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Introduction Lecture 1: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Lecture 2: The Gift of Prophecy Lecture 3: The Gift of Tongues Lecture 4: The Interpretation of Tongues Lecture 5: The Word of Wisdom Lecture 6: The Word of Knowledge Lecture 7: The Discerning of Spirits Lecture 8: The Gift of Faith Lecture 9: The Working of Miracles Lecture 10: The Gifts of Healings The Fruit of the Spirit is a powerful component for living a victorious life, and it is crucial to those wanting to operate in the Gifts. We’re living in exiting times. Many are calling them end-times, and it’s a privilege to be a believer in these days, when across the world in many places, God is moving so mightily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Extraordinary days, when extraordinary things are happening! It’s great to serve a living, powerful Triune God. But participation brings with it responsibility and accountability. In the matter of the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit there is great – unfortunate – diversity in the Christian church. Reactions, beliefs and behaviours vary widely despite the fact that Scripture has such clear down-to-earth teaching on the subject. Those who reject the Holy Spirit and His ministry need to be true to their ‘pen knife’ theology and cut out major portions from their Bibles, particularly the New Testament. Others who are trying so hard to ‘flow’ in the Spirit are definitely on the right track. But some, perhaps most of us, need to focus more and more on letting God have His wonderful way regarding things of the Spirit. None of us have experienced it all, nor know it all! Then there are those who, through ignorance or because of the flesh, have gone to Non-biblical excesses that are illogical and bring discredit to God. Within the professed Church of the Lord Jesus Christ that’s quite a radical mix isn’t it? The question is where are you in all of this, and if you’re in a leadership role, how and where you’re leading your people? This is not a subject in whom one can be neutral or disinterested. God said (Zech 4:6) “It’s not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit ... .” That’s the bottom line! In lectures 1-4 you will cover primarily the GIFTS of the Spirit, and in particular the vocal gifts. Lectures 5-10 covers the Revelatory and power gifts. Introduction An introduction to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Get Rid of Ignorance Search the Scriptures. Show yourself approved. Covet the best Gifts. 2. The Purpose of the Gifts Whom do we follow. Idols are dead. What the Holy Spirit does. 3. The Holy Spirit as a Gift The Day of Pentecost. Receive the Holy Spirit. The World cannot receive. 4. Gifts from Heaven The Gifts from the Father. The Gifts of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit. 5. The Holy Spirit brings Gifts The Vocal, Revelation and Power Gifts. 6. Their Place in the Body The authority, character and power of Jesus. The distribution of the Gifts. 7. The Ingredients for the Gifts Unity, Love, Desire. 8. When the Gifts Cease 1 Corinth 12:1 Now concerning SPIRITUAL GIFTS brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are the weapons of our warfare which have unlimited power. The only limitation is the limitation we put onto these gifts. 2 Corinth 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 2 Corinthians 3:3-6 Jesus Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. The reason for this was to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus Christ had the anointing of the Holy Spirit and operated in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Every single one of the gifts is given to destroy some work of the devil. Before we go into the gifts of the Holy Spirit we need to have a look at a few factors that concern the gifts of the Spirit. 1. Get Rid of Ignorance The Scripture tells us that we should not be ignorant about the gifts. Ignorance is no excuse since God has done all in His power to see that we be informed. Search the Scriptures Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded (of nobler character) than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY to find out whether these things were so. Show yourself Approved 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. ‘Diligent’ means enthusiastic and zealous. We must enthusiastically present ourselves as workers who analyse and study the Word of God correctly. Covet the best Gifts 1 Corinth 12:31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE THE BEST GIFTS. We need to do all in our power to fi nd out about these things and get rid of ignorance. It is in this way that we deal with the enemy supernaturally from heavenly realms. Otherwise we must rely on our own understanding and logic. We must RESEARCH and MEDITATE on this subject personally. The Purpose of the Gifts 1 Corinth 12:2, 3 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that casting out demons was a SIGN that the Kingdom of God had come. In other words – the Lordship of Jesus Christ is established. Casting out of demons is working a miracle, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Whom do we Follow? We are either led by Dead, dumb idols or The living Holy Spirit The Bible says that those who serve idols are actually worshipping demons. They take possession of the object of our worship. The devil’s sole aim is to be worshipped and to achieve this he will do all he can to discredit and dethrone Jesus Christ. Idols are dead! But the living God is One who speaks and listens, One who responds to us. God is not dead; He is alive! What the Holy Spirit does The Holy Spirit Glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ Edifies the Body of Christ Proves the resurrection of Jesus Destroys the works of the devil Exposes the deeds of darkness These are the main purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit as a Gift The Holy Spirit has been promised to God’s people by the prophets of the Old Testament and by the Lord Jesus Christ. Joel 2:28, 29 And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Mark 1:8 I indeed baptized you with water, but HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit is the One who carries out the will of the Godhead. The Bible refers to Him as a Person with feelings and character. Jesus spoke about Him with great respect saying that a person could blaspheme the Father or the Son, Jesus Christ, and get away with it, but not the Holy Spirit. If we blaspheme and reject the Holy Spirit we are setting ourselves against the only Person who has the ability to change us, reveal God to us and convince us. The Holy Spirit Himself is a gift that the Father has freely bestowed upon all believers who receive Him in His fullness. The Day of Pentecost This was the fiftieth day after the feast of Passover which was also the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and raised from the dead – it was ten days after Jesus ascended. Wait for the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4 But wait for the promise of the Father. They were not to move out of Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had been poured out. Without the Spirit we are powerless. Receive the Holy Spirit On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out onto the earth for all believers to receive. After the Holy Spirit was poured out on the earth, all that believers are required to do is to open up and personally receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit to serve God in power. The World cannot Receive John 14:16, 17 I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him: but you know Him for He DWELLS WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU. The Holy Spirit draws you to Jesus Christ, reveals Him to you and causes you to be born again when you receive Him into your life. From this time He is in you, but wants to be working through you in power. Gifts from Heaven Heaven has given us all it possesses; God the Father has given gifts; God the Son has given gifts and God the Holy Spirit has given gifts. The gifts from the Father 1 Corinth 12:6 And there are diversities of activities but it is the same God who works all in all. When the New Testament speaks about God it almost always refers to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Diversities of Activities This means different ways of operating. It refers to the unique individuality which everyone has been gifted with. There is no uniformity. All the gifts cooperate within the personality and the nature of the individual. The Motivational Gifts Romans 12:3-8 The Gifts of the Lord Jesus Christ 1 Corinth 12:5 There are differences of ministries but the same Lord. Usually, Lord, refers to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ Himself is responsible for certain things in the world. As such He has given gifts to enable us. He is responsible for the church. The Ministry Gifts or Five Fold Ministry Ephesians 4:8-11 Receiving Jesus Christ and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit are two different experiences. The baptism is a gift which is received from Jesus Christ The Gifts of the Holy Spirit These are the spiritual gifts which we are dealing with in this study. The Holy Spirit brings Gifts The Holy Spirit Himself is a Gift from the Father. At the same time the Holy Spirit also has gifts that He brings with Him when He comes. But we must never confuse them with the fruit of the Spirit. Gifts versus Fruit Gifts are bestowed freely – Fruit grows through careful cultivation Gifts come at any age – Fruit comes with maturity The Gifts are Subject to Love 1 Corinth 12:31 Earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. 1 Corinth 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts. Some Christians speak only of love and neglect the gifts of the Spirit. Others emphasize the gifts and neglect love. 1 Corinth 13. We experience the love of God through His Gifts. We need Both The power of God and The love of God The Weapons of our Warfare 2 Corinth 10:3-5 Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 1 John 3:8 Let us have a closer look at the gifts of the Spirit which are divided up into THREE GROUPS OF THREE GIFTS. Three is the number associated with the Holy Spirit. The Vocal Gifts These are the gifts that are spoken. The gift of prophecy The different kinds of tongues The interpretation of tongues The Revelation Gifts These are the gifts that make things known, that would otherwise have been hidden from us. The word of wisdom The word of knowledge The discerning of spirits The Fruit of the Spirit is Love. Love will demand the Power of God to meet needs The Power Gifts The power gifts demonstrate the creative power of God shown through a human channel. The gift of faith The gifts of healings The working of miracles Their Place in the Body We need to understand where these gifts fit into the Body of Christ. The Authority of Jesus The ministry gifts represent the authority of Jesus which is now divided up into the fivefold ministry. Ephesians 4:8-11 The Character of Jesus This can be seen in the Fruit Of The Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22, 23 Mark 16:17-20 The Power of Jesus The gifts are a manifestation of the power of Jesus when He walked on the earth. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Mark 16 17-20 When Jesus Christ walked on this earth He operated fully and completely in all these three aspects. He was the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. He was the epitome of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control and faith. He had the Spirit of God within and operated in the fullness of the Spirit. Now the Lord Jesus has ascended to the right hand of the Father. He has poured out the Holy Spirit and established the church. When all three of these aspects are evident in the body, the world will see Jesus Christ. It is impossible to have the fruit without the ministry gifts and the spiritual gifts. The world wants to see Jesus Christ in all His fullness. The Distribution of the Gifts 1 Corinth 12:7, 11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all ... but one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. The Holy Spirit distributes and manifests All the gifts are available to all Every believer is able to receive them The whole body profits Jesus Christ is the Head – we are the body The Ingredients for the Gifts There are three major ingredients that cause the gifts of the Holy Spirit to flow. Unity 1 Corinth 12:24, 25 But God composed the body, having given greater honour to that part which lacks it, that there should be NO SCHISM in the body ... But God commands the blessing where there is unity. Love 1 Corinth 12:25 ... the members should have the same care for one another. It is love for our brothers and sisters that should cause us to want the gifts of the Spirit. Where there is love there will be a flow. Desire 1 Corinth 12:31 EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts. How much do you desire to flow with the Holy Spirit in His Gifts? God will not give you what you do not really want. Many churches do not have a flow of the gifts because they do not really want them! When the Gifts Cease 1 Corinth 13:10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away with. In the context we see that the gifts of the Spirit are being referred to. In other words, when Jesus returns there will be no need for the Gifts of the Spirit. The Reason for this 1 Corinth 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known. This shows that the reason for the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to help us in our human frailties and weaknesses. We do not know everything. In our natural ability we have no clear view of the realm of the Spirit. That is why we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit who is all knowing, all wise and omnipresent. When we flow in the gifts of the Spirit we are tapping into this ability of the Holy Spirit. Eternal 1 Corinth 13:13 Now abide faith, hope and love, these three: but the greatest of these is LOVE. Satan is not afraid of the Power of God in the church if he can discredit it through discord It is rebellious to quench the Holy Spirit and His Gifts The Gift of Prophecy An introduction to Prophecy – The first of the Biblical Gifts of The Holy Spirit. The Understanding of this Gift The meaning of the word. Prophecy and faith. The word of faith. What prophecy is. The gifts subject to prophecy. The Purpose of the Gift Prophecy edifies the church. Prophecy exhorts the people. Prophecy comforts the body. The Examples of this Gift Balaam’s third prophecy. The seven churches of Asia. The prophecy to Daniël. 1 Corinth 12:10 ... to another PROPHECY ... Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. Romans 12:6 ... if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith. We deal with the gift of prophecy first because it is the gift which is the basic principle on which all the others operate. This is the reason that almost an entire chapter in the Bible is dedicated to its operation. The Understanding of this Gift What is prophecy and how does it work? The answer to this question will release us to operate in prophecy. The Meaning of the Word Let us have a look at the meaning of prophecy, both in the original language and in its setting in this chapter of 1 Corinthians 14. The Greek Word This is the word propheteia, which literally means: Speaking forth the mind and counsel of God Proclaiming the thoughts of God Speaking forth on behalf of another Being a spokesman Prophecy and Faith 2 Corinth 4:13 But since we have the same spirit of FAITH, according to what is written, I HAVE BELIEVED THEREFORE I SPOKE, we also believe and therefore speak. As we have seen in the scripture, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. This is speaking about the Word of God being the life source of prophecy. The Holy Spirit and God’s Word inspire and energize prophecy. What has this got to do with faith? The Word of God produces faith. When we are filled with the Word of God we will be an effective spokesman. Prophecy is Subject to our Faith This means that we will not speak forth the mind and counsel of God if we, firstly, do not believe that it came from God and, secondly, do not believe what God says. Prophecy is Subject to the Word There can be no faith in anything that God has not said. We can never be sure. But if we know that God has said it, we can always be sure. What must we Believe? Romans 4:16-21 ... the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all (as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and CALLS THOSE THINGS WHICH DO NOT EXIST AS THOUGH THEY DID ... and being FULLY CONVINCED that what He had promised He was also able to perform. We are to believe the promises of God and the testimony of Jesus. We are also to believe that the things we speak according to God’s will, will come to pass. Mark 11:23 For assuredly I say to you, whosoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things that he says, will come to pass, HE WILL HAVE WHATEVER HE SAYS. The Word of Faith Prophecy is Based on Words of Faith All God’s words achieve what He intends them to – they will not return to Him empty. The reason? Faith makes things happen Faith makes words creative Prophecy is faith – that the Word of God you speak will come to pass! What is Prophecy? God is not a dumb idol because He speaks forth His will and purposes in the earth. He creates, He rebukes, He directs, He exhorts – by speaking forth. God’s Mouthpiece Hebrews 1:1, 2 God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son ... The Church is the Body of Christ and as such is God’s mouthpiece on the earth today. In this present day, the Lord Jesus Christ expresses Himself through the spirit-filled and gifted church. The Gifts Subject to Prophecy As we have seen, there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, all of which have something to do with speaking forth or words. None of the gifts operate without words or some form of communication. Prophecy simply means speaking forth. If we understand prophecy we will understand how all the gifts operate. Speaking Forth Tongues and interpretation of tongues are both spoken forth. The Word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and the discerning of spirits are all powerless without words being spoken or communicated. The gift of faith, the working of miracles and the gifts of healings cannot operate without words. You could say that all the gifts are some form of prophetic utterance. So where does the Gift of Prophecy fit in? What is the difference? The other gifts are a specific form of speaking forth the mind and counsel of God. As we will see, the scripture restricts the gift of prophecy to Edification, Exhortation and Comfort. The Principles of Prophecy Let us sum up our understanding of prophecy. Prophecy is to speak forth the mind and counsel of God because of being fully persuaded and convinced that the mind and counsel of God, on which the written scriptures are founded, will surely come to pass. All prophecy is subject to faith in the testimony of Jesus All prophecy is subject to the inspiration or prompting of the Holy Spirit All prophecy is subject to the voice of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Purpose of this Gift 1 Corinth 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that ... no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He was sent to show that Jesus Christ is the Lord, that He is alive and that He is Lord of lords and King of kings. This gift of prophecy will do nothing less. Prophecy Edifies the Church 1 Corinth 14:4, 5, 12 He who prophesies, edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied ... that the church may receive edification ... even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Edification comes from the Greek Word, oikodome, made up of two words oikos, a home and domos, to build. Thus it literally means to build a home. A home is a place where a family dwells. The Bible calls the church a spiritual building made up of living bricks. Prophecy Exhorts the People Exhort in the Greek is paraklesis which comes from para, meaning beside and kaleo meaning to call. Thus it means to call alongside. The Amplified Bible amplifies this word into – comforter, counselor, advocate, intercessor, strengthener, helper and stand-by. Prophecy will be all these things. The English Dictionary defines exhort as: To urge by earnest appeal or argument To advise or caution strongly To arouse or excite by appeal, argument or warning Thus we see that prophecy is given for several reasons. God will urge and earnestly appeal to His people. He will plead His case; He will advise; He will caution and warn; and He will arouse and motivate the Church through the gift of prophecy. All prophecy is subject to the will of God and not to the will of man. Prophecy cements and knits us together both as a church and as individuals. Prophecy Comforts the Body This is another Greek word, paramuthion, meaning to speak alongside, and, literally to speak intimately and tenderly with someone. The gift of prophecy is God using a believer to speak intimately and tenderly with His family. Here God reveals the nature of a Father. The English word comfort means – being in a state of ease, rest, contentment, and release from distress. It also means being in a state of courage and fearlessness. The purpose of prophecy is to bring about this condition in the church. 1 Corinth 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. The Examples of this Gift We now look at some examples, both in the Old and the New Testaments. We will look at the example of prophecy as seen in the ministry of the prophet. Prophecy and the Prophet What is the difference? Prophets are those whom God appoints into the calling and the office of a spokesman. It is a special appointment. The Gift of Prophecy is for whosoever desires this gift and it is for everyone. We act as God’s spokesmen while using the gift. It is a special gift and being gifted does not mean that you are appointed. The gift of prophecy is for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the church. The ministry of the prophet includes this and goes beyond, into giving direction and judgment to the universal church and further, to the nation and nations. Balaam’s Third Prophecy Numbers 24:3-9 In this portion of Scripture Balaam prophesies over the children of Israel speaking edification and comfort. God warned Balaam not to curse Israel, that is, he was not to speak evil or destruction over Israel. Balaam was paid to curse God’s people, and he fully intended to go against the Lord and curse the people. God was out to stop this man from cursing to the point of sending an angel to kill this wicked prophet. In the end Balaam decided that he had to obey God and prophesy blessing upon these people: It was full of goodness It was full of blessing It was full of hope and It was full of promise The Seven Churches of Asia Revelation 2 and 3 Here we see two chapters speaking a prophetic word to these seven churches. Smyrna and Philadelphia The prophesies over these two churches contain comfort and edification. They speak to encourage as well as to say tender positive words to these two churches. Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira and Sardis These four churches were comforted, edified and exhorted. As we have seen, exhortation implies warning and urgent appeal to do the right thing, using arguments showing negative and positive advantages. Laodicea This prophecy contains only exhortation. There was nothing positive about this church. The Prophecy to Daniel Daniel 10:10-14 We see God edifying and strengthening Daniel in a time of weakness. Daniel was drained after three weeks of intercession and confrontation with the Lord and the angel. Daniel 10:11 O Daniel, MAN GREATLY BELOVED ... These are words of tender intimacy and comfort. In conclusion, prophecy in the church is confined and limited to three elements. Edification That is to build what is broken down and to teach. Exhortation This is the main function of the advocate who urges, pleads and convinces. Comfort This is tender speech designed to bring relief and rest. The Gift of Tongues The Origin of the Gift Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The gift in the church. Understanding this Gift The word “Kinds”. The word Tongues. The words Defined . The Purpose of this Gift Futile to the body by itself. A sign to the unbeliever. Tongues and Interpretation. 1 Corinth 12:10 ... to another different kinds of tongues ... 1 Corinth 12:29, 30 Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 1 Corinth 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, UNLESS INDEED HE INTERPRETS that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinth 14:13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. Tongues are unique to the New Testament experience. Not once is it mentioned that anyone spoke in tongues before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The first thing that happened after the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost was that all the believers spoke with tongues. The Difference between the Old and the New So what was the difference between the Old Testament infilling of the Holy Spirit and that of the New Testament? One thing is that it seemed that only the prophets, judges, certain kings and priests were filled with the Holy Spirit. This infilling seemed limited. Those who were filled with the Spirit could operate in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit except for the gift of tongues. The ability to speak with other tongues was not mentioned in the Old Testament except in a prophetic sense. The main thing about the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is that after Jesus ascended to heaven He poured out the Holy Spirit on all flesh. So the Holy Spirit came to indwell all believers and all who were thirsty and believing could receive the baptism of the Spirit. Now there was no limit. The Origin of the Gift It is essential that before we look at this gift, we look at the initial experience which releases this gift of tongues. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Mark 1:8 I indeed baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; FOR IF I DO NOT GO AWAY, THE HELPER WILL NOT COME TO YOU; BUT IF I DEPART I WILL SEND HIM TO YOU. Here Jesus indicates that whatever the case was before His coming, death, resurrection and ascension, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was something completely new, something that had never happened before. Remember that chosen individuals were touched by the Holy Spirit, that is, He came upon them to equip them on specific occasions for special tasks. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit before birth; the priests, prophets and certain kings were filled with the Spirit; but whatever that was, this was to be something new! Acts 2:1-4 Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided. tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. In the New Testament there was a conscious act of receiving. They saw them acting drunk and then heard them speaking in tongues Acts 2:33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE POURED OUT THIS WHICH YOU NOW SEE AND HEAR. In the book of Acts we see that in most cases when a person received the baptism of the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues. We know that Paul spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians. Mary, the mother of Jesus, spoke with tongues as did his four brothers. In the New Testament it seems that when a person was baptized in the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues. Acts 10:44-48 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the Word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, ‘Can anyone forbid water that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Acts 19:1-8 ... Paul ... came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit’. ... And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. ... Paul spoke boldly ... reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the Kingdom of God. ... But, you say, I am filled with the Holy Spirit and I cannot speak with other tongues. All you need is to be informed of the facts and perhaps get someone to help you. The Gift in the Church 1 Corinth 12:30 ... Do all speak with tongues? In the context, the expected answer to this question is – no, not everyone does. But, also in the context, this question is posed relating to within the setting of the church, the gathering of believers and the assembling of the Body of Christ. Therefore, in context i.e. the gifts operating in the church, the expected answer is no, in the gathering of believers, not everyone speaks out in tongues. The Main Topic The main topic of the 12th to the 14th chapters of 1 Corinthians is: The edification of the church through love, using the gifts of the spirit. In the public gathering tongues are useless unless they are accompanied by interpretation. The common assumption and implication in these chapters seems to be – they speak in tongues privately, but not all do so in public. The Holy Spirit falls on the gentiles. Paul at Ephesus. When the Holy Spirit comes upon you in power you will be able to speak with other tongues. Tongues by itself only benefits the private individual Understanding the Gift 1 Corinth 12:10 ... to another different kinds of tongues ... What do the words “different kinds of tongues” mean? The Greek for this is “genos glossa”. The Word “Kinds” This is the Greek word genos from which we get the English word genus. It literally means kinds, kindreds, or family groups. The English word means – a class of things that can be divided into two or more classes or species. For example, we have the dog family which can be divided into different kinds of dogs. In other words we have a variation of different kinds within the same family. The Word “Tongues” This is the family name of which there are different kinds. This is the Greek word glossa which literally means tongue and refers to the physical organ. It does not refer primarily to languages for which there is another word. It means the use of the physical organ in forming words that are unknown and unintelligible to the speaker. In other words, it is making sounds using the tongue. The Words Defined When we put these words together it means: The variation of similar kinds of sounds creatively using the tongue Words inspired by the Holy Spirit Words that well up from the inner man We note that the Scripture talks of many kinds of words, and not one only. The Purpose of this Gift Why do we need this gift in the church? Could we not do without it? First of all, how can we despise anything that is a gift of the Holy Spirit and that is instructed in the Word of God? Futile to the Body by Itself 1 Corinth 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God, FOR NO MAN UNDERSTANDETH HIM. (KJV) 1 Corinth 14:6 Now brethren, If I come to you speaking with tongues, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU ...? 1 Corinth 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the VOICE, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (KJV) From the context we can see that tongues are primarily for our personal edification and strengthening. Tongues mean nothing to others and are therefore ineffective leaving hearers unmoved. Words that cannot be understood are empty and vain. 1 Corinth 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue EDIFIETH HIMSELF. (KJV) Edify Yourself 1 Corinth 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues. We cannot discount the positive benefit of this gift for the individual. A Sign to the Unbeliever 1 Corinthians 14:21, 22 All the gifts are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, that is, they are like wind blowing in the trees proving the presence of the wind. It is also evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe ... They SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES. The Purpose of this Sign Firstly this sign demonstrates the power of God by the Holy Spirit. Secondly it convinces the unbeliever of the presence of God. Thirdly, God uses tongues to capture the attention of the rebellious. 1 Corinthians 14:22 Tongues and Interpretation In the congregation tongues should be accompanied by interpretation. 1 Corinthians 14:20-30 This is talking about public ministry in the context of the congregation. Only with interpretation is tongues effective and together they have the same purpose as prophecy – edification, exhortation, comfort and revelation. Tongues prove the presence of the Holy Spirit The Interpretation of Tongues An introduction to the Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues and its purpose in the Church. The Understanding of this Gift The English word. The Greek word. The Interpretation on Tongues. The Purpose of this Gift Making foreign tongues understood. Edification of the Church. The Examples of this Gift . The Corinthian Church. The writing on the wall. The dreams. 1 Corinth 12:10, 30 ... to another the interpretation of tongues. Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 1 Corinth 14:12,13, 26 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. ... Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, HAS AN INTERPRETATION. Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinth 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit. We notice also that this gift is used for public congregational ministry to build up the church. The Understanding of this Gift We have already seen what tongues means. Now we look at what interpretation’ means. The English Word The English dictionary defines this word as: To give the meaning of To explain or make clear To derive a particular understanding of To bring out the meaning of It means to give the meaning of and also to bring out the meaning, that is, to expound the meaning. The Greek Word This is the word hermeneuo from which we get our English word hermeneutics – the art of interpretation. The Greek word literally means: Explaining the meaning of words of foreign or different languages It is not translation Translation is putting one language into another, grammatically perfect. This is not the case with interpretation, where the meaning is explained. The Interpretation of Tongues When we put the words together we get: Explaining the meaning of the different kinds of unknown tongues which are foreign to us. 1 Corinth 14:10, 11 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. The Purpose of the Gift Why tongues and interpretation? Why could we not just have had prophecy in a known language? Making Foreign Tongues Understood How would we have known these things if we had not seen them in the Bible, the Word of God? This shows that it is God’s plan and idea, which we have no right to reject. As we have seen: Tongues is the sign to the unbeliever God speaks to His people through tongues God manifests Himself through tongues Tongues are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit Tongues are supernatural It is interpretation that makes tongues powerful and effective, and gives them the added element of the supernatural. Tongues attract attention Interpretation makes them clear Edification of the Church 1 Corinthians 14:12, 13 Tongues and interpretation serve the same purpose as prophecy, but now we have the added and strange sign of tongues. The Examples of the Gift Let us look at examples of tongues and interpretation working together. The Corinthian Church Paul wrote this detailed, instructive letter to the Corinthian church of whom it was said that they came behind in no spiritual gift. 1 Corinthians 14:27-33 Notice that this gift is not rejected but, rather, it is corrected and order is brought to it. The Proper Function One or at the most three may speak in tongues, while each time someone interprets in order to edify the church. For private edification one may speak in a tongue quietly to oneself without an interpreter. This shows that: The gifts are under our control We can speak quietly to ourselves Ask for the Gift Ask for this gift if you can speak with tongues. This implies that you may develop this gift and use it in the church where interpretation is needed. (1 Cor 14:13, 27 and 28). Lengthy Utterances We see also that there need not be any lengthy utterances, but that they could be given in two or three parts – and someone should interpret each utterance. There is no such thing as – “I could not help it, it was the Holy Spirit” The Writing on the Wall Daniel 5:25-28 We notice some facts about interpretation in this account. Unknown Language to the Interpreter This was a known language, unknown to the Babylonians and Daniel. 