians 1:19 - 2:6 He is seated at the right hand of God, a position of authority and we are seated with him
John 20:19 - 23 His communication to them picked up where it left off the night he was taken captive
Matthew 16:19 Partnership with Christ in power
Matthew 18:18 Heaven is in agreement with God's will implemented on earth
Mark 16:14 - 20 We have authority
Luke 24:49 Clothed with power from on high
Acts 1:5 - 8 The holy spirit brings power
Died In Faith
Hebrews 10:35-39 Don't shrink back
Hebrews 11:1 Hope is future and therefore unseen;
Romans 8:24 & 25 Christian hope is centered in Christ and his return
Faith is the assurance (guarantee, confidence) of things hoped for. Faith is the conviction (proof) of things not seen (other words for hope)
Hebrews 11:2 By faith, the elders received God's approval
Verse 3 Faith explained: The way we understand the preparing of the world and ages is by faith not something we see
Verse 4 By faith, Abel's offering to God was acceptable
Verse 5 By faith, Enoch pleased God
Verse 6 Without faith, it is impossible to please God
- Faith begins with hearing Romans 10:17
- Faith grows by practice Matthew 21:18-22
- Faith is influenced by prayer Ephesians 3:14-21
- Faith is helped by right thinking and singlemindedness Matthew 6:16-34
Hebrews 11:7 Noah stayed focused on God's promises. He did what he had to do because he was convinced the wrath of God was coming and God would save him.
Hebrews 11:8-10 Abraham stayed alienated from the world by faith
Verses 11 and 12 They embraced God's promises by faith
Verse 13 Their faith in Christ determined how they lived throughout their entire life. They died with faith that their hope would come
Hebrews 11:15 How did they do it? Didn't look back -- only forward.
Verse 16 Their day is coming
Hebrews 12:1-3 Jesus the greatest witness
Acts 3:1 Peter and John were partners looking for opportunity to witness
Verse 4 They locked in and took control as they had seen their Lord do often. They walked in the confidence and authority of Christ
Verse 6 Peter exercised the authority he had in Christ
Verse 7 The man had to respond by rising up
Acts 3:13 There is no reason to half speak the truth. Directness is important because the message regarding the Kingdom of God is urgent and absolutely vital to every human
Verse 15 Jesus is the prince of life. Without him there is no life. We need not be concerned about hurting people's feelings when speaking the truth because when they are judged a lot more than feelings are going to hurt
Acts 3:18 Acts 17:2 and 3; 26:22 and 23; 28:23; Luke 24:26, 27, and 44; I Corinthians 15:3 and 4; I Peter 1:10 and 11; Revelation 19:10
Acts 3:19 Repent -- change: the times of refreshing is that time that all the prophets and apostles have written about--the return of the Messiah
Verse 21 The only possible way to understand the time of restoration is to understand the Old Testament
Verse 22 Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Acts 4:6 Same people who crucified Jesus
Verse 10 The name of Jesus Christ has authority
Verse 18 The devil's doesn't
Acts 4:19 God's desire
Acts 4:23 -- 31 God answered their prayer because they were aligned with His will.
Resurrection Commitment
John 19:31-34 Soldiers pierced his side with a spear
Luke 23:50-52 Joseph went to Pilate
Mark 15:44-46 Pilate made sure he was dead
John 19:39 and 40 Nicodemus prepared his body for burial
Matthew 27:62-66 Pharisees placed a guard by the tomb
John 20:1-18 Mary sees Jesus first
I Corinthians 15:1-8 Firsthand witnesses
I Corinthians 15:20-28 The order of resurrections
Verses 29 - 34 The knowledge of the resurrection should cause us to live godly, to avoid sin.
I Corinthians 15:35-49 New bodies
Verses 50 - 58 The mystery of the resurrection
Matthew 28:6 and 7 Go quickly and tell - He Is Risen!
Awake Out Of Sleep
Romans 13:11 and 12 Now is the hour to awaken out of sleep. Our salvation is very near. The night is almost gone. The day is near! The kingdom of God is coming!
Luke 19:11-27 Jesus spoke this parable because they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.
Luke 19:28-29 Bethany is southeast of Jerusalem on the other side of the Mount of Olives.
Luke 19:30-44 When Jesus approached the city he wept over it. The city would be leveled to the ground, because they did not believe in the Messiah's first coming.
Matthew 24:1 and 2 Jesus again prophesied about the destruction of the temple. In a parallel record in Luke he also prophesied about the dispersion of the Jews. Luke 21:20-24.
In 70 AD, under the Roman ruler Titus, this part of Jesus' prophecy was fulfilled. Jerusalem was laid desolate, the temple was destroyed, many Jews fell by the edge of the sword and the Jewish people were dispersed into all nations of the world. (Deuteronomy 28:62-64) The children of Israel were told this would happen if they disobeyed the words of the covenant. (Deuteronomy 30:1-5) God is faithful. He promised that if they would turn to him with all their heart that he would bring them back to their land. The prophets spoke of a return of the people of Israel to the land. (Jeremiah 31:7-12; 32:37-44; Ezekial 34: 11-14; 36:22-24; Zeceriah 8:1-8)
Matthew 24:1-3 Jesus then went out to the Mount of Olives and told his disciples what would happen at the very end of this age. The Lord discussed the Abomination of Desolations standing in "the holy place" (Matthew 24:15). This is called the "sanctuary" in the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27; 11:31). It states in II Thessalonians 2:3 and 4 that the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction, will take his seat in the "temple of God." And according to Revelation 11:1 and 2, the temple of God is given to the nations for 42 months. If these references are literal, than the Jews must return to Israel, and reset up worship in the temple just before the end of this age.
Perhaps we are witnessing what was spoken by Hosea the prophet. Hosea 3:4 and 5.
Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. We are not to be ignorant of what God has stated, but we are to be on the alert, watching and be ready, living our lives in light of the coming Kingdom of God.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11
LEAD BY THE SPIRIT
Matthew 4:1 The spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. The Greek word translated "led" is elsewhere translated "brought." The spirit led Jesus to do.
Mark 1:12 "Impelled" is a much stronger word which is also translated "cast out" in the context of casting out demons.
