Lesson 12 - Part 3

Bible Correspondence Course Lesson 12 - Part 3 Christianity Is A Way Of Life The Christian Fight! The Word of God tells us that all who will follow the Christian way of life will have to face three deadly enemies. These three enemies tend to discourage us from overcoming sin and developing the very character of Christ.

These deadly foes tend to lead us away from faith in God, from relying on God, from walking with God. They can come between us and God—divide us from Him. They tend to put wedges into our minds that will grow and grow, separating us from the guidance and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

God says these deadly enemies must be defeated and He tells us how to do it!

1. Does Paul show there is effort involved in living the Christian life— that eternal life is worth fighting for so as not to let it slip from one’s grasp? 1 Timothy 6:12;1 Timothy 1:18-19.Whose "soldier" was Timothy? 2 Timothy 2:3-4.

2. Did Paul steadfastly follow God’s way of life—did he know, shortly before his death, that he had WON the Christian fight? 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

3. Is the Christian’s warfare against physical armies? Or is it a spiritual warfare? 2 Corinthians 10:3-4.Just what is it that a Christian is to fight against? 2 Corinthians 10:5.

COMMENT: The first enemy in the Christian’s daily warfare is his own "human nature" with its inordinate lusts (Galatians 5:19-21). This nature in us rationalizes cleverly, sometimes producing deceitful and degrading impulses—vanity, lust, greed, etc. We are enticed to sin, to break God’s spiritual law, thus cutting us off from Him. Our nature can destroy us spiritually, unless we resist its wrong impulses.

4. What is the second deadly enemy of all Christians? Is it the world around us? Galatians 1:4.What should be a Christian’s attitude toward the world’s social order with its glitter, glamour, status-seeking, and alluring appeal? 1 John 2:15-17.

COMMENT: John is speaking about this worldly system around us—this "cosmos." It is from the original Greek word Cosmos, translated "world" in 1 John 2:15,that English words such as cosmopolitan, cosmography, cosmopolite, etc. are derived.

John was referring to the societies of this world, so much of which are literally built on and motivated by the vanity, lusts, and greed of human nature. Because most people have been deceived (Revelation 12:9), they don’t understand how so many of the world’s ways could be wrong in God’s sight. Nevertheless, this world’s ways do bombard Christians continually with temptations which can seduce them from following Christ!

5. Should Christians strive to avoid the evil that is in the world? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18;Revelation 18:4.Does this mean that any who would love God and seek to live the Christian way of life should therefore move away from populated areas? John 17:15-18.Notice especially the first part of John 17:15.

COMMENT: Christ’s prayer in the seventeenth chapter of the gospel of John shows that God does not expect Christians to move to the mountains and deserts to escape the world’s distractions! Rather, they should strive to be separate spiritually and abstain from its ways that are defined as sin in the Bible. From earliest childhood we conformed to the customs and practices which we learned from the teachings and examples of others. We merely accepted without question most of the practices and lifestyles of the society around us. But as we learn about God’s way, we are to conscientiously apply ourselves to the new life in Christ. "Be not conformed to this world," said Paul, "but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Unless we cease from conforming to those ways of this world which are contrary to God’s will, we will not grow in the character of Christ or overcome spiritually. The many snares in the world could be compared to an obstacle course which challenges and strengthens a good soldier in training. Christians must learn to hurdle those obstacles.

6. Do people always appreciate the person who tries to live according to God’s law? 1 Peter 4:3-4;John 15:18-20;John 16:33.How should a Christian respond to those who might be antagonistic toward his life in Christ? Matthew 5:43-47;Romans 12:20-21.

COMMENT: God does not want us to hate the people in the world, even though some may attempt to persecute and ridicule us for following God’s way. Since they are potential Sons of God, we are instructed to love them! Someday, perhaps because of our Christian examples of genuine concern, service and compassion for people in general, some of them, too, may turn to God and be converted (Matthew 5:14-16). Nevertheless, eventually God will open their minds and show them His glorious truth so they can become Christians too, as is depicted by the last step in God’s master plan.

7. What, or who, is the third great enemy of every Christian? 1 Peter 5:8-9;James 4:7.Isn’t Satan the devil ultimately responsible for inspiring the inordinate characteristics of human nature and for all the evil in this world? 2 Corinthians 4:4;Ephesians 2:2.Has he indeed deceived the whole world? Revelation 12:9.

