Search Headings

• I. What to Know

• A.	God and Spiritual Powers

• 1.	God's Being

• I.

  Basics

• a)	God's Form

• God is one
• God is spirit
• God cannot be seen by people
• God is everywhere

• b)	God's Glory

• Glory is a prominent and key attribute of God
• God’s glory manifests his presence
• In association with his glory, God is surrounded by brilliant light
• God’s glory is evidenced by the universe that he has made

• c)	God's Personhood

• God has a mind – knowing and understanding things
• God has a will
• God has feelings and character
• God communicates
• God interacts with people, responding to their needs

• d)	God's Eternity

• God has always been alive, the first of all things
• God will live forever
• God transcends time
• God is self-existing
• God does not change

• II.	God's Pre-Eminence

• a)	God's Greatness

• God is great and awesome
• God is greater than all others
• There is no one like God
• God is beyond our comprehension

• b)	God's Power

• God’s power is incomparable and unlimited
• God can do all things – nothing is too hard
• God performs awesome deeds

• c)	God's Knowledge and Wisdom

• God knows everything
• God sees all people, seeing and knowing all that they do
• God knows people’s minds
• God knows the future
• God has incredible wisdom

• d)	God's Name

• God declared his name to be the "Lord"

• 2.	God's Character

• I.	Holy Characteristics

• a)

  Holiness

• God is holy
• There is nothing bad in God . . .
• . . . God cannot tolerate evil
• God shows himself to be holy by what he does
• There is no one holy like God

• b)	Righteousness

• God is righteous and just
• All God does is right and just
• God is truthful
• God does not show favoritism

• c)	Faithfulness

• God is faithful
• God never forsakes nor fails
• God does not lie nor change his mind – he keeps his promises

• d)

  Anger

• God expresses anger, which has awesome consequences
• God is slow to anger and often holds it back
• God does not stay angry
• God's anger arises in response to sin and disobedience

• II.	Loving Characteristics

• a)

  Love

• God is love – as shown in him giving his only Son, to save us
• God's love is great
• God’s love is constant
• God’s love lasts forever

• b)

  Mercy

• God is merciful
• God is also compassionate
• Due to his mercy and compassion, God is long-suffering
• Due to his mercy and compassion, God is forgiving

• c)

  Goodness

• God is good
• God exercises kindness
• God is generous

• d)

  Jealousy

• God is a jealous God
• God's jealousy arises in response to his people’s sin
• God is also jealous for his people’s well-being

• 3.	Jesus Christ

• I.

  General

• a)	Jesus Christ's Eternity

• Jesus Christ existed in the beginning . . .
• . . . Jesus Christ was before all things
• Jesus Christ will be alive forever
• Jesus Christ is self-existing – he is "the life"
• Jesus Christ remains the same

• b)	Jesus Christ's Pre-Eminence

• Jesus Christ is greater than all things
• Jesus Christ has divine glory
• Jesus Christ has mighty, sovereign power
• Jesus Christ has superlative knowledge and wisdom
• Jesus Christ is everywhere

• c)	Jesus Christ's Character

• Jesus Christ is holy and righteous
• Jesus Christ is faithful
• Jesus Christ is loving

• d)	Jesus Christ's Name

• Jesus Christ’s "name" signifies Jesus Christ himself

• II.	Jesus Christ and God

• a)	Jesus Christ Is the Son of God (I): General

• Jesus Christ is the Son of God . . .
• . . . Jesus Christ is God's only Son
• Jesus Christ is the image of God
• Jesus Christ has the form and fullness of God

• b)	Jesus Christ Is the Son of God (II): Testimony

• God testified to Jesus Christ being his Son
• Others also testified to Jesus Christ being the Son of God
• Jesus Christ's deeds are evidence that he is the Son of God
• Other events of Jesus Christ’s incarnation are further evidence

• c)	Jesus Christ Is Identified with God

• Jesus Christ and the Father are one
• To know or see Jesus Christ is to know or see the Father
• Jesus Christ is called "God"
• Note: There is one God, the Father – and one Lord, Jesus Christ

• d)	Jesus Christ Is Treated like God Is

• Jesus Christ is worshiped
• People pray to Jesus Christ
• People obey and serve Jesus Christ

• e)	Jesus Christ Is Under God's Authority

• God is both Jesus Christ’s God and his Father
• Jesus Christ is described as being subordinate to God
• Jesus Christ is God’s servant

• 4.	The Holy Spirit

• I.

  General

• a)	The Holy Spirit of God

• The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God . . .
• . . . God refers to the Holy Spirit as his Spirit
• The Holy Spirit is correlated with God's presence
• God and the Holy Spirit know each other’s mind

• b)	The Holy Spirit's Being

• As well as being a spirit, the Holy Spirit is everywhere
• The Holy Spirit is eternal
• The Holy Spirit has great power
• The Holy Spirit has great knowledge
• The Holy Spirit has great wisdom

• c)	The Holy Spirit's Personhood

• The Holy Spirit is distinguished from God and Jesus Christ
• The Holy Spirit has his own mind
• The Holy Spirit has personal characteristics
• The Holy Spirit communicates . . .
• . . . and the Holy Spirit interacts in other ways

• II.	God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

• a)	Mutual Association

• God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are closely associated
• The Holy Spirit is identified with God
• The Holy Spirit is also identified with Jesus Christ
• The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ
• God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit work together

• b)	Mutual Divine Attributes

• Omnipresence – God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are everywhere
• Omnipotence – they each have infinite, sovereign power
• Omniscience – they each have complete knowledge

• c)	Mutual Divine Roles

• God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are each ascribed a primary role in creation
• They each give spiritual or eternal life
• They each make God's people holy

• 5.	Angels, Satan and Demons

• I.

  Angels

• a)	Attributes of Angels

• Angels have a human-like form, but are very awesome
• Angels are very powerful
• Angels can communicate and interact with others

• b)	Angels and God

• Angels surround God, and even stand in his presence
• Angels worship God and Jesus Christ
• Angels serve God and Jesus Christ

• c)	Angels and God's People

• Angels help and care for God’s people
• Angels give people messages, including instructions . . .
• . . . Angels also give messages about future events

• II.	Satan and Demons

• a)	Satan's Evilness

• Satan is evil and is opposed to God’s kingdom
• Satan is deceitful

• b)	Satan's Power

• Satan has great power and authority in the world
• Satan works in and through unbelievers
• Satan is not as powerful as God
• Satan is not as powerful as Jesus Christ
• Satan stands condemned

• c)	Satan's Work against God’s People

• Satan tempts God’s people
• Satan can afflict God’s people
• Satan’s influence is limited by God and Jesus Christ

• d)

  Demons

• Demons are evil and powerful spiritual beings
• Demons are aligned with Satan
• Demons can possess people . . .
• . . . and demons can cause such people much harm
• Demons both fear and have to submit to God and Jesus Christ
• Demons face eternal punishment

• B.	God and the World: Basics

• 6.	God's Creation

• I.

