TOPICAL BIBLE STUDIES
ARCHIVE E
These outlines are intended as "teaching guides" to the study
of any particular topic. The outlines may leave many unanswered questions
as to details since those details would be answered in the process of teaching
from the scripture references provided. In addition, there may be vocabulary
references and subject references that are unfamiliar. Hopefully before
too long, all the necessary topics will be available to provide a balanced
and complete theology.
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Index
24 Elders
ELIJAH, Enoch, Moses
ENOCH, Moses and Elijah
EVANGELISM DURING THE TRIBULATION
THE EVALUATION OF BELIEVER'S LIFE
EDEN
1. Background:
A. Adan - to be luxurious, delightful
Only occurs in the hithpael and means: to delight oneself in something
- Neh. 9.25
B. Masculine noun: āden - delight, luxury - 2 Sam. 1.24;
Jer. 51.34; Ps. 36.9
C. Feminine noun: ednAh - sexual delight or luxury - Gen. 18.12
D. Adjective: Adiyn - sexually luxurious - Is. 47.8
E. Masculine noun: maadAn
1. delight: Pr. 29.11
2. delightful food: Gen. 49.20; Lam. 4.5
2. Adam's original home: āden -- Gen. 2.8, 10, 15
A. kicked out: Gen. 3.23
B. Guarded: Gen. 3.24
3. Symbolic use for a beautiful land:
A. Joel 2.3 - before the invasion of the king of the North
B. Ezek. 36.35 - condition of Israel after Messiah's 2nd advent victory
- Is. 51.3
4. Ezek. 31.9, 16, 18: refers to the world as a garden created by God
and occupied with many trees (nations).
5. Ezek. 28.13: God's domain for angelic beings in the 3rd heaven.
A. Follows the pattern of Point 3 for earthly nations because Tyre (symbolic
of Satan) is an earthly nation in the garden of nations.
B. So Satan was an angelic tree in God's garden of angels.
6. Also used for personal names:
A. Uaden: 2 Chron. 29.12; 31.15
B. adnAh: 2 Chron. 17.14; 1 Chron. 12.21
C. adiynA: 1 Ch. 11.42
D. Adiyn: Ezra 2.15; 8.6; Neh. 7.20; 10.17
E. adnA: Ezra 10.30
index
ENDURANCE
1. Endurance is the 2nd character quality of the love structure. It is
the capacity to overcome combat pressures in the spiritual conflict and
therefore perpetuate the advance toward spiritual maturity.
A. Spiritual maturity is the capacity to consistently showcase the person
of Jesus Christ in every are of life through application of bible truth
and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
B. Run with endurance the race: Heb. 12.1
1. reject human viewpoint
2. reject personal sins
C. CF. Luke 8.15 - in the sphere of endurance
2. Endurance depends on a genuine humility attitude toward details of
life.
A. The process of 2 Peter 1.5-6 - via self control.
B. Application to Job -- 1.20-22; 2.10
3. Endurance is built through knowledge of bible truth. Rom. 15.4-5;
Col. 1.9-11.
4. Endurance through its consistency, produces 4 results.
A. It paves the way for advance in the growth process in the area of
spiritual integrity which is the basis for true worship capacity.
1. Rom. 5.3-4
2. 2 Pet. 1.6
3. James 1.2-4
4. The grace expression of Col. 1.11
B. Endurance then is directly related to experiencing abundant life
reality.
Temporal rewards ---
1. James 5.11 - blessed
2. 2 Cor. 1.6 - Comfort
3. Col. 1.11 - with joy
C. Endurance contributes to testimony impact and service.
1. 2 Cor. 6.4
2. 2 Tim. 2.10
3. Thessalonian testimony - 1 Thes. 1.3; 2
Thes. 1.4
4. Titus 2.2
D. Endurance is the basis for future rewards.
1. Jas. 1.12 - The crown of life
2. 2 Tim. 2.12 - reigning assignments
3. Heb. 10.32-39
index
ETERNITY: The Kingdom delivered up to the Father
1 Corinthians 15:23-28
I. V. 23: The resurrection program
1. Christ as the firstfruits:
2. Those that are His at His coming: in 3 stages.
a. Church age saints at the rapture.
b. Day of the Lord martyrs at the beginning of the kingdom.
c. Millennium saints at the end of the millennium. There is no scripture
on this point, but it is assumed that all believers will spend eternity
in resurrection body.
II. V. 24: The end of the millennium.
1. Then comes the end: the end of the 1000 year kingdom.
a. After the new heavens and earth are created
b. After the great white throne judgment of unbelievers.
2. when He delivers up: paradidomi, present active subjunctive = hands
over.
3. The kingdom: the earthly kingdom of Messiah
4. To the God and Father: 1 st member of the Godhead. The One designated
as the "authority" within the Godhead. 1 Cor. 8:6
5. When he has abolished: katargeō, aorist active subjunctive
- indicates a "point of time" in future history when Jesus will
have "neutralized" His enemies.
a. Refers to the ultimate defeat and judgment of the forces of darkness
at the end of the millennium which takes place in 3 steps.
1. The exposure of all darkness viewpoint from both before and during
the "kingdom" period.
2. Satan and angels in the lake of fire: Rev. 20:10; Mat. 25:41
3. All unbelievers in the lake of fire: Rev. 20:15; Ps. 92:7
6. There are 3 terms used to describe the organization of darkness under
Satan's leadership.
a. Rule: archōn - demon category "general." Probably
the "nation" demons as at Dan. 10:20
b. Authority: exousia = demon category "officers"
c. Power: dunamis = demon category "rank and file," which
are viewed in two groups at Eph. 6:12.
1. The world forces of this darkness: power through viewpoint influence.
1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Cor. 10:20
2. The spiritual forces of the evil: power through possession and influence.
The deceitful spirit and the unclean spirit.
III. V. 25
1. For: gar = explanation of the schedule of events.
2. He must: Lit: It is necessary for. dei, present indicative, indicates
what is required to carry out the plan of the Godhead.
3. Him to be reigning: basileuō, present active infinitive
4. Until: achri = a time factor and a goal factor
5. He has put: tithāmi, aorist active subjunctive
6. All His enemies: The darkness enemies which promote Satan's viewpoint
and plan.
7. Under His feet: idiom for total victory in a military context. Total
neutralization of the enemy. In this case, the ultimate defeat will be
when they are in the lake of fire.
IV. V. 26 The last enemy.
1. That will be abolished: katargeō, future middle indicative
= destroyed, neutralized.
2. Is death: Physical death as the context of resurrection indicates.
(v. 55-57)
3. Physical death is an enemy of Christ because it is the direct result
of darkness influence and authority in the human race. 1 Cor. 15:21-22
a. It is not destroyed until the final category of saints receive resurrection
body at the end of the kingdom.
b. Physical death for man is not "done away" at salvation;
only spiritual death is.
c. Physical death is only done away at the point of receiving a resurrection
body.
d. The resurrection event for millennial saints takes place immediately
after the great white throne judgment in connection with the renovation
of the universe.
V. V. 27-28 Further explanation
V. 27 Quote and explanation from Psalm 8:6
1. For: explanation of Christ's total dominion over His enemies of v. 24.
2. He: Refers to God the Father as the planner and authority within the
Godhead (1 Cor. 8:6) and as the one who assigns authority to Christ.
3. Has put all things: friends and enemies
a. It begins with promoted authority over all the universe at the ascension
and session. Eph. 1:20-21.
b. It extends to kingdom authority over the physical earth. Ps. 8:7-8;
Dan. 7:14; Rev. 11:15,17
c. And then to victory authority upon the defeat of all his enemies.
1 Cor. 15:24-26; Philip. 2:10-11
4. But it is evident: dālon = obvious
5. That the Father is not subjected: That is, not put under the authority
of the Son.
V. 28
1. And when: hotan = completion of the great white throne judgment.
2. All things are subjected to Him: aorist active subjunctive - hupotassō.
Probably best viewed as being fulfilled at the creation of the "new"
universe after the judgment.
3. Then the Son will be subject: hupotassō, future middle
indicative.
4. To Him: The Father. This probably refers to a "return" to
what He had before the divine plan for saving humanity was put into operation.
a. John 17:5, the glory I had with you
1. I had: echō - imperfect active indicative
2. With you: para sou = beside you
3. Before the world was: before the physical creation.
b. John 1:1
1. The Word was: eimi - imperfect indicative
2. With God: pros = face to face with
3. And the Word "was" God: imperfect indicative of eimi.
c. Philip. 2:6
1. Existing: present active participle of huparchō.
2. In the form of God: morphā= inner essence.
3. Being: present infinitive of eimi
4. equal with God: isos + dative case of theos (to or with God).
