First Baptist Church Main Street

“Empowering Women to Conquer Communities for Christ”Faith Vision: Get Connected

Discipleship Study

Dr. D. L. Richardson, Senior PastorReverend W.C. Mitchell, Discipleship Pastor

Dr. William R. Boone, CompilerTammy Richardson, Editor

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Table of ContentsPastor Richardson’s Message..................................................................................................................... iii

Blank........................................................................................................................................................... iv

Blank............................................................................................................................................................v

Ministry Mission.........................................................................................................................................vi

Introduction...............................................................................................................................................vii

Study Plan.................................................................................................................................................viii

Lesson 1: Conquering Communities Begins with a Christ Connection....................1

Lesson 2: Conquering Communities Requires a “Personal” Commitment to Christ.......................................................................................................................................................5

Lesson 3: The Eternal Word Starts with Our Father........................................................10

Lesson 4: The Eternal Word is Manifested in Jesus Christ...........................................14

Lesson 5: The Eternal Word Works through the Holy Spirit.......................................19

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Pastor Richardson’s Message

Greetings in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

It is with great excitement and expectations that I welcome you to this power packed study that will catapult your walk, witness, and worship to the next level. Our curriculum team has worked tirelessly to compose this series of studies that will prayerfully move our fellowship to the next dimension in Christendom.

When we read the book of Acts carefully, we discover the early church came together often and studied the Word. They devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teachings and became a powerful force in the community. As we seek to conquer communities for Christ, it is imperative that we become equipped and empowered for the task. God’s Word is the key to making the vision a reality. We have assembled a team of qualified teaches that will aid in making this vision of conquering communities for Christ a reality, but we can’t do it without you. We need your support!

So let me thank you in advance for joining us as we take this voyage together in the Word. May God bless you with His peace and prosperity as you get connected with what God is doing at First Baptist.

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Discipleship Pastor’s Message

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Ministry Director’s Message

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Ministry Mission

The Discipleship Ministry strives to improve Christendom by educating the membership to fulfill their responsibilities of witnessing, working, and worshiping God; and being a spiritual example for all members of their family; and to provide strong spiritual leadership and support in the church, their home, and their community.These ministries meet the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Community service projects, fellowship outings, and special prayer gatherings take place during the year.

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Introduction

“Get Connected!” “We seek to conquer communities for Christ by taking the Word of God to the communities that lives may be transformed by the power of God.” Have you ever heard these comments before? What do they mean to you? They are the marching orders that have been given to our pastor by our Lord. Our Lord and our pastor have challenged us to prepare, participate, and “present our bodies to the Lord as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable in His site, which is our reasonable service” (Romans 12: 2). We are called to reach out to others in the communities in which we live, work, play and rest. We are going to join in as a family of believers during the next nine months to do as the church presented in Acts 2. This nine-month course is designed to challenge and equip students to become more connected to Jesus Christ, each other, and the larger community by presenting, practicing, and performing Kingdom Biblical principles throughout the communities in which they live, work, and play so that lives may be transformed by the power of God.This is a unique project that we are undertaking. It is unique in that we are taking our church’s vision statement and providing a study plan for the Esther Circle, King David, and Joshua Generation Ministries. It is perhaps different from anything that we have done before. The Lord gave our pastor the vision to produce our own material for this study. We joyfully commit ourselves to this enterprise for the cause of the Kingdom of Christ. We have done well as a faith community. There is, however, always room for improvement and expansion in the work that we have been called to undertake. We are told in Proverbs 29:18 (a) (KJV): “Where there is no vision the people perish.” This project is not a legalistic undertaking. We stand in our Heavenly Father’s magnificent grace and mercy. We simply want to challenge each of us to reengage the Scriptures in a way that empower us to become more than conquerors through Jesus Christ - who loved us enough to die for us, be buried, and be resurrected for our eternal salvation. We affirm that our Triune God has called our pastor to provide the biblical framework within which we do ministry and beyond the walls of our church. God has given him the vison and it is our responsibility to allow the Holy Spirit to give life to the vision through each of us. Let us come together (connect) in agreement and respond to the “calling” our Master has placed upon each of our lives!

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We must constantly remember that it is not about “us”; it is all about “Christ” and “His Church”. Remember that James 1:22 encourages us to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.” Can we count on you?

The objectives of this course are outlined in Ephesians 4:11 Listen to the Apostle Paul as he shares “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

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Study PlanWinter Quarter: Connecting to Conquer Communities for Christ This quarter presents a two-lesson study drawn from the Gospels of John and Matthew. The lessons are designed to increase the student’s awareness of the value of connections in the body of Christ; to stimulate self-examination; to cause growth in the body; and to equip saints for the work of ministry.

Lesson 1 Jan. Conquering Communities begins with a Christ Connection

John 15: 1-8Lesson 2 Feb. Conquering Communities Requires a Personal Commitment to Christ Matt 16: 24-27

Spring Quarter: Connecting to Take the Word of God to Our CommunitiesThis quarter presents a three-lesson study drawn from Timothy and the Gospel of John. The lessons highlight the importance of the Word of God in facilitating our efforts to come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God (a perfect man), and the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ - so that we may take His Word to the street with love and boldness.

Lesson 3 Mar. The Eternal Word Starts with Our Father2 Tim 2: 15-17 2 Tim 3: 10-17

Lesson 4 Apr. The Eternal Word is Manifested in Jesus Christ John 1: 1-14

Lesson 5 May The Eternal Word Works through the Holy Spirit John 16: 7-15 Acts 1:8

Summer Quarter: Connecting for Personal TransformationThis quarter is comprised of one lesson. The focus of the lesson is the transformation of the Apostle Paul’s life from a critic and persecutor of his Jewish brothers and sisters to a person who sought to “conquer communities for Christ by taking the Word of God to the communities that lives may be transformed by the power of God.”

Lesson 6 Aug. Transformed from the Old LifeActs 9:1-19

Fall Quarter: Connecting to Release the Power of God’s Word in Our CommunitiesWe will engage in a four-lesson study drawn from the Gospel of John, Acts, 1st Corinthians, and Ephesians. The lesson highlights the power of God’s

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Word to change lives, relationships, and communities. It is about growing up in Christ and not being tossed to and fro by every wind and doctrine. It is about dying to ourselves so that Christ might minister triumphantly in and through us.

