TOPICAL BIBLE STUDIES
ARCHIVE S

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.

Pronunciation guide

GREEK: Verbal Orientation

Hebrew Verbal Orientation

Index

SABBATH

SAINTS IN HEAVEN

Salvation in the Old testament

Salvation After the Rapture

SALVATION SECURITY

SANCTIFICATION

SATAN

SATAN: Rulership in the universe

SATAN : Schemes

SEALING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Second Coming of Jesus: parousia
Revelation 19:11-16: The one and only second coming of Christ

Seals of Rev. 6

SELF DEFENSE

SENSUALITY

SEPARATION

Separation from God: eternal

Serving: Spiritual Gift of Helps

SERVING GOD

Seven churches of Revelation: Orientation

SHEKINAH GLORY

SHEOL: See Physical Death

IMPUTED SIN THEORY

The Sin Nature (OSN)

Sin Nature (OSN): Deliverance from

Sinless Consistency

THE SIN OF UNBELIEF: Blasphemy against the Spirit

THE SIN UNTO DEATH

Solomon's Wisdom

Sons of God: Angels

THE SOUL of MAN

SOUL LIFE: When does the soul enter into the body?

Soul Slavery: Article

Sovereignty of God

Speech: See VERBAL SINS and VERBAL INTEGRITY

SPIRIT of man: The HUMAN SPIRIT

SPIRITUAL DEATH

Spiritual Defense Maneuvers

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Spiritual Growth

SPIRITUALITY: The filling of the Spirit (summary)

STEALING

STUMBLING:  Preservation from Stumbling

SUFFERING

SUFFERING:  Undeserved Suffering

SUPPORT GRACE: Growth Process (first see EQUIPPING GRACE)

STRENGTHENING GRACE: Growth Process

SUPPORT GRACE: Growth Process

STABILITY GRACE: The Growth Process

THE SABBATH

A. Orientation to the 4th commandment: Ex. 20:8-11

1. There are 3 clauses to this command.

a. soul attitude: v. 8
b. overt ritual: v. 9-10
c. spiritual background: v. 11

2. Clause #1 - v. 8

a. Remember: zAkar - qal infinitive absolute used as a command. this is a thinking verb. It means to take doctrinal info that you have learned about the sabbath and apply it each day.

b. The sabbath: shabbAth - the 7th day of the week. Every 7th day as measured from the creation week. Gen. 1:31; 2:1-2

c. To keep it holy: qAdash - piel inf. construct - means - treat, regard, respect something as unique and special.

LIT: to respect it as special -

d. This is a mental attitude respect based on God's decree concerning the 7th day. Gen. 2:3a

1. He blessed: bArak- piel imperfect- pronounced a blessing on.

2. and sanctified it: qAdash - declared it as special.

e. The reason is that all God's work for man was done in 6 days. There was nothing left to do but for man to enjoy it.
(Mk. 2:27, "the sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath.")

f. But the potential was there for man to occupy himself with his world and life and forget God as the source.

g. So God dedicated the 7th day as a reminder and celebration of perfect divine provision. Man owes everything to God.

h. It was not a "ritual" observance in the beginning, but a day of remembrance.

i. And that's what clause #1 does. It reminds them of the special quality of the day and God's plan. Gen. 2:3b

1. Because: kiy - purpose for God's dedication of the day.
2. On it: the 7th day
3. he rested: shAbhat - first means to "cease" and then as a natural result of ceasing, to rest.

The issue is that God ceased from His work because He was done. He did not need to rest.

4. from all his work: There was nothing left to do.
5. Which God had created: bArA - refers to the design and the building material created "out of nothing."

6. And made: AsAh - qal infinitive construct + le: used to indicate the purpose for a preceding action.

LIT: "For the purpose of making."

7. this sums up the mechanics of making which is called formed n v.7.

8. And so, the day is designated to remind man of God's character and the perfection of his work for man.

9. It teaches man that there is a spiritual purpose for human life. It takes man's eyes away from his existence and focuses them on the source and the purpose for his existence.

j. The first mention of any formal sabbath ritual is just a few days earlier in Ex. 16:23-30

1. prior to this, all sabbath observance was done mentally through occupation with divine viewpoint in the soul.

2. Here, God introduces the principle of overt ritual for the time because Israel is going to be a world-wide witness through its national rituals.

3. Clause #2: v. 9-10 - the overt ritual

a. This formalizes permanently for the nation what God instituted earlier in the wilderness of siyn.

b. six days you will labor: normal human life activity.
c. But the 7th day is a rest to Yahweh.

1. rest: indicates what is to be done on that day.

2. to Yahweh: indicates why the rest - it is dedicated to God as a commemoration of His character and plan which has provided perfectly all that man needs to sustain his physical life on earth, and to function in spiritual life reality toward God.

d. You shall not do any work:

1. The purpose is to rest - not to stop living. Deut. 5:14
2. CF. Luke 13:15; Mk. 2:27
3. Note that the animals are to rest also. This might restrict travel. Ex. 20:10; Deut. 5:14

e. No exceptions: Everyone in the land must observe the ritual.

4. Clause #3: v. 11 - the purpose for the observance -

a. This reviews the principles of Gen. 2:1-3
b. The work was complete and it was perfect.
c. The national purpose is stated at Ezek. 20:12, "And I also gave them my sabbaths to be a sign between Me and THEM, that they might know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies them."

B. The sabbath covenant: Ex. 31:12-17

v. 13

1. You: refers to the nation of Israel ONLY.
2. surely observe: shAmar + emphatic adverb ak - indicates a strict requirement from God.

3. My sabbaths: it is true that there are 3 different sabbath observances for Israel, but that is not in view here. The word sabbath is plural to indicate that every 7th day is to be observed by the people.

4. My: indicates it is God's design that established the sabbath as a day of remembrance from the beginning. Gen. 2:3

Also, the day brings attention to His character and plan - Therefore, it is His day.

5. It is a sign: a visible, overt observance in contrast to the mental attitude observance which was the practice prior to this.

6. Between God and the nation: There is no overt sabbath ritual for anyone else.

a. It is based on the covenant of Ex. 19:5-6 and given to Israel ONLY. Ezek. 20:12;

b. Neh. 13:20-21 indicates that strangers "traders" were not allowed to camp outside the gates on the sabbath, but it was not forced upon them beyond that limit.

7. Throughout your generations: as long as the nation exists.

a. It was spiritually rejected by God after the crucifixion.
Mt. 21:33-46; 23:37-39

b. It was physically rejected by God in AD 70 when Rome destroyed the city and temple.

8. So you may know: purpose is to communicate truth.

9. Specifically, that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

1. Sets you apart as a special and unique people. Ex. 19:5-6
2. The principle that everything they have as a nation is from God. Deut. 5:15

v. 14 - Violation of the sabbath ritual incurs the severest penalty.

Physical death (the only recorded incident of this penalty being carried out is at Numbers 15:32 ff.)

V. 15 - a sabbath of complete rest

1. shabbAth (of) shabbAthōn: occurs only 4 times - Ex. 35:2; Lev. 23:3, 32

2. LIT: a sabbath of sabbatic observance

3. It is explained by Ex. 16:23: it is a sabbath to be observed by overt activity not just mental activity.

4. Holy to Yahweh: qAdosh (adjective) - special and dedicated to God. It is His day.

5. For six days man must be occupied with normal life activities.

It is unavoidable. But the 7th day is to be dedicated to spiritual values.

6. this did not mean that you ignored spiritual values during the other days, but that you totally "de-emphasized" those normal activities on the 7th day.

v. 16

1. Throughout their generations: national existence
2. Perpetual covenant: beriyth ōlAm - a forever covenant FOR THE NATION.

v. 17

1. It is a sign: a sign that it is God who has provided everything they need for life and worship.
2. Forever: le ōlAm - to perpetuity (as long as the nation exists)
3. For: explanation that takes us back to the original design of Gen. 2:2-3
4. On day 7 he ceased: the work was done.
5. And was refreshed: nAphash (only 3 times-Ex. 23:12; 2 Sam.16:14)

a. Well now since God does not need to be "refreshed." Is. 40:28; Jer. 32:17,27

b. This must be "language of accommodation" (anthropopathism) to communicate the expenditure of maximum energy to perform a task.

c. In other words, it communicates the fact that God held back no effort to provide the absolute "best" for the human race.

What must be recognized here is that the "ritual" sabbath was given to the nation of Israel ONLY.

1. It did not apply to anyone before "the Exodus."
2. It did not ever apply to anyone "outside" the nation of Israel.
3. It does not apply to the church today.
4. That is why Col.2:16-17 is valid instruction to the Church that the church is not under any obligation to follow ANY of the rituals of the Mosaic law which were given to Israel only.

5. Technically speaking, we are not even under the "national" mandate of the 10 commandments.

a. We are still under the moral guidelines of those commandments.

b. but those guidelines are now encompassed in "the royal law," The law of love. Rom. 13:8-10; James 2:8

c. In the Mosaic law, violation of the "10" was to be penalized by "physical" death.
d. The church is not under such a "penalty" system today.
e. The church is not under ANY of the Mosaic law.

6. What we are under is the Law of Love which of course as it is explained in the New testament, embraces most of the 10 commandments and many principles from the rest of the Mosaic law.

But we are not under the rituals and feasts, and "social" customs that God gave to Israel.

index

SANCTIFICATION
essay on sanctification

1. It is the status of being set apart as unique and special through positional union with Christ.

A. 1 Cor. 1:2 - perfect passive participle of hagiadzo.
B. In Christ Jesus; Eph. 2:4-6
C. Heb. 10:19-20 - entrance into the holies, ie, the presence of God.

2. Thus a new spiritual body is formed:

A. A holy (hagios) nation: 1 Pet. 2:9
B. One body: Eph. 4:4

3. And members have a new title: saint (hagios) - 1 Cor. 1:2

A. called: kletos - indicates entrance into the plan of God via election.
ie, saints because they have responded to the call of God.

B. saints: hagios - set apart ones
Rom. 1:7; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Philip. 1:1; Col. 1:2

4. It is the will of God that designed the plan for sanctification. Heb. 10:9-10

"By whose will we have been sanctified
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all."

A. sanctified: hagiadzo - perfect passive participle + present indicative of eimi. Its called a perfect periphrastic which is the strongest way to express a present reality which is based on a past action.

B. Ie, we were sanctified at some time in the past - -
(according to Acts 26:18 - at the point of faith)
and we remain sanctified at the present moment.

5. It is the sacrifice of Christ that provided it. Heb. 10:10, 19-20; 13:12;

Thus, He became to us, "sanctification" - 1 Cor. 1:30

6. But it is the Holy Spirit who accomplishes it at the moment a person believes.

A. It is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit: 1 Cor. 12:13
B. 2 Thes. 2:13; 1 Cor. 6:11

7. Those who are sanctified are "positionally" complete. Heb. 10:14

"He has completed (perfected) for all time those who are sanctified."

8. All these passages make it clear that there is a "completed" status of sanctification that occurs when a person trusts in Christ as savior.

9. But the bible also indicates a process of sanctification, which deals with one's spiritual growth as he learns more and more of God's word and begins to reflect the character of Christ in his life.

It can be designated, "experiential righteousness." (1 Thes. 4:1-8; 1 Pet. 1:14-16)

A. DEFINITION: experiential sanctification is the reflection of your positional sanctification in union with Christ - into the Christian way of life via growth and following the filling/influence of the Spirit.

B. Because we are "holy" in position (IN CHRIST) we should be holy in our Christian life. 1 Pet. 1:15-16

Eph 5:8, walk as children of light.

Eph. 5:3, "as is proper among saints" (sanctified ones).

C. It is realized through the consistent application of bible truth in your life. 1 Pet. 1:14; 2 Tim. 2:19-22; John 17:17

D. It is God's desire for the Christian way of life: 1Thes. 4:1-8

E. The purpose for divine discipline upon the erring believer is to "turn him around" and cultivate a reflection of God's holiness in the life. Heb. 12:10;

F. 2Cor. 7:1 - perfecting holiness (sanctification) in the fear of God.

index

SATAN

1. The creation of Satan:

A. Based on Is. 14:12, his created name was hālāl.

1. KJV has it as "the morning star"
2. Hebrew word means shining one, from the verb, to shine.
3. He did not become "Satan" until after his sin.

B. In Latin the name is translated as Lucifer, which also means shining one.

C. Orientation to Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. In both of these passages, the prophet receives divine revelation that goes beyond the human king in the context and addresses the "creature" who is behind that king's power. Granted, there is much symbolism in these chapters, but even with that, the language demands that we go beyond a "human" creature and look to one who actually has a heavenly origin. Ie, Satan.

D. As an angel, Lucifer was created prior to the creation of the earth. Job 38:4-7

E. He was created in perfection: Ezek. 28:12
with superior wisdom, perfect beauty and of course free will.

F. Ezek. 28:13

1. Eden - not on earth. Used in a heavenly context as the place of privileged function for angels, just as it is used of nations in Ezek. 31:9. (See TOPIC Eden)

2. every precious stone, etc, communicates to man the perfection and magnitude of his beauty.
(not with a red epidermis and horns, etc.)

G. He is probably the greatest and most beautiful creature that has ever come from the hands of God.

2. The activity of Lucifer in Heaven:

A. Ezek. 28:14

1. anointed Cherub: privilege, rank and honor.
Actually, he had the highest rank among the angels and had the responsibility of representing the Glory of God to the rest of creation. (very ironic)

2. who covers: sAkak, overshadow, screen, cover.
The idea of guarding, preserving and representing God's Glory.

3. Holy mountain of God . . .stones of fire: The emphasis is on personal contact and privilege with God. Again, this speaks of rank and honor as well.

B. Ezek. 28:15, Blameless: tAmiym means to be complete and consistent in character, thus the idea of no sin and no unrighteousness. He operated perfectly consistent with God's character and plan.

3. The sin of Lucifer:

A. Ezek. 28:15, until unrighteousness was found in you:
This is amplified later as pride; an attitude of independence from God and rebellion toward God, and superiority over God. the emphasis is on internal thinking not overt.
(Thinking of yourself beyond what you really are, 1 Tim. 3:6)

B. v.16

1. abundance of your trade refers to the magnitude of his responsibility in heaven.

2. internally filled with violence refers to antagonism and rebellion toward God.

3. and you sinned, which indicates that he violated God's standards of righteousness.

C. v.17

1. your heart was lifted up refers to elevated beyond its right or capacity.

2. because of your beauty indicates that he was looking at self and failed to stay focused on the character of the Godhead.

3. you corrupted (shAchath = destroy, ruin, distort, piel perfect)
He actually distorted his superior wisdom when he redirected his soul against the wisdom of the Godhead. This indicates the development of a sin nature in him. So now, in his distortion, he cant really see who God really is. Therefore, he thinks he can actually win over God and de-throne him. That's why he is still fighting.

