We Must Hear The Word Isaiah 1:10 and Jeremiah 7:1-2
Isaiah 1:10 Listen to the Lord, you leaders of “Sodom.” Listen to the law of our God, people of “Gomorrah.”
Jeremiah 7:1-2
1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said,
2 “Go to the entrance of the Lord’s Temple, and give this message to the people: ‘O Judah, listen to this message from the Lord! Listen to it, all of you who worship here!
We Must Understand The Word Matthew 13:23
Matthew 13:23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
We Must Accept The Word Mark 4:20: Acts 2:41 and I Thessalonians 2:13
Mark 4:20 And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
I Thessalonians 2:13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
We Must Hide The Word In Our Hearts Psalms 119:11
Psalms 119:11 have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
We Must Retain The Word Luke 8:15
Luke 8:15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
We Must Let The Word Dwell In Us Colossians 3:16
Colossians 3:16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
We Must Trust In The Word Psalms 119:42
Psalms 119:42 Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
We Must Hope In The Word Psalms 119:74, 81, 114 and Psalms 130:5
Psalms 119:74, 81, 114
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
81 am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
Psalms 130:5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
We Must Praise The Word Psalms 56:4,10
Psalms 56:4,10
4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
10 I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
We Must Live According To The Word Psalms 119:9
Psalms 119:9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
We Must Obey The Word Psalms 119:17, 67 and James 1:22-24
Psalms 119:17, 67
17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
James 1:22-24
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
We Must Handle The Word Correctly 2 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 2:15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
We Must Preach The Word Acts 8:4
Acts 8:4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Characteristics of God's Word
It is Reliable 2 Samuel 7:28
2 Samuel 7:28 For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
It is True I King 17:24 and John 17:17
I King 17:24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
John 17:17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
It is Flawless Proverbs 30:5
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
It is Alive and Active Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
It is Eternal Psalms 119:89
Psalms 119:89 Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven.
It Endures Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18 and Matthew 24:35
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
2 Samuel 7:28 For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
It is True I King 17:24 and John 17:17
I King 17:24 Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
John 17:17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
It is Flawless Proverbs 30:5
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
It is Alive and Active Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
It is Eternal Psalms 119:89
Psalms 119:89 Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven.
It Endures Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18 and Matthew 24:35
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Matthew 5:18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
It Will Not Return Empty Isaiah 55:11
Isaiah 55:11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
What Power Does The Word of God Have?
The Power to Create Psalms 33:6; Hebrews 11:3 and 2 Peter 3:5
Psalms 33:6 The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
2 Peter 3:5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.
The Power to Sustain All of Creation Psalms 147:15-18 and Hebrews 1:3
Psalms 147:15-18
15 He sends his orders to the world—how swiftly his word flies!
16 He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
17 He hurls the hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold?
18 Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
Hebrews 1:3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
The Power to Heal Psalms 107:20 and Matthew 8:8
Psalms 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.
Matthew 8:8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.
The Power to Judge Our Hearts Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
The Power of Give Us New Birth James 1:18 and I Peter 1:23
James 1:18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
I Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
The Power to Lead Us to Faith Romans 10:17
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
The Power to Save Us 2 Timothy 3:15
2 Timothy 3:15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
The Power to Make Us Holy Ephesians 5:26
Ephesians 5:26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
The Power to Fight Against Satan Ephesians 6:17 and Revelation 19:13-15
Ephesians 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Revelation 19:13-15
13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.
14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.
From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will 15 release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
The Power to Destroy the World 2 Peter 3:7
2 Peter 3:7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
Psalms 33:6 The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
2 Peter 3:5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.
The Power to Sustain All of Creation Psalms 147:15-18 and Hebrews 1:3
Psalms 147:15-18
15 He sends his orders to the world—how swiftly his word flies!
16 He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
17 He hurls the hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold?
18 Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
Hebrews 1:3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
The Power to Heal Psalms 107:20 and Matthew 8:8
Psalms 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.
Matthew 8:8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.