Lesson 7 Sep. Transformed to a New Life John 3:1-14 John 19:39 2 Corinthians 5:1-17

Lesson 8 Oct. Transformed to Grow with Each OtherEph. 4:3-6, 11-16 1 Cor.12:12-

13:13Lesson 9 Nov. Transformed to Serve Together

Acts 2:40-47 Acts 18:1-5, 25-28

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Lesson 1: Conquering Communities Begins with a Christ Connection

DEVOTIONAL READING: 2 COR. 5:14-17; 2 COR. 11:2-4BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: JOHN 15

PRINTED TEXT: JOHN 15:1-8

Key Verse (John 15:5): I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV)I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (NKJV)

Lesson BackgroundJesus utilizes an agricultural illustration from the history of Israel to talk about the importance of “connections.” Vineyards were found in abundance throughout the Mediterranean region. Most significant for our passage is their frequent use in the Old Testament and in Judaism to symbolize Israel (Barrett ibid.; Brown ibid.; Behm 1964:342). Isaiah has an extended use of this image in his "Song of the Vineyard" (Isa 5:1-7), and there are many other less developed uses (as in Jer 5:10). The image of the vineyard frequently shifted to the vine (John 15, Jeremiah 6:9). On the temple there was a "golden vine with grape clusters hanging from it, a marvel of size and artistry" (Josephus Antiquities of the Jews 15.395). The vine was also used to represent Jerusalem on coins made during the first Jewish revolt (A.D. 66-70); so the vine was clearly a symbol of Israel. Furthermore, even the notion of a true vine shows up in the Old Testament: "I planted you as a fruitful vine, entirely true [alethinos]. How have you become a wild vine, turned to bitterness" (Jer 2:21 LXX). Here (as also in Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard) God, the gardener, cared for his vineyard but got sour grapes. Consequently, He will destroy the vineyard. This theme of judgment accompanies virtually every use of this imagery in the Old Testament and even in this lesson.

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Lesson AimsAs a result of experiencing this lesson you should be able to do these things:

Value your connection with Jesus, the “True Vine”

Value your opportunity for productivity as a

Chapters 14-17 of John have been identified as farewell discourses given by Jesus to his twelve disciples prior to His crucifixion and resurrection. Chapter 15 is considered to be one of the most powerful descriptions of the eternal life to which John is bearing witness. Jesus’ statement that He is the True Vine is the last of the “I Am” statements He made. He taught that God is the gardener; He is the true vine; and His followers are the branches. We are branches that have been grafted into the vine. We are further commanded to remain (abide) in the Vine (Him). Our remaining (abiding) will result in our Father producing fruit that we can bear.IntroductionI would often marvel at the site of miles upon miles of vineyards in the country side of Missouri and the Republic of Germany. Each of those vineyards emerged as a result of the plants’ connection to the earth, each other, and the vinedresser. The vinedresser and his team worked extremely hard to ensure that the vinedresser would get maximum productivity from his plants. The plants were grown on elevated platforms where they could be pruned and cared for. In each field were tested vines and branches. And ultimately, fruit was produced to be sold in the market or given away to the poor among them.

Jesus’ use of this parable was designed to encourage his disciples not to depart from the training that He had given them. He highlighted the importance of them abiding in (staying connected to) Him. He was fully aware of the turbulent times that would come. He commanded them to remain connected to Him. He knew that connection would facilitate fulfilment of their Kingdom purposes - individually and corporately.

The same is true for each of us. God has called us to Himself. He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. It is in Him that we live, move, and have our being. He is our sufficiency in every area of life. Mahalia Jackson once sang these lyrics:

Without God, I could do nothing.Without Him, I would fail.Without Him, my life would be rugged.Like a ship without a sail.We can’t accomplish anything of eternal significance if we are not connected to Christ. Our abiding in Christ will result in us accomplishing the mission that our Father has called us to, as individuals and saints assigned to First Baptist Church Main Street. We are to “connect.” We are to seek to conquer communities for Christ by the Word of God that lives might be transformed by the power of God.

† Analysis of Biblical Text

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Jesus the True Vine1 In the OT, the nation of Israel was depicted as a vine planted by Jehovah. But the nation proved unfaithful and unfruitful, so the Lord Jesus now presented Himself as the True Vine - the perfect fulfillment of all the other types and shadows. God the Father is the Vinedresser.

2 Opinions differ as to what is meant by the “branch in Him” that does not bear fruit. Some think that this refers to a false professor – one pretends to be a Christian but has never really been united to Christ by faith. Others think it is a true Christian who loses his salvation because of his failure to bear fruit. This is clearly impossible because it contradicts so many other passages which teach that the believer has an eternal salvation. Others think that it is a true Christian who becomes a backslider. He gets away from the Lord and becomes interested in the things of this world. He fails to manifest the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Exactly what the Lord does to the unfruitful branch depends on how the Greek verb airo is translated. It can mean "takes away", as in the King James tradition (also translated that way in John 1:29). Translated this way, it would refer to the discipline of physical death (1 Cor. 11:30). However, the same word may mean "lifts up" (as in John 8:59). Then it would be the positive ministry of encouraging the fruitless branch by making it easier to get light and air, and hopefully, to bear fruit. The branch that bears fruit is the Christian who is growing more like the Lord Jesus. Even such vines need to be pruned or cleansed. Just as a real vine must be cleaned from insects, mildew, and fungus, so must a Christian be cleansed from worldly things that cling to him.

3 The cleansing agent is the Word of the Lord. The disciples had originally been cleansed by the Word at the time of their conversion. Just as the Savior had been talking to them, His Word had had a purifying effect on their lives. Thus, this verse may refer to justification and sanctification.

4 To abide means to stay where you are. The Christian has been placed in Christ; that is his position. In his daily walk, he should stay in intimate fellowship with the Lord. A branch abides in a vine by drawing all its life and nourishment from the vine. So we abide in Christ by spending time in

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John 15:1-41I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear

prayer, reading and obeying His Word, fellowshipping with His people, and being continually conscious of our union with Him. As we thus maintain constant contact with Him, we are conscious of His abiding in us and supplying us with spiritual strength and resources. The branch can only bear fruit as it abides in the vine. The only way believers can bear the fruit of a Christ-like character is by living in touch with Christ moment by moment.