5. So that: hina + subjunctive = the divine purpose
6. The God: reference to The Godhead. The "us" of Gen. 1:26,
etc.
7. May be: eimi in the present subjunctive to fulfill the purpose of "hina."
8. All in all: pas + pas
9. So this is not a discontinuance of Christ's reign but an advance on
it.
a. The reign of Christ is at the same time as the reign of the Father.
Rev. 11:15
b. Thus the act of delivering up the kingdom to the Father is not the idea
of turning authority "over to Him."
c. But the restoration to the "pre-incarnation" status of
the Godhead.
In fact, a restoration to the status of the Godhead "before"
evil entered into the universe. That status was the "absolute"
rule of divine righteousness in the universe.
d. It is this absolute rule of righteousness that the Son was commissioned
to restore.
e. So the delivering up of the kingdom is the completion of the rule
of righteousness over a tainted, evil filled universe.
f. And the return to the rule of righteousness in which evil is forever
removed and never again an issue for any creature.
g. And God is all in all: The Godhead returns to its mode of expression
prior to the inception of the plan of redemption.
h. The Son, although still the God-man for all eternity, will again
function within the Godhead as "co-equal" with the Father without
the subordination status explained at Philip. 2:6-8.
10. The status of angels throughout eternity is not revealed in scripture
other than the implication that man will be elevated to a position higher
than them.
11. And the status of "saved" mankind throughout eternity
is centered in the eternal new (heavenly) Jerusalem, but details of function
are not revealed. Rev. 21:1-8
12. The status of "unsaved" mankind throughout eternity is
the lake of fire as described at Rev. 14:9-11.
index
EUNUCH: The Voluntary Eunuch
1. According to Mat. 19:12 indicates that there are 3 types of eunuchs:
A. Those who are born that way through birth defect.
B. Those who are made eunuchs by act of man.
C. Those who "voluntarily" function as a eunuch in order to maximize
time in service to God.
2. The voluntary Eunuch recognizes the principle of divine ownership.
Romans 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 6:19-20
3. He recognizes the principle of divine sovereignty. James 4:15
4. He recognizes the intensified stage of the angelic conflict. 1
Cor.
7:29-31
5. He sacrifices normal detail of life activity in order to dedicate
himself completely to the promotion of the plan of God. Mat. 19:12
6. He applies the principle of status quo. 1
Cor. 7:20-24, 26-27
7. Example of John the baptizer: Luke 1:80; Mat. 3:4
8. Example of the apostle Paul: 1 Cor. 9:5
9. It is an optional decision not a command. Luke 9:57-62; 8:38-39; 1
Cor. 9:5
10. Opposite examples:
A. Aquilla and Priscilla: Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom. 16:3
B. Peter: 1 Cor. 9:5
C. Bishops, elders, pastors, deacons: 1 Tim. 3:2-12
index
EVERLASTING LIFE
1. Definition: Everlasting life is the quality of life that is shared
with God by being born into His spiritual family through the new birth.
A. Definition by contrast:
1. Everlasting life is forever living under God's grace and care, whereas
everlasting judgment is forever living in the status of spiritual death,
separated from God in the lake of fire and undergoing soul and body torment
while there. Rev. 14:9-11.
2. Dan. 12:2, everlasting life vs. disgrace and everlasting contempt.
a. unto life of perpetuity (olAm)
b. disgrace: cherpAh (plural) + preposition "le" + "the"
(definite article) = unto the disgraces (many, as at Rev. 14:10, presence
of the angels and the Lamb).
c. contempt: dārAōn + "le" (only here
and Is. 66:24) = the object of contempt, abhorrence, aversion and rejection.
(construct state = "of" = rejection of perpetuity.)
3. John 3:16, should not perish but have everlasting life.
a. perish: apollumi = ruin or destroy. (in the aorist middle subjunctive
= be ruined) Communicates the forfeiture of a certain quality of life,
called death at Rom. 6:23 and John 5:24.
b. That quality of life is called, zōā aiōnios
= perpetual life.
4. John 3:36, shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on him.
Wrath (orgā) communicates the abhorrence and rejection of Dan.
12:2.
5. John 5:28-29, called a resurrection of judgment.
6. John 3:18-19, has been judged already.
7. 2 Thes. 1:7-9, Away from the face of the Lord.
B. Definition by statement:
1. John 17:3, this is everlasting life: present indicative of
eimi,
which communicates the "substance" of everlasting life.
a. That they may know you, the only true God: Emphasis on relationship
knowledge as at Gal. 4:9. Ie, coming to know God because we are placed
into salvation relationship with Him.
b. And Jesus Christ whom you sent: emphasis on fellowship knowledge
through spiritual growth as at, Philip. 3:8-10; Eph. 3:19; 4:13, 20.
c. Everlasting life involves 2 factors:
1. Salvation relationship with God the Father.
2. Experiential fellowship with the God-man, Jesus Christ.
2. 1 John 5:20, the Son of God has given us understanding
(dianoia)
through spiritual growth "after" salvation.
a. That we might be knowing: present active subjunctive of ginōskō
to emphasize experiential knowledge.
b. The True One: Definite article + alāthinos = the true
one = The Father
c. And we are in The True One: In the Father. This is a statement of our
positional relationship in the family of God as the basis for experiential
knowledge.
d. And in His Son, Jesus Christ: Refers to union with Christ via the
baptism of the Spirit which occurs at the moment of time that one trusts
in Christ as savior.
e. This one: the one just referred to (Jesus) is TWO THINGS.
1. The True God: Could refer back to "The true one," except
that the focus is not on "God" but on the "Son." Here
we see a maneuver by John to finish his demolition of gnosticism by making
a direct statement as to the deity of Christ.
2. And eternal life: The point of connection is the fact that Jesus
is the one called "eternal life" elsewhere as at 1 John 1:1-2
and even John 14:6.
3. It is Jesus who is the essence of "eternal life" and the
manifestation of that life to mankind.
2. Jesus Christ came for the purpose of providing everlasting life to
the human race.
John 3:16-17; 10:10; 12:44-50
3. The basis for everlasting life is the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
A. His ministry: John 8:29; 1 Pet. 2:22; Philip. 2:6-8
B. The cross: John 3:14-15; Rom. 5:12-21; 6:16-23
C. The resurrection: Acts 17:30-31; 1 Cor. 15:12-19
4. Thus, everlasting life is IN Jesus Christ; in fact, He AS the embodiment
of everlasting life IS everlasting life. John 1:4; 14:6; 11:25; 1 John 1:1-3;
5:11-12
5. The gospel invitation promises life as "living water" and
"the water of life."
John 4:10-14; Rev. 22:17 (cf. Is. 55:1-3).
6. Thus, acceptance of the gospel through trust in Christ as the savior,
bestows upon us the reality of spiritual life through the new birth.
A. John 3:1-16, 36; 5:24
B. John 6:47-58
C. John 10:24-30
7. Based on the integrity of the plan of God, our possession of everlasting
life is a present and living confidence. 1 Peter 1:3; Titus 1:1-3; 3:5-7
8. Even though everlasting life is a present possession of every believer,
its fullness will not be realized except through resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:45-57;
Rom. 8:18-25
9. In the meantime, the quality of life which is "eternal"
is to be experienced here on earth through knowledge and application of
divine truth in every area of life.
A. John 10:10, abundance (perissos); v. 9, go in and out and find pasture.
B. Mat. 11:29-30 (Jeremiah 6:16)
C. 1 Tim. 4:6-11; 6:11-12, 17-19. (CF. 1 Jn. 5:11-12)
D. Gal. 6:7-9 - the law of sowing and reaping.
(eternal life here refers to the "blessings" of eternal life
experienced here on earth by the trusting believer. It does not refer to
the "salvation possession" of life.
index
EVIL'S ATTACK
1. The basis for the attack of evil is the spiritual conflict between
light and darkness (God and Satan). 2 Cor. 6:14-16; John 3:20; Acts 26:18
2. The source of the attack:
A. The world system: Col. 2:8; 1 John 2:15-16
B. The sin nature: Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 2:11; James 4:1
C. Satan: 1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:12
3. The attack is experienced in relationship to the 3 expressions of
evil found at Psalm 1:1.