The Power to Judge Our Hearts Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
The Power of Give Us New Birth James 1:18 and I Peter 1:23
James 1:18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
I Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
The Power to Lead Us to Faith Romans 10:17
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
The Power to Save Us 2 Timothy 3:15
2 Timothy 3:15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
The Power to Make Us Holy Ephesians 5:26
Ephesians 5:26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
The Power to Fight Against Satan Ephesians 6:17 and Revelation 19:13-15
Ephesians 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Revelation 19:13-15
13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.
14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.
From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will 15 release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress.
The Power to Destroy the World 2 Peter 3:7
2 Peter 3:7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.
Spiritual Blessings Given to Us
General Statement
John 1:16-17; I Corinthians 9:23 and Ephesians 1:3
John 1:16-17
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 9:23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
God's Favor and Grace Psalms 5:12
Psalms 5:12 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
Forgiveness of Sins Psalms 32:1-2 and Romans 4:7-8
Psalms 32:1-2
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Romans 4:7-8
7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Salvation Romans 10:12-13
Romans 10:12-13
12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Being Part of God's People Romans 15:27
Romans 15:27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
Eternal Joy Psalms 21:6
Psalms 21:6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.
Spiritual Strength and Peace Psalms 29:11
Psalms 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
Having God as a Shepherd Psalms 28:9
Psalms 28:9 Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.
John 1:16-17; I Corinthians 9:23 and Ephesians 1:3
John 1:16-17
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 9:23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
God's Favor and Grace Psalms 5:12
Psalms 5:12 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
Forgiveness of Sins Psalms 32:1-2 and Romans 4:7-8
Psalms 32:1-2
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Romans 4:7-8
7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Salvation Romans 10:12-13
Romans 10:12-13
12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Being Part of God's People Romans 15:27
Romans 15:27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
Eternal Joy Psalms 21:6
Psalms 21:6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.
Spiritual Strength and Peace Psalms 29:11
Psalms 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
Having God as a Shepherd Psalms 28:9
Psalms 28:9 Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
God's Will For His People Concerning Hypocrisy
He Wants Us to Avoid Hypocrites 2 Timothy 3:5
5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
He Warns Us Against Hypocrisy I Peter 2:1
1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.
He Wants Us to Express Our Faith by Works James 2:14-17 and I John 3:17-19
James 2:14-17
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing,
16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
I John 3:17-19
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.
He Wants Us to Show Genuine Love Romans 12:9 and I Peter :22
Romans 12:9
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
I Peter 1:22
22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
He Wants Us to Exercise a Sincere Faith I Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:5
I Timothy 1:5
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
2 Timothy 1:5
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
He Warns Us Against Hypocrisy I Peter 2:1
1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.
He Wants Us to Express Our Faith by Works James 2:14-17 and I John 3:17-19
James 2:14-17
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing,
16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
I John 3:17-19
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.
He Wants Us to Show Genuine Love Romans 12:9 and I Peter :22
Romans 12:9
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
I Peter 1:22
22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.
He Wants Us to Exercise a Sincere Faith I Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:5
I Timothy 1:5
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
2 Timothy 1:5
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Description of Hypocrisy
Displaying Religion With no Love for God
Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 6:2-6, 16-18 and Matthew 23:5-7
Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.
Matthew 6:2-6
2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
16-18
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Matthew 23:5-7
5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.
6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.
7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called Rabbi.’
Claiming Love for God, Mistreating Others
Mark 12:38-40; I John 3:17 and I John 4:20
Mark 12:38-40
38 Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.
39 And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.
40 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”
I John 3:17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
I John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
Not Practicing What One Preaches
Matthew 23:3 and Romans 2:17-24
Matthew 23:3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Romans 2:17-24
17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him.
18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.
19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness.
20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?
22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?
23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
Sticking Only to the Letter of the Law
Matthew 23:16-23 and Luke 13:15-16
Matthew 23:16-23
16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’
17 Blind fools! Which is more important—the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred?
18 And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding.
19 How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
20 When you swear ‘by the altar,’ you are swearing by it and by everything on it.
21 And when you swear ‘by the Temple,’ you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it.
22 And when you swear ‘by heaven,’ you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne.
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Luke 13:15-16
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water?
16 This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”
Criticizing Another for One's Own Sins
Matthew 7:3-5 and Mark 7:6-13
Matthew 7:3-5
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
Mark 7:6-13
6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
7 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’
8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”
9 Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.