4. by reason of your splendor focuses again on his brightness and indicates he is totally occupied with himself.

D. v.18

1. by the multitude of your iniquities refers to all his thoughts of rebellion and pride.

2. in the unrighteousness of your trade indicates that his actions totally reflected his rebellion.
Ie, failure to perform properly and honorably in his heavenly responsibilities.

3. you profaned your sanctuaries refers to his heavenly privileges, rank and honor.

4. The judgment on Lucifer:

A. Ezek. 28:16

1. Therefore, I have cast you as profane (chAlal = defile, pollute, profane, misuse, dishonor).
So Lucifer was rejected being now, dishonorable, defiled, corrupted and totally unacceptable to God.

2. from the mountain of God: refers to the privileged location of his responsibilities.

3. from the midst of the stones of fire: privilege and presence with God.

4. I have destroyed you, 0 covering cherub: in the sense of removing him from his place of responsibility.

5. This is Satan's first fall. He is kicked out of his place of function.
Kicked out of heaven as a place to call 'home.'

6. He then makes his "home" on the planet earth.
This is of course prior to the creation of man.

7. Is. 14:12, you have been cut down to the earth: the phrase,
"you who have weakened the nations," is Isaiah's view of Satan's present activity in the world. Not what he did before his fall or when he was cast to the earth. (no man present)

B. God then pronounced upon Satan the judgment of the lake of fire. Mat. 25:41.

1. The angels that chose to go with Satan, also share his judgment

2. Upon the fall of Lucifer (bright and shining one), he became known as Satan (adversary).

3. And then later after his dealings with man, he became known as the devil (slanderer, accuser).

C. Angelic "salvation"

In Satan's rebellion against God, he persuaded several angels to agree with him with regard to his own personal greatness. So God made it clear to all the angels the consequence of rejecting God and joining with Satan. Then he arranged some period of time, some deadline, for all the angels to make a final decision for or against God. How long a time is not known, but the logic of scripture indicates that there was a cut off time.
Those angels who decided for God were "locked" in that decision as final and became known as the Holy and Elect angels. Those who decided against God and for Satan were "locked" in that decision as final. They became known then as fallen angels, Satan's angels, demons or unclean spirits.
Rev. 12:4 indicates that 1/3 of the angels chose for Satan.

"And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven,
and threw them to the earth."

This symbol is perhaps the most difficult to correlate. First impulse is to correlate back to the 12 stars of verse one and find some relation to "four" of the 12 tribes of Israel. However this produces nothing. There is no chronological impetus in this verse that demands the "throwing down" of the angels to take place after Messiah's ascension (v. 3). The mention of the 1/3 of the stars (angels) is simply a added description to orient us to the nature of the dragon.

Furthermore, this "third of the stars of heaven" were thrown down to the earth which seems to have them originate, at least, in a heavenly setting. This then lends itself to suggesting that Satan influenced 1/3 of the angels of God to follow him in his rebellion against God and become "his angels" (Rev. 12:9; Mat. 25:41).

Angels are designated as "stars" in other places. (Isaiah 14:12; Job 38:7)

D. Now Satan is still "alive and well" and not in the lake of fire, to where he was condemned. So something happened that caused God to delay the judgment he had pronounced.

I believe that Satan challenged God's justice and righteousness by illogically (and in his now distorted wisdom) appealing to God's love. The same argument he has advanced throughout human history.

"How can a God of love cast his creatures into a lake of fire for eternity?"

This is further suggested by the content of the "demon vision" that Eliphaz received as is recorded at Job 4:12-21. Specifically, as the demon communicates to Eliphaz, we hear the attitude of a creature that thinks God is unfair and unloving, verses 17-19a (NASB).

"Can mankind be just before God? Can a man be pure before his Maker?
He puts no trust even in His servants; And against His angels He charges error.
How much more those who dwell in houses of clay. . ."

God chose to demonstrate to Satan that every aspect of his character is perfectly consistent with itself. That is, that he can love and still express his justice and righteousness in judgment. To do this he has employed the human race.

E. God created mankind physically and intelligently inferior to angels but with the same free will. (Heb. 2:7)
Man was created not only to have fellowship with God, but also to ultimately demonstrate God's perfect character to the entirety of creation, (Eph. 2:7; 3:10; Is. 43:7; Eph. 1:12, 14)
(The work of Christ looks back as well as forward).

F. Basically, God's dealings with the human race demonstrate to Satan and his angels His absolute fairness in judging those who rebel against him, while at the same time staying perfectly consistent with his love. And so in the end, although Satan will be judged, he will acknowledge the perfect consistency and fairness of God's character. Phil. 2:10-11
(There will be no "unbelievers" in the lake of fire).

5. Satan's five "I Wills": Is. 14:13-14

I believe that these five tenets of Satan's goal were devised by him after the fall, beginning before the creation of man and being finalized when he became aware of God's purpose for the chosen Messianic people, the Jews. So now, being cast to the earth and actually setting up headquarters there, Satan begins to plan his campaign against God.

A. #1: I will ascend to Heaven. simply, I'm going to get back up there.
Now Satan presently has access into heaven for "conversation" with God, but it is not his home nor does he have any power or influence there.

B. #2: I will raise my throne above the stars of God.
(Notice, he has a throne although it is only over the pre-Adamic earth).
Above the stars of God refers to angels. His goal is to have total sovereign rule over all the angels.

C. #3: and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the North.

1. mount of the assembly: I believe here that Satan has in mind the nation of Israel, that nation being the very chosen Messianic people and the real center of God's plan to demonstrate his character to all creation.

Here he claims to replace Messiah and rule over Israel and thus over all the earth. I will fulfill the promise of the Messiah; I will be the Messiah.

2. for identification of these phrases as referring to Israel, see Is. 2:1-4 and Ps. 48:2
(I believe this fits Israel much more than anything we have revealed in scripture that might make this refer to heaven)

D. #4: I will ascend above the heights of the cloud (cloud, is in the singular).
This is the next logical step after referring to Israel.
The cloud refers to the "shekinah glory," the presence of Christ as the leader and protector, indeed, the God of the nation. Satan says he will surpass the glory of the cloud, that is surpass and replace the Messiah.

E. #5: I will be like the most High. Equality to God and therefore actually a surpassing and dethroning of God.
This embodies the other "I wills" and gives the ultimate in Satan's thinking.

6. Satan's present activity: His ruler ship over the world

A. Satan's claim to ruler ship is based on his presence on the earth. Is. 14:12

B. Man's rightful ruler ship over the Earth:

1. extent: Gen. 1:27-29
2. headquarters: Gen. 2:4-15 (Eden)
3. test of ruler ship: Gen. 2:16-17
4. Mate: Gen. 2:18-25
5. Invasion: Gen. 3:1-5
6. defeat: Gen. 3:6-7
7. result: Gen. 3:8-19, 22-24

a. spiritual death
b. physical death
c. loss of ruler ship
d. loss of headquarters
e. curse of creation

8. provision: Gen. 3:21; 4:3-7 (cf. Mosaic sacrificial system)

9. Conclusion: Man was given ruler ship over the earth but through his volitional failure to demonstrate ruler ship character, he lost it.

10. After the flood, when God makes a new covenant with the human race as represented in Noah, the ruler ship factor is not included in the instructions.

C. Satan's ruler ship:

1. Rules over angels: Mat. 25:41; Rev. 12:4, 7, 9

2. Rules over the kosmos (world system): Mat.4:8-9 and Lk.4:6; Jn.12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2Cor.4:4; 1Jn. 5:19

3. conclusion: Since Satan now has ruler ship over the world system,
(which system finds its primary manifestation in the realm of the earth) and mankind no longer has ruler ship over the earth, then Satan usurped man's ruler ship when he deceived him into deviating from Divine design.

D. Satan's kingdom: Acts 26:18; Eph. 2:2; 6:12; Col. 1:13
A kingdom of darkness.

E. Satan's program in the Kosmos that he rules. THE SCHEMES OF SATAN

1. The Overall purpose of Satan is stated in his five "I Wills":
Is. 14:13-14 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11

a. Number 1: Get back to heaven
b. Number 2: Rule over the angels (stars of God)
c. Number 3: Rule over the human race:
d. Number 4: Transcend the Messianic glory: The heights of the cloud (singular).
e. Number 5: Become like God

2. He will employ anything that will further his plan.

a. Good: 2 Cor. 11:14-15
b. Evil: Jn. 8:37-47

3. The limitations of Satan: The power and authority of Satan and his angels are limited.

a. They are finite creatures who can do nothing apart from the permissive will of God. Example: Job. Satan could do nothing until God permitted it.

b. Satan and fallen angels exist within the entire span of human history,
but they are not eternal.

c. Satan may offer great benefits to mankind through his lies,
but he is totally self-centered & unloving toward other creatures.

d. Satan appears as a messenger of light,
but he is totally unrighteous and unjust.

e. Satan and fallen angels have great knowledge,
but they are not omniscient.

f. Satan and fallen angels have great power,
but are not omnipotent.

g. Satan and fallen angels survey and monitor the whole world,
but they are not omnipresent.

h. Satan and fallen angels can suggest evil to the soul of man,
but they cannot coerce the will of another creature.

1. They can only possess (control) the unbeliever,
but only when that person's own volition permits it.

2. They cannot possess the believer.

i. Satan & fallen angels have authority & power over the realm of nature,
when permitted to use it, but they cannot create anything.

j. God uses Satan to discipline erring believers, but even then, it is designed for the believer's benefit through the doctrine of divine discipline.

4. Examples of his schemes: fulfills the "not ignorant" aspect of 2 Cor. 2:11

a. 2 Cor. 11:14-15: Satan as an angel of light, servants as servants of righteousness. (Mat. 13:24-30)

b. Behind organized idolatry: 1 Cor. 10:20-21; Rev. 9:20

c. Has his own doctrine: I Tim. 4:1-3 2 Tim. 2:24-26

d. Attacks through organized religion: Rev. 2:9; Jn. 8:44-47

e. Seeks to distort and destroy the work of the cross. Lk. 22:3; 1 Cor. 2:8

f. Distorts Divine revelation in the unbeliever and the negative believer.
Luke 8.12; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Thes. 2:7, 9-12

g. Contradicts Divine revelation: Gen. 3:4-5

h. Accuses the believer before God: Zech. 3:1; Rev.12:10; Job 1:9-11

i. He misdirects zeal: 1 Ch. 21:1; Cf. 2 Sam. 24:1 (Mat. 16:21-23)

j. Attacks through the details of life: Mat. 4:3-4

k. Influences believer to test God: Mat. 4:5-7

l. Tempts through power and authority: Mat. 4:8-10

m. Through approbation lust: Acts 5:3

n. Through the sex life: 1 Cor. 7:1, 5

o. Through failure to apply doctrine of love: 2 Cor. 2:11

p. Uses anger in the believer to attack others: Eph. 4:27

q. Uses inconsistency in testimony: 1 Tim. 4:7

r. General attack on women: 1 Tim. 5:11-15; (1Cor. 11:10 & context)

s. hinders geographical movements: 1 Thes. 2.18

t. Physical oppression:

1. Demon possession: Acts 10:38; Lk. 13:16; (unbeliever only)
2. Illness: permitted by God to believer - Job 2:7 2 Cor. 12:7

u. Deceives the nations: Rev. 20:3, 10 (Isaiah 14:12)

v. General attack on the believer: Luke 22:31;
Instigates persecution: 1 Pet. 5:8ff

5. Protection against the Schemes of Satan: Eph. 6:10-18;
James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Ps. 1:1-3; Ps. 119:9-11; 2 Cor. 10:3-6

F. Christ's recovery of rulership: Psalm 2:7-9; Daniel 7:13-14

1. The cross/resurrection: Col. 2:13-15; Heb. 2:14-15

2. The ascension/session: Ps. 110:1; Heb. 10:12-13; Eph. 1:20-22

3. War in heaven: Rev. 12:7-12

4. The Day of the Lord: Mat. 24:29-31; 2 Thes. 1:6-9

a. Atmospheric descent: Mat. 24:29-31
b. The 7th trumpet: Rev. 11:15-17
c. Physical descent: Rev. 19:11-21;

5. Satan imprisoned: Rev. 20:1-3

6. Messiah's earthly kingdom: Rev. 20:4-6

7. Satan in the lake of fire: Rev. 20:7-9

7. Satan's second fall: the middle of the tribulation

A. Rev. 12:7-9
B. Ezek. 28:17, I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, that they may see you. This is not the first fall and it does not really fit with the third fall.

8. Satan bound for 1000 years after Armageddon.

A. Rev. 20:1-3
B. Is. 14:15-17

1. nevertheless you will be thrust down to sheol (the place of the unrighteous dead).
It is equivalent to Hades, but is a separate compartment from Torments.

2. to the recesses of the pit: the abyss of Rev. 20:3

3. v.16, they will ponder over you: this refers to a retrospect on the deeds of Satan which he did during and after the tribulation. Although it could easily include what he had done through his whole career. It just seems likelier that the "onlookers" will be more occupied with his most recent notoriety as acquired in the tribulation.

4. Is this the man (one, person, individual) who made the earth tremble? (caused disruption and fear).

5. who shook kingdoms: displaced man's authority systems in nations with his own.

a. Deceives the whole world, Rev. 12:9
b. deceived the nations, Rev. 20:3

6. v.17, who made the world like a wilderness: mass destruction of established order

7. and overthrew its cities: further description of this destruction.

8. who did not allow his prisoners to go home: reference to Satan's dictatorial rule and enslavement of mankind during the tribulation.

9. Final defeat of Satan: 3rd fall

A. Rev. 20:7-10
B. Ezek. 28:18

1. therefore I have brought fire: maximum judgment
2. from the midst of you: he actually brought it on himself.
3. it has consumed you: destruction (total neutralization)

4. and I have turned you to ashes on the earth:
A physical judgment described in Rev. 20:9
His defeat at the final battle at the end of the millennium.

5. in the eyes of all who see you: probably his followers, both man and angels

6. v.19, all who know you among the peoples are appalled at you: shocked when they realize that Satan was defeated. They were deceived and now, they have nothing.

7. you have become terrified: Satan's heart reaction at his final defeat.

8. and you will be no more: lake of fire for eternity.
Total neutralization of Satan. Not an annihilation.
Described at Rev. 20:10 as "tormented day and night forever and ever.