1 Corinthians 13:1 suggests that tongues can be known earthly languages or angelic. An Exhortation It was a warning of future destruction. It was a Manifestation This was a manifestation of the power of God to a godless unbelieving group of people bent on iniquity and sin. God proved His existence through the writing of the unknown tongue and the interpretation. The Gifted Person Daniel 5:14 I have heard of you (Daniel) that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. It had nothing to do with Daniel’s natural talent. It had everything to do with the Holy Spirit. The Dreams These are the dreams that Joseph’s fellow prisoners and Pharaoh brought to him to interpret for them. Although there were no tongues, the message in the known language was unintelligible to those people. Genesis 40:8 And they said to him: We each have dreamed a dream, and there is no INTERPRETER OF IT. And Joseph said to them, DO NOT INTERPRETATIONS BELONG TO GOD? Genesis 41:16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh saying, IT IS NOT IN ME, GOD WILL GIVE PHARAOH AN ANSWER OF PEACE. The same principles of interpretation apply. God is involved and God the Holy Spirit gives the interpretation. We notice that both Daniel and Joseph were walking with God. They were sensitive to the Holy Spirit and gave all the credit to Him. God the Holy Spirit is the source of tongues and interpretation The Word of Wisdom Supernatural wisdom, strategy or advice given for a specific situation according to the plans and purposes of God. The Understanding of this Gift The meaning of the Greek words. The things of God, of the Devil, of the Man and of the World. The Purpose of this Gift . It proves the presence of God. It forewarns and forearms. Right decisions and actions. The snare of the fowler. It brings us the victory. The Examples of this Gift . The spy in Israel. The destruction of the Temple. That which is Caesar’s. The girdle illustration. 1 Corinth 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the WORD OF WISDOM ... 1 Corinth 2:6, 7 However we speak wisdom among those who are mature ... we speak the WISDOM OF GOD in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory. Prophecy is speaking forth the plans and purposes of God. Remember that the purpose of prophecy is specifically for: Comfort of the Body of Christ Edification of the Body of Christ Exhortation of the Body of Christ We now move onto the revelation gifts, a specialized form of the prophetic word. We begin with the word of wisdom which is the description of a particular form of prophetic utterance. The Understanding of this Gift Let us see what the words “word of wisdom” mean. The original Greek words are logos sophias. The Meaning of the Greek Words Logos John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NIV). The Logos became flesh – this is talking about the Lord Jesus Christ who was the full expression of the Godhead. Jesus Christ is the Logos that came to pass. What does the word Logos mean? It is presenting the over-all picture of something – and not merely the name of some particular object. In our Scripture we see that Jesus Christ is the Logos that became flesh and dwelt among us. He is the expression of the thoughts, ideas and concepts of the Father. John 14:9 ... he that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father. Sophias This means: Wisdom is having insight into the true nature of things – seeing hidden things that make up the visible thing. Many times things are not as they appear to be. The Word of Wisdom Remember that this is a gift, a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Putting the words together implies – “an expression of thoughts, ideas or concepts which give insight into the true nature of some things”. The Things of God The Holy Spirit gives insight into the plans and purposes of God. The Word of Wisdom expresses an understanding of the true nature of the things of God. Every gift can operate through prophecy. Logos is the expression of thoughts, ideas and concepts. The ability to understand and perceive the things that make people and circumstances what they are John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come ... He will tell you things to come. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 The Things of the Devil The Holy Spirit will also give insight into the plans and purposes of the devil. The word of wisdom will express an understanding of the true nature of the things of the devil. The Things of Man This gift will give insight into the plans and purposes of man and express an understanding of the true nature of man and reveal his true intentions. The Things of the World These imply circumstances and situations. When this gift operates, it will reveal, by the Holy Spirit, what is behind the circumstances in the world. The Purpose of this Gift 1 Corinth 13:9,10, 12 For we know in part, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part will be done away ... for now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. We have limited knowledge and understanding until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ when we shall know even as we are known. This gift overrides and makes up for our limitations, where we suddenly see things from God’s perspective. These gifts are only required in this age, ruled by the god of this world – the devil. 2 Corinth 4:4 ... whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. As long as the devil is around and as long as we are living in this evil world of darkness, we will need these revelation gifts. It Proves the Presence of God 1 Corinth 14:24, 25 But if all prophesy and there come one in that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is CONVINCED OF ALL, he is JUDGED OF ALL; and thus are the SECRETS OF HIS HEART MADE MANIFEST; and so falling down on his face HE WILL WORSHIP GOD, and report that God is in you of a truth. (KJV) This is obviously a prophetic word that has to do with the word of wisdom – revealing an understanding of the true nature behind the things of man. In this case notice the response: It causes people to worship God It causes people to acknowledge the presence of God It causes people to submit to the Almighty God The word of wisdom is needed because we know in part and see in a mirror dimly It Forewarns and Forearms Prophecy is strictly forth telling which includes the idea of foretelling. The word of wisdom is that part of prophecy that deals mainly with foretelling – that is, the telling of future events before they happen. The Word of Wisdom, being a weapon of our warfare, designed to pull down enemy strongholds, reveals the devil’s schemes and plans. We catch the enemy in the act of planning our destruction and defeat. It is by this gift that We are not caught by surprise. It equips us for alertness It equips us for preparedness Right Decisions and Actions The word of wisdom prepares the church to make right decisions and take the right steps. Psalm 23:2-4 He leads me beside the still waters ... in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. This is what God provided for by the word of wisdom. He will show future things so that our present steps can be right. This is what insight into the true nature of things means. The Snare of the Fowler Psalm 91:3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. How often we have walked unwittingly and blindly in a trap of the devil. The purpose of the word of wisdom is to deliver us and prevent us from being trapped by warning us beforehand. It Brings us the Victory 2 Corinth 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ ... (NIV) 2 Corinth 2:11 Lest Satan should take advantage of us; FOR WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF HIS DEVICES. You can be sure that the devil is out to destroy us through deceitful and crafty scheming. Because of the supernatural power of God in the word of wisdom we can always be victorious and triumphant! The Examples of this Gift The Bible is full of examples of how the word of wisdom operates. The Spy in Israel 2 Kings 6:8-12 Here we see Elisha operating in the word of wisdom. The Holy Spirit reveals to Elisha an understanding of the true nature of the plans of the Syrians. Because of this ... Israel is forewarned Israel makes the right decisions Israel wins the victory Israel is delivered This example also shows a particular form of prophetic utterance. The word of wisdom enables us to know how to act The Destruction of the Temple Matthew 24:15-20 This event was partially fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the Roman soldiers of Prince Titus, the general of the attacking armies, razed the city of Jerusalem and its temple to the ground. This was in total disregard to the orders of Titus. The streets of Jerusalem literally fl owed with Jewish blood and abominable atrocities were committed especially on the altar in the Temple. Josephus, a secular Jewish historian of the time, wrote that even Titus wept, crying to the unknown God, that this sin not be held against him. All this was foretold in a word of wisdom by the Lord Jesus as He and His disciples were walking out of the temple on that day. It was recorded by Matthew in this gospel and read by all the believers. The church was safe in the hills and mountains surrounding Jerusalem. They were forewarned They made the right decisions They won the victory They were delivered The Christians perceived the true nature of the attacking Roman armies by the word of wisdom. 3.3 That Which is Caesar’s Matthew 22:15-22 Matthew 22:18 BUT JESUS PERCEIVED THEIR WICKEDNESS The intention of the Pharisees in this case is to entangle Jesus in His talk. But, Jesus, by a word of wisdom, perceives their true intentions and demonstrates the power of God. He was forewarned He could do the right thing He got the victory He brought glory to God The Girdle Illustration Acts 21:10-14 The Holy Spirit gives the prophet Agabus a word of wisdom by which he has an understanding of the true nature of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem. Through it, Paul knows exactly what he will go through. He is forewarned He can do the right thing In this case he is already instructed by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, knowing what lies ahead of him. He wins the victory He glorifies God The Word of Knowledge God revealing a fact that could not otherwise have been known by the person used in this gift. The Understanding of this Gift . The original language. Facts about God. Facts about the devil. Facts about people and circumstances. The Purpose of this Gift . The omniscience of God. It convinces people. It judges people. The Examples of this Gift . The man under the fig tree. The men at the front door. The woman at the well. 1 Corinth 12:8 ... to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE according to the same Spirit ... As we have said, all the gifts of the Spirit are for this present age in which we now live. They are there to destroy the works of the devil to expose the works done in darkness so that nobody in the church is deceived. The God of this Age In the garden of Eden Adam and Eve lost some of their God-given authority when they were disobedient to the Word of God. Satan’s authority is limited to the present age only. A new era will begin when Jesus returns to rule with us for a thousand years. The devil loses his power over the Believer When we are born again we pass from death to life; we are translated from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of the Son, Jesus Christ; we are raised with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places far above principalities and powers. We are therefore no longer under the power and authority of the world. In the World, not of the World John 17:14, 15 ... they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is NOT THAT YOU TAKE THEM OUT OF THE WORLD BUT THAT YOU PROTECT THEM FROM THE EVIL ONE. The answer to this prayer is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and being endowed with His gifts. The Holy Spirit equips us to live in the world and yet not to be part of the world. The Weapons of our Warfare 2 Corinth 10:4 The weapons we fi ght with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have mighty power in God to pull down strongholds. The Understanding of this Gift Let us have a closer look at the term – the word of knowledge. The Original Language The original Greek here is – logos gnosis. We have already seen that the word logos means a general idea or concept that could be expressed either in spoken, written or picture form. We have heard the phrase “get the picture”. Logos is getting the picture. The Word Gnosis This word has the following meanings: Becoming aware or conscious of particular facts which were previously hidden Discovering facts of a specific situation of which you were previously unaware Facts that come to us by way of information or communication via a particular source The existence of particular things which come after investigation Until the return of the Lord Jesus we have the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Gifts of the Spirit are part of our weaponry The Word of Knowledge What is the Difference? Many get confused between the words of wisdom and knowledge. The word of wisdom is speaking forth thoughts by the Holy Spirit revealing the intentions and purposes of particular things. The word of knowledge, on the other hand, is speaking forth thoughts by the Holy Spirit revealing the existence of particular things. Facts about God This gift declares the existence of particular facts about God which were previously hidden to us and affect us right now. Facts about the Devil The Holy Spirit will reveal to us what the devil is doing at the moment, by the word of knowledge. Normally this concerns things already in existence so that we will not be deceived. Facts about People and Circumstances This gift enables us by the Holy Spirit to see supernaturally what people are doing, and reveals the existence of hidden circumstances that could affect us. The Purpose of this Gift As with the word of wisdom this gift shows that God is amongst His people. He reveals, by the Spirit, facts that only He can see. The goal of this is to edify the church and draw in the lost by signs and wonders. The Omniscience of God Only God knows all things about all things. By the word of knowledge the church taps into the all-knowing attributes of God. It shows the world that nothing is hidden from His sight. The speaking forth of certain thoughts that are communicated by the Holy Spirit which make the church aware of particular facts concerning particular things about God, people, the devil, etc. It Convinces People The word of knowledge convinces people that our God is living and dwelling with us. It Judges People 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 The word of knowledge reveals facts mainly about the past and present. It is designed to change the intentions of the hearts of people and to lead them onto the right path. It will show where they are and where they ought to be. The Examples of this Gift We see many examples in the Bible. The Man under the Fig Tree John 1: 46, 47 Here Jesus Christ reveals certain facts about Nathaniel. It proves to Nathaniel that God is all knowing and, by implication, that God is here. Nathaniel gave glory to God Nathaniel changed direction The Men at the Front Door Acts 10:19, 20 Notice that Peter is convinced of all things. He realizes that God is here with him and he changes direction. The Woman at the Well John 4:17-19 Because of Jesus’ word of knowledge, this woman’s whole life changes direction. Certain facts about her life (5 men) are revealed. It convinces her that this is God It judges her of wrong action It causes her to change direction The Discerning of Spirits Providing insight into the unseen world – seeing good and bad in the spiritual realm. The Understanding of this Gift The original Greek. The similarity of Spirit beings. The Purpose of the Gift . To destroy the works of the Devil. To remove the element of confusion. To expose counterfeits. To protect from intimidation or manipulation. To provide accuracy and deliverance. To increase morale. The Examples of this Gift . The deaf and dumb spirit. The spirit of infirmity. The spirit of divination. The sorcerer. Daniël’s intercession. The book of Revelation. The armies of the Lord. 1 Corinth 12:10 ... to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS. While the word of knowledge and wisdom deal mainly with things of the natural world, i.e. people and things and the way God or the devil affect our natural world, the discerning of spirits deals with the unseen spiritual world where God, His angels, the devil and his demons live. The first two emphasize the natural world The last one emphasizes the spiritual world The Understanding of this Gift The Original Greek The Greek words translated as the discerning of spirits are diakrisis pneuma. Let us look at these words one at a time and then put them together. Diakrisis This means to separate one thing from another. In other words, it is the ability to distinguish, estimate or evaluate the difference between two or more similar things. The closest English word is diacritic which means a mark or point which distinguishes one thing from another so that there is no confusion as to which is which. It is the separating of two or more similar things that could be confused. Pneuma This literally means “breath, wind or air in motion”. In the Bible it refers to any kind of spirit, either good or evil: God, man, angels or demons. The word ‘pneuma’ is also used of the Holy Spirit, the word ‘holy’ is added. Holy means being set apart from. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit who is unlike any other spirit being; He is set apart and different to all others. The Discerning of Spirits The discerning of spirits is the ability to separate, distinguish and evaluate the difference between spirit beings. We note that the word spirits is in the plural form, thus distinguishing between different kinds of similar spirits. It is the ability to mark and point out the difference between spirits which could be confused. It has nothing to do with our own natural ability. The Similarity of Spirit Beings Evil Spirits All evil spirits or demons are similar in nature and characteristics. We need the ability to distinguish one demon from another so that we can be accurate and effective in dealing with them. The Holy Spirit gives us this ability supernaturally Demons counterfeit the work of God Who is also a Spirit and they try to cause confusion by deception. Angels Hebrews 1:14 Are angels not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation. All angels are serving spirits. They are always with God and as spirit beings are similar in nature to Him. In Scripture, angels are often linked interchangeably with God because they speak for Him. We need to be able discern between God and angels. Mankind God breathed the breath of life into man and so man became a living being. When man is born again he becomes one in spirit with the Lord, so that we can become like Him in nature. What about those who are not born again? Jesus Christ said to them that they are of their father, the devil. This means that they take on his nature. It is often difficult to discern between human and demonic actions. So we see that the discerning of spirits enables the church to see exactly which spirit is involved in a situation. By the Holy Spirit we are able to point this out. Often, by this gift, we can see into the realm of the spirit and see angels or demons in operation. The Purpose of this Gift To Destroy the works of the devil 1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil. The church counteracts the deceiving work of Satan. Remember that the devil or his demons can appear as an angel of light and deceive even the elect. This gift reveals this deception, and identifies the works of the devil. To Remove the Element of Confusion We no longer have to walk in confusion and be harassed by the kingdom of darkness. To Expose Counterfeits 2 Corinth 11:14, 15 For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness whose end will be according to their works. The Holy Spirit will show clearly who is at work – God, man, angels, or particular demons. To Protect from Intimidation or Manipulation John 1:5 And the light shines in darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it. When ignorance, deception and confusion are dispelled we need no longer be intimidated or manipulated. We can start using and exercising our authority and bring order out of chaos. To Provide Accuracy and Deliverance When we cannot pinpoint what we are dealing with we cannot gain a victory. How can we take out an enemy position if we do not know what we are dealing with, or when we do not know where he is? The discerning of spirits brings accuracy and consequently swifter deliverance and victory. To Increase Morale When we see not only evil spirits, but also the angels and the spirit of God, and those who are with us and for us, our confidence and boldness are boosted. Examples of this Gift The Deaf and Dumb Spirit Mark 9:20-26 Here we see typical symptoms of epilepsy, yet Jesus Christ identifies a deaf and dumb spirit or demon. Jesus is accurate and quick. There is no deception There is no confusion There is total deliverance The Spirit of Infirmity Luke 13:10-13 A woman approaches Jesus with what looks like a physical illness. Yet He identifies a demon which He names a spirit of infirmity. This word means to lack strength, or be in weakness. In this case a demon spirit has induced physical weakness. Jesus is specific and He was accurate There was no confusion There was total deliverance The Spirit of Divination Acts 16:16-18 The Greek word for divination is puthon and is derived from the pythian serpent in Greek mythology who issued ambiguous, deceptive and obscure oracles. A spirit of divination is a demon who inspires unclear, ambiguous prophetic utterances that are designed to obscure the truth. Paul identifies this demon only after a few days. In the natural he does not see, but suddenly the Holy Spirit reveals the demonic source. The Sorcerer Acts 8:20-23 Here Simon the Sorcerer wants to buy the gift of God with money so that he can impart the Holy Spirit to others. In this case no demon is involved and Peter and John discerns that Simon has a wrong spirit, that is, a human spirit. All that is required is repentance and no demon is cast out. Daniel’s Intercession Daniel 10:2.8-14 ... I Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. ... Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigour was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. Yet I heard the sound of his words: ... Then suddenly a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly beloved ... Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty one days. ... Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, ... An angel is revealed to Daniel – this is the discerning of spirits. The Book of Revelation The whole book is an example of this gift in operation. Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet. John the apostle is on the island of Patmos in the Mediterranean when he is taken into the Spirit. He discerns ... The Lord Jesus Christ The spirits of the Elders The Angel of the Lord The devil and his angels Michael and his Angels The Armies of the Lord 2 Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fi re all around Elisha. Elisha has no fear of impossible odds although Gehazi, his servant, does until God allows him to discern Angelic armies between them and the enemy. The Gift of Faith The Holy Spirit sometimes gives us a “knowing” without doubt for a specific task which seems impossible. The Understanding of this Gift . The original Greek. Faith as a gift. The Purpose of this Gift God’s intervention in the word. Elevates the Church. Preparation for the power gifts. Sustains the other gifts. The Examples of this Gift The sun stood still. Walking on the water. The man at Lystra. Lazarus. Through the Power Gifts the Holy Spirit gives the church the power to do the miraculous. God works through the believer and creates. God is not only allknowing or omniscient, he is also all-powerful or omnipotent. Remember – None of these Gifts refer to our Natural Abilities They all have to do with God’s ability transferred through a human channel. Power Gifts are often Spoken Most of God’s creative acts were performed when God spoke forth his intentions and will. This is the spirit of prophecy. Most of the miracles of Jesus Christ were done when he issued a command – He spoke forth the will and purpose of His Father for that situation. They operate on the same principle as prophecy. In the same way that you receive a prophetic utterance with the Holy Spirit dropping a thought into your spirit, and prompting you to act on it by speaking forth, He will prompt you to move in the power gifts. 1 Corinth 12:9 ... to another FAITH by the same Spirit. 1 Corinth 13:2 ... and though I have ALL FAITH, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. The Four Kinds of Faith Natural Faith Man has been born with natural faith and confidence in himself, in others and in things. Saving Faith Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are you saved through FAITH, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Romans 12:3 ... as God has dealt to every man the MEASURE OF FAITH. This kind of faith comes at the hearing of God’s Word. When the word is preached faith comes – faith is planted in seed form. All who are saved receive the same measure or seed of faith, given to us through the Word by God as a gift. It is our responsibility to water and fertilize this faith and to make it grow. The Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22 And the fruit of the Spirit is ... faithfulness. Fruit grows from within the plant. If we are diligent with the seed it will grow and produce fruit called faithfulness. This is the kind of faith that must be developed and matured. The Gift of the Spirit God’s gift of faith is the highest level of faith. The gift of faith is when God-given faith is suddenly bestowed on believers regardless of their level of faith. When the believer’s faith has reached its limit, God will bestow His faith which goes beyond the proportion of the believer’s faith. The Power Gifts display the Creative. Power of God. The Power Gifts can operate through prophecy The Understanding of this Gift Let us look at the meaning of this word, faith. The Original Greek The Greek word for faith is pistis which means “a firm persuasion or a full assurance, a conviction”. It comes from a root word which means to persuade. Romans 4:20,21 Persuasion involves a person receiving information by revelation which convinces him of its validity. Faith involves a surrender to the GIVER of the information and to the INFORMATION itself. Faith as a Gift We have seen the differences between the gift and the fruit. The believer will suddenly find himself fully persuaded about the manifestation of something humanly impossible. He then submits himself to the Holy Spirit and to the information that the Spirit has given by speaking by inspiration the thing He is convinced of. This is the kind that goes beyond the normal development of your faith. You will suddenly have the faith for something which a moment before was totally beyond the scope of your own faith. This is the kind of faith that can raise the dead and can change the course of nature. The Purpose of this Gift God’s Intervention In The World The gift of faith demonstrates the direct intervention of God in the natural world. The Holy Spirit gives the church a special injection of faith. It always produces wonder and amazement. Elevates the Church The gift of faith elevates the church from the natural realm into the supernatural realm. Through the use of the gift the natural laws of nature can be suspended and superseded. Preparation for the Power Gifts The gift of faith prepares the church to flow in the working of miracles and gifts of healings. These three gifts are inter-linked and interdependent. The Gift is the sudden injection of God-given faith into the believer Sustains the other Gifts This gift will sustain what the other gifts do – especially the power gifts. The Examples of this Gift The Sun stood still Joshua 10:12-15 Here, in the midst of battle, Joshua has a sudden inspiration for faith. God’s level of faith suddenly comes upon him and causes the sun to stand still for a whole day. NASA scientists in their space programming were confused when they found a whole day missing. It took a Christian to point this incident out to solve the problem. Because of this, the Israelites conquered. God fought for them by suspending natural laws. Walking on the Water Matthew 14:22-33 The gift of faith supersedes the law of gravity, and Jesus walks on water. The Man at Lystra Acts 14:8-12 Here we see a man suddenly filled with faith so that healing comes. Lazarus John 11:38-44 The gift of faith stopped the whole universe for a day The Working of Miracles A miracle takes place when God’s power overrules the laws of nature. The Understanding of this Gift The original language. The Purpose of this Gift To demonstrate the Power of God. To separate the church from other religions. To prove the Resurrection. To nullify the work of the enemy. To bring authority to the enemy. The Examples of this Gift Elijah’s challenge. The raising of Lazarus. The ear of Malchus. Other examples. 1 Corinth 12:10 ... to another the WORKING OF MIRACLES. 1 Corinth 12:28, 29 And God appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles ... are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? ARE ALL WORKERS OF MIRACLES? These power gifts are gifts that the church seems to avoid and treat as though they are out of reach. But they are not beyond us if we do not complicate them. They are as simple as prophesying or speaking in other tongues. The Understanding of this Gift What does the working of miracles mean? The Original Language The working of miracles in the Greek is energema dunameon. Energema The closest English word to this of course, is energy. Energy is the power by which anything acts effectively to move or change other things or accomplish any result. It literally means the effect produced or the result of. Dunameon This means inherent power or ability. It is a work of supernatural origin and character such as could not be produced by natural means. The closest English words are dynamite, dynamo, dynamic, etc. These all are things with inherent power or ability. It is something that has within it explosive and life-giving power. This would also refer to any wonderful, amazing or awesome thing, fact or event. It is an event in the natural world which is out of its natural order caused by intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Working of Miracles This is the demonstration of the power of God in the earth. It is the operation or effecting or causing of the supernatural power of God to affect and change the natural world around us to bring wonder and amazement. 1 Corinth 2:4, 5 And my speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in THE DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND OF POWER, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but IN THE POWER OF GOD. The Purpose of this Gift There are at least five reasons why the Holy Spirit imparts this gift to the church. To Demonstrate the Power of God In a world steeped in modernistic humanism and atheism it demonstrates that the Creator is with us. It shows that God is not dead, but very much alive and active on the earth. To Separate the Church from other Religions Without the working of miracles the church would be like any other dead religion. It is proof that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and shows that He is alive in His Body the church. To Prove the Resurrection John 11:25, 26 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies – and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? When the evangelist T.L. Osborne went preaching the gospel in countries which were predominantly Hindu, Buddhist, Moslem, etc., his preaching of a risen Jesus Christ was always confirmed by signs and wonders. The Lord Jesus made Himself known through the working of miracles. To Nullify the Work of the Enemy This gift makes the work of the devil look small and insignificant. Demons, death and destruction come to an end. To Bring Authority to the Church Joshua 4:1 That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they revered Moses. Joshua 3:7 And the Lord said to Joshua, Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so that they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. God bestows the working of miracles on the church to exalt the church in the eyes of the world. It causes the world to respect the church and its Head. Because of this gift the world will sit up and listen. This is what God did in the life of Joshua. The working of miracles proves that: � We are seated in heavenly places, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ � We are ambassadors living by heaven’s laws The Examples of this Gift Elijah’s Challenge 1 Kings 18:30-40 Here we see the prophet Elijah working a miracle before the whole nation. It brings about repentance It demonstrates God’s power It proves that the Lord is God and that Baal is a dead idol It brings an attitude of reverence and respect for the Lord God The Raising of Lazarus John 11:38-44 The working of miracles raised Lazarus from the dead while the gift of faith sets in motion the miracle and sustains it. It causes people to believe and see the glory of God It puts a stamp of authority on the ministry of Jesus The Ear of Malchus John 18:10 Luke 22:50, 51 Here we see Jesus Christ putting His hand on the place where Malchus’ ear had been before Peter chopped it off. He does not take the old one and put it back. He works a miracle and creates a new ear. He demonstrates the power of God. Other Examples Raising the Dead Acts 9:40 And turning to the body Peter said: “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Victory Luke 9:1 He gave them DUNAMIS and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. Every time we conquer the enemy we work a miracle. Healing Luke 5:17 ... and the DUNAMIS OF THE LORD was present to heal them. The working of miracles causes people to be healed. Signs and Wonders Romans 15:19 ... through mighty signs and wonders by the DUNAMIS of the Spirit of God ... I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great works and miracles among the people. Acts 8:4-8 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For UNCLEAN SPIRITS, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there WAS GREAT JOY IN THAT CITY. The amazing thing is that both these men are ordinary members of the congregation. They are not apostles or pastors, yet they work miracles because they believes that Jesus is risen. The Gifts of Healings Jesus came to undo the harmful work of Satan by healing of the body, soul and spirit and through us by the power of His Spirit. The Understanding of this Gift The original language. The Purpose of this Gift Makes mankind whole. Reverses destruction. Demonstrates resurrection. Confirms the word. The Examples of this Gift . Raising of Lazarus. The healing of Naaman. The lame man. Seven ways of releasing the gift. 1 Corinth 12:9 ... to another GIFTS OF HEALINGS by the same Spirit. 