Luke 4:18 The spirit throughout the Scriptures leads people to do. Unclean spirits are the same way-- they are purposed to cause the person to think and do unclean things. The spirits are not passive, content to lounge around doing nothing (Luke 9:39-42).
Luke 11:9-13 We still must operate freewill and allow the spirit to influence us. It will never force you beyond your freewill.
John 16:13 The spirit will guide you.
Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6 The thing they all evidenced was the outward manifestation of the inward spirit which gave absolute proof that they were connected with God. They experienced God not just thought about Him. Very powerful when you experience truth because it provides indisputable proof that cannot be argued.
Romans 8:10-18 Those led by the spirit are the sons of God. The spirit is the assurance that God will fulfill His promise about the return of Christ.
Holy Living
Ephesians 4:17-19 Gentiles give themselves over to sensuality (lasciviousness, unbridled lusts), impurity (uncleanness), greediness (covetousness)
Verse 24 New self - Righteousness and holiness of the truth
Verse 25 Lay aside falsehood, speak truth
Ephesians 5:1-6 Immorality (Illicit sexual intercourse), impurity (uncleanness), greed (covetousness)
Galatians 5:16 The spirit we have been given is holy
Verse 19 Immorality (Illicit sexual intercourse), impurity (uncleanness), sensuality (lasciviousness, unbridled lusts)
Verse 22 Fruit of the spirit
Colossians 3:5-10 The message is the same wherever it is read.
I Corinthians 6:9-11 The purpose of the spirit is to enable us to live holy as we await the Kingdom.
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 His holy spirit is so we may live sanctification.
I Peter 1:13-21 He is holy so we should be holy.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Put on the breastplate of righteousness.
Apollos
Acts 18:24 He was mighty in the Scriptures
Acts 18:25 He was fervent in spirit (boiling with zeal)
Acts 18:26 He was bold yet teachable
Acts 18:27 He helped the believers greatly
Acts 18:28 He kept going
Other Scriptures relating to Apollos: 1 Cor 1:12;
3:4 - 8; 16:12; Titus 3:13
Holy Spirit in Manifestation
I Corinthians 12:7 - 11 We have the selfsame spirit.
Speaking in tongues
Acts 2:4 The most significant events in the development of the early church are marked with the manifestation of speaking in tongues.
Acts 10:44 - 46 Inclusion of the Gentiles
Acts 19:6 and 7, 19 and 20 All who lived in Asia heard the Word of the Lord.
I Corinthians 14:13 - 17 The interpretation of tongues
Acts 2:17 and 18 Prophesy
John 14:26; 16:13; I Corinthians 2:10-13 Word of Knowledge
Luke 18:31 - 34; Acts 2 The difference of understanding was caused by the spirit.
Acts 5:3-5 Word of wisdom
Acts 16:3 Paul circumcised Timothy
Acts 16:16 - 18 Discerning of spirits
Matthew 21:21 and 22; Romans 12:3 Faith
Acts 5:14 - 16 Gifts of healing and miracles
Acts 8:5 - 7 Philip in the city of Samaria
Mark 16:15 - 18 We have the ability. Do we have the desire?
Romans 5:5-9 God's love to us poured out in our hearts
through the holy spirit.
Romans 8:14-17 By the spirit we cry out "Abba Father."
The spirit not only fills us with God's love for us but also our
love for God.
Galatians 5:22 Love is a fruit of the spirit.
Galatians 5:13-16 Those who walk by the spirit walk in
love. The spirit enables us to be loving.
Galatians 5:25 - 6:10 The spiritual, that is those who walk
by the spirit restore those who are caught up. We lovingly
care for each other. We are a family with loving concern for
one another.
Ephesians 3:14-21 Strengthened through the spirit, Christ
dwells in our heart, rooted and ground in love.
Titus 3:1-7 The spirit helps clean us up so we can love like
Christ.
Titus 2:1-15 We are to value, respect, and care for the
elders and the elders are to help the younger. We are to
parent those who have not been parented.
I Timothy 5:1-5; 17-19 We are to care for each other.
Acts 2:43-47 The environment to share the love connection
is home fellowship.
Covenant and Spirit
Joshua 9:1-15 A covenant is the strongest, most solemn, sacred binding agreement that can be made between two parties. It remains in force until it is completely fulfilled. Therefore it is indissoluble and cannot be annulled.
Verses 16-21 The covenant is a commitment to God and is to be enforced regardless of what the other party does.
Joshua 10:1-15 The Lord fought for Israel to honor their covenant.
II Samuel 21:1-6 Hundreds of years later God still honors the covenant!
Psalm 89:20-37 The covenant with David was everlasting. The covenant with Moses came to an end because God fulfilled what he promised.
Psalm 105:8-10; Hebrews 6:13-20 The covenant to Abraham
Matthew 26:26-29 The new covenant
With Abraham's covenant the circumcision served as a sign to Israel. That they were in a covenant with God that He will absolutely fulfill.
II Corinthians 5:5 The spirit is similar to the circumcision. It is a sign of the new covenant.
Ephesians 1:13 and 14 Pledge means earnest. The spirit far exceeds the circumcision as a sign because it is an earnest, which is a down payment that insures the full amount will subsequently be paid.
The spirit is God's seal and earnest to us of the fulfillment of the new covenant.
Ezekiel 36:25-29; Jeremiah 31:31 The spirit is God's earnest and therefore assurance He will fulfill His covenant.
Fuller Perspective
John 16:12 and 13 After his ascension and the outpouring of the spirit Jesus did communicate much more about the spirit and many other matters via the spirit and the mouth's of his apostles.
II Corinthians 3:3 "Spirit of the living God"
II Corinthians 3:6 - Old Covenant - New Covenant
- Letter Kills - Spirit Gives Life
Verses 7 and 8 - Ministry of Death - Ministry of Spirit
Verse 9 - Ministry of Condemnation - Ministry of Righteousness
II Corinthians 3:17 "The Lord is the spirit"
When we read the word "spirit" in Paul's epistles we can consider that he was possibly referring to what is stated here in II Corinthians 3. The "spirit" is the spirit of the living God, the new covenant is called the ministry of the spirit, the Lord is the spirit.