10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’
11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’
12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents.
13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”
Being Outwardly Beautiful but Inwardly Rotten
Matthew 23:27-28
27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.
28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Having Only an Outward Form of Godliness
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 and 2 Timothy 3:5
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
2 Timothy 3:5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Lying to Make Oneself Look Good
Acts 5:1-10
1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property.
2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.
4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”
5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.
6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 6:2-6, 16-18 and Matthew 23:5-7
Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.
Matthew 6:2-6
2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
16-18
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Matthew 23:5-7
5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.
6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.
7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called Rabbi.’
Claiming Love for God, Mistreating Others
Mark 12:38-40; I John 3:17 and I John 4:20
Mark 12:38-40
38 Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.
39 And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.
40 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”
I John 3:17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
I John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
Not Practicing What One Preaches
Matthew 23:3 and Romans 2:17-24
Matthew 23:3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Romans 2:17-24
17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him.
18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.
19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness.
20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?
22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?
23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
Sticking Only to the Letter of the Law
Matthew 23:16-23 and Luke 13:15-16
Matthew 23:16-23
16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’
17 Blind fools! Which is more important—the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred?
18 And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding.
19 How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
20 When you swear ‘by the altar,’ you are swearing by it and by everything on it.
21 And when you swear ‘by the Temple,’ you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it.
22 And when you swear ‘by heaven,’ you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne.
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Luke 13:15-16
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water?
16 This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?”
Criticizing Another for One's Own Sins
Matthew 7:3-5 and Mark 7:6-13
Matthew 7:3-5
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
Mark 7:6-13
6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
7 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’
8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”
9 Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.
10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’
11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’
12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents.
13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”
Being Outwardly Beautiful but Inwardly Rotten
Matthew 23:27-28
27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.
28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Having Only an Outward Form of Godliness
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 and 2 Timothy 3:5
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
2 Timothy 3:5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Lying to Make Oneself Look Good
Acts 5:1-10
1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property.
2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.
4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”
5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.
6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
God's Reaction to Hypocrites
He Is Anger With Them Luke 13:14-15
14 But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water?
He Has No Reward for Them Matthew 6:2,5,16
2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
He Pronounces Woe to Them Matthew 23:13-16, 23-29
13-14 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.
15 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!
16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
24 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!
25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!
26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.
27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.
28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, and you decorate the monuments of the godly people your ancestors destroyed.
He Has Punishment in Store for Them Luke 20:46-47
46 “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.
47 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”
He Condemns Them to Hell Matthew 23:33
33 Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?
14 But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”
15 But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall on the Sabbath and lead it out for water?
He Has No Reward for Them Matthew 6:2,5,16
2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
He Pronounces Woe to Them Matthew 23:13-16, 23-29
13-14 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.
15 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn that person into twice the child of hell you yourselves are!
16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
24 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!
25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!
26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.
27 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity.
28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed, and you decorate the monuments of the godly people your ancestors destroyed.
He Has Punishment in Store for Them Luke 20:46-47
46 “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets.
47 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”
He Condemns Them to Hell Matthew 23:33
33 Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?
