Bible Study - Distinct (2) - Distinct in My Influence - Matthew 5:13-20 - January 31, 2016

Bible Study – Distinct (2) – Distinct in My Influence – January 31, 2016

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:13-20.

Make your influence count for what matters.

Our previous lesson prepared us for this week’s lesson. JESUS taught that Christians who had grown and matured Spiritually would manifest the attributes we studied in our last lesson. Such Christians could only manifest these attributes, naturally, as the result of yielding their lives and the leadership of their lives to the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is all about having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

The disciples of JESUS are to live such that their lives make a difference being salt and light. Christians living as JESUS teaches will be a positive and God directed influence on others. JESUS used salt and light to drive this point home. Salt and light are necessary and a positive witness for CHRIST in the midst of persecution. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Matthew 5:13:

Believers “Are” Salt and Light

13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 

Christians have purpose in the world. JESUS made it clear that as HIS disciple you are “salt.” When a person accepts CHRIST on faith he or she becomes a child of GOD. When the miracle of rebirth takes place the new Christian begins his or her journey of Spiritual growth and growing into the image of CHRIST. All Christians are salt and light because they influence others based upon their lifestyle; some positive, some neutral and some negative.

Salt adds flavor to a dish to make it savory. Salt preserves, heals, cures, melts ice, gives traction and the list goes on. Too much salt can be a problem.  Salt can be visible or invisible in its use. Salt comes in contact with that which is being influenced.

In Krakow, Poland there is a salt mine that you can visit or even live in it for short periods, if you have certain medical issues. I have visited the salt mine twice. I felt a peace while in the mine and an overwhelming serenity.  People with various health issues, particularly those with respiratory problems, can live in a lodging area located in the salt mine for certain periods of time.

Pure salt does not lose its saltiness. However, impure or unrefined salt will lose its saltiness because it will lose its ability to flavor due to contaminants and the absorption of water. When that happens the salt is only useful to cast aside.

Christian influence can be compromised when they allow their lives to take on the character of the flesh and the world. The Holy Spirit refines the lives of Christians and they seek and apply truth in their lives. When they do, their influence reaches others as GOD desires.

Let’s read Matthew 5:14-16:

14 "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Christians are light. Again, Christians are not becoming light but they ARE LIGHT.

Let’s consider light. Light reaches out and touches everything it comes in contact with. Light can penetrate. Light can pinpoint a pending hazard such as a lighthouse or warning lights, airport, etc. Light dispels darkness even in the smallest of space. Light can heal, carry information, be pointed, specific, broad, light can cut through metal, fuse tissue, light our way and the various attributes of light go on. A city on a hill cannot be hidden at night because of its light.

JESUS stated in John 18:12:

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, HE said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

JESUS is light and Christians are to reflect the light of CHRIST to others. Christians must be careful that they do not block the light of CHRIST with unbelief, filters or blinders. Light can be blocked as it is being received and blocked as reflected. May we, as Christians, receive and reflect the pure light of CHRIST. May Christians know the truth and communicate truth to others via their lifestyle.

15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 

The purpose of light is to reveal. It is foolish to sequester the light once it is has been activated. CHRIST admonished Christians to let their lights shine not to bring attention to themselves but to Glorify GOD.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Once a person has received the light of CHRIST, he or she is to let it shine.  This is not to draw attention to him or her but to GOD Who is the source of truth and light.

Often the great debate is “Does GOD exists?” Or if GOD exists can a mere mortal trust HIM? Is there life after death? These and many more questions can only be answered by a person placing his or her faith in CHRIST.  Once a person has experienced salvation the indwelling Holy Spirit answers to many questions come through Bible study, prayer and obedient service as Christians walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a Christian’s assurance of salvation. The Holy Spirit reveals, teaches, enlightens, guides and empowers.

Christ Fulfills the Law

Let’s read Matthew 5:17-20:

17 "Don't assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 

JESUS was making it clear that HIS purpose in coming to earth as a human was to reveal truth. The truth of the Law and the Prophets are good but humans attempt to mechanically follow the Law and miss the intent or spirit of the law.

The Prophets documented exactly all the attributes and ministry of the promised Messiah.  JESUS came to fulfill all that the Prophets had recorded about HIM, as well as, the Law.

The disciples/followers of JESUS knew how the religious leaders, scribes and Pharisees went to extremes to follow the Law. They also searched the scriptures to determine when the Messiah would come and what HE would be like. But guess what? Human knowledge fails when applied to GOD’S plan and purpose.