Abiding in the True Vine5 Christ is the vine; believers are vine branches. It is not a question of the branch living its life for the Vine, but simply of letting the life of the Vine flow out through the branches. Sometimes we pray, "Lord, help me to live my life for You." It would be better to pray, "Lord Jesus, live out Your life through me." Without Christ, we can do nothing. A vine branch has one great purpose - to bear fruit. It is useless for making furniture or for building homes. It does not even make good firewood. But it is good for fruit bearing - as long as it abides in the vine.6 This verse has caused much difference of opinion. Some believe that the person described is a believer who falls into sin and is subsequently lost. Such an interpretation is in direct contradiction to the many verses of Scripture which teach that no true child of God will ever perish. Others believe that this person is a professor - one who pretends to be a Christian but who was never born again. Judas is often used as an illustration. We believe that this person is a true believer because it is with true Christians that this section is concerned. The subject is not salvation, but abiding and fruit bearing. Through carelessness and prayerlessness this believer gets out of touch with the Lord. As a result, he commits some sin and his testimony is ruined. Through failure to abide in Christ, he is thrown out as a branch - not by Christ, but by other people. The branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. It is not God who does it, but people. What does this mean? It means that people scoff at this backslidden Christian. They drag his name in the mud. They throw his testimony as a Christian into the fire. This is well illustrated in the life of David. He was a true believer, but he became careless toward the Lord and committed the sins of adultery and murder. He caused the enemies of the

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John 15: 5-85 " I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My

Lord to blaspheme. Even today, atheists ridicule the name of David (and of David's God). They cast him, as it were, into the fire.7 Abiding is the secret of a successful prayer life. The closer we get to the Lord, the more we will learn to think His thoughts after Him. The more we get to know Him through His Word, the more we will understand His will. The more our will agrees with His, the more we can be sure of having our prayers answered. 8 As the children of God exhibit the likeness of Christ to the world, the Father is glorified. People are forced to confess that He must be a great God when He can transform such wicked sinners into such godly saints. Notice the progression in this chapter: fruit (v. 2), more fruit (v. 2), and much fruit (v. 8).*MacDonald, William, Edited by Art Farstad, Believer's Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Press. Nashville • Atlanta • London • Vancouver

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Questions to Ponder1. What vine are you attached to? 2. What makes you think that you are attached to the vine?3. What steps can you take to help you obey Jesus by abiding in Him? 4. What is one way the world’s advice differs from Jesus’ in 15:4?5. What kind of fruit are you bearing?6. Can you accept the ‘lifting’ or pruning process?7. In what way(s) do you value our connection with Jesus the “True

Vine”?8. In what way(s) do you value your opportunity for productivity as a

branch on the “True Vine”?9. In what way(s) do you value bringing glory to the Vine Dresser (God

the Father)?10. How will you allow God to produce fruit in your life to

conquer communities for Christ by taking the Word of God to the

Lesson 2: Conquering Communities Requires a “Personal” Commitment to Christ

DEVOTIONAL READING: PSA 37:3-6; PROV 3:5-12; PROV 16:1-4

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 16:13-27PRINTED TEXT: MATTHEW 16:24-27

Key Verse (Matthew 16:24): Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (KJV)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, Let them deny

themselves, and take up his cross and follow me.” (NKJV)

Lesson BackgroundMatthew 16 is the third chapter in this book that addresses the Farewell Discourses of Jesus. There are a number of movements in this chapter: (1) The Pharisees and Sadducees working in concert seek a sign (vv.1-4). (2) The disciples lacked sufficient faith in Jesus to understand his most basic warning about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (vv. 5-12). (3) Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ (vv. 13-20). (4) Jesus predicts his Death and Resurrection (vv. 21-23). (5) Finally, in our text He invites his disciples to commit to Him by taking up the cross and following Him.

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Lesson AimsAs a result of experiencing this lesson you should be able to do these things:

Reaffirm your understanding of who Jesus is

Reaffirm your understanding of His expectations for your

We are told that Jesus and His disciples withdrew from the crowds to the region of Caesarea Philippi. It was there that Peter was led by the Father to confess that Jesus is His Son. It was there that Jesus proclaimed the perpetual power of the Church over Satan and his host of demons. He continued his efforts there to prepare His disciples for life following His death. He called his disciples to personally connect to Him and commit to losing their lives for the sake of His Father’s Kingdom.

IntroductionOne of the most challenging and frightening experiences and expectations for each of us is to trust and commit to anything. It becomes increasingly difficult when we are challenged to give up our sovereignty for the sake of others and even the kingdom of God. We are told to “seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you”. (Matt 16:33) We are told to “trust God and lean not to our own understanding”. (Proverbs 3:5). We are further told to “Commit our works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established”. (Prov 16:3) We trust, believe and desire to commit. Yet, our unbelief negatively affects our willingness to give up our sovereignty for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

I was active with the Baptist Student Ministry in college and a ministry called (LIFE) Living In Focus Every Day. Each of these ministries required the participants to commit to a variety of experiences that stretched our trust and commitment to Christ. One of the most intriguing exercises was the trust walk and fall. The trust walk required us to trust one of our peers to lead us around a designated area with our eyes closed. The leading students would explain different elements in the environment and allow those with their eyes closed to touch items. In this, we had to commit to the process and trust our peer to do the right thing. We, in a sense, put our safety into the hands of one that we did not interact with on a regular basis. The same principles were cultivated in the trust fall. We were surrounded by our peers in a circle and were expected to fall backward with the expectation that we would be caught. We confidently released our sovereignty to our peers, trusting they would do the right thing. Those were simple and safe exercises. Yet, we demonstrated the power of trusting and committing ourselves to a cause greater than ourselves. The experiences taught the principle of gaining through losing.

Our text places a different demand upon each of us. We are called upon to release our sovereignty to Jesus Christ for the sake of His Kingdom and His righteousness. We are challenged to accept His invitation to COME, DENY, PICK UP, and FOLLOW Him. He has called us to “Conquer communities for Christ by taking the Word of God to the communities that lives may be transformed by the power of God.”

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† Analysis of Biblical Text

Peter’s Confession15, 16 So He asked the disciples who they believed He was. This brought from Simon Peter the historic confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." In other words, He was Israel's Messiah and God the Son.