Monday, December 31, 2012
I Am A Child Of God (40 Confessions)
1. A child of God (Romans
8:16)
2. Redeemed from the hand of the
enemy (Psalms 107:2
3. Forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14)
4. Saved by grace through faith
(Ephesians 2:8)
5. Justified (Romans 5:1)
6. Santified (1 Corinthians 1:2)
7. A new creature (2 Corinthians
5:17)
8. Partaker of God's divine nature (2
Peter 1:4)
9. Redeemed from the curse ofthe law
(Galatians 3:13)
10. Delivered from the powers of
darkness (Colossians 1:13)
11. Led by the Spirit of God (Romans
8:14)
12. A son of God (Romans 8:14)
13. Kept in safety wherever I go
(Psalms 91:11)
14. Getting all my neds met by Jesus
(Philippians 4:19)
15. Casting all my cares on Jesus (1
Peter 5:7)
16. Strong in the Lord and in the
power of His might (Ephesians 6:10) 17. Doing all things through Christ who
strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) 18. An heir of God and a joint heir with
Jesus (Romans 8:17)
19. An heir to the blessing of
Abraham (Galatians 3:13-14)
20. Observing and doing the Lord's
commandments (Deuteronomy 28:12) 21. Blessed coming in and blessed going out
(Deuteronomy 28:6)
22. An heir of eternal life (1 ohn
5:11-12)
23. Blessed with all spiritual
blessings (Epheisans 1:3)
24. Healed by Jesus stripes (1 Peter
2:24)
25. Exercising my authority over the
enemy (Luke 10:19)
26. Above only and not beneath
(Deuteronomy 28:13)
27. More than a conqueror (Romans
8:37)
28. Establishing God's Word here on
earth (Matthew 16:19)
29. An overcomer by the blood of the
Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11) 30. Daily overcoming the
devil (1 John4:4)
31. Not moved by what I see (2
Corithians 4:18)
32. Walking by faith and not by sight
(2 Corinthians 5:7)
33. Casting down vain imaginations (2
Corinthians 10:4-5)
34. Bringing every thought into
captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5)
35. Being transformed by renewing my
mind (Romans 12:1-2)
36. A laborer together with God (1
Corinthians 3:9)
37. The righteousness of God in
Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)
38. An imitator of Jesus (Ephesians
5:1)
39. The light of the world (Matthew
5:14)
40. Blessing the Lord at all times
and continually praising Him with my mouth (Psalms 34:1).. Berlinda Boyd is
typing ....
The Benefits of Hope
It Causes Us to Praise God Psalms 71:14
14 But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.
It Causes Us to Rejoice Romans 5:2 and Romans 12:12
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Romans 12:12
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
It Renews Our Strength Isaiah 40:31
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
It Inspires Us to a Life of Purity I John 3:3
3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
It Inspires Us to Persevere I Thessalonians 1:3
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It Cures the Downcast Soul Psalms 42:5,11 and Lamentations 3:20-21
Psalms 42:5,11
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
It Will Never Disappoint Us Isaiah 49:23 and Romans 5:5
Isaiah 49:23
23 Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. They will bow to the earth before you
Our Hope is Like a Stabilizing Anchor Hebrews 6:18-19
18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Therefore We Should Defend Our Hope I Peter 3:15
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
14 But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.
It Causes Us to Rejoice Romans 5:2 and Romans 12:12
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Romans 12:12
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
It Renews Our Strength Isaiah 40:31
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
It Inspires Us to a Life of Purity I John 3:3
3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
It Inspires Us to Persevere I Thessalonians 1:3
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It Cures the Downcast Soul Psalms 42:5,11 and Lamentations 3:20-21
Psalms 42:5,11
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
my Savior and
11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Lamentations 3:20-21
20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.
21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
Isaiah 49:23
23 Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. They will bow to the earth before you
and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Those who trust in me will never be put to shame.”
Romans 5:5
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Therefore We Should Defend Our Hope I Peter 3:15
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Hope in the Christian Life and the Choices We Face
Hope in Humans or in God Psalms 33:16-19
Hope in the Riches or in God I Timothy 6:17
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Without God, There Is No Hope Ephesians 2:12
12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.
17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you.
18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.
Hope in the Riches or in God I Timothy 6:17
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Without God, There Is No Hope Ephesians 2:12
12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Life By The Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)NIV
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you arfe not under the law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like, I warned you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you arfe not under the law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like, I warned you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
A Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 6:43-45) NIV
43 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thronbushes, or grapes from briers.
45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thronbushes, or grapes from briers.
45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
In Whom and What Do We Hope?
In God (Psalms 42-5,11; Psalms 130:7 and I Timothy 6:17)
Psalms 42-5,11
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
my Savior and
11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Psalms 130:7
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.
I Timothy 6:17
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
In Jesus Christ (Romans 15:12; I Corinthians 15:19; Ephesians 1:12 ;and Philippians 2:19)
Romans 15:12
12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.”
I Corinthians 15:19
19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
Ephesians 1:12
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
Philippians 2:19
19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.
In the Name of God (Psalms 52:9)
9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.
In the Word of God (Psalms 119:74 and Psalms 130:5)
Psalms 119:74
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
Psalms 130:5
5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
In the Promises of God (Acts 26:6)
6 Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors.