  General

• a)	God Made All Things

• God made the heavens and earth – and everything in them
• All that God made is very good

• b)	God Maintains Creation

• Every creature's life is dependent on God
• God provides food for all creatures
• God regulates all aspects of the weather
• God maintains nature

• c)	How God Made and Maintains Creation

• God made all things with his wisdom
• God made all things with his power
• God made all things by his word
• God made and sustains all things through Jesus Christ
• The Holy Spirit also has a role in creation

• d)	Implications of God Being Creator

• Because he made everything, all things belong to God
• Because he made everything, God is sovereign over all things
• Creation shows God's power and wisdom to be incomparable

• II.	God's Creation of People

• a)	Life and Death

• God creates people . . .
• . . . God gives people life and breath
• People's lives are very brief
• Each person is destined to die

• b)	The Human Spirit

• God has made people with a spirit
• The spirit is at the core of one's being
• People are dead without their spirit
• People’s spirits exist after death

• c)	The Uniqueness of People

• God has made people in his own image
• God has given people an able mind – with which they can think and reason intelligently
• People have the moral capacity to know good from evil
• People are to care for and act responsibly towards creation

• d)	Epilogue: God's Self-Revelation to People

• God reveals himself to people
• God reveals himself by what he does
• Creation perpetually evidences and reveals God to all people

• 7.	God's Sovereignty

• I.	God's Supreme Authority

• a)	The Lord Is God – the Only God

• The Lord is God
• The Lord is God of all people
• The Lord is the one and only God
• His deeds show that he is the only God

• b)	God Reigns Supreme

• God rules over all
• God rules over all authorities
• God rules over the earth in righteousness
• God will reign forever
• God will impose his absolute rule on all

• c)	God Defeats His Enemies

• No one can effectively oppose God
• God destroys his enemies

• d)	God Fulfills His Plans

• God carries out his plans
• God does not change his plans
• No one can thwart God's plans
• God works everything for his plans

• II.	God's Control over the World

• a)	God Has Control over Evil

• God exerts control over evil
• God even uses evil to fulfill his purposes

• b)	God Has Control over Nature

• God directs nature
• God can perform miracles of nature

• c)	God Has Control over the Nations

• God is in control of the nations
• God has been in control of the nations throughout history
• God establishes all ruling authorities

• d)	God Has Control over Each Person

• God has control over people's hearts and minds
• God has control over people’s actions . . .
• . . . Despite people’s plans, their steps are directed by God
• God controls all that happens to people

• 8.	God's Word

• I.

  General

• a)	What God's Word Comprises

• God’s word primarily is Scripture
• God’s word includes his laws
• God’s word includes his covenants
• God’s word includes his prophecies
• God’s word also includes the gospel, proclaimed by his people
• Jesus Christ is "the Word of God"
• Note: God has given his word by the Holy Spirit

• b)	Characteristics of God's Word

• God’s word is holy, righteous and good
• God’s word is true . . .
• . . . and what God’s word foretells comes true
• God’s word is living and active
• God’s word is powerful
• God’s word is everlasting

• c)	Functions of God's Word

• God’s word brings spiritual and eternal life
• God’s word gives light
• God’s word gives hope
• God’s word gives joy

• II.	Key Old Testament Covenants

• a)	God's Covenant with Abraham

• God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him: countless descendants; the land of Canaan; . . .
• . . . and that all peoples would be blessed through Abraham
• Abraham believed God, and was accredited with righteousness

• b)	God's Covenant with Israel and the Law

• God made a covenant with Israel, based on his law
• If the Israelites obeyed God, then they would be his people and he would be their God
• Laws for the people’s relationship with God
• Laws for relationships with other people
• By obeying all the law, the Israelites would have righteousness

• c)	God's Dealings and Covenant with David

• David was chosen by God, as ruler over Israel
• David reigned over Israel, as a powerful and righteous king – undergirded by God
• God’s covenant with David, promising that David’s royal dynasty would last forever

• 9.	The Problem of Sin

• I.

  General

• a)	What Sin Is

• Sin is breaking God's law
• All wrongdoing is sin
• Not doing what we should do is sin

• b)	Sin Is against God

• Sin is action against God
• Sin is rebellion against God
• Thus, sin is hated by God

• c)	Sin Is Universal

• All people have sinned . . .
• . . . No one is righteous before God
• People in fact have a sinful nature

• d)	Sin Has Intrinsic Ill Effects

• Sin brings spiritual defilement
• Sin results in separation from God
• Sin brings spiritual death
• Sin also brings enslavement to sin

• e)	Sin Brings God's Anger and Death

• Sin makes one subject to God’s anger
• Sin results in physical death
• Sin brings the prospect of eternal "death"

• II.	The Law's Provision for Israel’s Sin

• a)	Offerings for Atonement for Sinners

• An animal was offered to make atonement for one who sinned
• Animals brought as offerings were to be without defect
• The sinner laid hands on the offering, signifying it as a substitute

• b)	The Blood of the Offerings

• The blood of the offerings for sin featured in making atonement
• For the life of a creature is in its blood

• c)	The Role of the Priests

• God designated Aaron and his descendants as priests
• The priests made the offerings for people when they sinned, to make atonement for them
• The high priest made atonement yearly for Israel as a whole

• 10.	God's Judgment

• I.

  Basics

• a)	God Is the Judge of the World

• God is judge – of the whole earth
• God makes judgments in the world
• God makes himself known by his judgment

• b)	Reasons for God's Judgment

• God’s judgment is to punish sin and unfaithfulness
• God’s judgment is to discipline God’s people
• God’s judgment is to punish the wicked
• God’s judgment is also to reward God’s people

• c)	God's Judgment Is Just

• God judges righteously and justly
• God judges people with knowledge of all their deeds
• God takes into account thoughts and motives
• God judges and repays people according to what they do
• God gives fair warning, allowing for judgment to be avoided

• II.	The Manifestation of God's Judgment

• a)	Means of God's Judicial Retribution

• Angels
• Nature
• Nations

• b)	Characteristics of God's Judicial Retribution

• Awesome power
• Inescapable
• Terrifying
• Horrific consequences

• c)	The Wicked and God's Pending Judgment

• Questioning of God’s apparent lack of judgment on the wicked
• The situation of the wicked is precarious
• In due time God does take action against the wicked
• The wicked reap what they sow, brought down by their own evil
• The future of the wicked contrasts with that of the righteous

• d)	God's Judgment of Israel – and His Mercy

• Israel failed to keep God’s laws and broke his covenant
• Eventually God decided to destroy unfaithful Israel
• But God promised to spare a remnant of Israel

• C.	God and the World: Jesus Christ

• 11.	God's Promised Messiah

• I.	The Messiah's Identity

• a)	The Promise of a Messiah in OT Scripture

• The OT Scriptures speak of a coming anointed one of God
• The anointed one would have God's Spirit on him
• The Scriptures speak of the coming of a great ruler of Israel
• The ruler would bring salvation to the nations
• The ruler would be a descendant of King David, in accordance with God’s promise to David