Additional information about Satan: The Biblical Studies Foundation

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SATAN: Rulership in the universe

A. Satan's claim to ruler ship is based on his presence on the earth. Is. 14:12

B. Man's rightful ruler ship over the Earth:

1. extent: Gen. 1:27-29

2. headquarters: Gen. 2:4-15 (Eden)

3. test of ruler ship: Gen. 2:16-17

4. Mate: Gen. 2:18-25

5. Invasion: Gen. 3:1-5

6. defeat: Gen. 3:6-7

7. result: Gen. 3:8-19, 22-24

a. spiritual death: Gen. 2:17
b. physical death: Gen. 3:19
c. loss of ruler ship: Gen. 9:1-7 (Rulership is not restated)
d. loss of headquarters: Gen. 3:24
e. curse of creation: Gen. 3:17-18

8. provision: Gen. 3:21; 4:3-7 (cf. Mosaic sacrificial system)

9. Conclusion: Man was given ruler ship over the earth but through his volitional failure to demonstrate ruler ship character, he lost it.

10. After the flood, when God makes a new covenant with the human race as represented in Noah, the ruler ship factor is not included in the instructions.

C. Satan's ruler ship:

1. Rules over angels: Mat. 25:41; Rev. 12:4, 7, 9

2. Rules over the kosmos (world system): Mat.4:8-9 and Lk.4:6; Jn.12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2Cor.4:4; 1Jn. 5:19

3. conclusion: Since Satan now has ruler ship over the world system, (which system finds its primary manifestation in the realm of the earth) and mankind no longer has ruler ship over the earth, then Satan usurped man's ruler ship when he deceived him into deviating from Divine design.

D. Satan's kingdom: Acts 26:18; Eph. 2:2; 6:12; Col. 1:13 - A kingdom of darkness.

E. Satan's program in the Kosmos that he rules. TOPIC, Satan: Schemes

F. Christ's recovery of rulership: Psalm 2:7-9; Daniel 7:13-14

1. The cross/resurrection: Col. 2:13-15; Heb. 2:14-15

2. The ascension/session: Ps. 110:1; Heb. 10:12-13; Eph. 1:20-22

3. War in heaven: Rev. 12:7-12

4. The Day of the Lord: Mat. 24:29-31; 2 Thes. 1:6-9

a. Atmospheric descent: Mat. 24:29-31
b. The 7th trumpet: Rev. 11:15-17
c. Physical descent: Rev. 19:11-21;

5. Satan imprisoned: Rev. 20:1-3

6. Messiah's earthly kingdom: Rev. 20:4-6

7. Satan in the lake of fire: Rev. 20:7-9

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THE SCHEMES OF SATAN

1. The Overall purpose of Satan is stated in his five "I Wills": Is. 14:13-14 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11

These were devised by Satan "in stages" based on the progress of God's movements in the angelic conflict.

A. Number 1: Get back to heaven
B. Number 2: Rule over the angels (stars of God)
C. Rule over the human race: Mount of the assembly in the recesses of the North
D. Transcend the Messianic glory: The heights of the cloud (singular)
E. Become like God

2. He will employ anything that will further his plan.

A. Good: 2 Cor. 11:14-15
B. Evil: Jn. 8:37-47

3. The limitations of Satan: The power and authority of Satan and his angels are limited.

A. They are finite creatures who can do nothing apart from the permissive will of God.
Example: Job. Satan could do nothing to Job until God permitted it.

B. Satan and fallen angels exist within the entire span of human history,
but they are not eternal.

C. Satan may offer great benefits to mankind through his lies,
but he is totally self-centered and unloving toward other creatures.

D. Satan appears as a messenger of light,
but he is totally unrighteous and unjust.

E. Satan and fallen angels have great knowledge,
but they are not omniscient.

F. Satan and fallen angels have great power,
but are not omnipotent.

G. Satan and fallen angels survey and monitor the whole world,
but they are not omnipresent.

H. Satan and fallen angels can suggest evil to the soul of man, 
but they cannot coerce the will of another creature.

I. Satan and fallen angels cannot read minds. They have the knowledge of all of history, observing mankind in every possible situation and they know “in general” what you are thinking. Even people can do this with other people on a very limited scale.
With this knowledge, they can often suggest through words and circumstances, things that will effectively tempt the believer.
Usually, the unpleasant and unwelcome thoughts in the mind of the believer come from the sin nature, which has an inclination toward sin as the core of its very existence. Satan knows how the sin nature functions and can trigger its lust patterns through words and circumstances.

J. They can only possess (control) the unbeliever, but only when that person's own volition permits it.
They cannot possess the believer.

K. Satan and fallen angels have authority and power over the realm of nature, when permitted to use it, but they cannot create anything.

L. God uses Satan to discipline erring believers, but even then, it is designed for the believer's benefit through the doctrine of divine discipline.

4. Examples of his schemes: fulfills the "not ignorant" aspect of 2 Cor. 2:11

1. 2 Cor. 11:14-15: Satan as an angel of light, servants as servants of righteousness. (Mt. 13:24-30)
2. Behind organized idolatry: 1 Cor. 10:20-21; Rev. 9:20
3. Has his own doctrine: I Tim. 4:1-3 2 Tim. 2:24-26
4. Attacks through organized religion: Rev. 2:9; Jn. 8:44-47
5. Seeks to distort and destroy the work of the cross. Lk. 22:3; 1 Cor. 2:8
6. Distorts Divine revelation in the unbeliever and the negative believer. Luke 8.12; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Thes. 2:7, 9-12

7. Contradicts Divine revelation: Gen. 3:4-5
8. Accuses the believer before God: Zech. 3:1; Rev. 12:10; Job 1:9-11
9. He misdirects zeal: 1 Ch. 21:1; Cf. 2 Sam. 24:1 (Mat. 16:21-23)
10. Attacks through the details of life: Mt. 4:3-4
11. Influences believer to Test God: Mat. 4:5-7
12. Tempts through power and authority: Mt. 4:8-10
13. Through approbation lust: Acts 5:3
14. Through the sex life: 1 Cor. 7:1, 5
15. Through failure to apply doctrine of love: 2 Cor. 2:11
16. Uses anger in believer to attack others: Eph. 4:27
17. Uses inconsistency in testimony: 1 Tim. 4:7
18. General attack on women: 1 Tim. 5:11-15; (1 Cor. 11:10, and context)
19. hinders geographical movements: 1 Thes. 2.18
20. Physical oppression:

a. Demon possession: Acts 10:38; Lk. 13:16; (unbeliever only)
b. Illness: permitted by God to believer - Job 2:7 2 Cor. 12:7

21. Deceives the nations: Rev. 20:3, 10 (Isaiah 14:12)
22. General attack on the believer: Luke 22:31;
Instigates persecution: 1 Pet. 5:8ff

5. Protection against the Schemes of Satan: Eph. 6:10-18;
James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Ps. 1:1-3; Ps. 119:9-11; 2 Cor. 10:3-6
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SEALING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. References: Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5

2. Ephesian 1:13, the THREE steps of salvation. Each of the following three steps are verbs in the aorist tense, which is used to indicate a moment of time occurrence of the events in view..

A. Hearing the gospel: "After hearing the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation." This is an aorist active participle of the verb, akouo, and indicates the action in view occurs before the action of the main verb. Even Romans 10:14-17 indicates that one must hear the gospel message before he can believe in Christ.

B. Believing the gospel: "in Whom also having believed." This is also an aorist active participle, but of pisteuo, and again it indicates that this action occurs before the action of the main verb.
The verb, pisteuo refers to total trust in Christ as Savior.

C. Sealed by the Holy Spirit: "You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." The verb here is sphragidzo, and occurs as an aorist passive indicative, which indicates it to be the main verb.
Furthermore, the passive voice indicates that someone else did the action to the subject, and that this action follows upon the two previous actions represented by the aorist participles.

D. The phrase, "of promise" indicates a fulfillment of what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry (John 7:38-39; 14:16-17).
And even after His resurrection (Acts 1:8).

See Topic: HOLY SPIRIT: Indwelling for more details.

3. What is a seal?

A. It verifies or authenticates: John 3:33; 6:27; Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:6
B. It indicates ownership: 2 Timothy 2:19
C. It protects and preserves: 1 Peter 1:5; Revelation 7:2-3
D. It guarantees or promises: Ephesians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:24

4. The sealing ministry of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee or pledge. Ephesians 1:14

A. Who is a pledge: the word WHO, goes back to the Holy Spirit mentioned in verse 13.

B. the word, pledge, is arrabOn, and means a deposit, a pledge, a token of intent.

C. Of our inheritance: This refers to the eternal phase of our salvation, and is described at 1 Peter 1:4-5 in reference to the resurrection body that all believers will receive (Philippians 3:21).

D. Unto the redemption: The word redemption is apolutrOsis, and means a release through payment, redemption or setting free. The seal remains in place UNTIL the acquired property is fully in the possession of its owner.
It is the resurrection of the body that completes the transaction.
At Romans 8:23, this completion is called the redemption of the body.

E. The word UNTO, is eis and indicates goal or purpose. The seal is the mark of possession and ownership - to protect it from any and all things that threaten the owner's final acquisition. At Ephesians 4:30, we find that "we have been sealed unto the day of redemption." Thus, protected until the resurrection body is acquired.

F. of the possession: This word is peripoiāsis and means the property that someone acquired and that now belongs to that person. The word means a circle that is made around something that marks it out as owned by the one who makes the circle.

1. It is used at 1 Peter 2:9 to refer to the church, as "a possessed (owned) people."

2. The verb is used at Acts 20:28, "the church of God which He ACQUIRED with the blood of His own."

G. This RELEASE takes place through resurrection, when all believers at that time (living and dead) will be transformed into a body exactly like the body of Christ's glory (Philippians 3:21).

H. Unto the praise of His glory: All is for the glory of God the Father.

5. It is actually the very presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart that functions as the SEAL of God's ownership and protection. 2 Corinthians 1:22, "Spirit in our hearts as a pledge."

6. The sealing of the Holy Spirit then, by very definition is the key factor for understanding the salvation security of the believer. Romans 8:9, "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him (lit: he is none of His)."

7. The seal of God, which is the presence of the Holy Spirit is the promise that God will keep His word concerning the promise of salvation. Thus, it is God who not only saves the one who believes, in the first place, but it is God who KEEPS the believer secure. One is not saved by works and one is not kept by works.

See topic: SALVATION SECURITY for details.

8. Illustration via the diagram of the cross and two circles.

SELF DEFENSE

1. Self defense refers to the protection of self from danger outside a warfare context.

2. However, the principle of bona fide warfare can be applied to the activity of self defense.

A. Numbers 10:9; 21:1-3

B. Nehemiah 4:7-9, 13-23

3. The principle of self defense is taught by Jesus: Mt. 24:43; Luke 11:21

4. The authorization for self defense is given at Exodus 22:2

5. Contrast with murder: Ex. 21:12-14

A. Acts presumptuously: ziydh - boil up, seethe - indicates emotional arrogance.

"is emotionally arrogant"

B. To kill him craftily: with "ormAh" - craftiness, a plan - principle of pre-meditation.

C. The issue of mental attitude: Mt. 5:21-22

6. Distinguish between self defense and revenge activity.

A. Gen. 34:1-31

B. Proverbs 24:28-29

C. Proverbs 25:21-22; 20:22

7. Non-violent self defense maneuvers:

A. talking: Gen. 21:22-26

B. Fleeing:

1. Faith rest context: 2 Kings 11:1-3; Ex. 1:15--2.5; Gen. 26:18-22

2. fear context: Gen. 27:41-45

C. Use of deception: Gen. 13:10-20; 20:1-18; 26:7-11

8. Violent self defense maneuvers:

A. Use of collective force: Gen. 14:1-24

B. Physically stopping a thief: Ex. 22:1-4

C. Preparation and physical follow through: Luke 11:21-22; Mt. 24:43

D. Deut. 25:11-12 - principle of inappropriate force

9. Protection against animal violence: Judges 14:6; 1 Sam. 17:34-36

10. Legal defense:

A. Standard of the Mosaic law: Exodus 18:13-26 with Deut. 1:9-18

B. Proverbs 23:10-12 - property rights

C. example of Paul: Acts 25:9-12

D. Mt. 5:40 - personal debt context

11. Comments on Mat. 5:38-45

12. Application to the spiritual conflict:

A. Principle: John 18:36

B. Example: Luke 22:35-38 with Mt. 26:51-56

C. Explanation: 2 Cor. 10:3-6

13. See Topic: Warfare

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SALVATION SECURITY

1. Salvation is provided, administered and secured by God alone.

A. Salvation is the work of God. Man does nothing to possess it.

Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Cor. 1:30; Gal. 2:16; 2Corinthians 1:21-22

B. If man is unable in himself to obtain salvation, he is just as unable to maintain it.

C. Therefore, it depends totally on God's ability that our salvation is secure. Heb. 7:25

1. The power of God: 1 Pet. 1:5; Jn. 10:28-29; Rom. 14:4

2. The faithfulness of God: 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Thes. 5:24; 2 Tim.2:12-13

2. ETERNAL life by definition cannot end. Jn. 3:16, 36; 10:28; 1 Jn. 5:11-12

If we can lose eternal life -- we never had it.

3. Freedom from judgment: Romans 8:1

A. John 3:16-18; 5:24

B. 1 Thes. 5:9

C. If we have truly been delivered from eternal judgment - then we cannot receive such judgment .

4. New position IN CHRIST:

A. Baptism of the Holy Spirit: 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27

B. 2 Cor. 5:17 - new creation - OLD THINGS PASSED AWAY ---

spiritual death (Rom. 6:23) and judgment (Rom. 8:1)

C. Established and sealed: 2 Cor. 1:21-22

D. The permanent status of sanctification: Heb. 10:14

E. Under the special relationship love of God. Rom. 8:32-39

5. In the family of God: Jn. 1:12; Gal. 3:26

A. Born again: 1 Pet. 1:23

B. Christ's brethren: Heb. 2:11-13

C. Fellow-brethren: the carnal believers of the Corinthian church.

D. Child discipline: Heb. 12:4-8

E. Back-slidden brother: 2 Thes. 3:14-15

F. Now we are sons of God: 1 Jn. 3:1

G. The people of God: 1 Pet. 2:10

H. Heavenly citizenship: Phil. 3:20

6. From child to heir: Rom. 8:16-17; and to a reserved inheritance: 1 Pet. 1:4-5

7. Salvation titles:

A. Saint: 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1

B. Elect: Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:9

C . Brethren: 1 Cor. 2:1

8. The work of the Holy Spirit:

A. Indwelling - one time: Rom. 8:9 with 2 Cor. 5:5

B. New birth - one time: Titus 3:5

C. Baptism - one time: 1 Cor. 12:13

D. Sealing - one time: Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 1:22

E. Filling - many times: Eph. 5:18; 1 Thes. 5:19 Gal. 5:16, 25

F. Man's problem in understanding salvation security is the failure to recognize the difference between relationship and experience.