In The Resurrection of the Dead (Acts 23:6)
6 Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”
Psalms 42-5,11
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
my Savior and
11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Psalms 130:7
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.
I Timothy 6:17
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
In Jesus Christ (Romans 15:12; I Corinthians 15:19; Ephesians 1:12 ;and Philippians 2:19)
Romans 15:12
12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.”
I Corinthians 15:19
19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
Ephesians 1:12
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
Philippians 2:19
19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along.
In the Name of God (Psalms 52:9)
9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.
In the Word of God (Psalms 119:74 and Psalms 130:5)
Psalms 119:74
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
Psalms 130:5
5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
In the Promises of God (Acts 26:6)
6 Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God’s promise made to our ancestors.
In The Resurrection of the Dead (Acts 23:6)
6 Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”
What Is Hope Linked Too?
It Is Linked With Faith (I Corinthians 13:13 and Hebrews 11:1)
I Corinthians 13:13
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Hebrews 11:1
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
It Is Linked With Trust (Psalms 33:20-21 and Romans 15:13)
Psalms 33:20-21
20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Romans 15:13
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
It Is Linked With Expectation (Romans 4:18-19 and Titus 1:2)
Romans 4:18-19
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”
19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
Titus 1:2
2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.
I Corinthians 13:13
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Hebrews 11:1
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
It Is Linked With Trust (Psalms 33:20-21 and Romans 15:13)
Psalms 33:20-21
20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Romans 15:13
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
It Is Linked With Expectation (Romans 4:18-19 and Titus 1:2)
Romans 4:18-19
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”
19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
Titus 1:2
2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Holy Spirit in the Life of an Individual (Continued)
He Enables Us to Find the Truth (I John 4:1-6)
1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.
3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.
6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
He Gives Us Joy and Peace (Romans 14:17)
17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
He Draws Us Into Fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14 and Philippians 2:1)
2 Corinthians 13:14
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Philippians 2:1
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
He Enables Us to Live the Christian Life (Romans 8:5-9)
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.
8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
He Works His Fruit in Us (Galatians 5:16-25)
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
He Sanctifies Us (Romans 15:16 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Romans 15:16
16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth.
He Gives Us Gifts (I Corinthians 12:4-11)
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.
5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.
6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
He Gives Us His Sword to Fight Satan (Ephesians 6:17)
17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
He Prays for Us in Times of Crisis (Romans 8:26)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
He Will Raise Us From the Dead (Romans 8:11)
11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.
3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.
6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
He Encourages Us (Acts 9:31)
31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.
He Controls Us (Romans 8:9)
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
He Gives Us Joy and Peace (Romans 14:17)
17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
He Draws Us Into Fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14 and Philippians 2:1)
2 Corinthians 13:14
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Philippians 2:1
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
He Enables Us to Live the Christian Life (Romans 8:5-9)
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.
8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
He Works His Fruit in Us (Galatians 5:16-25)
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
He Sanctifies Us (Romans 15:16 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Romans 15:16
16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth.
He Gives Us Gifts (I Corinthians 12:4-11)
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.
5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.
6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
He Gives Us His Sword to Fight Satan (Ephesians 6:17)
17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
He Prays for Us in Times of Crisis (Romans 8:26)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
He Will Raise Us From the Dead (Romans 8:11)
11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The Holy Spirit in the Life of an Individual
The Spirit Dwells in Us (John 14:16-17: Romans 8:11 and I Corinthians 6:19)
John 14:16-17
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
Romans 8:11
11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
I Corinthians 6:19
19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
He Convicts Us of Sin (John 16:7-11)
7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.
10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.
11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
He Gives Us New Life (John 3:5-6 and Titus 3:5)
John 3:5-6
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit
6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
Titus 3:5
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
He Makes Realize God's Love (Romans 5:5)
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
He Gives Us Power to Witness (Acts 1:8 and Acts 6:9-10)
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 6:9-10
9 But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia.
10 None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.
He Teaches Us What to Say (Luke 12:12)
12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
He Reveals God's Secrets to Us (I Corinthians 2:10-16)
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.
11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.
12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.
15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.
