Monday, January 7, 2019

BIBLE STUDY: WHO EMPOWERS YOU TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT?



THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS YOU TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU

“…“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). 
*
SCRIPTURES:  “…“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN WHERE SPIRITUAL COMES FROM.
APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO READ THE WORD DAILY IN ORDER TO WATER THE SEED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH PRODUCES SPIRITUAL FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE
TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW SPIRITUAL FRUIT IS PRODUCED BY THE INDWELLING  HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH WORKS “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU TO DISPLAY GOD’S GLORY OR HIS PRESENCE WITNESSED THROUGH HIS MANY GOODNESSES.“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know [those JOINED to God, the Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit you] can do nothing (BEAR NOTHING).” (John 15:5 KJV). The WORD tells YOU when YOU repent; you will RECEIVE the Holy Spirit. “…Peter said to them, "REPENT …and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).“… He (she) that is JOINED (in a covenant relationship with) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (sealed)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). The Holy Spirit is ALSO referred to as a SEAL, which signifies that YOU belong to him. WEDDING RINGS signify that the husband and wife NOW belong to one another in a covenant relationship. The WEDDINGS RINGS and God’s SEAL also signify a PLEDGE has been made. The PLEDGE made by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is the SEAL of PROMISE which assures those who are JOINED to HIM (through the Holy Spirit) of ETERNAL SALVATION. “… [you]… are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV). “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). The WORD of God has the POWER to JOIN the SOUL and SPIRIT and the WORD of GOD has the POWER to SEPARATE the SOUL and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus, the Word) is ONE Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…The word of God  (Jesus) is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). God SAID: “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…She … ate it [and] her husband …ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…At that moment their eyes were opened” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They were IMMEDIATELY] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “… the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the [life from the holy] spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). The Holy Spirit separated from man. “…BY THE WORD of the Lord …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…The word …dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). [Their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). [the union between god, the holy spirit and man’s soul [was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, “…ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 KJV). Being JOINED to the God, the HOLY SPIRIT, through Jesus Christ means you are in a COVENANT relationship with him and he is NOW the HEAD of your LIFE. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, “IS” the HEAD of your LIFE and “WILL” provide EVERYTHING YOU need (Genesis 22:7-8). “… [God]… will supply every need” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). You willfully CHOOSE to surrender your trust and dependency upon God and to his “loving” CARE. “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). You willfully CHOOSE to relinquish control or authority to the INDWELLING SPIRIT, which is God the Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in YOU” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “… have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but taking the form of a bond-servant emptied Himself, , and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient (following God’s Holy instructions) to the point of death (to the flesh), even death on a cross …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB). Jesus was and is the example of true surrender. He willingly chose to surrender his personal power, rights, CARE, and divine privileges to God’s will and plan.  I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). Jesus’ surrender ultimately turned into a sacrifice he willingly CHOSE to make in order to follow God’s will and God’s plan; no matter what it cost.  Jesus said, Father not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT is PROOF of a LIFE submitted to the HEADSHIP of God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). …it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). …That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “… [God] … grant[s]… you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of (spiritual FRUIT).it is … God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). Human FLESH, which is the sinful nature will NEVER produce spiritual FRUIT. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human (fleshly effort accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [flesh.]