The religious leaders - scribes, Pharisees, Sadducee's - of that time thought the Messiah would deliver them from earthly rulers. They thought the Messiah would come as a warrior not as the Prince of Peace reconciling GOD and mankind through HIS shed blood. However, we know that Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, yet a follower of JESUS.

It is difficult to discover and understand truth when your mind is made up of what you think is truth. Often, GOD allows those of us who think we know the real truth to discover that our notions are faulty. The Holy Spirit reveals truth when we seek truth.

18 For I assure you: Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. 

GOD decides when all is accomplished.

JESUS assured those to whom HE was teaching that “not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. “ GOD’S Word will be fulfilled down to the dot over the “i” or the mark that distinguishes an “O” from a “Q.”

19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever practices and teaches [these commandments] will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 

All who teach GOD’S Word, the Bible, are accountable to HIM. Woe to any who will misrepresent, fail to obediently follow or teach others differently than what is written in GOD’S Word. Christians are accountable to GOD but there is also the Grace of GOD. Grace offers Christians the opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to search their hearts to reveal that which is not obedient to GOD’S Word. GOD’S grace keeps Christians in good standing with GOD but those who are in right relationship seek to be in step with GOD.

Being a Christian is not a flippant lifestyle. Christians are the salt and light of the world, thus accountable to GOD. Every Christian is a witness and a missionary to those with whom he or she comes in contact.

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

As a Christian, does your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the most religious person you know or have heard of? JESUS stated very clearly “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Oh, that was then and not now? No! That is for all times and all people. There is but one way as JESUS stated in John 14:6:

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

And the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21:

18 Now everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 

19 that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God." 

21 He (GOD) made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us (All who place their faith in CHRIST), so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The only way a person can exceed the righteousness of the most religious person ever to live is to be born-again by accepting and placing his or her faith in the fact that JESUS gave HIS life, by the shedding of HIS blood, to pay, in full, the penalty for sin.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:4-13:

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: The one who does these things will live by them. 

6 But the righteousness that comes from faith speaks like this: Do not say in your heart, "Who will go up to heaven?" that is, to bring Christ down 

7 or, "Who will go down into the abyss?" that is, to bring Christ up from the dead. 

8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 

9 if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 

10 With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation. 

11 Now the Scripture says, No one who believes on Him will be put to shame, 

12 for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. 

13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

If you have never asked CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart, now is that opportunity. Do not let this moment go by. Become a Son or Daughter of GOD through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. Pray and ask CHRIST to lead you to a place where you can be fed Spiritually, grow and mature in your new life in CHRIST. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Distinct (1) - Distinct in My Character - Matthew 5:1-12 - January 24, 2016

Bible Study – Distinct (1) – Distinct in My Character – January 24, 2016

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 5:1-12.

Choose actions and attitudes that are blessed by GOD.

We begin a new series of study for the next six weeks entitled “Distinct: Living above the Norm.” Our scripture focus will be in the Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount focuses on Christians living in the world as GOD’S Kingdom and the reflection of their relationship with GOD to others.

We may have thought the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount referred to different individuals within GOD’S Kingdom but that is not the case. The Beatitudes apply to every Christian and reflects the nature that every sanctified Christian should exhibit in his or her life as an obedient mature follower of CHRIST. Now that is a tall order and it is impossible in our human strength and only possible through the indwelling empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

So how is it possible? It is through a loving, intimate, personal relationship with CHRIST as brought about through yielding our will to CHRIST and the process of sanctification through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit is our teacher. The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers, enlightens, teaches, leads and assures Christians as they walk with CHRIST. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:26:

26 to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word.

Christians are Holy because they are the temple of GOD. Christians must study GOD’S Word, the Bible, and as they do, the scriptures will expose sin, which results in the confession of sin. Confession of sin results in GOD forgiving and cleansing those areas in our lives that rob us of that intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD, our families, fellow Christians and others. Allow the cleansing, living Word flow over you and cleanse you to obediently serve our LORD and experience the presence of CHRIST in your life.

So what does “Beatitude” mean? It comes from a Latin word which means “blessed is.” Some refer it as “happy” but happiness is a state of mind and depends upon one’s feeling, relational and based upon circumstances. Blessings come from GOD through our obedient relationship with CHRIST. It does not depend upon circumstances and is not relational. When Christians grow to understand that GOD loves them unequivocally, they are “blessed.” They are GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of rebirth and the shed blood of JESUS.