• b)	Prophecy of the Messiah's Death for Sins

• The OT Scriptures say the Messiah would suffer and die, for people’s sins – but then be raised and exalted

• c)	Jesus Is the Promised Messiah

• Jesus Christ is the one chosen by God
• Jesus Christ is the one anointed by God, with the Holy Spirit . . .
• . . . Jesus is the Messiah
• The OT Scriptures testify to Jesus being the Messiah, the Christ
• For the OT Scriptures speak of the sufferings and resurrection of the Christ as fulfilled in Jesus . . .
• . . . and they speak of the messianic salvation that would come through Jesus Christ

• d)	Further Testimony to Jesus Being the Messiah

• Jesus' deeds showed that he is the Messiah, the Christ
• People acknowledged him as the Christ
• Note: The Christ is understood to be the Son of God

• II.	The Messiah's Purpose and Person

• a)	Jesus Christ's Mission from God

• God sent Jesus Christ into the world
• God sent Jesus Christ to take away sins
• God sent Jesus Christ to save the world
• Jesus came to bring truth
• Jesus came to enable us to know God

• b)	Jesus Christ's Humanity

• Jesus Christ became a human being
• Jesus was born – after being conceived through the Holy Spirit
• Jesus was a descendant of David
• Jesus’ humanity was vital to his mission to save people

• c)	Jesus Christ's Personality

• Jesus was loving
• Jesus was compassionate
• Jesus was gentle and humble
• Jesus was righteous

• d)	Epilogue: God Works through Jesus Christ

• God works in all eras through Jesus Christ, impacting all things everywhere
• God fulfills his promises through Jesus Christ

• 12.	Jesus Christ's Mission

• I.	God's Enablement of Jesus Christ

• a)	Jesus Christ's Power from God

• God granted Jesus sovereign authority
• God bestowed the Holy Spirit on Jesus, for his mission
• The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus in what he said and did
• Jesus did many miraculous deeds with God’s power

• b)	Jesus Christ's Knowledge from God

• God taught Jesus
• Jesus knew everything
• Jesus was also filled with wisdom
• Nobody could match Jesus’ wisdom

• c)	Jesus Christ's Direction from God

• God worked through Jesus . . .
• . . . Jesus only did what God did
• Jesus carried out God’s will, doing the work God had given him

• II.	Ministry, Death and Resurrection

• a)	Jesus Christ's Miracles

• Jesus performed miraculous deeds that greatly amazed people
• Jesus delivered people from disease and disorders
• Jesus even raised the dead
• Jesus exercised control over nature, in helping people

• b)	Jesus Christ's Teaching

• Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God
• Jesus’ teaching was from God
• Jesus’ teaching was amazing – leading people to believe in him

• c)	Jesus Christ's Rejection and Death

• Jesus faced intense opposition, with efforts to kill him
• The unjust condemnation of Jesus – who was innocent
• The horrific suffering and death of Jesus
• It was God’s will that Jesus die – for everyone

• d)	Jesus Christ's Resurrection and Ascension

• God raised Jesus from the dead
• Jesus’ body was not found in his tomb
• Jesus appeared to people after his resurrection
• Jesus was taken up to God in heaven
• Because he suffered death, God gave Jesus Christ great glory

• 13.	Salvation through Jesus Christ

• I.	Salvation from Sin

• a)	Jesus Christ's Sacrifice for Us

• Jesus gave himself to God, as a sacrifice for our sins
• So, Jesus Christ died for us

• b)	Atonement for Sin

• Jesus Christ's sacrifice means that our sins can be forgiven . . .
• . . . and that we can therefore be righteous before God
• Consequently, through Jesus Christ’s death we can be reconciled to God . . .
• . . . and so through Jesus Christ we can have peace with God
• Thus, Jesus Christ was the atoning sacrifice for sins, saving people from God’s wrath

• c)	Redemption from Sin

• Jesus gave himself as a ransom for us, to free us from sin
• Jesus Christ's death sets us free from sin’s control
• God’s people have been bought by Jesus Christ’s death
• As such, they are free from sin and are now slaves to God

• d)	Jesus Christ's Resurrection and Salvation

• Jesus Christ’s resurrection has a key part in us being saved
• Jesus Christ’s resurrection was essential for our resurrection

• II.	Salvation for the World

• a)	The Savior of the World

• God provides salvation through Jesus Christ . . .
• . . . Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world
• We can only be saved through Jesus Christ

• b)	Life through Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ brings spiritual life
• Through Jesus Christ we can have eternal life rather than death

• c)	Salvation for the Gentiles through Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ died for all people
• God has made the way of faith in Jesus open also to Gentiles
• Jesus Christ has made Jews and Gentiles one
• Those who believe are the true, spiritual children of Abraham

• d)	Epilogue: Jesus Christ's Mission and Israel

• Jesus Christ came foremost to Israel
• The Jews largely rejected Jesus Christ
• So, God largely rejected the Jews and accepted the Gentiles
• God has left a faithful remnant of Israel

• 14.	The New Order

• I.	Jesus Christ and the Law's Diminished Role

• a)	Righteousness by Faith and Grace

• The Mosaic Law cannot bring perfection
• We are not made righteous by obeying the law – but by faith in Jesus Christ
• We are justified and made righteous by God's grace, through Jesus Christ – not by law
• We are saved by God’s grace rather than by works

• b)	Release from the Law through Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ fully realized what the law had worked towards
• Through Christ believers have been released from the law
• With Jesus Christ's once and for all sacrifice, there is no longer any need to sacrifice for sin
• Instead of being under the law, believers are under grace

• c)	The Relevance of the Law

• The main purpose of the law is to make people aware of sin
• The law's spiritual and moral commands are still to be obeyed

• II.	Key Elements of the New Order

• a)	God's New Covenant

• The first covenant (with its priesthood and law) was inadequate and superseded by the new covenant – through Christ
• Under the new covenant, God’s people: have God’s laws in them; know him; and are forgiven

• b)	Jesus Christ as High Priest

• Jesus Christ is the high priest of God's people – representing them before God in the superior heavenly sanctuary
• Jesus Christ sacrificed for sin once and for all
• Jesus Christ intercedes for God’s people

• c)	The Kingdom of God

• The kingdom of God came in Jesus Christ's mission
• The kingdom of God is spiritual in its nature
• The kingdom of God is dynamic

• d)	Jesus Christ as Lord of All

• God has made Jesus Christ Lord of all
• God has given Jesus Christ power over all things
• In the end, all Jesus Christ's enemies will be made his footstool – totally conquered

• 15.	'The Last Things'

• I.	Jesus Christ's Return and the Judgment

• a)	The Timing of Jesus Christ's Return

• Jesus Christ will return at an unexpected time, while people are living as usual
• Jesus Christ’s return will be preceded by distressful events
• Awesome cosmic events will occur just prior to Christ’s return

• b)	Jesus Christ's Return

• Jesus Christ will return with his angels
• Jesus Christ will come in great glory
• On Jesus Christ’s return his followers will be gathered to him
• On Jesus Christ’s return evil powers will be crushed