COMMENT: Satan, the devil, formerly the great archangel Lucifer who was originally created perfect in his ways (Ezekiel 28:15), acquired his satanic nature by his own reasoning and choice. As we learned in Lesson 9, humans have in turn acquired Satan’s nature from early childhood and we call it "human nature." Notice how Paul described this natural frame of mind: "... the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). But once the Holy Spirit of God is added to a person’s mind, he then has the power to resist the attitudes of self-centeredness, lust, greed, vanity, jealousy, envy, resentment, competition, strife, bitterness, and hate which are broadcast to the mind by Satan. No person is compelled to respond to and obey these impulses from Satan. The devil has no power to FORCE anyone to think or do wrong! But the unsuspecting automatically do so without realizing what is taking place in their minds. Most people just drift along, responding to emotions and impulses which often find expression in their fleshly drives and vain pursuits.

Thus Satan, the "god of this world," the "prince of the power of the air," is actually working in the unsuspecting all over the world today. That is why it is "this present evil world," and why it is so thoroughly deceived today!

8. After your begettal by God’s Holy Spirit which makes you a Christian, will the devil try to beguile you again—to deceive your mind—and lead you away from Christ and His ways? 2 Corinthians 11:2-4.Did some in Paul’s day begin to fall victim to the devil’s promptings once again? 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:6-8;Galatians 3:1.

COMMENT: Conversion does not disconnect Satan’s wavelength. He continues to broadcast the attitudes of his nature. When Jesus spoke of overcoming, He referred to overcoming these ways of Satan, which are contrary to God’s way.

It seems that few, even among converted Christians, fully realize the supreme need to be constantly aware of Satan’s efforts to get them to turn from God’s way of government back to his way. Those who have turned from his way are fighting to OVERCOME his subtle urgings, and are striving to remain true to God’s way—the way of God’s government. They are the ones Satan hates. He is especially interested in destroying them! Without God’s protection and restraining power over Satan, which He promises to grant us if we remain close to Him, none could ever make it!

Before Jesus Christ could qualify to restore the government of God and rule all nations, He had to withstand Satan’s most severe temptations. That supreme struggle is recorded in the fourth chapter of Matthew. Notice how the devil attempted to deceive and influence Jesus Christ to sin against God.

9. When Jesus was extremely hungry, how did the devil appeal both to human vanity and hunger? Matthew 4:1-4.And to the human desire for prestige, glory, and power? Matthew 4:5-9. What were Jesus’ immediate responses? Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10. What was the outcome of this titanic spiritual battle? Matthew 4:11.

COMMENT: Christ overcame the devil. Jesus resisted Satan, conquered him, and showed His MASTERY over him! When He gave the devil an order, he had to obey. He slunk away, knowing he was defeated in this supreme spiritual encounter of all time.

Christ overcame the devil’s wiles by the Word of God. He responded to the devil’s temptations by citing the appropriate scripture that applied in each situation. He knew the Word of God thoroughly. He KNEW God’s will. Therefore, the devil could not deceive Him!

10. Are Christians today also to resist the devil with the truth God has revealed to them? 1 Peter 5:9.What must the devil do if resisted steadfastly? James 4:7.

11. What instructions on fighting against the impulses and attitudes of the devil does God give through Paul? Ephesians 6:10-12.What are Christians to put on in order to fight this spiritual battle? Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:13. Of what does God’s spiritual armor consist? Ephesians 6:14-20.

COMMENT: "Truth" refers to the inspired Word of God (John 17:17), the first piece in the Christian’s spiritual armor. The "breastplate of righteousness" is obedience to God’s commandments (Psalms 119:172); the "gospel" is the message of the coming Kingdom of God when Christ will rule this earth and bring it peace. The "shield of faith" refers to the faith of Jesus Christ which can be within us (Galatians 2:20;Php 3:9)--not just to our own human, physical faith. This faith is God’s gift imparted by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And it is this faith—Christ’s faith put within us—that will enable us to conquer and overcome sin! The "helmet of salvation" is the knowledge of what salvation is, what it involves, what it’s all about—the very purpose of life. In other words, it is the knowledge of the TRUE GOAL and potential destiny of mankind—that of becoming divine members of the Family of God! The "sword of the Spirit" refers to the written Word of God—it is the Christian’s only offensive weapon in fighting the devil and his wiles (Hebrews 4:12). It cuts the enemy’s tactics and strategies to ribbons, and shows us what the enemy is up to. The final thing Paul mentions in fighting Satan and his wiles is "prayer." Christians are to draw close to God in persevering prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), praying for all of God’s people, the ministry of God’s church, and themselves. This is the way to defeat—to OVERCOME—Satan and to force him to flee! This is the perfect strategy for defeating human nature and the allure of this world, since they are both essentially motivated by the devil. If Christians will diligently follow this formula, their success in overcoming all three deadly foes will be guaranteed.