Generally, we see a pattern in most translations where the first word in each saying is translated “Blessed” and the statement which follows describes the blessing. The described blessing is then followed by the condition (attitude or action) that results from the blessing.

In our first scripture verse 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Blessed – are the poor in spirit. When people realize their lost condition and Spiritual need, they are blessed when they come to a saving knowledge of CHRIST and they are born into the Kingdom of Heaven eternally. Let’s explore!

In Matthew, Chapter 4 and continuing to our focus scripture, there are two groups of people (1) the crowds or multitudes (2) JESUS disciples, which referred to more than the Twelve. It included those who were eager to learn from JESUS and live accordingly.

Let’s read Matthew 5:1-6:

1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 

JESUS sought a private place where HE could teach those interested in being taught. HE sat, which was the common teaching position the Jewish rabbis assumed. JESUS sitting was a cue for those who wanted to be taught to gather around HIM.

2 Then He began to teach them, saying:

The Beatitudes

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

A poor person is in need of something. The poor in spirit are in need of an intimate relationship with GOD. When the poor in spirit recognize and acknowledge their poor spiritual condition they have access to the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom of heaven is where GOD rules and reigns. When those who recognize and acknowledge their poor spiritual need, then they are open to explore the reality of GOD. It is the fool who says there is no GOD as written in Psalm 14:1a:

1 The fool says in his heart, "God does not exist." 

Keep in mind that all of these attributes or attitudes depict one person building a loving, intimate, personal relationship with GOD through their relationship with CHRIST.

Another thought on “poor in spirit” is that when we encounter GOD through our relationship with CHRIST, we see our total dependence upon GOD while we live upon earth to obediently serve HIM. Our poor condition is only met and filled by obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our old self must die and Christians must put on the new, reborn person they are in CHRIST through the miracle of rebirth.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted. 

When a person recognizes and acknowledges his or her spiritual poverty, he or she mourns. When we recognize and acknowledge GOD and HIS righteousness it highlights our sinfulness and we mourn. When we see the lost condition we are in, GOD comes to our rescue through HIS Only Son JESUS. When we recognize and acknowledge CHRIST as our Savior, that is the beginning of the process of sanctification through which we are comforted.

5 Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth. 

The working of the Holy Spirit within the lives of Christians produces fruit. One attribute of that fruit is gentleness. When the attribute of “gentleness” is evident in the lives of Christians, it is because they rely upon GOD and not upon themselves.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled. 

A person’s recognition and acknowledgement of his or her “poor spiritual need,” “mourn over his or her sin,” find that these attributes lead to “gentleness” toward others. Christians recognize and acknowledge that they are sinners saved by grace. Grace allows them to seek the fullness of CHRIST in his or her life through a ravenous appetite and thirst to know GOD and to be made into the image of CHRIST through obedience. The result is that they will be filled.

JESUS stated it well in Matthew 7:7:

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV)

Let’s read Matthew 5:7-9:

7 Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy. 

Christians live under “grace,” which means “unmerited favor.” Grace is a gift from GOD to HIS children because of the shed blood of CHRIST. Just as GOD shows Christians mercy by pardoning their sins, in turn, Christians are to show mercy by not being judgmental.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God. 

Being “pure in heart” is a result of the preceding attitudes. Fruit is produced. Those who have the attribute of “pure in heart” will have an understanding of the mind of GOD. They will see where GOD is working and when they do, they will join HIM in HIS work.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God. 

We have considered six (6) attitudes representative in the life of a Christian. These six attributes are necessary for the Christian to be a “peacemaker.” A “peacemaker” because of his or her combined attributes is in a position to restore right relationships with GOD and others. The emphasis is on the word “maker.” A peacemaker brings about reconciliation and not appeasement. At this stage of Christian growth and maturity the peacemaker is called “Sons of GOD.” The Prince of Peace is CHRIST. As peacemakers Christians exemplify JESUS and are chips off the block.

Let’s read Matthew 5:10-12:

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 

11 "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 

12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The first four attitudes, “poor in spirit,” “mourning over spiritual conditions,” “being gentle,” and “seeking righteousness” relate to a Christians dependence upon GOD. The next three, “being merciful,” “being pure in heart,” and “being a peacemaker” reflect our actions toward others. Now we come to Christian attitudes or attributes toward persecution.