1 Corinth 12:30 Do all have GIFTS OF HEALINGS? A s already mentioned the gifts of the Holy Spirit are the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the church operates in the gifts of the Spirit the world sees Jesus Christ walking on the earth in His power. They see Jesus calming the storm, performing miracles and healing all kinds of diseases. The Understanding of this Gift What do we mean by “the gifts of healings”? The Original Language In the Greek it is “charisma iama”. Charisma The English words charismatic and charisma are direct transliterations of the Greek. This word means a gift of grace or a gift involving grace on the part of God as the source. Charis is the Greek word for grace which means to bestow something good and favourable on someone freely and willingly regardless of whether they deserve it or not. It is a gift that God bestows on whoever He chooses because He has decided to do so out of the goodness of His heart, apart from what the receiver did or has or has not done deserve it. The Plural Form. This word is in the plural form which means that there are more than one, and all kinds of healing gifts are included. Iama This word is also in the plural which shows that it is not limited to one type of sickness or disease. It refers to healing of all kinds. The word literally means the process whereby a person is made whole either physically, psychologically or spiritually. In the New Testament it is used mainly of physical healing and is also translated as whole or to make whole. The Gifts of Healings It is important to see that both words are in the plural form and therefore cover the whole spectrum of gifts and of healings. This gift brings healing to us whether we do anything to deserve it or not. It is for both believer and unbeliever; righteous and unrighteous. It is for whoever will accept healing in faith. It gives us insight into the extravagant abundant wealth of healing that God wants to pour onto the earth The Purpose of this Gift Makes Mankind Whole This gift makes mankind whole: Physically Psychologically Spiritually Man is restored, by this gift, to what God had originally intended and planned for him. It is the will of God being done on earth as it is in heaven! Reverses Destruction Satan is the thief who has come to steal, kill and destroy. It is sin that has introduced death into the earth. The gifts of healings reverse these destructive processes. Demonstrates Resurrection Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. The ‘gifts of healings’ come from the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Confirms the Word Along with the other gifts, it confirms the validity of the Good News. Examples of this Gift Raising of Lazarus John 11:38-44 The raising of Lazarus is a good example of all three of the power gifts. The gift of faith motivates and sustains the miracle The working of miracles performs the act of raising the dead The gifts of healings restores his dead body The Healing of Naaman 2 Kings 5:10-19 Naaman is dying of a disease called leprosy which was incurable and destructive. The gifts of healings reverses this process and restores the man to full health. We note the use of the prophetic word which, when obeyed, releases the gifts of healings. The Lame Man Acts 3:1-10 In this case faith in the Name of Jesus Christ, the physical touch and obedience to the command releases the gifts of healings. Seven Ways of Releasing the Gift Ask in the Name of Jesus Acts 3:6, 16 and Acts 4:17-18, 29 Prayer of Agreement Matthew 18:19-20 Elders and Oil James 5:13-15 Laying on of Hands Mark 16:17 Blessed Cloths Acts 19:12 The Atonement Isaiah 53:4, 5 The Gifts of Healings 1 Corinthians 12:9 The Difference The gift is a supernatural bestowal of healing instantaneously upon a person regardless of his actions by an act of grace and mercy on the part of God. The Other Ways Healing is released based on our faith. Mark 10:46-52 11:23-24 Holy Spirit – Anointing TT rue discipleship includes a wide ranging mix of topics, relationships, attitudes and skills. These range from the needsof new believers who have to be grounded in the realities of committed Christian living; through to leaders of all kinds who need resources to enable their teaching of others in the ways of Christ. In this series CLT provides material to take you deeper into this important matter of discipleship. The following points may help you to realise the wide span of topics you need to deal with. The Apostle Paul insisted that self-sacrifi cial practical service should always be accompanied by the transformation of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Both are essential and achieved by a process of teaching and training. It is far deeper than just subject matter to be studied. Then there is the matter of relationships and emotions. We would all like to see our spiritual intimacy with God improve, but any intimate relationship is marked by close association, contact and familiarity. To expand it involves warmth, tenderness, love, transparency, security, vulnerability, strength, commitment and understanding. These are things we have to work at with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The problem is that our chaotic world is characterised by independence and breeds, in most people, a brutal self-seeking attitude devoid of intimacy. This is why marriages fail, families disintegrate, friendships fail and business turns ugly. Yet God, as we grow spiritually, calls us to be intimate with Him. The barbarity of the secular mindset can only be neutralised by spiritual intimacy with a compassionate God, who is completely trustworthy, and whose plans cannot be thwarted. So, perhaps our generation’s greatest need is to reclaim a real intimacy with God … one that will reshape our souls and redirect our lives. Doesn’t that sound like the outcome of real discipleship? Your challenge is to become a real Biblical discipler! The Holy Spirit & the Individual It is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that gives us the boldness and power to be of service to the Lord. It is the Anointing that works within us! The Holy Spirit in the Life of JESUS Anointings today. Jesus was anointed. Jesus in the Fivefold Ministry. The Holy Spirit Within the BELIEVER The New Birth. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Life in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit as Teacher. The Spirit of Revelation. The Holy Spirit WHO LEADS you From the outside in, from alongside and from within. HEALING and the ANOINTING . Do I need to be Spirit-filled? Isaiah 10:27 It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder. And his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the ANOINTING OIL. I n this series of lectures we will study the Person of the Holy Spirit as the anointing which destroys the yoke of bondage. We have seen His work in the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit and those two subjects have been dealt with separately. Our goal now is to get a working knowledge of the Holy Spirit as the One who a noints for service. What the Anointing is Anointing literally means “to apply ointment” or “oil” to something to make it work better with greater freedom. Oil is used to make machinery work smoothly and freely. Oil is also used to make hard and dry areas of the body soft and supple and to bring relief from pain. Oil also releases bound and locked working parts so that they can be free to move and do the job they were designed to do. God anoints us with the Holy Spirit when He gives us the ability and power to do His work. The Holy Spirit is the Anointing Everything jams up and comes to a grinding halt and seizes up without the Holy Spirit. When a Church is rusty, clogged up and dry you can be sure that it needs to be anointed. The same thing applies to any individual or Christian endeavour. Without the oil in its joints, the Body of Christ is ‘arthritic’ – nothing works smoothly and painlessly and there is no flow. 2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The Holy Spirit brings freedom of movement and makes everything flow smoothly: He He He He makes makes makes makes the the the the preaching work well fruit work well gifts work well ministry work well The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus In the Old Testament Few were anointed in those days, in fact only kings, priests and prophets were anointed. Kings, priests and prophets were given freedom to stand in that office of authority by God. With the building of the Tabernacle, craftsmen were anointed to do there trade with special skill and insight. Anointings Today Prophets are Anointed today Prophets are God’s spokesmen, therefore God anoints men and women to speak the mind of God, to preach and teach, to testify and sing. Priests are Anointed today to represent People Priests represent people before God. Jesus is called the High Priest who ever lives to make intercession. God anoints people as intercessors. Kings are Anointed today Rev 1:5, 6 ... and from Jesus Christ ... has made us a KINGDOM [NU} of PRIESTS to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. We have been anointed to reign in life by Jesus our Lord in His power. We are able to reign as a kingdom of priests because God has anointed us. Zech 4:6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: `NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT,’ says the LORD of hosts. Isa 10:27 It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the YOKE WILL BE DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE ANOINTING OIL. It is the Anointing that Destroys the Yoke of: Sickness and disease Spiritual blindness and bondage The devil and his demons Jesus was Anointed Luke 4:14-19 Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil and we see Satan was defeated. Jesus came out of the wilderness in the power of the Spirit, went to the Synagogue and declared that He was anointed to preach, heal and deliver the people. Acts 10:38 ... “how GOD ANOINTED JESUS of Nazareth with the HOLY SPIRIT and with POWER, who went about DOING GOOD and HEALING ALL who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. The anointing was specifi cally on the Lord Jesus to teach, preach and heal. The anointing was actually on the Word of God to be explained and proclaimed with freedom and liberty, to bring enlightenment and understanding and thus the healing and deliverance followed automatically. The Ministry of Jesus Phil 2:5, 7 Christ Jesus, ... made Himself of NO REPUTATION [laid aside, stripped Himself of His mighty power and glory] and took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man. Heb 2:14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory ... We must understand that God became man, that Jesus emptied Himself and became the Son of mankind and that He walked as a true man and true God on the earth. He knew that He was equal to God and called Himself “I Am”. Yet at the same time He stripped Himself of His office as God and became a true man. Jesus Christ gave up everything He had in Heaven and became a flesh and blood man, to the point of suffering a painful death where the Father raised Him from the dead to exalt Him far above all authority. Jesus had so emptied Himself that God the Father had to anoint Him with Holy Spirit. Until the anointing, Jesus did no ministering and was an ordinary carpenter working for Joseph. For thirty years of His life He prepared Himself but never ministered in that time. Only after His anointing did He launch out into any ministry. Luke 3:21-23 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit DESCENDED IN BODILY FORM LIKE A DOVE UPON HIM, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Now Jesus Himself BEGAN HIS MINISTRY AT ABOUT THIRTY YEARS OF AGE ... Luke 4:18-21 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach” ... And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” The Beginning of Miracles God anointed Jesus of Nazareth, as a man, with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to wait for the anointing before revealing His glory and power and authority. John 2:11 This the first of HIS MIRACULOUS SIGNS, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory; and His disciples put their faith in Him. Miracles begin with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. No healing, no deliverance, no signs or wonders took place in Jesus’ ministry without this anointing. Jesus demonstrated what happens when a man is anointed with the Holy Spirit. John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and GREATER WORKS THAN THESE he will do, because I go to My Father. John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I WILL SEND HIM TO YOU. Acts 2:33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. Because Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God, He said that any man anointed with the Holy Spirit could even do greater things than He did. Only religious brainwashing has put the ministry of Jesus out of reach. Jesus in the Fivefold Ministry Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be APOSTLES, some PROPHETS, some EVANGELISTS, and some PASTORS and TEACHERS. Jesus gave this ministry of His to the Church. These are the fivefold facets of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus is the Apostle Heb 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, CONSIDER THE APOSTLE and High Priest of our confession, CHRIST JESUS. Jesus is the Prophet Luke 4:24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no PROPHET is accepted in his own country. Jesus is the one God commissioned as an Apostle Jesus is the one God appointed as his Spokesman At Jacob’s well, after having revealed by a word of knowledge that the Samaritan woman had had five husbands and the one with whom she was presently living, was not her husband, the woman exclaimed that she perceived that Jesus was a Prophet. Jesus is the Evangelist Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to PREACH THE GOSPEL ... An Evangelist is the one who proclaims glad tidings of good things to the ignorant. Jesus is the Pastor John 10:14 I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. A Pastor is one who literally shepherds God’s flock. He guards and protects them, he feeds and tends to them, he cares for and looks after the sheep day and night. Jesus is the Teacher Mat 9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, TEACHING in their synagogues, ... A Teacher is one who brings clear understanding and instruction in the Word of God. He explains truth and makes it practical so that all can do it. A teacher shows people how to become doers of the Word. All these Ministries were found in Jesus and fl owed freely because of the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit. The Church The Church is the Body of Christ and as such the church is anointed to function in these ministries. Jesus has given these ministry gifts to the Church by working through men and women – the Lord anoints men and women to function in the offi ce of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher. The Spirit without Measure John 3:34 For He whom God has sent speaks the WORDS OF GOD, for God does not give the SPIRIT BY MEASURE. Jesus fl owed freely in all five Ministries and so does the Body of Christ - But there is no individual anointed without measure because God has designed us to be interdependent! God has made us to compliment each other and therefore He has evenly distributed His Anointing on the whole body of which we are members. The Holy Spirit within the Believer 2 Cor 1:21-22 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and HAS ANOINTED US IS GOD, who also has SEALED US and GIVEN US THE SPIRIT IN OUR HEARTS AS A GUARANTEE. 1 John 2:20, 27 BUT YOU HAVE AN ANOINTING FROM THE HOLY ONE, and you know all things ... BUT THE ANOINTING which you have received FROM HIM ABIDES IN YOU, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the SAME ANOINTING TEACHES you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has TAUGHT YOU, you will ABIDE IN HIM. The New Birth Rom 8:9 Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. It is the conviction of the Holy Spirit that produces a new born Christian. It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that opens the eyes of the sinner that produces a new creature. It is the Holy Spirit that draws a person to Christ. John 4:14 ... but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will become in him a FOUNTAIN OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE. John 14:16-17 And I will pray the FATHER, and He will give you ANOTHER HELPER, that He may ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; BUT YOU KNOW HIM, FOR HE DWELLS WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU. When a person is born again it is by the work of the Holy Spirit – He influences and convinces, He urges, He reveals the truth to the mind and He comes to stay with you. 2.2 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit John 14:17 FOR HE LIVES WITH YOU and WILL BE IN YOU. [NIV] John 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, OUT OF HIS HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER. When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and died for our sins, we pass from death to life – eternal life enters our spirits and we are ingrafted to everlasting life by the power of the Holy Spirit. We then experience the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Acts 1:8 But you shall RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU ... Luke 24:49 I am GOING TO SEND YOU what My Father promised: but STAY in the city UNTIL you have been CLOTHED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH. [NIV] The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the anointing of God that comes upon you to fi ll you with power from on high to be His witnesses on this earth. This is the guarantee of the purchased possession, this is the seal of ownership, this is the opening of the door to the treasury of heaven. 62 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEINDIVIDUAL 2.3 Life in the Spirit � The Witness of the Spirit Rom 8:14-16 For as many as ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT of God, these are sons of God ... THE SPIRIT HIMSELF BEARS WITNESS with our spirit that we are children of God. Acts 1:8 ... you shall be witnesses to Me ... Rom 8:11 But if the SPIRIT OF HIM WHO RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD DWELLS IN YOU ... HE WILL ALSO GIVE LIFE TO YOUR MORTAL BODIES THROUGH HIS SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN YOU. 1 Corinthians 14:14 Rom 8:26-27 Likewise the SPIRIT ALSO HELPS IN OUR WEAKNESSES. For we do not know what we should PRAY for as we ought, but the SPIRIT HIMSELF MAKES INTERCESSION FOR US with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because HE MAKES INTERCESSION for the saints according to the will of God. � He bears witness that we are God’s children � He gives life, empowers and quickens us to be witnesses � He makes intercession through us and helps us to pray � The Holy Spirit is the Comforter � What ‘A Comforter’ Means - Counsellor - Helper - Intercessor - Advocate - Stand-by 2.4 The Holy Spirit as Teacher 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him ... TEACHES YOU concerning all things ... The anointing teaches us. � The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth John 15:26 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH WHO PROCEEDS FROM THE FATHER, HE WILL TESTIFY OF ME. Jesus, at this moment, is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He has risen from the dead in a “fl esh and bones” body. The Lord Jesus speaks by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit. � The Holy Spirit Guides into all Truth John 16:13 However, when HE, the Spirit of truth, has come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:15 Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. When the Holy Spirit teaches you, it is Jesus Himself teaching – it is like sitting at the feet of Jesus on the mountain side and listening to Him teaching you. � The Holy Spirit Reminds us and Helps our Memory The Holy Spirit has made His home in us, He has come to stay and He not only explains what we need to know, He reminds us of things we have forgotten. There is nothing we need to be ignorant about. 63 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE John 14:26 ... the Holy Spirit ... will REMIND YOU ... [NIV] 1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and YOU KNOW ALL THINGS. 2.5 The Spirit of Revelation 1 Cor 2:9-10 But GOD HAS REVEALED THEM TO US THROUGH HIS SPIRIT. John 16:15 All things that the Father has are Mine. He will take of Mine and DECLARE IT TO YOU. 1 John 2:20, 27 We must understand that the Holy Spirit has come in to stay! The anointing ‘abides in you’ ... it does not come and go. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because HE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER than he who is in the world. You do not have to be caught unawares, to be ignorant or to be in the dark. � We need the anointing to teach. � The Holy Spirit uses the Word to teach. � The Holy Spirit anoints me to teach. God gave gifts to men, He gave teachers; but without the teacher being anointed, there is no fl ow or illumination in the inner man. There is no anointing to teach outside of the Word of God. � Defeated Christians Are those who forget the Word. Are those who do not fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Are those who are ignorant! or disobedient! � They must unlearn wrong teaching Do not rely on logic or your own understanding – pray in the Spirit! 1 Corinthians 14:14 Jude 20 Isaiah 28:11 2.6 The Temple of God 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 � See what the Believer is Called Righteous, light, Christ-like, the temple of God, My people. 3. The Holy Spirit who Leads You From the day you were conceived in your mother’s womb, the Holy Spirit has been attempting to lead and infl uence your life. At times when you thought there was no God – He was there. Ps 139:13, 16 ... For You formed my inward parts: You covered me in my mother’s womb ... Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed ... He was there protecting and keeping you from harm. He was the one who sent a preacher and anointed Him and your hearing to hear and believe. It was the anointing of the Holy Spirit that taught you salvation – that is God in Christ reconciling the world to Himself; the anointing taught you to respond to the Gospel; the anointing taught you to be baptized by full immersion in water; the anointing taught you how to receive the Holy Spirit; the anointing of the Holy Spirit teaches you how to speak with other tongues. 64 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEINDIVIDUAL Everything you know about Jesus Christ and the Word of God was because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 2:9-10 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him – BUT GOD HAS REVEALED IT TO US BY HIS SPIRIT. [NIV] Without this anointing of the Spirit, we would still be in darkness. Only a person made alive by the Holy Spirit can perceive the things of God. 1 Cor 2:14 The man WITHOUT THE SPIRIT DOES NOT ACCEPT THE THINGS THAT COME FROM THE SPIRIT OF GOD. ... [NIV] � From the Outside in At fi rst the Holy Spirit infl uences man from the outside, using the physical demonstration of His power – either with a strong witness from a Spirit-fi lled believer or through signs and wonders, or through anointed preaching. � From Alongside As the person responds, He draws near and comes alongside to be with the person. � From Within As soon as a person unreservedly opens up, He comes into the person to stay and dwell there permanently. Faith is not understood without the anointing; healing is not understood without the anointing; love, joy, hope, peace, etc. cannot be understood without the Holy Spirit anointing the Word. � Relationship is Built on Recognition We need to build a relationship with the Holy Spirit as a Person and not merely have a knowledge of who He is. Husbands and wives who only have legal marriages are a tragedy! Marriage is a covenant of companionship. Companions constantly recognize each other, not ignore each other. We need to develop eyes and ears for the Holy Spirit – see Him in all our activities. We should ‘wonder’ what He thinks about everything we do, listen to His voice without ‘switching off’ and give full attention to His presence!!! The Holy Spirit comes from outside in, from alongside, from within and our relationship is built on recognition of the Holy Spirit. We need to wait on the Holy Spirit and give Him space in our lives and like Jesus, let the ‘heavens open’ and the Holy Spirit ‘descend’ upon us to ‘anoint us’ for ministry. 65 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE 4. Healing and the Anointing Mark 16:17-18 And these SIGNS WILL FOLLOW those who believe: In My name THEY WILL ... LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, and THEY WILL RECOVER. � Do I Need a Special Healing Anointing to Get the Sick Healed? No! All you need to do is believe that the same Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead is living in you and that when you lay hands on the sick they will recover. You need to believe what Jesus said in the above scripture. You also need to realize at the same time that God anoints some with the Holy Spirit for healing in particular. In that case, that person will have specifi c liberty and freedom in areas of healing and in many cases, certain kinds of healing. But realize that if you are Spirit-fi lled, you have an anointing. � Do I Need to be Spirit-filled? Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. As we saw earlier on, Jesus did not minister until He was baptised with the Holy Spirit. Only after that did He perform miracles and not before. The disciples were told by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on High. It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that gives us the boldness and power to pray for the sick. It is the anointing that works within us. 66 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTONE The Holy Spirit & the Ministry Part 1 LECTURE 2 We must understand that the whole body of Christ is anointed without measure by the Holy Spirit – every part and every member has the benefit of the anointing that Jesus walked in when He was on earth. 1. The Fivefold Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 The Jack-of-all-trades. Discover your gifting given by the Holy Spirit. Be faithful to the Anointing (Holy Spirit). Recognize other gifts and callings. Utilize other Anointings. 2. The Anointing to PREACH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Evangelists are exhorters. Signs and wonders. 3. The Anointing to TEACH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 The Holy Spirit is the Teacher. The method of a teacher. The style of a teacher. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Describe and apply the Biblical principles concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the Ministry. Objectives: � To explain the Biblical Concepts of the Holy Spirit and the Ministry Indicating what the ministry is about in terms of the fi vefold ministry in general and more specifi cally the annointing to preach and teach respectively. � To understand the role of these ministries as gifts given by Jesus to us. Knowing how this concept needs to be implemented in the life of the Church as the Body of Christ. � To understand the role of the Holy Spirit in terms of preaching and teaching. Knowing that only the Holy Spirit can give this special anointing to a man or woman, and it is actually the way the Holy Spirit would convince – through a good news preacher. Also knowing that no man can effectively teach without the Teacher living in him - that the anointing of the Teacher is upon him. 67 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 68 Eph 4:11-12, 16 And He Himself gave some to be APOSTLES, some PROPHETS, some EVANGELISTS, and some PASTORS and TEACHERS for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ ... from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. W e must understand that the whole body of Christ is anointed without measure by the Holy Spirit – every part and every member has the benefi t of the anointing that Jesus walked in when He was on earth. We must also understand that while Jesus was on earth, He was the head and body together but now in the present dispensation, He is the Head and we are the body. As such, each individual is a different part with its own function as part of the body. The way every part functions is what we call the ministry or gifting of that part. In the Kingdom of God, everyone has a particular function and everyone ought to know their place – in this way there is no inferiority or superiority, but there is contentment and security. The Holy Spirit permeates the whole body to make every part work smoothly together and have proper co-ordination. The whole body jams up and the anointing stops when every part wants to be another part. � What Is The Ministry? Ministry in the English language means to be of service or works of service. In the body of Christ, every ministry has its own particular anointing. 1 Cor 12:5-6 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the SAME GOD WHO WORKS ALL IN ALL. There are four main Greek words which are used for ministry or serving. � Diakonia This is someone who is anointed to serve where the emphasis is on the things which he does. It is someone who loves what he does and therefore he is involved. The Holy Spirit will anoint and enable you to do what you love doing – He will use your talents in the Church. � Leitourgos This is someone who is anointed to serve where the emphasis is on the people he serves. It is someone who loves blessing other people. The Holy Spirit will anoint and enable you to minister to people. He will give you a love for helping others. � Huperetes This is someone who is anointed to serve where the emphasis is on receiving direction. This is someone who loves following instructions, who takes great joy in carrying out instructions. The Holy Spirit anoints and enables them to be faithful followers of another. We must understand that the whole body of Christ is anointed without measure by the Holy Spirit Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTONE 69 � Doulos This is someone who is anointed to serve where the emphasis is on total commitment to another, without consideration of time, possessions or reputation. It is someone who loves to give themselves without expecting anything in return. The Holy Spirit anoints and enables you to be like this. None of these things are by natural talent in the Body of Christ. The law of faith excludes boasting and therefore these things are there because the Holy Spirit enables and equips every part to function. Every task and ministry [no matter how small and insignifi cant] must be anointed to be effective! Not even the Creator moved or acted without the Holy Spirit being involved. 1. The Fivefold Ministry Here we are talking about fi ve kinds of ministries that the Lord Jesus Christ gave to the church as gifts. Jesus anoints these ministries to function in a particular way. These are fi ve aspects of Jesus own ministry which He distributes to the body. 1 Cor 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: fi rst apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Rom 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. � God has set Ministries and ordained People These are men and women that God has appointed and who the Holy Spirit enables. � Gifts that Differ These differ according to the grace given to everyone. We see that the anointing enables us to fl ow in a particular way. This is a general anointing and then there are specifi c anointings for specifi c functions. 1.1 The Jack-of-all-trades It is God’s intention that we rely upon each other – that is why the Bible likens the Church to human body. Every part of your body has a particular function and cannot operate in any other way. Hands cannot see and eyes cannot hold things. The Church clogs up when one member tries to do everything – and usually it is the pastor. The Church becomes ineffective when people get involved in things they have no anointing for. Exhorters want to become administrators, administrators want to be evangelists, evangelists want to be prophets, prophets want to be deacons, deacons want to be pastors – and so the whole body becomes a confused mess. Only the Holy Spirit can ‘unconfuse’ the mess. Every task and ministry must be anointed to be effective! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 1.2 Discover your Gifting given by the Holy Spirit � Where do you fit in? You fi t in where you have the greatest liberty and freedom, not where you area misfi t. You fi t in where you are motivated, not where you have no motivation. Flow in what you are good at. If your teaching is confused, do not teach; if your pastoring shows no concern for people, do not pastor; if your evangelism does not draw crowds, do not be an evangelist – because you are not one. � If there is no freedom there is no Anointing When the Holy Spirit is in it, you are able to do it. � The Anointing gives Ability 1 John 2:20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. This anointing is given to believers, making us holy, separated unto God. This anointing gives us the ability (enables us) to possess a knowledge of the truth. We all have certain natural giftings, which are given to by God. But after being anointed, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability we need for our calling. Many are not born orators but under the Holy Spirit, they become great preachers. � It is not a natural talent, but the Anointing The special gifts are not natural but especially given by the Holy Spirit. This is the function of the Holy Spirit. Everything works well when the anointing of the Holy Spirit is upon it. � The Holy Spirit reveals the Will of God The Holy Spirit reveals the calling that God has prepared for each individual. Many embark into a calling they have conjured up and ask for the anointing in vain. � Be led by the Holy Spirit You will already have your anointing. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and make sure what your calling is. 1.3 Be faithful to the Anointing (Holy Spirit) Do what you are called to do. � Understand the-foolish-things Principle God wants to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit through every believer. When we say – fl ow in what you are good at, understand that it is the Holy Spirit who makes you skilful in what you were useless at. 1 Cor 1:26-31 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many WISE according to the FLESH, not many MIGHTY, NOT many NOBLE, are called. But God has chosen THE FOOLISH THINGS OF THE WORLD to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the WEAK THINGS OF THE WORLD to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the BASE THINGS OF THIS WORLD and the things which ARE DESPISED GOD HAS CHOSEN, and the things WHICH ARE NOT, to bring to nothing the 70 When the Holy Spirit is in it, you ARE ABLE to do it. Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTONE things that are, THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us WISDOM from God – and RIGHTEOUSNESS and SANCTIFICATION and REDEMPTION – that, as it is written: HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD. 1 Cor 2:3-5 I was with you in WEAKNESS, in FEAR, and in much TREMBLING. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of HUMAN WISDOM, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of POWER, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the POWER OF GOD. � I am not Good at that Every person God has ever called has said those words, but so many are unfaithful because they trust in their own ability. � Believe in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit Moses delivered Israel because God was with him. As He was with Joshua, Gideon, David, Paul, Peter, etc. � Know who you are. � Accept who you are. � Give who you are. 1.4 Recognize other Gifts and Callings � Combine Resources to be Effective When we know who we are, then there is no threat, because someone else appears to be better. Only those who do not know what they are anointed for and called into, are threatened. Those who are not diligent in their anointing will be threatened by those who are diligent. When you know your calling, and when you are diligent in that calling, you will be effective under the anointing. Then you will ... � Recognize other anointings � Submit to other anointings � Flow with other anointings 1.5 Utilize other Anointings We must not only recognize other anointings, but we need to submit to other anointings and fl ow in harmony with them. John 13:8 Peter said to Him, You shall never wash my feet! Jesus answered him: If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me. If we do not recognize and submit to other anointings, we have no part of the Body of Christ. When one usurps another’s anointing, there is no harmony. A highly skilled violinist will never occupy the seat of the pianist in a symphony orchestra – there will only be chaos, instead of a melodious sound. The Church is like a symphony orchestra which combines their various instruments and skills to form one harmonious whole sound. When I, with my instrument, combine with you and your instrument, there is a greater impact. 71 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 2. The Anointing to Preach � The Evangelist’s Anointing The word ‘evangelist’ is made up of two Greek words – ‘ev’ and ‘angelos’. ‘Angelos’ is the Greek word for ‘angel’, which literally means ‘messenger or a proclaimer of good tidings’. You could say that he is a preacher of good news, one who heralds wonderful information from the king. Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring GOOD NEWS. 2.1 Evangelists are Exhorters Rom 12:8 ... he who EXHORTS, in EXHORTATION ... The Holy Spirit anoints evangelists to convince people of good news and thus there comes joy and victory in the hearts of the hearers. They are anointed to proclaim, herald and cry out with great conviction that God was in Christ making friends of sinners. They have the ability to convince you to receive whatever God promises – so that the whole man is healed and made whole. It comes out in the way they lay their message out, it comes out in their style of preaching and their delivery – all this is the anointing. Only the Holy Spirit can give this special anointing to a man or woman, and it is actually the way the Holy Spirit would convince – through a good news preacher. Preachers are urgent and imploring, they pull at the heartstrings, stir up your emotions, they make Jesus Christ real and alive, they appeal to your conscience, they put the fear of hell into you, etc. All this comes by the enablement of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Three thousand people were swayed, through preaching, to do something about the Good News. Acts 7:54-55 When they HEARD these things they were CUT TO THE HEART, and they GNASHED AT HIM WITH THEIR TEETH But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Both Peter and Stephen were full of the Holy Spirit when they preached, prodding their hearers to action and response. This is the anointing of the preacher. 2.2 Signs and Wonders Acts 8:4-8 Those who had been scattered PREACHED THE WORD wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and PROCLAIMED THE CHRIST there. When the crowds HEARD philip and saw the MIRACULOUS SIGNS he did, they ALL PAID CLOSE ATTENTION to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was GREAT JOY IN THAT CITY. [NIV] Mark 16:20 Then the disciples went out and PREACHED everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confi rmed HIS WORD by the signs that accompanied it. [NIV] Here we see that preachers and evangelists have the anointing to bring deliverance and healing to people. Gifts of healings and the working of miracles are part of that anointing. 72 Only the Holy Spirit can give this special anointing to a man or woman! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTONE Here these men fl owed in specifi c areas. Philip seemed to fl ow freely in three specifi c areas ... � Deliverance � Paralytics � Cripples Rom 12:7 ... or ministry, let us wait on our ministerings ... [KJV] We are called to wait on our anointing. This means we are not to do things beyond our calling and the anointing we have received. We must yield to the Holy Spirit in terms of our calling, and accept what God wants us to do. We also need to develop whatever we know we are anointed to do. The way to do this is to walk with the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to His direction. Things will always happen when the anointing is present. The Holy Spirit takes over, gives clarity of thinking, freedom of speech and liberty to follow up with action. The person anointed almost becomes a spectator to his own words and actions. As someone has said: ‘I would rather live for fi ve minutes under the anointing than a lifetime in the world.’ We are dealing with specifi c anointings for specifi c tasks, particular gifts on particular parts of the body. 1 Cor 14:1, 12 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts ... since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edifi cation of the church that you seek to excel. Hunger and thirst after your ministry and gifts until there are results. Everybody in the Body of Christ is a vital and important part. ALL are needed to function effectively in service to the sheep of His sheepfold. Isaiah 62:7 Psalm 63:1-2 3. The Anointing to Teach Col 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and CONVEYED us into the KINGDOM OF THE SON OF HIS LOVE. It is important for us to realize that everything about our walk in the Kingdom of Light – the Kingdom of the Son of His Love into which we were born by the new birth is supernatural and beyond our natural ability. We should cease from our won work and everything that happens, should happen by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to be dependent on the Holy Spirit to lubricate every part of the machinery, lest everything seizes up. Know your place, know your gift, know your anointing, know the Holy Spirit, know the fl ow of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who comes on a person and anoints that person to teach. People make the mistake of thinking that leaders are not anointed because there is no fi re in their style, there is no movement in their manner, there is no urgency in their voice and there is no passion in their delivery. 73 No man can effectively teach without the Teacher living in him - with the anointing of the Teacher upon him. Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO � Jesus Taught the Crowds Math 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain side and SAT DOWN. His disciples came to Him, and He began to TEACH them. Math 13:2 Such large crowds gathered round Him that He got into a boat and SAT IN IT, while all the people stood on the shore. [NIV] The anointing of the preacher is to proclaim, while the anointing of the teacher is to explain the truth. The preacher declares what the truth is, the teacher makes the truth understood. The preacher is concerned with the what’s, while the teacher is concerned with the why’s and how to’s. 3.1 The Holy Spirit is the Teacher John 14:26 The Holy Spirit is by nature – a Teacher. He loves to explain how to do what the Word says. He loves to demonstrate how everything works. He loves to guide you into all truth. No man can effectively teach without the Teacher living in him. When the anointing of the Teacher is upon a person, then it makes no difference whether he sits, stands in one place, or moves around. When he is anointed, a clear practical understanding of the Word will come to the hearer. 3.2 The Method of a Teacher � Teachers are Explainers The Holy Spirit is an explainer of truth and He anoints to explain. No-one can make truth plain without the Holy Spirit revealing and opening the understanding of the teacher and hearer. � Teachers are Analysts They have the ability to dissect, analyse and apply the Word of God. � Teachers and Instructors This is a specifi c way in which the Holy Spirit wants to move in the world. People are perishing and dying through lack of understanding – people do not know ‘how to’. 3.3 The Style of a Teacher When the mantle to teach comes upon a teacher, he will suddenly receive new insight into the Word and understand practically how to apply it. He will be compelled to share and often, while sharing, new insights will well up within him new angles are seen and revelation knowledge begins to fl ow. When the anointing comes to teach, the teacher will often be listening to himself. The teacher has the ability to scrutinize each nugget of Scripture, extricate the true and full meaning within the context and present it. � He has a Methodical Style He will present his thoughts systematically and in logical order. He is the one who will present steps to the achievement of the 74 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTONE promise. They are the ones who present ‘how to’ teaching. � He has a Deliberate Style It would often appear to be slow and drawn out – but it is because his mind is busy getting everything out of the truth he is presenting from God’s Word. He compares Scripture with Scripture out of what the Holy Spirit brings to memory. � He has a Simple Style Teachers are anointed with the ability to present deep truth with simplicity so that it can be easily understood. Man complicates things while the Holy Spirit simplifi es things. None of this has anything to do with natural ability but has everything to do with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. � He has an Attractive Style We must not get the idea that teachers are sent only to small groups. Teachers can attract large crowds because of the anointing to teach. Some think that teachers cannot draw the unsaved, but under the anointing, teachers can teach the unbeliever how to be saved. People are perishing through lack of knowledge and thus the anointing of the Holy Spirit will draw people to fi nd answers to life’s problems. 75 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.................... ............ . 76 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTTWO The Holy Spirit & the Ministry Part 2 LECTURE 3 We must understand that the whole body of Christ is anointed without measure by the Holy Spirit – every part and every member has the benefit of the anointing that Jesus walked in when He was on earth. 1. The Anointing of the PASTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 The Shepherd. The Overseers. The Elder. 2. The Anointing of the PROPHET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 What the Prophetic Anointing is. Music enhances Anointing. The Hand of the Lord. Signs and Wonders. Seers. 3. The Anointing of the APOSTLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 The Signs of an Apostle. A Personal Visitation. A Foundation Layer. All Fivefold Ministry Gifts. Establishing Churches. Adequate Leadership. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Describe and apply the Biblical principles concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the Ministry. Objectives: � To explain the Biblical Concepts of the Holy Spirit and the Ministry Indicating what the ministry is about in terms of the fi vefold ministry in general and more specifi cally the annointing of the pastor, prophet and apostle respectively. � To understand the role of these ministries as gifts given by Jesus to us. Knowing how this concept needs to be implemented in the life of the Church as the Body of Christ. � To understand the role of the Holy Spirit in terms of the anointing of the Pastor, the Prophet and the Apostle. Knowing that nothing happens in the Kingdom of God or in the Body of Christ without the Holy Spirit. 77 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE 78 A s the Church began to grow from the day of Pentecost onwards, certain ministries and gifts began to emerge and be set forth for the building up of the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit began to lead and guide the Church into all truth. � The Holy Spirit Separates and Anoints The Holy Spirit, who knows all things, is not someone without a plan and strategy. He knows exactly what He wants and where He is going, He knows the beginning, the in-between and the end of all things. � The Holy Spirit Calls a Person Firstly, He calls you out of darkness into His marvellous Light at conversion and thereafter He calls you into the service of helps as part of your training. Finally, the Holy Spirit calls you into a ministry and gift for the Church. � The Holy Spirit Appoints a Person If you are not appointed by the Holy Spirit, you are wasting time and effort. It is a most unhappy and burdensome position to be in. Make sure that you are where you are meant to be. � The Holy Spirit Anoints a Person The Holy Spirit does not leave you standing in the lurch. He gives the equipment to carry out your appointment. � The Holy Spirit Keeps a Person 2 Tim 1:9-14 ... who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, ... who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, TO WHICH I WAS APPOINTED A PREACHER AN APOSTLE, and A TEACHER of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I AM NOT ASHAMED, FOR I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED and AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP what I have committed to Him until that Day ... BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN US. � What we Must Realize Nothing happens in the kingdom of God or in the Body of Christ without the Holy Spirit. Ex 35:30-35 And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezaleel and He has fi lled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, ... and He has put in his heart the ability to teach, ... He has fi lled them with skill to do all manner of work ... Exodus 36:1 The Scriptures show that even the ‘ORDINARY’ things need to have the Holy Spirit in them – things like MAINTENANCE, CLEANING, USHERING, etc., etc. NOTHING IS ORDINARY where the Holy Spirit in concerned – everything is especially anointed and equipped for the service of the sanctuary. Do not offer God trash – He is the best, so give the King of Kings and Lord of Lords your very best! Nothing happens in the kingdom of God or in the Body of Christ without the Holy Spirit. Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTTWO 79 1. The Anointing of the Pastor Eph 4:11 And he gave some, ... PASTORS and TEACHERS. This is the only Scripture in which the word ‘pastor’ appears, and it appears to be directly linked to the word ‘teacher’. It seems like these two ministries are put together and function together. � Key Related Words � Poimen This is the Greek for ‘pastor’ and is also translated ‘shepherd’, which is the way it was commonly used. � Episkopos This Greek word is translated ‘bishop’ or ‘overseer’ and was commonly used in connection with ‘managers’ or ‘foremen’. � Presbuteros This Greek word is the second degree of comparison for the word ‘presbus’, which means ‘old’. Thus we have the word ‘elder’. These three words are used interchangeably in the New Testament and seem to indicate different facets of the same ministry. God gives the pastor as a gift to the Church and then puts alongside him overseers to help fulfi l his function. We get the picture of a sheep farmer who divides his fl ock into groups and then appoints shepherds or overseers to help tend the sheep that are his. 1.1 The Shepherd The Holy Spirit anoints men and women to fulfi l this function. Shepherds have the ability to ‘stay with sheep’ day and night. In the day, shepherds lead the people to where the food is and sees that they are fed. He leads his sheep away from danger areas and watches for predators. � Pastors know how to fi nd food � Pastors know how to fi nd safety � Pastors know how to fi nd protection Pastors are anointed to build relationships, they are anointed to mix with people and to know them intimately. They know all their people by name and are acquainted with every hurt and ailment. Pastors have the ability to spot calamity before it is visible. Pastors have the anointing to lead and are the kind of people who everyone wants to follow. They can gather around them loyal people simply because they are gifted to instill a sense of security and well-being in the people. Pastors are people-minded. They are anointed by the Holy Spirit to feed and care for God’s people. God wants His people fed with the food of the Word and cared for with genuine compassion. Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE John 21:15-17 ... FEED MY LAMBS ... TEND MY SHEEP ... FEED MY SHEEP. Mat 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION FOR THEM, because they were weary and scattered, like SHEEP HAVING NO SHEPHERD. 1.2 The Overseers The Holy Spirit anoints men to shepherd the fl ock of God. The men that Paul appointed to lead and take care of the fl ock, he calls the overseers. The Holy Spirit knows that the Pastor cannot do it alone, that is why the Lord has given the fi ve-fold ministry to the Church, to work together. Even Jesus recognized this and therefore chose, equipped, appointed, anointed and sent twelve men into the world and instructed them to do the same. Acts 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the fl ock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which HE PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD. These were men of the fi ve-fold ministry whom Paul had appointed in the Churches which he had founded, yet we see that it was actually the Holy Spirit who was involved in their making – the Holy Spirit made them overseers. The Holy Spirit appointed and anointed overseers to look after people. This is the will of God for His people. � Overseers who Rule well 1 Tim 5:17 Let the ELDERS who RULE WELL be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the WORD and DOCTRINE. 1 Cor 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: First apostles, second prophets, third teachers ... then ... ADMINISTRATIONS. [ADMINISTRATORS] [AMPLIFIED] � Those who labour in the Word and Teaching � Those who Rule or Administrate well 1 Tim 5:17 The ELDERS who DIRECT THE AFFAIRS OF THE CHURCH well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is PREACHING and TEACHING. [NIV] It is obvious that some are anointed to preach and teach, that is feed or shepherd the fl ock of God, whereas others are anointed to direct the affairs of the Church. The Holy Spirit anoints men and women to oversee non-aspects of the Church and gives them other men and women to help them to do this. These are overseers who administrate over – fi nance, organizing, planning co-ordinating, etc. 1.3 The Elder 1 Peter 5:1-5 The ELDERS [PRESBUTEROS] who are among you I exhort, I who am a FELLOW ELDER [PRESBUTEROS]: ... SHEPHERD [POIMEN] the fl ock of God which is among you, serving as OVERSEERS [EPISKOPOS] ... being examples to the fl ock; and when the CHIEF SHEPHERD [ARCHPOIMEN] appears, you will receive the crown of glory which does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your ELDERS [PRESBUTEROS] ... The word ‘elder’ – ‘presbuteros’ applies to all who are in the fi vefold ministry. It does not refer to any particular ministry or gift. Peter, an apostle, applies it to himself and he also applies it to pastors and overseers. Similarly, the word ‘overseer’ – ‘episkopos’ is not necessarily referring to a particular ministry either, but is applied to anyone in the fi vefold ministry. 80 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTTWO The word ‘elder’ refers to the quality of the person. This is a person who is mature and full grown; one who is not a new born or immature Christian. An elder is one who is skilled in his gift and calling. In the above scripture, Peter uses the word elder for the fellow leaders of the church. Churches who appoint men based on their natural skill and gifts, or their dynamic personality, are in trouble! Everything in the Church must have the seal or stamp of the Holy Spirit on it. 2. The Anointing of the Prophet Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be ... PROPHETS, ... 1 Cor 12:28 And God has APPOINTED these in the church: fi rst apostles, SECOND PROPHETS. We are talking about an understanding of the fact that it is the Holy Spirit who anoints a person to do things in the Church. If we are going to do anything in the church, we are going to have to understand how the Holy Spirit moves in and through the individuals in the Church. The anointing is not something that can be conjured up at the fl ick of a fi nger because it is subject to the will of The Holy Spirit and not the person. 1 Cor 12:11 But one and the same Spirit WORKS all these things, DISTRIBUTING TO EACH ONE INDIVIDUALLY AS HE WILLS. All the person can do is link up with the Holy Spirit and fl ow where He wants to take you. You cannot choose to be a prophet, you can only fl ow with the anointing. � The Gift and the Ministry � The Gift of Prophecy � The Offi ce of the Prophet A prophet is one whom God has appointed with the responsibility and occupation to be a spokesman for God on a full-time basis. Prophecy is a similar anointing but it is not a sole responsibility. The Holy Spirit will come upon a person and motivate him or her to prophecy at that given moment. This is very much like the difference between a professional artist and an amateur artist who paints as a hobby. � The Mantle of the Prophet Everyone may prophecy but not everyone wears the mantle of the prophet. 1 Cor 14:31 For you can ALL PROPHESY one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Cor 12:29 ... ARE ALL PROPHETS? The expected answer to the above question is no, not all are called and anointed to be prophets. But all can prophecy. When we read about Elisha the prophet, he came to Elijah and asked him for a double portion of the anointing. Elijah said that if Elisha was with him and caught his mantle, he would have a double portion. So we see that when the chariot came to fetch Elijah that Elisha asked for Elijah’s mantle and thus received the anointing – a double portion. 81 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power. The prophet walks under a particular mantle which is from the Holy Spirit. � Different Degrees of Anointing This depends on your faith and faithfulness. It seems that God has a power rheostat, i.e. a dimmer, which He turns up [bright] or down [dull]. 2.1 What the Prophetic Anointing is Prophets are anointed to see and hear God clearly without any doubt. They have the ability to see into the realm of the spirit. They can see things around them through visions or dreams. Prophets, some of them are carried into the spirit by a trance where physical functions are suspended. Some prophets act out their revelation, like Ezekiel and Daniel. Their main function, however, is that they hear or see what God wants them to say. 2.2 Music Enhances Anointing 2 Kings 3:13-16 Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, ... But now bring me a MUSICIAN. Then it happened, WHEN THE MUSICIAN PLAYED, THAT THE HAND OF THE LORD CAME UPON HIM. And he said, “Thus says the LORD: `Make this valley full of ditches. 2.3 The Hand of the Lord Ezek 8:1 And it came to pass ... as I sat in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, THAT THE HAND OF THE LORD GOD FELL UPON ME THERE. Ezek 37:1 THE HAND OF THE LORD CAME UPON ME and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Ezek 40:1 ... on the very same day THE HAND OF THE LORD WAS UPON ME; and He took me there. In the VISIONS OF GOD He took me into the land of Israel and set me on a ... mountain ... 2.4 Signs and Wonders Many times a prophet will proclaim the will of God through a supernatural sign and wonder, such as Ezekiel. 2.5 Seers Prophets like Daniel and John were seers. They had visions into present and future events. Dan 8:15 Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the VISION and was seeking the meaning, ... Rev 1:10-11 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, ... saying, ... What YOU SEE, write in a book and send it to the seven churches ... 2 Pet 1:21 ... for PROPHECY never came by the will of man, but HOLY MEN OF GOD SPOKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. 82 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEMINISTRY-PARTTWO 3. The Anointing of the Apostle An apostle is one who is sent with a commission. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I ALSO SEND YOU. 3.1 The Signs of an Apostle 2 Cor 12:12 Truly the signs of an APOSTLE were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in SIGNS and WONDERS and MIGHTY DEEDS. The Holy Spirit anoints an apostle to do signs, wonders and mighty deeds. Moses was an Old Testament Apostle and God gave him a rod and established his authority with signs. 3.2 A Personal Visitation 1 Cor 9:1 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I NOT SEEN JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD? ... Most apostles have had a personal physical visitation from the resurrected Jesus who personally gives them His commission. Paul received his apostolic commission from Jesus on the road to Damascus. He also received revelation from the Lord, i.e. of the Gospel. 3.3 A Foundation Layer Eph 2:20 ... having been built on the foundation of the APOSTLES and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. Apostles put down a fi rm foundation in building the church, so that the walls do not crack. 3.4 All Fivefold Ministry Gifts Apostles are anointed to function as prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, whichever is needed at the time. The reason for this is that they are pioneers. 3.5 Establishing Churches They are the cement that binds the building together. They have the ability to establish churches where there are none and to set in order churches that are falling apart. 3.6 Adequate Leadership They are strong and able leaders. 83 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. .......... ......... ....................................... . ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ... ..................................... ......... ............ ............................ ......... ..................... ................... ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ..................................... ... ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... .......... .............................. ......... ................... ..................... ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... 84 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEPRACTICAL The Holy Spirit & the Practical LECTURE 4 Every born again believer has an anointing, whether he stands in an office or ministry or not. The intensity of the anointing depends on the believer’s eagerness and zeal for the power of God to flow through him. 1. How to Increase the Anointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 The anointing comes with faithfulness. The anointing comes with availability. The anointing comes with teachability. 2. Yielding to the Anointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Burn out the chaff. Be taken by the river. 3. Peculiar Works of the Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 4. The Healing Anointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 The issue of blood. Touch His garment. The multitude wanted to touch Him. The hands of Paul. Batteries of God. Transferable Power. 5. The Corporate Anointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 The effects of Praise. United prayer. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Describe and apply the Biblical principles concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the practical. Objectives: � To explain the Biblical Concepts of the Holy Spirit and the Practical Concerning increasing the anointing, yielding to the anointing, peculiar works of the Holy Spirit, the healing anointing and the corporate anointing. � To understand the role of these ministries as gifts given by Jesus to us. Knowing how this concept needs to be implemented in the life of the Church as the Body of Christ. � To understand the role of the Holy Spirit in terms of the practicals. Knowing that nothing happens in the Kingdom of God or in the Body of Christ without the Holy Spirit. 85 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 86 W ithout the Holy Spirit, we are left with a religious empty shell which binds people with fear and condemnation. We have a form of godliness which denies the power of God. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, nothing happens and everything seizes up and does not run smoothly. 2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is LIBERTY. 2 Tim 3:5 ... having a form of godliness but denying its POWER. And from such people TURN AWAY! 1. How to Increase the Anointing 1 John 2:27 But the ANOINTING which you have received from HIM ABIDES IN YOU ... Every born again believer has an anointing, whether he stands in an offi ce or ministry or not. The intensity of the anointing depends on the believer’s eagerness and zeal for the power of God to fl ow through him. � How Thirsty and Hungry are you? How interested are you in fl owing with the Holy Spirit? God will not waste His anointing on careless believers. The reason for this, is because the same fi re that cooks your food, can burn you to death. The same electricity that warms you in winter and cools you in summer, can electrocute you. The anointing of God is not something to be handled fl ippantly or carelessly. It is not something you need when you are ignorant of it. � The Anointing can be Increased or Decreased This depends on three things: � Faithfulness � Availability � Teachability 1.1 The Anointing comes with Faithfulness Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. � Faithfulness is a basic Attitude of the Heart Faithfulness comes with a decision and a determination to be loyal to God ordained priorities. Faithfulness involves loyalty, dependability and trustworthiness. If you can be entrusted with small obvious things, then you can be entrusted with big spiritual things. � Faithfulness is directly Connected with Servanthood If you cannot be trusted with carrying out what is required of you, you are not faithful. Many things are required of us as individuals from various directions. Each person has been given responsibilities in life which are required to be carried out. � BE FAITHFUL TO THE LORD Let God fi nd you loyal and dependable to whatever He requires. Any man or woman whom God can depend on is used of the Lord. Every born again believer has an anointing! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEPRACTICAL 87 God trusted Moses to carry out His instructions. Be faithful to seek His Presence. Jesus wants us to sit at His feet, just as Mary had. It is those who never spend time with and enquire of the Lord who do not grow spiritually. This was the difference between Saul and David. David’s faith was strong because he knew the Lord. � BE FAITHFUL IN OBEYING THE WORD Be determined that the Word of God is your fi nal authority. Mat 5:19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but WHOEVER DOES and TEACHES THEM, HE SHALL BE CALLED GREAT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Col 3:16 Let the WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM ... You should be depended upon by God to become acquainted with and becoming a doer of His Word. God told Joshua not to let it depart from him day or night. The Word of God is anointed. A high level of the Word dwelling in you will bring a high level of anointing. � BE FAITHFUL TO GOD-GIVEN AUTHORITY Heb 13:7, 17 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. ... Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account ... Faithful to those who rule Get a determination for loyalty to those whose faith and conduct you have chosen to submit to, as Paul said. Make a decision to love and pray for them. Faithful to family authority Husbands must be dependable to their wives and children, who should be able to rest in the dependability of the head of the home. Husbands should be able to rest on the dependability of their wives and likewise the children to parents and vice versa. � BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR OWN INTEGRITY Mat 12:36 But I say to you that for EVERY IDLE WORD men may speak, THEY WILL GIVE ACCOUNT of it in the day of judgment. Be faithful to your own words. Matt 25:14 “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man travelling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave fi ve talents, to another two, and to another one, to each ACCORDING TO HIS OWN ABILITY; ... Then he who had received the fi ve talents WENT AND TRADED with them and made another fi ve talents. And like wise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and HID his lord’s money. ... So he who had received fi ve talents came saying ... I HAVE GAINED fi ve more talents besides them ... He also who had received two talents cane and said, ... I HAVE GAINED two more talents besides them. ... Then he who had received the one talent came and said ... I WAS AFRAID AND WENT AND HID your talent in the ground.” Be Faithful … to the Lord! in Obeying the Word! to God-Given Authority! to Your Own Integrity! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR Now to the fi rst two servants who did something with their talents, developed and gained from them, the master said “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Be faithful in using the gifts, talents and abilities the Lord has given you. Remember, faithful in little, faithful in much. We will one day give account of what we have or have not done. 1.2 The Anointing comes with Availability Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifi ce, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Availability is being there when you are needed and it is presenting your physical presence for service. It is someone who is always around whether there is action or no action. It is someone whose heart is in the responsibility at hand. It is someone who knows and understands that he is a vital part of the team. Isa 1:19-20 If you are WILLING and OBEDIENT, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. � Availability involves Willing Obedience Where faithfulness involves doing the job well and in good time, availability involves being there to do the job. Thus both have to do with servanthood. 1 Kings 19:19-20 God commanded Elijah to fetch Elisha and when he did, he CAST HIS MANTLE UPON HIM. This mantle signifi ed his ministry and offi ce. This showed that Elisha would be CLOTHED WITH THE SAME ANOINTING. Elisha had to be challenged to be faithful and available. If he did not make himself available, He certainly would have missed the anointing. � AVAILABLE TO GOD God is not looking for ability but for availability. He is looking for a vehicle in which to travel, in which He can pour His power and energy. All you have to do is carry it to the right place. � AVAILABLE TO THE MAN OF GOD God uses men to demonstrate His power and anointing to other men so that they can be trained. 2 King 2:1-2 And it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU!” So they went down to Bethel. Elisha was determined to stay with Elijah. 2 Kings 2:9-15 Because he made himself available to the Man of God, he received a double portion of the same anointing. The spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. 88 Where faithfulness involves doing the job well and in good time, availability involves being there to do the job. Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEPRACTICAL 1.3 The Anointing comes with Teachability 2 Tim 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. � Be Hungry to find the Answer Never think that you have arrived, because that is the beginning of the end. Never retire!!! Anyone who is excellent at anything never stops in his quest to fi nd better and more effi cient ways to improve his method, style and technique. The same goes for the anointing of God – never get tired of discovering the best way to fl ow with the Holy Spirit. � PRESENT YOURSELF TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR TRAINING The Holy Spirit is the master of the anointing. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him ... - He will give you knowledge He will give you wisdom He will give you skill and He will give you authority � GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE TRAINING MANUAL, THE WORD OF GOD 2 Tim 3:15-17 ... and that from childhood you have KNOWN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make you wise for salvation through FAITH which is in Christ Jesus. ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. � PRESENT YOURSELF TO THE FIVEFOLD MINISTRY Eph 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be APOSTLES, some PROPHETS, some EVANGELISTS, and some PASTORS and TEACHERS, FOR THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY, for the edifying of the body of Christ. We see throughout the entire Bible that God trains his people by using anointed people. We have to expose ourselves to the anointing to be anointed. Paul told Timothy to do what he had seen and heard in Paul. Paul told others to follow him as he followed Christ. We are told to imitate those who are an example of faith, love, etc. The anointing comes by THREE important means ... Association, Environment and Infl uence If you want to fl ow in any kind of move of the Holy Spirit, then you ought to be sure of three things. Know what you are called to do! Follow the Lord Jesus Christ zealously Watch Jesus in the Gospels – see how He moved and fl owed under the anointing. Watch other men with similar callings Do not associate with failures, freaks or fakes. Associate with skilful, wise people who are doing something for God and walking in the truth. 89 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR Ps 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 2. Yielding to the Anointing Stepping from the natural into the supernatural is not easy and is very threatening to the mind and intellect – right out of your comfort zone. Realize this from the start – the Holy Spirit will not direct you according to your logical thought patterns. 2.1 Burn out the Chaff Math 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His threshing fl oor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but HE WILL BURN UP THE CHAFF WITH UNQUENCHABLE FIRE. Here we see a baptism of fi re linked with the baptism of the Holy Spirit where God immersed the believer into fi re so that He can burn out the worthless, vain, empty and futile things in our lives, that have no eternal value. What is left is enduring and eternal things – gold, silver and precious stones. � Burn out Sense Domination Sense ruled people cannot fl ow in the anointing. It is not that they cannot; it is that they will not. When senses dictate the terms that the voice of the Holy Spirit cannot be heard. We want to follow our own ideas, whereas God’s thoughts and ways are not like our thoughts and ways. Rom 8:13-14 For if you live according to the FLESH you will die; but if by the SPIRIT YOU PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, you will live. For as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, these are sons of God. Isa 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. � Burn out Old Traditions Be cleansed of denominational traditions Mat 15:3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God BECAUSE OF YOUR TRADITION? ... Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. � Burn out Logic and Reason 2 Cor 10:5 ... casting down ARGUMENTS and EVERY HIGH THING that exalts itself against the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY to the obedience of Christ. Logic and reason will keep you from fl owing in the anointing and it must be immersed in fi re – burnt up. Then you will cast out demons, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead – when logic and reason are burnt out! Matt 14:29-30 ... And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, HE WAS AFRAID; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”. Unbelief and fear is what kept the others in the boat when Peter got out. Fear is what kept the Israelites in the wilderness when Joshua 90 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEPRACTICAL and Caleb went in. Fear is what kept Saul hiding from Goliath when David slew him. 2.2 Be taken by the River Walk into the river of God and let it take you where it fl ows. Be like the eagle who lets the wind do all the work. John 3:8 THE WIND BLOWS WHERE IT WISHES, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the SPIRIT. Allow yourself to be carried along by the Holy Spirit and to be taken where He wants to go. He will do all the work whether it is your immediate ministry or your lifelong call. � Submit yourself to the Anointing � Keep on being fi lled with the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:17-20 Colossians 3:15-17 � Be renewed in the Spirit of your Mind Eph 4:23-24 ... and BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, and that you put on the NEW MAN which was created according to God, in true RIGHTEOUSNESS and HOLINESS. 3. Peculiar Works of the Holy Spirit 1 Thes 5:19-20 DO NOT QUENCH THE SPIRIT. DO NOT DESPISE PROPHECIES As we have said, the Holy Spirit can do strange things in ways that will test your mind to the limit. � The Man born Blind When Jesus healed this man who was blind from birth, He spat on the ground, made clay with His saliva and anointed the man’s eyes with it. He then told the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. Jesus fl owed with the Holy Spirit. � Peter In the book of Acts we read that all the sick were brought out into the streets so that Peter’s shadow might touch them and they were healed. Acts 5:14-15 And believers were increasingly added to the multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. � The Backwood Country Preacher An old farmer was saved and began to preach healing to the sick. The story goes that he would use spit on everyone he prayed for and everyone received their healing. He would spit into his hands, rub them together and put them on the people. One man’s arm was only 200mm in length – the farmer spat on this man’ arm in the name of Jesus and it became normal. � Jesus Christ � The pool at Siloam John 9:7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” ... 91 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR � The deaf and dumb man Mark 7:33 And He took him aside from the multitude, and PUT HIS FINGERS IN HIS EARS, and HE SPAT AND TOUCHED HIS TONGUE. � Many other things John 21:25 And there are also MANY OTHER THINGS THAT JESUS DID, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. 4. The Healing Anointing Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because HE HAS ANOINTED ME to preach ... HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL ... Acts 10:38 HOW GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and with power, who went about doing good and HEALING ALL who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 4.1 The Issue of Blood Mark 16:17-18 Mark 5:25-34 When the woman touched Jesus’ garment He felt virtue or power leave Him. The anointing fl ows from one person to another. 4.2 Touch his Garment Mat 14:34-36 ... all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only TOUCH THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT. And as many as TOUCHED IT WERE MADE PERFECTLY WELL. 4.3 The Multitude wanted to touch Him Luke 6:19 ... And the WHOLE MULTITUDE SOUGHT TO TOUCH HIM, for power went out from Him and healed them all. 4.4 The Hands of Paul Acts 19:11-12 Now God worked unusual miracles by the HANDS OF PAUL, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them ... Here we see God’s power and anointing is preserved in the clothes of the people as it was in the garment of Jesus or the shadow of Peter. 4.5 Batteries of God John 7:37-39 On the last day,... Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who BELIEVES in Me, as the Scripture has said, OUT OF HIS HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER. ... this He spoke concerning the Spirit ... 4.6 Transferable Power Mat 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them POWER ... Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you AUTHORITY [POWER] ... Deut 34:9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him ... The anointing is like an electric charge. 92 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Holy Spirit - Anointing THEHOLYSPIRITANDTHEPRACTICAL 5. The Corporate Anointing 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 Luke 4:18-19 Romans 8:11 Hebrews 3:6 1 Timothy 3:15 Acts 2:46-47 and 4:23-33 5.1 The Effects of Praise Psalms 149:1-9 Acts 16:25-26 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and SINGING HYMNS TO GOD, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 5.2 United Prayer Acts 4:31 and 13-1-3 Psalm 133 Here we see that the anointing dwells where there is unity of praise and worship and prayer. 93 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 94 NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 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Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Lecture 1: Basic Principles of Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Lecture 2: The History of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Lecture 3: Church Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Lecture 4: God Establishes His Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Lecture 5: Authority Instituted by God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Spiritual Authority CHRISTIANLIFETRAINING In this Section: 95 In these days, as in days to come, the Church desperately needs to function with Authority and Power to have its God-designed impact on the world. Christian Life Training © 2008 TT he material contained in this course is of major importance. If you will take and run with this concept your life and ministry will change! Most of you reading this book just long for God to use you in a more powerful way You know that you are already playing a key role in building Jesus’ Church. But if we’re honest in our thinking, we know that all of our success makes up only a part of what God can do through us ... and our Church. ‘Spiritual Authority’ deals with what is probably the single most powerful concept available to God’s people; and which should be a natural everyday part of every Church that is serious about God. But the sad truth is that for many congregations the exercise of ‘Spiritual Authority’ just isn’t there; and where it is in part, it has been watered down to suit contemporary views about what ‘Churchianity’ is. Whatever happened to the New Testament model ? The matter of ‘Spiritual Authority’ is therefore of major importance, particularly as the world in which we live is growing to be – amongst other things – increasingly volatile, materialistic and seductive. Without doubt this is having an effect on Believers’ views and commitment to God and His Church. In these days, as in days to come, the Church desperately needs to function with Authority and Power to have its Goddesigned impact on the world. As you read this material you will realise that it is not just cosmetic change but deep paradigm-shifts that are needed to bring most Churches in line with God’s way of doing things. Much of the Church, and indeed its leadership as well, need a new mindset. And that goes not just for many of the main-line Churches so steeped in tradition, but also for some Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches where tradition of differing kinds is also fi rmly embedded. We do hope that Spiritual Authority will become the major driving force in your ministry under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Introduction 96 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority BASICPRINCIPLESOFAUTHORITY Basic Principles of Authority LECTURE 1 Too often believers try to promote miracles without a grasp of God’s system of delegated Authority – this understanding needs to come first! 1. Restoration of Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Authority relinquished. Authority regained. Authority restored. 2. Levels of Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 The highest authority. The higher authority. The lower authority. 3. Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 The responsibility of followership. The responsibility of leaders. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and discuss Biblical concepts of Authority. Objectives: � To state Biblical Concepts of Authority Saying that – Final Authority rests with God. Man was created to rule. The fall was reason for its loss. That Authority went to Satan. Jesus restored it again to believers. � To discuss the Operation of Authority Recalling that – Satan has no hold over regenerate man. Jesus speaks as a regenerate man. All Authority is given to Him. There is no Authority but of God. � To state the Position of the Church Recognising that – Truth carries undeniable Authority. God is the Higher Authority. We have delegated Authority from God. Leaders carry delegated Authority. � To understand Miraculous Events Knowing that – They are not only Sovereign Godly acts. They occur under His Authority within His divine laws and by His people in His Kingdom. 97 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE 98 W e often hear people referring to miracles as a sovereign act of God. It is interesting to note that this word - sovereign - does not appear in the New Testament. � Qualify your Terminology It is important to think about and understand the things we say. When we examine sovereignty, a word which means “someone in the place of highest authority” in a realm, we therefore have to take a closer look at the subject of authority. � Three Major Meanings � Power to Infl uence Any offi cer of the government has this power, especially those in uniform, such as the Police or Traffi c Department. Traffi c offi cers carry their power to infl uence in their uniforms. When he stands in an intersection he has the power to infl uence the traffi c and direct it whenever he wants to. � Persons in Command A person in authority is the person who has the right to command or who has the highest level of responsibility in any given situation. � An Authority on the Subject Someone who has gained knowledge through experience and skill, is said to be an authority on the subject. By the fact that he knows more than anyone else in his sphere of infl uence, he is an authority. � The Scriptures A synonym for authority is infl uence or power. In the Bible the words power and authority are used inter-changeably. The word power often means ability and not authority, but when we operate in the power and ability of God we become an authority at that moment. � In the Old Testament The word authority is used twice only. Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice. Esther 9:29 T h e n queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew wrote with FULL AUTHORITY. This word in the Hebrew means “to increase” that is “the ability to increase, grow or expand”. � In the New Testament The Greek language has four nouns and three verbs: nouns being a name, place or thing and a verb being action or that which is done. ▪ Lawful or liberty Having the liberty or freedom to act and carry out that which is lawful. ▪ Ability to order or command To expect action and obedience Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority BASICPRINCIPLESOFAUTHORITY 99 ▪ High place or excellency This refers to someone who sits in a place of high esteem and respect ▪ Power or might This is someone whose ability earns him the right to rule and lead ▪ Power This is the action that is the result of someone exercising authority ▪ Exercise authority in the home This is where the man is the head of the home under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. ▪ Dominion and independence This refers to someone who has been given authority and can make decisions without approval. We must understand the importance of authority: who has authority and how to operate with authority. If we do not, we are living in ignorance and are liable to suffer loss or pain. Acts 19:13-16 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists TOOK IT UPON THEMSELVES to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying: We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said: Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? Then the man in whom the evil spirit was LEAPED ON THEM, OVERPOWERED THEM, and PREVAILED against them, so that they fl ed out of the house NAKED and WOUNDED. Matthew 8:9, 10 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one: Go and he goes; and to another: Come, and he comes; and to my servant: Do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to those who followed: Assuredly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! There is a sense in which faith also comes through understanding authority. 1. The Restoration of Authority When we are born, we automatically become citizens of the country we are born in, and as such we have rights and privileges. 1.1 Authority Relinquished Psalm 8:4-6 What is man that you are mindful of him. And the Son of man that you visit Him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels [marg: God] and you have crowned him with glory and honour. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands. � Man was Created to Rule God made man to be caretaker of creation – he was given authority and dominion second only to God. This authority existed as long as man was under the authority of God. The only reason for man’s possession of authority was because God gave him authority. As long as man was obedient to the One who gave the right to rule, he had authority. Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE � The Fall of Man Man decided, by choice, to obey satan and thus gave his position of authority to God’s arch-enemy. � The God of this World The authority man had was handed over to the evil tyrannical dictator whose only motivation was bitter envy and selfi sh ambition. His only interest was to be treated as God and worshipped in the place of God, having no interest in anyone else but himself. James 4:1, 2 Where do wars and fi ghts come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasures that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fi ght and war. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Selfi sh desires and ambitions are the reason for the violence, poverty, war, murder, rape, etc. in our world – all these refl ect the nature and characteristics of the world’s father, the devil. 1.2 Authority Regained � The Wages of Sin is Death The devil, of all creatures, understood very well this part of the fi rst law that God had issued. He began to hold man guilty and accuse him. If God said that the soul who sins shall die, then that must take place. In order to satisfy this, God became a man in every way like us, yet without sin. Being without sin the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, Perfect Man partaking of fl esh and blood, could offer Himself as a substitute – He took the death penalty reserved for man, and so liberated man from death. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the POWER OF DARKNESS and transferred us into the KINGDOM OF THE SON OF HIS LOVE. � Man has Regained Authority Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came and spoke to them saying: ALL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH. 1.3 Authority Restored Jesus was speaking as a resurrected man when he said that all authority had been given to him. Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the AUTHORITY to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the POWER OF THE ENEMY, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. � We are in the same Family James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the Word of Truth. � We are given the Right to the Name � Cast out demons � Heal the sick � Speak in tongues � Come to the Father � Ask whatever we desire, according to His Word 100 Man lost his authority to the devil God will not go against His Word Satan has no more hold over man Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Son of the Living God Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority BASICPRINCIPLESOFAUTHORITY 2. Levels of Authority God has set up an authority structure which is not man-made or devised. It did not originate in the mind of man. � Rebellious Man If we had our way we would set ourselves up as the highest authority, every man for himself, king of his own world. It is this power struggle that creates such chaos and havoc in the world. 2.1 The Highest Authority Romans 13:1-8 � Authorities are Ordained by God This states that the highest authority is God Himself – He is the highest, supreme and absolute authority. � God is Sovereign Usually the word also means ‘unqualifi ed authority’. God has revealed Himself in His Word but since we can never have a full revelation of God, this revelation cannot limit Him or qualify every action of God. Being God, He will never violate or act in contradiction to His Word that has revealed His character – although the revelation is limited. � A Sovereign Act of God This is so if it fulfi ls His Word but anything else is not God’s doing. � Jesus is far Above all Authority Ephesians 1:19-23 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fi lls all in all. God the Father established the authority of Jesus. Hebrews 1:1-9 God the Father MADE JESUS CHRIST GOD and God the Father anointed God the Son. We are shown that JESUS CHRIST under the Father is the HIGHEST AUTHORITY there is. Revelation 19:13, 16 And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called the Word of God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. [KJV] � The Head and the Body The body enjoys the same privileges as the head, but is subject to the head. The body receives all its instructions from the head via the nervous system. The head and the nervous system, which we will liken to the Holy Spirit, are responsible for the movement of the body. 101 There is no authority but of God The operation of the Laws of God, known or unknown Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE � The Body has been given a Position Ephesians 2:1-6 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ... according to the prince of the power of the air ... among whom we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our fl esh, ... and were by nature the children of wrath, just as the others. BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ [by grace you have been saved], and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. � Do not put Blame on God Some who teach about the sovereignty of God, omit the fact that we have to obey God’s laws and then put the blame for failure onto God. If people operate in the principles of the Word of God – there will be a sovereign act of God. Galatians 6:1-10 2.2 The Higher Authority John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth, YOUR WORD IS TRUTH. Truth always carries undeniable authority which cannot be resisted. The fact that it is true gives it authority. John 14:6 Jesus said to him: I am the Way, THE TRUTH and the Life. John 8:32 And you shall know THE TRUTH and THE TRUTH shall make you free. � The Authority of the Conscience Romans 13:1, 5 Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained by God. Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [KJV] Conscience is made up of two words: ‘con’ and ‘science’, which means the ‘combination of two kinds of knowledge’. In this case; knowledge from above and knowledge from within. When these are in agreement we have authority to act. When we are low in spiritual knowledge and high in mental knowledge we live in an area of doubt and confusion. Romans 12:12-16 and 14:17-23 2.3 The Lower Authority � Delegated authority � Stipulated authority � Functional authority � Customary authority � Delegated Authority Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, that they may do it WITH JOY, and NOT WITH GRIEF: for that would be UNPROFITABLE TO YOU. [KJV] This is where one person has been appointed by someone in authority or a governing body to act on their behalf. In the church Jesus as the head has delegated various aspects of His authority to men in the form of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. 102 Derived authority must be exercised within boundaries 2+2=4 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority BASICPRINCIPLESOFAUTHORITY � The Word “Rule” - To lead like a shepherd - Authority created by responsibility � Stipulated Authority Genesis 29:18-21 This is a branch of delegated authority whereby authority is stipulated and defi ned. � Functional Authority Proverbs 18:16 A MAN’S GIFT makes room for him, and brings him before great men. This is authority which comes with skill and ability – either learned or by birth. � Customary Authority 1 Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. [KJV] Matthew 15:1-9 The Kingdom of God consists of those with the attitude of a servant and of a child. In the kingdom the least are in the highest position. Ephesians 5:21 Submitting to one another in the fear of God. God’s leaders have come to serve and not to be served. � Uncompromising Servants We serve under authority of God’s Word and not outside of God’s Word. We obey God rather than men but with a serving attitude. Matthew 20:20-28 Acts 23:1-5 3. Leadership We will deal with this subject in detail in the fi nal two chapters. For now, let us lay down a few principles on the subject of leadership and followership. 3.1 The Responsibility of Followership � Analyse The Quality of Leadership We are meant to follow those who provide worthy examples. We are to beware of false teachers and false prophets and be careful of those who infl uence us, lest we become like them. Isaiah 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master as with the maid, so with her mistress. � Watch those who seek authority � Serve those who seek responsibility � Submission and Obedience We submit as unto the Lord, i.e. to the Word and not in an area where we must disobey the Word. Avoid customs that nullify the Word Submission is dedication to another’s success 103 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE 3.2 The Responsibility of Leaders 1 Timothy 4:10-16 � Labour � Suffer reproach � Let no one despise your youth � Do not neglect the gifts in you � Meditate on these things � Give yourself entirely to them � Let your progress be evident to all � Give attention to reading � Give attention to exhortation � Give attention to doctrine � Take heed to yourself � Continue in the Word � Be an example to the believers in: word; conduct; love; spirit; faith and purity 104 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority THEHISTORYOFTHECHURCH The HistorThe History of the Church LECTURE 2 The Story of the Church is exciting – with the greatest excitement – by far – still to come. It is said of the modern (End-Time) Church that it will yet be like gold refined in the fire! 1. Early Church Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 A Quick overview. The authority, power and character of Jesus Christ. The early Church age. 2. Persecuted Church Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 3. Apostate Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 4. Catholic Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 5. Reformation Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 6. Wesleyan Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 7. Modern Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and discuss the main historical developments of the Church. Objectives: � To note the Dynamics of the New Testament Church Taking note of – The model that Jesus launched; The impetus of the Holy Spirit; The value of Five-fold Leadership; The Power of the Gifts of the Spirit; and The effects of Persecution. � To examine Reasons for the Dark Ages Noting the rise of – Apostacy, Priestcraft, Sacramentariasm and Monasticism. � To observe the Ebb and Flow of Authority Recording it as being – Strong amongst the Apostles; Evident in the early Church; Dying spiritually in the Dark Ages; Being restored in the Modern Church. � To see the Emergence of Spiritual Light Noting – The Reformation with its Priesthood of all Believers; and The Wesleyan Church with the beginnings of Sanctifi cation. � To identify the End-Time Church Seeing – What you are part of; God’s increasing Restoration Work; and Its prophetic shape. 105 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 106 W e will endeavour to show in our study of the history of the church how our understanding of authority can be affected through tradition. We will show how church government was affected and how far away or how near to the New Testament the church has gone. The book of Revelation gives us seven churches which probably dealt with the physical churches in those cities at the time. At the same time we can see a progressive unfolding of the history of the church prophetically declared in Revelation. It is a shock to see what the church went through in the last 2000 years and it is a miracle that it has turned out the way it has today! � The Best Time is Now! It is agreed by many that the modern church is the best period in history the church has ever been. As chaotic as it may seem at the moment, it takes only a glance of History to reveal that there have been much worse periods. At the same time we have not even touched the things [the glory] that God has prepared for us. Acts 3:19-21 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that TIMES OF REFRESHING may come from the PRESENCE OF THE LORD and that He may send Jesus Christ ... whom heaven must receive [hold back] until the TIMES OF RESTORATION of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. � The Law of Restoration The Bible law of restoration is that there is always a greater amount restored than was lost or taken away. � Stolen goods are restored with 20% interest � A stolen ox is restored 5 times more � A stolen sheep is restored 4 times more Exodus 22 It is never the same amount that is restored; it is always more. � The First shall be Last Matthew 20:16 So the last will be fi rst and the fi rst last. The fi rst to go out of the church, i.e. the apostles will be the last to be restored; only this will be greater than in the early church because of the law of restoration. This is promised in: Haggai 2:9 The glory of the latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. James 5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the EARLY and LATTER RAIN. The Church lost its authority and is now in the process where authority is being restored. By authority we do not mean the kind of domineering authority which the church endured in the Dark Ages, but authority by example or humble authority which is the true Biblical authority and the highest form. The Head has already done a miraculous work of restoration Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority THEHISTORYOFTHECHURCH 107 1. The Early Church 1.1 A Quick Overview The Church was born on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers in the Upper Room. The Holy Spirit immediately began to reveal to the apostles the way the Church was to be structured. 1.2 The Authority of Jesus Christ � The Priority of Jesus Christ Mark 3:13-15 He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, [whom He also named apostles] that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons. Early in His ministry Jesus selected twelve of His disciples and appointed them as apostles. � The Book of Acts Acts 13:1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain PROPHETS and TEACHERS ... At this time in the Gospels and the Book of Acts we see the appointment of: � Apostles � Prophets � Teachers � Evangelists We also see the appointment of: � Elders and Deacons � Elders There are two words for elder – ‘episkopos’ and ‘presbuteros’ which mean ‘overseer’ and ‘older person’ respectively, referring to the ministry and maturity of the person. Paul appointed mature people to look after the churches he founded. These men seem to have been full-time in the ministry. � Deacons This is simply - ‘one who is a servant’ or ‘helper’. � The Epistles The Acts show us the hows whereas the epistles show the whys and give us the teaching concerning that which we see happening in Acts. � The Pastor This is from the word ‘poimen’, which literally means ‘shepherd of a fl ock’. All of the fivefold ministry are elders but not all elders are in the fivefold ministry Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 1.3 The Power of Jesus Christ � The Gifts of the Holy Spirit This is the power of Jesus Christ revealed in the church, His body. The Book of Acts, Corinthians and the Epistles show that the early church did not lack in any spiritual gift. They were gifted with signs and wonders and miracles which followed the preaching of the Gospel. All who believed were used - from the apostles to any member of the Church. The believers demonstrated the resurrection life of the Risen Lord! Without this, Judaism and other religions are dead! 1.4 The Character of Jesus Christ � The Fruit of the Holy Spirit This is what governed the early church – the character and nature of God. The love of God was shed abroad by the Holy Spirit into the hearts of all the believers. These were the things that the early church was patterned on – the things God had inspired New Testament writers to record as a pattern. It is amazing to see how soon things deteriorated within the fi rst three hundred years of the history of the Church. Instead of improving, the Church deteriorated into a great falling away or apostasy. 1.5 The Early Church Age The book of Revelation is a prophetic record of things which must soon come to pass. Revelation 1:1-3 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants – THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY TAKE PLACE. Blessed is he who READS and those who HEAR THE WORDS of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the TIME IS NEAR. Here we see that future things are about to unfold. In retrospect, we can see that they have already unfolded so that the seven churches represent seven church ages. � The Ephesian Church Age Revelation 2:1-7 This age began with the writing of this book in about 96 AD and ended in about 100 AD. � Ephesus This is a word which means – ‘to let go’ or ‘to relax effort’. The Church had come through a persecution mainly from the Judaistic quarter – Christianity being considered a Judaistic cult or heresy, a break away from Judaism. Christians still met in synagogues trying to convince family members and religious leaders that this truly ‘is’ the New Covenant, a fulfi lment of the Old Covenant. 108 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority THEHISTORYOFTHECHURCH Through constant rejection by family and religious leaders, believers began to relax their efforts in the Church. The book of Hebrews was written to exhort and encourage these people not to relax or let go. � The Good Points – Laboured unceasingly – Much patience – Against falsehood and lies � The Fault They had lost their fi rst love This is the time in the church when everyone was expecting the Lord to return. Many gave up work and waited for Jesus. In 70 AD, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed and Jesus had not returned, the church became discouraged. 2. The Persecuted Church � The Smyrnaean Age – 100 AD - 313 AD Revelation 2:8-11 � Smyrna This word means anointing oil. � The Good Points Endured persecution � The Fault None This church had nothing held against it. By now the persecution moved from in-house persecution to national Roman Law. Christianity had become a threat to the pagan Roman Empire which was considered deity, and so that Christ Jesus began to be the chief rival for adherents. The church was ruthlessly attacked. It was only the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit that kept the church alive and vibrant in this time. There were about ten prosecutions in the 213 year period. Of the seventh persecution of 236 AD Fox’s Book of Martyrs’ says: “The Christians were in all parts of the Empire driven from their homes, and tormented in their bodies; racks and prisons, axes and halters, fi re and wild beasts, scalding pitch and melting wax, sharp stakes and burning pincers, were but some of the methods of their cruel treatment.” � Even Greater Persecution Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. From 303 AD to 313 AD, the church of that period suffered the climax of all the terrible prosecutions under the Emperor Diocletian. All Churches, Scriptures and Christians were to be removed from the face of the earth. At the end of it Diocletian, Maximian and Galerius celebrated their success of having “totally destroyed this Christian superstition”. 109 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO � The Authority Structure Matthew 26:31 I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the fl ock will be scattered. The worst to suffer was the leadership of the church – the fi vefold ministry. We see that these prosecutions were inspired by the devil. God’s kingdom is always attacked by the devil, who understands the principle of taking out the leaders to weaken the church with aimlessness. By the end of this period there was a shortage of God-appointed men in authority and man began to bring in his own plans and schemes. The seeds of the separation of the ministry and the laity were sown. � The New Testament At this stage there was no New Testament in the hands of the people - there was still no established format as being authoritative. Many heresies were in existence which provoked the church into exclusiveness – one denomination and one doctrine. Some men began to exalt the episcopate or eldership as the only interpreters of truth, etc. Others began introducing the doctrine of the priesthood of the clergy. However these were only the beginnings of the traditions of men that were creeping in. 3. The Apostate Church � The Pergamos Age 313 AD - 606 AD Revelation 2:12-17 � Pergamos This word means – ‘married to power’. � The Good Points They did not deny the truth � Faults ▪ The doctrine of Balaam ▪ The doctrine of Nicolaitans In 306 AD Constantus, the Emperor of Rome, died and was succeeded by his son, Constantine, who immediately had to fi ght a power struggle for the throne. It was just before the battle of Milvian Bridge on 27 October 312 AD that he saw the fl aming cross with the inscription ‘By this Sign we Conquer’ which changed the direction of his life. He began to support the Christian cause. In 312 AD he became joint Emperor with Licinius and in March 313 AD they issued A Decree of Tolerance toward the Christian faith. Eleven years later in 324 AD he quarrelled with Licinius, he defeated him in Adrianople and so became master of the Empire. Constantine now became more vain and self-complacent with the increase of his power and liked to array himself in magnifi cent garments. He began presenting the leadership of the church, by this time called bishops, with robes of splendour and glitter to compare with the best vestments of the pagan high priests. 