17, 18 Our Lord pronounced a blessing on Simon, son of Jonah. The fisherman had not arrived at this concept of the Lord Jesus through intellect or native wisdom; it had been supernaturally revealed to him by God the Father. But the Son had something important to say to Peter also. So Jesus added, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." We all know that more controversy has swirled around this verse than almost any other verse in the Gospel. The question is, "Who or what is the rock?" Part of the problem arises from the fact that the Greek words for Peter and for rock are similar, but the meanings are different. The first, petros, means a stone or loose rock; the second, petra, means rock, such as a rocky ledge. So what Jesus really said was "... you are Peter (stone), and on this rock I will build My church." He did not say He would build His church on a stone but on a rock. If Peter is not the rock, then what is? If we stick to the context, the obvious answer is that the rock is Peter's confession that Christ is the Son of the living God, the truth on which the church is founded. Ephesians 2:20 teaches that the church is built on Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. Its statement that we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets refers not to them, but to the foundation laid in their teachings concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is spoken of as a Rock in 1 Corinthians 10:4.

In this connection, Morgan gives a helpful reminder:

Remember, He was talking to Jews. If we trace the figurative use of the word rock through Hebrew Scriptures, we find that it is never used symbolically of man, but always of God. So here at Caesarea Philippi, it is not upon Peter that the Church is built. Jesus did not trifle with figures of speech. He took up their old Hebrew illustration - rock, always the symbol of Deity - and said, "Upon God Himself -

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Matthew 16:16-19 16Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar- Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and

Christ, the Son of the living God - I will build my church." Peter never spoke of himself as the foundation of the church. Twice he referred to Christ as a Stone (Acts 4:11, 12; 1 Pet. 2:4–8), but then the figure is different; the stone is the head of the corner, not the foundation.

Christ’s Response18 "I will build My church." Here we have the first mention of the church in the Bible. It did not exist in the OT. The church, still future when Jesus spoke these words, was formed on the Day of Pentecost and is composed of all true believers in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. A distinct society known as the body and bride of Christ, it has a unique heavenly calling and destiny.

We would scarcely expect the church to be introduced in Matthew's Gospel where Israel and the kingdom are the prominent themes. However, consequent to Israel's rejection of Christ, a parenthetical period - the church age - follows and will continue to the Rapture. Then God will resume His dealings with Israel nationally. So it is fitting that God should introduce the church here as the next step in His dispensational program after Israel's rejection.

"The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" may be understood in two ways. First the gates of Hades are pictured in an unsuccessful offensive against the church - the church will survive all attacks upon it. Or the church itself may be pictured as taking the offensive and coming off the victor. In either case, the powers of death will be defeated by the translation of living believers and by the resurrection of the dead in Christ.

A Great Expectation24 Now the Lord Jesus plainly states what is involved in being His disciple: denial of self, cross- bearing, and following Him. To deny self is not the same as self- denial; it means to yield to His control so completely that self has no rights whatsoever. To take up the cross means to be willing to endure shame, suffering, and perhaps martyrdom for His sake; to die to sin, self, and the world. To follow Him means to live as He lived with all that involves of humility, poverty, compassion, love, grace, and every other godly virtue.

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Matthew 16:24-2724 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

25 The Lord anticipates two hindrances to discipleship. The first is the natural temptation to save oneself from discomfort, pain, loneliness, or loss. The other is to become wealthy. As to the first, Jesus warned that those who hug their lives for selfish purposes would never find fulfillment; those who recklessly abandon their lives to Him, not counting the cost, would find the reason for their existence.

26 The second temptation - that of getting rich - is irrational. "Suppose," said Jesus, "that a man became so successful in business that he owned the whole world. This mad quest would absorb so much of his time and energy that he would miss the central purpose of his life. What good would it do to make all that money, then die, leave it all behind, and spend eternity empty handed?" Man is here for bigger business than to make money. He is called to represent the interests of his King. If he misses that, he misses everything.

A Great Reward27 Now the Lord reminds His own of the glory that follows the suffering. He points forward to His Second Advent when He will return to earth with His angels in the transcendent glory of His Father. Then He will reward those who live for Him. The only way to have a successful life is to project oneself forward to that glorious time, decide what will really be important then, and then go after that with all one's strength.

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*MacDonald, William, Edited by Art Farstad, Believer's Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Press. Nashville • Atlanta • London • Vancouver

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Questions to Ponder1. Where did events noted in (v.16:13) occur?2. What did Jesus ask the disciples in (vv.16:14,15) and what answer

did they give? 3. What question did Jesus ask next, and what answer did Peter give –

16:15,16?4. From what source did Peter learn the proper answer – 16:17?5. What did Jesus promise to build – 16:18?6. Who is Jesus from your perspective?7. What do you consider to be Jesus’ expectations for your life?8. Explain the following phrases from 16:24,25:

* “deny himself” * “take up his cross” * “follow me” * “whoever would save his life shall lose it” * “whoever loses his life … will save it”

9. What is more important to you than any good or pleasure this world can offer 16:26,27?

Lesson 3: The Eternal Word Starts with Our Father

DEVOTIONAL READING: GENESIS 1:1-20; HEBREWS 1:1-4BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17; PSALM 119PRINTED TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 2:15-17; 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17

Key Verses (2 Tim 3: 16-17): 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)

16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in

righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

Lesson Background:The Apostle Paul was confined for the second and last time in Rome when he penned Second Timothy. The letter’s intent was to issue an affectionate appeal to Timothy to come to him (4:9, 11, 13, and 21). However, Paul's main concern was the welfare of the church, and he gave Timothy instructions for perfecting its organization and safeguarding the Gospel. With the realization that his death was imminent, and that Timothy might not reach him in time for a final visit, Paul injected into this letter solemn

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Lesson AimsAs a result of experiencing this lesson you should be able to do these things:

Know the source of your Scriptures (The Word)

Read and study the Scriptures more regularly

Practice, more

words of admonition. His preoccupation was with the Gospel, and he expressed to Timothy his concern that his young coworker would faithfully transmit the Gospel after the old warrior's death. The letter urges Timothy to be faithful in the face of hardships, desertions, and error.Although Paul is terse and to the point, he is also tender, warm, and affectionate. Second Timothy reveals Paul's emotions more than his intellect, because his heart was speaking. Consequently, the letter is not an orderly, well-planned literary production, but a personal note passionately expressing the apostle's last will and testament.

This epistle is a handbook for young ministers of the Gospel. The church needs more saints like Timothy who are determined to guard the gospel as a sacred deposit committed to them, who are faithful to proclaim it, who are ready to suffer for it, and who will pass it on to faithful followers.