A. Mental viewpoint evil: counsel of the wicked
B. Overt evil: pathway of sinners
C. Verbal evil: seat of scoffers
4. Evil's attack in the area of morality.
A. Volition and freedom.
1. Religion enslaves: Mat. 23:4, 13; Gal. 4:8; 5:1
2. Satan's doctrine enslaves: Heb. 2:14-15; Is. 14:17; 2 Tim. 2:26
3. Sin nature enslaves: Rom. 7:14-23; 1 Jn. 2:15; James 4:1-3
4. Temptation to bullying and criminal activity. Prov. 1:10-19
B. Marriage and sex life.
1. Religion:
a. abstinence: 1 Tim. 4:1-3
b. abuse: Rev. 2:14, 20
2. Satan's attack on the married: 1 Cor. 7:5
3. Sin nature attack: Gal. 5:19; 1 John 2:16
4. The attack of the wrong woman:
Prov. 5:1-5; 6:23-29; 7:6-23; 9:13-18 (application to women also).
5. Mental attack: Mat. 5:27-28
6. Authority structure abuse is possible. 1 Pet. 3:7
C. Family.
1. 2 Tim. 3:2
2. Col. 3:20-21
3. Eph. 6:1-4
4. Prov. 30:11-14
D. Nationalism (formal societal structure).
1. Socialism vs. 2 Thes. 3:10
2. Internationalism vs. Acts 17:26-27
3. Authority structure: Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13-15, 18
5. Evil's attack in the spiritual life.
A. False gospel: Gal. 1:6-9
B. False fellowship: Gal. 3:1-5
C. False revelation: Col. 2:18; 2 Cor. 11:3-4; 2 Tim. 4:1-2; 1 Tim. 6:20
D. False service: John 16:2; Is. 29:13; 1:10-15
E. False miracles: Mat. 7:21-23; 2 Thes. 2:9
F. False prosperity: Ps. 73:2-9, 15-20; Heb. 11:25; 1 Tim. 6:3-10
G. System of legalism: Gal. 5:1-9; Col. 2:16-23; 1 Tim. 4:3
H. Persecution: Mat. 5:11; 13:21; Philip. 1:29-30; 2 Tim. 3:12
I. Gnosticism: 1 Cor. 8:1
J. Emotionalism: Rom. 16:17-18
K. Pride: 1 Cor. 10:12
6. The people of evil's attack. Mat. 10:16-22
A. Religious: Acts 5:27-33
B. Political: Acts 12:1-4
C. Friends: 1 Pet. 4:3-4; Pr. 13:20; Job 2:11-13; 6:14-27
D. Believers: Gal. 2:11-13; 2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Pet. 2:1-2
E. Family: Gen. 4:1-8; Job 2:9; Mat. 10:34-37; Mark 3:21
7. Believer's offense against evil's attack.
A. Dedication attitude: Pr. 16:6
B. The "forever" attitude: The attitude of confidence, optimism
and consistency which desires perpetual faithfulness. The ATTITUDE that
"I will never sin."
See topic: Forever attitude.
C. Spiritual growth: Ps. 119:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17
D. Fellowship abiding in Christ: Gal. 5:16; 1 John 3:6. See topic: abiding
E. Fellowship is also called "walking in the light." Job 29:3;
Ps. 119:105, 130; Psalm 43:3-4; 36:9; Prov. 6:20-23; 1 John 1:5-7
F. Humility resistance by using the word of God (Resist him firm in
The Faith)
James 4:6-8; 1 Pet. 5:8-9
1. Principle of "It is written." Mat. 4:1-11.
2. Armor of God: Eph. 6:10-18; 2 Cor. 10:3-6
index
EVOLUTION: Fallacies of Evolution
1. True science can deal only with the present; it can tell us nothing
about origins. Evolution is not a science; it is a faith-and a very naive
faith.
2. Evolution supposedly explains the "creation" of all things
in terms of present processes, but the first law of thermodynamics says
that nothing is now being "created."
3. Evolution presupposes an innate tendency towards progress and increasing
order and complexity in the universe, but the second law of thermo- dynamics
proves there is an innate tendency towards decay and disorder in the universe.
4. Evolution supposedly is brought about by gene mutations, but almost
100% of all known mutations are harmful or even fatal to the creatures which
experience them.
5. No example of true evolution from one basic "kind" into
another "kind" is known either in the present world or in the
fossil record of the past.
6. Evolutionary kinship of all creatures would imply a continuous integrating
of all forms of life, but both present life and the records of past life
show great gaps between all the different kinds of plants and animals.
7. Natural selection supposedly accounts for the development of new kinds,
but actually tends to preserve the present kinds, since an incipient organ
or new feature of any kind would have no "survival" value unless
it were fully functional from its very beginning.
8. Evolution contradicts the scientific law that no effect can be greater
than its cause, since it assumes that intelligence was developed from non-intelligent
matter, that morality was evolved from non-moral processes, that love and
other emotional qualities came out of unfeeling chemicals, that infinitely
complex structures arose from simple beginnings, and that consciousness
began out of inert molecules.
These principles were taken from:
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD: Henry M. Morris
See Darwin's Dilemma article
index
EXODUS 33:18 to 34:9 : Summary
1. Moses on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and nights to receive the stone tablets
of the covenant and other instruction (24:12 - 31:18).
2. Operation golden calf: Ex. 32:1-6
Violation of the law already given and accepted by the people. Ex. 24:3-8
3. Ex. 32:7-10 - Yahweh's indictment
4. Ex. 32:11-14 - Moses intercedes even before he comes down.
5. Ex. 32:15-19 - Moses comes down and is displeased.
6. Ex. 32:21-24 - Aaron's account
7. Ex. 32:25-28 - Immediate discipline - 3000
8. Ex. 32:29 (v. 20) - Readjustment to divine policy
9. Ex. 32:30-32 - further intercession - Moses goes back up.
10. Ex. 32:33-34 with 33:1-3 - Yahweh's plan to guide the nation impersonally
by an angel.
11. Ex. 33:4-6 - Moses (goes back down) tells the people and they become
very depressed.
12. Ex. 33:12 - 34:3 - Moses in the tent
a. V. 12-17 - Moses pleads with God to guide them with His personal
presence instead of with an impersonal angel. cf. v. 34:8-9
b. Yahweh concedes and agrees to guide them personally.
But only because Moses has found grace with Him.
13. Ex. 33:18 - still in the tent, Moses asks to see God's glory.
14. Ex. 33:19-23 - God says what he will do.
It takes place the next morning as recorded at Ex. 34:2-9
a. God Can't show the fullness of his essence (his face) v. 20.
b. But he can show the reflection of that essence (back parts) v. 23.
c. And that involves a "verbal" proclamation of his attributes.
1. Called goodness in v. 19 - kol tobh - all my goodness.
2. And will proclaim the name (character) of Yahweh.
3. And the quality that is proclaimed is compassion, mercy and grace
provision. (love, righteousness, justice, wisdom)
4. The existence of these character qualities are an absolute reality.
5. The experience of them, however, is based on the creature's response
to divine policy for relationship and fellowship.
6. The fact that God provides a policy for relationship and fellowship
is compassion and mercy.
7. But the creature must respond to that policy to benefit.
"to those who love me" - Ex. 20:6
15. Ex. 34:1-3 - Moses must cut out new stones in order to receive the
replacement book of the covenant.
16. Ex. 34:4 - So Moses returns to the mountain
a. Moses writes the law on the new tablets. v. 34:28
b. God shows Moses His essence. v. 34:6-7
c. v. 34:9 - Moses pleads divine essence for the nation's restoration
to divine favor.
d. God gives him more information: 34:10-27
e. He is there for another 40 day period. v. 34:28
17. Ex. 34:29-33 - Moses comes down
a. Face shining with reflected glory. v. 29
b. Instructs the people. v. 31-32
18. Ex. 34:34-35 - SOP that corresponds with v. 33:7-11
top
Exorcism of demons
1. Demon exorcism is just as much a reality as is demon possession. It
is simply the discontinuation of possession and can have two sources. God
or Satan.
2. In the Old Testament, demon possession is mentioned only a few times
and exorcism not at all.
A. Possession for deception: a woman is a lord (possessor) of an ōbh
demon.
Lev. 20:27; 1 Sam. 28:7
B. Possession for oppression: there are no examples of this in the Old
Testament.
King Saul was not possessed by a demon.
C. In actuality, according to the Mosaic law, exorcism was not an option.
The possessed were to be executed under the policy of a theocratic nation.
Leviticus 20:27
3. Exorcism is not mentioned in the Old Testament but the practice is
referred to many times in secular societies.
4. Exorcism in the New Testament:
A. Religious: using ritual, magic and incantations.
The Jews at Mat. 12:27 and Acts 19:13
B. Pseudo-believers claiming authority through Christ. Mat. 7:22-23
C. Christ by using the power of the Holy Spirit as a sign that He was
the promised Messiah-Savior and that the kingdom viewpoint and authority
was present in Him. Matthew 12:28
D. Disciples of Christ in His name (character and authority).
1. Luke 10:17
2. Based on proper faith and procedure. Mk. 9:18, 29.
(Thus, failure when not followed)
E. The apostles of the early church as a sign to the divine authority
they had.