• c)	The Final Judgment (I): Its Scope and Outcomes

• God will judge every person, for all they have done
• The dead will rise to be judged, and either rewarded with eternal life or be condemned

• d)	The Final Judgment (II): The Process

• God will judge all people through Jesus Christ
• On his return, Jesus Christ will judge and reward all people according to what they have done
• Those who have believed in Jesus Christ will have eternal life
• Those who have rejected Jesus Christ will be condemned
• What people have known will be taken into account

• e)	The Millennium

• The prophecy of a thousand year reign of Jesus Christ

• II.	The Afterlife

• a)	The New Creation

• The present heavens and earth will pass away
• God will create new heavens and a new earth
• God's people will live in the new Jerusalem

• b)	Eternal Life

• As God raised Christ from the dead, God will raise his people
• On Christ's return, their bodies will be made imperishable, glorious and spiritual – like Christ
• God’s people will be given eternal life

• c)	The Heavenly State of God's People

• God’s people will enter the kingdom of God
• God’s people will be made perfect
• God’s people will have glory
• There will be no more sorrow and no more death

• d)	Being with God

• God's people will be with God and Jesus Christ forever
• God’s people will see God
• God’s people will praise God
• God’s people will serve God

• e)	The Punishment for the Ungodly

• The ungodly will be separated from God and Jesus Christ
• The ungodly will be thrown into fire

• D.	God and His Own People

• 16.	The Standing of God's People

• I.

  Basics

• a)	Prologue: God Draws People to Himself

• God chooses people (to be his people)
• God moves people to believe and turn to Jesus Christ

• b)	God's People Belong to God

• God’s people belong to him
• They are God’s people . . .
• . . . and God is their God
• God’s people likewise belong to Jesus Christ

• c)	God's People Are His Family

• Each believer belongs to the family of God
• God is their Father
• They are God’s children
• As God’s children, they are also heirs of God

• d)	God's People Are His Church

• God’s people form his church
• The church is God’s temple, in which God dwells by his Spirit
• Jesus Christ is the ruler of God’s church

• II.	Being 'in' Jesus Christ

• a)	God's People Are 'in' Jesus Christ

• God’s people are "in" Jesus Christ
• Jesus Christ identifies himself with God’s people
• God’s people live with Jesus Christ

• b)	The Significance of Being 'in' Jesus Christ

• "In" Jesus Christ God's people are redeemed and forgiven
• “In” Jesus Christ God’s people have righteousness
• “In” Jesus Christ believers are identified with him in his death, resurrection and life

• c)	God's People Are One Body 'in' Jesus Christ

• All believers – including Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free – are one body "in" Jesus Christ
• The church is the body of Christ
• Jesus Christ is the head of the body

• d)	Epilogue: God's People Relate to God through Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ’s death and priesthood have opened the way into God’s presence for God’s people
• God’s people have access to God through Jesus Christ – by the Holy Spirit

• 17.	Keys to God's Interaction

• I.

  Basics

• a)	God Is Always with His People

• God and Jesus Christ are always with their people
• God is with his people wherever they go . . .
• . . . God also goes before his people
• God is with his people in trouble – and sees them through it

• b)	God Knows His People

• God and Jesus Christ know their people
• God and Jesus know all their people's needs and troubles

• c)	God Loves and Is Faithful to His People

• God loves his people greatly
• God's love is with his people always
• God is faithful to his people
• God faithfully keeps his promises to his people

• d)	God Shows Grace to His People

• God shows much grace towards his people
• By grace God's people are given spiritual blessings
• By grace God’s people are strengthened

• II.	God's Holy Spirit in His People

• a)	God Gives the Holy Spirit to His People

• God gives his people his Holy Spirit, to live in them
• Having the Holy Spirit shows a person is one of God's people . . .
• . . . Having the Holy Spirit indicates that God lives in a person
• The Holy Spirit is God’s seal, guaranteeing what is to come

• b)	God Works in His People through the Holy Spirit

• God saves his people through the Holy Spirit
• God teaches his people through the Holy Spirit
• God works through his people by the Holy Spirit

• c)	The Holy Spirit Renews God's People

• The Holy Spirit brings spiritual life
• The Holy Spirit makes God’s people holy
• The Holy Spirit produces spiritual "fruit" in God’s people

• d)	The Holy Spirit Helps God's People

• The Holy Spirit helps each believer
• The Holy Spirit leads God’s people
• The Holy Spirit empowers God’s people to do God’s work . . .
• . . . The Holy Spirit has a key role in what God’s people say

• 18.	God's Transformation of His People

• I.

  General

• a)	God Makes His People Spiritually Alive

• God's people are given spiritual life
• In union with Jesus Christ, their sinful selves have "died" and they are now spiritually alive
• God’s people are spiritually reborn of God
• God’s people are a new creation

• b)	God Makes His People Holy

• God makes his people holy
• God's people are primarily made holy through Jesus’ sacrifice
• God’s people are in fact being transformed to be like Jesus

• c)	God Teaches His People

• God teaches his people how to live
• God enables his people to know the truth

• d)	God Disciplines His People

• God disciplines his people as his children, who he loves
• God's discipline is done in righteousness and faithfulness
• God’s discipline and testing can be intense, but God brings his people through

• II.	Spiritual Attributes

• a)	Love, Faith and Hope

• God and Jesus Christ give their people love and faith . . .
• . . . God teaches his people to love
• God gives his people hope by what he has done through Christ
• God's promises give his people hope

• b)

  Peace

• God gives his people peace . . .
• . . . Jesus Christ gives his people peace
• It is a great peace

• c)

  Joy

• God and Jesus Christ give joy to their people
• It is an enduring joy
• The joy is present even in trouble

• d)	Wisdom and Knowledge

• God gives his people wisdom and knowledge
• God's people are given spiritual sight

• 19.	God's Care of His People

• I.	God's Saving of His People

• a)	God's Capacity to Save His People

• God is able to save his people – no matter what the odds
• God has mighty power to save his people
• God does not need to use any other means but himself

• b)	God Saves His People – from All Things

• God is the Savior of his people
• God saves his people out of all troubles
• God sets his people free from things that imprison
• God's saving of his people makes known that he is the only God

• c)	God Helps His People against Enemies

• God consistently helps his people
• God helps his people by delivering them from enemies
• For God fights for his people, giving victory over enemies
• God enables his people to overcome all that is in the world
• God's people are enabled to overcome Satan

• II.	God's Preservation of His People

• a)	God Meets His People's Needs

• God cares for his people
• God meets his people’s physical needs even in harsh situations
• God satisfies his people’s spiritual hunger and thirst
• God provides for all their needs – they will not lack anything

• b)	God Strengthens His People

• God strengthens his people when they are weak
• God strengthens his people in the face of adversity
• God strengthens them spiritually, until Christ's return

• c)	God Protects His People

• God protects his people
• God is a refuge for his people
• God guards his people
• God protects his people from all evil – including Satan
• God will protect his people until the end

• 20.	God's Plans for His People

• I.