Christians know they have arrived when they are persecuted for righteousness. 

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:16-17:

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Those who have been born-again have the witness and assurance of the indwelling Holy Spirit that they are GOD’S child. As GOD’S children, Christians can expect suffering/persecution.

Notice, JESUS taught that the reason for the persecution was the result of obedient righteousness and not something which resulted from Christians not being righteous. The reason for this persecution is the result of being an obedient follower of JESUS. When these things happen be glad and rejoice (be giddy) because the Christian’s reward is great in heaven. This is the sweet spot of obediently serving GOD and a badge of honor, as a Christian.

The beatitudes represent the growth and development of every Christian as he or she matures in his or her walk with CHRIST as empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, sanctified to carry out GOD’S will and purpose. Be blessed. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Priceless (7) - Cherished in GOD'S Eyes - Psalm 8:1-8 - January 17, 2016

Bible Study – Priceless (7) – Cherished in GOD’S Eyes – January 17, 2016

This is lesson seven (7) in our series entitled “Priceless: Finding Your Value in GOD.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 8:1-8.

GOD values and cares for even the weakest among us.

This is a lesson on the sanctity of life. The weakest and defenseless among us is the un-born child. Once conception takes place, a child has been created. 

According to the law of our land, up to a certain gestation period, this conceived person has no rights. But if someone kills the pregnant mother at any stage of her pregnancy and the conceived baby dies, the killer is charged with two murders.

The sanctity of life goes beyond a conceived child and includes all life including the elderly. Most people cringe at the thoughts of suicide, yet, assisted death is okay.

What are your thoughts on the issue of abortion, assisted death or suicide?  Is there any moral or ethical difference between the individual making an end-of-life decision versus medical practitioners making the decision to terminate the life of that individual or a conceived child? Let’s discuss.

Life is a gift from GOD and is precious.

Psalm 8 is attributed to David and emphasizes the magnificence and majesty of GOD and brings into question why such an awesome GOD would be mindful of mankind. Why would GOD love mankind such that HE would allow HIS only Son to come to earth and give HIS life for all who place their faith in HIM to have eternal life and become HIS child? The love of GOD is boundless. Christians, you were bought with a great price. You were redeemed by the shed blood of the lamb, JESUS.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

19 Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 

20 for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

Let’s read Psalm 8:1-2:

1 LORD (Yahweh), our Lord, how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with Your majesty. 

[1 Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic [is] your name in all the earth, who put your splendor above the heavens. (Lexham English Bible) – Notice this translation used the word for GOD as it should as “Yahweh.”]

In our scripture, I capitalized the first use of “LORD” as do some other translations because David’s first use of “LORD” refers to the personal name of GOD, “Yahweh.” GOD revealed HIS name to Moses at the burning bush. Genesis 3:1-15. The vowels were added after the 7-9 century A.D. by the Masorites when they included the vowels for another word for “Lord”, “adonai” to render “YHWH” “Yahweh.” “YHWH” is called the tetragrammaton. “Tetra” means four thus tetragrammaton means “the four letters.”

The second reference to “Lord” in Psalm 8 refers to the “sovereignty,” “magnificence,” “excellence,” and “majesty” of GOD. These are descriptive attributes of GOD or HIS function.

David wanted the singers of this Psalm to know that they were singing about “Yahweh” and what HE does. The use of the word “majesty” was to emphasize the radiance, perfection and splendor of GOD.

When you love something or someone, how can you put that expression of love into words?

GOD’S “Majesty” or “Glory” and “Splendor” is available and visible to all and when you experience it, how do you describe it? You attempt to describe it by using human words that incite emotion and carry a comprehensive description. 

How do you explain the love that a mother or father has for their child? Precious, “You are so sweet, I could just eat you up” and the descriptive words go on.

2 Because of Your adversaries, You have established a stronghold from the mouths of children and nursing infants, to silence the enemy and the avenger. 

GOD uses the weak to confound the strong. JESUS referred to this verse in Matthew 21:16 as HE was entering Jerusalem:

16 and said to Him (JESUS), "Do You hear what these [children] are saying?" "Yes," Jesus told them. "Have you never read: You have prepared praise from the mouths of children and nursing infants "?