5. The principle of Satan casting our Satan: Mt. 12:22-37
A. A kingdom divided cannot stand:
1. Cf. double minded man at James 1:8
2. The purpose and goal of the kingdom cannot be fulfilled
3. The authorities in the kingdom will be frustrated and confused.
4. The people of the kingdom will be confused and misdirected.
B. Mat. 12:26
1. And if: 1st class condition of actual reality. This does happen.
2. Satan casts our Satan: ekballō, present active indicative.
a. That is, one agent of Satan casts out another agent.
b. Or one agent promotes an activity or viewpoint totally opposite to another's.
3. He is divided against himself: meridzō, aorist passive
indicative.
4. How then shall his kingdom stand.? histāmi, future passive
indicative
The implication is that it will not and cannot.
5. Jesus is not saying this to establish that Satan does "not"
act in contradiction with himself, but that it is the most illogical way
to run a kingdom.
6. The fact remains that Satan does indeed cast out Satan, and act in
contradiction to himself in an attempt to distract man from the light and
to promote independence from God.
7. His overall goal is to promote independence from God. But in order
to do this, he must wear many different faces.
a. angel of light: 2 Cor. 11:14
b. oppressive unclean spirits: chaos demons that cause disease and insanity.
1. Possession: Luke 13:11-16
2. oppression: Job 1:12; 2:6-7; 2 Cor. 12:7
c. Miracle imitation: 2 Thes. 2:9-10; Acts 8:9-11; Mat. 7:22
d. even allowed to physically afflict believers when God turns them
over to discipline. 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20;
e. And then, occult activity: Acts 16:16
8. Thus, he has demons working with each other which appear to be working
against each other in order to deceive man.
9. But that is just the point. He might succeed in throwing humanity
into confusion and getting their eyes off God, but he is still undermining
his own kingdom and he and it will ultimately fail.
C. Then to illustrate Satan's use of Satan he refers to the exorcism
practice of the Jews in Mat. 12:27.
1. And if I cast our demons by Beelzebul: 1st class condition to agree
with their assumption in order to logically tear it down.
2. by whom do your sons cast them out? rhetorical question to get them
thinking about whose kingdom they are in.
a. Sons, refers to converts and disciples who are functional in exorcism.
b. It is the power source that is in question.
c. And the very claim they make against Christ is the claim he turns back
upon them.
3. So, they shall be your judges: based on the further information that
Jesus will give.
a. There are only 2 kingdoms in which you can reside: light or darkness.
b. The exorcists of the Pharisees and the miracles of Christ do not
have the same power source.
c. Christ is going to state that his power source is Messianic which
leaves only darkness for the Pharisees.
d. The phrase, "he who is not with me is against me," draws
the lines and sets the standards for identifying your power source.
e. So the Pharisees are in the kingdom of darkness which is divided
against itself and in the process of destruction and promises only destruction
for its members.
6. What happens when a demon is cast out?
A. Mat. 12:43-45
V. 43
1. Now when: hotan, recognizes the reality of exorcism.
2. goes out: exerchomai, aorist active indicative, which is of course
the result of the casting out of v. 24, ekballō.
3. An unclean spirit:
a. unclean = akathartos, which describes the character of the demon
and is amplified at v. 45, "more wicked" (ponāros).
b. Unclean or impure in association with evil
(ponāros)
indicates a character and purpose in total opposition to God.
1. it seeks to promote the viewpoint of Satan and cultivate independence
from God through necromancy, divination, mysticism, immorality and social
disruption (which includes disease).
2. Its purpose also is to discredit the viewpoint of God by causing
distortion and confusion concerning the bible, the gospel message and the
existence & attributes of God.
c. spirit: pneuma, describes the created structure of this entity as
being of the angelic creation.
d. Thus, immaterial and unrestricted by a solid structured body as man
is.
4. There are two ways this casting out can take place as far as our
context is concerned.
a. by the power of God: a real exorcism, v. 28
Designed of course to promote light.
b. By the power of Satan: v. 27 with Mat. 7:22-24. A "staged"
exorcism with the purpose to cloud the issues and get man's eyes off the
true issue of righteousness and grace. Thus, to encourage independence
from God.
5. But when it happens, the spirit then returns to functioning in its
"normal" life space in the "spirit world."
a. It passes through: dierchomai, present middle indicative, This is
used to indicate it normal activity in its natural abode.
b. waterless places:
1. can refer to a desert place with emphasis on the fact of a deserted
location.
2. But probably refers to the dimension of spirit life which is the
natural abode for the angelic creation, and where water is no issue.
3. waterless, is mentioned for man's frame of reference. There is always
water in the physical realm because it is needed. But in the spirit realm,
water is no issue.
4. When a demon leaves a human it had been possessing, it then functions
in its natural realm.
c. seeking rest: present act. participle of zāteō
+ anapausis.
1. rest indicates purpose, contentment, peace and fulfillment of life
impulses.
2. The demon's purpose in life is centered around gratifying his lust
patterns and seeking to discredit the viewpoint of light which continually
exposes and convicts him of his sinful rebellion.
3. The best way for him to do this is through possession of a human
body.
4. When he is "disconnected" his capacity to gratify his life
impulses is limited.
5. Thus he does not find it. ouk heuriskō.
6. Now this "disconnection" may result from Satan's command
in order to produce a "staged" exorcism, or it may result from
the power of God.
7. In either case, the condition of the man after he is freed, all depends
on whether he responds to truth or not (not religion, but Truth) and becomes
a believer in Jesus.
8. If he pursues Truth, he will preserve the "binding of the strong
man" and become a light bearer.
9. If he rejects Truth, he will continue to be influenced by darkness
viewpoint and be vulnerable to re-possession.
a) The darkness viewpoint in the form of religion or human good morality,
will provide a false "cleaning up" of the man's life. But without
Light dominating the soul, there will be no protection from re-possession.
b) cf. Mat. 8:28 with Mk. 5:18 and context.
V. 44, the lust patterns cause the demon to seek fulfillment by possession
of some physical entity.
1. So the demon says, I will return.
2. And he finds it: the previously vacated human.
a. unoccupied: ie, available because their is no Light influence and
authority to prevent the demon's return.
b. Swept: ie, cleaned up. This refers to a discontinuation of the previous
life style.
c. put in order: kosmeō, perfect pass. participle, indicates
conformed to some type of religious or moral guideline, but not BIBLE TRUTH.
d. In other words, he is not a believer and therefore, no matter how
"good" he has "cleaned up" his life, he is still vulnerable.
V. 45, he brings others
1. Seven other spirits: no reason to take it as a symbol. Jesus could
have used any number. Being a parable, it is just an example. But it represents
accurately the type of outcome that usually results unless Truth is followed.
2. more evil: ponāros, indicates a character that seeks
to infect others with its viewpoint and life style of independence from
God.
3. last state worse: Because of the added number and their more intense
evil character, there is produced a more intense expression of evil of
all kinds in the person's life.
B. Mat. 8:29; Mk. 5:10; Lk. 8:31-33
1. When commanded to leave, the demons protest and plead with Jesus
from a disoriented frame of reference.
2. Torment before the time, at Mat. 8:29 refers to the abyss at
Lk.
8:31.
a. Christ never "tormented" the demons. Just removed them.
b. He would never violate the time table of the Father's plan which is
indicated at Rev. 20:2-3.
c. The abyss is probably the prison of Tartarus mentioned at 2 Peter
2:4 which contains the angels of the Genesis 6 infiltration.
3. They requested to be sent out of the country: Mk. 5:10
a. So apparently it is possible to set geographical restrictions when
casting them out.
b. Instead, they requested to go into the herd of pigs.
c. Jesus granted the request and did not impose any geographical restrictions.
d. But the animals' "instinct" system could not tolerate the
invasion and was short-circuited causing the animal panic that resulted
in death.
4. So when the pigs died, the demons had to vacate on their own but
did not have to leave the country.
5. However they were once again operating "bodiless" in their
natural "spirit" realm as at Mat. 12:43.
Back to Archive D: Demons
top
EXPERIENTIAL RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. Experiential righteousness is the reflection of God's character in
your life through cultivating humility, justice and love.
Mic 6.8; Mt.23.23; Lk.11.42
2. It is called the glory of the Lord: 2 Cor. 3.18
3. The first issue in experiential righteousness is the inner character
which views everything in life from God's viewpoint. Romans 12.2
4. This character development is called the new man. Eph. 4.22-24
5. Then comes the overt imitation of God by walking as Christ walked.
Eph. 5.1-2; 1 John 2.6
6. The production of the light is in the sphere of righteousness. Eph.
5.9
7. Only that which is done while being led by the Holy Spirit, is righteous
in God's eyes.