  General

• a)	God Has Plans for His People

• God has plans and purposes for his people
• These plans include work for God's people to do
• God’s plans are not dependent upon his people’s backgrounds

• b)	God Fulfills His Plans for His People

• In spite of his people's troubles, God will fulfill his plans and purposes for them
• God may even initiate seemingly bad things to fulfill his purposes for his people

• c)	God Works through His People

• God moves his people to do his work
• God equips his people for the work
• God helps and empowers them to do his work even if they feel inadequate
• God's power for his people is great

• d)	God Guides His People

• God guides his people always
• God guides his people in difficult circumstances
• God guides his people in doing his work

• II.	God's Plans for Israel

• a)	Return to the Land

• God will return home the remnant of exiled Israel
• The people of Israel will possess the land forever

• b)	Physical Renewal and Peace

• Israel will be physically restored
• Joy will accompany God's renewal of Israel
• The Messiah will rule Israel forever in righteousness and peace
• Israel will have lasting peace

• c)	Spiritual Renewal

• God will cleanse Israel of sin
• The people of Israel will be given God's Spirit

• d)	A Renewed Relationship with God

• God will be Israel's God and they will be his people
• God will dwell in Jerusalem, living among his people forever
• The nations will come to Jerusalem to worship God

• e)	Glorification

• God will glorify Israel
• Israel's renewal will display God’s glory

• II.	What to Do

• E.	Relating to God

• 21.	Being Right with God

• I.	Getting Right with God

• a)	God's Invitation

• God invites all people to come to him and be saved
• God wants us to earnestly seek him
• We must believe in God and what he says
• We need to be open to believing and responding

• b)	Repentance

• We must repent
• Confess your sins . . .
• . . . Turn from sin and do what is right
• Turn to God in repentance
• Repentance is required for the forgiveness of sins

• c)	Belief in Jesus Christ

• Believe in Jesus Christ
• Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
• Belief in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness of sins
• Belief in Jesus Christ makes one righteous before God
• Belief in Jesus Christ brings eternal life

• d)	Reasons for Assurance

• Having the Holy Spirit
• Obedience to God
• Love for other Christians
• Further reasons

• II.	Staying Right with God

• a)	The Need to Obey God

• We need to obey God as well as believe
• Obedience is critical for holiness and eternal life

• b)	The Need for Good Deeds

• True faith involves good deeds
• Good deeds accompany salvation
• But our deeds do not earn salvation, for it is by grace

• c)	Living Free of the Law and Sin – by the Spirit

• We have been freed from the law to live by the Holy Spirit
• Instead of living by the sinful nature, live by the Holy Spirit
• Inner righteousness is needed, not just compliance with rules

• d)	Epilogue: Living 'in' Jesus Christ

• Live "in" Jesus Christ by faith
• Live “in” Jesus Christ by holding to his teachings

• 22.	Having Faith in God

• I.	Faith and Hope

• a)	What Faith Is

• Faith involves believing in God
• We must also trust in God

• b)	What to Have Faith For

• Have faith that God will fulfill what he promises
• Have faith that God will care for you
• Have faith that God will do what you ask

• c)	The Importance of Faith

• By faith we stand firm
• Faith produces obedience to God
• Faith produces work in service to God
• Faith is vital to prayer, for God to grant requests
• If we have faith nothing will be impossible

• d)	Hope in God

• Set your hope on God's care
• Set your hope on Jesus Christ’s return and what will follow
• Hope is vital for faith

• II.	What Not to Do

• a)	Do Not Lack Faith

• Do not be lacking in faith
• Do not doubt

• b)	Do Not Be Afraid (I): Instructions

• Do not be afraid – trust in God
• Do not be afraid – be strong and courageous

• c)	Do Not Be Afraid (II): Reasons

• God is far more powerful than our enemies
• God is always with his people
• God helps his people

• d)	Do Not Worry

• Do not worry – trust God with your concerns
• Do not worry about the cares of this life, for God will provide

• e)	Do Not Trust in Other Things

• Do not trust in other people, but rather trust in God
• Do not trust in yourself
• Do not trust in riches

• 23.	Loving, Fearing and Obeying God

• I.	Loving and Fearing God

• a)

  Love God

• Love God and Jesus Christ
• Love for God and Jesus Christ is shown by obeying them
• Love for God is linked with loving other Christians

• b)	The Importance of Loving God

• Loving God is of the utmost importance
• God and Jesus Christ love those who love them

• c)

  Fear God

• Fear God to the extent that you tremble before him
• Do not fear anything but God
• God's people should not live in fear of his punishment

• d)	Why God Should Be Feared

• God's surpassing greatness and sovereignty
• God’s anger and judgment
• God’s holiness

• e)	The Importance of Fearing God

• Fearing God is closely associated with obeying him . . .
• . . . Fearing God compels one to avoid sin
• Fear of God leads to life
• Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom

• II.	Obeying God

• a)

  Obey God

• Obey God always – forever
• We should obey God because of what he has done for us
• We should obey God because he is our God . . .
• . . . It is no good expressing commitment without obeying

• b)	How to Obey God

• Persistently read God's commands
• Do what you learn of God’s law and word
• Ask God to help you follow his commands
• Submit yourself to God
• Obey God wholeheartedly
• Note: God’s and Jesus Christ’s commands are not too difficult

• c)	Follow Jesus Christ

• Follow Jesus Christ
• Be a disciple of Jesus Christ
• Follow Jesus Christ's example
• Make Jesus Christ your Lord

• 24.	Connecting with God

• I.	Being Close to God

• a)

  Seek God

• Seek God wholeheartedly
• If you seek God wholeheartedly, you will find him
• Seeking God should be accompanied by obedience to him
• Seeking God brings great blessings

• b)	Focus on God

• Keep thinking about God
• Keep thinking about what God has done

• c)	Meet with God and Live before Him

• Come before God, meeting with him
• Live before God . . .
• . . . "Walk" with God

• d)

  Know God

• Know God and Jesus Christ
• Knowing God is linked to obeying his commands
• Knowing God is linked with loving and caring for others
• Knowing God is vital for understanding

• II.	Praying to God

• a)	The Power of Prayer

• Prayer is very powerful
• If we ask God for things, he will give them (or do them)

• b)	Praying before God

• Pray before God, in his presence
• Pray to God as a caring father
• Pray in the Holy Spirit
• Be reverent when praying

• c)	Making Requests

• Ask for things in Jesus Christ's "name"
• Ask earnestly and persistently
• Do not doubt but believe that what you ask will be granted
• Give thanks when asking

• d)	God's Response to Requests

• God answers those who obey and please him
• God grants anything we ask that is in accordance with his will

• 25.	Exalting God

• I.	Instructions

• a)	Glorify and Honor God

• Give glory to God
• Honor God
• Glorify and honor God by praise and thanksgiving
• Glorify and honor God by how you live

• b)	Do Not Dishonor God

• Do not dishonor God by your actions
• Do not blaspheme God
• Do not treat God with contempt

• c)	Praise and Thank God

• Praise God constantly
• Give thanks to God always

• d)	How to Give Praise and Thanks (I): General

• In righteousness
• Wholeheartedly
• Through prayer
• Through singing

• e)	How to Give Praise and Thanks (II): Rejoicing

• Rejoice when giving praise and thanks to God
• Rejoice in God always

• II.	Reasons to Exalt God

• a)	Aspects of God's Being

• God’s glory
• God’s greatness
• God’s power
• God’s wisdom and knowledge

• b)	Aspects of God's Character

• God’s holiness
• God’s love and faithfulness
• God’s mercy

• c)	What God Does in the World

• God's creative work
• God’s provision of water and food
• God’s reign
• God’s word

• d)	What God Does for His People

• God's salvation through Christ and the associated blessings . . .
• . . . in which one should rejoice
• God’s deliverance from difficulties . . .
• . . . in which one should rejoice

• F.	Church Life

• 26.	Being One Body

• I.