Why "Overcoming" is so Important The Bible speaks a great deal about "overcoming." Let’s understand exactly why it is so important in living the Christian life, and what bearing that overcoming has on the "occupations" of born-again Christians in the Kingdom of God.

1. Did Jesus Christ become perfect? Hebrews 2:9-10.Notice especially the last part of verse 10. What did Christ say He expects of those who would claim to be His followers? Matthew 5:48.Who are they to become like? Ephesians 4:13.

COMMENT: As we learned in the previous lesson, Jesus spoke of becoming perfect. But exactly what kind of "perfection" was He talking about? In the original Greek, the word for "perfect" is teleios, which also means "complete." In other words, Jesus means that His followers are to become fully grown and spiritually mature.

Obviously, we cannot become absolutely perfect until the resurrection when God will complete the process and give us new, perfect spiritual bodies with a perfect—sinless—nature that will be like God’s. But in the meantime, God wants us to strive to perfect His spiritual character in us by obeying His commandments, and overcoming and rooting sin out of our lives.

2. Even though Christ was the very Son of God and possessed the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34), did He still have to learn obedience? Hebrews 5:8-9.Did Christ "overcome"? John 16:33.Did He resist temptation? Hebrews 4:15.

COMMENT: Jesus Christ became perfect through the trials and tests of human experience. He overcame the temptations of the devil, His flesh, and the world around Him. In spite of opposition and temptation, He kept God’s commandments perfectly. Thus He was able to become the Savior of mankind and the supreme example of spiritual maturity Christians are to be striving to emulate. The Bible shows that striving to perfect the spiritual character of Christ is an ongoing process of overcoming throughout the Christian life— of putting sin out of our lives, learning to control and rule over the downward pulls of our nature.

3. Just how important is overcoming to your being in God’s Kingdom and receiving a reward? Revelation 2:7,Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26-27;Revelation 3:5,Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21;Revelation 21:7.

COMMENT: Through overcoming the sinful pulls of the flesh, the world and the devil, our spiritual character is being perfected—we are building the very character of God. And the more we overcome, the greater the responsibility we will be capable of exercising in Christ’s government on earth. Thus the greater will be our reward! But no one can overcome for us. It requires putting forth effort on our part, together with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, to become the kind of spiritually minded and motivated person God can use in His Kingdom. And just as with Christ, our overcoming involves "good works."

4. Does the principle of Matthew 24:46-47 illustrate that it is those who OVERCOME to the very end—those who are still growing in character at Christ’s return (or at their death, if that comes first)--who shall inherit God’s Kingdom and receive a reward?

5. Does 2 Peter 1:5-9 also show there is need for continual growth in the virtues of Christian character as long as a person lives? Does 2 Peter 1:10 imply that those who don’t continue to grow and overcome will not make it into God’s Kingdom? To Become Inheritors with Christ

1. Because Jesus Christ overcame during His human life and was "born again" by a resurrection, where is He presently seated? Revelation 3:21.Have all the angels, authorities, and powers been made subject to Him under His Father? 1 Peter 3:22;Ephesians 1:20-22;1 Corinthians 15:27.

2. What will be Christ’s official title when He returns to rule the nations of earth? Revelation 19:16.Will there ever be an end to the increase of His glorious government? Isaiah 9:6-7.

3. Just how great is the authority which Christ has already inherited? Hebrews 1:1-2;Matthew 28:18.

COMMENT: Notice how the Moffatt translation renders the original Greek of Hebrews 1:2:"But in these days at the end he has spoken to us by a Son—a Son whom he has appointed heir of the UNIVERSE...!

4. Will Christ be the only inheritor and ruler of this earth and the vast universe? Or will there be co-rulers, "joint-heirs," with Him to share His great inheritance and responsibility? Romans 8:16-17;Revelation 21:7.

COMMENT: We, if we have become true Christians, are now the Spirit-begotten "children" of God. We are heirs—joint-heirs with Jesus Christ to inherit and rule EVERYTHING God has created!

Notice also the second chapter of Hebrews. Beginning with Hebrews 2:6, the apostle Paul quoted Psalms 8:4-6:"What is man, that thou [God] art mindful of him?" Yes, why should the great God be concerned about us mortals? Why were we born?

Here is the answer: "Thou hast put ALL THINGS in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not [to be] put under him" (Hebrews 2:8). Do you grasp that? Absolutely nothing God has created is excepted. We were BORN TO RULE! The awesome destiny of mankind is co-rulership first of this earth, and then the vast universe with Jesus Christ! But not until we have qualified and been "born again" as members of God’s Family.