Romans 7:6 Serve in newness of spirit
Romans 8:1 and 2 The law of sin and death is associated with the flesh inherited from Adam. The law of the spirit of life comes from Christ.
Romans 8:3-11 To obey the spirit is referring to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:1-ff To walk by the spirit includes walking by the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, the new covenant, the ministry of the spirit, the ministry of righteousness and the Lord. Indeed after the ascension Christ provided a much fuller perspective.
alking by the Spirit
II Corinthians 3:17 and 18 The spirit does not have its own independent will or initiative, but rather is a supernatural vehicle by which our Lord can abide in us and guide us. Therefore, Paul states: "the Lord is the Spirit." The spirit enables us to enjoy a oneness relationship with Christ.
John 14:3, 18, and 28 "I will come to you" is a direct reference to the indwelling of holy spirit.
John 14:22 and 23 God and Christ make their abode (dwelling) in the believer by means of the holy spirit.
John 14:8-11 The relationship of Christ and God
John 14:12-26 The relationship of Christ to the believer via the spirit
To walk by the spirit means to walk by the Lord. To walk by the spirit always begins with obedience to the Lord's commandments. Obedience to the Lord's commandments begins with knowing his words.
John 14:15, 21, 23, 31; 15:10, 12-14, 17 Being obedient to his commands is the heart of walking by the spirit.
The spirit and the Word are corresponding realities.
John 14:26; 15:12-15 Teach you all things, bring to your remembrance
I Corinthians 2:12-16 That we may know, the mind of Christ
Romans 8:5 -14 The way many speak today, "the spirit told me this, the spirit lead me," is not the way believers in Acts spoke. The book of the Acts of the Apostles should be called the Acts of the Spirit. What is very apparent through Acts is that Jesus is leading the Church via the spirit.
Galatians 5:13-26 Fruit is revealed by the way we walk.
Spirit Enablement
I Corinthians 2:1 Referring to Chapter 1:18-31. Not man's speech or wisdom
Verse 2 Two things which cover the entire gospel message: Jesus the Christ, and Him crucified.
Verse 3 Acts 18 records Paul's time with them in Corinth.
I Corinthians 2:4 Paul's message was not from his own intellect or wisdom rather the guidance of the spirit.
Verse 7 God had a plan from Genesis 3:15, right after the fall.
Verse 8 The rulers of this age responsible for his death were Annas, Caiaphas, Herod and Pilate, plus the devil and his cohorts.
Verse 9 Isaiah 64:4
I Corinthians 2:12
The Spirit of Truth (John 14-16)
John 14:16 Substitute for Christ. "Paraclete" - advocate, counselor, helper, succourer, aid, assistant. With the believer forever (until the age).
John 14:17 Abides in the believer
John 14:18 Enables Christ to come to the believer so that we are not orphans (alone, abandoned, cast-off, forsaken, unparented, ignored, neglected, slighted).
Verse 20 Enables us to know the oneness relationship that Christ has with the Father and we have with Christ.
Verse 23 Enables God and Christ to make their abode with us.
Verse 26 Teach us all things (bring us into a deeper knowledge of truth). Bring to remembrance all that Jesus said.
John 15:26 Will testify (bear witness) about Christ
John 16:7 More advantageous for the believer then the present Christ
John 16:9 Convicts the world of sin
Upper Room Teaching
The most comprehensive Biblical teaching on the holy spirit is presented by our Lord in John 13 - 17.
John 14:1 Very obvious separation of Jesus and God.
Verse 3 Dwelling place is the Greek word "mone" which is only used twice in the Scriptures (here and in verse 23). The dwelling place of God is the Church.
John 14:7-10 The words and works of Jesus revealed the Father to the world. John 1:18; Hebrews 1:1-4; John 3:34; 4:34; 5:30 and 43; 6:38.
John 14:11 He had oneness with God because he always obeyed His will and spoke His Word.
Verse 12 The immediate context of this statement relates to his relationship with his Father. The greatest work he did was to stay in constant fellowship with God.
Verse 15 If we love Jesus we keep his commandments. Verses 21-24; 15:10; I John 2:3-5; 5:2 and 3.
John 14:16 The holy spirit is connected with obeying his commands.
"Forever" - aion - "age"
John 14:17 Spirit of Truth. The spirit dwelled with them because it was in Christ and shall be in you.
Verse 18 "I will come to you" (verse 3).
John 14:23 He told them he was going to the Father (verse 2).
John 4:21-24; 7:33-39; 14:26
John 14:27 Peace (verse 1).
Verse 28 Third time - "I go away and I will come to you."
Verse 29 Makes plan his coming is via the spirit not the end of the world.
Realignment
Proverbs 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Matthew 12:33 - 35 What is in your heart is in your life.
Mark 7:1-9 The temptation is to rearrange the outside without changing the inside which looks good but causes no effective change.
How do we guard the heart?
1. Have the right treasure
Matthew 6:19-21
Proverbs 23:5 and 6 Material things have wings.
2. Maintain a single eye
Matthew 6:22 and 23 When our eye is single (focused on one thing), we will see one thing. If our main focus is God and the things of God, then God will be in our lives and manifested from our lives.
Psalms 1:1-6 Read the Bible - read the entire book at least once in 2006.
3. Do not serve two masters
Matthew 6:24 We cannot serve God and the world. The devil gets people to think that they can. God wants our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. He wants undivided loyalty.
Ephesians 6:5 and 6
4. Seek the Kingdom of God first
Luke 12:13-34 God will care for you now and in the end.
THAT PROPHET
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 Moses' prophecy regarding that Prophet who was to be like him.
Moses was the mediator of the covenant. He received the information from God and communicated it to the people.
John 1:19-28 The priests and Levities thought John the Baptist was "that prophet."
John 6:14 Jesus is "that prophet."
Acts 3:19-23 Peter makes it very clear.
Acts 7:35ff Stephen tells us Jesus is that prophet.
Like Moses, Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant. He received the information from God and communicated it to the people.
John 3:34; 7:16; 8:28 and 29, 38; 12:49 and 50; 14:10, 24
Jesus spoke for God. Deuteronomy 18:18
Galatians 1:11 and 12 Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant.