  General

• a)	The Church as One Body

• Church members form one body – the body of Christ
• Being one body, church members meet together
• Church members function together as one church body

• b)	Be in Unison

• Be united as one
• Be at peace with each other
• Submit to one another
• Avoid foolish arguments and quarreling

• c)	Be in Fellowship

• Have fellowship together – and with the Father and Jesus Christ
• Participate together in church activities
• Share together in the sufferings that come because of Christ
• Share in each other's joy and troubles

• d)	Love Each Other

• Love each other as Christ loved us, even laying down his life
• Loving other Christians is indicative of being of Christ and God
• Love is expressed with actions

• II.	Caring for the Body

• a)	Pray for Each Other (I): General

• Pray constantly for each other
• Pray for those facing persecution
• Pray for those spreading the gospel

• b)	Pray for Each Other (II): What to Ask

• Ask that other believers will live as God wants
• Pray for their spiritual growth and perfection
• Ask God to help and take care of them

• c)	Encourage Each Other

• Encourage each other
• Encourage and strengthen each other by what you say
• Encourage others to remain true to the Lord
• Encourage and strengthen each other by what you do

• d)	Help Each Other

• Be concerned for and compassionate towards each other
• Consequently, help each other
• Share what you have with those in need

• 27.	Worshiping God

• I.

  General

• a)	Worship God

• Worship God alone
• Worship God for his glory and sovereignty
• Worship God for his great deeds
• Worship God for his creation of everything
• Worship God because of his care of his people

• b)	Worshiping before God

• Worship God in spirit
• Worship God in reverence and awe
• Worship God with praise

• c)	Worshiping Together

• Join with fellow believers in worshiping God
• Offer praise and thanksgiving together
• Pray together

• II.

  Offerings

• a)	Reasons to Give to God

• Offerings are an important part of worshiping God
• Offerings acknowledge God's provision for us
• Offerings express thanksgiving to God for his deliverance
• Offerings support the service of God

• b)	What to Give to God

• Give the "firstfruits" to God
• Give the best to God . . .
• . . . Do not give what is inferior to God
• Give all that you can
• Offer spiritual sacrifices

• c)	How to Give to God

• Give willingly
• Give generously
• Give regularly

• d)	Righteousness and Making Offerings

• We must live righteously to acceptably worship God
• Our offerings are not acceptable if our lives do not please God
• We should in fact offer ourselves to God, in service to him

• 28.	Serving God

• I.	Preliminary Instructions and Insights

• a)	Be Prepared to Serve God

• Be prepared and ready to do God's work
• Being prepared for God’s work requires godly living

• b)	Be Devoted to God's Work

• Serve only God
• Devote yourself to God’s work
• Dedicate your life to living for God and Jesus Christ

• c)	Reasons to Serve God

• God is our God, who has done great things for us
• Your work for God will be productive
• You will be rewarded for your work
• Whoever does not produce "fruit" will be cut off from Christ

• d)	Being Guided by God

• To be guided by God, live a godly life
• Ask God to guide you (as in troubled times)

• II.	Doing God's Work

• a)	Do God's Work – the Best You Can

• Do the work assigned to you
• Work hard at God’s work
• Do quality work which bears "fruit" – “fruit” that will last

• b)	Do the Work through God

• Apart from God and Jesus Christ, we can accomplish nothing
• Pray to God for help in the work – and ask others to pray
• Do God's work with his help
• Serve God through the Holy Spirit

• c)	The Manner in Which to Serve God

• Serve God in holiness and righteousness
• Serve God wholeheartedly
• Be strong and courageous

• d)	Working with Other Believers

• Serve each other
• Do God's work together
• Encourage each other in doing God’s work

• e)	Spiritual Gifts

• God gives each of his people a spiritual gift, through the Spirit
• Use your spiritual gift to build up the church

• 29.	Significant Practices

• I.	Symbolic Rites

• a)

  Baptism

• God's people are baptized in the "name" of Jesus Christ
• Baptism into Jesus Christ signifies being united with him – with the corresponding implications
• Baptism signifies belief
• Baptism signifies the washing away of sins

• b)	The Lord's Supper

• Observe the Lord’s Supper – in remembrance of Jesus Christ and his death
• Participating in the Lord’s Supper also symbolizes participating in the blood and body of Jesus Christ

• c)	Circumcision: Its Needlessness

• Circumcision does not bring salvation
• Circumcision is of no consequence for believers
• It is our hearts that should be circumcised

• II.	Other Significant Practices

• a)	Confession of Jesus Christ

• Confess Jesus Christ, before others
• Things to confess about Jesus Christ

• b)	Keeping the Sabbath Holy

• Observe the Sabbath as holy by resting on it
• Observing the Sabbath enables people to be refreshed
• It is permissible to do good and necessary things on the Sabbath
• Verses that might suggest we do not need to keep the Sabbath

• c)

  Fasting

• Fasting can be done regularly, with worship and prayer
• Fasting can be done on particular occasions, in petitioning God

• d)	The Laying on of Hands

• In conveying the gift of the Holy Spirit
• In conveying blessing
• In commissioning for ministry

• 30.	Church Leadership

• I.

  General

• a)	Required Characteristics

• Godliness
• Wisdom
• Strength and courage
• Deep love for church members

• b)	Managing the Church

• As a leader, provide good leadership
• Be gentle and sparing in the use of authority
• Be an example for others to follow

• c)	Caring for Church Members

• Be a shepherd taking care of God's flock
• Pray for church members
• Strengthen members in the faith
• Work hard at helping church members
• Confront church members over sin

• d)	Church Members' Duties to Leaders

• Love your leaders
• Obey your leaders
• Give your leaders material support

• II.	Teaching in the Church

• a)	What to Teach: God's Word

• Teach and preach God’s word
• Teach God’s commands and ways
• Teach the truths of the faith
• Read God’s word in church worship

• b)	How to Teach

• Explain God's word and truths
• The manner in which to teach

• c)	False Teachers (I): Their Teaching

• False teachers speak lies and delusions of their own, while claiming God's authority
• They say what their listeners like to hear – appealing and pleasant things
• False teachers typically deny Jesus Christ

• d)	False Teachers (II): Guarding against Them

• Watch out for false teachers and their teaching – so as not to be deceived
• Test teachers by comparing their teaching with the Scriptures
• False teachers can be recognized by their "fruit"

• G.	Relating to People

• 31.