Thus far only Jesus Christ, the "first born among many brethren" (Romans 8:29), has received this power. So "... now [today] we see not yet all things put under him [man]. But we see Jesus...crowned with glory and honour" (Hebrews 2:8-9). He alone has received the power and glory we are to receive when we, too, are born of God at the resurrection of the dead. Can you begin to grasp the magnitude of these sure promises of God?

5. In what capacity is Christ now serving true Christians? Hebrews 4:14-16.

COMMENT: As the High Priest of all Spirit-begotten children of God, Christ is always available to help them in times of need. He takes special interest in their spiritual development, helping to prepare them so they can eventually inherit "all things" with Him!

Why YOU Should Want to Rule

Many are surprised to learn that the Bible says so much about ruling in the Kingdom of God. Some doubt that they could ever qualify to rule over others. Perhaps even you have thought, "But I don’t want to rule. I just want to serve God and live my life as a Christian."

History right down to the present is replete with accounts of rulers, politicians and bureaucrats who have abused their power and served their own interests, while calling themselves "benefactors" or servants of the people (Luke 22:25-26). Small wonder that many people have little desire to emulate such authority.

Jesus Christ, who has qualified for the greatest position of rulership under the Father in the coming Kingdom of God, said He came to be a servant (Luke 22:27). What an apparent paradox! Let’s see how and why service to God actually entails rulership.

1. How does a truly converted Christian express service to God? Matthew 25:24-36.

COMMENT: We serve God when we help and serve our fellowman. Christ said "... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me" (Matthew 25:40). This troubled world is filled with needy, sick, and lonely people. Hundreds of millions in this world would benefit from even basic instruction in how to improve the quality of their physical lives, including their everyday cleanliness and hygiene! Above all, they need to know the very truth of God—His purpose and plan for mankind, and how to assure their entry into God’s Family. This whole world has a crying need to understand the Word of God!

Christ came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). The foot-washing ceremony which He established shortly before His crucifixion symbolized this attitude of service. We should want to imitate Christ’s example (1 Peter 2:21;John 13:17). A deeply converted Christian will want to help change this world and help others to share in the blessings of God’s way of life. That is, in fact, what the return of Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom [government] is all about! All Spirit-begotten Christians are, in reality, now training for a vital role in that government of the wonderful World Tomorrow under Christ’s leadership and rule. The Christian life, then, is one of overcoming, growing, preparing, and developing for service through rulership in the Millennium, as well as serving others here and now!

2. What will the saints be doing in the Kingdom of God during the Millennium? Read Revelation 3:21,Revelation 2:26,Revelation 20:4-6 once again.

COMMENT: We read of "thrones," "judgment" and "reigning." These scriptures indicate that Christians will receive positions of rulership in God’s Kingdom. All who are converted and learning to overcome now will eventually be "kings and priests," or rulers of various kinds in the Kingdom of God (Revelation 5:10). That is the very purpose for which we were created. Our ultimate destiny, if we accept God’s calling, is rulership of the world—and eventually the entire universe—under Christ. Yes, we were BORN TO rule.

3. By what principle can a person of ordinary ability and humble opportunity in this life ever qualify to take on far greater responsibility in the Kingdom of God? Luke 16:10.

COMMENT: We learn to rule by being faithful—conscientious—in whatever we do. We must put into practice in our daily lives the principles and laws we learn from God’s Word. Even the person who considers himself or herself as having only a little ability and natural talent, can qualify to rule in God’s Kingdom. We learn to rule tomorrow by learning to manage our own affairs and responsibilities today, no matter how small they may be.

God is no respecter of persons or sexes (Romans 2:11;Galatians 3:28). What sex we were born has no bearing on our reward in God’s Kingdom. Our future reward will be determined solely by the degree of our "works" in this life. Note: It is by God’s "grace" that we will attain His Kingdom—attain immortality as God’s gift. But it is by our works that we will attain an office of responsibility—an opportunity for greater service, for doing more good—once we are born into God’s ruling Family. As our Savior and elder brother—"the firstborn among many brethren"- Jesus Christ has already qualified for the highest office under God the Father in the coming World Tomorrow. No one else can ever receive the position of rulership the Father has promised Him. Notice a few other positions which are mentioned specifically in scripture.

4. To whom has God promised rulership over the united nation of Israel?

Ezekiel 37:21-22,Ezekiel 37:24. What positions of rulership did Jesus promise to give each of His twelve apostles under David? Matthew 19:27-28.Has God alluded to others who will be in His Kingdom? Hebrews 11:4-40.