Rom. 8.4-8; 14.17-18
8. Jesus calls it the vindication of wisdom. Mt. 11.19; Luke 7.35
9. James calls it justified by works. James 2.21-25
10. It is the basis for being genuine and blameless in the Christian
way of life. Phil. 1.9-11
11. It is cultivated through learning Bible Truth. 2 Tim. 3.16-17; Eph.
4.24
12. The breastplate of righteousness in the armor of God symbolizes a
righteous character as a protective devise in the face of evil's attack.
Eph. 6.14
It provides standards and viewpoint to offset the standards and viewpoint
of darkness.
13. Recognize the existence of human righteousness based on good works
which is unacceptable to God.
Mt. 6.1-5, 16; Phil. 3.8-9
14. Future reward is based on righteous production in the Christian way
of life.
2 Tim. 4.8 with 1 Cor. 3.10-15; 2 Cor. 5.9-10
(See category on the judgment Seat of Christ)
Return to topic: Justification
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EDIFICATION: Summary
1. Edification comes from the Greek word, oikodomā (verb
= oikodomeō): It means to build a structure or house. When used
in a metaphysical sense it refers to building a structure in the soul. That
structure is built from the truths and principles of the word of the God
that the believer learns and claims for himself as he lets "the word
of Christ richly dwell within."
2. Edification is accomplished by God's word. Acts 20:32
3. Edification is a process. Col. 2:7 - Present passive participle
4. Edification requires application of basic love dedication toward God.
Ephesians 3:17 with 4;17 and 1 Cor. 8:1
5. The ultimate goal of edification is advanced love expression toward
God and others.
1 Timothy 1:5
6. The "communication" spiritual gifts are the agent of edification.
Eph. 4:12, 16; 1 Cor. 14:3
7. Apostolic authority was designed to promote edification. 2
Cor. 10:8;
13:10
8. Edification is the primary purpose for the local church. 1
Cor. 14:26
9. A degree of edification can be realized through fellowship with other
believers.
1 Thes. 5:11 with Heb. 3:7 and Prov. 27:9
10. Apply the law of liberty and benefit to edification.
1 Cor. 10:23; Rom. 15:2 with Eph. 4:29
11.The goal of all Christian interactivity is peace and edification.
Romans 14:19
12. Detailed amplification under the GROWTH categories.
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ELECTION
1. Election is the pre-designed destiny of every one who believes in
Christ. Predestination means that the believer has a part in this "pre-designed"
plan of God.
2. Election is the word that sums up that plan. It describes the "status"
of the believer who, not only possesses an eternal destiny, but now "in
time" has a functional responsibility to represent the "light"
viewpoint of God to the world of darkness in which he lives.
A. The PRIVILEGE of election: One is elected based on God's grace. There
is no personal merit or works involved at all. Grace provides our destiny.
All man needs to do is accept it by personal trust in Jesus as the Messiah-Savior.
Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 8:9
B. The RANK of election: A new "position" in union with Christ.
Dead, buried, raised and seated with Christ. Romans 6:3-4; Ephesians 2:6;
Colossians 2:12; 3:1 The rank of "royalty." 1 Peter 2:9
C. The FUNCTION of election: To gear every aspect of our life for the
purpose of bringing honor and glory to the character and plan of God. 1
Corinthians10:31; Romans 14:8. This is fulfilled through priesthood and
ambassadorship in association with the spiritual gift that every believer
has.
3. The basis for election is the election of Christ.
A. He is the elect of God: Isaiah 42:1; 1 Peter 2:4, 6.
B. His election was established from eternity past. Acts 4:28; 2:23;1 Peter
1:20; Revelation 13:8.
C. The scope of Christ's election is: Heir of all things - Hebrews 1:2;
Philippians 2:9-11.
D. The believer is made a partner with Christ and actually shares His
destiny, which is His election. 1 Corinthians 1:9; Romans 8:17
E. This is accomplished through union with Christ.
Ie, being identified
into the "one" body of Christ through the baptism of the Holy
Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13) and is represented by the term "in Him"
Eph. 1:4. 1 Peter 5:10, "called you to His eternal glory IN CHRIST."
4. The source of election: 2 Peter 1:3, the glory and integrity of God.
5. The steps of election: Romans 8:29-30 Foreknowledge, predestination,
called (invited), Justified, glorified. Election is not directly mentioned
here but is the end result of the steps.
6. The entrance into election: 2 Thessalonians 2:13
A. God has chosen you: aireō, aorist middle indicative. This is
the "fact" of election.
B. Through sanctification by the Spirit: This is God's mechanics.
1. Sanctified means to be set apart as unique and separate.
2. This is accomplished when the Holy Spirit "places" or baptizes
the believer into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation.
3. It is mentioned at 1 Cor. 1:30, where it says that we are In Christ,
who became to us - wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
4. And mentioned at 1 Corinthians 6:11, "but you were washed, you
were sanctified, you were justified . . ."
C. And through faith in the truth: This is man's part. The act of positive
volition toward the gospel of truth. In actuality, this comes first and
then the sanctifying work of the Spirit places the new believer into the
body of Christ and into his election.
D. Faith is the required response to the
INVITATION from God to change the mind about God.
1. Mat. 22:14 (Mat. 20:16, KJV): "many are called (klātos) but
few are chosen." eklektos.
This "call" is the invitation to accept God's plan of salvation. It is used
this way throughout Christ's ministry and in the book of Acts.
Mt. 9:13 (Lk. 5:32): I did not come to CALL (invite) the righteous, but
sinners to a change of mind. The verb is kaleō as an aorist active
infinitive.
Acts 2:39: The promise is for "as many as the Lord our God shall CALL
(invite) to Himself."
E. Later, the word, calling (klāsis) is
used to indicate BOTH the invitation and the fact that the invitation was
accepted by faith. Thus the designation of BOTH "called and chosen" as at
Rev 17:14.
F. The result is - that election is the present possession of every
person who has trusted in Christ as savior. Colossians 3:12, "as the
elect of God" (Romans 1:6-7)
7. Thus, the word CALLING by itself is often
used to indicate the completed fact and status of election. The term focuses in on both the POSITIONAL and the FUNCTIONAL
aspects of our salvation, but always with a reminder of the initial grace
invitation from God.
A. The SCOPE of election: This is positional in focus
1. Hebrews 3:1, a heavenly calling
2. 2 Timothy 1:9, a holy calling
3. 1 Peter 2:9, out of darkness into light
4. 1 Peter 5:10, unto his eternal glory
5. Romans 8:29, to be conformed to the image of His Son (resurrection)
6. 1 Thessalonians 2:12, into His kingdom and glory
7. 2 Thessalonians 2:13, for salvation
8. 1 Timothy 6:12, unto eternal life
9. 1 Corinthians 1:9, into fellowship with Christ
10. 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15, to share Christ's glory
B. The LIFE of election: This is experiential in focus
1. 1 Peter 3:9-12, to inherit a blessing
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, not for impurity, but sanctification
3. Colossians 3:15, unto the peace of Christ (John 14:27)
4. Galatians 5:13, for the purpose of freedom
5. 1 Peter 2:21, to share in Christ's sufferings (Philip. 1:29)
6. 1 Corinthians 7:15, to live in peace with one another
7. Ephesians 4:1, walk worthy of our calling
8. The security of our election: God's character is the guarantee of
our election.
A. Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it. 1
Thessalonians 5:24
B. God is faithful: 1 Corinthians 1:9
C. Rom. 8:33, Who can bring a charge against God's elect? It is
God who justifies. In other words, the "fact" of justification (Romans 5:1) is
the security of election.
9. The election of Israel: Acts 13:17; This refers to the
"choosing" of the nation of Israel for a specific function in God's plan and has
nothing to do with "salvation." All it is telling us is that God "chose" the
forefathers as those who would build His special nation.
A. Rom. 11:1-7
Verse 5, "a remnant according to an election of grace," does
not refer to the nation of Israel, but to those "out from" Israel
who trusted in Jesus as the Messiah and became members of the "new"
priestly body made up of both Jew and Gentile, Ie, the church. (Eph. 2:11-18).
B. Concerning Israel:
1. Israel, as a nation, has been rejected by God, but will be once again
brought into a place of priestly function.
2. This is separate from the church, but still centers around the divine
plan for redemption which is THE ELECTION.
3. All Israel being saved refers to the fact that the nation "as
a whole" will be in a "salvation" relationship with God
through trust in Messiah.