Jesus was the last great prophet! Other prophets have followed, but none have added to the new covenant because Jesus is that prophet like unto Moses.
John 5:24 The words of the prophet Jesus give eternal life.
John 12:46-48 Moses said the rejecters of the prophet's words would be judged.
Who Is He?
Luke 1:31-33 Angel to Mary
Matthew 1:19-21 Angel to Joseph
Luke 2:8-11 Angel to shepherds
Luke 2:25-35 Simeon
Luke 2:36-38 Anna the prophetess
Matthew 2:5-7 Chief priests and scribes to Herod
Acts 3:17-26 All the Old Testament prophets spake and wrote regarding Jesus the Christ.
Where is he born King?
Matthew 2:1 "After" Jesus was born. This record of the magi occurred well over a year after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25; Luke 2:1-21). Herod killed all the children in Bethlehem from two years old and under (Matthew 2:16).
Herod the king. He was known historically as Herod the Great. He was an Idumaean (an Edomite). Many Idumaeans had converted to Judaism and Herod was considered Jewish by the Romans. He won favor of the Roman rulers Octavian and Mark Antony and around 40BC was given the title of King of Judea.
Magi from the east. The number of magi is never given. They are called magi, not kings.
Matthew 2:2 "Where is he born King of the Jews?" His star - What ever this star was, it signified to the Magi that the king of the Judeans had been born.
Matthew 2:3-4 Herod and the chief priests understood that the King of the Judeans was the Messiah.
Matthew 2:5-6 This Messiah or king would be the ruler over God's people and would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)
Matthew 2:7-10 The star was still in the sky.
Matthew 2:11 When the magi arrived they found a young child in a house. They presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and worshipped the king. Frankincense and myrrh were both aromatic resins used in perfumes & incense. Myrrh was one of the specific ingredients used in the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:23). Frankincense was one of the specific ingredients used in the perfume of the sanctuary (Exodus 30:34).
I Kings 10:9 and 10 When acknowledging Solomon as king over the throne of Israel the queen of Sheba brought gifts: of gold and spices.
Isaiah 60:1-6 Gentiles will bring gold & incense and show forth the praises of the LORD.
Psalm 72 A psalm about the coming king. Gifts will be presented to him and Gentile nations will bow before him.
The King has come!
The Destiny of the Messiah
Luke 1:26 Elizabeth's sixth month of pregnancy (v 24&36)
Gabriel also appears in Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19
Luke 1:11-20 "I am he who stands in the presence of God..."
Nazareth was a small unpopular town in Galilee that is never mentioned in the Old Testament or in any other historical document before Jesus was born. It is also possible that Nazareth had a bad reputation (John 1:46).
Luke 1:27 engagement (betrothal) was more formal and binding in their culture. Money changed hands between the parents to "purchase" the wife. After engagement was official, unfaithfulness was considered adultery and would result in divorce or stoning.
Luke 1:28 Gabriel said, "Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you."
The word translated "greetings" or "hail" means to be cheerful, to rejoice, especially as a salutation.
Luke 1:29 When was the last time an angel enthusiastically greeted you?
Luke 1:30 "Do not be afraid" (Daniel 8:17; Luke 1:12 and 13)
Luke 1:31 Jesus (Yeshua) means "Yahweh saves;" was a common name at the time (comparable to the modern name, Joshua).
Luke 1:32 He will be great (same as was said of John the Baptist in verse 15)
"He will be called" = "he will be"
The son of the Most High (I Chronicles 17:13)
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David (Ps 132:11; I Chr 17:14)
He will reign over the house of Jacob (Israel) forever = He is the One that for more than 1,000 years had been expected by the descendants of David
He is also the One who would undo the sin of Adam by crushing the serpent (Matthew 1:21; John 12:31; Romans 5:12,ff)
Kingdom will have no end (Daniel 2:44; 7:13 and 14).
Luke 1:34 She asked for clarification as to how it would happen
Luke 1:35 This son would be the special creation of God Himself through His creative influence and power, the holy spirit. Just like Adam, (God formed him from the dust) Jesus would be specially made by God without a human father.
Highly Exalted
John 3:34; 4:34; 5:19; 6:38; 12:49+50; 14:10; 17:8, 14 The Gospel of John clearly shows Jesus' willing subordination to God.
John 7:16-18; 8:49 and 50; 14:13; 15:8 All that Jesus did and said was aimed at glorifying God.
John 16:23-28 Our prayers are to the Father in his name.
John 5:19-32 Jesus makes clear His relationship with God. God is the Father and Jesus Christ is the Son. Two separate beings connected perfectly because of the willing subordination of the son to the Father.
Philippians 2:6-11 He humbled himself therefore God highly exalted him.
Ephesians 1:2+3 The Father, son relationship simply stated.
Ephesians 1:20-23 Jesus is far above all rule and authority. He is the head over all things to the church.
John 14:15-21 The spirit replaces the ascended Christ.
John 15:26 Jesus will send the spirit of truth which comes from the Father.
John 16:12-15 The spirit represents Christ to us, Christ represents God.
Acts 2:1-4 and 33 Jesus pours forth the spirit.
Acts 3:6-16 Peter heals through his name.
Acts 7:54-60 Stephen saw Jesus in heaven.
Acts 9:4-16 Jesus called Paul, as he did the apostles, to speak for him. An apostle is one under the authority of Christ sent on the mission to preach the gospel.
Acts 5:18-20 Angel of the Lord.
Acts 10:3 Angel of God.
Acts 12:7 Angel of the Lord.
The predominant way the believers were lead by the Lord was by the holy spirit.
Revelation 2:1 Jesus walks among the churches.
Acts 4:23-31 The believers prayed to God for they never mixed up that which their Lord Jesus taught regarding their relationship to God the Father and His son our Lord. The believers never prayed to Jesus, they never worshipped Jesus, they never sang praises to Jesus, they never generated a conversation with Jesus. They honored Jesus by obedience to his written commands and spirit leadings. Jesus always glorified God as did his disciples.
I Corinthians 15:20-28 The final conclusion.
Grace Inspires Gratitude
Grace - free and undeserved favor upon mankind. Some examples of grace manifested helps our understanding.
