Able & available, Abel, Abiding, Able, Abraham , Accountable, Acts Ch 3., Affliction, Alive in Christ, Altar , Anxiety, Attitudes, Exercising authority, Authorities, Awareness & Sensitivity, Spiritual attitudes, Atonement, Functions of Authority, Absolutely Indispensable, Abundance, Abundant Life Secrets, Antichrist’s movement, In all things
Blessings of Abiding (John 15) Key verse (7) If you abide in me and my words.
(1) Fruit bearing:- (1-8vs) for Christ.
(2) Love-Relationship:- (9-17 vs) with others.
(3) Sufferings:- in the world (18-27 vs)
Mary = Availability Martha = Ability
* Mary- One thing Martha – many things
Listening demands patience. Faith comes by hearing.
3. chosen the good part:- one thing needful- eternal thing
(things with value system in the world- Entertainment value,
Educational value
Ethical value,
Economical value
Eternal value.
ACCOUNTABLE TO CHRIST: II Cor 5:10
Because we are not our own- Icor 6:20 , Ro 14:8
We are only stewards Lk 19:13
Accountable for :-
(1) Every idle word we speak . Mt. 12:36, (IITim 2:16 avoid)
(2) Privileges, forgiveness Mt. 18:23, opportunities Gal 6:10, investment Mt. 25:26 , Service Mt. 25:44
(3) Entrusted gifts / talents: I Tim 6:20, I Pe 4:10, I Cr. 12
(4) Responsibility He 13:17, Ex3:16-21, Mt. 28:20, Ac 20:28, Jn 21:15-17
(5) Personal Life :- Ro 14:12. Individually- Lk 12:20
How- proportionately- Lk 12:48, Mt 25:14,15,19
· to be confident : I Jn 2:28,29, Jude 24
· faithfulness & not success needed – I Cor 4:1,2
Abraham worship: sacrifice of his son
- how costly- only one beloved son
- how difficult- or heartbreaking
- it’s the measure of his love for God & obedience to His Word.
- Obedience more than sacrifice.
- The attitude of obedience- not upto
- The action- blessing due to the right attitude
- There is hope/ confidence / faith in God
He is always righteous & good. Results in peace & assurance & then blessing.
Awareness
Sensitivity
1. regarding the day of the Lord - towards our lives
- towards God
2. regarding our conditions (who we are) - towards believers
- towards leaders
3. regarding God’s purpose in choosing us - towards all (others)
- for salvation (not for wrath)
4.regarding the ultimate goal for us to
- live with him
5. regarding the leaders & laborers.
How to accept & appreciate others :- (Mat 5:21-26; Ex 20:13; Deut 5:17)
Introduction:-
Dr. George Samuel witnessing to the Taxi driver while late. Often we get upset over happenings & entertain negative thoughts that increase stress & suffering.
Why we sometimes get irritated & get angry?
- When something happens against our wish/ liking or doesn’t happen as planned/ expected.
- or someone behaving against your will/ wish
- or someone not appreciating/ supporting you etc.
e.g.- Jews, Pharisees against Jesus.
- Not to get angry without a cause & that too not so long as to lead to commit sin or be controlled by it. Eph 4:26
- Lord was angry (holy anger)
‘ Raca’- stupid or worthless
‘Morch’- rebel (stronger than ‘Raca’) or fool, wicked
- No selfishness in anger- needs tolerance/ patience/ endurance/ longsuffering to overcome.
-Ps 37:8; Prov.14:17; 16:32; 19:11; Eccl.7:9; Ja.1:19-20; I Jn.3:14-18
- Exercise restraint, think twice, be slow to react, take it easily, sometimes ignore, leave it to the Sovereignty of God. Pray immediately.
- Be reconciled – always strive for peace- at the earliest, before its too late.
-“ Blessed are the peacemakers- they shall be sons of God (Mat 5:9)
- Let love overcome hatred- acceptable- rejection-appreciation overcome criticism.
- Eph 4:32- Be ye kind, tenderhearted.
(Peace= Prayer+ Effort+ Concern+ Acceptance+ Endurance)
Gen 12:7,8 (13:3,4); 13:18; 22:9
Jesus predicted – Mt 24:9,10; Lk 6:20-23; Jn 15:20, 16:2; 2 Ti 2:2; 3:12
How the affliction comes:-
8. Refining :- Is 48:10
9. Barrenness:- Gen 29:32; I Sa 1:11
10. Heavy responsibility (burden) :- Nu.11:11
11. Loss of loved ones :- Ru.1:21
12. Death :- Rev 6:9; 20:4; Heb 11:37
Consolation/ Encouragement :- God’s nature – II Cor.1:3-7.