COMMENT: Other overcomers have gone before us and are to be in God’s Kingdom. They have already qualified for responsibilities in God’s ruling Family, though God has not specifically revealed their positions to us in the Bible. But every individual will have a tremendous job to do, for an entirely new civilization must be built on earth during the Millennium (to say nothing of the universe beyond)--built this time to God’s specifications. It will take many different, vital jobs to recreate world society as God would have it.

5. Will there really be enough opportunities to serve for all who have overcome down through the ages? John 14:1-3.

COMMENT: By speaking of the temple ("my Father’s house") having many "mansions" ("rooms" in the Revised Standard Version and other translations), Jesus illustrated the concept that there would be places for many assistants in the government of the Kingdom of God on earth, when Jerusalem will be the millennial world capital. "I will come [back to earth] again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am [headquartered in the temple of God on earth], there ye may be also" (John 14:3). Christ assures us that He and the Father will have ample opportunities and challenging, interesting positions of responsibility for everyone who is born into God’s ruling Family!

You CAN Overcome! The newly Spirit-begotten Christian has embarked on an exciting new way of life. But as with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Paul, God knows that Christians will occasionally stumble spiritually—they still can and will sin (1 John 1:8-9). But our merciful God promises to forgive us if we repent, and will strengthen us so we can continue to overcome and be granted eternal life in His glorious Kingdom.

God does not call people to the true Christian way of life to be losers. He does not want any to miss out on the rewards and joys of eternal life in His Family (2 Peter 3:9;1 Timothy 2:4). But God will not do it all for us. We have our part to do!

How is it possible to continue to overcome, to press on toward the eternal goal, to strive toward the perfection of the character of Jesus Christ and be born into God’s Family? Through the FAITH OF CHRIST—Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Paul said: "I CAN do all things [overcome any trials, test, trouble, or sin] THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth me." (Php 4:13.) SO CAN WE!

Yes, through Christ we can please God, fulfill His law, and overcome! Let’s understand. 1. Did Paul, an apostle of God who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, actually say that Christians must "work out" their own salvation? Php 2:12.Also notice 2 Peter 1:10.

COMMENT: SO Christians, immediately upon initial conversion, have something they must begin to do, not only then, but for the rest of their natural lives. The Christian life involves "works"—it involves doing something! The Christian life presupposes putting forth the effort to "overcome." Christ said: "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17). God’s way of life is one of productivity, growth and exciting challenge.

2. Then can we earn our salvation by our own works after all? Romans 6:23;Php 2:13.

COMMENT: As mentioned earlier, eternal life is a gift of God. You cannot earn your salvation by your works. However, the Christian still has his part to do. The Bible tells us that we must disencumber ourselves of habits and sins that enslave us. We must thwart ungodly, unchristian patterns that would ultimately destroy us (Romans 6:23). But how? Through our own human power and our own willpower alone? No, not a single one will ever conquer the influences of the world, the flesh and the devil through human strength alone.

Benjamin Franklin, one of the five principal founding fathers of the United States, once set himself to attain the goal of moral perfection.

Here is an excerpt from the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin:

"It was about this time that I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wished to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other." But before long Dr. Franklin found the task no easy one. Continuing with his autobiographical testimony: "But I soon found I had undertaken a task of more difficulty than I had imagined. While my care was employed in guarding against one fault, I was often surprised by another; habit took the advantage of inattention: inclination was sometimes too strong for reason. I concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was [in] our interest to be completely virtuous, was not sufficient to prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken, and the good ones acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of content" (emphasis ours).

3. What similar frustrations did Paul experience over the expressions of his carnal nature? Romans 7:7-25.Notice especially Romans 7:15, Romans 7:19 and Romans 7:23.

COMMENT: Paul found that when he tried to resist his human nature, bad habits and sins would not easily be dismissed. In fact, when his attention was drawn to eradicating his personal sins they seemed to become more pronounced. Paul, the apostle that God inspired and used to write at least thirteen books of the New Testament, cried out "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Of course, Paul did overcome. He wrote the following words to His young protege shortly before his death: "...the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8,RSV).

Notice how Paul succeeded in overcoming.

4. What, or who, is the KEY to Christian overcoming? Php 4:13;John 15:5;1 John 4:4;Romans 8:37.

COMMENT: Jesus Christ, who once defeated Satan (Matthew 4:1-25) and qualified to become "King of kings and Lord of lords," will again defeat Satan and this world’s influences through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! He told His disciples to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world (John 16:33). John further testified that the One who dwells in every true Christian through the Spirit of God is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).

5. But didn’t Jesus say He could, of Himself, do absolutely nothing? John 5:30.

COMMENT: Think of it. Even the very Son of God said He could do nothing (no spiritual works) by His own human power. If Christ, when in the flesh, had no faith in Himself, how much less, then, can you and I accomplish by trusting in ourselves?