9. Status at the reward seat of Christ: 1 Cor. 3:10-15 - He himself shall be saved

10. Light vs. darkness:

A. The intent: Acts 26:18

B. The fulfillment: Col. 1:13

C. The past, present status and experience: Eph. 5.8

11. The principle of imitation: 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 7.1 + Eph. 5:8; Col. 2:10-16 + 3:1-12

12. The prayer of Jesus: Jn. 17.20, 24

13. The status of the over-comer: 1 Jn. 5:5; Rv.12:11a; Rv. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7

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SENSUALITY

1. DEFINITION: Sensuality is a total occupation with the physical senses in an undisciplined, emotional abandonment to satisfying ones physical desires.

A. It is first, the physical expression of sin nature lusts: Mk. 7.22; Gal. 5.19

B. Then, through a frantic search for happiness, it becomes a philosophy of life.

1. The philosophy of Ec. 8.15 - eat, drink and be merry

2. The philosophy of Epicurus during the 3rd century BC.

"Wherefore we call pleasure the alpha and omega of a happy life. Pleasure is our first and common good. It is the starting point of every choice and of every aversion, and to it we come back, inasmuch as we make feeling the rule by which to judge every good thing." Letter to Menaeceus

2. 2 Peter 3.18 makes the correlation between physical lusts and sensuality - aselgeia.

3. At I John 2.16 the physical lusts of aselgeia are identified as being a cornerstone factor in the world system.

4. Sensuality is a replacement philosophy to Christianity - Jude 4
See Topic: GNOSTICISM

5. 1 Peter 4.3 gives a list of the physical lusts involved with aselgeia.

A. epithumia - plural: lusts of passion

B. oinophlugia - plural: lusts for wine

C. kōmos -Plural: wild, "traveling" parties.

D. potos - plural: drinking parties

E. eidōlolatria - plural: idolatries (described as immoral - athemitos)

6. The society of Sodom and Gomorrah is illustration of the social dominance this philosophy can have. 2 Pet. 2.7; Gen. 19.1-11

7. The philosophy is promoted by those who have no moral standards. 2 Pet. 2.7; 3.17

athesmos - unprincipled -- immoral.

8. Summary at Eph. 4.17-19

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SEPARATION

1.The principle of separation: Because of the deceiving character of the world system, the believer is commanded to maintain an objective separation from the various influences of that system. 1 John 2:15-16; John 17:15

2. The basis for separation must always be the standards of the word of God.

A. 2 Tim. 3:8; 2 Thes. 3:6, 14; Rom. 16:17
B. Psalm 1:1-3, separation PLUS adherence to divine viewpoint standards.

3. Separation from perpetually carnal believers is commanded.

A. 1Cor. 5:9-13
B. Apply Gal. 6:1-2 and Rom. 15:1-3

4. Separation from believers who reject the teachings of the word of God.
This includes the moral institutions. 2Thes. 3:6-15; 2 Tim. 3:1-8

5. Separation from those who cause divisions by false teaching, criticism, etc.

A. Romans 16:17-18
B. Proverbs 22:10

6. Maintain alertness toward false teachers: Philippians 3:17-19
The issue of hospitality: 2 John 10-11

7. Separation from friends who are not friends which demands constant honesty and objectivity.

A. Proverbs 1:10-19
B. Proverbs 4:14-19
C. Christianity demands that you take a stand with your friends. 1 Peter 4:1-4

8. Application of separation to family and relatives.

A. Principle of obedience: Eph. 6:1
B. Principle of honor: Eph. 6:2-3; Ex. 20:12
C. Principle of division: Mat. 10:34-36
D. Principle of priorities: Mat. 10:37-39
E. Principle of danger: Mat. 10:16-22
F. Principle of soul influence and protection: Deut. 13:6-11
G. Principle of example: John 7:1-5
H. Principle of responsibility: 1 Tim. 5:4, 8
I. Principle of witness: 1 Cor. 7:6; 1 Pet. 3:1-6; John 1:41

9. Application of separation to marriage.

A. Principle of status quo: 1Cor. 7:17-28
B. Principle of the unbeliever's choice: 1 Cor. 7:12-15
C. Principle of witness: 1Cor. 7:12-16; 1 Pet. 3:1-6

10. Application of separation to social and national life.

A. The general principle: 1Cor. 5:9-10 cf. John 17:15
B. Government: Rom. 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13-17
(revolution is never authorized by the Word, Prov. 24:21-22)

C. The slave or employee:

1. Status quo: 1 Cor. 7:20-24
2. Moral responsibility: Eph. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-25; 1 Pet. 2:18

D. The master or the employer: Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1

11. The doctrine of separation demands no compromising or obligating associations of any kind with unbelievers.
2 Cor. 6:14-18 (marriage, business, clubs, frats and sororities, elks, masons, etc.)

12. Separation through identification and rejection of false teaching and teachers.

A. 1 Thes. 5:22
B. 1 Tim. 6:20
C. Titus 1:9-14

13. Separation through non-conformity to the viewpoint of the world. Romans 12:2

A. Rejection of sin nature lusts: 1 Pet. 2:11
B. Friendship with the world: James 4:4
C. Principle of personal taboos: Job 31:1

14. Separation through ex-communication from the local church.

A. Example of immorality at Corinth. 1 Cor. 5:1-2
B. General application: 1 Cor. 5:9-13
C. Warning and instruction comes first: 2 Thes. 3:14-15; 1 Tim. 5:20 Cf. Gal. 6:1, mending
D. Rejection after the third warning: Titus 3:10-11

15. Recognize that those who are really negative to truth will usually disassociate themselves when truth is consistently proclaimed. John 6:60-71; 1 John 2:18-19

16. Application of separation principles in the nation of Israel.

A. Ex. 23:31-33; 34:12-16; Deut. 7:3-4; Judges 3:5-7
B. Result of failure to separate: Psalm 106:35-43

17. Separation principles found in Proverbs 1:10-15; 4:14-17; 17:4; 22:3-5; 22:24-25; 23:20-21; 24:1-2; 24:21-22; 28:7; 29:3

18. The term "unleavened" is used to describe the doctrine of separation applied to the Christian way of life. 1 Cor. 5:7-13

A. Unleavened in position: Eph. 5:8b, light in the Lord
B. Unleavened in experience: Eph. 5:8c, walk as children of light

19. Conclusion and application from Eph. 5:1-18

index

SERVING GOD

1. The ultimate purpose for the believer on earth is to serve God. Ec. 12.1, 13

A. Eph. 2.8-10 - Good works. Titus 3.8

B. John 17.18-21 - Christ sent us

C. 1 Pet. 2.9 - priestly function is to proclaim

D. Rom. 12.1 - logical service

2. Service is equated with a grape vine producing grapes. Jn. 15.1-6

3. In order to be a productive vine, the believer must pursue fellowship and growth. Jn. 15.7-8

A. Abide in Me: Rom. 8.8

B. My words abide in you: Accurate message - 2 Tim. 2.15

4. Thus, service is measured by God's standards.

A. Grace: Heb. 12.28 with 13.9

B. Newness of spirit: Rom. 7.6 and 12.1-2

C. Heb. 9.14 - apart from dead works

D. The vessel for honor: 2 Tim. 2.20-26

Prepared -- v. 15; 3.17; 1 Pet. 3.15

E. Jas. 1.26-27; Heb. 13.15-16

F. Titus 2.11-14

G. Romans 14.17-19

5. Failure in preparation:

A. Principle of 2 Time. 2.15 -- diligence

B. Psalm 51.5-13

C. Heb. 5.11-14

6. Prepare for persecution:

A. John 15.16--16.4, 33

B. 2 Tim. 3.12-17

C. 1 Pet. 3.15-16

D. 1 Pet. 4.12-19

E. Vindication: Is. 54.17

7. Doctrine of beneficent love

8. SERVICE: Summary

A. Relationship: In order to serve, you must be in the family of God.

This establishes the potential for service - 1 Thes. 1.5-9; Eph. 2.8-10

B. The provision for service: God's word - 2 Tim. 3.16-17; 1 Tim. 2.15

C. Motivation for service: Application of God's character and plan

1. Salvation grace: 1 Peter 2.3

2. God's love: 1 John 4.19

3. Resurrection reality: 1 Cor. 15.50-58

4. Law of sowing and reaping: Col. 3.23-25

D. Fellowship necessity:

1. Filling of Holy Spirit: Rom. 8.8; Gal. 5.16-25

2. Abiding in Christ: John 15.4-8

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SHEKINAH GLORY

1. This is a technical term not found in the Bible, but is based on the Hebrew verb, shakan, which means to dwell.

2. The word is used to indicate the dwelling of God's glory with the nation of Israel in the cloud that accompanied them from Egypt and that dwelt within their tabernacle.

3. The personal presence of God was called, "The Glory." 1 Sam. 4:21-22

4. Even in David's time, the Glory of God dwelled in the tabernacle. Psalm 26:8

5. After Solomon built the temple, The Glory dwelled within the Holy Place. 1 Kings 8:10-11.

6. Based on God's "shekinah" presence with Israel, He was designated as their Glory in the time of Jeremiah. Jer. 2:11
It departed in 586 BCE (Ezek. 10:1-5, 15-19; 11:22-25; 12:8-16).

7. The Glory of Yahweh (The LORD) will fill the millennial temple. Ezekiel 43:2-5; 44:4

8. Romans 9:4 mentions The (shekinah) Glory as belonging to Israel in a context that is focusing on Israel's evangelistic responsibilities.

9. The (shekinah) GLORY that dwelled in the cloud and accompanied Israel through the wilderness is called Christ by Paul at 1 Cor. 10:4. (Cf. Deut. 32:4).

10. Therefore, the title The Glory, ascribed to Jesus in James 2:1, is both accurate and appropriate, as well as very dramatic to the Jews. Corrected translation of James 2:1, "My brethren, do not be holding onto The Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Glory, in an attitude of personal favoritism."

11. The designation of Christ as "The Glory," is based on both inherent and assigned glory.

A. Inherent: John 1:1; Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:15
B. Assigned: John 5:22-23; Isaiah 42:8; Heb. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:21.
C. Compare: John 17:1-5

12. Jesus, as "The Glory" is a reflection of several titles ascribed to Him.

A. Emmanuel: Mat. 1:23
B. Only begotten God: John 1:18
C. The "I am" of John 8:58-59
D. The first and the Last: Rev. 1:17-18; 22:13 with Is. 48:12
E. The Son of God: John 1:14; 5:17-18

13. The extension of the shekinah presence of God with His people is extended into the church age through three factors.

A. Positional truth: The ONE body of Christ made up of all believers is the temple of God in which He dwells.

B. Doctrine of Indwelling explains the personal presence of God in each believer here on earth through the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:14-18

C. The dwelling of Christ in the heart of the growing believer, who maintains fellowship consistency, so that Christ's character is reflected in his life. Eph. 2:22, 3:14-17 (5:1-2); John 14:21, 23; 17:26.

14. In the new Jerusalem, which is the eternal home for resurrected believers, the Shekinah Glory is present through the personal presence of the Godhead. Rev. 21:1-3, 22

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The Sin Nature

1. There exists in every member of the human race through physical birth, an energy system which distorts the soul into being independent from and contrary to Divine viewpoint. The term that efficiently communicates this energy system is the "old sin nature." (OSN or SN)

A. Gen. 8.21:

1. inclination: yātser = nature

2. evil: ra = sin

3. originated in Adam: = old

B. Ec. 9.3: insanity - the distortion/mutation of the soul

1. holālAh - plural only and 4 times only (Ec. 1.17; 2.12; 7.25; 9.3)

2. From verb - hAlal - to be boastful (root meaning)

piel stem = to praise, honor, to recognize the merit in something.

3. plural: expressions of boasting, pride, arrogance and independence from God.

a. This is self-promotion and a distortion form the original design of the soul.

b. Thus, the idea of insanity and madness.

C. Psalm 58.3: from the womb

1. Gen. 8.21 - from his youth

2. Ec. 9.3 - throughout their lives

3. Ps. 51.5 - from the point of conception

D. Thus, the OSN is a physical mutation of the mentality genes which produces a natural inclination of rebellion against God.

2. The OSN operates on the basis of animal-type mental instinct and impulse which seeks comfort zones to accommodate the body. Eph. 2.3

A. All animal instinct and impulse is centered in the area of self-gratification and preservation.

B. Under the influence of this energy system, the body becomes a "god" which the soul attempts to appease by following its many and varied dictates. (1 Cor. 8.5 - many gods)

C. This energy system thus distorts the normal thinking of the soul into into expressing independence from God and violation of his policies.

D. This energy system cannot rebel against the creator God, because it is as unaware of God as are the animals.

E. Its desires however, translate into rebellion against God because in order to fulfill those desires, the soul must reject Divine standards.

F. The sin nature petitions the soul for fulfillment of its desires via correlation between the 5 physical senses and an animalistic standard of comfort zones.

G. It is called the passions of sins at Romans 7.5 -

pathāma + genitive plural of hamartia

3. OSN desires carry impressions of abnormal value to the heart of the soul.

A. Mental pictures (enticements) which influence the soul to desert truth.

epithumia - James 1.14

B. Creature desire, which does not consider the priority value of truth in contrast with material value. hādonā - James 4.1

C. Creature pursuit of pleasure and comfort in the context of the 3 darkness philosophies of 1 Jn. 2.16.

D. Eph. 2.3 - desires of the flesh and mind

E. Eph. 4.22 - lusts of deceit

4. The OSN came into existence when Adam and Eve rebelled against God in Eden. Gen. 3.5-7

A. The statement of judgment on Adam's sin follows the pattern of Gen. 2.17.

1. You shall surely die: mūth - qal participle + qal imperfect.

2. This intensified, emphatic construction is a reference to spiritual death which resulted from the act of independence from God.

3. Spiritual death is the inability to relate to God, self or others from the perspective of Divine viewpoint.

4. The capacity to understand these three areas using God's logic is neutralized.

5. This causes a natural alienation to God, others and even to self.

Called nakedness - Gen. 3.7-10 (body and soul).

B. Adam's and Eve's sin brought immediate natural consequences into their soul's and bodies.

1. A mutation occurred in the physical mentality genes which perpetuated the act of independence into a natural inclination.

Gen. 9.21.

2. With this natural inclination controlling the self-consciousness of the soul, it was impossible to relate to God or people except on terms of shame and fear.

a. Shame toward self and others: Gen. 3.7

b. Fear toward God: Gen. 3.10

C. Thus, there is a distortion of normal life activities within humanity.

1. The first area of distortion was in sex.

a. Sex was originally designed by God as a source of mutual pleasure and fellowship within the "one flesh" unit of marriage.

b. But because of the self-centeredness of the OSN and its natural inclination toward self-gratification, its influence on the soul causes an obsession with the physical body and sexual pleasure.

c. Thus, the consciousness, guilt and shame of their own nakedness and the need for clothing to help combat the obsession.