Genesis 6:8 Noah with God - grace realized triggers gratitude.
Genesis 19:19 Lot with the angel.
Genesis 32:5-15 Jacob dealing with Esau. (Grace acknowledged stimulates thanks.)
Genesis 39:1-4 Joseph with Potiphar.
Exodus 33:1-6, 12-23 Moses and God.
Grace used to sin sours life and fosters ingratitude.
Romans 3:10-18 God's description of humanity.
Verses 19-24 Justification as a gift by His grace.
Romans 4:1-4 Abraham is the example. Grace without faith and obedience cultivates selfishness and complaining.
Romans 4:13 - 5:2 Grace living fosters thanksgiving.
Romans 5:12-21 True grace believed and received inspires love for God and love for humanity.
Romans 6:1,ff Grace used as a license to sin ends with death.
Unwavering Conviction
Acts 16:1 Paul and Barnabas had evangelized those cities 2 or 3 years earlier. Timothy's mother and grandmother were believers. II Timothy 1:5
Acts 16:3 Paul's belief regarding circumcision, Galatians 5:6; 6:15 Why then did he circumcise Timothy, especially since he had the epistle from the Jerusalem council (Acts 15) in his pocket? I
Corinthians 9:19-23.
Paul and Timothy had willingness to bend on personal rights for the purpose of winning others yet they did not comprise their own beliefs.
Acts 16:7 Spirit of Jesus - "of Jesus" is not in the King James Bible because it is not in the Stephen's Greek text, however it is included in all the other Greek texts.
Holy Spirit Acts 16:6; Spirit of Jesus Acts 16:7; Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ Romans 8:9; Helper John 14:16; Spirit of truth John 4:17; 15:26; 16:13; Spirit of the Lord Acts 5:9, 8:39; Spirit of his son Galatians 4:6; holy spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13; Spirit of Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:19.
Jesus is the head of the church working with each member (Ephesians 1:22; Revelations 2:1)
Acts 16:10 Luke is included for the first time.
Verse 12 Philippi named after Philip II father of Alexander The Great.
Verse 13 No synagogue in Philippi.
Verse 15 Paul's first convert in Europe
Verse 22 It was not the only time that Paul was beaten with rods II Corinthians 11:25 states he was beaten three times.
Verse 25 The double discomfort of the beatings and the stocks was not intended to fill Paul and Silas with joy.
The Gospel of the Kingdom & the Cross
I. The KingdomPeace: no war (Isaiah 2:4) no violence (Isaiah 60:17-18) and the animals will no longer be violent (Isaiah 11:6-9)
Resurrected Body: no longer able to die (1Corinthians 15:52-54) it will be glorious like Jesus' resurrected body (Philippians 3:21)
Earth: the people of God will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) and it will be restored to paradise (Isaiah 41:18-19; Acts 3:21)
Fellowship: kingdom citizens will dwell with God (Rev 21:3-4) with Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and with the saints (Matt 8:11)
Ecstasy: there will no longer be pain, weeping, or suffering (Revelation 21:4) but there will be rejoicing, singing, and happiness (Isaiah 12:1-6)
Reigning: the saints assist in administering government and ministering to the people (Revelation 2:26-28; 5:9-10)
Justice: the wicked will be punished (Psalm 37:9, 22, 28, 34, 38) and the righteous will be rewarded (Jeremiah 33:15; Matt 16:27)
Obedience: people will no longer sin, rather they will obey God continuously (Ezekiel 11:18-20; Revelation 22:3)
Knowledge: everyone will know God even as they are known by God (Jeremiah 31:33-34; 1 Corinthians 13:12)
Everlasting: the kingdom will have no end (Revelation 22:5)
II. The Problem
Are you a good person? Let's see how you measure up to the standard as outlined in the Bible.
Clear commands from the Old Testament: worship Yahweh alone, do not blaspheme, honor your parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not lie, and do not be greedy. Exodus 20:1-17
Jesus says that if you are angry with your brother you are just as guilty as a murderer (Matthew 5:21-22) and that if you look at a woman with lust for her then you are an adulterer (Matt 5:27-28).
Have you committed even one of these crimes? If so you are guilty! What is the punishment that is just?
"The soul that sins shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4 and 20)
The rules established in the beginning (Genesis 2:16-17)
They were repeated by Paul (Rom 6:23) and James (James 1:15)
God is the judge (Deuteronomy 32:39-41)
Sin is treason, a violation, a crime, rebellion, an act of ingratitude, arrogant, defiant, and opposition against the One to whom we owe our existence. All sins are an affront
to God (Psalm 51:3-4). Even if the sin is committed against another person, He is offended. If He will be just then He cannot let sin go unpunished. Because He is good, he must not allow those who are not good to get away with it. Forget about entering the kingdom, you are lucky to live another day.
III. The Cross
Is God Just? Yes. If so, He must punish crimes. He cannot let them slide. Otherwise, He is simply not just. What if I told you that someone has volunteered to take your place and that God agreed to this substitution? How would that make you feel?
Romans 5:6-11; 1 Peter 1:21-25; Ephesians 2:1-13
Resolving Conflict
Matthew 5:20 The Pharisees were interested only on the external act in worship. If a man conformed to the external acts of religion, the envy, malice and secret hatred he might have was not important. Jesus taught the complete opposite.
Verses 23 and 24 It was of more consequence to have the heart right then to perform the outward act.
I John 2:8-11; 4:10 and 11; 4:19-21 If we do not love our spouse then our relationship with God is also tarnished.
Ephesians 4:25 and 26 Do not go to bed angry. Deal with things.
I Corinthians 13:1-3 Godly love is not an emotion or feeling, rather it is a deliberate choice to Obey God's Word above our own thoughts, feelings, emotions, or desires.
I Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is longsuffering - II Peter 3:9 and10; I Peter 3:20; Ephesians 4:1-3;
I Thessalonians 5: 14 and 15; James 5:7-9
Love is kind - Nehemiah 9:17; Romans 2:4; Titus 3:3-5; Ephesians 4:31 and 32 To be kind is a generous, sympathetic, considerate attitude toward others.