Few realize that Christ’s obedience and even the miracles He performed were not done by any supernatural power of His own. ALL His spiritual works were done literally through faith in God’s power, setting a marvelous example for us.

6. What was the source of Christ’s dynamic faith? John 14:10-11.

COMMENT: The Father who lived in Jesus through His Holy Spirit made His obedience to God’s law possible! Christ had the very faith of God.

7. Are Christians to live by faith? Hebrews 10:38;Romans 1:17.But is having faith in God’s power all that is required of us today? Romans 3:31.Is faith without obedience a dead faith? James 2:20-22.

COMMENT: The Bible very plainly testifies that each individual Christian has a part in the salvation process. Nevertheless, some professing Christians have been taught that Jesus lived a good life for us--obeyed God’s law in our stead. But we have seen that a Christian is not excused from overcoming, growing in spiritual character, and enduring in spite of all opposition or temptation to quit. These scriptures make it crystal clear that having faith does not excuse us from accomplishing these spiritual works. This is a great mystery to those who don’t understand. Since we must do these things to be saved, yet are utterly unable to do them of ourselves, it is natural to conclude that either God sent Jesus to do it for us and thereby excuse us from accomplishing it, or else to become discouraged and be tempted to quit trying! The true answer is the key to salvation. It is FAITH. Faith in God’s POWER—the same kind of living faith Jesus had!

8. By whose faith is a Christian’s "righteousness"—his obedience to God’s spiritual law—made possible? Php 3:9;Romans 3:22;Revelation 14:12.

COMMENT: Spirit-begotten Christians have the very "faith of Jesus." It’s not just our faith in Him, but His FAITH—the very spiritual faith through which He obeyed God’s laws—placed in us and ACTING in us!

9. Does the Bible call Jesus the author and finisher of our faith? Hebrews 12:2-4.

COMMENT: A more accurate translation of the phrase "author and finisher" is "pioneer and perfecter." Jesus led the way, as our pioneer, setting us the supreme example of living faith. But Jesus also perfects His faith IN us! Here’s how:

10. Did the apostle Paul plainly state that Christ lived in him? Galatians 2:20.

How did Christ live in him? Php 2:5;Romans 8:9-10.Then did Paul live his life by Christ’s faith dwelling in him? Galatians 2:20 once again.

COMMENT: Paul didn’t live by his own faith. The mind of Jesus Christ dwelt in Paul through the Holy Spirit. And the Spirit of God implanted in Paul’s mind the same faith that can be in your mind! This faith—the very faith of Jesus Christ—will enable you to live an overcoming life as did the apostle Paul!

11. Is the very faith of Jesus Christ, by which we receive eternal salvation, a gift of God? Ephesians 2:8-9.Is this faith one of the results of having the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22.Does it enable you to do "good works"? Ephesians 2:10.

COMMENT: The faith that saves is the faith of Christ. Yes, Christ’s faith—not your faith. And the Christ who can live in us by God’s Spirit will impart His strong faith to you and me, which makes our spiritual obedience and overcoming possible!

12. What must you do to receive the very faith of Jesus Christ? Acts 2:38.Must you be willing to obey God? Acts 5:32.And must you first show faith toward Christ before He will give you His faith? Acts 20:21;Romans 1:17.

COMMENT: God will give His Holy Spirit and the resulting faith of Christ only to those who meet these prior conditions.

Repentance is toward God and means that we have decided to change the entire course of our life—to quit sinning against God and sincerely desire to begin living by all His commandments. We utterly abhor not only our old sinful way of life, but also the natural inclinations of our carnal mind which has been swayed by the devil (Romans 8:7;Ephesians 2:2).

Then we must show our own faith, or belief, in the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, shed in order to pay the death penalty which our past sins have incurred. Upon our faith in the reason for His ID death—our acceptance of him as personal Savior from our sins—and then our baptism in water, God is bound by His Word to give us His Holy Spirit.

Yes, it does take our own faith to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. But that faith doesn’t save us! Only when the Holy Spirit comes into us to beget us spiritually, and we receive the faith of Christ implanted within us, do we obtain saving faith! And it all comes as a free gift from God. We could never "earn" it.

13. Once we receive God’s Holy Spirit, must the faith that it imparts grow? 2 Thessalonians 1:3.

COMMENT: Faith is not implanted in our mind whole and complete when we receive the Spirit of God. Faith must grow. It must be nourished in order to develop. It needs exercise and practice. That faith must grow by testing and by our works. It must be living faith.