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of (spiritual FRUIT) It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). The HOLY SPIRIT “produces” spiritual FRUIT! “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). …It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). …He that is joined unto (or is in a covenant relationship with) the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). The JOINING of God, the Holy Spirit with man’s SOUL is done with a SEAL. “… Whereby ye are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV). “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). The SEAL “is” the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Lord (THE WORD) is [also] that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…the …[Holy] … Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). Therefore, “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).Apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…the HEAD  of EVERY man (or woman in the covenant relationship) is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). Therefore, “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me (The Head) with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “…My people would not listen to me (The HEAD). They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (own plans)” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). When God’s people do NOT submit to God’s indwelling Holy Spirit they are NO LONGER under HIS HEADSHIP, and will reflect the nature they follow. “….apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). YOU can DO religious WORKS and YET do them in under the HEADSHIP of the FLESH, which is the SINFUL NATURE. “… repent and DO the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV). WORKS done in the flesh are religious acts performed without the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…I KNOW THY WORKS…” (REVELATIONS 2:2 KJV). WORKS done in the flesh become practices of religious mastery. Religious mastery refer to acts based on Christian knowledge, routine, and familiarity. Religious mastery only require human skills based on human knowledge about how or when to say “amen,” “shout,” “do certain rituals,” “stewardship,” “read scripture,” “sing familiar songs,” “pray,” “come to regular worship,” or “repeat religious clichés and gestures.” “…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  WORKS done in the flesh can become perfected over the years and build false confidence in one’s OWN traditional efforts regarding religious practices. “…You skillfully ….hold on to YOUR OWN tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…they have stubbornly followed THEIR OWN desires” (JERMIAH 9:14 NLT). WORKS done in the flesh are KNOWN by God and he SEES clearly ALL religious acts done through the flesh, which is now the sinful nature. He knows if you are NOT real. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV). Works done in the flesh turn into a pretense of adhering to Christ-like values, beliefs, and practices. God is fully aware when a person’s heart is NOT truly committed to his WILL and PLANS. “…He knew what was in each person’s heart” (John 2:24-25 NLT). Fleshly WORKERS come together with WORKERS, who depend upon the Holy Spirit to DO the WORK of God “in” and “through” them; AND they may “LOOK” alike. HOWEVER, one group does it out of religious obligation and the other group out of dedicated, intimate love. “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). The WORKS of the church of Ephesus had become or turned into those done in the FLESH. “….apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). … God  work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
STUDY QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTED ANSWERS.
TOPIC: THE PRODUCER OF spiritual fruit
1.      WHO IS THE “HEAD” OF THE BELIEVER? GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS.  “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). DOES THE BELIEVER CHOOSE TO SUBMIT TO GOD’S HEADSHIP? YES. “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power (choice)…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). WILL GOD’S INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT ENABLE THE BELIEVER TO FOLLOW, OBEY, AND SUBMIT TO GOD’S LEADERSHIP? YES.“…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). …That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “… [God] … grant[s]… you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of (spiritual FRUIT).it is … God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). CAN HUMAN FLESH PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT? NO, Human FLESH, which is the sinful nature will NEVER produce spiritual FRUIT. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human (fleshly effort accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [flesh.]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of (spiritual FRUIT) It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). SO WHO PRODUCES THE SPIRIT FRUIT? The HOLY SPIRIT “produces” spiritual FRUIT! “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5 NLT).  …It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.      WHAT IS JOINED TOGETHER IN THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND MANKIND? THE BODY, THE SOUL AND GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT.…He that is joined unto (or is in a covenant relationship with) the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). HOW ARE THE SOUL AND SPIRIT JOINED TOGETHER? The JOINING of God, the Holy Spirit  with man’s SOUL is done with a SEAL. “… Whereby ye are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV). WHAT IS THE SEAL? The SEAL “is” the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Lord (THE WORD) is [also] that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…the …[Holy] … Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  IS GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT “ALWAYS” WITH YOU? YES, GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS “ALWAYS” WITH YOU. “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, NEVER LEAVES, BUT DOES THE BELIEVER HAVE A CHOICE TO STAY WITH HIM? YES. HOW DO YOU KNOW? GOD TELLS THE BELIEVER TO ABIDE (STAY) WITH HIM. “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR THE BELIEVER TO ABIDE OR STAY WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? BECAUSE APART FROM GOD THEY CAN DO NOTHING SPIRITUAL OR RIGHTEOUS. “Apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). DOES GOD’S PEOPLE ALWAYS LISTEN TO HIM? NO THEY DO NOT. “…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “…My people would not listen to me (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT). They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (own plans)” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.      WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE “STOP” LISTENING TO HIM AND START FOLLOWING THEIR OWN STUBBORN DESIRES WHAT CAN THEY DO TO RETURN TO “RIGHT” STANDING WITH GOD? REPENT. “… repent and DO the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV). DOES GOD KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORKS DONE IN THE FLESH AND THOSE EMPOWERED BY THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? YES. “…I KNOW THY WORKS…” (REVELATIONS 2:2 KJV). “…Thou hast LEFT (the dependency upon) thy FIRST LOVE. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art FALLEN, and repent and DO the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV). WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH WORKS done in the flesh? THEY ARE OFTEN OUTWARD GESTURES OR LIP SERVICE.” “…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   “…You skillfully ….hold on to YOUR OWN tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…they have stubbornly followed THEIR OWN desires” (JERMIAH 9:14 NLT).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.      DOES GOD “KNOW” IF HIS PEOPLE ARE ONLY “APPEARING” RELIGIOUS? YES.Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).  “…He knew what was in each person’s heart” (John 2:24-25 NLT). DOES GOD EXAMINE HIS PEOPLE’S WORKS OR WHAT IS IN THEIR HEART? HE EXAMINES THE HEART. O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him (God) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT). GOD’S PEOPLE CAN DEPEND UPON THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER THEM TO DO THE WORKS OF GOD: TRUE OR FALSE? TRUE. “….apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). … God  work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.      WHY DO GOD’S PEOPLE NEED TO BE EMPOWER BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ORDER TO DO THE WORKS OF GOD? BECAUSE the FLESH, which is NOW the SINFUL NATURE WILL LEAD THE SOUL INTO SIN OR DISOBEDIENCE. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right (choose righteousness), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right (choose to live righteous), but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me (within my sinful nature). (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). HOW CAN THE SOUL BECOME FREE FROM THE SLAVERY TO SIN? JESUS CHRIST CAN SET THE SOUL FREE FROM THE DOMINATION OF SIN. “,,,Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). ONCE THE SOUL IS FREE FROM THE SLAVERY OF SIN, IS THERE A BATTLE BETWEEN THE SINFUL NATURE AND THE INDWELLING SPIRIT? YES. There is a REAL battle going on between the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT and the SINFUL NATURE. “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). ).  “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature [dictates]. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions (to live a HOLY life). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  ARE God’s people COMPLETELY FREE and victorious OVER SIN? YES, The SINFUL FLESH has “NO” MORE power, DOMINATION, or control over the SOUL that is JOINED to the HOLY SPIRIT. “…Because you [NOW] belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son (THE WORD, THE ATONING) as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). WHY IS IT BETTER FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO DEPEND UPON THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT WHETHER THE FLESH? BECAUSE THE FLESH CAN NOT AND WILL NOT  HELP YOU OBEY GOD OR FOLLOW HIS HOLY COMMANDS.“…For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey (FOLLOW) God’s [HOLY] laws, and it never will.” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… [THE FLESH]… NEVER did obey (FOLLOW) God’s [HOLY] laws, and it never will (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6.    IF YOU ARE “FREE” FROM SIN, ARE YOU UNDER THE DOMINATION OR CONTROL OF SIN ANY LONGER? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT? BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST HAS TOTALLY “FREED” YOU FROM THE DOMINATION OR CONTROL OF SIN.“…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if  you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God…”  (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV).  “…The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die…(Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… if [YOU] through the power of the Spirit …put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). Will you live a perfect, sinless life while on earth? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT? BECAUSE LIVING RIGHTEOUS IS A STRUGGLE FOR GOD’S PEOPLE WHO ARE TRAINING for HOLINESS, OR RIGHTEOUSNESS (or training to live FREE from sin) WHILE STILL . “... he (she)... who has suffered (struggled) in the flesh has ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NASB). “... whoever suffers (struggles) in the body is done with sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NLT).  WHEN WE MAKE MISTAKES, WHAT HELPS GOD’S PEOPLE THROUGH THE STRUGGLE TO OVERCOME SIN? GOD’S GRACE HELPS AND IS SUFFICIENT FOR HIS PEOPLE. [God’s] grace is sufficient for you, for [his indwelling] power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES WHAT ELSE DOES GOD’S GRACE DO FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SIN? WHEN THEY CONFESS THEIR SINS, HE FORGIVES THEM AND HIS LOVE COVERS OVER THEIR MISTAKES.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). BECAUSE OF GOD’S GRACE, HIS FORGIVENESS, AND HIS LOVE WHAT WILL HE DO FOR YOU IN YOUR “WEAK” TIMES? WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO DEPEND UPON HIM BY FAITH, HE WILL EMPOWER YOU TO “LIVE” RIGHTEOUS. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS… (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…” (1 John 1:8 KJV). “… if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7.    WHAT HAS GOD GIVEN HIS PEOPLE TO EMPOWER THEM TO LIVE RIGHTEOUS AND PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT? THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT.  “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce fruit) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [INDWELLING POWER of the] Holy Spirit PRODUCES this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature [dictates]so you are not free to carry out your good intentions (to live a HOLY life). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“… But I say, walk by [depending upon] the [power of the indwelling Holy] Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh…” (Galatians 5:16 NASB). The Holy Spirit works “in” and “through” GOD’S people TO ENABLE THEM TO DO WHAT? TO WALK IN FREEDOM FROM AND LIVE RIGHTEOUS. “…If the Son …shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). CAN THE FLESH EMPOWER GOD’S PEOPLE TO WALK FREE OR LIVE RIGHTEOUS? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT? APART FROM THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, THE FLESH CAN’T DO ANYTHING TRULY RIGHTEOUS.  “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV). “…, ye shall be FREE indeed (without a doubt) …” (John 8:36 KJV). WILL The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT EVER be produced by the FLESH? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT?  The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT is not a human performance DONE BY HUMAN EFFORT, but the DISPLAY of God’s power “IN” AND  THROUGH “HIS people. “…It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). WHAT THE FRUIT PROVE TO OTHERS THAT WITNESS YOUR LIFE? IT PROVES YOU ARE GOD’S PEOPLE OR GOD’S DISCIPLES. “… [God’s people will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT, WHO DOES IT GLORIFY? IT GLORIFIES GOD OR GIVES WITNESS TO HIS PRESENCE IN HIS GOOD DEEDS (SUCH AS PRODUCING FRUIT “IN” AND “THROUGH” HIS PEOPLE). “…He who ABIDES in (joined to) Me and I in (joined to) him (her), he (she) bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this (his presence is made KNOWN), that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.      WHERE DOES A FRUITFUL “CHRISTLIKE” SPIRITUAL LIFE COME FROM? IT COMES FROM THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “…It is the [INDWELLING HOLY] ... SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE (a fruitful life)…” (John 6:63 NASB). HOW DOES THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT GIVE YOU A FRUITFUL LIFE?  The INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT works “WITHIN” his people TO PRODUCE SPIRTUAL FRUIT. “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep …work in [you] what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,,,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). GOD’S PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT BECAUSE GOD HAS GIVEN THEM WHAT? A NEW SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).  “,,,Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). … [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “By the GRACE of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). IS GOD ABLE TO CONFIRM HIS WORD, TO HIS PEOPLE, BY PRODUCING HIS SPIRITUAL FRUIT THROUGH THEIR LIVES? YES. HOW? The Holy Spirit WILL CONFIRM his Word “THROUGH” HIS PEOPLE BY DOING THE PRODUCING OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT. “…God publicly endorsed (confirmed) Jesus the Nazarene (the WORD) (HOW?) by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs “THROUGH” him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the Word), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, CONFIRMING what they said (HOW?) by many miraculous signs…” (Mark 16:20 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [signs, wonders, and miracles]. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… God CONFIRMED the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose…” (Hebrews 2:4 NLT). WHO PRODUCES THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE? The Holy Spirit PRODUCES God’s FRUIT. “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities (confirmed and revealed through fruit, signs and wonders), but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the source of them all. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). WHO DISPLAYS SPIRITUAL FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE? The Holy Spirit DISPLAYS God’s POWERFUL FRUIT “in” and “through” “HIS PEOPLE.”  …It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). WHO EMPOWERED JESUS to do WONDEFUL WORKS he did upon earth? GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT DID THE WORKS “IN” AND “THROUGH” HIM. “…God anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (also the WORD) (HOW?) with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because God (the holy spirit) was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works” (John 14:10 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9.      HOW does the HOLY SPIRIT empower YOU to do the WORKS? BY WORKING WITHIN YOU THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, TO EMPOWER YOU TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT. “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me (depends upon God’s WORD), the works that I (the WORD) do shall he (she) do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he (she) do; because I go unto my Father…” (John 14:1 KJV). …It is God which worketh in you” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).… [YOU will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE GOD’S WITNESS BY PRODUCING SPIRITUAL FRUIT? The IMPORTANCE of the Holy Spirit DISPLAYING spiritual FRUIT “in” and “through” his people is to GIVE GLORY to GOD. "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). IF YOU CAN NOT PRODUCE FRUIT ON YOUR “OWN” WHO MUST YOU CHOOSE TO DEPEND UPON TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE? THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “… Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). However, “… [You] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [you]…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). "…My Father is glorified by this...” (John 15:8 NIV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the [indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

tOPIC: THE FRUIT CONNECTION

10. IN ORDER TO HAVE SPIRITUAL FRUIT PRODUCED “IN” AND “THROUGH” YOU, DO YOU HAVE TO BE CONNECTED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT? YES. … He (she) that is JOINED (OR CONNECTED) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (UNITED WITH THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT PRODUCER)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…He who ABIDES (STAYS CONNECTED) in Me and “I” (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know [those JOINED to God, the Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit you] can do nothing (BEAR NOTHING).” (John 15:5 KJV). WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY YOU WILL RECEIVE WHEN YOU REPENT? The WORD tells YOU when YOU repent; you will RECEIVE the Holy Spirit. “…Peter said to them, "REPENT …and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, ARE YOU CONNECTED TO THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT PRODUCER? YES.… He (she) that is JOINED (OR CONNECTED) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (IS UNITED WITH THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT PRODUCER)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit you] can do nothing (BEAR NOTHING).” (John 15:5 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5 NLT).

.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. WHEN YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT ARE YOU ALSO SEALED TO THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? YES. “… [you]… are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV). “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). WHAT HAS THE POWER TO JOIN OR CONNECT YOUR SOUL WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD.  “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus, the Word) is ONE Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). IF JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD CAN SEAL THE SOUL AND SPIRIT, CAN THE JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, CUT ASUNDER THAT SEAL? ACCORDING TO HEBREWS 4:12 THE WORD CAN ALSO CUT OR DIVIDE ASUNDER THE SOUL AND SPIRIT.“…The word of God  (Jesus) is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). HOW WAS ADAM AND EVE’S SOULS CUT ASUNDER FROM GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT? WHEN THE WORD TOLD THEM THEY WOULD “DIE” (SPIRITUALLY) OR BE CUT ASSUNDER FROM THE SPIRIT “IF” THEY ATE FROM THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVILGod SAID: “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…She … ate it [and] her husband …ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…At that moment their eyes were opened” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They were IMMEDIATELY] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “… the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). WHO GIVES SPIRITUAL LIFE AND BREATH TO YOU? THE HOLY SPIRIT.