1. God is a God of all comfort :- II Cor.1:3-7; Ps 23:4; Ex 3:7; Jer.16:19
‘Paracletos’- Holy Spirit. Jn.14:16; 16:7,13.
2. God’s promise :- Ps 34:18,19; Is 41:10
3. God’s word :- Ps 119:43,50
4. God’s keeping power/ Christ’s power rests- II Cor.12:10
Practical suggestions:-
1 Pray:- Ja.5:13; Rom 12:14- (for others)
2. Praise God- II Cor.12:9,10 ; I Thess.1:6-Joy of the Holy Spirit
3. Trust God and His promises :- Deut 33:27
4. Seek the power of Christ
5. Comfort one another :- Heb 13:3
by sharing – II Ti 1:8
by Hope – I Thess.4:18
- sin makes people predisposed
- caused by guilt.
- Feeling of helplessness
- Feeling of threatened
- Feeling of loss of control
- Think of future
- From negative past experiences
- Fear of death & future
- Preoccupation with ourselves & the cares & concern of this life
- Rich man & Lazarus- Mat 6:24-34
- Because we are double minded.
How we can cope:
- anxiety can be normal & healthy
- makes us to work
- God’s concern for us- Ps 139
- Understanding man’s limits
- Committing to God –all
- Knowing Scriptures- fill our minds with assurances- (Mat 6:25-33)
Resources we have :
- Presence of the Lord Jesus
- Faithfulness of God
- Power & counsel of the Holy Spirit
- Word of God.
- Community of believers –(I Thess 5:11) to encourage one another.
Authority is the lawful right to enforce obedience.
Power is the ability to do (an act) work.
Luke 7:1-10- Jesus appreciating the faith (I’m under authority)
Disciples lifestyle is governed by these:-
1. The sovereignty of God the Father:- Ps 115:3; Is 45:5-9; 64:8; Jer.18:6; Rom 9:20-21; Rom 8:28;
The key is Praise - Ps 34:1; Eph 5:18-20
Submitting/ accepting God’s purpose for our life
2. The Lordship of Christ:- (Christ’s pre-eminence)- Rom 10:9-10; 12:1; Col 3:15
Gal 2:20- died to self to live for Him
Mt 11:29- to take His yoke – submission to Him
3. The word of God :- The practical life- Mk 7:7-13; I Cor.2:1-5
II Tim 3:16- the usefulness ; Ps 119:9
4. The control of the Holy Spirit:- Rom 8;14- being led by the Holy Spirit. Being sensitive to Spirit’s control
Eph 5:18- “Filled.” Acts 7:51; Eph 4:30; I Thess.5:19- not to grieve, resist, quench.
Gk- “hupakono”- to obey- to hear under (the voice from above)
5. The functions of the Government:- Rom 13:1-8; I Pe 2:13-15
6. The place of parents:- Eph 6:1-2; Prov.13:1; 15:5,20
In the family- Eph 5:22-23
7. The positions of Church leaders :- Heb 13:7,17; I Thess.5:12-13
8. Laws of nature :- I Cor, 6:15-20; Eph 5:29; Rom 6:12-13; Rom 12:1; 1:24-32;
9. The rights of an employer :- Eph 6:5-9
10. The positions of other believers :- Rom 12:10; Eph 5;21; I Pe.5:5
1. Praying with authority :- “binding & loosing”
individually & together – agreeing –unity
“in His name”- Jn.14:16- 5 times
2. Resisting Satan:- James 4:7; I Pe.5:1
Submit to God & then resist the devil
Not giving a foothold (Eph 4:27)
Wear the full armor of God (Eph 6:10-17)
3. Dealing with evil spirits :- Mark 3;15; Eph 6:12; II Cor.10:5
4. Proclaiming the gospel:- Mat 28:18-20; Mk 16:15; Acts 4:7,10; 18-20
5. Leading the homes :- husbands & fathers authority – Eph 5:25; 6:4; Heb 12:9
6.. Leading the Church :- I Pe 5:3; I Tim 3; Tit 1
by example (models) – Acts 20:28
by caring & protecting (guards)- Tit 2:15
by directing (managers)- Mt 18:17 – to discipline
be teaching, feeding (shepherds)