16 For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
He Brings Christ's Presence to Us (John 14:16-18)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
He Keeps Us in Touch With God (Romans 8:26 and Jude 20)
Romans 8:26
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
Jude 20
20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,
He Teaches Us About Christ (John 14:26 and John 15:26)
John 14:26
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
John 15:26
26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.
The Holy Spirit In the Church
The Spirit Came at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)
1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.
2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
He Dwells in the Church (I Corinthians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 2:22)
I Corinthians 3:16-17
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Ephesians 2:22
22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
He Appoints Officers for the Church (Acts 20:28)
28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.
He Directs Decisions of the Church (Acts 15:28)
28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:
He Chooses Missionaries (Acts 13:4)
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
He Directs the Mission Enterprise (Acts 8:29, 39 and Acts 16:6-7)
Acts 8:29, 39
29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.
Acts 16:6-7
6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.
7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.
1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.
2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.
3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.
4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
He Dwells in the Church (I Corinthians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 2:22)
I Corinthians 3:16-17
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Ephesians 2:22
22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
He Appoints Officers for the Church (Acts 20:28)
28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.
He Directs Decisions of the Church (Acts 15:28)
28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:
He Chooses Missionaries (Acts 13:4)
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
He Directs the Mission Enterprise (Acts 8:29, 39 and Acts 16:6-7)
Acts 8:29, 39
29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.
Acts 16:6-7
6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.
7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Holy Spirit's Work
Involved in Creation (Genesis 1:2)
2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Gave Life to God's Creatures (Psalms 104:30)
30 When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
Guided God's People (Isaiah 63:11-13)
11 Then they remembered those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt. They cried out, "Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit to be among his people?
12 Where is the one whose power was displayed when Moses lifted up his hand—the one who divided the sea before them, making himself famous forever?
13 Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea? They were like fine stallions racing through the desert, never stumbling.
Instructed God's People (Nehemiah 9:20)
20 You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst.
Led God's People in the Right Way (Psalms 143:10)
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Inspired God's People to do Right (Psalms 51:10-22)
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Admonished God's People (Nehemiah 9:30)
30 In your love, you were patient with them for many years. You sent your Spirit, who warned them through the prophets. But still they wouldn’t listen! So once again you allowed the peoples of the land to conquer them.
Reacted to Human Evil (Genesis 6:3)
3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”
Gave Artistic Ability to Individuals (Exodus 31:2-3)
2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.
Gave His Power to Israel's Leaders (Judges 6:34, I Samuel 16:13 and Zechariah 4:6)
Judges 6:34
34 Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram’s horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him.
I Samuel 16:13
13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.
Zechariah 4:6
6 Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Lived Among God's People (Haggai 2:5)
5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’
Inspired the Prophets (Numbers 11:29, Micah 3:8, Zechariah 7:12 and 2 Peter 1:21)
Numbers 11:29
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!”
Micah 3:8
8 But as for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength
to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.Zechariah 7:12
12 They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear the instructions or the messages that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent them by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. That is why the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was so angry with them.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,
21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
Spoke Through the Psalmists (2 Samuel 23:2, Acts 1:16, 20 and Hebrews 3:7-11)
2 Samuel 23:2
2 The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue.
Acts 1:16, 20
16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.
20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’
Hebrews 3:7-11
7 That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice,
2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
Gave Life to God's Creatures (Psalms 104:30)
30 When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth.
Guided God's People (Isaiah 63:11-13)
11 Then they remembered those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt. They cried out, "Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit to be among his people?
12 Where is the one whose power was displayed when Moses lifted up his hand—the one who divided the sea before them, making himself famous forever?
13 Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea? They were like fine stallions racing through the desert, never stumbling.
Instructed God's People (Nehemiah 9:20)
20 You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst.
Led God's People in the Right Way (Psalms 143:10)
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Inspired God's People to do Right (Psalms 51:10-22)
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
18 Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
18 Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.
30 In your love, you were patient with them for many years. You sent your Spirit, who warned them through the prophets. But still they wouldn’t listen! So once again you allowed the peoples of the land to conquer them.
Reacted to Human Evil (Genesis 6:3)
3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”
Gave Artistic Ability to Individuals (Exodus 31:2-3)
2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.