Love Envies Not - I Corinthians 1:1-17; 3:1-3
Love vaunteth not itself - I Corinthians 4:6 and 7; 8:1
Love is not unseemly or self-seeking - Philippians 2:2&3
Love is not provoked - Matthew 5:38 and 39
Love does not think evil - Romans 12:9; I Peter 3:8-12
Bears all things - I Corinthians 13:7; I Peter 4:8; Hebrews 12:2 and 3
Love never faileth - I Corinthians 13:8-13
The greatest of these is love!
Flee from Idolatry
Deuteronomy 10:12-21
Verse 20 "cling" is the same word used of a husband being joined to his wife.
We are to be joined with him, in heart!
Idolatry is excessive devotion to a person or thing other than God. God is to be first in our lives. If anything takes the place of our devotion which belongs to God, then this thing could be a source of idolatry in our heart
Matthew 6:24 You cannot serve two masters.
Idolatry keeps God from being first in our hearts.
Psalms 135:15-18
Jeremiah 10:2-15 This is God's opinion of idols.
There are clear warnings in Scripture about keeping ourselves from idolatry.
Little children, guard yourselves from idols (I John 5:21).
I Corinthians 10:1-14 Idolatry has always adversely affected God's people
In almost all cases, the root cause of God's people turning from God was some form of idolatry.
And we are warned to flee the same type of temptations that would also adversely affect our lives.
Ezekiel 20:5-8, 15 and 16 When Israel came to the point that they had the chance to enter the promised land, they were filled with unbelief. The root of their problem was the idolatry that still existed in their heart.
I Samuel 4:2-11 Although they seemingly wanted God, their hearts were after other gods. God cannot be fooled by men. He knows what is in the heart of a man. Israel had idolatry in their hearts (Judges 10:6 and 7).
I Samuel 5:1-12 God mocks the false gods of this world. I Samuel 7:3-9 The idolatry issue had to be resolved.
Verses 10-13 "Ebenezer" means "the stone of help."
Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5 Covetousness, evil desire, and greed amount to idolatry. Put this aside in your life. Consider it dead.
Look on the LORD
Psalms 46:10 Be still and know.
Psalms 89:11 God is owner and founder of the heavens and earth.
Verse 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
Psalms 36:5 and 6 He preserves all.
Psalms 93:4 The Lord on high is mighty.
Ephesians 3:20 and 21 He is able to do far more abundantly beyond.
Romans 11:33-36 His judgments are unsearchable and His ways unfathomable.
Exodus 34:6 and 7 Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger.
Psalms 86:5 and 15 Good and ready to forgive.
psalms 103:8 Compassionate and gracious.
Psalms 146:8 and 9 Gracious and Merciful.
Ephesians 1:3 Our God and Father.
I Peter 3:12 and 13 Eyes over, ears open.
Psalms 91:1-6 Long satisfying life and salvation.
Psalms 92:14 Fruitful in old age.
Psalms 90:10-12 Teach us to number our days.
Salvation
1. Israel looked for the same salvation as the church today
2. Salvation is still future
3. Live now looking for the day of salvation
Israel looked for the same salvation as the church.
Isaiah 25:6-9 The Kingdom of the Messiah and salvation were in the Jewish mind convertible terms.
Zephaniah 3:14-20 The prophets teach that salvation is a direct reference to the future when the Messiah rules on earth.
Romans 13:11-14 Salvation is nearer to us then when we first believed but it is still not here.
II Timothy 2:8-13; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 19:1-7
Ephesians 1:13 and 14 Today we have an earnest of our salvation.
The great salvation is still future; hence, the work of Christ is not yet completed. The solid foundation is indeed laid, the preparation work is progressing, but the time for the perfect realization of salvation has not yet arrived.
I Thessalonians 5:1,ff We are to live now with our future salvation in view.
Transformed Love
John 13:3 and 4 Jesus' loving service to others was not conditioned upon them.
John 3:35; 5:22-27; 17:2 Jesus knew God had given all things into his hands.
John 7:29 and 33; 8:42; 16:27 and 28 Jesus knew he came from God and went to God.
John 13:34 and 35 If we are to love like him we too must be secure in our relationship with God and free in our relationships with others.
Matthew 5:43 and 44 Reciprocal love is common. Christ expects much more from us.
Verses 45-48
I John 4:10 and 11; 18 and 19 We do not love to be loved. Rather, we love because we know that we are loved by God.
I Peter 1:3-5 We are to be secure in the eternal calling of God.
Ephesians 1:3 Secure in his blessing upon our lives.
When we are secure in God then the cursing of some poor soul who has made himself our enemy is not the least threatening or harmful to us.
Romans 6:3-11 Jesus held no negative, lie-based belief about God or himself. We are to be connected with him in newness of life.
Romans 12:2 Transformation happens by believing the truth in your heart.
Just Shall Live By Faith
Humanity's problem: Ephesians 2:1-3
- Dead in trespasses and sins
- Walked according to this age
- The devil dominates us
- Lived in the lusts of the flesh
- Children destined for God's wrath
God's solution: Ephesians 2:4-7
- Recipients of God's love and mercy
- Made alive together with Christ
- Raised up with Christ
- Seated with Christ
- Ages to come blessings
Ephesians 2:8-10 We are created to live a new life.
Ephesians 4:22-24 Put off the old; put on the new.
Colossians 3:1-17 Put on the new self.
Romans 1:16 and 17 We are to live with faith in the Gospel of Christ.
Galatians 1:1-11 The righteous man shall live by faith.
Hebrews 10:36-39 Christ is coming back; therefore, continue on living by faith.
Family Man
Ephesians 1:1-14 We are a part of God's purpose and blessing in Christ Jesus. We are to think of ourselves as is stated and we are to think of fellow saints in the same way.
God is our Father, Jesus is our Lord, we are in God's family.
Ephesians 1:22 and 23 Christ is the head. The church (ekklesia - called out) makes up the body.
I Corinthians 12:12-26 Vital members of the same body.
Ephesians 2:4-10 We are alive together with Christ. We are all connected with Christ.
Ephesians 2:19-22 Members of God's household, the dwelling place of God.
Ephesians 3:6 Fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, fellow partakers of the promise.