Jesus taught with authority ; Mt 28:29
Jesus authority over nature/ devils – Lk 8:25
1. Mat 11:25- Jesus thanking the Father
2. Jn.5:30- not independent from the Father
3. Mat 5:17-18- the word of God to fulfill
4. Mat 4:1- Spirit led Jesus into wilderness
5. Lk.2:51-subjected to parents
6. Mt.23:3-5- listen to the teachers/ leaders
7. Mt.17:24-27- paying tribute.
Ps 84:7; II Cor 3:18; Gen 21:8; I Sa 1:22
Comparing with how a child begins to grow after birth
1. Being born again – Jn 3:3; - spiritual birth
2. Lying down – Mat 11:28; Ps 23:2- rest/ food
3. Sitting – Lk 10:3- Instruction/ learning-Disciple
4. Standing – Eph 6:14- warfare-fighting- Soldiers
5. Walking- I Jn 1:7; Eph 4:1 –fellowship- witness
6. Running- Heb 12:1 – for progress- Athlete
7. Leaping- Ac 3:8- ecstasy-worship (celebration)- worshippers-thanksgiving
8.Mounting up – Is 40”31- exaltation-over comer-victor
Ushers us into the very presence of the Lord who is our victor -the ultimate realization of our hope.
Isaiah 28:9-“weaned”- grown, matured, independent, on his own, feeding himself.
Heb 5:11-14; I Cor 13:11; Eph 4:11-16
1. Newly born (desiring milk) - (Jn.1:12; 3:3; I Pe. 2:1)
2. Resting/ sleeping- Mt 11:28; Ps 23:2; Is 26:3
3. Sitting- learning/ instruction-obedience- Lk 10:39 ; Ps 1:1
4. Standing- stability, strength, balance against forces- Eph 6:14
5. Eating solid food-
6. Walking- conduct before the world-Eph 4:1 –worship with Church
7. Speaking-witnessing- preaching/ ministry- Mt 28:18-20
8.Running- Heb 12:1- separation/ sanctification/ discipline/ endurance
9. Leaping- Ac 3:8- joy, thanksgiving (Phil 4:4)
10. Mounting up/flying- Is 40:31
- Abel is the man of faith, Cain is the man of unbelief.
Three C’s sums up- the life of faith
1. Confidence in God
2. Consecration to God
3. Communion with God
Gen 4:1-11; Heb 11:4
1. The man of faith acts according to God’s word.:-
‘ By faith Abel offered” – Heb 11:4
- Presumptions acts on its own authority. E.g. Egyptians crossing the red sea.
- Faith is guided by God’s utterance.
God made known His will as to the manner in which He was to be approached.
2. The man of faith is regarded by God:-
Gen 4:4 ‘respect’ – regard in Ex. 5:9 – The Lord took special notice of Abel & his offering by looking upon them with great delight.
- Christ is well pleasing to God (Mat 3:17)
- In Christ believer is accepted- Eph 1:6
3. The man of faith is envied by others:-
Gen 4:4 – Cain couldn’t bring the right offering and he was envious of Abel, who did as God directed. Illustration- dog in the manger. The dog cannot eat the hay, nor will he allow the cow, who can.
4. The man of faith condemns the unrighteous:-
I Jn 3:12- The clean holy life of the Lord Jesus condemned the dark uncleanness of their conduct.
5. The man of faith is noted by God:-
Mat 23:35; Lk 11:51; Heb 11:4; 12:24; I Jn 3:12
No one can touch the man of faith without God making special note of it, for believers are His special treasure.
“ The precious blood of Christ”- (I Pe . 1:19)
We may know more perfectly what the precious blood of Christ has done for us when we call to mind the following seven things:
1. It ‘averts’ the judgment of God against sin, as the blood of the Pascal Lamb did on the night of the Passover.
(Ex 12:13; I Cor 5:7)
2. It ‘converts’ the one who believes in the substitute, even as the blood of cleansing changed the positions & conditions of the
cleansed leper- (Lev 14:14; Rev 1:5)
3. It ‘ inverts’ the positions we once occupied to the world, for instead of being in it we are now separated from it, even as
God said to Pharaoh of Israel. ‘ I will put a redemption (margin) between thy people & my people (Ex 8:23)’
4. The blood of Christ ‘inserts’ us in a new place, even as the blood of the covenant enabled Moses and the seventy elders to
draw nigh and the God of Isaac. (Ex. 24:5-10)
5. It ‘asserts’ that the blessings of pardon (Eph 1:7), peace (Col 1:20), power (Rev 12:11), purity (I Jn. 1:7) and paradise are
secured in Him (Rev 7:14)
6. The blood of Christ ‘exerts’ a powerful influence in its practical bearing, for it kills sins (Rom 6:1-13); slays self
(II Cor.5:15);and overcomes pride (Phil 2:5-8)
7. And the blood of Christ ‘subverts’ the powers of hell which have been conquered by His death, even as when the sacrificial
lamb was offered by Samuel, and the Lord discomforted the Philistines in consequence. (I Sam 7:9,10; Heb 2:14; Col 1:14)
1. Relationship -> with God, family, Church, Society
2. Responsibility -> with God, family, Church, Society
3. Authority ->
4. Accountability –>
1. Relationship:-
|
LORD |
HUSBAND/ FATHER |
ELDERS & MEMBERS |
SUPERIORS/ SUBORDINATES/ NEIGHBOURS |
|
His children His disciples |
Love & care, discipline- wife & children |
Members-Obey, respect, support the Elders. Elders-teach, shepherd & lead the members |
Fairness, honesty, faithful |
|
To obey & serve |
Submit & respect |
To God & man, one another |
Citizens, employees or employers, neighbors |
|
To Him |
To God & man |
|
TO God & man |
What is your relationship in the 4 areas?
-> Relationship-> based on -> Responsibility -> based on -> Authority -> leads to -> Accountability.
Based on our relationship our responsibility etc.
Relationship with God our Creator & Redeemer (Gen 1&2; I Cor 6:20)
2. Responsibility :-
|
TO THE LORD |
TO FAMILY |
TO THE CHURCH |
TO THE SOCIETY |
|
To take care, to follow & obey (I Pe. 2:21; Is 14:15; Mat 28:18) |
Husband to wife, as father to children (Gen ; Eph 5:22; 6:1-4; I Pe. 3:1-9, Titus) |
To leaders- (Heb 13:7,17) To one another- to love & submit (Jn 15:12; Eph 5:21; Eph 4:14-16; Phil 2:3) |
(Tit 2:9-10; 3:1-2; Eph 6:5-9; I Pe. 2:12-21) |
3. Authority :_
To be His children & witnesses (Jn 1:12; Mat 28:18; Ac 1:8)
4. Accountability :_
II Cor. 5:10- judgment- to give account of all.
* Martha :- able Christian
* Mary :- available Christian
Martha:-
- careful about many things
- cumbered about much serving
- troubled about many things
- complained about her business
- doing many things
- sat at Jesus feet
- listened to His word
-chose what is needful
-chosen that good part
-chosen the permanent/ eternal part
- being one thing
Fellowship comes before service- never the other way.
* Faith comes by hearing His word.
1. vs 1-7 :- Renewed life
2. vs 8-16 :- Renewed relationship with others
3. vs 17-23 :- Renewed responsibilities towards one another
4. vs 24,25 :- Renewed promised
OR 1. Inward life
2. Outward life – love one another
3. Outgoing life – serve one another
vs 1- seeking:- heart’s desire :_ LK 15:24; Ps 51:10; 27:4
vs.2 - set :- mind’s focus :- Ro 12:2; Phil 4:8
vs 10- Put on :_ life’s standard :_ II Cor 4:16; Eph 4:23,24; Ez 11:19
vs 15- Let: authority life’s :- Phil 4:7
vs 17- Whatever you do:- practice / service :- Phil 4:8,9
1. The source of satisfaction :- The only source of satisfaction- John 6:35- never hunger, never thirst.
2. The only source of truth :- John 6:67,68- hast the words of eternal life (whom shall we go?)
3. The only Savior :- Acts 4:12- no other name whereby we must be saved
Christ’s complete ministry:- Heb 9:23-28
- The perfect sacrifice
- The perfect High Priest
- The coming King.
1. Ps 36:8- Joys
2. Jn.10:10 – Life
3. II Cor.9:8 (I Pe.1:3; Rom.2:4)- Grace, mercy
4. Eph.3:20- Power
5. Phil.$;19- supplies
6. II Pe.1:11- Entrance
7. Isaiah 55:7- Pardon
8.Ps.72:7- Peace
9.Ps.132:15- Blessings
10. Jer.31:3- Love.
Key verse:- “I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” Lord Jesus said (Jn.10:10)
All believers have life but not all have abundant life.
1. The abundant life is a yielded life:-
Rom 6:10-13:- Faith that saves identifies you with Christ in His death- eternal life.