A stronghold is a military term for a perfectly established place of defense when attacked by an enemy. Satan establishes strongholds in our lives which resist the penetration of the Holy Spirit into our lives and GOD, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, establishes strongholds to resist the onslaughts of Satan. As Christians, we live in the middle of a battlefield. Christians and the non-Christian struggle between GOD and Satan but GOD will win in the end. Christians must fight using Spiritual weapons because the battle is fought in heavenly places. Ephesians 6:

Stay in GOD’S Word, pray and put on the full armor of GOD as described in Ephesians 6:11-13:

11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 

12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 

13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

Christians must use heavenly weapons to fight in heavenly places. So Christians gird up each day for battle.  

Let’s read Psalm 8:3-9:

3 When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, 

David acknowledged the handiwork of GOD and HIS personal touch and detail as expressed by the use of HIS fingers. Your life and where you live is personal and important to GOD. When David pondered the thought of his existence and observed the reality of the awesomeness of GOD it boggled his mind.

4 what is man that You remember him, the son of man (humans) that You look after him? 

Since GOD is all powerful and majestic HE does not have to pay mankind one iota of attention but HE does and takes pride in HIS handiwork. Seek HIM in times of troubles and let HIM give you comfort and protection. Reject the evils in your life and embrace GOD by asking JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life.

5 You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. 

GOD made mankind a little less than Himself and blessed mankind with glory and honor as expressed in allowing HIS Only Son to come to earth to be born and live as a human. But the ultimate measure of GOD’S love was when JESUS chose to give HIS physical life on the cross to pay, in full, the penalty for sin and as proof that JESUS paid the penalty for sin in full, GOD raised JESUS from physical death to live eternally in HIS New Glorified body.

6 You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet (control and responsibility): 

7 all the sheep and oxen, as well as animals in the wild, 

8 birds of the sky, and fish of the sea passing through the currents of the seas. 

The use of “lord” in verse 6 is a reference to a human ruler or the person responsible or in charge with the authority to act.

GOD’S name is above every name. There will be a time when every knee will bow and every voice will declare that JESUS IS LORD.

Verse 6 forms the basis for the sanctity of life:

6 You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: 

As already stated “lord” or mankind has been tasked to be stewards of GOD’S work. GOD has put everything under his feet, which is complete authority to care for what GOD has put into action.

GOD Gifts mankind with the responsibility to have dominion over what HE has created. “The psalmist was astonished that the sovereign Creator of the galaxies would bestow such relative significance on those as insignificant as man. (Lawson, Psalms 1-75, HOTC, 51)

– “GOD is the One Who crowns us with glory and honor and gives us dominion over the rest of creation.” (Page 78, Advanced Bible Study, winter, 2015-2016, published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175.)

Let’s read Ephesians 2:8-9: (Salvation is a gift from GOD.)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Salvation is a gift as the result of any person placing his or her faith in JESUS CHRIST. Let’s consider 2 Corinthians 5:21:

God made him (JESUS) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.

The love of GOD is expressed through CHRIST. Our sin was placed upon JESUS and HIS righteousness was placed upon all who place their faith in HIM. It is GOD’S Gift of eternal salvation through the miracle of rebirth which is impossible for any human to earn or achieve.

Psalm 8 ends with verse 9:

9 LORD (Yahweh), our Lord, how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!

David ended Psalm 8 like he started it expressing the awesomeness of GOD throughout the earth.

GOD is to be praised and worshiped because HE cares for us and loves us as expressed in John 3:16-17:

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Life is precious. JESUS told us that we can only achieve the abundant life through faith in HIM as recorded in John 10:10:

¹⁰ A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

The probability of our existence, as a human, is astronomical. Our existence is orchestrated by GOD. For an unwanted pregnancy, adoption gives the opportunity for a child to live; Chose life.

Ephesians 1:4:

⁴ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love.

GOD has a plan and purpose for every conceived human until HE calls him or her home. “We who have been created by GOD and recreated by JESUS CHRIST have a tremendous duty to GOD to preserve and protect all of HIS creation” Page78, Advanced Bible Study, winter 2015-16. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Priceless (6) - Used in GOD'S Service - 1 Cor. 12:12-16, 21-22; 1 Peter 4:9-11 - January 10, 2016

Bible Study – Priceless (6) – Used in GOD’S Service – January 10, 2016

This is lesson six (6) in our series entitled “Priceless” Finding Your Value in GOD.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Corinthians12:12-16, 21-22; 1 Peter 4:9-11.

Let’s consider the Gifts of the Spirit and Fruit of the Spirit?