“…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). WHEN THE SOUL IS APART FROM THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF GOD, THE BODY IS CONSIDERED WHAT? DEAD. “…the body without (apart from) the [life from the holy] spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). THE WORD OF GOD SEPARATED MAN FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT, BUT HOW? BY TELLING THEM THEY WOULD SURELY DIED “IF” THE ATE FROM THE TREE. God is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…[His]… word ... that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [ADAM AND EVE DIED SPIRITUALLY] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…The word …dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). [Their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). [the union  OR CONNECTION between god, the holy spirit and man’s soul [was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, “…ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 KJV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. DOES GOD FORCE YOU TO DEPEND ON HIM TO PRODUCE FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE OR IS IT YOUR CHOICE? You willfully CHOOSE to relinquish control BY DEPENDING UPON the INDWELLING SPIRIT TO PRODUCE SPIRITUAL FRUIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in YOU” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). WHAT ATTITUDE DID JESUS HAVE IN HIS DEPENDANCE UPON GOD? HE HAD AN ATTITUDE OF A SERVANT IN HIS DEPENDENCE UPON GOD? HOW DID HE DEMONSTRATE THAT DEPENDENCE? THROUGH OBEDIENCE. Therefore, “… have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but taking the form of a bond-servant emptied Himself, , and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient (following God’s Holy instructions) to the point of death (to the flesh), even death on a cross …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB). DID GOD FORCE JESUS TO DEPEND UPON HIM OR WAS IT JESUS’ WILLFUL CHOICE? IT WAS JESUS’ WILLFUL CHOICE. I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).  Jesus said, Father not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14.  MANY PROFESSED BELIEVERS CLAIM TO DEPEND UPON THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, BUT DO NOT DEMONSTRATE ANY SPIRITUAL FRUIT, WHAT ARE THEY CALLED IN THE BIBLE? HYPOCRITES. . “…You hypocritesThis people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). SOME PROFESSED BELIEVERS PERFORM AS IF THEY HAVE SPIRITUAL FRUIT, BUT CONTINUALLY DO WHAT? THEY CONTINUE TO “LIVE” AS THEY PLEASE AND NOT AS GOD PLEASES. “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).“…the HEAD  of EVERY man (woman, who are professed believers) is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). DO TRUE BELIEVERS DO WHATEVER THEY WANT OR DO THEY CHOOSE TO SUBMIT TO THE WILL AND PLAN OF GOD? THEY CHOOSE, ON THEIR OWN VOLITION, TO SUBMIT TO GOD’S WILL. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man (woman, who are professed believers) is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). INSTEAD OF SUBMITTING TO GOD, WHAT DO SOME PROFESSED BELIEVERS DO INSTEAD? SOME PROFESSED BELIEVERS pick and choose WHAT COMMANDS THEY WANT TO OBEY and prefer to follow their own ESTABLISHED, RELIGIOUS traditions. “…You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).  … We will continue to live as we want to” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. WHAT DID JESUS “PROFESS” ABOUT HIS SUBMISSION TO GOD? HE PROFESSED HE DID “NOTHING” HE WANTED TO DO THAT WAS OUTSIDE OF GOD’S WILL. “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).   Father not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “… [Jesus came] … to serve, and to give His life ...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).“…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV). NOT ONLY DID JESUS “PROFESS” HIS SUBMISSION TO GOD, BUT WHAT DID HE DO TO PROVE HIS SUBMISSION TO GOD? HE KEPT HIS COMMANDMENTS. Jesus said: “…that the world may know … as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV). “…I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV). I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV). WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH MANY PROFESSED BELIEVERS? Many PROFESSED BELIEVERS don’t submit to God’s will and plan; even on the most basic level. “…My people would not listen to me. (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “...They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (or their own plans)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. LIKE JESUS, TRUE BELIEVERS WILL WILLINGLY CHOOSE TO BECOME WHAT KIND OF SACRIFICE? A LIVING SACRIFICE.  “…living sacrifice…” which “… [they KNOW is their] … reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV). WHY IS GIVING YOUR LIFE AS A “LIVING SACRIFICE” A BELIEVERS “REASONABLE” SERVICE? BECAUSE OF “ALL” THE GREAT THINGS GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, HAS DONE FOR THEM. “…The LORD has done great things for us …” (Psalms 126:3 NIV). “…Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things…” (Joel 2:21 NASB).Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). EVEN THOUGH A BELIEVER’S “REASONABLE SERVICE” IS OWED TO GOD, WHAT WILL GOD DO FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO SUBMIT THEIR LIVES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE TO HIM? WHEN A BELIEVER GIVES HIS OR HER LIFE AS A LIVING SACRIFICE; God promises to reward THEM for it abundantly, IN “THIS” LIFE AND THE LIFE TO COME. “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, …I assure you that everyone who has given up [anything or whatever as a sacrifice]... for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS, will receive now....And in the world to come that person will have eternal life... (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “... And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...HE THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV). “ [they will receive] ... eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). WILL GOD REWARD THE BELIEVER WHO GIVES UP THEIR AS A LIVING SACRIFICES (WHICH IS REALLY THEIR REASONABLE SERVICE) BECAUSE THEY EARNED IT, DESERVE IT, OR IS WORTHY OF IT? NO. WHY WILL HE REWARD THEM? BECAUSE IS GRACIOUS, LOVING, AND KIND. “…It is [because of] … God’s kindness ….not by [your] good works..,[Or else]… God’s GRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU AND ENABLES YOU TO BE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU WILLFULLY CHOOSE TO DO WHAT? YOU WILLFULLY CHOOSE TO TRUST HIM, HAVE FAITH IN HIM, OR DEPEND UPON THE POWER OF HIS WORD.