2. The 2nd area of distortion was man's attempt to solve his problem on his own terms.

a. Operation fig leaves was a human viewpoint, human good attempt to remove the shame and guilt.

b. It covered the body but did not remove the mental mutation nor its influence on the soul.

c. The "nakedness" of soul was still a reality when God came looking for them.

d. Fig leaves lessened the impact of the sexual obsession, but did not remove it.

e. God's provision of clothing did the same thing but the difference is that using God's resources rather than man's, holds in check the animalism of the OSN in all areas.

Principle of Ps. 119.11 and Prov. 16.6b

3. Then as time went on, the mutated mentality genes (OSN) manifested its inclination toward evil in more and more areas.

a. arrogance, rebellion, hatred, murder, deceit, sexual immorality, etc.

b. Thus, the summary at Mark 7.21-23

c. This is all the experiential knowledge of human good and evil as per the nature of the original sin represented in the tree.

d. Adam passed on the OSN to his offspring: Gen. 5.1; Ps. 51.5

5. The essence of the OSN:

A. Jeremiah 17.9 -

1. deceitful above all else: Aqōbh - speaks of error and falsehood; Imitation and counterfeit.

2. desperately sick: Anash- speaks of distortion and abnormality.

B. Gen. 8.21 - inclination to do evil

C. Ec. 9.3 - insanity - hōlālAh - plural = insanities - speaks of abnormality and malfunction.

D. Romans 7.18 - nothing good - agathos

E. Romans 7.21 - evil dwells in me - kakos

F. Isaiah 64.6 - produces a human righteousness.

Viewed as an area of strength from the perspective of morality which produces an ascetic way of life (Col. 2.20-23; 1 Tim. 4.2-3)

G. Mark 7.21-23 - source of sin - viewed as an area of weakness from the perspective of morality which produces a lascivious way of life.

Rom. 1.24-32; Eph. 4.19; 2 Tim. 3.1-7

6. The distortion of the soul:

A. Man's soul was designed to function in total conformity to the plan and character of God in two areas.

1. Worship life: fellowship and rapport with God

2. morality life: fellowship with man centered around the issues of personal freedom and marriage. Gen. 2.18-20; Ec. 7.29a; Rom. 2.14

B. This design in the soul was expressed through natural character attitudes built into the soul.

1. RESPECT: designed to express the grace perspective - recognition of the greatness and magnitude of God and self as a creature.

2. LOVE: designed to express value and dedication to God and his provisions. Manifested by constantly seeking the benefit of Div. design.

3. PRIDE: designed to express total confidence in the character and plan of God. Boasting in Him.

4. AMBITION: designed as a motivation for faithfulness in devotion and God's plan for the human race. Fulfills Gen. 1.28

5. HATE: designed as a deterrent to the influence of evil in his environment. To reject what God rejects. The basis for avoiding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

6. JEALOUSY: (possessiveness) designed to promote a singularity of devotion which rejects all competition with God. A protective attitude toward the object of love.

7. ANGER: designed as a proper soul response of disapproval whenever Divine standards are violated.

C. All these attitudes were used to please God and establish rapport with him. They reflected God's glory by expressing viewpoint compatible with His.

D. When Adam and Eve sinned, the mentality genes mutated into an animalistic (physical centered) inclination.

1. This caused the mentality of the soul to become imbalanced and distorted.

2. the natural character attitudes, now under that distortion, could not please God or perpetuate any rapport with Him.

3. Thus, it caused immediate chaos in fellowship W/ God and with each other.

a. With God: Gen. 3.8, 10

b. With each other: Gen. 3.7; 2.25

E. Once the OSN entered the scene, all the natural character attitudes were redirected away from God and totally toward self for the promotion and gratification of self.

1. RESPECT: proper reverence and recognition of God turns to fear and mistrust. This is behind all religious activity.

2. LOVE: Love dedication was now expressed with the background idea of promoting benefit for self. Love for God is replaced with love for life. (creature values rather than creator values)

3. PRIDE: Now expressing total independence from God and total confidence in self.

4. AMBITION: instead of genuine promotion of the plan of God, all is done for the furtherance of self-interest and benefit.

Covetousness, arrogance and rebellion.

5. HATE: Now expressed when self is threatened. Thus, often directed toward God and his standards.

6. JEALOUSY: formerly protection for the object of love, it is now protective of self-interest and benefit.

7. ANGER: Now expressed when personal standards are violated by someone else or anytime self is cast in a negative light.

7. So, the human race in unbelief operates in total distortion and chaos from God's original design, and centers all activity in self.

A. the only source of stability and order for the human race comes through restricting the animalism of man's OLD SIN NATURE.

B. The potential for that control falls under the two areas of God's original design for the function of the human race. Worship and morality.

1. Morality:

a. The natural design in the soul in the direction of personal freedom is not totally shut down because of the OSN.

b. The mutation toward animalism lust influences the self-consciousness of the soul to violate the principles of freedom.

c. Each individual is personally responsible for following that design or following the lusts of the OSN.

d. Furthermore, as the principles of freedom are exalted in a society's laws and customs, the overt animalism of the OSN is respectively restricted.

e. However, when the standards of morality are embraced, it comes from the OSN's area of strength which functions independently of God just as much as the area of weakness.

f. This promotes religion, legalism and self righteousness and still keeps man away from the truth of God's grace salvation.

2. Worship: The only way to really neutralize the chaotic effects of the OSN is to readjust to God on his terms.

a. Salvation first: relationship with God via the new birth gives man access to the viewpoint. of God in order to shut down the OSN.

BASIC HUMILITY ORIENTATION - decision of self-consciousness to accept the terms God specifies for sin forgiveness.

b. Fellowship: ADVANCED HUMILITY ORIENTATION through learning and using the Word of God.

Self-consciousness decides to put into practice the resources God has made available for worship and communion with Him.

c. Knowledge and application of God's word: Ps.119.11; Pr. 16.6

OT and NT believers

d. For NT believers only, the filling of the Holy Spirit: Gal. 5.16

8. The attack of the OSN:

A. Gal. 5.17

B. 1 Peter 2.17

C. James 1.14-15

9. The reign of the OSN:

A. Romans 6.14-16

B. 1 Cor. 3.1-3 - carnality

C. Romans 7.14-25 with 8.1-8

10. Defeating the OSN:

A. Application of RAPT: Retroactive Positional truth

1. At salvation, the believer is placed into union with Christ. 1 Cor. 12.13

2. This is called current positional truth (CPT). It teaches that the believer shares positionally the resurrection, ascension and session of Christ.

3. Basically, CPT is the fact that the believer shares everything that Christ is and has in his exalted humanity.

a. Righteousness: 2 Cor. 5.21

b. inheritance: Rom. 8.16-17; Gal. 3.29

4. Through this positional ID, the believer is taken back in time and identified with Christ's death and burial. Romans 6.3-4. (RAPT)

5. RAPT identifies the believer with how Christ dealt with sin on the cross. Romans 6.6-1

6. Therefore we must make a volitional decision to reject the influence and reign of the OSN. Rom. 6.12-13

 

B. The mechanics:

1. The Holy Spirit: Gal. 5.16; Eph. 5.18
Using the guidance from the Spirit to learn and USE the standards of God's viewpoint and policy as found in His written word, the Bible.

2. The Word: Ps. 19.11; James 1.21-25

3. Application through moment by moment vol. decisions.

1 Pet. 2.11; Heb. 3.13

C. The status of fellowship: 1 John. 2.24 with 3.6 and Gal. 5.16

11. The final destruction of the OSN for the believer.

RESURRECTION - Phil. 2.21; 1 Corinthians 15.50-57

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Sin Nature (OSN): Deliverance from

1. Because of union with Christ, we are identified with what He accomplished on the cross.

Rom. 6.6, 8

2. He paid for all the sins of the world through his spiritual death.

1 Pet. 2.24; 2 Cor. 5.21; Is. 53.11

3. He also made provision for the neutralization of the sin nature (OSN).

A. The OSN is a physical condition inherited from parents. Ps. 51.5

B. through the brain, OSN influences the soul in two major ways.

Gal. 5.24 - passions and lusts (emotion and self-con.)

C. OSN is the master of the unbeliever's soul: Rm. 6.14,16-17,19-21

D. OSN must be neutralized before the benefits of Eternal Life can be realized.

1. In eternity: 1 Cor. 15.50

2. In time: Rom. 8.8

4. Through his physical death, Christ made provision for receiving a resurrection body minus the OSN. Rom. 6.4-5

A. All people shall be resurrected: Dan. 12.1-2; Jn. 5.28-29

B. Unbeliever will have a body that will experience the suffering of the Lake of fire.

C. But because of Christ's death and resurrection, the believer is promised a body exactly like his. Phil. 3.21; 1 Jn. 3.2

D. Called the redemption of the body - Rom. 8.23 (minus OSN)

E. 1 Cor. 15.42-53 - no corruption, weakness or dishonor.

5. Because of positional identification with Christ's death through Retroactive Positional Truth (R.A.P.T), the believer is freed from the OSN. Rom. 6.7,18,226.

When Christ was crucified, he crucified the OSN, and in Christ, the believer has crucified the OSN. Gal. 5.24

7. This occurs at the moment of salvation. Rom. 6.17-18

8. Called a spiritual circumcision at Col. 2.11-12

9. Positional deliverance from the OSN also involves positional deliverance from the character qualities produced by the OSN. Col. 3.1-9

10. Knowledge and application of these truths exhort the believer to live in the Christian way of life as though the OSN was indeed dead.

A. Correlation between Rom. 6.6 (knowing) and v.11 (conclude)

B. Rom. 6.1-2, 12-14, 19, 22

C. Rom. 8.1-14

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SINLESS CONSISTENCY

THE SIN UNTO DEATH

1. Definition: Maximum Divine discipline in which case, the believer is put in a state of physical neutralization as a result of maximum spiritual failure.

2. The principle is found at 1 Jn. 5.16: "There is a sin unto death ---"

A. 1 Cor. 11.30

B. Psalm 118.17-18

3. It is not any one particular sin but a "last straw" type of sin which initiates God's ultimate administration of discipline.

4. But, as in the case of all discipline, if the fact is not made known to the believer, then the discipline has no meaning. This is only necessary when the administration of death is not immediate.

5. Two categories:

A. Actual death: This is because in God's plan, there is no longer any use for the believer to remain on earth.

1. Annanias and Saphira (no warning): Acts 5.1-11:

2. Saul and his sons: 1 Sam. 28.16-19; 1 Chron. 10.13-14

3. The Exodus generation:

a. In general: Numbers 14.20-33

b. The specifics: 1 Cor. 10.1-13

4. Balaam: Numbers 31.1-8

5. Revelation 3.16

B. Living death: Under a Divine indictment of death, and from the human per- spective, in a sickness situation which is terminal. (Recovery is possible)

1. ! Cor. 5.1-5 (recovery - 2 Cor. 2.5-11)

2. Numbers 12.9-10 - Miriam (recovery - V. 11-15)

3. Hezekiah: Is. 38.1-6

4. Moses: Ex. 4.24-26

5. Sometimes a coma situation may be the "living death" discipline.

6. Under this "living death" discipline, the believer is totally separated from God's blessing and plan for him while on earth.

A. There is no fulfillment of quality life via peace, joy and stability.

B. Other believers are not even encouraged to pray for them. 1 Jn. 5.16

7. Balance between Divine justice and love: Heb. 12.6; Ezek. 18.1-32

8. The sin unto death and the mark of the beast.

Return to Hardness of heart

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The heavenly creation has several designations.

A. The first term i s "sons of God." Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Gen. 6:1

1. benā hA elohim: only 4 times and only of angels.
Job 1:6; 2:1; Gen. 6:2, 4

2. benā elohim: Only at Job 38:7 and for angels.

3. bar elohin: (Chaldean) only at Dan. 3:25 and for angel.

4. Cf. Psalm 29:1 and 89:6 - benā āliym (plural) - both times for angels = sons of the mighty (ones).

See Topic: Angels

THE SOUL of MAN

1. Man is body, soul and spirit. 1 Thes. 5:23; Heb. 4:12

2. Man's body, soul and spirit were designed and created by God. Gen. 1:26-27

A. Summary passage of day six: the creation of man and woman. Gen. 1:24-31
B. Detail passage of day six: The mechanics - Gen. 2:4-25
C. the "image of God" will be explained in point 18.

3. Man's body created.

A. Gen. 2:7

1. Formed: yAtsar = molded
2. from the dust: Aphar = chemicals
3. of the ground: adAmAh = soil

B. Gen. 2:21-22

1. Rib from Adam: actual physical part
2. Built: bAnAh means to construct something. In this case it was the constructing of materials into another and different body.

3. But still in the same image as Adam. 1 Cor. 11:7

4. Man's soul created: Gen. 2:7

A. And breathed into his nostrils: this indicates that a body had already been prepared and that a "life-force" is given directly from the essence of God.

B. The neshAmAh: breath or life-force
C. of lives: plural of chay (chayyim) to indicate BOTH soul AND spirit life. Both are involved based on Gen. 7:22, "neshAmAh of the spirit of lives."

D. And man became: hAyAh as a qal preterite, means to BECOME something he was not before.

E. A living soul: nephesh chayyAh - a soul "entity" in a body.
F. Animals are also nephesh chayyAh: Gen. 1:20-24
G. The difference between man and animal is the presence of the neshAmAh of lives. Called in Gen. 7:22, "the neshAmAh of the spirit of lives," where it refers ONLY to mankind.

H. NeshAmAh and spirit (ruach) are both used to indicate the life- force of man. Job 32:8; 33:4; 27:3; 34:14; Is. 42:5; 57:16.