Introduction:What a marvelous treasure we have in the Word of God. Hundreds of thousands of books have been written about the Word of God. Men throughout history have reviled, resented, and have tried to destroy it. However, we are told that heaven and earth will pass away, but it will remain forever. We believe that: The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its Author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

We believe that the Word began with God even before the creation of man and the Universe. Genesis speaks of God in anthropomorphic (human) terms by referencing a conversation that He had with the Son and Holy Spirit. The Angels might have been involved in that conversation. He said: “Let us make”, “Let there be”, “I will make”.His Word is the means by which God makes Himself known, declares His will, and brings about His purposes. Phrases such as “word of God” and “word of the Lord” are applied to: the commanding Word of God that brought creation into existence (Genesis 1; 2 Pet. 3:5) and also destroyed that same world through the waters of the Flood (2 Pet. 3:6); to God’s announcement of an impending or future act of judgment (Ex. 9:20–21; 1 Kin. 2:27); to the word that declares God’s commitment and promises His blessing (Gen. 15:1, 4); and to a particular instruction from God (Josh. 8:27).

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The term “word of God” is also used of the Ten Commandments given from Mount Sinai (Deut. 5:5); of the whole Mosaic Law (Is. 2:3); of specific parts of the Old Testament (Rom. 9:6; 1 Tim. 4:5); of a more personal communication from God (1 Sam. 3:21; 15:10); of the directive of God that set in motion John the Baptist’s ministry (Luke 3:2); of Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God (Luke 8:11); of the gospel as preached in the early church (Acts 4:31); and finally of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Rev. 19:13).God’s word is the primary means by which He is present and working in the world. He is not Himself part of this world, but He acts in it by means of His word. He becomes personally known through His word (1 Sam. 3:21). His word is powerfully creative (Ezek. 37:4) and its purposes are irresistible (Is. 55:11; Jer. 23:29). God’s word is totally dependable; it represents His permanent commitment (Is. 40:8). When heard and responded to, His word meets deep needs in the human heart and provides joy, satisfaction, and confident direction that can be achieved in no other manner (Deut. 8:3; Ps. 119:162; Jer. 15:16). God’s word has the power to penetrate all pretense and discern “the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

† Analysis of Biblical Text

Inspiration of the Scriptures16 The absolute authority of the Bible over our lives is based in our conviction that this Book does not merely contain the Word of God, but that it is the Word of God in its sum and in its parts. This text testifies to this, describing the actual process of this inspiration (inbreathing of life). It is the word of the Holy Spirit. Theopneustos(Greek), translated "inspiration of God," literally means "God- breathed." This describes the source of the whole Bible's derivation (that is, all Scripture) as transcendent of human inspiration. The Bible is not the product of elevated human consciousness or enlightened human intellect, but is directly "breathed" from God Himself. 2 Pet. 1:20 -21 elaborates this truth and adds that none of what was given was merely the private opinion of the writer (v. 20) and that each writer involved in the production of the Holy Scriptures was "moved by" (literally, "being borne along") the Holy Spirit. This does not mean that the writers were merely robots, seized upon by God's power to write automatically without their conscious participation. God does not override those gifts of intellect and sensitivity that He has

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2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for

given His creatures. (Beware of all instances where individuals claim to "automatically" write anything at any time, for the Holy Spirit never functions that way.1 Cor. 2:10–13 expands on this process by which the revelation of the Holy Scriptures was given. Verse 13 says that even the words used in the giving of the Bible (not just the ideas, but the precise terminology) were planned by the Holy Spirit, who deployed the respective authors of the Bible books to write, "comparing spiritual things with spiritual". This literally means "matching spiritual words to spiritual ideas". This biblical view of the Bible's

derivation is called the plenary verbal inspiration of the Scriptures, meaning every word is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. Knowledge and Application of the Scriptures15 Timothy is reminded to READ, STUDY, and MEMORIZE the Word of God. He was convinced that the inspired Word is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a goldmine of practical principles (Ps. 19:10), waiting to liberate and/or enrich the person who will pursue its truth and wealth. Thus, Paul's instruction to "be diligent. . . a worker" has been applied by serious Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The only way to healthy, balanced living is through the "rightly dividing" (Greek orthotomounta, literally, "cutting straight") of God's Word. Such correct, straight-on application of God's Word is the result of diligent study. The text calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures, telling us to refuse to suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology.In his earlier words (1 Tim. 4:13) Paul also told Timothy, "Give attention to reading [God's Word]," but now he emphasizes studying like a "worker" (from Greek ergon, meaning “toil, effort”). Psalm 119:11 urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin. Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God's "words" as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17).Heyford, Jack, New Spirit-Filled Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, Dallas, 2002

Youngblood, Ronald F.: Bruce, F.F. (Hrsg.): Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary : An Authoritative One-Volume Reference Work on the Bible With Full Color Illustrations. electronic ed. of the revised ed. of Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995

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2 Timothy 2:15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

*MacDonald, William, Edited by Art Farstad, Believer's Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Press. Nashville • Atlanta • London • Vancouver

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Questions to Ponder1. Where was the Apostle Paul when he wrote this letter to Timothy?2. What was his relationship with Timothy?3. What was the Apostle Paul’s intent with this letter?4. Where can our doctrinal belief about the Scriptures be found?5. Who is the author and source of our Scriptures (The Word)?6. What does 2 Timothy 2 and 3 say to you as it relates to your

spiritual development?7. What is the longest Psalm in the Bible. What are some words used

by the Psalmist to describe the Word of God?8. How determined are you to read, study and memorize the

Scriptures more regularly.9. How determine are you to practice biblical principles more

Lesson 4: The Eternal Word is Manifested in Jesus Christ

DEVOTIONAL READING: REV.19:11-13BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: JOHN 1:1-18

PRINTED TEXT: JOHN 1:1-14

Key Verse (John 1:14): And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his

glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. (KJV)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)

Lesson Background:Early church tradition attributes the Fourth Gospel to John the beloved disciple (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) who belonged to the inner circle of Jesus’ followers (Matt. 17:1; Mark 13:3). According to Christian writers of the second century, John moved to Ephesus, probably during the Jewish War of A. D. 66–70, where he continued his ministry. Irenaeus, the bishop of Lyons in the latter part of the second century, stated that "John, the disciple

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Lesson AimsAs a result of experiencing this lesson you should be able to do these things:

Celebrate God’s Self-revelation

Highlight the awesomeness of God

Participate in the miracle of Christ’s incarnation

of the Lord, who also leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence in Ephesus in Asia" (Against Heresies 3. 1. 1).