  Love

• I.	Loving Qualities

• a)	Love: Insights

• What love is
• The supremacy of love

• b)	Love: Commands

• Live a life of love . . .
• . . . Do all things in love
• Love others as you love yourself . . .
• . . . "Love your neighbor as yourself" sums up God's law
• Love your enemies and do good to them

• c)

  Mercy

• Show mercy
• Be merciful and God will show you mercy
• Forgive others and God will forgive you
• Do not judge others, or God will judge you accordingly
• Be generous and share with others

• d)	Gentleness

• Be humble, gentle and patient
• Be meek
• Seek peace, including peace with others

• II.	Antitheses of Love

• a)	Selfish Attitudes

• Do not pursue selfish ends
• Do not be greedy
• Do not covet
• Seek the interests of others before your own . . .
• . . . Do so even at great cost to yourself, as Jesus Christ did

• b)	Ill Feelings

• Control and avoid anger
• Do not hate
• Get rid of any bitterness or malice
• Do not be jealous

• c)	Adverse Speech

• Do not quarrel
• Do not slander
• Do not gossip
• Do not grumble against others

• d)	Adverse Force

• Do not use violence
• Do not murder
• Do not rape
• Do not oppress

• 32.

  Justice

• I.	Justice in Action

• a)	Do What Is Just and Right

• Act justly
• In acting justly, do what is right
• Maintain justice
• Do not show favoritism

• b)	Justice and the Needy (I): Instructions

• Do not mistreat the needy
• Defend the cause of the needy
• Provide the needy with food and clothing
• Even sell your possessions so as to give to the poor
• Treat foreigners the same as your native-born

• c)	Justice and the Needy (II): Insights

• Defending and providing for the needy are part of true religion
• Providing for the needy brings oneself blessing
• God will punish those who ignore the needy

• II.	Being True

• a)	Faithfulness

• Be faithful
• Be trustworthy
• Stand by others

• b)	Truthfulness

• Speak the truth
• Be honest
• Be sincere
• Have integrity

• c)	Deceitfulness

• Do not deceive
• Do not lie
• Do not give false testimony
• Do not use flattery
• Do not plot evil schemes

• d)	Dishonest Gain

• Do not steal
• Do not defraud
• Do not take excessive interest or extort money
• Do not accept bribes

• 33.

  Wisdom

• I.	Being Wise

• a)	The Precedence of Godly Wisdom

• Godly wisdom is superior to anything else
• Worldly wisdom is flawed and inferior to the wisdom of God
• Worldly wisdom is ultimately futile, even detrimental

• b)	Wisdom through God

• Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom
• Ask God for wisdom . . .
• . . . For it is God who gives wisdom
• Obeying God's commands brings wisdom
• Wisdom involves doing what is right – and avoiding evil

• c)	Wisdom through Others

• Pay attention to instruction
• Heed discipline and correction

• d)	Wise Speech

• Be quick to listen and slow to speak
• Use few words
• Speak graciously
• Remember that our words are determined by our "heart"

• e)	Wise Personal Practices

• Be self-controlled
• Do not act in haste
• Work hard
• Enjoy life and be happy

• II.	Antitheses of Wisdom and Knowledge

• a)	Foolishness

• Fools spurn and lack wisdom
• Foolishness involves disobedience to God
• Foolishness encompasses doing wrong

• b)	Foolish Practices

• Being quick-tempered is foolish
• Drunkenness and gluttony are unwise, causing one trouble
• Indulging in pleasure is foolish and pointless
• Further notably foolish practices

• c)	Spiritual Ignorance (I): Causes and Results

• Spiritual ignorance is caused basically by sin
• Spiritual ignorance is caused partly by the ungodly being closed-minded

• d)	Spiritual Ignorance (II): Knowledge Lacked

• The ungodly do not know God or Jesus Christ
• The ungodly do not comprehend God's word
• The ungodly are ignorant of and deceived about their sin
• The ungodly are largely oblivious of God’s pending punishment – which they will bear

• 34.	Common Relationships

• I.	Family Relationships

• a)	Prologue: Issues Regarding Getting Married

• Unmarried people can be fully devoted to the Lord
• Do not marry outside of God's people
• A person should have only one spouse
• Remarriage and adultery

• b)

  Spouses

• A husband and wife should be as one
• Husbands should love their wives
• Wives should submit to their husbands
• Do not commit adultery
• Avoid divorce

• c)	Parents' Duties to Children

• Parents should love their children
• Parents should care for their children
• Parents should discipline their children
• Parents should teach their children about God and his deeds, inspiring them to trust and obey God

• d)	Children's Duties to Parents

• Children are to honor their parents
• Children are to obey their parents
• Children should heed their parents’ teaching
• Children are to help their parents

• II.	Civil Relationships

• a)	Citizens' Duties to Authorities

• Citizens should submit to and obey the governing authorities
• For authorities are established by God and punish wrongdoers
• But citizens should defy commands that conflict with God’s will

• b)	Authorities' Duties to Citizens

• Authorities should act and rule according to God’s ways
• Authorities should rule as servants of God and their people
• Authorities should rule wisely
• Authorities should rule justly
• Authorities should defend the needy

• c)	Servants and Masters

• Servants should be obedient, submissive and respectful
• Servants should be trustworthy and faithful
• Masters must treat servants justly
• Masters must not withhold servants' wages

• 35.	Spreading the Gospel

• I.	Instructions

• a)	Tell People the Gospel

• Tell people the gospel message about Jesus Christ
• Tell all people, everywhere
• Do not be ashamed of the gospel

• b)	What Things to Explain

• Explain who Jesus Christ is
• Tell people about Jesus' death and resurrection . . .
• . . . and tell people about the results
• Tell people about the kingdom of God
• Tell people about what God is like and what he has done . . .
• . . . and tell what God has done for you
• Tell people how they should respond

• c)	How to Spread the Message

• Present the gospel accurately and plainly
• Spread the gospel by the Holy Spirit
• Spread the gospel boldly – with God's help
• Work hard at spreading the gospel message

• d)	Supplementary Actions

• Pray for your proclamation of the gospel . . .
• . . . and pray for others who proclaim the gospel
• Pray for the salvation of unbelievers
• Act in the interests of others for the sake of the gospel
• Act in a way that is consistent with the gospel

• II.

  Insights

• a)	Insights on the Gospel Message

• The gospel is not made up by men – it is true
• The gospel reveals God's secret plan concerning Jesus Christ
• The gospel is good news

• b)	The Need to Spread the Gospel

• We are responsible for telling others the gospel
• Through believers spreading the gospel others come to believe
• There are many people ready to respond to the gospel – but they need someone to tell them
• The gospel brings salvation, saving those who respond to it

• c)	God and the Gospel's Effectiveness

• The gospel is the power of God to save – though it may seem foolish to the world
• The gospel is not dependent on us and our presentation of it – but on the Holy Spirit and God’s power
• The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus Christ to people, fostering belief
• God and Jesus at times confirm the gospel message by miracles

• H.	Persevering

• 36.	Standing Firm

• I.