I. Nephesh refers to the soul "entity" which contains the essence of character. Prov. 23:7

J. The word, spirit (ruach), is also used to indicate the spirit "entity" which reflects the character of the soul - as personality. Job 15:12-13.
Spirit (pneuma) is also used for "breath" as in the life force. Rev. 11:11; 13:15; Jer. 10:14; 51:17; Ezek. 37:5-10

K. Use of terms:

1. neshAmAh = life-force (Job 34:14; Isaiah 2:22; 42:5; 57:16)
2. spirit (ruach/pneuma):

a. the human spirit: Job 34:14; Isaiah 42:5; 57:16
b. Entity of personality: Job 15:12-13
c. See Topic: The HUMAN SPIRIT

3. nephesh = the entity of character. Prov. 23:7

5. Soul Function

A. Used to indicate a living person: (nephesh) Gen. 46:15, 18, 26-27 (psuchā) Acts 27:37.
B. The physical body:

1. Lev. 11:43-44; Job 18:4; Ps. 105:18
2. Related to sickness: Psalm 106:15
3. Physical needs: Pr. 25:25; 27:7; Is. 29:8; Lam. 1:19

C. To indicate a dead body: Lev. 19:28; 21:1, 11; 22:4; Num. 6:6-7; 19:11; Jer. 2:34

D. A person's physical life:

1. Ps. 6:4; 17:9, 13: Mat. 2:20
2. Presence in the body: Gen. 35:18; 2 Sam. 1:9; 1 K. 17:21-22
3. Out of the body: Mat. 10:28; Rev. 6:9; Lk. 16:19-31; 23:43

E. The soul "entity" related to character: Prov. 23:7

1. Volition: Gen. 23:8; Deut. 21:14
2. Affection: Gen. 34:3, 8; 44:30
3. Sorrow: Job 30:25; Ps. 35:12
4. Confidence: Judges 5:21
5. Impatience: Num 21:4
6. Hatred: 2 Sam. 5:8
7. Fear: Psalm 6:3
8. Pride: Prov. 28:25
9. Joy: Psalm 35:9
10. Occupation with God: Ps. 42:1-2
11. Needs knowledge: Pr. 19:2; James 1:21

6. The soul is composed of two elements of character.
Mentality and emotion. Ps. 26:2

A. The heart is the character/controller of the soul and is the center of mentality. It forms policy for life and is the storage place for knowledge. Prov. 14:33

See Topic: The HEART

B. The emotions are the responders of the soul. They respond in appreciation or dissatisfaction toward life.
Prov. 23:15-16; Song 5:4

See Topic: The Emotions

7. The heart in turn is composed of three elements. mind, conscience and self-consciousness.

A. The MIND (understanding): Heb. 4:12; Lk. 1:51; Deut. 4:9
See Topic: The MIND

B. The CONSCIENCE: Heb. 10:22; Titus 1:15
See topic: The CONSCIENCE

C. The SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS: (ego, Ps. 36:1-2; Ec. 1:16) Ps. 10:6; with volition, Pr. 16:9; 24:32

8. The character of the soul, based on heart knowledge is then expressed in life through the human spirit as personality. The spirit is the reflector of the heart. Pr. 15:13; Lk. 1:46-47

9. The original natural design in man's soul is upright. Ec. 7:29, "You have created mankind UPRIGHT,
but they have sought out many devices." YAshAr

A. This indicates a soul function of relating everything in man's environment to God as the only reference point.
God is the center of all existence and the object of all activity in both areas of life.

1. Spiritual life (worship): fellowship with God
2. Morality life: fellowship with man, which is centered around the issues of personal freedom and marriage. The other three areas of morality are simply an extension of these two.
Gen. 2:18-20; Ec. 1:29a; Rm. 2:14

3. See Topic: MORALITY

B. Self-consciousness and volition were designed to take all knowledge and experience and relate It directly to God through soul attitudes which by nature are God-centered.

C. There are 7 basic attitudes In the soul, all of which directly reflect God's attitude. In this way man was designed to function as the image of God here on earth as God's representative in the angelic conflict.
See Topic: The ANGELIC CONFLICT and The Angelic conflict: intensified

1. RESPECT: God has total respect for and confidence in his own perfection. Is. 43:10-13

The design In man's soul reflects this by having the grace perspective, which recognizes the greatness and magnitude of God, and self as a creature.

2. LOVE: God loves his own character (Ps. 33:5a). He recognizes the absolute value in himself and is dedicated to promoting that value In the universe.

Man's soul was designed to reflect that by placing the highest value on God's character and plan and by promoting it as the most important thing in life.

3. PRIDE: Pride is God's recognition of his own perfection it is Divine self-esteem. Ex.15:7; Is.46:9

Man was designed to reflect that through placing total confidence in him. Boasting in Him Praise and thanksgiving that shows appreciation for who he is and what he has accomplished.

4. AMBITION: This is God's perfect desire to promote his character and plan in the eyes of his creatures and to carry out his plan for the universe.ls.46:10

Man's soul reflects this by seeking to promote that Divine plan in everything he does. The purpose for all of man's earthly activity is to promote that plan. This then functions as a motivation for service and fulfills Gen. 1:20.

5. HATE: hate is the natural attitude that comes from perfect righteousness. God's mentality rejects anything that is contrary to that righteousness. Ps. 5:4-6

Man's soul is designed to express that same attitude of rejection whenever it encounters darkness viewpoint.

6. JEALOUSY: This is God's protectiveness of his Divine essence and plan, Ex. 20:5. Not that God's needs protection, but it is the value of Divine essence held by his creatures that is protected since Satan's antagonism is constantly seeking to discredit God's essence and plan.

Man's soul is designed to reflect God's protectiveness of the Divine Value System, through his own diligence in rejecting darkness influence.

7. ANGER: anger as a natural expression from hate, is the verbal and active manifestation of righteousness and justice. Ex. 15:1

Man's soul is designed to express that same disapproval whenever Divine standards are violated.

D. All these attitudes were used to please God and establish rapport and fellowship with him. They reflected God's glory by expressing viewpoint compatible with him. Thus, the principle of agreement with Divine standards for fellowship.

E. When Adam and Ishah sinned, the normal balance and function of the soul became distorted.

1. The natural character attitudes, now under that distortion, could not please God or establish rapport with him.

2. This distortion is the nature of sin (or sin nature), and caused immediate chaos in fellowship with God and with each other.

a. With God: Gen. 3:9, 10
b. With each other: Gen. 3:1; 2:25
3. See Topic: The Sin Nature

10. The distortion of the soul:

A. At the fall of the human race in Adam, the physical makeup of man acquired a distorted sinful nature (the sin nature). Gen. 3:1-10; 5:3, "own likeness" (Gn. 6:21; Ps. 51:5).

B. The sin nature influences self-consciousness to take all knowledge and experience and relate it to self as the center of all existence and the object of all activity.

1. Ec. 9:3- called insanities (holālAh, plural), boastings and rebellions against the Divine design. The Divine design is the natural design of the soul and for that matter, of the universe. Therefore, rebellion against It is "insanity."

2. The sin nature distorts all normal soul attitudes into self centeredness rather than God-centeredness.
Pr. 22:15; Ec. 9:3; Gn. 9:21; Ps. 14:1; Rom. 1:21-23

3. All the attitudes come out distorted or "insane" and reflect only the promotion of the creature and not God. Ec. 1:29, "sought out many devices."

C. The Distortion of the 7 attitudes of the soul

1. RESPECT: Proper reverence and recognition of God turns into fear and mistrust (this is behind most religious activity).

2. LOVE: Love dedication was now expressed with the background idea of promoting benefit for self.
Love for God is replaced with love for life, le, creature values rather than spiritual values.

3. PRIDE: Now expresses total independence from God and total confidence in self.

4. AMBITION: Instead of genuine promotion of the plan of God, all is done for the furtherance of self interest and benefit. ie, covetousness.

5. HATE: Now expressed when self is threatened. Thus, antagonism toward Divine standards as well as anything else that "steps on toes" and intimidates.

6. JEALOUSY: Formerly protection of the object of love. Now protective of self-interest and benefit.

7. ANGER: Now expressed when personal standards are violated by someone else or when personal benefit is threatened.

D. This distorted influence is in fallen man from birth and pollutes his entire life.
Gen. 8:21; Ec. 9:3; Rm. 7:12-21 Eph. 2:3

E. The sin nature is located in the body as separate from the soul.
Rom. 7:18-21, "that is, IN MY FLESH."

F. But it is directly "wired" to the soul so that direct influence over self-consciousness and volition is accomplished.
Gal. 5:17; Jas. 1:14-15

11. The development of the soul.

A. The natural design in the soul has the initial influence.

1. Morality design: Rom. 2:14 with Ec. 7:29
2. Spiritual design: Rom. 1:18-23 with Ec. 7:29

B. But the presence of the sin nature distorts both.

1. Gen. 8:21; Ec. 9:3
2. Ec. 7:29; Jer. 17:9; Is. 64:6-7

C. Also the influence of Satanic viewpoint bombards the soul.

1. Status in his kingdom of darkness: 1 John 5:19; Eph. 2:2
2. Attack: 2 Cor. 4:4; 11:14-15; Mat. 13:19

D. If the natural design in the soul is not nurtured and cultivated, the influence from darkness will produce a soul in slavery to evil.

1. Morally: Pr. 29:15; 14:12 w/ Ec. 7:29; Rom. 1:28-32
2. Spiritually: Gal. 4:8; Heb. 2:15
3. Living in darkness: Eph. 4:17-19

E. So the morality design needs to be cultivated by parental training. Prov. 22:6

1. This will provide order and stability in the soul as the sin nature is given over restrictions.

2. The result is order and stability in society to the extent that parental responsibility is fulfilled.

3. Morality authority also provides the proper framework for humility so a person can see the authority issues of God's spiritual design.

F. And then the spiritual design needs to be cultivated in children so that the soul can start our properly adjusted to God's character and spiritual life reality. Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:6-9

G. After salvation, both the spiritual and moral design need to be cultivated in order to either -

1. Offset darkness viewpoint already present.
2. Or to protect against darkness influence in the future.
Rom. 12:2; Prov. 2:1-12a; Ps. 119:11

H. Soul progress is illustrated in Luke 1:80; 2:40, 52

12. The issue throughout life is - what will control the soul?

A. The standards of Divine viewpoint (the Divine Value System).
B. Or the standards of human viewpoint.
C. Volition is at the center of this conflict and must constantly be making decisions for or against Divine design. Jam. 1:13-15.

13. For the unbeliever, the forces of influence are:

A. The principles of Divine Morality.

1. By "nature:" Rom. 2:14; Ec. 7:29; Rom. 1:19
2. By environment: stable society and learned standards.

B. The convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit with regard to God consciousness
(Rom. 1:19-20; Ps. 19:1-6) and the gospel (John 16:8-11; Gen. 6:3).

C. The dictates of the sin nature: Gen. 8:21; Jam. 1:13-15; Eph. 2:3
D. The dictates of the world system under Satan: Eph. 2:2

14. For the believer:

A. Morality: natural and learned
B. Divine viewpoint: Spiritual growth, Ps. 119:11
C. Filling/influence of the Spirit: Gal. 5:16-17.
See Topic: The FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

D. The sin nature: Gal. 5:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:11; James 4:1
E. Satan's world system: Col. 2:8; Eph. 6:11-12; 2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:7

15. Whenever the sin nature takes over control of the soul, it reverses the function of the heart and emotions. It subordinates the content of the heart and puts the emotions in authority.
This is called an emotional revolt of the soul. Lam. 1:20

16. The demotion of the heart and revolt of the emotions cause the darkness process to kick in. This results in a total abandonment to an undisciplined, unstable and animalistic way of life. Rom. 1:18ff; Eph. 4:17-19

17. The soul operating on Divine viewpoint standards, provides for a life of great stability and contentment.

A. For the unbeliever: based on adherence to the moral design God established for the human race.

B. For the believer: The abundant life of peace, joy and confidence. John 10:10; Col. 1:9-12; Rom. 15:13

18. Nephesh is used to designate the function of the essence of God.
Judges 10:16; 1 Sam. 2:35; Job 23:13; Ps. 11:5; Pr. 6:16; Is. 1:14; 42:1;
Jer. 5:9, 29; 6:8; 9:9; 13:17; 14:19; 15:1; 32:41; 51:14;
Ezek. 23:18; Am. 6:8; Zech. 11:8; Mat. 12:18; Heb. 10:38.

19. The structure of man according to Gen. 1:27 is "in the image and likeness of God."
See Topic: The Image of God

20. The issue of spiritual death: See topic: SPIRITUAL DEATH

index

When does the soul enter into the body? When does the fetus become a real human being? Is it at conception? Is it at birth? Or is it at some time in between those two events? The process at the creation of Adam, although not conclusive in itself, suggests that there is a fully functional body created and then a soul is created when the breath of lives is placed within that body (Gen. 2:7).

At Isaiah 42:5, we learn that it is God who personally gives breath and spirit to the people on the earth. This suggests that it is not part of the natural physical mechanics of procreation (conception and fetal development).

Hebrews 12:9, suggests that our human father is the father of our flesh, while God is the father of our spirit.

"Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?"

 

And there are some interesting passages which indicate that God does not provide that "soul" life until birth.
At Job 3:11-16, Job contrasts 2 situations which he wished could have happened in order to avoid his present adversity.

1. The first one: He wishes that he had died AT BIRTH.
Job 3:11-12,

"Why did I not die at birth, Come forth from
the womb and expire? "Why did the knees receive me,
And why the breasts, that I should suck?

 

In other words, when he was born WITH soul life via that birth, why did he not just "up and die?" Then his soul would have been where the other souls go at death.

 

Job 3:13-15,

"For now I would have lain down and been quiet;
I would have slept then, I would have been at rest,
With kings and {with} counselors of the earth,
Who rebuilt ruins for themselves;
Or with princes who had gold,
Who were filling their houses {with} silver.

 

When the soul of the believer left the body through physical death (in an Old Testament context), it went into paradise, which was located in Sheol, there to await the resurrection of the body at the Day of the Lord.

 

2. The second situation: He wishes he had not even been born. Job 3:16

Or like a miscarriage which is discarded,
I would not be, As infants that never saw light.

Here, we see what was commonly believed in that ancient culture AND by a man who was "blameless and upright; fearing God and turning away from evil." Job. 1:1

The word, miscarriage, is nāphel which comes from the verb nAphal, which means to fall. A nāphel then is that which has FALLEN out rather than that which has actually been birthed. The word only occurs three times in the Old Testament (Job 3:16; Ec. 6:3-5 and Psalm 58:9).

Incidentally, verses 17-19 describe the condition of the dead, not the condition of the miscarriage.

Solomon tells us what his culture believed about the miscarriage (nāphel) at Ecc. 6:3-6

If a man fathers a hundred (children) and lives many years,
however many they be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things,
and he does not even have a (proper) burial, (then) I say,
"better the miscarriage than he, for it comes in futility
and goes into obscurity; and its name is covered in obscurity.
"It never sees the sun and it never knows (anything;)
It is better off than he. "Even if the (other) man lives 1000 years
twice and does not enjoy good things - do not all go to one place?"

 

The idea that all go to one place refers to the disposition of the physical body and not the soul. According to Ec. 12:7, at death, the body goes to the dust.

This is very much different from the attitude toward a baby who dies. 2 Sam. 12:22-23

And he said, "While the child was alive,
I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows,
Yahweh may be gracious to me, that the child may live.'
"But now he has died; why should I fast?
Can I bring him back again?
I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."

This clearly means that the baby has gone to the place of paradise where the believers go; where David himself will go when he dies. And this is not simply the disposition of the physical body that is in view, for it is a source of comfort and joy to David.