4. This will happen during the 70th week as a result of the tribulation
and the Day of the Lord judgments through which God will "judge between
the fat sheep and the lean sheep" (Ezekiel 34:20) and "will destroy
the fat and the strong," (Ezekiel 34:16).
5. The end result will be that, "all Israel will be saved,"
(Romans 11:26) as God enters into a salvation "covenant" with
them (Romans 11:27) and will establish them once again as a priestly nation
to live in the Divine Palestinian Land Grant, when "I Yahweh will
be their God and My servant David will be prince among them," (Ezekiel
34:24).
C. Romans 11:28-29,
1. "According to the gospel they are enemies for your sake,"
a. As a whole, the people of Israel have rejected Jesus as the Messiah
and are therefore "enemies" of the gospel and of the church.
b. And they will continue in this condition of "hardness of heart"
(Romans 11:25), until God brings to a close His plan for the "Royal
Priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:9), which is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles.
c. This is called, "when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in"
(Romans 11:25).
2. "but according to the standard of THE election, they are beloved
for the sake of the fathers."
a. The "standard of THE ELECTION" refers to God's plan for
saving those who trust in the Messiah. That is why it is called "an
election of GRACE," (Romans 11:5).
b. This has been the method of salvation since God gave Adam and Eve
the first salvation promise in Genesis 3:15. (Genesis 4:26, "calling
upon the name of Yahweh.")
c. Later, He personally chose Abraham and his descendants to be the
human source for the Messiah coming into the world, and through that "choice,"
the nation of Israel would function as the special evangelistic agent to
showcase the redemptive plan of God through her physical "Levitical"
priesthood.
d. That "choice" is not THE ELECTION to salvation, but the
USE of the nation to be the messenger of salvation. If the nation becomes
characterized by apostasy (which it did) then it will fail as the messenger
and God would remove it from its function.
e. However, God still has a plan to use the nation in the future, "for
the sake of the fathers," to whom he gave the original promises.
3. It is the same "election of grace." It
is the same salvation provision that is available to all peoples.
They, as are all peoples, are the objects of divine love. (John 3:16; Rom.
5:8).
Even though they are enemies of the cross; of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
they are still loved by God and the message of "repent and believe the
gospel" will continue to be proclaimed to them until finally, "all Israel
will be saved."
Rom. 11:30-32
Because of the whole salvation process: the rejection of Israel, the
acceptance of the Gentiles; the establishment of the church, the gospel
proclamation of the church - many out from the Jews will become saved.
The whole process is to provide salvation mercy to ALL.
Even though the nation failed and were removed from participating in the
promises made to "the fathers," the fact of those promises was not removed.
The Jewish people, as part of "God so loved the world," can participate in
the election of grace through faith in Christ. And later the NATION itself
through those Jews (the 144k bond servants) who trust in Christ after the
rapture will again become participants in the "olive tree."
And then those who remain alive after Armageddon will experience fully the
promises made to Abraham and David in the earthly Davidic kingdom. (Is.
65:22).
4. "For the sake of the fathers," refers to the promise to
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that they would be the source of spiritual blessings
to all peoples (Gen. 22:18; 26:4; 28:14).
a. No matter how much the nation has failed in the past, "the gifts
and calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29) and God will once
again USE the nation as His priestly agent to represent Messianic truth
to the world.
b. This will be centered in Jerusalem during the Messiah's 1000 earthly
reign (Isaiah 2:2-4).
5. But only those who trust in Jesus will be saved and enter into that
kingdom plan for Israel (Joel 2:32).
D. At 2Timothy 2:10 "the choosing" (election) does
not refer to
the nation of
Israel.
"For this reason I endure all things for
the sake of those who
are chosen, that they also also may
obtain the salvation which
is in Christ Jesus along with eternal
glory."
Paul uses the elektos in the same way that
he used eklogā in
Romans 11.
Verse 5, a remnant according to the
election of grace.
kata eklogā charis.
Verse 7, Israel did not attain to what they
were seeking
(righteousness) but the election (eklogā)
obtained it.
The eklogā is the new priestly body
composed of both Jew and
Gentile individuals.
Each individual of course is saved based on
personal faith in
Christ.
Paul is dedicated even in the most severe
of sufferings to
maintain his ministry of proclaiming the
gospel so that any who
are of the elect (the eklogā), that is ANY
who might become
members of the elect, would hear and
respond.
10. The elect of Matthew 24:22, 24, 31 and Mark 13:20, 22 , 27 in the
context of a "pre-wrath rapture of the church" refers to the elect
of the church. They are designated as "HIS elect." That is, Christ's elect. Not
the elect of Israel, and not "God's" elect in general, but specifically,
CHRIST'S elect.
The PROPHECY PERSPECTIVE section provides detailed explanation
of the pre-wrath rapture.
11. Orientation to terminology: The difference between "called"
and "elect"
A. Called: The word group, klātos (kaleō, klāsis) describes
our election with emphasis on the believer's function and responsibility
here on earth. It also is used to indicate the "invitation" aspect
of God's plan of salvation. "many are called (as in all) but few are
chosen," Matthew 22:14
B. Elect: The word group, eklektos (eklegomai) describes our election
with emphasis on the believer's position in union with Christ. The STATUS
of election. Sometimes this word is translated as "chosen." We
are "chosen" by God to be part of His plan because we accept
His invitation through faith.
C. Both words are used together at: Revelation 17:14; 2 Pet. 1:10; Mat.
22:14
For more details see: VOLITIONAL
THEOLOGY
index
ELIHU: Reasons Why He is the Hero of the book of Job
1. Elihu expressed viewpoint objectivity: Job 32.1-3
(principle of Eph. 4.26 and Jude 23)
2. Elihu expressed humble objectivity: Job 32.4-10
(1 Timothy 5.1)
3. Elihu expressed patient objectivity: Job 32.11
(2 Tim. 2.24)
4. Elihu expressed open objectivity: Job 32.12
(1 Thessalonians 5.20-22
5. Elihu expressed uncompromising objectivity: Job 32.13-22
(Titus 1.9-10)
6. Elihu expressed gracious objectivity: Job 33.1
(2 Timothy 2.24-25)
7. Elihu expressed righteous objectivity: Job 33.2-3
(1 Corinthians 14.37)
8. Elihu expressed confident objectivity: Job 33.4-7; 36.1-4
(1 Timothy 4.12; Gal. 5.7-9)
9. Elihu expressed insightful objectivity: Job 33.8-12
(Galatians 6.1)
10. Elihu expressed beneficent objectivity: Job 33.29-33
(Romans 15.1; Galatians 6.1-2)
11. Elihu expressed justice objectivity: Job 34.10-15
12. Elihu expressed rebuking objectivity: Job 35.1-16
(2 Timothy 4.2)
13. Elihu's evaluation of Job is echoed by God: Job 35.16 with 38.2
14. Elihu functions as the herald of God's arrival: Job 36.24-33;
37.1-24
15. God rebukes Job and his three friends; not
Elihu:
Job 38.1-3; 40.1-9; 42.7
index
The Emotions
1. Man is composed of body, soul and spirit. 1
Thes. 5:23
2. The soul of man is designated by the words nephesh (Hebrew) and psuchā
(Greek).
It is composed of 2 basic elements; mentality and emotion. Ps. 26:2, mind
and heart.
A. The word "mind" is the Hebrew word, kilyAh and refers to
the emotions.
B. "Heart" refers to the mentality of the soul.
3. The Hebrew and Greek languages uses terms of the "physical"
body to describe the function of the inner workings of man.
A. The mentality of the soul is called the heart and as such is the
"controller" of the soul. (Heb = lābh; Grk = kardia).
B. The emotion of the soul is designated by belly, kidneys or inward
parts. As such, the emotions are viewed as "subservient" to the
heart or mentality.
C. Hebrew: beten, kilyAh, mayim
D. Greek: splangna, nephros
4. The normal function of the soul:
A. The heart is to contain knowledge and standards of divine viewpoint
which determine the character and stability of the soul. Pr. 14:33
Provides restraints to the sin nature - Ps. 119:11.
B. The emotions then respond to those standards through proper expressions
of appreciation or rejection.
C. Job 32:18-19
1. For I am full of words: divine viewpoint content in the soul (heart).
2. The spirit within me: Not the Holy Spirit
a. within me: in my inward parts: beten= in my emotional framework.
b. spirit: the technical use of "spirit" to indicate influence
or attitude or disposition.
c. Thus, the influence of my emotions
3. presses upon me: tsuq - hiphil perfect
a. The emotions properly responding to the content of the heart are
excited and anxious to express themselves.
b.The pressing is the intense emotional response to a heart with divine
viewpoint standards.
4. v. 19, my belly (beten) is like un-vented wine. This describes the
intensity of the emotional desire.