The book presents Jesus as the only begotten Son of God who became flesh. For John, Jesus' humanity meant essentially a twofold mission:1) As the "Lamb of God" (1:29), He procured the redemption of mankind; 2) Through His life and ministry He revealed the Father. Christ consistently pointed beyond Himself to the Father who had sent Him and whom He sought to glorify. In fact, the very miracles Jesus performed, which John characterized as "signs," bore testimony to the divine mission of the Son of God. As the Son glorified the Father in ministry and passion, so the Father glorified the Son.

Introduction:The Spirit-Filled Life Study Bible has identified three terms mentioned in the Bible for “Word.” The first occurrence is found in 2 Sam 22:31. The word, 'imrah (eem- rah). Strong's #565: Speech; word or words; commandment; dictum; answer; saying. This noun occurs 35 times and is derived from the verb 'amar, "to speak" or "to say." 'Amar occurs approximately 5,000 times in the OT, with many statements introduced by the words "and he said," or "he answered." See Ps. 12:6; 18:30. In Ps. 119, 'imrah occurs 21 times, including v. 11. "Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You." Compare vv. 67, 154, 162; Ps. 138:2; Prov. 30:5.

The second is found in Matthew 4:4. The word, rhema (hray- mah). Strong's #4487: That which is said or spoken, an utterance, in contrast to logos, which is the expression of a thought, a message, a discourse. Logos is the message; rhema is the communication of the message. In reference to the Bible, logos is the Bible in its entirety; rhema is a verse from the Bible. The meaning of rhema in distinction to logos is illustrated in Eph. 6:17, where the reference is not to the Scriptures as a whole, but to that portion which the believer wields as a sword in the time of need.

The final term is found in Acts 19:20 word, logos (log- oss). Strong's #3056: A transmission of thought, communication, a word of explanation, an utterance, discourse, divine revelation, talk, statement, instruction, an oracle, divine promise, divine doctrine, divine declaration. Jesus is the living logos (John 1:1); the Bible is the written logos (Heb. 4:12); and the Holy Spirit utters the spoken logos (1 Cor. 2:13).

John begins his Gospel by speaking about the Logos - but he does not explain at first who or what is the Logos. John is not writing about speech but rather about a Person. That Person is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. God has fully expressed Himself to mankind in the Person of the Lord Jesus. By coming into the world, Christ has perfectly revealed to us what God is like. By dying for us on the cross, He has told us how much God loves

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us. Thus Christ is God's living Word to man, the expression of God's thoughts.

† Analysis of Biblical Text

The Word in Eternity and Time 1 In the beginning was the Word. He did not have a beginning Himself, but existed from all eternity. As far as the human mind can go back, the Lord Jesus was there. He never was created. He had no beginning. (A genealogy would be out of place in this Gospel of the Son of God.) The Word was with God. He had a separate and distinct personality. He was not just an idea, a thought, or some vague kind of example, but a real Person who lived with God. The Word was God. He not only dwelt with God, but He Himself was God.

The Bible teaches that there is one God and that there are three Persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All three of these Persons are God. In this verse, two of the Persons of the Godhead are mentioned - God the Father and God the Son. It is the first of many clear statements in this Gospel that Jesus Christ is God. It is not enough to say that He is "a god," that He is godlike, or that He is divine. The Bible teaches that He is God.

2 This appears to be a mere repetition of what has been said, but actually it is not. This verse teaches that Christ's personality and deity were without beginning. He did not become a person for the first time as the Babe of Bethlehem. Nor did He somehow become a god after His resurrection, as some teach today. He is God from all eternity.

3 All things were made through Him. He Himself was not a created being; rather He was the Creator of all things. This includes mankind, the animals, the heavenly planets, the angels - all things visible and invisible. Without Him nothing was made that was made. There can be no possible exception. If a thing was made, He made it. As Creator, He is, of course, superior to anything He has created. All three Persons of the Godhead were involved in the work of creation: "God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). "The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters" (Gen. 1:2). "All things were created through Him (Christ) and for Him" (Col. 1:16b).

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John 1: 1-51In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that were made.

4 In Him was life. This does not simply mean that He possessed life, but that He was and is the source of life. The word here includes both physical and spiritual life. When we were born, we received physical life. When we are born again, we receive spiritual life. Both come from Him.

The life was the light of men. The same One who supplied us with life is also the light of men. He provides the guidance and direction necessary for man. It is one thing to exist, but quite another to know how to live, to know the true purpose of life, and to know the way to heaven. The same One who gave us life is the One who provides us with light for the pathway we travel.

5 The light shines in the darkness. The entrance of sin brought darkness to the minds of men. It plunged the world into darkness in the sense that men in general neither knew God nor wanted to know Him. Into this darkness the Lord Jesus came - a light shining in a dark place.

The darkness did not comprehend it. This may mean that the darkness did not understand the Lord Jesus when He came into the world. Men did not realize who He really was, or why He had come. Another meaning, however, is given in the NKJV margin: the darkness did not overcome it. Then the thought would be that man's rejection and enmity did not prevent the true light from shining.

Witness: The True Light6 This verse refers to John the Baptist, not the John who wrote this Gospel. John the Baptist was sent from God as a forerunner of the Lord Jesus. His mission was to announce the coming of Christ and to tell the people to get ready to receive Him.

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John 1: 6-136There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.10He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become

7 This man came to testify to the fact that Jesus was truly the Light of the world, so that all people might put their trust in Him.

8 If John had tried to attract attention to himself, he would have been unfaithful to his appointed task. He pointed men to Jesus and not to himself.

9 That was the true Light. Other persons down through the ages have claimed to be guides and saviors; but the One about whom John witnessed was the genuine Light, the best and the truest Light. Another translation of this verse is, "The true Light, which, coming into the world, gives light to every man." In other words, the expression coming into the world may describe the true Light rather than every man. It was by the coming of the true Light into the world, that every man was given light. This does not mean that every man has received some inward knowledge concerning Christ. Neither does it mean that all men have heard about the Lord Jesus at one time or another. Rather, it means that the Light shines on all people, without regard to nationality, race, or color. It also means that by shining on all men, the Lord Jesus has revealed men in their true character. By His coming into the world as the perfect Man, He has shown how imperfect other men are. When a room is in darkness, you do not see the dust on the furniture. But when the light goes on, the room is seen as it actually is. In that same sense, the shining of the true Light reveals man as he actually is.