Another factor is that even in light of His foreknowledge, "knowing" completely all the details of one's life long before he is ever conceived, God views the actual beginning point of that life as the moment of birth.

Isaiah 49:1

Listen to Me, O islands, And pay attention, you peoples from afar.
Yahweh called Me from the womb;
From the body of My mother He named Me.

This is referring to the Messiah in his humanity and that the Messianic commission actually began at birth, although He did not officially manifest Himself until 30 years later.

Isaiah 49:5

And now says Yahweh,
who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,
To bring Jacob back to Him,
in order that Israel might be gathered to Him

This is still speaking of the Messiah, and indicates that He was formed from the moment of physical birth to accomplish the Messianic purpose. This can be compared with Hebrews 10:5-7, where the Messiah says "when He comes into the world," A body you have prepared for me and I have come to do your will.

Luke 1:15

"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord,
and he will drink no wine or liquor;
and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even OUT FROM his mother's womb.

That is, from the time that he is born, John will have the empowering ministry of the Spirit upon him, but not while he is IN the womb.

There are many passages that people use to suggest that there is soul life in the womb, but none of them actually prove it, and most of them do not even refer to the fetus. The most common argument comes from Luke 1:41-44, but it is not the baby in the womb that is experiencing joy. It is Elizabeth's joy and the baby has a physical reaction based on the emotional and spiritual stimuli on Elizabeth's body. Medically speaking, this is called reflex motility.
See Commentary on Luke 1:41ff.

SPIRITUAL DEATH

1. Man was created body, soul and spirit. Gen. 2:7

A. Formed the body - nostrils: aph
B. Breathed in neshama: cf Gen. 7:22 (the ruach of lives) SPIRIT
C. He became a living soul: nephesh

2. Both the soul and the spirit are necessary to maintain the physical life of the body.

A. Spirit: Ec. 12:7; Job 34:14-15; James 2:26; Psalm. 146:4
B. Soul: 1 Kings 17:17-22; Acts 20:10; Gen. 35:18, and many more.

3. Both the soul and the spirit are involved the the function of the person. The "real" you.
Luke 1:46-47; Deut. 2:30; Job 7:11; Ps. 51:10; 77:6

4. When Adam sinned against God by disobeying His instructions, he died.

Gen. 2:17 says, "in the DAY that you eat from it you shall surely die." But he did not die physically. Gen. 3:7
See Commentary on Genesis 3

5. He died in the realm of his relationship with God. In fact, he lost that relationship, that communion, that fellowship. Gen. 3:8-10

A. He was now afraid of God
B. He hid from God
C. This loss of relationship with God is the death that he died.
D. The "principle" is seen at Isaiah 59:2,

"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,
And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He doesn't hear."

6. When Adam sinned, he did not lose any part of his human makeup.

A. His body was still there.
B. His soul and spirit were still there. Gen. 7:22; Job 34:14; Is. 42:5; 57:16
C. Everything he received in Gen. 2:7 was still there and functioning.

7. The basis for this death of Adam was his disobedience to God. An act of negative volition that constituted an attempt at independence from God.

A. The act of negative volition caused a distortion of both the soul and the body which distortion became a major part of man's makeup.

B. This distortion came about because when Adam sinned his "nature" changed. It became "evil." It is a nature or "influence" within that consistently operates contrary (negative) to divine viewpoint.

C. This possession of a "sin nature" puts man in a place of perpetual resistance to God. Gen. 6:5; 8:21

D. This is the same thing that happened to Lucifer when he sinned against God (Ezek. 28:17). His splendor led him to pride, and pride was the expression of independence from God which then produced a "nature" within him that "distorted" his mentality (wisdom).

E. The sin nature which man received is not in the soul or the spirit. It is in the physical body but has a direct influence on the soul through the physical "wiring" in the brain (Romans 6 and 7). (Also cf. face to face with the Lord and no sin nature; and resurrection and no sin nature)

F. See Topic The Sin Nature, in this archive.

8. The loss of relationship with God was restored to Adam and Eve when they put their trust in the Messianic promise represented at Gen. 3:15 and taught to them through the teaching aid of the animal sacrifice (Gen. 3:21).

9. But the presence of the sin nature remained in Adam and Eve as part of their human structure. And it was passed down to their children through procreation producing in them the same character of resistance to God. Gen. 5:3; 8:21; Psalm 51:5.

Man is SINFUL BY NATURE.
It is the presence of the sin nature which causes spiritual death in all of Adam's progeny.

10. So man is born totally separated from God and under God's judgment. This is spiritual death.

A. Eph. 2:1 - dead in trespasses and sins
B. Eph. 2:3 - by "nature" children of wrath
C. Eph. 2:12 - separate from Christ
D. Eph. 2:12 - without God
E. Rom. 5:16-10 - helpless, ungodly, sinners, enemies.
F. John 3:18 - judged already

11. In addition to loss of relationship with God, Adam's sin resulted in physical death being appointed to the human race (Gen. 3:19; Heb. 9:27).

A. Adam and Eve were placed under the process of physical death, but it could have been interrupted had they eaten from the tree of life. That is why they were removed from the garden (Gen. 3:22-23).

B. All must face physical death, but the resurrection of Christ removed the "sting" of physical death by providing the redemption of the body through sharing in His resurrection. Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:49-57.

C. And the new resurrection body, of course, will remove once and for all the presence and effects of the sin nature. Rom. 6:4-10; Philip. 3:21

12. The 2nd result of Adam's sin was the cursing of the earth. Gen. 3:17-18; Rom. 8:20-22

13. The 3rd result of Adam's sin was the loss of the rulership that God had given to him. Through Satan's defeat of Adam in the garden he usurped that authority for himself and became the ruler of the world. Accordingly, all who are born into this world, are born under the authority of Satan's kingdom of darkness. Eph. 2:2; Col. 1:13; 1 John 4:4; 5:19; John 8:38-44; Acts 26:18; 2 Cor. 4:4; Luke 4:5-6;
John 12:31; 14;30; 16:11; Eph. 6:12.

14. Summary:

A. The term spiritual death is man made. It gives the impression that man's "spirit" is dead. This is not the case.

B. The Bible indicates that the penalty of sin is death which is indicated throughout as having no relationship or fellowship with God.

C. In other words, there is a loss of the "spiritual" relationship that man has with God. Thus the term, spiritual death.

D. Unless there is a "faith in Christ" decision, this spiritual death will be perpetuated for all eternity as the second death in the lake of fire. Rev. 20:11-15.

E. Spiritual death entered into the realm of the human race through Eve's and Adam's original act of sin. This is what caused their personal separation from God.

F. Other things resulted but these are not the cause of spiritual death, but rather indicate the fact of that original sin and the spiritual death that resulted.
(Sin nature; physical death; curse on the earth; Satan's rule)

G. Spiritual death then is passed down to all members of the human race because Adam's children all inherit from him the sin nature. It is the presence of the sin nature that causes spiritual death in each individual.

H. The commission of personal sins further demonstrates the reality of spiritual death and man's separation from relationship and fellowship with God. Thus, the indictment found in the bible is that man is DEAD in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1) and DEAD in transgressions (personal sins) and the uncircumcision of your flesh (sin nature). Col. 2:13

index

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1. Definition: A spiritual gift is a grace provided ability to fulfill a specific function of promoting Divine truth in the Devil's world.

2. Origin of the term:

A. Two words in 1 Cor. 12

v. 1 -- pneumatikos: a spiritual thing (neuter adjective)
Emphasis is on the one who gives and administrates the gift. (also in 1 Cor. 14.1)

v. 4 -- charisma: a freely bestowed gift (neuter noun)
Emphasis is on God's grace as the basis for the possession and function of the gift. The believer does not earn it or work for it. (also in Rm. 12:6; 1 Pet. 4:10

B. Two words in Eph. 4:7-8
v. 7, dorea; v. 8, doma (Both indicate simply that which is given).

3. Origin of the gifts:

A. From the Father: James 1:17; 1 Cor. 8:6
B. Provided by the Son: Eph. 4:7-8, 11
C. Given and administered by the Spirit: 1 Cor. 12.11

4. There are two classification of gifts:

A. Temporary: gifts designed for function in the church before the completed canon of scripture.

1. Revelation gifts: These are for the purpose of providing Divine truth specifically pertinent to the church age.

2. sign gifts: These functioned in connection with the revelation gifts for the purpose of drawing attention to the message of the communicator and at the same time giving a verification that the message was from God. Heb. 2.4

3. Quote from: Systematic Theology, Lewis Sperry Chafer, Vol. V, page 170

"The cessation of signs and wonders after the first generation of the church has given occasion to counterfeit manifestations. This cessation is not due to lack of faith or faithfulness. The greatest of all saints, though like Abraham and Daniel, have not done mighty works in this age. The usual belief that all supernatural manifestations arise with God gives Satan the opportunity to confirm in the minds of many his misrepresentation of doctrine. Without exception, those manifestations of supernatural power which are acclaimed as Divine today, appear in support of false or incomplete doctrine. As an example of this, such manifestations as have been published are found among people who receive not enough of the truth respecting saving grace to believe that once saved is always saved, and such limitation of doctrine devitalizes the gospel that it becomes another gospel. Yet these misunderstandings are sealed in the minds of many by what is supposed to be manifestations from God, though serving really as a sanction to the perversion of doctrine."

B. Permanent gifts: these are designed for function in the church age after the completed canon of scripture. There are two categories of these gifts. 1 Peter 4:10-11

1. communication gifts:
2. serving gifts:

 

5. Every believer receives only one permanent gift. 1 Pet. 4.10
1 Cor. 12.4-11; 1 Tim. 4:14

A. You do not seek a gift.
B. You do not earn or work for a gift.
C. You do not get one on the basis of any human ability.
D. Your gift has nothing to do with your talents and abilities prior to salvation.
E. Whatever gift you have is the sovereign decision of the H.S.
F. The language at 1 Cor. 12:31 and 14:1 is talking about the local church as a collective unit, seeking for the function of the gifts within the local assembly. This is not telling people to desire or seek for a gift from God.

6. The church of Christ is called a body. And as a body has individual parts which are all necessary for the efficient function of that body, so the church has individual members each with a spiritual gift. And to operate efficiently, the church needs the operation of each member and of each gift. 1 Cor. 12:27-31

7. Because all believers are in one body and each local church is a picture of that body, the attitude of each believer toward his own spiritual gift and the spiritual gift of others should be respect, honor and equality.
Rom. 12.3-4, 10, 16; 1 Cor. 12.12-27

Remember, the gift was a grace provision freely given from God. And God knows what he is doing. No inferiority or superiority complexes are bona fide in God's plan.

8. The purpose of spiritual gifts:

A. In general, the gifts are the Father's organized witness to the plan of salvation, and the Christian way of life. Heb. 2.4; Eph. 4.11-16

B. Eph. 4.12

1. Equipping: pros katartismos - military word for training and equipping for combat.

2. Of the saints: all believers are in the conflict. all must be trained. cf. Eph. 6.10-18

3. service: eis ergon diakonia - for the work of service
eis: Indicates that the purpose of the equipping is function; spiritual service

a. evangelism
b. edification

4. edification: eis oikodomā, for the building up. The ultimate purpose is equipping which then results in service and more equipping.

a. new members added
b. present members edified.
c. Eph. 4.16

5. 1 Pet. 4.10, serving one another

6. 1 Cor. 12.20-31, order and stability in each local body
(doctrine is the issue between local bodies) (1 Cor. 14.26-40)

9. How the spiritual gifts operate.

A. Given at the point of salvation.
The words, "each" and "all" at Rm. 12.3-6; 1 Cor. 12.7; Eph. 4.7

B. Proper function of the gift is based on spiritual growth.

Rom. 12.2, renewing the mind
Rom. 12.6, agreement with the faith

C. The gift may or may not coincide with natural human talent and ability, but the gift is never human ability. It is administered through God the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 12.4-6

1. Requires the Filling of the Spirit. Rom. 8.8
2. Requires Divine viewpoint knowledge. Rom. 12.6

D. The effect of the gift may be counterfeited by the believer under his old sin nature. It then becomes human ability and does not have the support of God.

1. The commands in Rom. 12.6 and 1 Pet. 4.10 indicate possibility of failing to properly use your gift.

2. Also, the misuse revealed in the Corinthian church indicates this possibility. 1 Cor. 14.1-40

3. Neglect is possible: 1 Tim. 4.14

E. Identification of the gift:

1. It is logical to conclude that with the ability comes also a desire in the area of your gift.

2. On that basis, the desire will begin to express itself as the believer makes spiritual growth progress.

3. It is this desire and the emerging ability that helps identify ones gift.

4. The other source of identification is the church leadership.
They will recognize your gift and enlist its function in the local body. Acts 6.1-6; 1 Tim. 4.14, 1.18

10. Temporary gifts survey:
For a detailed analysis of each gift see: Spiritual Gifts Index

A. List at 1 Cor. 12.8-10 - all temporary

1. word of wisdom
2. word of knowledge
3. faith
4. healings
5. miracles
6. prophecy
7. discerning of spirits
8. tongues
9. interpretation of tongues

B. List at 1 Cor. 12.28 (3 permanent)

1. Apostle
2. prophet
3. teacher
4. miracles
5. healings
6. helps
7. administration
8. tongues

11. Permanent gifts survey:

A. List in 1 Cor. 12:28

1. teacher - (pastor-teacher)
2. helps (service)
3. administration

B. list at Rom.12.6-8

1. prophet (temporary)
2. service (helps)
3. teaching - Pastor-teacher
4. exhortation
5. giving (finances)
6. leading (administration)
7. Counseling

C. List at Eph. 4.11

1. apostle
2. prophet
3. evangelist
4. pastor-teacher

index

1. Stealing is an attack on the freedom of others as it infringes on their right to own property.

2. Thus stealing is immorality that contributes to the chaos and instability of society. Proverbs 30:11-14

3. Stealing can be viewed as a single act or as a life style.
But in either case, society must deter it through a consistent justice system.

4. The law of Moses provides the best guidelines for what constitutes stealing and what deterrents should be employed.

5. Commandment #8 at Exodus 20:15, states the prohibition for overt stealing. kAnaph as a qal imperfect + the negative.
Commandment #10 at Exodus 20:17, states the prohibition for mental stealing. You shall not covet. ChAmadh as a qal imperfect + the neg.

6. Amplification is given at Exodus 22:1-15 and Lev. 6:1-7.

7. The attitude and action of society can understandably be different. Prov. 6:30-31 and Ex. 22:5.

8. Stealing results from an attitude that rejects God as the source.
Thus, creature arrogance; the sin nature seeking its own comfort.