5. V. 20-22
a. When the heart is filled with divine viewpoint, it has resources
to contribute to the needs of others.
b. the emotions in proper response to the heart have an intense desire
to meet those needs. application of grace and generosity.
c. Here, the needs are met by an accurate and impartial communication
of divine truth to the hearers.
5. The abnormal function of the soul.
A. The heart is deficient of divine viewpoint standards and is unable
to provide stable guidance for the soul.
B. The sin nature takes control and influences the emotions to rebel
and dictate to the soul, behavior and attitudes based on the character
of the sin nature which results in subjectivity and instability.
C. Lamentations 1:20, emotional turmoil because of a rebellious heart.
1. There is distress in me: (tsar) total soul calamity.
2. My spirit is: māeh = inward parts (emotions, mayim)
3. Are greatly troubled: aggravated. The status of the emotions when the
heart is in rebellion. The aggravation of the emotions results in revolt
and the overthrow of the "control" of the heart through influence
from the sin nature.
4. My heart: lābh - the controller of the soul.
5. Is overturned: authority is usurped by the emotions/sin nature.
6. For: this explains the reason. What has happened in the past to bring
about this "shut down" of the heart and the revolt of the emotions.
7. I have been very rebellious: the volition of the heart shuts down
adherence to divine viewpoint standards. This is rebellion against divine
design, and the sin nature takes control.
a. The heart rebels against God.
b. The sin nature is free of divine viewpoint restraints.
c. The emotions have no "truth" in the soul to respond to and
are in a state of agitated aggravation.
d. Since the authority of the heart is "shut down," the emotions
search for stability in any way they can.
e. The sin nature, now in authority, influences the emotions to dictate
behavior and attitude to the soul based on the distorted character of the
sin nature.
6. The emotions under control by the heart:
A. Pr. 23:15-16
B. Song of Sol. 5:4
C. Philip. 1:7-8
D. Philip. 1:8 cf. 2:1 and Philemon v. 20
E. Prov. 22:17-18, Since knowledge in the heart controls the emotions,
this passage instructs us to keep knowledge "in" the emotions.
F. Psalm 40:8, your law is within my inward parts
(mayim) both soul
and spirit.
7. The emotions in revolt:
A. Psalm 73:21-22
1. My heart was embittered: volitional failure to adhere to divine viewpoint
standards in the face of pressure and adversity.
2. And I was pierced in my emotions: (kilyAh) When the heart shuts down,
the emotions are left hanging and they revolt and take control through
sin nature influence.
3. I was senseless: baar (See Ps. 92:6, a senseless man has no knowledge).
The word indicates un-receptiveness toward divine viewpoint. Negative attitude
toward truth and hardness of heart.
4. And ignorant: lo yAda = not knowing. Knowledge, frame of reference,
conscience, viewpoint - - all shut down through his negative attitude and
the control of the emotions through the sin nature.
5. I was like an animal: operating without moral or spiritual restraint.
6. There is no stability when the emotions are in control.
B. Lamentations 3:1-20 - Same pattern.
1. The heart shuts down through maximum depression and bitterness toward
God. v. 5, 15, 17-18, 20. The sin nature influences the emotions.
2. The emotions are "pierced" - left hanging without control
so they revolt and take control of the soul (v. 13).
3. The emotions try to find stability but cannot. Instead, they are
occupied with the pressure and continually fluctuate in frustration and
misery. v. 17-20.
4. With the emotions in control, the soul can only attack and blame
God for the distress. v. 1-18 , "He has . . ."
C. Job 15:35, Soul is characterized by deception
D. Job 20:20, discontentment
E. Jer. 12:2, hypocritical
F. 2 Cor. 6:12, hinders further reception of divine viewpoint information.
G. Prov. 13:25, insatiable and unappeasable desires.
H. Prov. 18:8, thrive on gossip in the sphere of self-righteousness.
8. False teachers in emotional revolt: Rom. 16:18; Philip. 3:19
9. The examination of the emotions:
A. God is the evaluator of the soul. Ps. 139:23; Heb. 4:12
B. The Lord examines the emotions: Mentioned 6 times and each time directly
in connection with the heart.
C. The proper function of the emotions is based on content of the heart.
D. Therefore, if the emotions are to be evaluated, it must be on the basis
of heart content and volitional consistency.
E. So the heart and the emotions are evaluated together.
Ps. 7:9; 26:2; Jer. 11:20; 17:10; 20:12; Rev. 2:23
10. The sin nature and the emotions working together, destroy the proper
experience of life. They take the principles of divine morality and worship
and then distort them to the point of personal and group slavery.
A. Religion and doctrinal error
B. Socialism and communism
C. Anarchy and revolution
D. The darkness process: Eph. 4:17-19 (See topic - darkness process)
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EMOTIONAL Pressure Applied to Evangelism
Lewis Sperry Chafer writes:
"Too often methods have been employed requiring mere outward actions
which, though sincere, may indicate no heart experience; and those outward
actions may be motivated by the earnest appeal of loved ones and friends
who, being themselves saved, do appreciate the importance of a decision
for Christ. The pressure of these outside influences has been, in many instances,
the chief dependence of the evangelist for his apparent success in his work.
It is often recognized that the evangelist to be a success must possess
a dominating and even overpowering personality. This with other psychological
influences which are skillfully employed amount to what is almost an irresistible
effect. All this mass of influence may be focused upon the unsaved individual
to compel them to do something which perchance is no choice of his own,
nor has it a vestige of virtue in the realm of that which constitutes a
decision for Christ." (Systematic Theology, vol. 3, page 224).
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EPHESIANS (outline)
1. Paul begins by focusing on the principle of divine provision for the
human race by mentioning the spiritual blessings that we have IN CHRIST
(Ephesians 1:3).
A. He delineates the basis for these spiritual blessings in verses 4-14,
by listing the SEVEN factors of our salvation status.
1. Election: verse 4
2. Predestination: verse 5
3. Adoption: verse 5
4. Redemption: verse 7
5. Forgiveness of sins: verse 7
6. Inheritance: verse 11
7. Sealing: verses 13-14
B. In view of this, he prays that the believers might advance in growth
and arrive at a knowledge of the THREE confidence factors for success in
the Christian life (verses 15-23).
1. Confidence of status: expectation of our calling (verse 18)
2. Confidence of future inheritance: wealth of the glory of our inheritance
(vese 18).
3. Confidence of experiential power source: The greatness of His power
(verse 19).
2. The details of our salvation status are developed in Eph. 2:1-22.
A. Depravity: verses 1-3
B. Divine mercy and love: verse 4
C. Spiritual life: verse 5
D. Positional union in Christ (raised and seated): verse 6, 10
E. Grace: verse 8-9
F. Faith: verse 8-9
G. Saved (from wrath): verse 8-9
H. Experiential purpose (works): verse 10
I. Reconciliation: verses 11-20
J. Growth (number and character): verses 21-22
3. Orientation to mystery doctrine and the angelic conflict. Verses 1-13
A. Apostolic stewardship: verse 2, 7-8
B. Mystery revelation: verses 3-11
C. Spiritual conflict: verses 9-11
4. Prayer for progress in spiritual growth with a focus on functional
maturity in the sphere of beneficent love: Ephesians 3:14-21
A. Holy Spirit as the teacher: verse 16
B. Rooted and grounded in (basic) love: verse 17b
C. Christ dwelling in the heart: verse 17a
D. Understanding of the whole plan (height, width, length, depth): Verse
18
E. Experiential knowledge of (advanced) love: verse 19
F. Spiritual maturity (filled up to the fullness of God): verse 20
5. Orientation to Christian Living: chapters 4-6
A. Humility and love: verses 1-3
B. SEVEN unity doctrines: verses 4-6
C. Spiritual gifts: verses 7-13
D. Growth: verses 11-16
E. New character: verses 17-32
F. Imitation of God: verses 5:1-14
G. Priority living: verses 15-21
H. Human relationships: verses 5:22 - 6:9
I. Spiritual combat: verses 6:10-20 The SEVEN pieces of the armor of God.
6. Final exhortation and the KEY to success. Ephesians 6:23-24
A. Desire for them to experience God's peace and love.
1. It is based on FAITH THINKING: with (meta) faith.
Associated with faith (thinking). Colossians 2:6; Romans 15:13
2. Eph. 3:17, Christ dwelling in the heart through faith-thinking.
B. Peace refers to the total relaxation of soul that has no conflict
with self or others.
C. Love refers to the possession and expression of beneficent love,
which seeks what is divinely beneficial for all people.
D. See 2 Corinthians 13:11
E. Grace be with all: this refers to God's grace provisions for advancing
in Christian growth.