  General

• a)	Be Faithful to God

• Be faithful to God and Jesus Christ
• Serve God faithfully
• Do not be unfaithful to God by not obeying him

• b)	Remember God and His Word

• Ensure you remember God
• Remember what God has done
• Remember God's word and commands
• Persistently meditate on God’s word and commands

• c)	Hold to the Faith

• Continue to live by Christian teaching
• Grow in your knowledge of God
• Stand firm until the end . . .
• . . . Persist so that you will receive the reward

• d)	Be Ready for Jesus Christ's Return

• As you do not know when Jesus Christ will come, keep watch and be ready
• Do not be deceived by false claims, for Christ’s return will be only after certain events – and obvious to all

• II.	Spiritual Warfare

• a)	The Existence of Spiritual Warfare

• Believers have spiritual enemies, notably Satan
• Believers have human enemies
• Believers face internal spiritual conflict
• But God and Jesus enable Christians to overcome

• b)	Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

• Resist Satan
• Use spiritual weapons and armor
• Spiritual weapons and armor include: faith; . . .
• . . . God's word; . . .
• . . . and prayer

• c)	Counteraction of Demons

• Distinguishing between the Holy Spirit and demons
• Demons are driven out of people in Jesus Christ's "name"
• The Holy Spirit and prayer also figure in driving out demons

• d)	Ungodly Spiritualistic Practices

• Avoid witchcraft and other occult practices
• Do not consult anyone who performs occult practices
• Do not have other "gods" or idols

• 37.	Rejecting Sin

• I.	Encountering Sin

• a)	Consequences of Sin for God's People

• Sin deprives God’s people of his blessings
• God may punish sin, which can mean physical suffering and emotional anguish
• Sin defiles God’s people – making them spiritually unclean
• God turns away from those who persist in sin

• b)	Addressing Sin (I): Return from Sin to God

• Stop sinning
• Return to God with all your heart
• In returning from sin to God, do what God wants

• c)	Addressing Sin (II): Deal with Sin before God

• Confess your sin to God
• Be sorrowful over your sin
• Humble yourself before God over your sin
• Ask God for forgiveness and restoration

• d)	God's Response to Repentance

• God forgives our sins
• God restores our relationship with him

• II.	Avoiding Sin and Being Holy

• a)	Avoiding Sin

• Take care in avoiding sin
• Ask God for help to avoid sin . . .
• . . . For God and Jesus Christ are willing and able to help us withstand temptation
• Use God's word to avoid sin
• Avoid sinful desires
• Get rid of sinful influences
• Hate evil and sin

• b)	Alternatives to Sin

• Instead of living by the sinful nature, live by the Holy Spirit
• Instead of living as a slave to sin, live as a slave to righteousness and God

• c)

  Be Holy

• Be holy as God is holy
• Be set apart for God
• Do not conform to this world
• Do not live as other people do
• Avoid bad company

• 38.	Major Pitfalls

• I.

  Pride

• a)	Pride in Thought

• Do not be proud
• Do not think you are better than others
• Do not be wise in your own eyes
• Do not be self-righteous

• b)	Pride in Action

• Do not exalt yourself . . .
• . . . Honor others, rather than yourself
• Do not boast about yourself

• c)	Outcomes of Pride

• Pride is very detrimental to a relationship with God
• Pride is associated with self-deception and flawed understanding
• Pride leads to one's downfall

• d)	Antithesis of Pride: Humility

• Be humble – particularly before God
• Be humble towards others

• II.	Riches and Sex

• a)	Riches and Godliness

• Riches are a barrier to a relationship with God
• Riches even draw one away from God
• So, do not love money and be content with what you have

• b)	Further Warnings about Riches

• Riches are not secure
• Life does not last and the dead cannot take their riches with them
• Hoarding riches will bring ill consequences in the afterlife

• c)	Sexual Sin

• Avoid sexual sin
• Sexual sin has ill consequences
• Sexual sin ultimately results in God's judgment

• d)	Prohibited Forms of Sex

• Lust
• Sex apart from marriage
• Prostitution
• Homosexual acts

• e)	Epilogue: Be Wary

• Be alert and sober
• Examine and evaluate yourself
• Keep a clear conscience

• 39.	Hard Times

• I.

  General

• a)	Prologue: God's People Still Have Hard Times

• Trouble is characteristic of human life
• Examples of God’s people undergoing hard times
• An example of hard times even being attributed to God

• b)	Mourn Loss

• Mourn and weep over loss – particularly deaths
• Mourn before God

• c)	Keep in Mind God and His Word

• In hard times, remember God
• Keep meditating on God's word and obeying it
• Take comfort in God’s word

• d)	Trust in God

• Trust in God
• Take refuge in God, for God saves and protects those who do

• e)	Hope in God and Wait for Him

• Put your hope in God . . .
• . . . Look resolutely and expectantly to God
• Wait for God, with confidence that he will act
• Wait quietly and patiently

• II.	Praying in Hard Times

• a)	Tell God about Your Problems

• When facing trouble, pray to God
• Tell God of your plight and how you feel
• Pour out your heart to God

• b)	Ask God for Help

• Cry out to God for help
• Ask God for strength
• Ask God to guide you
• Ask God for deliverance
• Persist in prayer to God

• c)	Praise and Rejoice in God

• Praise and thank God amidst trouble
• Rejoice in God amidst trouble

• d)	Epilogue: God Does Respond to Suffering

• God is near us in hard times
• God comforts his people in hard times
• Testimony to God answering prayers in suffering and trouble

• 40.	Persecution

• I.	The Persecution of God's People

• a)	The Reality of Persecution

• Following God and Jesus Christ results in persecution . . .
• . . . It brings all kinds of hardships and suffering
• Spreading the gospel can result in suffering
• God's people are hated

• b)	The Antichrist and the Final Persecution

• The antichrist will have great authority and be worshiped
• Persecution of God's people will increase in the end times – especially due to the antichrist
• "Three and a half years" is given for the rule of the antichrist and intense persecution

• c)	God's Care of Persecuted Believers

• God strengthens his people amidst trials
• God rescues his people from trials
• God will ultimately save believers from the persecution of the end times

• II.	What to Do in Persecution

• a)	Be Faithful to God and Endure

• Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ
• Endure persecution
• Consider and follow Jesus Christ's example in suffering . . .
• . . . and share in Jesus Christ’s sufferings

• b)	Have Faith in God and Pray

• Have faith and hope in God
• Do not be afraid
• Do not worry about what to say – you will be given what to say
• Pray to God, asking for help
• Bless and pray for those who persecute you

• c)

  Rejoice

• Rejoice because trials develop Christian character and virtues
• Rejoice because of rewards for enduring persecution

• d)	Blessings for Faithfulness in Persecution

• Blessings amidst suffering
• God's kingdom
• Eternal life
• Future glory

Pray for persecuted Christians