Gave His Power to Israel's Leaders (Judges 6:34, I Samuel 16:13 and Zechariah 4:6)
Judges 6:34
34 Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram’s horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him.
I Samuel 16:13
13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.
Zechariah 4:6
6 Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Lived Among God's People (Haggai 2:5)
5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’
Inspired the Prophets (Numbers 11:29, Micah 3:8, Zechariah 7:12 and 2 Peter 1:21)
Numbers 11:29
29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!”
Micah 3:8
8 But as for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength
to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.Zechariah 7:12
12 They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear the instructions or the messages that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies had sent them by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. That is why the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was so angry with them.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,
21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
Spoke Through the Psalmists (2 Samuel 23:2, Acts 1:16, 20 and Hebrews 3:7-11)
2 Samuel 23:2
2 The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue.
Acts 1:16, 20
16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.
20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’
Hebrews 3:7-11
7 That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice,
8 don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness.
9 There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years.
10 So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’
11 So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’”
9 There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years.
10 So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’
11 So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’”
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Holy Spirit As A Person
He Teaches (John 14:26)
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
He Hears and Speaks (John 16:13)
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
He Testifies About Christ (John 15:26)
26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.
He Encourages (Acts 9:31)
31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.
He Counsels (John 14:16)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
He Convicts People of Sin (John 16:8)
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
He Prays For Us (Romans 8:27)
27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
He Sends People Out (Acts 13:4)
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
He Experiences Grief (Ephesians 4:30)
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
He Can Be Resisted (Acts 7:51)
51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!
He Can Be Tested (Acts 5:9)
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
He Hears and Speaks (John 16:13)
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
He Testifies About Christ (John 15:26)
26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.
He Encourages (Acts 9:31)
31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.
He Counsels (John 14:16)
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
He Convicts People of Sin (John 16:8)
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
He Prays For Us (Romans 8:27)
27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
He Sends People Out (Acts 13:4)
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
He Experiences Grief (Ephesians 4:30)
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
He Can Be Resisted (Acts 7:51)
51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!
He Can Be Tested (Acts 5:9)
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.”
Monday, December 3, 2012
What Does Spiritual Birth Result In
Salvation And New Life ......Titus 3:5
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Entrance Into God's Kingdom.....John 3:3
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Being A New Creation......2 Corinthians 5:7 and Ephesians 4:24
2 Corinthians 5:7
7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
Ephesians 4:24
24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Victory Over a Sinful Life....Romans 6:4-7, I John 3:9, I John 5:4, 18
Romans 6:4-7
I John 3:9
9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
I John 5:4, 18
4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
Ability To Do What Is Right....I John 2:29
29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.
Ability To Love One Another.... I John 4:7
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
Safety From The Evil One....I John 5:18
18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Entrance Into God's Kingdom.....John 3:3
3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Being A New Creation......2 Corinthians 5:7 and Ephesians 4:24
2 Corinthians 5:7
7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
Ephesians 4:24
24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Victory Over a Sinful Life....Romans 6:4-7, I John 3:9, I John 5:4, 18
Romans 6:4-7
4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.
6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.
7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
I John 3:9
9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
I John 5:4, 18
4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
Ability To Do What Is Right....I John 2:29
29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.
Ability To Love One Another.... I John 4:7
7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
Safety From The Evil One....I John 5:18
18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
How Does Spiritual Birth Take Place?
By A Decision of God (John 1:13)
13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
By A Decision of Jesus, The Son of God (John 5:21)
21 For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants.
By An Act of God Through Christ (Colossians 2:13)
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
By The Holy Spirit (John 3:6 and Titus 3:5)
John 3:6
6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
Titus 3:5
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Through The Word of God (James 1:18 and I Peter 1:23)
James 1:18
18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
I Peter 1:23
23 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
(I John 5:1)
1 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
By A Decision of Jesus, The Son of God (John 5:21)
21 For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants.
By An Act of God Through Christ (Colossians 2:13)
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
By The Holy Spirit (John 3:6 and Titus 3:5)
John 3:6
6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
Titus 3:5
5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
Through The Word of God (James 1:18 and I Peter 1:23)
James 1:18
18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
I Peter 1:23
23 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
(I John 5:1)
1 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
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