1. The principle and mechanics as outlined at 1 Peter 5:10.
2. The characteristic of Eternal Life Blessings in time
(ELB) at 2 Peter
1:3, everything we need for life and worship through the epignosis of Him.
F. For those who love our Lord Jesus Christ IN PURITY.
aphtharsia - without corruption (distortion or compromise)
Compare the issue of friendship with the world at James 4:4.
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EPHESIANS 2:8: "And THAT not of yourselves"
1. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the N. T., Volume IV, page 525
Eph 2.8. For by grace (tei gar chariti). Explanatory reason.
"By the grace" already mentioned in verse 5 and so with the
article. Through faith (dia piseos). This phrase he adds in repeating what
he said in verse 5 to make it plainer. "grace" is God`s part,
"faith" ours. And that (kai touto). Neuter, not feminine (taute),
and so refers not to pistis (faith - feminine) or to charis (grace- feminine
also), but to the act of being saved by grace conditioned on faith on our
part. Paul shows that salvation does not have its source (ex humon, out
of you) in men, but from God. Besides, it is God`s gift (doron) and not
the result of our work.
2. Kenneth Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek N. T., Ephesians, p. 69.
(2:8-10) The definite article appears before the word "grace"
here, pointing the reader back to the same statement in v.5, and informing
him that the writer is to elaborate upon this previously mentioned statement.
The reader of this exposition is urged to go back to the exegesis of verse
5 and refresh his memory as to the total meaning of Paul`s statement, "by
grace are ye saved."
The words, "through faith" speak of the instrument or means
whereby the sinner avails himself of this salvation which God offers him
in pure grace. Expositors says: "Paul never says through the faith,`
as if the faith were the ground or procuring cause of the salvation."
Alford says: "It (the salvation) has been effected by grace and apprehended
by faith."
The word "that" is touto, "this," a demonstrative
pronoun in the neuter gender. The Greek word "faith" is feminine
in gender and therefore touto could not refer to "faith." It
refers to the general idea of salvation in the immediate context. The translation
reads, "and this not out from you as a source, of God (it is) the
gift." That is, salvation is a gift of God. It does not find its source
in man. Furthermore, this salvation is not "out of a source of works."
This explains salvation by grace. It is not produced by man nor earned
by him. It is a gift from God with no strings tied to it. Paul presents
the same truth in Romans 4:4,5 when speaking of the righteousness which
God imputed to Abraham, where he says: "Now, to the one who works,
his wages are not looked upon as a favor but as that which is justly or
legally due. But to the one who does not work but believes on the One who
justifies the impious, his faith is computed for righteousness."
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EQUIPPING GRACE
1. The first of the 4 grace provisions for spiritual growth as outlined
at 1 Peter 5:10. These are given by God to bring the believer to the place
of maximum enjoyment of eternal life blessings here on earth.
A. Those blessings are in three categories:
1. Character development
2. The abundant life of peace, joy and stability.
3. Service capacity
B. This is called maturity (or completion) and is our "experiential"
destiny in the plan of God.
C. It is designated as "exaltation" at 1 Peter 5:6, "humble
yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt
you at the proper time."
2. Orientation to 1 Pet. 5:10
A. Verses 6-9 summarizes the activity that constitutes pursuing truth.
1. V. 6 - Humility
2. V. 7 - Trust
3. V. 8-9 - resist the deceptions of the devil in a context of extreme
sufferings.
B. Verse 10a - "and after you have suffered for a little BIT."
This refers to the initial pressures and persecution that result from the
positive attitude to pursue truth.
1. As a result of one's positive pursuit of truth and attendant with
the initial pressures of that pursuit, God will administer the grace provisions
for growth commensurate with the believer's continued involvement in the
growth process.
2. The God of all grace who called you unto His eternal glory:
This refers to the salvation package. When God places us into His grace-plan
he then provides additional grace to steer the believer into a consistent
Christian experience here on earth.
3. These grace provisions are called, "equip, support, strengthen
and stabilize."
3. The principle of 2 Tim. 3:16-17: So that the man of God might be -
A. adequate: artios - equipped and therefore capable.
B. equipped: exartidzo, perfect passive participle = fully furnished.
C. For every good work: True Christian service is through the application
of bible truth into every area of life.
D. This begins with the basics and continues until there is comprehension
of the "width, length, height and depth" of God's truth (Eph.
3:18).
4. The principle of Eph. 4:12: The purpose and result of the growth process
utilizing God's policy for growth via the communication gifts. "For
the EQUIPPING of the saints."
5. Thus the details of equipping grace fall into 4 categories.
A. The word itself as revelation from God: 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rom. 15:4
B. Communication gifts for instruction: Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Thes. 5:12; 2 Tim.
2:2.
C. The local church as the classroom for instruction: 1
Cor. 14:9, 26-33;
Heb. 10:25
D. The indwelling Holy Spirit as the teacher: 1 Cor.2:10-12;
Jn. 14:26
6. Equipping grace provides the believer with the basic orientation needed
to protect against the deluding influence of darkness doctrine. Eph. 4:13a,
14
A. Paul refers to that orientation as the "belt of truth"
(Eph. 6:14).
B. Peter calls it the "milk of the word," (1 Pet. 2:1-2).
1. Paul at 1 Cor. 3:2
2. Hebrews 5:12
C. At Hebrews 5:12, it is also called the "elementary principles
of the oracles of God."
D. Hebrews 6:1-2 lists the outline of the basics.
E. Paul's list is found at Eph. 4:3-6 under the heading, "The unity
of the Spirit." Thus the designation, The 7 unity doctrines.
F. At Eph. 3:17, the success of equipping grace is called, "having
been rooted."
G. Also at Col. 2:7, "having been rooted."
7. The whole perspective of the book of Hebrews is utilization of equipping
grace so that God's support grace will become a reality.
A. Heb. 2:1 - Utilize equipping grace.
B. Heb. 2:5 through 5:10 - Orientation to support grace.
C. Heb. 5:11 through 6:8 - refocus on equipping grace because of the apparent
deficiency in the recipients of the letter.
D. Heb. 6:9 through 12:3 - Amplification of support grace.
E. Heb. 12:4-29 - Orientation to divine justice as motivation to advance
in the Christian way of life through spiritual growth.
F. Heb. 13 - final words of exhortation: v. 20-22 - get equipped.
8. The necessary attitude to utilize equipping grace can be summed up
by three concepts.
A. TEACHABILITY: Teachability is the attitude that applies humility,
honesty and objectivity in the study of God's word.
1. Humility recognizes one's need for instruction. It combats the independence
of the sin nature by recognizing divine authority and policy as having
jurisdiction over your life.
This is "the fear of the Lord" which is "the beginning of
knowledge" as per Proverbs 1:7
2. Honesty is the genuine desire to come to a knowledge of truth.
3. Objectivity is application of the literal, historical, grammatical
system of interpretation for the Bible.
B. TRUST: Trust combats sorrow and pressure factors by recognizing and
using the promises of God for support here on earth. 1Pet. 5:7-9
C. REJOICING: Rejoicing combats sorrow and pressure attitudes by recognizing
the benefits in following God's policy for life. James 1:2-4; 2 Cor. 13:11
9. The command to utilize God's equipping grace is simply to "grow"
through both content and application. 1 Pet. 2:1-2; 2 Pet. 3:18; James 1:21
Application of the 7 "therefores" of 1 Peter.
10. The orientation that results from utilizing equipping grace
(ie,
learning the basics) paves the way for experiencing a consistent "faith
rest life."
A. Faith rest is the life-style of knowing and trusting the promises
of God for every situation and circumstance in life.
B. The availability of these promises comes form God's "support
grace."
C. But even though the promises go beyond the basics, all the promises
"hang" on the basics.
D. Equipping grace provides the basic outline.
E. Support grace puts meat on the bones.
F. Support grace shows us how the essence of the Godhead works out specifics
in our life so we can continue to advance.
G. But without the basics, we won't have the capacity to understand
the support from God found in His promises.
H. In order to truly claim a promise and fulfill Philip. 4:6, "stop
worrying," we must understand the spiritual reality behind the promise.
1. It is not enough to say, "just trust God."
2. It is not enough to quote a promise.
3. It is not a religious or emotional "mechanic."
4. It is a total trust based on knowing beyond any shadow of doubt,
that God is in control and is working all things together for spiritual
value,not only in His plan, but for your personal life as well. That is
what His goal is.
5. Illustrated at 1 Peter 1:13 and verses 17-21
11. As cultivation for "teachability" see Topic: The
Urgency of Spiritual Growth
See the next three growth graces at 4
GRACE PROVISIONS FOR GROWTH
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