10 From the time of His birth in Bethlehem until the day He went back to heaven, He was in the very same world in which we now live. He had brought the whole world into being and was its rightful Owner. Instead of recognizing Him as the Creator, men thought that He was just another man like themselves. They treated Him like a stranger and an outcast.

11 He came to His own (things or domain, NKJV margin). He was not trespassing on someone else's property. Rather, He was living on a planet which He Himself had made. His own (people) did not receive Him. In a general sense, this might refer to all mankind, and it is true that most of mankind rejected Him. But in a special sense, the Jewish nation was His chosen, earthly people. When He came into the world, He presented Himself to the Jews as their Messiah, but they would not receive Him.

12 So now He offers Himself to all mankind again and to those who receive Him, He gives the right or authority to become children of God. This verse tells us clearly how we can become children of God. It is not by good works, not by church membership, not by doing one's best - but by receiving Him, by believing in His Name.

13 To become a child in a physical sense, one must be born. So, also, to become a child of God, one must have a second birth. This is known as the new birth, or conversion, or being saved. This verse tells us three ways by

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which the new birth does not take place, and the one way by which it does. First, the three ways by which we are not born again: (1) Not of blood. This means that a person does not become a Christian through having Christian parents. Salvation is not passed down from parent to child through the blood stream. (2) It is not of the will of the flesh. In other words, a person does not have the power in his own flesh to produce the new birth. (3) Although he must be willing in order to be saved, his own will is not the saving factor.

The Word Becomes Flesh14 The Word became flesh when Jesus was born as a Baby in the manger at Bethlehem. He had always existed as the Son of God with the Father in heaven, but now chose to come into the world in a human body. He dwelt among us. It was not just a short appearance, about which there might be some mistake or misunderstanding. God actually came to this earth and lived here as a Man among men. The word "dwelt" means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." His body was the tent in which He lived among men for thirty-three years.

And we beheld His glory. In the Bible, "glory" often means the bright, shining light which was seen when God was present. It also means the perfection and excellence of God. When the Lord Jesus was here on earth, He veiled His glory in a body of flesh. But there were two ways in which His glory was revealed. First, there was His moral glory. By this, we mean the radiance of His perfect life and character. There was no flaw or blemish in Him. He was perfect in all His ways. Every virtue was manifested in His life in exquisite balance. Then there was the visible outshining of His glory which took place on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1, 2). At that time, Peter, James, and John saw His face shining like the sun, and His garments gleaming like bright light. These three disciples were given a preview of the splendor which the Lord Jesus will have when He comes back to the earth and reigns for a thousand years.When John said, "We beheld His glory", he was referring primarily, no doubt, to the moral glory of the Lord Jesus. He and the other disciples

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John 1: 14-1814And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.15John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. '"16And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came

beheld the wonder of an absolutely perfect life lived on this earth. But it is likely that John also included the incident on the Mount of Transfiguration. The glory which the disciples saw indicated to them that He was truly the Son of God. Jesus is the only begotten of the Father; that is, Christ is God's unique Son. God did not have any other Son like Him. In one sense, all true believers are sons of God. But Jesus is the Son of God - in a class all by Himself. As the Son of God, He is equal to God.

15 John the Baptist bore witness that Jesus was the Son of God. Before the Lord entered upon His public ministry, John had been telling men about Him. When Jesus arrived on the scene, John said, in effect: "This is the One I have been describing to you." Jesus came after John as far as His birth and ministry were concerned. He was born six months after John and presented Himself to the people of Israel sometime after John had been preaching and baptizing. But Jesus was preferred before John. He was greater than John; He was worthy of more honor, the simple reason being that He was before John. He existed from all eternity - the Son of God.

16 All who believe on the Lord Jesus receive supplies of spiritual strength out of His fullness. His fullness is so great that He can provide for all Christians in all countries and in all ages. The expression “grace for grace” probably means “grace upon grace” or “abundant grace”. Here, grace means God's gracious favor which He showers on His beloved children.

Heyford, Jack, New Spirit-Filled Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, Dallas, 2002

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Lesson 5: The Eternal Word Works through the Holy Spirit

DEVOTIONAL READING: ACTS 9:1-20BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: JOHN 16:5-15PRINTED TEXT: JOHN 16:7-15; ACTS 1:8

Key Verse (John 16:7):Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (KJV)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. (NKJV)

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Lesson AimsAs a result of experiencing this lesson you should be able to do these things:

Become better acquainted with the ministry of the Holy Spirit

Allow His power to be released within you

Allow

Questions to Ponder1. Where was John believed to have been when he wrote this Gospel?2. What are three terms used for Word in the Introduction? 3. What does verse 3 tell us about Jesus? 4. Verse 7 identifies Jesus as what?5. What were the two ways the glory of God was revealed in V.146. How is Jesus identified in verse 14? 7. Who does verse identify as a witness called to announce the

ministry of Jesus?8. How can you celebrate God’s Self-Revelation in Jesus9. How can you highlight the awesomeness of God’s power?10. How can you participate in the miracle of Christ’s Incarnation

in your communities?*MacDonald, William, Edited by Art Farstad, Believer's Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Press.

Lesson BackgroundUnique to John is the designation of the Holy Spirit as "Comforter" or "Helper" (14:16), literally "one called alongside." He is "another Helper," namely, one of the same kinds as Jesus, thereby extending the ministry of Jesus to the end of this age. It would be a grave error, however, to understand the Spirit's purpose merely in terms of one needed in predicaments. On the contrary, John demonstrates that the Spirit's role encompasses every facet of life. In regard to the world outside of Christ, He works as the agent who convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment (16:8–11). The experience of being "born of the Spirit" is descriptive of New Birth (3:6). Because God in essence is Spirit, those who worship Him must do so spiritually, that is, as directed and motivated by the Holy Spirit (4:24). Further, in anticipation of Pentecost, the Spirit becomes the divine enabler for authoritative ministry (20:21–23).

The Holy Spirit also fulfills a definite function in relation to Christ. While the Father sent the Spirit in the name of Christ, the Spirit never draws attention to Himself, nor does He speak in His own authority. Instead, His mission is to glorify Jesus and to declare Christ's teaching to the disciples (16:14).

IntroductionThis quarter we have talked “connecting to take the Word of God to the street.” We talked about the Word coming from the Father and being manifested in Jesus Christ. Today we will look at how the ministry of the Holy Spirit sustains and empowers us in the reception, practice, and proclamation of the Word of God.