“… How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust (his dependency)…” (Psalms 40:4 NASB). “…How blessed is the man who trusts in You (DEPENDS UPON GOD)!” (Psalms 84:12 NASB).“… Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord (depends upon the Lord) And whose trust (dependency) is the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:7 NASB).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17.    GIVING YOUR LIFE AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, ACCORDING TO ROMANS 1:12, IS YOUR “REASONABLE” WHAT? YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE. “… reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV). WHEN JOB’S LIFE CHANGED DRASTICALLY AND TRAGICALLY, WHAT ATTITUDE DEMONSTRATED HIS “REASONABLE” SERVICE TO GOD? WHEN HE SAID “...THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD HAS TAKEN AWAY, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD...” Job said, Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB). Job was hand-picked by God TO GO THROUGH WHAT HE WENT THROUGH. WAS Jesus hand-picked BY GOD TO GO THROUGH WHAT HE WENT THROUGH? YES. GOD, “spared not his own Son, but delivered (surrendered) him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). WHAT DID JOB SAID THAT REVEALED HE HAD SUBMITTED HIS LIFE TO GOD? HE SAID “...THOUGH HE SLAY ME, YET WILL I TRUST HIM...” “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). WHAT DID JESUS SAY THAT REVEALED HE HAD SUBMITTED HIS LIFE TO GOD? HE SAID IT WAS GOD’S WILL AND NOT HIS OWN THAT HAD PRIORITY AND HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE. I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).   Father not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “… [Jesus came] … to serve, and to give His life ...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV). GOD’S WILL AND PLAN FOR JOB’S AND JESUS’ LIFE DROVE THE DIRECTION OF THEIR LIVES UPON THIS EARTH. WHAT DID THEY VALUE “ABOVE” EVERYTHING ELSE? KNOWING and OBEYING GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT. everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...If you love your father or mother more than you love me (GOD), you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me (GOD(, you are not worthy of being mine (MY DISCIPLES). If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me (GOD), you are not worthy of being mine (MY DISCIPLES). If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life (AS A LIVING SACRIFICE FOR ME, LIKE I DID FOR YOU) …you will find it...” (Matthew 10:37-39 NLT). JOB AND JESUS SUBMITTED THEMSELVES TO GOD’S SOVEREIGN C_ _ _? HIS SOVEREIGN CARE.  “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “...he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). WILL YOU BE SAFE IN GOD’S SOVEREIGN CARE? YES, BECAUSE OF HIS HOLY LOVE, SURRENDERING YOURSELF TO HIS SOVEREIGN CARE becomes a place of SAFETY and REST. “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower (REFUGE); The righteous runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB). “…God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…” (Psalms 46:1 NASB). “…you will find rest for your souls…” (Matthew 11:29 NASB).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. IF THE BELIEVER CHOOSES TO SURRENDER TO GOD’S SOVEREIGN CARE WILL HE TAKE CARE OF HIM OR HER? YES.“... The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in (depend upon) my name (my word)…” (Psalms 91 NLT).“…He alone is my refuge, my place of safetyFor he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.  He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,  no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. …The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me…” (Psalms 91 NLT). WILL GOD’S TRUE DISCIPLES voluntarily give up their OWN personal PLANS FOR THER LIVES FOR GOD’S WILL FOR THEIR LIVES? YES, THEY WILL.  not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV). VOLUNTARILY CHOOSING TO SURRENDER to God’s WILL CAN TRANSFORM YOUR life. WHAT HAS GOD PREDESINED THE BELIEVER TO BECOME CONFORMED TO? GOD’s main PLAN AND WILL is to CONFORM THE BELIEVER to the IMAGE of JESUS CHRIST (the WORD of GOD). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). …God …predestined [you] to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “… The Son (jesus, the word of god) is the … exact representation of his being (god, the holy spirit)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…In this world we are [to become] LIKE JESUS (the word of god)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). …the … exact representation of his being (god, the holy spirit)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Therefore, I CHOOSE to lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. ” (John 10:17-18 KJV). WHO HELPS, THE BELIEVER, TO BECOME CONFORMED TO JESUS’ IMAGE? The INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT does the WORK of TRANSFORMING!…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV) “by the GRACE of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

No comments:

Post a Comment