14. Let’s reexamine the example of Abraham—the "father" of the faithful (Romans 4:16)and the one God called His friend. How did God perfect faith in Abraham? James 2:21-24.Especially notice James 2:22.

COMMENT: Abraham was a close friend of God. And, as a result, he received the help to set an outstanding record of faith. If we will let the Holy Spirit flow through us, then we, too, can be close friends of God as Abraham was, and be perfecting faith as he did.

Good friends spend a lot of time together in conversation. They discuss life, their goals, problems, and listen willingly to each other. If you are a close friend of God, then you will want to talk to Him. You will also be listening to Him talk to you. Often! And you will often think about and ponder His words. Notice what Christ has to say about this two-way conversation.

15. How did Jesus teach His followers to converse with the Father? Luke 11:1.What is the general format we should follow when we pray? Luke 11:2-4; Matthew 6:9-15.Should we repeat words aimlessly, or by memory? Matthew 6:7-8.Should we pray in a private place, where we can be alone with God? Matthew 6:5-6.

16. Should we not only pray for our own needs, but also for God’s Work, His ministers, and the Spirit-begotten children of God’s Church (the "saints")? Ephesians 6:18-19.Who was an outstanding example of this kind of praying? Colossians 4:12-13.

COMMENT: When you pray to God, you are actually talking to Him. You are coming into His presence, taking His time, and letting Him know how you feel about certain things, how you think about certain problems which arise, and asking Him for His guidance, counsel, advice, and help in solving the problems before you. When you pray for the needs of others and the needs of God’s Work, God listens! He is very much concerned about the welfare of all His people, and the crises and trials His Work experiences, as well as your own personal welfare.

God is not far off or aloof to His spiritual children. He wants us to come to Him often, to talk to Him in prayer, to commune with Him to receive the help we need to live the Christian way of life.

He also wants us to listen to Him when He speaks to us. How does He do this? Through His inspired Word. When you read and study the scriptures, God is actually talking to you through them. They are His words to you. Notice the enigmatic analogy Jesus used to illustrate this point.

17. Is Jesus Christ the personification of the Word of God? John 1:1,John 1:14. Does He therefore tell us to "eat His flesh"?! John 6:50,John 6:53, John 6:57. What was He talking about? John 6:63.

COMMENT: How can one "eat" the flesh of Christ? He certainly did not mean that His disciples were to become cannibals! He was talking figuratively. He was actually referring to His words. As He said in John 6:63,"...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." When you study your Bible, you are "eating" the flesh of Christ. That is, you are "devouring" His words, which are life-giving. They are spiritual. They impart life. They show you the way into God’s Family.

Learn to let Christ, and the Father, speak to you from the Bible. Absorb the mind of Christ (Php 2:5)and allow the Word of God to guide and direct you.

God’s way is so plain and simple when we understand it. We are able, after all, to press toward the goal of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ, to strive toward the perfection of the character of God through the FAITH OF CHRIST—"Christ in us, the hope of glory." And it is all accomplished as a result of having the Holy Spirit in us, and as we exercise it.

We are to obey God’s laws and live the Christian life as if we were doing it all through our own effort, but because "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak," God makes up the necessary difference. Like Paul who was mindful of his own human limitations, we look to God for the help to accomplish His purpose in us—"for my weakness makes me strong in him" (2 Corinthians 12:10,Phillips New Testament in Modern English).

Through Christ YOU, TOO, can conquer every sin, surmount every obstacle, defeat every foe, and overcome every hindrance which stands to thwart your way into God’s Family!

Remember the apostle Paul exuded Christ’s confidence. He was SURE! He was CERTAIN! Paul walked, talked, and lived with Christ and the Father through the Holy Spirit within him. He had the very faith and assurance of Jesus Christ. So can you! It’s Up to You

You were born with the potential to become a member of the universe-ruling Family of God—to have a part in governing, teaching, and guiding the world in the Millennium and in the Last Judgment period—and after that, to help rule the entire creation of God for eternity! This is the awesome destiny God offers to mankind! Have you begun the salvation process toward this marvelous goal? Analyze your own life and character. Have you begun obeying God? Are you growing spiritually? Are you developing—growing—in self-control? In the ability to restrain wrong desires, selfish motives or vanity? Are you replacing bad habits and attitudes with right thoughts and deeds?

If you suddenly had some really great responsibility thrust into your hands to direct—perhaps a major department of a city—perhaps a vast manufacturing concern with many subsidiaries—would you be able to direct and carry out that responsibility as God would have it done?