Our introduction to the person of the Holy Spirit was in Genesis 1:2-3. The writer states: And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Isaiah talked about the Spirit of the Lord being upon him and the mission that was given to him by God the Father. Today, we will look at the person and work of the Holy Spirit in equipping and empowering us to “Conquer communities for Christ by taking the Word of God to the communities that lives may be transformed by the power of God.”

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We believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal with God the Father and God the Son, and is of the same essence. Yet He is also distinct from them. He is spoken of in the Scripture in personal terms. He is not an impersonal force. He teaches, guides, comforts, and intercedes. He possesses emotions, intellect, and will. The Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of deity, such as omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and eternality. He does works only God can do, such as creating, regenerating, and sanctifying. He is equally associated with the other members of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit today plays a major role in the application of salvation to the individual. It is the Spirit who brings conviction to the unbeliever and causes him to see the truth of the Gospel in a clear light. Those who respond to this conviction and place their faith in Jesus Christ receive eternal life and a new nature. The Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ and places him in the body of Christ, the church. He also unites the believer with Christ in His death, enabling him to live victoriously over sin. The Holy Spirit controls the believer who yields to God and submits himself to God's Word.

16 When these conditions are met, the believer lives in the power of the Spirit and produces the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer permanently. The Holy Spirit seals the believer.21 This ministry guarantees the security of the believer "until the day of redemption. "The Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts or abilities for service to every believer.

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan by the Holy Spirit. Jesus proclaimed in His first sermon that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me….” In our texts He informs His disciples that He must return to the Father so that He can send the Holy Spirit.

† Analysis of Biblical Text

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John 16:7-157Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:9of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

The Work of the Holy Spirit5 This verse seems to express disappointment that the disciples were not more interested in what was ahead for the Lord. Although they had asked in a general way where He was going, they had not seemed too involved.

6 They were more concerned with their own future than with His. Before Him lay the cross and the grave. Before them lay persecution in their service for Christ. They were filled with sorrow over their own troubles rather than over His.

7 Nevertheless, they would not be left without help and comfort. Christ would send the Holy Spirit to be their Helper. It was to the advantage of the disciples that the Helper should come. He would empower them, give them courage, teach them, and make Christ more real to them than He had ever been before. The Helper would not come until the Lord Jesus went back to heaven and was glorified. Of course, the Holy Spirit had been in the world before this, but He was coming in a new way - to convict the world and to minister to the redeemed.

8 The Holy Spirit would convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. This is generally taken to mean that He creates an inward awareness of these things in the life of the individual sinner. While this is true, it is not exactly the teaching in this portion. The Holy Spirit condemns the world by the very fact that He is here. He should not be here, because the Lord Jesus should be here, reigning over the world. But the world rejected Him, and He went back to heaven.

9 The Spirit convicts the world of the sin of failing to believe on Christ. He was worthy of belief. There was nothing about Him that made it impossible for men to believe on Him. But they refused. And the Holy Spirit's presence in the world is witness to their crime.

10 The Savior claimed to be righteous, but men said He had a demon. God spoke the final word. He said, in effect, "My Son is righteous, and I will prove it by raising Him from the dead and taking Him back to heaven." The Holy Spirit witnesses to the fact that Christ was right and the world was wrong.

11 The presence of the Holy Spirit also convicts the world of coming judgment. The fact that He is here means that the devil has already been condemned at the cross and that all who refuse the Savior will share his awful judgment in a day yet future.12 There were still many other things the Lord had to tell the disciples, but they could not take them in. This is an important principle of teaching. There must be a certain progress in learning before advanced truths can be

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received. The Lord never overwhelmed His disciples with teaching. He gave it to them "line upon line, precept upon precept."13 The work which the Lord began was to be continued by the Spirit of truth. He would guide them into all truth. There is a sense in which all truth was committed to the apostles in their lifetime. They, in turn, committed it to writing, and we have it today in our NT. This, added to the OT, completed God's written revelation to man. But it is, of course, true in all ages that the Spirit guides God's people into all the truth. He does it through the Scriptures. He will only speak the things that are given to Him to say by the Father and the Son. "He will tell you things to come." This, of course, is done in the NT, and particularly in the book of Revelation where the future is unveiled.14 His principal work will be to glorify Christ. By this we can test all teaching and preaching. If it has the effect of magnifying the Savior, then it is of the Holy Spirit. "He will take of what is Mine" means that He will receive of the great truths that concern Christ. These are the things He reveals to believers. The subject can never be exhausted!15 All the attributes of the Father belong to the Son as well. It is these perfections that Christ was speaking of in verse 14. The Spirit unveiled to the apostles the glorious perfections, ministries, offices, graces, and fullness

of the Lord Jesus.The Holy Spirit PromisedHaving suppressed their curiosity as to the future date of this kingdom, the Lord Jesus directed their attention to what was more immediate - the nature and sphere of their mission. As to its nature, they were to be witnesses; as to its sphere, they were to witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

But first they must receive power - the power of the Holy Spirit. This power is the grand indispensable of Christian witness. A man may be highly talented, intensively trained, and widely experienced, but without spiritual power he is ineffective. On the other hand, a man may be uneducated, unattractive, and unrefined, yet let him be endued with the power of the Holy Spirit and the world will turn out to see him burn for God. The fearful disciples needed power for witnessing and holy boldness for preaching the gospel. They would receive this power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

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Acts 1:8But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Their witness was to begin in Jerusalem, a meaningful prearrangement of the grace of God. The very city where our Lord was crucified was first to receive the call to repentance and faith in Him. Then Judea, the southern section of Palestine with its strong Jewish population, and with Jerusalem as its chief city. Then Samaria, the region in the center of Palestine, with its hated, half-breed population with whom the Jews had no dealings. Then the end of the then-known world - the Gentile countries which had hitherto been outside the pale as far as religious privilege was concerned.

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Questions to Ponder1. Who is the Holy Spirit?2. What do we believe about the Holy Spirt?3. In what context was the Holy Spirit first mentioned?4. What are some characteristics of the Holy Spirit?5. Why did Jesus have to return to His Father in order for the Holy Spirit

to come in His fullness?6. What Old Testament Book does Jesus reference in His first Sermon?7. How can you become better acquainted with the Holy Spirit?8. Are you willing to allow His power to work through you?9. Are you willing to allow His power to be released within you?10. What is the significance of Acts 1:8 in our quest accomplish the vision

God gave our pastor?

*MacDonald, William, Edited by Art Farstad, Believer's Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Press. Nashville • Atlanta • London • Vancouver

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