Col.3:1-4 :-Faith that yields identifies you with Christ in His resurrection – abundant life
II Cor.5:21- It is one thing for you to be made the righteousness of God in Him
I JN.3:7- It is another thing for you to realize His righteous life is in you.
II Cor.5:17- It is one thing for you to live in Christ
Col.1:27- It is another thing for you to live His life through you.
* The abundant life begins when you yield to Him as Master, allowing Him to live His life through you by faith.
2. The abundant life is a service life:-Rom.12:1-2
Phil.2:7,8:- I’m serving Him’ – He Himself became our example- all the way to Calvary He was the obedient servant
Jn.7:17- You are to (surrender) present:- to the perfect will of God- it is on your part an act of faith.
I Thess.5:23- You are to present your bodies:- God must control & use the whole man. Your whole man was redeemed on
the cross & sanctified (set apart for service)
Rom 12:1,2:- You are to present your bodies as a living sacrifice:- exemplified in the life of Apostle Paul- he was a living
Sacrifice.
Rom.1:1- In life he was a servant of Jesus Christ.
II Tim.2:3- In battle he was a warrior.
Eph.3:1- In the will of God, he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
II Tim.4:7,8- In death he was victorious.
3. The abundant life is a separated life:-Rom 1:1
* separation both positive and negative.
Verse 1- You are to be separated unto the Gospel of God- this is positive.
II Cor.6:17- You are to come out from anything that is contrary to the perfect will of God- this is negative.
To be separated means to be sanctified (set apart) for salvation & service.
a. The word of God has the power to separate the believer from sin.(Jn.17:17; Ps.119:11)
b. God the Father has the power to separate the believer unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.(I Thess.5:23)
c. God the Son has
1. The spirit of antichrist/ error:- I Jn.4:1-6
2. Deceivers :- Ro.16:18- physical deceivers
II Cor.11:13- false deceivers
Eph.4:14- wait to deceive.
3. Apostates:- II Tim.4:10- forsaking
4. Backsliders :- Mal.3:7,18
|
Causes which tend to produce:- |
Results of backsliding:- |
|
1. Absence of spiritual blindness – Ex 32:1,8; I Sa.15:11
|
1. Selfish absorption- Prov.14:14 (Is.1:4; Je.14:7; Heb.11:7) |
|
2. Evil associations:- I Kings 11:4 |
2. Religious Indifference:- Mt 24:12 |
|
3. Worldly success :- II Chron.25:2,14 (Ps 78:57; Ho 6:4; Zep.1:6) |
3. Unfitness for the kingdom Lk.9:62; Gal.1:6 |
|
4. Shallowness :_ Lk.8:13 |
4. Bondage to forms:- Gal.4:9 |
|
5. Emptiness of life :- Lk 11:24,25,26; Col 3:16 |
5. Divine displeasure:- He 10:38; II Pe.2:20 |
|
6. Lack of spiritual insight:- Jn.6:63,64,66; I Ti 5:15 |
6.Loss of spiritual enthusiasm:- Rev 2:4 |
|
7. Love of the world :- II Tim 4:10 |
|
5. Forsaking Christ:-
- Mat 19:22- young man- rich ruler
- Mt.26:56- all the disciples
- Jn 6:66- many of his disciples
- I Jn.2:19- they went out.
Mark 9:23- all things possible. } Possible with Jesus & through faith by prayers
Jn.15:5- without ME you can do nothing. }
Mk.11:24- whatever you pray, believe receive. }
Mat.6:33- all these things- added (needs). } conditions (seeking)
Eph 1:22- under His feet (all things). } authority
Mark 10:27 - with God all things possible. } God makes possible
Mk. 10:28 – Peter- we have left all & followed. } condition for discipleship –
Lk.14:33- to be a disciple-forsake all } to leave all things
Lk.5:28- Levi left all & followed Jesus }
Mk.10:21- sell whatsoever thou hast & give away }
Phil.3:8- all things loss...suffered all things
Luke 15:14- spent all –(prodigal son)
Mat.6:32- father knows all these things
Mat 22:4 –(all things ready for dinner)
Phil.4:13- I can do all things through Christ
II Cor.4:15- all things for your sake.
II Cor.5:17-all things become new
II Cor. 5:18- all things are f God.
II Cor. 6:4- approving ourselves as the ministers
Rom 8:37- in all things we are conquerors
Phil.4:6- in everything by prayer
Phil.4:19- supply all your needs
II Cor.9:8- all sufficiency in all things
I Cor.10:23- all things lawful, edifying
I Cor. 6:12 - do-
I Cor. 10:31- do all to the glory of God.