Well, the test is this: If you are now rightly directing the little powers in your control, such as your temper, your voice, your passions and emotions, or your present perhaps small income, then you probably could be entrusted to properly carry out at least a somewhat larger responsibility. But if you have not yet begun to learn to control and constructively guide even these little powers in your care, then how could God entrust you to handle far greater responsibilities in the Kingdom of God? If you don’t learn to be faithful even in the use of your present income, who will entrust to your care the true riches, and the great powers of God?

Ask God for the understanding and wisdom to rightly use and direct the comparatively little powers, abilities and responsibilities that are now yours so you can be a faithful and productive servant of God.

Strive to be faithful over what God has already given you, so that one day Christ can say to you: "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over MUCH..." (Matthew 25:21,RSV). This life is the training ground. We learn to rule by performing our responsibilities faithfully and by learning to rule over ourselves as we live the Christian way of life.

Preparing to rule in God’s Kingdom begins with submission to His rule now. God will not save any person He does not govern. So learn God’s laws. Study them. Think about them. Live by them. And with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, overcome your human nature, the pulls of the world, and the wiles of Satan the devil.

Seek God by drawing closer to Him in prayer and study. Change! Grow spiritually. Continually build the character of God until death, or until the moment Jesus Christ returns when God will instantly change our weak, inadequate bodies into powerful, sinless, glorified spirit bodies! (Php 3:20-21.) Then you will be ready to rule with Christ. Our awesome destiny is that of helping to rule the earth and the universe beyond as a member of the God Family!

It’s a breathtaking, exciting, incredible calling! A glorious, wonderful future! Have you begun to qualify for it? It’s up to you.

TEST YOUR MEMORY This quiz is designed to help you remember the important facts you learned in the lesson. You simply circle or underline each correct answer. After you’ve finished the test, check your choices with the correct answers at the end of this lesson, and then rate yourself.

1. To "walk" with God means A. to obey God’s commandments and laws as revealed in the Bible. B. to be a close friend of Jesus Christ and His Father. C. to follow in Christ’s steps, striving to emulate His example. D. all of the above.

2. The Ten Commandments A. were for the physical nation of Israel until Christ came. B. are expressions of God’s love and character. C. can be kept by a person merely exercising His own willpower and self-determination. D. were a necessary evil before Christ, and have since been nullified by God’s grace.

3. Obedience to God’s law A. can "earn" your salvation. B. is no longer necessary since Christ kept the law for us. C. removes the need for God’s grace. D. should be the earnest desire of every Christian.

4. The seventh-day Sabbath A. was "made" by Christ by His resting on the last day of Creation week. B. was devised by men for worship purposes. C. was never set apart by God as holy time for holy use. D. is Sunday, the first day of the week.

5. Which one of the following annual Sabbaths or festivals pictures the dramatic return of Jesus Christ? A. The Passover. B. The Feast of Trumpets. C. The Day of Atonement. D. The Last Great Day.

6. Tithing A. is not a God-ordained obligation upon Christians today. B. is God’s system for financing His ministry which is proclaiming Christ’s Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world. C. was an idea of Moses which he imposed on ancient Israel. D. epitomizes the "get" way of life.

7. Which one of the following is not a mortal enemy of all Christians? A. Satan the devil. B. The distractions in society which lead us away from God. C. The Spirit which begets us. D. Our own, oftentimes deceitful, rationalizing natures.

8. A Christian’s reward A. will be awarded as a result of God’s "grace." B. will be determined by his own effort and individual works after he becomes a Christian. C. cannot be earned. D. is the same as God’s "gift" of eternal life.

9. The faith that enables one to live the Christian way of life A. is supplied by each Christian. B. can be "worked up" if one is a true believer. C. is the very faith of Jesus Christ imparted by the Holy Spirit. D. is not a "fruit" of the Holy Spirit.

10. Christians derive spiritual help and encouragement from A. God’s Word, the Bible. B. the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. C. Christ who is their "High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14-16). D. all of the above.

TRUE OR FALSE 11. A Christian, by biblical definition, is one who simply professes to be one. T F 12. To "become perfect" (Matthew 5:48)means to gradually mature spiritually. T F 13. The foot-washing ceremony depicts an attitude of superiority and lordship over others. T F 14. Christians learn to rule themselves in this life to qualify for service in the Millennium. T F 15. Only the "overcomers" will become co-inheritors of God’s creation with Christ. T F

Draw a line from each phrase column to the correctly related right-hand column. in the left-hand . phrase in the right-hand column.

ANSWERS TO QUIZ Rate Yourself 1-D 5-B 9-C 13-F 17-E 19-20 correct excellent 2-B 6-B 10-D 14-T 18-A 16-18 correct good 3-D 7-C 11-F 15-T 19-C 13-15 correct fair 4-A 8-B 12-T 16-H 20-I