A. It begins at home through rejection of parental authority. Prov. 30:11
B. Then develops personal conceit that sees no fault in self. Verse 12.
C. Then comes arrogance that raises self above others. Verse 13, coveting.
D. Then the animalism that stops at nothing to satisfy its own desires. Verses 14-17; James 4:1-2
Mat. 23:25, harpagma = an animalistic search for happiness.

9. But the proceeds from stealing will not satisfy since the frantic and animalistic search for happiness can never be fulfilled.
Prov. 10:2; 11:18; 15:27; 20:17; 28:22

10.Observe the rationalization of the thief.
Prov. 28:24 cf. Mark 7:9-13 and Titus 2:10

11. Associations with a thief will bring trouble and sorrow.
Must apply the doctrine of separation in this area.
Prov. 29:24; 13:20; 1:10-19; 1 Cor. 15:33; 5:9-11

12. The protection against stealing from a societal standpoint is the deterrent that results through enforcement of rigid penalties for violations. Prov. 21:15; Prov. 29:4; Ec. 8:11 and Psalm 12:8.

13. The inner defense against covetous temptations is through building character stability by growth in grace and knowledge.

A. 1 Tim. 6:7-11, 17
B. Orientation to grace: Phil. 4:11-13
C. Recognize the source: Prov. 30:7-9; 1 Chron. 29:11-13; Ps. 24:1; James 1:17
D. Mat. 6:25-34
E. Job 1:21
F. Hebrews 13:5
G. Eph. 4:27; 2 Thes. 3:7-12

14. Self defense against thieves:

A. Notice the balance between attitude and action: Prov. 6:30-31
B. The attitude should be grace and compassion; forbearance and forgiveness.

1. Eph. 4:2, 31-32
2. Mat. 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-38; 1 Cor. 6:7; Rom. 12:17-21
3. These passages all involve the believers ATTITUDE toward the offender.

C. But the moral issue goes beyond "you," and involves the order and stability of society. Psalm 12:8; Prov. 29:4; Ec. 8:11

1. Therefore, personal defense is authorized.
Exodus 22:1-4; Luke 11:21; Mat. 24:43

2. And punishment by SOCIETY is authorized.
Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:14

3. For the believer to desire a societal punishment for the offender is not inconsistent with the attitude of forgiveness but totally in agreement with the principle of volitional accountability.

4. Both can be present: personal forgiveness and insistence on accountability to society.

15. Comments on Malachi 3:7-12: Stealing from God.

A. This is a national issue for Israel only as the only Theocratic nation that has ever existed.

B. It relates to their national income tax, tithes.

C. The nation is out of fellowship with God and their rebellion centers around two basic issues that must be resolved before they can get right with Him. Verse 3:7.

D. The first problem is national as related in verses 8-12.
Failure to provide for the leadership and poor of the land.

See Topic: TITHING

E. The second problem is personal as related in verses 13-15. Arrogance and immorality.

index
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STUMBLING: Preservation From Stumbling

1. His promise: 2 Thes. 3:3; 2 Tim. 4:18; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2Cor. 1:3-4

2. His ability:
   A. His power: Jude 24
   B. His faithfulness: 1 Thes. 5:23

3. Our potential: Ephesians 3:20, the power that works within us.

4. His command: Titus 2:11-13; James 5:7-8; 1 Peter 1:13-17; 4:13; 2 Peter 3:14

5. The mechanics:  Romans 12:21
   A. The Holy Spirit: Gal. 5:16, 22-23
   B. the word:  Col. 1:9-12
   C. The armor of God:  Eph. 6:10-18
   D. Communicators of the word:  Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Tim. 4:16
   E. Other believers:  Romans 15:1-2
   F. Confidence in God’s plan:   Gal. 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:58

6. The exhortation:  2 Peter 3:17-18

7. The outcome: 2 Peter 1:5-11
Blameless:  Phil. 1:9-11; 2:14-16; Col. 1:22-23; 1 Thes. 3:12-13

8. The alternative: FAilure - 1 Tim. 6:12
   A. Shame:  1 John 2:28
   B. Incomplete reward: 2 John 8; Col. 2:18
   C. An inferior – non-abundant entrance into eternal life glory: 2 Peter 1:11

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1. Definition: Undeserved suffering refers to any suffering, pressure or crisis that does not result from sin or carelessness. It comes from persecution or pressure from the physical world. Suffering that comes as a result of sin or even social carelessness does not qualify as undeserved.

2. Orientation to DESERVED suffering.
A. Divine discipline:  Hebrews 12:6; 1 Cor. 11:30
     1. Psalm 119:67, I went astray FIRST.
     2. Sin breaks our contact and fellowship with God. Isaiah 59:2
         The sin nature:  Romans 8:8, those who are in the flesh cannot
         please God.
      3. Psalm 51:4, God is JUST in applying discipline. Psalm 119:75
     See Topic:  DIVINE DISCIPLINE on the believer

B. Soul Overflow:  Proverbs 14:30, “passion is rottenness to the bones.”
    The word, passion, is qinAh, and refers to mental attitude sins.
    These negative attitudes in the soul cause an overflow into the body
    causing various physical  ailments.
C. Carelessness: Stupidity in moral and social living.
     See Topic: Natural Consequences.

3. Two Classifications of undeserved suffering.
A. Natural: John 17:15, we are IN the world
     1. Physical abuse from the cursed earth. Gen. 3:17-19; disease,
         disaster
     2. Morality abuse from the cursed soul: The sin nature of other
         people
          a. Marriage abuse
          b. Parental abuse: parent to child; child to parent.
          c. Sibling abuse
          d. From the nation:  Proverbs 28:15
           An innocent member of a nation under discipline. Hab. 3:16-19
          e. Societal abuse: prejudice, commerce, slavery, warfare.

B. Spiritual:  Phil. 3:20, We are of heaven
     1. Satan’s attack: 1 Peter 5:8; Job 1:12, 2:6-7; Rev. 12:10
     2. Persecution: 2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:18-25; 16:1-4; Phil. 1:29;
         1 Pet. 2:21

4. The real issue in underserved suffering, whether it is natural or spiritual, is to recognize that the believer in fellowship is under special protection from God.
He is in control and knows what is best. Romans 8:28, 31-37; Heb. 13:5-6
Apply Daniel 3:17-18

5. The benefits of undeserved suffering.
     A. To provide orientation to God’s grace. 2 Cor. 12:1-10; 2 Cor. 1:9
     B. To learn the value of the word of God. Psalm 19:67, 71
     C. To aid the growth process in the believer.
          It develops faith/patience to the point of total rest in God’s
          character and plan.
          Romans 5:3; James 1:2-4; Heb. 5:7-9; 2:10
     D. To help other believers when they are in suffering. 2 Cor. 1:3-6
     E. To manifest a maximum expression of the character of Christ.
         2 Cor. 4:8-11
     F. To bring maximum glory to God, and a maximum vindication of
         God’s grace. 1 Peter 2:19

6. ATTITUDES to cultivate concerning the prospect and the experience of undeserved suffering.
     A. The FACT of persecution as a real potential for the believer.
          1. 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ
              Jesus will be persecuted.
          2. Philippians 1:29, "For to you it has been granted for Christ's
              sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His
              sake."
          3. John 15:18-20 "If the world hates you, you know that it has
              hated Me before {it hated} you. If you were of the world, the
              world would love its own; but because you are not of
              the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the
              world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A
              slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted
              Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they
              will keep yours also."

     B. ATTITUDES to cultivate:
          1. Recognize that the attack is REALLY on Jesus.
              Philippians 1:29, "for His sake;" John 15:18-21
          2. Rejoice: James 1:2-4, inner contentment and relaxation
              based on orientation to God's character and plan.
              Romans 5:3-5, because such suffering and testing solidifies
              our spiritual growth.
              Matthew 5:11-12, because of the privilege of association with
              those who have gone before you. 1 Peter 4:13, in view of
              reward and divine favor.

           3. Realize that endurance in undeserved suffering promotes
               God's grace. 1 Peter 2:19-20, "this is grace with God."

           4. Do not fear their threats and do not be troubled.
               1 Peter 3:14: Philippians 1:28
               They can only hurt the body. Matt. 10:28, "And do not fear
                those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but
                rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and
                body in hell."

           5. Maintain a good conscience. Live morally and righteously.
               1 Peter 2:11-15; 3:15-16

           6. Do not be surprised at the prospects or the experience of
               undeserved suffering. 1 Peter 4:12; John 16:1-4
           7. Do not be ashamed, but stand up for truth.
               1 Pet 4:16;  2 Tim. 1:8
           8. Entrust yourself to the care and protection of God the Father.
               1 Peter 2:23; Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7

7. Example of David:  1 Samuel 21:10-15; 22:1-5 Psalm 14:2
      1 Samuel 23:1-14; Psalm 63

8. Example of Job: A detailed study of the book of Job is very helpful in understanding undeserved suffering.
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SUPPORT GRACE: Growth Process

1. It is the SECOND grace provision for spiritual growth.1 Pet. 5:10 (Growth graces)

A. It is support from the Godhead based on our success in being equipped with the spiritual assets given to us in the Word.

B. Basically, it is the "Way of escape" of 1 Cor. 10:13, so that we will be able to handle any pressure, crisis or adversity.

C. It is comprised of all the promises of God given to us for every situation in "Life and godliness," and for advance in character strength. 2 Peter 1:3-4

2. Support grace is designed to give you what you need to put truth into practice through endurance and your spiritual growth currently achieved. Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4

A. Endurance through "Faith-rest" is the basis for character vindication and the blessing that results. dokimā, Romans 5:4a

B. Application of support grace (claiming promises) allows strengthening grace to fulfill its work. James 1:4, "Let endurance have its perfect result."

1. This is the glorification process of 2 Corinthians 3:18.

2. And the partaking of the Divine nature at 2Peter 1:4

C. And the character consistency that is produced is the basis for experiencing the stabilizing grace of the abundant life. Romans 5:4b, confidence (with Romans l5:13)

D. So then, the support grace of God is the provision of promises to comfort and encourage the believer in order to advance in growth and experience ELB. (Eternal life Blessings-in time)

1. Doctrinal facts and principles from equipping grace provide orientation to LIGHT and protection from darkness deception. (academic emphasis)

2. Support grace gives those facts substance.

3. It shows us how the essence of God works out specifics in our life through the combination of facts and promises to motivate us for further advance.

E. Degrees of blessing based on advance through the 4 "growth" graces of 1 Pet.5.10

1. Blessing through perception: Equipping grace - Jer. 15:16
2. Blessing through faith-rest: Support grace - Phil. 4:6-8
3. Blessings of character consistency: strengthening grace
4. Blessings through stability: Stability grace - Peace, joy and confidence

3. The principle of support: 1 Pet. 5:10

A. 2 Thes. 2:16-17
B. 1 Thes. 3:12-13
C. 2 Cor. 1:3-4
D. 2 Cor. 7:6

4. God's support for protection:

A. 2 Thes. 3:3-5
B. Shield of Faith: Eph. 6:16
C. Doctrine of Faith-rest: Heb.4:9-16

5. God's word as the source of support: Rom. 1:11; 16:25

6. Support provided through the communicators.

A. Luke 22:32
B. 1 Thes. 3:2-8
C. Rom. 1.11

7. The believer's responsibility for support:

A. James 5:8
B. Revelation 3:2
C. Example of Jesus: Luke 9:51
D. Ephesians 6:16:

1. Put on -v. 13 - aorist active imp.
2. Stand firm - v. 14 - aorist active imp.

E. 1 Pet.4:1 with 2:23 - Trust (operation faith-rest)

8. The nature of support:

A. God's character:
B. God's plan:
C. God's actions:

9. Many uses of the word "parakaleō" is a reference to the principle of support grace from God.

A. Acts 11:23
B. 2 Corinthians 2:7
C. 2 Corinthians 13:11
D. Ephesians 6:22
E. Colossians 2:2
F. Hebrews 3:13
G. Hebrews 10:25
H. 1 Peter 5:12

10. The word "paraklāsis" teaches support grace.

A. Romans 15:4
B. 1 Corinthians 14:3
C. Philippians 2:1
D. 1 Timothy 4:13
E. Hebrews 13:22

11. Support grace is actually the direct channel to character consistency as indicated by the word, "epistāridzō."

A. Acts 14:22
B. Acts 15:32
C. Acts 15:41
D. Acts 18:23

index

STRENGTHENING GRACE: Growth Process

1. This is the THIRD grace provision for spiritual growth. The provision and blessing from God within the growth process that produces the character of Christ in the soul which strengthens the soul for a consistent Imitation of that character.
1 Peter 5:10, sthenoO

2. It is part of the growth process:

A. Ephesians 3:16 - krataioO + dunamis
B. Colossians 1:11 - dunamai + dunamis

3. The process illustrated:

A. Luke 1:80 - krataioO
B. Luke 2:40 - krataioO

4. Demonstrated by Paul: 1 Thessalonians 1:5

5. Imitated by the Thessalonians: 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 with 2:13-14

6. Principle of humility and weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7. Fulfilled through agape love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

8. Character consistency is a blessing in itself, but it leads directly to the abundant life of peace, joy and stability. Colossians 1:10-14

9. Many other passages teach about this strengthening provision without using the words of power, but the principle is established by dunamai, krataioO, and sthenoO.

A. Character growth as Imitation: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10
B. The commands of Imitation: Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:36; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 11:1 with 4:16; Ephesians 5:1-2; Philippians 2:1; 1 Peter 4:1; 1 John 2:6

10. God is at work in you: Philipians 2:13
Through the word: 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 4:12

index

STABILITY GRACE: Growth Process

1. This is the FOURTH grace provision for spiritual growth. It is designed to bring the believer to the place of maximum stability and the experience of peace, joy and confidence. 1 Peter 5:10

2. It is the end result of the process described at 1 Peter 5:10.

A. Equipping grace: getting doctrinal content in the soul.
B. Support grace: Putting the content into practice by using the promises of God.

C. Strengthening grace: develops character strength through the combination of facts and promises.

D. Stability grace: the experience of character consistency (blameless and irreproachable) is stability. (themelioO)

3. This stability is called confidence at Romans 5:4-5, which is the 3rd leg of the abundant life. Romans15:13

4. It is described as part of the growth process:

A. Colossians 2:6-7
B. Hebrews 13:9
C. Doctrine of repetition: Philip. 3:1, securing factor, asphalās.

5. Stability gives character strength its consistency and is called blameless and irreproachable. Colossians1:22-23

6. Maximum service capacity is based on stability. Hebrews 3:14

7. Principle of never stumbling. 2 Peter 1:10-11; John 16:1

index

©Ron Wallace, http://www.biblefragrances.com. Anyone is free to reproduce this material and distribute it,
but it may not be sold under any circumstances whatsoever without the author's consent.

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