Gifts of the Spirit come from GOD to minister and benefit others. The fruit of the Spirit is produced through the process of sanctification and being firmly and intimately grafted into the CHRIST the True and Living Vine through which the Gifts of the Spirit can be manifested. Spiritual Fruit is produced through an intimate, loving relationship with CHRIST. Yes, through the building of an intimate relationship with CHRIST, GOD can manifest Gifts of the Spirit. 

In last week’s study we focused on the fact that GOD gives Spiritual Gifts to Christians. Christians can desire certain Gifts but it is up to GOD to give them to us. HE will never give us something to us that will harm us.

This lesson focuses on the importance of Spiritual Gifts to the Spiritual body or the true church which may be housed in the brick and mortar church. It is vital and imperative that the Spiritual body function in unity and harmony with the Trinity and with each Gifted Christian within the Spiritual body.

Paul used the human body to make this point clear to us and the Apostle Peter highlighted the importance of Gifted Christians using their Gifts.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:12-16:

12 For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body-so also is Christ. 

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 

14 So the body is not one part but many. 

15 If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body.

16 And if the ear should say, "Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body. 

Gifts of the Spirit unify the Spiritual body to minister to each other and to the world. Paul stated again the unity of the Jews and Greeks or slaves or free in CHRIST. All have been born into GOD’S family through the miracle of rebirth through faith in CHRIST. Once born into GOD’S family Christians function in unity and harmony with each other and the leadership of GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Dr. Henry Blackaby has an excellent example of this in the workbook he and Dr. Claude King authored entitled, “Experiencing God” published by LifeWay, Nashville, TN.

He used a stick figure of a person walking down a railroad track. The person who was looking forward clearly saw as far as the eye could see that no train was coming toward him. But the ears told the man, “I hear a train coming.” The eyes said “Oh, no. As far as I can see there is no train coming.” The feet then told the man, “I feel the rumble under my feet which tells me that a train is coming.” The eyes again reiterated “No, as far as I can see there is no train coming toward us.” The problem was that the train was coming from behind the person.

In the Spiritual body, GOD Gifts Christians to know certain things others within the body do not perceive; this fosters the need for unity. Those Gifted alert the Spiritual body of certain things revealed through their Gifts. When there is unity and harmony within the Spiritual body it functions according to the will and purpose of CHRIST, the head of the Spiritual body.

When the Spiritual body ignores the warnings of those Gifted, it is headed for Spiritual trouble.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:17-21:

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 

18 But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted. 

19 And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? 

20 Now there are many parts, yet one body. 

Just as the human body has many parts for it to function properly, so does the Spiritual body have many parts. Each within the Spiritual body has a specific function, Gift, and that function is vital to the health of the Spiritual body.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:21-22:

21 So the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" nor again the head to the feet, "I don't need you!" 

22 On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary. 

In our human body, we do not realize how much we depend upon a certain part until it becomes incapacitated.

Years ago, we had a neighbor who fell and broke both arms and had casts on both arms for months. He had to depend on his wife for many of his needs. When certain parts of the body go on the blink, we often do not realize its importance until it is impaired. Let’s consider what the Apostle Peter wrote in our next scripture regarding Spiritual Gifts.

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:9-11:

9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 

10 Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. 

11 If anyone speaks, [his speech should be] like the oracles of God; if anyone serves, [his service should be] from the strength God provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Hospitality was very important in the early days. There was not a motel on every corner. They did have some Inns. Hospitality was necessary to family, friends and strangers during those days. The Apostle Peter made it a point those Gifted should use their Gifts, especially the Gift of hospitality.

The Apostle Peter continued to focus on other Gifts – speaking and service – Gifts should always be used to glorify GOD through our relationship with JESUS.

Whatever a Christian does or says should be according to GOD’S plan and purpose, which comes from having an intimate, personal, dynamic relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Again, as we studied in our last study, GOD, the Father, GOD, The Son and GOD, The Holy Spirit all come together to lead, guide and manifest the Gifts of the Spirit within the Christian and the Spiritual body.

Both Apostles emphasized the importance of those Gifted using their Gifts for the good of the Spiritual body. All Christians have at least one Gift and no Gift is insignificant. Any Gift from GOD is of great importance and vital to serve in the function of GOD’S kingdom.

Are you using your Gift or Gifts for the Glory of GOD and to function within the Spiritual body? If not, why not? Blessings!!!