Ephesians 4:1-3 We have responsibility to God and to each other. The duty of Christians derives directly from the unspeakable debt of gratitude that they owe for all that they have received in Christ.
Verses 11-13 Paul's constant concern for the church was maturity.
Colossians 1:27-30
Ephesians 4:14-16 The church provides a loving and safe environment for the believers to mature. Maturity happens within a loving family.
Galatians 6:1-10 We help each other grow up in Him.
Solitude, dividedness, isolation are the tools of the devil to cause the church to be weak. We need to help each other grow up in Him.
Living Hope International Ministries
I Peter 1:3
Purpose: Glorify God
Isaiah 43:7,21; Ephesians 1:6,12,14
Mission: Evangelism and Discipleship
Matt 28:19&20;II Cor 5:18-20; II Pet 1:10&11
Motivation: Love of God
Matthew 22:38; John 13:34; I John 4:10
Goal: Kingdom of God
I Thessalonians 2:12
Function: Family of God
I Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 1:22&23; 4:15
I Peter 1:3 Living hope - energizing, motivating, influencing
Hebrews 12:1-3 Jesus was Hope-focused
Hebrews 6:19 Anchor of the soul
Hebrews 11:8-10,13-16 Abraham lived in tents because he was completely influenced by his Hope.
I Peter 1:4-9 Not capable of corruption; not polluted, stained, soiled, or defiled by sins or any other thing
I Peter 1:13-2:3 Keep on maturing in view of the living Hope.
SUPERNATURAL CHANGE
Acts 7:58-60 Paul was a participant in the stoning of Steven.
Acts 8:1-3 Paul actively and aggressively persecuted the Church.
Acts 22:19 and 20 He imprisoned and beat those who believed in Jesus.
Philippians 3:4-6 He conducted his life in a manner he thought to be pleasing to God.
Acts 9:1 and 2 Since the persecution effectively drove the Saints out of Jerusalem, Paul sought opportunity elsewhere to persecute the Church.
Verses 3-22 Paul saw Jesus Christ.
I Timothy 1:12 -17 Christian salvation is intended for sinners.
Paul occupied the first rank among sinners. There were none who surpassed him.
Ephesians 3:1-9 Paul was brought from murder to ministry.
Hebrews 13:8 If he did it for Paul, he can do it for you.
God's Judgment: Death, Hell & Hell Fire
Exodus 34:6-7a (NASB) God is a God of judgment.
The first judgment of God upon mankind occurred with Adam's original sin.
Romans 5:12 All men will die, due to this judgment of God.
I Corinthians 15:22 - " In Adam all die." Hebrews 9:27 - "man is appointed once to die."
What happens when a person dies? What is Hell?
(Hebrew = Sheol ) 31 times translated "grave;" 31 times translated "hell;" 3 times translated "pit."
(Greek = Hades ) 1 time translated "grave;" 10 times translated "hell."
Sheol and Hades simply mean "gravedom." It is the state of being of all those that have died. It is not the physical plot of land or the cemetery plot. But rather it is the place and state of being of the dead.
Psalm 6:5; Psalm 49:7-10, 14-15; 89:48; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
Jesus was in Sheol or Hades for 3 days and 3 nights, but it was not possible that the power of the grave could hold him (Acts 2:22-27).
Now this judgment of death and hell which is upon all mankind, has been redeemed through the work of Christ.
I Corinthians 15:21-23
Jesus spoke of this future resurrection of life at his coming (John 5:24-29).
Revelation 20:1-15 There are going to be two resurrections in the future - the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust. There will be 1000 years between these two resurrections, during which time Christ will reign in the millennial kingdom. At the end of the 1000 years, the devil, the unjust, death and hell will be thrown into the lake of fire and will be destroyed.
The second death is not gravedom, but the second death is the lake of fire.
Mark 9:45-47 (the word "hell" in these verses is the word gehenna).
Hebrew derived from two words:
Gah-ee=valley+Hinnom;(means:the valley of hinnom)
Jeremiah 19:1-15
Luke 12:4-5
Truth - God's Constant
Genesis 2:15-17 The beginning reveals the power, integrity, and truthfulness of God's Word.
Genesis 3:1 Although the ramifications of man's disobedience completely changed God's purpose for humanity and the world, God still remained true to His Word.
Exodus 34:6 and 7 Yahweh is abundant in truth.
Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Because He is the God of truth, He is always just and right.
Psalms 31:1-5 We can have trust, confidence and faith because He is always truthful.
Psalms 57:1-11 Our heart can be fixed upon the God of mercy and truth.
Psalms 86:14-17 Man gets proud and deceived, but not God.
Daniel 4:28-30 Lifted with pride, believing a lie, distant from the truth.
Verses 31-37 God allowed him to see the truth.
II Kings 6:15-18 God has a truth that He established, that He is fulfilling, that He will absolutely bring to pass.
Ezra 4:1-5 They were frustrated and discouraged.
Zechariah 3:1 and 2 When we are frustrated, discouraged, etc., we are believing some lie, not truth.
II Timothy 2:15; Psalms 19:7-14 The Word is truth.
John 1:17 Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 Jesus is the truth.
John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13 We have the spirit of truth.
Zechariah 3:3,ff
Isaiah 65:16-25; Zechariah 8:8 The God of truth will bring His Kingdom to pass
Conscious Choice
Luke 11:1 Lord, teach us to pray - ask for help; exercise your freewill.
Verses 5-8 Point of the story is to be persistent. Don't give up.
Verse 9 Asks - receives; seeks - finds; knocks - opens.
"Persistence" - continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition, or previous failure.
Verses 11-13 We can have faith that not only will God respond but He will do so with that which is good for us.
Matthew 20:29-34 We must be specific in our request.
John 14:13 and 14; 15:16;16:23 and 24 Asking is not optional; rather it is required.
James 4:1-10 We must exercise our will to want God's will.
You do not have because you do not ask.
When you ask you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives.
Ask according to God's will with godly motives.
SPEAK WELL OF GOD
BLESS GOD
I Samuel 17:26 David's attitude reflected God's attitude
17:31-37 David convinced Saul
17:41-47 David exalted God
I Chronicles 29:10-20 From the beginning to the end of his life, he blessed the Lord. "Blessed" is eulogeo
Psalms 145:1-21 David lived to bless the Lord
"Bless" is eulogeo - to speak well
MAGNIFY GOD:
II Samuel 7:18-29 Response to God's covenant with David. His heart was always to magnify God (I Chronicles 17:1-27)
Psalms 34:1-9 Magnify the Lord with me, exalt His name together
SPEAKING IN TONGUES
I Corinthians 14:14-17 S.I.T. Bless (eulogeo) speaks well of God
Acts 2:11; 10:46 Exalting or magnifying God
God Centered Worship
We are created for the purpose of worshiping God. Isaiah 43:7, 21
The worship of God is the purpose for the kingdom. Isaiah 60:21; 61:3
Broad or general usage of the word "worship":
Our English word, "worship," means worthship, denoting the worthiness of an individual to receive special honor in accordance with that worth. The principle biblical terms, the Hebrew saha and the Greek proskyneo emphasize the act of prostration, the doing of obeisance [bowing in respect](Wycliffe Dictionary of Theology).
- REVERE, REVERENCE, VENERATE, WORSHIP, ADORE mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully.
- REVERE stresses deference and tenderness of feeling .
- REVERENCE presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a corresponding depth of feeling in the one honoring .
- VENERATE implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age .
- WORSHIP implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony .
- ADORE implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment --Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary
(Scripture References: Genesis 18:2; 33:3; 49:8; 1 Samuel 25:23; 2 Samuel 14:2; 1 Kings 1:31; 2 Kings 4:32; Esther 8:3; Matthew 18:26; Revelation 3:9)
Narrow usage:
- Worship is "homage rendered to God which it is sinful (idolatry) to render to any created being. Such worship was refused by Peter (Acts 10:25 and 26) and by an angel (Revelations 22:8 and 9)" according to Easton's Revised Bible Dictionary.
- "No injury to God compares with the denial of his uniqueness and the transfer to another of the recognition due to him. In this light must be understood his references to himself as a jealous God" - Wycliffe Dictionary of Theology.
- God is Jealous: Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9
- Jesus' teaching on worship: John 4:19-24; Matthew 4:8-10
Worship should be God focused not self-focused(Rev 4:1-11; 7:9-12; 14:6-7; 15:1-4).
In order to adore, reverence, venerate, and worship Yahweh we must know Who He is and what He has done (Psalms 95-99).
Acts 3 and 4
Acts 3:1 Ninth hour - 3 p.m. They were no longer hiding for fear of the Jews (John 20:19).
Verse 3 Seems Peter and John are seeking opportunity to speak the Gospel.
Verse 4 Peter began walking as his Lord in confidence and the power of God.
Verse 6 Peter was given the authority to use the name of Jesus Christ.
Verses 8 and 9 God, not man, was praised.
Verses 12-16 Peter knew the healing was because of Christ, and he made sure that God was glorified by deferring any attention from himself. Peter's denials (1) John 18:15-18; (2) Matthew 26:69 and 70; (3) Luke 22:58; (4) Matthew 26:71 and 72; Mark 14:69 and 70; (5) Matthew 26:73 and 74; (6) Luke 22:59 and 60; John 18:26 and 28
Acts 3:14 and 15 Peter was not concerned about offending people, rather in helping them to repent.
Verse 16 Power is in the name of Jesus Christ
Verses 17-19 The forgiveness of God was offered to the very people who demanded the death of Christ.
Verse 21 K.J.V. - "restitution;" N.A.S.B - "restoration"
Verses 22-26 The prophets wrote the Old Testament which sets the foundation for the New.
Acts 4:6 Annas and Caiaphas were the two men responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.
Verse 12 Peter experienced a significant change in his life.
Verse 13 The confidence came with the holy spirit.
Verse 20 The command of God was for them, and us, to repent.
Verse 31 The power of prayer realized.
Pentecost
After Jesus Christ's resurrection he was seen alive on earth in his resurrected body for 40 days. At that time he ascended into heaven and sat down on the right hand of God. After his ascension the disciples waited in Jerusalem for 10 days until the day of Pentecost at which time the holy spirit came upon the 12 apostles and the great movement of the First Century church began.
Before his death, at the last supper, Jesus talked with his disciples about the spirit that would come after his departure (John 14:12-20, 26; 15:26; 16:5-7, 13).
After Jesus was raised from the dead he told his disciples about what was going to happen (Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:1-11).
- Endued with Power From on High
- The Promise of the Father
- Baptized with the holy spirit
- Ye shall receive power
Acts 2:1-7
Acts 2:11 NASB
"...we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God."
Acts 2:12-21
This was a fulfillment of the words of the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32). The context of Joel chapter two is dealing with coming day of the Lord. The chapter ends with these words as to what will occur at the end of this age. Pentecost was the beginning of the last days. We are in the last days (I Timothy 4:1; II Timothy 3:1-7; I John 2:18).
Acts 2:37-39
This promise of the holy spirit is to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God should call. The spirit and the gifts of God are here, just as our Lord had said, until he returns from his place in heaven (Matthew 28:20; Acts 3:19-21; I Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:8-13).
Contentment or Covetousness
James 1:2 and 3 Temptation is the means by which faith can be purified of any impurity, and thereby strengthened. Temptation's design is to lure you away from faith. But with the right response, it can be the very thing to strengthen our faith. Therefore we count it all joy.
When tempted you must go to God for His help.
Verse 4 "Patience" means steadfastness, fortitude, staying power, heroic endurance.
Temptations to sin are disguised with the lie of fulfillment of something. That which satisfies the soul of man is believing, not sin.
Wanting nothing (contentment); temptation is based on want. God will relieve the "wants."
Hebrews 13:5 "Covetousness" inordinate desire for wealth or possessions, or another's possessions.
I Timothy 6:1 Show proper respect to your boss
Ephesians 6:5-9
I Timothy 6:2 and 3 "Godliness" means godly state or quality, conformity to the will of God, piety
Verse 4 Doting about questions - morbid interest in controversial questions
Philippians 4:10-12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity
Verses 13-19 God supplies all our needs.