110 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority THEHISTORYOFTHECHURCH By the end of the fourth century the church began to move toward priestcraft, sacramentarianism and monasticism. Numbers 25 :1-9 Balaam means – ‘destroyer of the people’. Balaam, the prophet, refused to curse the Israelites, but told the Gentile king, who was willing to pay him to curse them, how to get God to curse and destroy them: through fornication and idolatry. Constantine suddenly brought favour to Christians and rejection to pagans. The result was that the pagans began calling themselves christians and brought their pagan practices into the church. � The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans Nicolaitan means – ‘conqueror of the people’. The church at the end of the sixth century stands in stark contrast to that of the fi rst. We see the basic doctrines of the Bible now being perverted and dissolved. � The Bishop of Rome He is called the father and head of the church. He has changed from a humble pastor to a man who exercises great authority and power. He is a diplomat equal to and above the kings of the nations. � The Lord’s Supper The presence of God is physical in the bread and wine and the communion altar has become an altar of sacrifi ce where Christ is re-sacrifi ced again and again. This is similar to pagan practices. � Purgatory This is taught as a place where Christians are purged of sins through fi re in a place under the earth. � Prayer for the dead to dead Saints – in preparation for heaven � Adoration of Mary � Confession to Man � Place of Worship � Priesthood The priesthood of all believers has been forgotten, and the priest is regarded as different from the laity with special privileges and authority. He handles divine mysteries and his work is magical. He wears special garments. � The True Church We must point out that although the church as a whole was apostate there still remained a remnant who stayed with the truth. They were persecuted and massacred by the apostate church and groups such as the Albigenses and the Waldenses, etc. were put to death. The doctrine of Balaam Paganism became Christianized 111 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 4. The Catholic Church � The Thyatiraean Age 606 AD – 1517 AD Revelation 2:18-29 � Thyatira This word means – ‘ruled by a woman’. � Good Points ▪ Love ▪ Service ▪ Faith ▪ Patience ▪ Works, the last more than the fi rst � FAULTS – Jezebel’s evil doctrine and practices Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrifi ced unto idols. [KJV] The church began to commit spiritual fornication and idolatry with paganistic principles of worship. � Works-centred The ministries, gifts and fruit of the Spirit are ignored and the church has begun to be works-centred. � Jezebel She was a heathen woman, daughter of Ethbaal, the King of Zidon and a priestess of Astarte. She was a worshipper of Baal and married Ahab the King of Israel. Paganism married Christianity. She taught lawlessness and fanaticism, killing the prophets – the very thing Luther despised as a monk. She introduced the worship of Ashtareth - the mother of heaven and maintained 850 priests of idol worship. She dominated Ahab the King as a puppet to carry out her own wicked desires, just like the church leadership of the day. � Ruling with an Iron Fist This is the time when church hierarchy ruled with tyranny and cruelty, where to come against the clergy was almost to come against God Himself. The leadership of the church now consisted of popes, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and monks. Although they made a vow of poverty they lived in great luxury while fl eecing the people of all their riches. They exercised control and domination and used fear as their authority which extended from the lowest to the greatest. In 1075 when Henry IV of England refused to obey the Pope he was deserted by his people who were in fear of the wrath of God. He eventually came in sackcloth and ashes begging forgiveness from the Pope. After being made to stand for four days in the snow he was restored. In about 1300 Boniface 111 issued the Bull ‘Unam Sanctum’. “We declare, state, defi ne and pronounce that for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pope is altogether necessary for salvation.” These were the dark ages 112 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority THEHISTORYOFTHECHURCH 5. The Reformation Church � The Sardis Age 1517 AD to about 1739 AD Revelation 3:1-6 � Sardis This word means – ‘precious stone’ or ‘shining light’. � The Good Points Had a name that it lived out � Faults Was spiritually dead This was the beginning of the restoration. The church had been totally submerged in salvation by works. In fact, Martin Luther, who was a devout Catholic monk, was so concerned about his spiritual state that he would wear horse hair underwear, would have himself fl ogged on a weekly basis, made a pilgrimage to Rome and said prayers on each of St. Peter’s Cathedral steps. He so exasperated his superior that in frustration he told Luther, “Don’t you know that the Scripture says that the just shall live by faith”? The light began to shine and revelation knowledge came. Martin Luther began to unveil many of the un-Biblical practices along with men such as John Calvin, Zwingli and others. But the problem was that they still kept the basic Church hierachy and tight authority. They also persecuted those who were not like-minded and even had some put to death. 6. The Wesleyan Church � The Philadelphian Age 1793 AD - 1800 AD Revelation 3:7-13 The name means – ‘brotherly love’. � Good Points They kept the Word � Faults None The fruit of the Holy Spirit was restored in this age and sanctifi cation and holy living, godliness and humility began to return to the church. The men God raised up from England were John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefi eld, etc. and others from America, like Charles Finney, David Brainerd, Jonathan Edwards, etc. This was the time of the great evangelical thrust into unknown lands. Bible and Missionary Societies spread the Word everywhere. � Church Leadership The church began to meet from house to house again, being led by laymen from whom a high level of consecration was required. Great evangelists had awe-inspiring results. Salvation by faith was the major breakthrough. The priesthood of all believers came in. 113 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 7. The Modern Church � The Laodicean Age Revelation 3:14,21 The name means – ‘ruled by the people’ � The Good Points None � Faults Lukewarmness This is the church inclined to lukewarmness and non-commitment. It is to be like gold refi ned in the fi re, it is to ask for white raiment and eyesalve – the pure Word of God, righteousness and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. � The 20th Century ▪ The Pentecostal Revival – 1900 ▪ The Healing Revival – 1940/50 ▪ The Charismatic Renewal – 1960/70 ▪ The Kingdom of God – 1970/80 ▪ The Glory and Anointing of God – 1990 114 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority CHURCHGOVERNMENT Church Government LECTURE 3 God never intended His Church to be a Democratic Organisation. Rather it is a vibrant Body of People! 1. Traditional Forms of Church Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregational and Biblical Church goverment. 2. Analogies for Church Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 The image of the Church, of the Body, of Workmenship, of the Family, of a Temple, of a Bride and of the Army. 3. Offi ces in the Local Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 4. Defi ning the Offi ces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 The Pastor. The Overseer. The Elder. The Deacon. 5. Qualifi cations for Offi ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 The Overseer and Elder. The Deacon. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and describe the Biblical perspectives of Church government. Objectives: � To recognise the Church as Jesus’ Goal Noting – Not a Building but called-out people; To be led spiritually God’s way; Directed by God’s principles of government. � To note the move to Traditional Leadership Seeing – How Paganism infl uenced Authority Structure; The move away from Five-Fold ministry; Giving rise to various Church Governments - Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregational. � To state what true Church Government is Advising others – That the Pastor is a Gift from the Lord He should select Elders as advisors; That the Church was never intended to be a democracy; Of various Biblical analogies of the Church; And of defi ned Biblical Offi ces / Roles. � To list the Biblical Church Offi ces Describing the role and work of – Pastor, Overseer, Elder, Deacon. 115 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE 116 Ephesians 1:22, 23 And He put ALL things under HIS feet, and gave HIM TO BE HEAD OVER ALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH, which is HIS BODY, the fullness of HIM who fi lls all in all. G od the Father gave Jesus Christ the responsibility of the church – Jesus of Nazareth is the Head of the Church. This means that the church emerges from the Lord Jesus – Jesus is its originator and source. As such the church owes everything scriptural that it has to Jesus Christ. Mathew 16:16-18 You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. ... Jesus answered and said to him ..., on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. � Jesus has one Goal - to build His Church Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that NOW THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD might be made known BY THE CHURCH to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. Everything in the church, everything about the church, every ministry, every gift, every person in the church is the intention of the Lord Jesus. Jesus has set forth principles in the New Testament to which the Church must be subject. He has set forth examples in the book of Acts which the church is obligated to follow. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are the Lord’s idea; so are overseers, elders and deacons; as are administrations and helps; as well as healings, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. We would not have known of these things had we not seen them in the New Testament. � The Church - ‘Ekklesia’ Ekklesia literally means – ’to call out of’, and means ‘a collection of people who have been called out and separated from the world and the dominion of darkness and have been translated into the Kingdom of Christ Jesus’. It is impossible for an individual to be the church, but two or three born again believers make up the church when they assemble together. Ephesians 1:4 ... just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him, in love. The word ‘chosen’ is ‘ekklesia’, the same meaning as ‘church’. When Jesus walked the earth the fi rst thing He did was call out people from whatever they were doing to follow Him. On the Day of Pentecost these people who were called out were fused into one body by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:15, 16 But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into HIM WHO IS THE HEAD – CHRIST – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which EVERY PART DOES ITS SHARE, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. � Effective Working The head wants the church to function well and has set a pattern and a blueprint for it to do so. He has set principles for church The Church is the Lord Jesus Christ’s idea Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority CHURCHGOVERNMENT 117 government! If we carry out those principles we will be part of a functioning church that expresses Jesus Christ to the dying world. When the world looks at the church it should see Jesus Christ moving across the earth in His authority, power and character – this is God’s intention! 1. Traditional Forms of Church Government We saw in the historical survey of the church that paganism infl uenced the authority structure of the church. Despotism, priestcraft, monasticism and the elevation of the clergy crept in and when compared to the New Testament pattern, falls far short of God’s intentions. We are now living in the restoration period of the church where the original pattern of authority is being restored. We have in the church today at least four major groups of church government where we can still see the effects of the past, which have now become traditional. 1.1 Espiscopalian Church Government This form of government is found in church groups such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Episcopalian Church, American Methodist, Lutheran, etc. The word ‘episcopalian’ comes from the Greek word ‘episcopos’ meaning bishop or overseer and thus these churches are ruled by bishops and overseers where nothing is mentioned of the fi vefold ministry gifts, which God sets in the church. The Roman Catholic Church which comes out of the Thyatiraean Age of the church (the church of the dark ages where biblical revelation was quenched and distorted by paganism), an age where people were burnt at the stake for possessing a Bible, is the main propagator of this form of government. The line of authority begins with the highest ranking Bishop – the pope or the father of the church followed by cardinals or the Cardinal Bishop; thereafter archbishops, bishops and fi nally the local priest who functions as a pastor. In the Scripture it is apostles and pastors who appoint elders and pastors, recognizing their ministry gift. Five fold ministry gifts are submitted in their ministry one to another [Ephesians 5:21]. The name bishop or overseer is a function of responsibility in any of the various areas of church structure and can therefore be used in any of these levels. 1.2 Presbyterian Church Government Presbyterian comes from the Greek ward – ‘presbuteros’ which means ‘older’ or ‘elder’, ‘one who is mature’. 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the PRESBYTERY. This form of government gives the authority for the local church to a group of elders. This is found in the Presbyterian Church, Pentecostal Holiness, Plymouth Brethren, etc. where the church is governed by a group of elders traditionally numbering either seven, ten or twelve. The elders are either over the pastor or at least equal to the pastor, and The Church should be the fragrance of Christ on the earth Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE in most cases the pastor is employed by the elders. The New Testament shows that the pastor is a ministry gift from the Lord Jesus Christ and elders are to be selected and ordained by the pastor to help him [not hinder him] in his ministry, prodding counsel and advice but not to make decisions for him. Proverbs 11:14 In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Under such government there is normally a vote on the will of God whether to do it or not. How can man vote on the will of God? God sends a ministry gift with a vision and a commission which must be carried out; God adds helpers and counsellors to achieve this vision – which is ultimately to bring the church into maturity. 1.3 Congregational Church Government This is where the congregation has the authority where all decisions are voted for. Under this form we fi nd Baptists, Assemblies of God, Congregationalists, etc. This came in with the rise of democracy which infi ltrated from the state into the church. The last church age is the Laodicean Age which means ‘ruled by the people’ or ‘democracy’. This kind does not enhance church growth but rather fosters lukewarmness and apathy where the will of God, the leadlng of the Holy Spirit and the anointing are not respected. The fi vefold ministry is taken for granted and God is not pleased. Throughout the Word, God chose a leader, gave him instructions and sent him to a people. That leader selected others under him to help him accomplish his God-given task. � Abuse of Authority This is the reason the people began to take authority in the church. � Lack of Leadership This is another reason groups of elders wrested authority from the pastors. There are no excuses for overthrowing the biblical principle. God’s way is to call and appoint a servant of the people who will hear God and manage the church under Him – not as a dictator but as an example and a servant. 1.4 Biblical Church Government � The Pastor is a Gift from the Lord Men do not select or elect the pastor of the church. God sends him as a heavenly gift to take the lead. Titus 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and APPOINT ELDERS in every city as I commanded you. Acts 14:23 So when they had APPOINTED ELDERS in every city, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed. 118 The Church is a Theocracy – not a Democracy Divine authority from the throne of God to the people through a Ministry Gift chosen and equipped by Jesus Christ Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority CHURCHGOVERNMENT � The Ministry Gift selects Elders This is not unlimited – there should be a system of checks and balances. Paul never operated by himself and never ministered without his team. � The Pastor and the Elders A pastor with unlimited authority and an elder-dominated church are both playgrounds for the devil. There must be a balance. The pastor must take the rule and the elders should support him with advice and counsel and allow him to make fi nal decisions. Flow and grow or hinder and linger. A new pastor should be allowed to select and appoint his own elders – those who can fl ow with his vision and calling. The pastor should be free to run the church as the Lord leads Him. The board of elders is in an advisory capacity only – the pastor must be allowed to accept or reject this counsel as the Lord leads him. If any members feel that they cannot trust the pastor’s leading and anointing then they should resign or repent immediately. The Lord only commands a blessing on biblical unity. The Advisory Board should consist of administrative elders who help manage and govern the church. They should conform to the qualifi cations of elders and are chosen and appointed by the pastor. � Correcting an erring Pastor At this stage the elder should appeal to the higher authority of apostles and prophets. � Moral or Doctrinal errors These must be by more than two witnesses before an accusation is accepted. Should the pastor fall morally he should be disciplined. The church should also have a statement of faith where a doctrinal standpoint is laid out. This should be the standard of judgement. � Problem-solving, not Problem-centred The board should be men who are full of faith, joy, wisdom [The Word] and the Holy Spirit – men who prayerfully seek the Lord, are led by the Holy Spirit and who understand the principles of servanthood. 2. Analogies for Church Government Ephesians 5:23-24 For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the Church; and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. In the book of Ephesians there are seven analogies or images of the church. To be balanced we should not be guilty of over-emphasizing any of these aspects, since they are equally valid. � The Universal Analogy applies to the Local Church Jesus as head of the universal church is the example of the pastor over the local church. The pastors are the elders and overseers whom Jesus selects and appoints in His universal church. The local church is a miniature of the universal. 119 Men full of faith, joy, wisdom and the Holy Spirit Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE 2.1 The Image of the Church Ephesians 1:22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be HEAD OVER ALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH. The local church is similarly the pastor’s sphere of responsibility and authority. It is a gathering of people for which the pastor is responsible. Head represents source. 2.2 The Image of the Body Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body - the fullness of Him who fi lls all in all. The pastor is to care for and nourish the church as he does his own body. The ministry gift gives direction and leadership to the church as the head does to its body. 2.3 The Image of Workmanship Ephesians 2:10 For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. The local church and its members are the ministry gift’s workmanship: � There is to be preparation � There is to be creating � There are to be results 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers: ... 2.4 The Image of the Family Ephesians 3:15 From whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named. 2.5 The Image of a Temple Ephesians 2:20-21 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord. The pastor, being the cornerstone, sets the standard in the Lord by the Word of God. He builds a habitation for the Lord to dwell in. 2.6 The Image of the Bride Ephesians 5:25, 26 HUSBANDS, love your WIVES, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. � Sacrifi cial giving of himself 2.7 The Image of the Army Finally, ... be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. � To bring order, discipline and obedience into men’s lives 120 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority CHURCHGOVERNMENT 3. The Offices in the Local Church When we look at heaven and the Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we see a wonderful unity and harmony. � Authority and Submission God the Father is in highest authority because Jesus Christ is dedicated to his success while the Holy Spirit is dedicated to exalting Jesus Christ. In the Gospels we fi nd the Father supporting the Son. Rebellion is being dedicated to one’s own success. This is foreign in the Kingdom of God. It should be foreign in the Church. � No submission, no authority � The family Servanthood in a family deserves respect. Dictatorship is despised. � The body The Head is dedicated to the good of the body and the body submits to this ministry. � The Responsibility of the Ministry Gifts Ephesians 4:11-16 4. Defining the Offices We are dealing specifi cally with the local church which is usually made the responsibility of the pastor. The following offi ces fall under the pastor’s care: Overseers, Elders and Deacons. 4.1 The Pastor This comes from the word – ‘polmen’ which literally means ‘shepherd, one who is responsible for a fl ock of sheep’. His function is to: � Protect the sheep � Care for the sheep � Feed the sheep � Lead the sheep The shepherd is to fi nd pasture, lead them to the pasture and feed them, care for their welfare and protect them from attack by predators. A notable characteristic of a shepherd is that he is always with the sheep. 1 Peter 5:1-4 John 21:15-17 4.2 The Overseer When overseers are introduced alongside the pastor we get the picture of expansion where the shepherd has too many sheep to look after and appoints overseers to help. We now have a rancher/ shepherd situation. Each being dedicated to the Other’s success No one usurps authority in heaven! The greatest Servant has the highest authority! We need each other 121 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE The Greek word is ‘episkopos’ – which was used of ’supervisors, foremen, or overseers’. It refers to someone ‘of delegated authority’ in a position to help the ‘chief shepherd’ or the one in authority. This can refer to anyone who has to oversee or supervise anything in the church whether people or things. 4.3 The Elder This refers to a mature person of great experience and wisdom in the things of God and the church. The New Testament uses these two words interchangeably where the one word, overseer refers to the function of the person, while elder, refers to the character of the person. � Administrative Elders � Shepherd Elders 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who RULE WELL be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the WORD and DOCTRlNE. Titus 2:1-3 � Ministry and offi ces 4.4 The Deacon This is the Greek word ‘diakonos’ which simply means ‘helper, server or minister’. It can refer to the ministry gift in general, but refers to helpers and servers of others in particular. 5. The Qualifications for Office � The Overseer and Elder 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus1:5-9 � The Deacon Acts 6:1-7 1 Timothy 3:8-12 The five – fold ministry are all elders but not all elders are five – fold ministry 122 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority GODESTABLISHESHISKINGDOM God Establishes His Kingdom LECTURE 4 Believers have moved from the world’s system into God’s Kingdom – We now have a new culture and must obey the King’s Authority! 1. Jesus learned Obedience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 2. God will extend His Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 3. The Church destined to be a Spearhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 4. The Gospel unto Obedience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 5. The Nations become God’s Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 6. Obey God’s Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and discuss Biblical concepts of Spiritual Authority. Objectives: � To sense God’s desires for His Kingdom Describing how God wants people to love and serve Him, involving obedience to His Authority. � To defi ne the nature of the Kingdom of God Underlining that it is not a physical or geographical place nor a particular denomination nor church but that God’s kingdom is established where people are obedient to Him. � To describe how Jesus launched the Kingdom Showing that He never resisted the Father’s Authority. � To state the role of the church Pointing out that the Church should be the spearhead to Kingdom growth. 123 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 124 Heb 5:8-9 Though He was a Son, yet He LEARNED OBEDIENCE by the things which He suffered And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to ALL WHO OBEY HIM. Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who OBEY HIM. 2 Thess 1:8 in fl aming fi re taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not OBEY the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 1:22 Since you have purifi ed your souls in OBEYING THE TRUTH through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a PURE HEART. 1. Jesus Learned Obedience From the beginning it was God’s plan to have a people – a Kingdom – people who would want to obey Him and live under His Lordship. [In order to depict the principle of authority, God set a standard that had to be complied with by each one who wanted to enter His Kingdom.] We see this principle of obedience depicted in the life of Jesus. Phil 2:7 ... but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN. Jesus entered this world empty-handed. He brought nothing with Him. [He did not bring obedience with Him. He had to learn obedience through His suffering. He learned obedience unto death (Phil 2:8).] Every suffering He endured ripened the fruit of obedience. No suffering could get Him to murmur. Jesus’ obedience proved his total dependence on His Father. If He, as Son of Man, was not obedient, He would not have been able to do what He did. Jesus said: “I do nothing unless I see the Father do it”. Through the life of Jesus Christ, God set an example and a standard for us to obey. The question: “Why did Jesus also have to be obedient?” might arise. We fi nd the answer in this Scripture. Heb 5:9 And having been PERFECTED, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. The standard was set. Jesus brought about eternal salvation for all who obey Him. The life of Jesus was not based on His ability as Son of God but on His obedience to God His Father. We too, are not dependent on our own ability – but should live in total dependence on Jesus in us. 2. God will Extend His Kingdom God has always reigned as the Creator. Already in the remote past we see that there was an order of authority in heaven. The angels were divided into order of rank and there was authority and obedience to authority (Ezekiel 28:14; Isaiah 14:13-14). When some of the angels rose up against the authority of God, they were thrown out of heaven. Jesus emptied Himself when He became Man Jesus became perfect through obedience God reinstitutes his authority through man Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority GODESTABLISHESHISKINGDOM 125 After making man, God transfers the responsibility to be obedient onto man once again. We know that man chose to be disobedient to God and in so doing was cut off from His Glory and His Kingdom. Although God’s creation rejected His authority, He has never done away with the authority which He instituted. The authority and Kingdom of God are always established hand in hand. As soon as I come under God’s reign, His Kingdom is established in my life. � Jesus Casts out Demons When Jesus started driving out demons, He said to His disciples: Matt 12:28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the KINGDOM OF GOD has come upon you. Jesus drove the demons out through total obedience to God the Father. We should obey the Father likewise. When we submit ourselves to God’s authority, we will see the Kingdom established in our lives – and demons will cringe at our rebuke. James 4:7 THEREFORE SUBMIT TO GOD. Resist the devil and he will fl ee from you. Even though Satan will continue to undermine God’s authority and man will continue to rebel against it, all authority is still seated in God. He is the Supreme Authority, He is the King of Kings. How then is the Kingdom of God established? Jesus established it through obedience to God. � Jesus was never disobedient � He never resisted God’s authority � Through walking in obedience and totally submitting to the authority of God, the Kingdom came in His life Jesus taught us to pray for the Kingdom of God to come, and that the will of God may be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). When this prayer is prayed, it places a responsibility on the prayer to be obedient to God. Then the kingdom will come. 3. The Church is Appointed as Spearhead God wants to reveal His Reign in the world through the church. The church is appointed to be to the Praise of God on the earth. Eph 1:12 that we who fi rst trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 3.1 Adam God wanted Adam, the fi rst man, to willingly obey Him. He then would have had authority to rule the earth (creation). Obedience was the condition which God set. Obedience gave him the authority to rule creation. He chose to disobey and thus lost his authority. Instead of ruling over creation he hides away from God Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 3.2 Noah God saved Noah’s family from the fl ood because of his obedience. Later on some of them also despised God’s authority by being disobedient. 3.3 Abraham Years later, Abraham appeared on the scene. The Lord called him away from his father’s household to raise up a nation for God on whom the authority of God would rest. God wanted to establish His Kingdom through Abraham. Because of the disobedience of his descendants, the people of God became slaves in Egypt. It was never God’s plan for them to carry the yoke of slavery. 3.4 Moses When God called Moses, His plan was to take the nation He had chosen, into the promised land. � They were led out of slavery through obedience. They were taken out of reach of the enemy. � Because of unbelief and disobedience they had to wander through the wilderness for forty years. � A second generation learned that they must not be disobedient like their ancestors. They entered the land of Canaan. � Through disobedience they did not drive all the Canaanites out of the Promised Land. 3.5 Saul Saul became the fi rst king of the nation but he also rebelled against God. We read the important words that Samuel spoke to him: 1 Sam 15:22 ... TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. In David, God found a man after His own heart. David was not perfect, yet he always tried to live in obedience to God. The Lord Jesus came into the world to establish the Kingdom of God. His gospel was two-fold ... � Personal To gain eternal life through faith � Corporative To become part of the Kingdom of God through repentance. 3.6 God is Dedicated to His Kingdom When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He gave them the key to life. He showed them what they, His people, must prepare themselves for how hey should live. The prayer starts with ... Matt 6:10 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 126 The Lord wants His children to be free, not slaves!! He wanted to be their God, they had to be His people God’s Kingdom is established where people are obedient to Him It is God’s will that His Kingdom should come on the earth Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority GODESTABLISHESHISKINGDOM � A kingdom is an area where a king reigns � Where his authority counts � Where his authority is esteemed This should be the prayer of every child of God: Let Your Kingdom come in my life! The prayer ends with ... For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory to eternity, amen! Rev 12:10 Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come. Luk 17:21 ... For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Just as the Kingdom was revealed through Jesus, so it must be revealed in the church. Jesus was the Grain of Wheat that fell into the ground and died. In so doing He produced many after His own kind. God planned that we should be His church and His kingdom. The church is the body where the authority of God will be revealed. God does not only want to reveal Himself through a few people, but through the church as a whole. 4. The Gospel unto Obedience The Bible mentions obedience as well as faith. Rom 10:16 ... But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” The principle of obedience is very simple. Jesus puts it this way: If someone hears these sayings of Mine and does them, he is like a wise man ... To hear or to know the Word and not do it has no value. James says that if someone hears the Word and does not do it, he is deceiving himself. 1 Pet 1:22 Since you have purifi ed your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart ... Paul’s fi rst words to Jesus at his conversion were ... Acts 9:6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” And the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” With this attitude he became one of the greatest apostles. He had to hear from Ananias what he would have to suffer for the Name of the Lord (Acts 9:16). The Lord does not only call us to receive His Life through faith but also to acknowledge His Authority through obedience. 127 The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are related to one another. The Lord Jesus was the Kingdom of God revealed in the flesh The life of Jesus is revealed in the Church God desires that the Church as a whole be surrendered to Him The Gospel is believed only when it is obeyed Believers must also become obedient Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR We must obey the authority which God instituted in the ... � home � school � society � church We must submit to these authorities for the Lord’s sake (1 Pet 2:13-17). 5. The Nations can become God’s Kingdom The church must accept God’s authority. It will be the standard that the world can follow. God fi rst established His Kingdom through Jesus. Now it needs to be established through the church and so throughout the world. Rev 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” The church era is the transition of God’s Kingdom from Jesus into the world. Without Jesus there would be no church. The church must let the Kingdom come. Our prayer should always be: Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus let the Kingdom come on earth by total obedience to the Father. The church will also let the Kingdom come on earth through obedience to Jesus living in and through us. 6. Obey God’s Authority The church must maintain the standard of obedience which Jesus set. God’s purpose is that His authority be totally restored to the church, then His Kingdom can be extended. The church must set the standard for obedience according to the authority of God. All resistance to God’s authority must be removed from the church, then God’s will shall triumph. 128 All authority is from God The Kingdom of God can come in your life through obedience to Jesus living in you Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority AUTHORITYINSTITUTEDBYGOD Authority Instituted by God LECTURE 5 One of the Devil’s strategies is to undermine Authority and cause chaos in society – the Church does not have to allow this! 1. In the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 All Authority is from God. 2. In the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 3. At Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 4. In the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 God is a God of Order. 5. The Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Not by Force. Christ and the Church. The Word and the Will of God. The Physical Body. The Spiritual Body. Authority in the Body. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and discuss Biblical concepts of Spiritual Authority. Objectives: � To recognise Authority within God’s Word Seeing the Scriptural examples of submission, the need to share these with others and that we need to be living examples. � To respect God by respecting all Authority Including Authority structure in the World (embodying Civil law and institutions), the Home (covering husbands, wives and children), the Workplace (through correct servant-master relationships), the Church (with Jesus as the Head and everyone else in fi nal submission to Him) and the Body of Christ (with its hierarchy of Leaders and Members). 129 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFIVE 130 Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 1 Pet 2:13-14 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 1. In the World There is no authority except from God. One of the devil’s strategies is to undermine authority. If he can break down authority, chaos reigns in society. People at all levels of life begin to lose respect for authority. The government and its forces are mocked by people, and the media does everything to further this contempt. In England there was a time when the ‘Bobbies’ (policemen) were so respected that if they corrected a child for any wrong he had done, the child’s father would have given him a good hiding. The opposite is true today: They are mocked and despised. In the same way there is an attack against every form of authority. � All Authority is from God God is the source of all authority in the universe. Thus all governing authority is seen as God’s authority which He has delegated to man. In the garden of Eden, man knew God because of His presence. They also knew Him in His absence by being disobedient to His word. In the evening, the Lord walked with Adam, he knew God, he was under His reign. God gave them His word and as long as they obeyed Him, they honoured His authority. In Mark 12:1-9 we see the picture of God’s delegated authority. The tenants would not accept the authority of the servant of the owner. The same thing happened with three servants. They were despised. Even when the owner sent his own son, the tenants would not accept him. This story is so typical of man. He does not easily accept the authority that God has delegated to His servants. God has appointed people through whom He wants to reveal His authority. That is why the Word says we must submit to the authority over us. We cannot submit ourselves only to God’s authority since God has chosen to delegate it. As people, we must submit ourselves to His authority whether it is from His Word or delegated to a person. Paul says that when we do not submit ourselves to authority, we are rebelling against God. He who resists authority resists God and brings judgement upon himself. In the beginning God gave Adam rulership over the whole earth. Genesis 1:26-28 After leading the people out of Egypt, He gave them the Law. An example of this was in Exodus 22:28 – You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. This is proof that God placed them under the authority of leaders. God manifests Himself through His delegated authority His word was His authority Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority AUTHORITYINSTITUTEDBYGOD 131 In Romans 13 we read that all who are in positions of authority are servants of God. Rom 13:5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. Let us look at a very practical example: In light of this scripture, a believer must travel within the speed limits, doing right before God. The reason for this is not because I would not like to get a fi ne or be prosecuted, but because I want to keep my conscience pure before the Lord. As adults we are also examples to our children of how the authority over us is to be respected. 2. In the Family Eph 5:22-24 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and mother,” which is the fi rst commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Col 3:18-20 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fi tting in the Lord ... Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the fl esh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. God gave an authority structure for the home. In these scriptures it is put very plainly. When this authority structure which the Lord placed in the home is respected and practised, the congregation will be blessed as a result. In this portion of scripture we see that the man must put his delegated authority into practice with the same attitude as Jesus and not as a slave-driver. Children who grow up in a home where this order is maintained generally do not have problems with authority when they are grown up. This authority given to the man must never be misused. The attitude towards his wife and family must always be one of love (agape): “As Christ gave Himself for the Church”. 3. In my Work Eph 6:5-7 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the fl esh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. 1 Tim 6:1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. Paul wants us to apply the same principle where one person works for another. Respect must always be shown to that authority. A worker must work well and give honour to his superior because by doing so, he brings honour to the Name of the Lord. When I respect authority, I respect God The man is God’s delegated authority in the family Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFIVE If someone who has a job is not trustworthy or does not show respect towards his superiors, he is slandering the Name of God. The testimony of a believer in a work-situation must always bring honour to the Lord. Eph 6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. All are equal in the eyes of the Lord. God does not regard one person above another. It is very clear that the Word wants to teach us to have order in all our relationships and to honour those to whom honour is due. Phil 2:4-5 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus ... 4. In the Church 1 Thess 5:12-13 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Tim 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. The type of government that God has set in the church is one of example, caring and overseeing. As such, they are to be respected, honoured and obeyed. Jesus is the head of the body and all who are in a leadership role are to submit to His Lordship. Everyone in the church, including the leaders, is there to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and one another with a servant attitude. Jesus said that if anyone wants to be great in the Kingdom of God, he must be the servant of all. The fi ve-fold ministry has the function of training up the saints for the work of the ministry. The leadership, with the congregation, ought to have an attitude of servanthood in order to do the Lord’s work. As an example, Jesus, as the leader of His disciples was there not to be served but to serve. He showed this to them when He washed their feet. Then He said: You must do the same. God has set elders within the church to lead His people by example. They have been given this function to serve the people, not to lord it over them. Women within the church stand under the headship of their husbands. 1 Cor 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. The Lord once again leads the way. When Jesus was on earth, He did only the things He had seen the Father do – He was under the Lordship of God. The man is always under the Lordship of Christ, and the wife under that of her husband. This doesn’t mean that a wife cannot develop her own ministry to its full potential, but it means that she stands under the covering of her husband. 132 Esteem others as higher than yourself Everyone must have an attitude of servanthood Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority AUTHORITYINSTITUTEDBYGOD Just as the husband stands under the headship of Jesus, the wife is under the headship of her husband. Jesus would like to see the man develop to his full potential in his ministry. Likewise, every man who understands this type of authority, wants to see his wife develop to her full potential in her ministry. The man and woman who understand this authority will, together, draw closer to the Lord and develop to their fullest potential in Him. God has appointed leaders in the spiritual world as well. 2 Pet 2:10-11 ... and especially those who walk according to the fl esh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” In the spiritual world there is a structure of authority which is strictly observed. � God is a God of Order Man received authority from God to rebuke and drive out the devil. It is a delegated authority and must not be misused. Jesus took on a body of fl esh and blood especially to overcome the devil as a man. That is why He can give us authority over the works of the enemy. We see too in Acts 15 that there was an order of authority in the congregation. There were apostles, elders and brethren who all took part in the discussion but when the decision was reached, it was James who summarised and suggested action upon it. 1 Pet 5:2 Shepherd the fl ock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly ... The authority that God has delegated may not be misused. Paul never forced anyone to submit to him. He gave them the choice to follow his example and actually showed them how to follow. 2 Thess 3:9. People need to choose carefully who to follow and submit to. The Word encourages us to “test the spirits”. We need to know of what spirit the leaders are before we commit ourselves to follow them. The one who misuses authority is responsible to God. The Lord expects us to obey His Word in all these things – not just one aspect of it. There is scriptural basis for disobeying authority: when that authority places expectations on you that are contrary to God’s Word. Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.” The rulers, elders and scribes wanted to forbid the apostles to speak in the name of Jesus. The church had a direct word from God to preach the gospel and could not keep silent. 133 God made the man and his wife one so that they can complement one another Carefully submit to delegated authority To reject true delegated authority is to reject God Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFIVE 5. The Body 1 Cor 12:12-13 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. The fullness of the authority of God is expressed in His body, the church. The church depicts the authority of God to the world. The authorities, parents, children, masters and servants should all look to the church to see how submission to authority should work. � Not by Force Authority in the world is mostly forced onto people. It does not come from the heart and that is why people rebel against it. In contrast to this, the authority in the body of Christ comes from the heart and not by force. Any other form of authority in the body would be wrong. Jesus says there must be no lording it over anyone or “exercising authority” over people. Matthew 20:25-26 � Christ and the Church The relationship between Christ and the church depicts true authority and obedience. The church does not function with rules and regulations but with a relationship of love. Jesus is the head of the church, the body. This relationship implies that there always needs to be unity and the church must always submit to the head. The body functions according to the commands of the head, never the other way around. � The Word and the Will of God Only when we as the body of Christ, live in total obedience to the Word of God, will a full revelation of the will of God be experienced. The body will then spontaneously obey the will of God. � The Physical Body A normal body functions normally. Messages are sent from the brain, the head, telling the hand to move. Other parts of the body are mobilised to help the hand to carry out the command. If this does not happen, the body is not functioning properly. If the arm had to say, “I am tired of helping this hand,” the body would be defective. 134 Full expression is given to authority in the body If the head and the body separate from one another, it will bring death Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Spiritual Authority AUTHORITYINSTITUTEDBYGOD � The Spiritual Body When Jesus (the head) gives a command to the body, the members become available to one another in order to carry out the order. � All the members work together � All the members are important � All are dependent on one another � Each one is available � Everyone wants to obey the Head � Authority in the Body As we have already seen, the Lord has called leaders in the body. These leaders are to lead the fl ock by example, caring and overseeing. Each member, together with the leaders should work together, being available to one another, to serve the Lord and fulfi l His commands. We should not see ourselves as individuals in the church (body). There should be unity in the body. By supplying what you have received from the Lord, the body can function effectively, as every member (part) does its share. Eph 4:15-16 ... but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. There is no competition in a body To work against members of the body is to work against the head When you acknowledge other members and the riches of their giftings – without envy or jealousy – you actually acknowledge and receive Jesus! 135 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFIVE 136 NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................ ......... ...... .................................. ......... ............... ......................... ......... ........................ ................ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ... ...... ............................ ............ ......... ............................... ......... ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ............. ........................... ......... ...................... .................. ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: Defi nition of the Kingdom of God - Part One . . . . . . . 139 Defi nition of the Kingdom of God - Part Two . . . . . . . . 147 How is the Kingdom of God Realized? . . . . . . . . . . . 153 How the Kingdom is Realized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 The Kingdom Within You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Only One Gospel! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 The King & His Kingdom CHRISTIANLIFETRAINING Before the Gospel of the Kingdom of God can be taken to the world, the Light of this Gospel must penetrate and bring deliverance to the dark areas of culture, politics and religion that have been handed down to us! In this Section: 137 Christian Life Training © 2008 I Introduction n Matthew 4:17, after John the Baptist identifi es Him, Jesus makes a profound statement: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. ”The concept, ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, was apparently not unfamiliar to the listening crowd. John the Baptist and Jesus did not casually refer to the Kingdom of Heaven but made distinct announcements that this Kingdom was at hand. Hearing the message of the Kingdom, they knew that God‘s dominion had been restored on earth. Although the expression ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and ‘Kingdom of God’ do not occur in the Old Testament, the writers have clearly referred to the Dominion of God. “Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:14 The central theme of Jesus‘ preaching was the Kingdom of God. After His resurrection, Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God to His disciples. “... Being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” Philip’s message was the same - Acts 8:12: “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.” Paul’s message was the same - Acts 28:23: “So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testifi ed of the kingdom of God.” Jesus clearly states that an exceptional message will be proclaimed throughout the world before the end comes - Mattheüs 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” From this we realize that we are living in exciting times. We have been brought into the Kingdom for just such a time as this. The world systems, especially religious ones, are crumbling. The voice (Word) of God is shaking the heavens and the earth and only that which is of this unshakable Kingdom will stand. The fi nal dispensation will be the Kingdom of God! 138 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartOne Definition of the Kingdom of God Part 1 LECTURE 1 The Kingdom of God is an extension of God‘s reign on the earth and in the universe. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! 1. What is the Kingdom of God? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Extension. Domain or area. Righteousness, peace and joy. King and Lord. Will and purpose of God. Theocracy. Present-day reality. 2. Where is the Kingdom of God? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Realm. Holy Spirit. Born again people. Jesus as Lord. 3. How Long has the Kingdom Existed? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 No Kingdom without a King. Everlasting Kingdom. Sovereign. 4. What is the Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 No difference. Kingdom of Heaven. The conclusion. Original Biblical truth. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Defi ne the Kingdom of God and understand what and where the Kingdom of God is and how long it existed. Objectives: � To understand the Biblical foundation for the Kingdom of God By prayerfully studying all Scripture given. � To understand the concept of the Kingdom of God By diligently studying the content of this lecture and participating in all discussions. � To demonstrate your knowledge of the Kingdom of God By explaining it to others. � To accept King Jesus as Lord in every area of your life By experiencing Kingdom Life, which is a life of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 139 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE 140 T he central theme of Jesus‘ preaching was the Kingdom of God. After His resurrection, Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God to His disciples. “... Being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God”. � Philip’s message was the same Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. � Paul’s message was the same Acts 28:23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testifi ed of the kingdom of God. � The End-time Gospel Jesus clearly states that an exceptional message will be proclaimed throughout the world before the end comes. Mattheüs 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” 1. What is the Kingdom of God? 1.1 Extension The Kingdom of God is an extension of God‘s reign on the earth and in the universe. The reason for the coming of Jesus was to establish God‘s reign on earth. Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. When man obeys God and does His will, the Kingdom of God is at hand. 1.2 Domain or Area Our modern way of thinking describes Kingdom as a domain or area where a king rules. It is the king‘s domain, an area or realm where someone exercises total authority. In the Word, the Kingdom of God is more than a domain or place, e.g. “heaven” is also a “condition” where Jesus rules and reigns. It is the reign of the King in the lives of His willing servants where His principles are implemented in our daily lives. Mark 10:15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” To receive the Kingdom is to receive God‘s reign in our lives. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little fl ock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 1.3 Righteousness, Peace and Joy The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Matthew 4:17: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartOne 141 When I make a decision of my will to allow Jesus to reign in every area of my life, the result is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When I say “let your Kingdom come”, I am saying “let your reign be realized in my ... � relationships with people � marriage � fi nances � every area of my life” The reign of God must be practically lived and worked out by doing the Word. Let us take forgiveness as an example. � Forgiveness In personal confl ict situations, the King says: to enjoy righteousness, peace and joy, you must humble yourself and forgive and love your enemies. Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” By forgiving, you apply kingdom principles to your life. By a decision of your will, you allow Christ to reign in that area of your life and the result is “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is a peace that passes all understanding. � Let your Kingdom come in my life � Let your Kingdom come in my family � Let your Kingdom come in my congregation � Let your Kingdom come in our society � Let your Kingdom come in our fi nances 1.4 King and Lord The Kingdom of God is where Jesus is King and Lord. 1.5 Will and Purpose of God The Kingdom of God and the establishing thereof is the will and purpose of God for all mankind. God‘s will is the extension of His Reign. � Personally � Marriage � Congregation � Society � Country 1.6 Theocracy The Kingdom of God is a “Theocracy”, or a place where God reigns which means “A Kingdom of people who are ruled by God.” The word “Theocracy” comes from two Greek words: � Theos — God, of God � Krateo — To have abilities; to be head; to reign; to take possession; to hold in the hand; to carefully and faithfully preserve The Kingdom has come but must still come in areas of my life! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE 1.7 Present-day Reality The Kingdom of God is a present-day reality. The Kingdom of God is not only future, or for a specifi c nation (traditionally the Jews), but is God‘s will and purpose for everybody, for now, for the present. It is not something that still has to come. It has already come. Jesus makes a clear statement about the present reality of the Kingdom. Matthew 12:28 “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. In the coming of Jesus Christ, God reveals Himself as Power that destroys the rule of Satan and restores lives, as a message of salvation brought to the poor in spirit; as a gift whereby the receiver can experience joy as a present possession of a future salvation that will be completed one day. Luke 12:32 Mark 10:15 Matthew 6:33 Matthew 25:34 2. Where is the Kingdom of God? 2.1 Realm The realm of the Kingdom of God is where Jesus is Lord in the lives of His willing servants. 2.2 Holy Spirit It is in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 ... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 2.3 Born Again People The Kingdom of God or Reign of God is within every born again person. Luke 17:20,21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!” for the Kingdom of God is within you.” It is where God reigns just as He reigns in heaven. One translations says: “The Kingdom of God is here by you”, because Jesus is the personifi cation of the Kingdom. 2.4 Jesus as Lord The Kingdom has come to those areas of our lives where we have allowed Him to be Lord. Most people have received Him only as their Redeemer and Saviour. The purpose of the King and Kingdom is Lordship. Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucifi ed, both Lord and Christ.” Lord in the original Greek is ‘Kurios’, which means “Supreme in Authority”. Question: Are there more areas in my life where He wants to reign? 142 In the coming of Jesus and in His Person the Kingdom became a present reality! It is where God reigns just as He reigns in heaven! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartOne 3. How Long Has the Kingdom Existed? 3.1 No Kingdom Without a King The question can be answered by asking another question: “How long has the King existed?” There can be no Kingdom without a king. He has existed from eternity. Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 3.2 Everlasting Kingdom The Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom. There was never a time when the Kingdom did not exist. Psalm 145:10-13 All Your works shall praise You, Oh LORD, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. Psalm 103:19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Daniel 4:3 How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. Luke 1:33 “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 3.3 Sovereign The Kingdom of God is sovereign and rules over all other kingdoms. Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 4. What Is The Difference? What is the difference between the ‘Kingdom of God’ and the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’? 4.1 No Difference When we look at the following comparable scriptures, we conclude that there is no difference between these biblical expressions. Compare ... Matthew 4:17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” with ... Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfi lled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mattheüs 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. with ... Luke 6:20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Matthew 10:7-8 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” with ... Luke 9:2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 143 The Kingdom of God is an everlasting Kingdom! The Kingdom of God is sovereign and rules over all other kingdoms! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE Matthew 13:31 “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his fi eld. with ... Mark 4:30-31 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? “It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth. Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” with ... Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:23-24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” with ... Luke 18:24-25 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 4.2 Kingdom of Heaven Matthew was written with Jewish believers in mind which is why, in most cases, he uses the term “Kingdom of Heaven” thirty-two times. The name “God” was so holy that they would never write it down so they replaced it with “Heaven”. Matthew 5:34 “But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; Mark, Luke and John use “Kingdom of God”. It was traditional amongst the Jews to use the word “Heaven” when referring to God. Mark and Luke addressed Christians who were originally heathen and it is understandable that they avoided the Jewish expression and explicitly talked of “The Kingdom of God”. It must be understood that these expressions are identical. 4.3 The Conclusion The conclusion we come to is as follows: We enter the Kingdom of Heaven by being born again and not through physical death. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Traditional preaching states that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven refers to physical death, while it is actually entering the realm where God‘s reign is experienced in the here and now. To be in the Kingdom of Heaven is to live a life totally and willingly surrendered to the will of God. A son of God and a citizen of the Kingdom are both people who have totally accepted the will of God. 144 The expression ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ refers to its origin and it also refers to Who is in control of it! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartOne 4.4 Original Biblical Truth The Kingdom of God is the only concept that Jesus ever labelled as “The Gospel”. If we do not preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, we are not obedient to the King. When we accept King Jesus as Lord in every area of our lives, we experience Kingdom Life, which is a life of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! 145 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREONE 146 NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................... ...... ..................................... ...... ..................................... ...... .......... ........................... ...... ................... .................. ...... ......................... ............ ...... ......................... ............ ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... .............................. ........... .......... ....................................... .. .......... ......................................... .......... ......................................... .......... ... ...................................... .......... ............ ............................. .......... ..................... .................... .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... ............................. ............ .......... Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartTwo Definition of the Kingdom of God Part 1I LECTURE 2 The Kingdom of God is an extension of God‘s reign on the earth and in the universe. Those who know Jesus have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light! 1. Difference between Kingdom and Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Kingdom. Ekklesia. The instrument of the Kingdom. The Kingdom on earth. The purpose of the Kingdom. 2. How Many Kingdoms are There? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 The Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness. 3. Attributes of the Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Defi ne the Kingdom of God and understand what and where the Kingdom of God is and how long it existed. Objectives: � To understand the Biblical foundation for the Kingdom of God By prayerfully studying all Scripture given. � To understand the concept of the Kingdom of God By diligently studying the content of this lecture and participating in all discussions. � To demonstrate your knowledge of the Kingdom of God By explaining it to others. � To accept King Jesus as Lord in every area of your life By experiencing Kingdom Life, which is a life of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 147 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 148 1. The Difference Between Kingdom and Church 1.1 Kingdom The Greek word for Kingdom is “basileia”, which means: � sovereignty, royal power (Vines) � noble; reign; a realm; from the ground root walk or foot (we rule over that which is under our feet) (Thayers) � kingly authority; kingship; an area that is subordinate to the reign of a king; God‘s royal domain (Strongs) 1.2 Ekklesia The Greek word for Church is “ekklesia” which means: � Gathering; congregation; a group of people who gather together to discuss matters of the state � Ekklesia is derived from two words, namely: “ek” which means “out of” and “kaleo” which means “calling”; to summon; invite; those who are called (Vines) � To call out; gathering; a religious assembly (Strongs) � A gathering to summon citizens from their homes to a public meeting; a congregation; from the root meaning “from out”; to summon with a loud voice. 1.3 The Instrument of the Kingdom The Kingdom or reign of God must fi nd its form in order to be effective in reaching its goal. Therefore the Kingdom is set out according to God‘s plan here on earth through THE CHURCH. The church, called “ekklesia”. The church is made up of people who have obeyed the call of God, His willing servants in whose lives the King reigns and His principles are applied. The ekklesia exists of people of every race, nation, tongue and group. Jesus talks of both ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Church’ in ... Matthew 16:18-19 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” The term “Kingdom” occurs about one hundred and sixty times in the New Testament. The term congregation/church or ekklesia, occurs about one hundred and fi fteen times in the New Testament. It is very important that we realise that the Kingdom of God cannot be realized outside the instrumentality of the church and that the church has no godly purpose other than that of the Kingdom. The term “Kingdom” points to God‘s purpose. It is the extension of God’s reign here on earth. “Let your kingdom come, as it is in Heaven, just the same, on earth.” The term “Church” points to the present instrument by which The “Kingdom” and “Church” are associated terms but not synonyms! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartTwo 149 His purpose will be realised. The church is thus the Instrument of the Kingdom. You and I are the means by which the Kingdom must come! 1.4 The Kingdom on Earth Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. � The Old Testament In the Old Testament it was God‘s plan that Israel would be the physical expression and instrument of the Kingdom. Exodus 19:4-6 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. ‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. ‘And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” � The New Testament In the New Testament, it is the spiritual Israel, the ekklesia, that is the expression and instrument of the Kingdom because the Church is ... � Abraham‘s Seed Galatians 6:16 Romans 4:16 Ephesians 2:11-12; Galatians 3:9-29; 4:21-31 � The Circumcised Philippians 3:3 � The Holy Nation Matthew 21:42-43 1 Peter 2:9-10 � The New Jerusalem John 4:19-24 Galatians 4:21-31 Hebrews 12:22-24 Revelation 21:9-10; 22:1-5 Throughout the ages although the instruments through whom God has worked have changed, the purpose never has. There have always been sons of the Kingdom on earth: � Adam Genesis 1:26-27 � The Patriarchs Genesis 6:8-9; 9:1-3; 12:1-3; 18:1 � The Physical Israel Exodus 19:1-6 � Jesus of Nazareth Luke 17:20-21 Acts 10:38 � The Ekklesia Acts 1:1-3 Matthew 24:14 The born again children of God are now the sons of the Kingdom who are sown throughout the fi elds of the world. Matthew 13:37-38 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. “The fi eld is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. � The Victorious Church The victorious church is presently busy crippling the kingdom of darkness by way of an “abundant way of living” (John 10:10). We are busy with the mission of advancing upon the “gates of hell” to gain building material for Jesus. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Matthew 16:8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO 1.5 The Purpose of the Kingdom In very simple terms, the purpose of the Kingdom is that the Kingdom instruments take the church/ekklesia/the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17) to those who are still captives of the kingdom of darkness. It is for this purpose that the Holy Spirit was sent to equip the Church. Acts 1:3 Acts 1:6-8 According to these scriptures, the purpose of the Kingdom will only be realized through the Holy Spirit and His accompanying gifts that are necessary in the confl ict with the kingdom of darkness. � The War Zone There is a world-wide war going on where there can be no neutrality. Matthew 12:30 “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. The war zone is in the thoughts and minds of people. 2 Corinth 10:3-5 For though we walk in the fl esh, we do not war according to the fl esh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The church has been called to overcome the kingdom of darkness and to take back territory that was stolen by the devil. Matthew 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it”. 2. How Many Kingdoms Are There? According to the Word, there are only two Kingdoms, namely the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness � Light - Darkness � Knowledge - Ignorance � Life - Death � Righteousness - Unrighteousness, lawlessness � Peace - Turmoil, confusion � Joy - Sorrow Those who know Jesus have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, We have exchanged the garment of heaviness for a garment of praise! We understand that the night has advanced and that the day is at hand! We serve God and not mammon! Romans 13:11-14 1 Peter 2:9-10 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 John 1:1-9 John 5:24 Isaiah 60:1-5 Ephesians 2:1-6 Matthew 6:24 150 ... in the thoughts and minds of people! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom DEFINITIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFGOD–PartTwo 3. Attributes of the Kingdom The Kingdom of God is: � Reality The Kingdom is a present-day reality. It is now, for us today. Notice that most parables begin with “The Kingdom of God is ...” � Not Carnal The Kingdom is not carnal, that is, it is not based on our senses. John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fi ght, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” We are not moved by our feelings or what we see or hear. � Visible Signs The Kingdom does not come with visible signs. Luke 17:20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; The word “visible” means in such a manner that it can be seen with the visible eye. This refers to rebirth. � Within You The Kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21 “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” � Rebirth We enter the Kingdom of God by being born again. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” There is also a further entrance through obedience and persecution. Acts 14:22 . . . strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” � Within Reach The Kingdom has come near, within everyone‘s reach. Mark 1:15 ... and saying, “The time is fulfi lled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” � Holy Spirit The Kingdom is in the Holy Spirit and is characterized by righteousness, peace and joy. Romans 14:17 ... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. � Priority The Kingdom takes priority. Matthew 6:33 “But seek fi rst the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 151 The Gift of Grace! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETWO � Gift The Kingdom is a gift, that is, it is given to us freely by grace and the love of God. Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little fl ock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. � Marked With Violence The Kingdom is marked with violence. Mattheüs 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Although the grace of God offers us the Kingdom, we must overcome with aggressive faith and confession. We must overcome the mountains. Joshua 14:12 “Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortifi ed. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” � Perseverance The Kingdom requires perseverance. Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fi t for the kingdom of God.” � Power The Kingdom is characterized by power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. � Oppression There is oppression in the Kingdom. Acts 14:22 ... strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God”. We must take note that the half-hearted will not fi ght the good fi ght and overcome. � Solid This Kingdom is solid and cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. � Eternal This Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom. Luke 1:33 “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” � Must Be Preached This Kingdom must be preached across the whole world. Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. The world has already heard a gospel, but has not yet heard of “this” Gospel of the Kingdom. 152 EVERLASTING! A Witness for ALL! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom HOWISTHEKINGDOMOFGODREALIZED? How is the Kingdom of God Realized? LECTURE 3 There is an initial entering into the Kingdom of God by way of rebirth. But there is also a continuous entering into the abundant, overcoming lifestyle in every area of our lives! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. By By By By By By becoming Poor in Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 being Born Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 becoming Righteous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 being Childlike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 becoming a Disciple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and explain how the Kingdom of God is realized. Objectives: � To understand the Biblical foundation for the realization of Kingdom of God By prayerfully studying all Scripture given. � To understand how the Kingdom of God is realized By diligently studying the content of this lecture and participating in all discussions. � To live a victorious, abundant life By becoming a disciple of the Kingdom principles. � To demonstrate your knowledge of the realization of the Kingdom of God By explaining it to others. 153 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE 154 F rom the preceding lectures, we realize that we are living in exciting times. We have been brought into the Kingdom for just such a time as this. The world systems, especially religious ones, are crumbling. The voice (Word) of God is shaking the heavens and the earth and only that which is of this unshakable Kingdom will stand. The fi nal dispensation will be the Kingdom of God. Like Noah there will be people who will inherit the Kingdom ... a people that will rule with Christ after the shaking. Like Noah, we will remain untouched by the devastation that will hit the earth (Matthew 24:40-41; Luke 17:27). It is interesting to note that the word “remain” in the Greek is “perileipo”, and it means “to leave over”. We will not be moved by the shaking. � Progressive Steps to the Kingdom Let us look at twelve ways (Lectures 3 and 4) to an abundant, overcoming way of life as in John 10:10 and as Romans 14:17 describe it. Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. � The Initial Step There is an initial entering into the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven, by way of rebirth. But there is also a continuous entering into the abundant, overcoming lifestyle in every area of our lives. We enter into the Kingdom and then the Kingdom has to enter us. 1. By Becoming Poor in Spirit Mattheüs 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. When we look at the concept of “poor”, the meaning thereof is “empty or humble”. The concept “poor” has nothing to do with fi nances or mental retardation, but rather an attitude of need. It is an attitude which says “I need You in everything Lord”. It is an attitude of dependency and is a starting point for the Lord to bless us. Blessed means “to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on”. We shall have this in all things if we have this attitude of dependency on God. � Man-centred Gospel The man-centred gospel, the “self”, the humanistic attempt at “selfimportance” will never progress to spiritual maturity in the Kingdom of God. Exaggerated individualism has no place in God‘s Kingdom. Matthew 19:23-24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Here Jesus says that the rich man that sets his possessions fi rst, depends on them and makes them an idol, putting them in the place of God, cannot be under God‘s reign. Such people do not have childlike dependence on God. There is another “god” besides God in their lives. Jesus is wanting to say: “If you have reached the place where you are so self-assured, you are not anywhere near the Kingdom but are still in the kingdom of self”. The Kingdom will stand! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom HOWISTHEKINGDOMOFGODREALIZED? 155 Blessed and fortunate are you if you come to the Lord with the attitude: “Lord, I need You, I cannot do without You. I make You Lord of my fi nances. I place myself under the reign of God”. Mark 10:23-24 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! How diffi cult it is for you who trust in possessions to enter the Kingdom of God. Remember, this does not concern heaven but to be submitted to His reign. People who trust in their possessions fi nd it very diffi cult to place themselves under the reign of God. ”How hard it is for those ... to enter”, because there is another king that rules their lives”. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 2. By Being Born Again Through rebirth we receive a new nature – brought about through the Holy Spirit – and we enter a new lifestyle under God‘s reign of abundance and victory, peace and rest. Rebirth is the initial step to Kingdom life. The Kingdom has entered my life, now I must progress further into the Kingdom. John 3:1-8 1 Peter 1:23 James 1:18 3. By Becoming Righteous Become part of the Godly nature - 2 Peter 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The good news of Jesus Christ is that the reign of God in Him has brought the rule of righteousness, peace and joy within the reach of mankind once more. Luke 17:21 “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” In Christ Jesus the reign of God again becomes a reality for and within us. Colossians 1:13 ... and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. His reign, the Kingdom of God, totally dispels the results of the fall of man. 1 John 3:8 The reason the son of God was made manifest [visible] was to undo, destroy, loosen and dissolve the works the devil has done” [Amplifi ed] The acquittal in Christ Jesus makes it possible for us to possess abundant life once again. We can possess the life of God. THE NEW NATURE! Dependency opens the door to receive more from God - pride comes before a fall! The Gospel of Jesus Christ — The Gospel of the Kingdom! Sin-consciousness robs us of the abundant, victorious Kingdom lifestyle! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE 4. By Searching Matthew 6:31,33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ “But seek fi rst the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. The Lord is not against us possessing things. We just need to get our priorities right. The heathen do not have their priorities in order. Seek fi rst the reign of God in every area of your lives. Allow that to take place. Focus your attention on it and when your attention is focused on that all these other things that you search for will be added. � We Have Not Yet Arrived There are still certain areas in our lives and certain attitudes and behaviour that are not in line with God‘s Word. The Kingdom of God will be further realised in my life if my attitude is one of “searching” for God‘s reign in my life. � A “Manna” Attitude The instruction to the Israelites was that every morning they had to go and fetch manna. Our attitude should be “I am looking for Your reign in all my ways every day, with my � Friends � Enemies � Husband/wife/children” � Let Your Kingdom Come We are saying: Let the rules and regulations which are applicable in Heaven, control my lifestyle here on earth; As You rule and reign in Heaven, do so in this earthen vessel. When His Reign comes and we apply the Word principles to our daily lives, then people will see � An Alternative Community � The Contra Culture They then see Kingdom People. 5. By Being Childlike Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The disciples still had the worldly mentality that status, honour of position gives authority. I must sit on a throne, my title is important. � Unless You Change Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifi ce, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Jesus’ disciples were with Him daily and daily heard Him teaching about the Kingdom and Kingdom behaviour, yet they still had not renewed 156 It is not a one-time search - seek an you shall find! May Your Kingdom Come! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom HOWISTHEKINGDOMOFGODREALIZED? their way of thinking. There were still hidden thought patterns, old traditional ways. “Unless you change and become like little children...” � Childlike, Not Childish � Teachable, able to be taught � Willing and fl exible � Change to His way of talking, acting and thinking You will never enjoy an abundant, victorious lifestyle of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit unless you change. The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, God‘s system of government, is the person who is willing and adaptable, the one who will change his ways to God‘s ways and bring his will in line with God‘s will. Luke 18:17 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 6. By Becoming a Disciple Matthew 13:52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” The possibility exists that there are scholars of theology, scholars of manmade philosophies, dogmas and doctrines who are not necessarily of the Kingdom of Heaven. A scholar of the Kingdom of Heaven is not stuck on all the old traditions and doctrines of forefathers. He is like a host, which means “master of the house” and is disciplined (instructed and trained - Amplifi ed) in Kingdom thoughts and attitudes. He uses the old as a basis from which to work, but is also willing to bring new revelations, which have been hidden, to the light. A disciple in the Kingdom does not cling to legalistic rules and regulations or sticks to the law. Out of the treasures of the heart he brings forth “new” things. He becomes the bearer of good news, a messenger that sets free. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The attitude should be to become a disciple! He is teachable, accepts the truth of the Word and is prepared to change accordingly! 157 To live a victorious, abundant life, I must become a disciple of Kingdom principles! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURETHREE 158 NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................ ......... ......... ............................... ......... .................. ...................... ......... ........................... ............. ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ...... ... ............................ ............ ......... .................................. ...... ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ....... ................................. ......... ................ ........................ ......... ......................... ............... ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . ......................... ............ ...... ......................... ............ ...... ......................... ............ ...... Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom HOWTHEKINGDOMISREALIZED How the Kingdom is Realized LECTURE 4 . . . we enter the Kingdom and then the Kingdom must enter into us, as we allow the Kingdom principles to change our thoughts and attitudes! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Do the Will of the Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 With Surrender or With Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Removing the Stumbling Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 By Pressing In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Through Persecution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 By Adding to Your Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and explain how the Kingdom of God is realized. Objectives: � To understand the Biblical foundation for the realization of Kingdom of God By prayerfully studying all Scripture given. � To understand how the Kingdom of God is realized By diligently studying the content of this lecture and participating in all discussions. � To live a victorious, abundant life By becoming a disciple of the Kingdom principles. � To demonstrate your knowledge of the realization of the Kingdom of God By explaining it to others. 159 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 160 T here is an initial entry into the Kingdom of God, or the reign or dominion of God by way of rebirth, but thereafter there has to be a continual entering into the reign of God or victorious lifestyle in every area of our lives. We enter the Kingdom and then the Kingdom must enter into us, as we allow the Kingdom principles to change our thoughts and attitudes. In the previous lecture, we looked at six of the twelve ways of entry. We are now going to study the following six. � By doing the will of the Father � By surrendering to the will of the Father or doing it by force � By removing the stumbling blocks � By forcing our way in � By persecution, loneliness, misunderstandings and rejection � By adding to your faith until you have reached the sum total 1. Do The Will of The Father Mattheüs 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Notice the words “Lord, Lord”. There are people who say with their mouths that Christ is Lord, King and supreme authority in their lives, but their deeds and lifestyle do not correspond to what they say. Remember, the concept “The Kingdom of Heaven” is not necessarily a place for the future, but a state of being. They say “Lord, Lord” and do not do what the Word says. If that is the way they live, they will not experience an abundant, peace-fi lled, joyful lifestyle. Deeds of righteousness, to do right according to God‘s principles, assures that you can enjoy a Kingdom-fi lled life, or further entrance into the Kingdom of God. When we DO God‘s will, carry out the commands in His Word, even though it goes totally against our views, we will experience peace, joy and blessing. If we call Him “Lord, Lord” then ... � we forgive our enemies � we pray for them � we live in peace with everyone � we keep the unity among one another � we give according to His instructions Mattheüs 7:22 “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ Take note that others said it to Him, He did not say it to them. According to them they did these things. It was not necessarily according so to the Lord. Mattheüs 7:23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Let us take a look at the part “I never knew you”. We then ask: “When do we come to a knowledge of God?” At rebirth! “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” They never entered the Kingdom. Progressive entry into the KIngdom! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom HOWTHEKINGDOMISREALIZED 161 2. With Surrender or With Force Matthew 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Luke 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. Here Jesus says that His message of the Kingdom or reign of God will experience violence. From the day that John the Baptist began proclaiming the message cruel and pugnacious people will try to destroy it, or they will go out of their way to prevent it from being proclaimed. There will be an attack in order to try to neutralise or paralyse it, because it brings peace and joy- i.e. to neutralise God‘s reign and His principles, because it makes people successful and they can experience an abundant lifestyle. Jesus says there is going to be a well-orchestrated, aggressive, militant, determined attack from the quarters of the enemy to prevent people from experiencing a successful lifestyle. Our surrender and dedication must be stronger than the violence and dedication of the attack, and only the person who is serious – who overcomes the attack – will enter into the abundant lifestyle. Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep – So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. 1 John 2:14 I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. Rev 2:17 To him who overcomes . . . Rev 3:5 . . . he who overcomes shall be clothed . . . � The Enemy‘s Strategy His goal and strategy is that we do not come under the full reign of Christ, experience a victorious lifestyle or come to full knowledge of the Word. � To reach his goal, he uses people Mattheüs 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Luke 11:52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” The enemy prevents people from entering through traditions and opinions of people who make the Word of God powerless. There is an attack on ... � God-given Kingdom principles � Norms and standards � Families, young people and marriages In order to overcome, we as the assailants must overcome with aggression and determination, to enter into an abundant lifestyle. Only those who, in their surrender, aggressively serves the Lord, surpassing that of the attack of the enemy, will enjoy His Supremacy! Doing the will of the Father with surrender or with force? Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 3. Removing the Stumbling Blocks To experience Kingdom life we, from our side, must remove those things that are a hindrance. Mark 9:43, 45, 47 — If your HAND causes you to STUMBLE, chop it off — If your FOOT causes you to STUMBLE, chop it off — If your EYE causes you to STUMBLE, pluck it out As a doctor would amputate a limb in order to save the rest of the body we have to remove the stumbling block before it infl uences our spiritual life. To successfully combat malaria, one can either use pills, or one can dry up the cause of it. For your own best interest, admit the things that cause sin! Compare Mark 9:43, 45 and 47 with 1 John 2:16. 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world – the lust of the fl esh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. Col 3:5-10 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, fi lthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, Do you deprive your members of the power of these things? Refuse to obey them and so remove the stumbling blocks and enter into an abundant and victorious lifestyle. 4. By Pressing In Luke 16:16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. The idea “pressing into” means to aggressively press in or to force a way open or to gain the truth with diligence and readiness and to live out Kingdom principles. John 4:40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. Act 17:11 They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to fi nd out whether these things were so. It is a personal and very often a lonely journey. 5. Through Persecution Through loneliness, misunderstandings, rejection and persecution. Acts 14:22 ... strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Mattheüs 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. After we have entered, we need to keep going by faith and never turn back, that is, we must not allow rejection, loneliness or misunderstandings of our viewpoint to rob us of the advantages of the Kingdom life. 162 Apply spiritual surgery and remove the root of the stumbling block! EVERYONE! “Hand”, “Foot”, “Eye” refers to all the sinfull desires of this world! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom HOWTHEKINGDOMISREALIZED The Word says that if we live according to God‘s principles, which are in total contrast to the kingdom of darkness, we will be persecuted. Do not be caught unawares. 1 Tim 1:18-19 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,” 6. By Adding To Your Faith 2 Peter 1:1-11 2 Peter 1:5-7 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love, for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We press on in maturity until we have reached the sum total, a mature man in the throne room, with a ministry fi red up by a nature of love, the Nature of God. 163 By adding to your faith until you reach the sum total! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFOUR 164 NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ ............ ... ...... ............................ ............ ......... ............................... ......... ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ............. ........................... ......... ...................... .................. ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................. ........... ......... ...................................... .. ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... .. ...................................... ......... ........... ............................. ......... .................... .................... ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................................................... ............ ............................................ Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom THEKINGDOMWITHINYOU The Kingdom Within You LECTURE 5 This is the mystery which has been hidden from generations through the ages, now revealed to the people who belong to Him. God chose to make known to them how blessed and glorious this mystery is to the nations. Its contents is: Christ within you, your hope of glory! 1. How We are to Understand this Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Christ “within you”. The Holy Spirit “within you”. 2. What is Released by the Ministry? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 “A blow is going to release a fl ow”. No condemnation. Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and explain what it means that the Kingdom of God is within you. Objectives: � To understand the Biblical foundation for this concept By prayerfully studying all Scripture given. � To understand how the Kingdom of God is realized within you By diligently studying the content of this lecture and participating in all discussions. � To live a victorious, abundant life By experiencing the realization of the Kingdom of God within you. � To demonstrate your knowledge of this concept By explaining it to others. 165 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFIVE 166 1. How We Are to Understand this Concept Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” In order to better understand this concept, let us take a look at the following: 1.1 Christ “Within You” Col 1:26-27 ... the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. This is the mystery which has been hidden from generations through the ages, now revealed to the people who belong to Him. God chose to make known to them how blessed and glorious this mystery is to the nations. Its contents is: Christ within you, your hope of glory. After rebirth, the Anointed One comes to live within us. Look at the term “the Anointed”. There are three groups of people in Bible history that were ANOINTED: � The Prophets 1 Kings 19:16 And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. The Prophet‘s function was to ... “proclaim God to the people”. � The Priests Ex 40:13-15 “You shall put the holy garments on Aaron, and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. “And you shall bring his sons and clothe them ... minister to Me as priests; ... shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.” The Priest‘s function was to ... “represent the people before God”. � The King 1 Sam 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; The King‘s function was to “reign with authority”. The ministry of Jesus Christ as the Anointed is that of true PROPHET, PRIEST and KING. He came as the ... � Prophet to proclaim God to the people � Priest to bring the people to God � King to reign in love with authority Therefore, in every born again son and daughter of God, there is a prophet, a priest and a king. Take note, that does not mean that everybody is, e.g., a prophet. We are explaining the concept “Christ within you”. According to Revelations 1:6, we were made (God‘s creative work) kings and priests and now have to learn how to release Christ‘s ministry of Prophet, Priest and King within us. Rom 14:17 ... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Christ means: “The Anointed One” Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom THEKINGDOMWITHINYOU 167 1.2 The Holy Spirit “Within You” Take note: The righteousness, peace and joy is in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit lives “in you”. Through the working of the Holy Spirit at rebirth, you receive the person of Jesus Christ as - � Prophet The function of the Prophet was being a messenger on behalf of God. A messenger to reveal God’s will and plan to the people. Jesus Christ, the Anointed One in us, wants to reveal God‘s plan of reconciliation to all people through us. 2 Cor 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. � Priest The function of the Priest was to enter in to God‘s presence and intercede on behalf of the people. Jesus Christ, the Anointed One in us, also wants to intercede through us, because we have not received a ministry of condemnation but of service and reconciliation. 2 Cor 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. � King The function of the King was to reign in love with authority. Jesus, the Anointed One in us, also wants to reign through us. Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He has brought righteousness, peace and joy. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He has brought Kingship, because He brought in the King. Christ within you (Col 1:26-27). Gal 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Study the following: � Christ (the Anointed One) brings forth the Kingdom � The Prophet brings forth righteousness � The Priest brings forth peace � The King brings forth joy 2. What Is Released By the Ministry? What is the Ministry of the Kingdom going to release in your innermost being? 2.1 “A Blow is Going to Release a Flow” The north wind (the conviction of the Holy Spirit as in John 16:8-11) is going to cause us to stop judging and belittling ourselves and our brothers in Christ. Before the ministry of the King can be released within us, the Holy Spirit needs to make forgiveness and being able to release, real to us. Security in ministry is experienced by acceptance of who I am in Christ. Security in ministry is experienced by acceptance of who I am in Christ! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTUREFIVE We condemn others because condemnation is in us. 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Mattheüs 7:5 “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. To condemn the righteous is to condemn ourselves and it is an abomination in the eyes of God. Prov 17:15 He who justifi es the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. 2.2 No Condemnation Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the fl esh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” When we learn to do the Word of God and cast down the “accuser of the brethren”, the wonderful ministry of the Kingdom of Christ in us (of the prophet, the priest and the king within us which produces righteousness, peace and joy), will be released. 2 Cor 10:3-5 For though we walk in the fl esh, we do not war according to the fl esh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Then we will receive salvation, strength, the Kingdom of God and the ability of Christ. The effect of this mighty Kingdom anointing of prophet, priest and king which is in us, is only released through us when we do not keep record of other‘s transgressions against us (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) as God does not keep record of our transgressions. � The Ministry of Reconciliation The Word and the ministry of reconciliation has been given to us. This is Christ “within you”. Jesus never judged anyone. He was the true ... � Prophet Who proclaimed God to mankind � Priest Who brought reconciliation on behalf of man � King Who reigns in love This is how the anointed ones live. � The Way Out Although Christ does not judge anyone, He does not tolerate sin. He loves the sinner, but hates the sin. John 8:11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. God did not send us to judge the world, but rather to redeem it through the Ministry of the Kingdom. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 168 Thus the Kingdom “within you” wants to operate! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom ONLYONEGOSPEL Only One Gospel LECTURE 6 There is only one Gospel and no difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Is there a difference? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 A Curse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 The Early Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 The Gospel is Proclaimed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 To Produce What Kind of Person on Earth? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 What is the Greatest Evidence? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Session Topics: Outcomes: After completing this session you should be able to Understand and explain the relationship between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Objectives: � To understand the Biblical foundation for this concept By prayerfully studying all Scripture given. � To understand the relationship between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ By diligently studying the content of this lecture and participating in all discussions. � To live a victorious, abundant life By allowing Jesus to reign as Lord over every part of your existence. � To demonstrate your knowledge of this concept By explaining it to others. 169 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURESIX 170 1. Is There a Difference? We are now going to ask this question and try to answer it: Is there any difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? The Gospel is the Good News. The Bible speaks of the following: � The Gospel of The Kingdom (Matthew 4:23) � The Gospel (Matthew 11:5) � This Gospel (Matthew 24:14; 26:13) � The Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1) � The Word of The Gospel (Acts 15:7) � The Gospel of The Grace of God (Acts 20:24) � The Gospel of God (Romans 1:1) � The Gospel of His Son (Romans 1:9) � My (Paul‘s) Gospel (Romans 2:16) � The Gospel of Peace (Romans 10:15) � The Gospel of Christ (Romans 15:19) � The Gospel which I (Paul) Preached ( 1 Corinthians 15:1) � Christ‘s Gospel (2 Corinthians 2:12) � Our (Paul and Companions) Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3) � The Gospel of The Glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4) � The Gospel which I Preach (Galatians 2:2) � The Gospel of Your Salvation (Ephesians 1:13) � The Mystery of The Gospel (Ephesians 6:19) � The Truth of The Gospel (Colossians 1:5) � The Hope of The Gospel (Colossians 1:23) � The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8) � The Glorious Gospel of The Blessed God (1 Tim 1:11) � The Imprisonment for The Gospel (Philemon 13) � An Eternal Gospel (Revelations 14:6) We come to the conclusion that there is only One Gospel and no difference between the Gospel of The Kingdom and the Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ. 2. A Curse Paul says the following: Gal 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. He says let the one who preaches a Gospel other than that preached by the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and ministers and teachers of the book of Acts, be accursed. Read also Ephesians 3:15; 4:8-13. There is only one Gospel! Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom ONLYONEGOSPEL 171 3. The Early Church The Early Church was commissioned by God and sent by the Lord to preach the Gospel. Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. In obedience they preached the Gospel of The Kingdom. Acts 1:3 ... to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 20:24-25 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may fi nish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Act 28:23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testifi ed of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. This Gospel of The Kingdom is the Word which is confi rmed by signs and wonders. Mattheüs 10:7-8 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 4. Preach The Gospel The Gospel of The Kingdom of God was proclaimed by: � John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2) � Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 4:17) � The twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Matthew 10:1-8) � The seventy (Luke 10:1-9) � Ministries in the book of Acts (Acts 1:1-3; 8:5) To preach the Gospel of The Kingdom is to persuade people “concerning Jesus”, the King. Act 28:23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testifi ed of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. It is the message which presents Jesus as Lord. Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. The Kingdom is at hand! Does Jesus reign as Lord over you? Take Note: Jesus wants to become that and even more - He wants to become Ruler of your entire existence! In obedience they preached the Gospel of The Kingdom! Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURESIX 5. To Produce What Kind of Person on Earth? This message of the Gospel of The Kingdom of God will produce a person on earth who will - � Be Heavenly-minded In CULTURE Phil 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven ... � Be Heavenly-minded In SPEECH Ephesians 4:29,32 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth ... � Be Heavenly-minded In CHARACTER 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 � Be Heavenly-minded In AUTHORITY Ezekiel 22:30 � Be Heavenly-minded In MESSAGE and DECLARATION Proverbs 25:25 � Be Heavenly-minded In LIFESTYLE Deut 11:18-21 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. “And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, “that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. 6. What Is the Greatest Evidence? The greatest proof of the King‘s life is an overcoming lifestyle and obedience, and is revealed by � A pure life in spite of the impurity and decay round about us � Peace of heart and mind in the midst of confusion and restlessness � Victory over temptation � A willingness to be a sacrifi ce of love towards others � Presenting all our decisions to Him before we make them � A healthy mind (thoughts) fi lled with the truth of the Word and not with traditions � The human spirit under the rulership of the Holy Spirit � A home and congregation under the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ We do not have to wait for a time in the future to experience the blessings and abilities of the Kingdom. As we are in Him and He in us and we live in and through Him, we overcome satan and the powers of darkness through the superior power of the Kingdom of God which we entered when we became born again. 172 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - The King and His Kingdom ONLYONEGOSPEL 7. Summary The attributes of the Kingdom of God an be summarised as follows: � The Kingdom is a present-day reality – now – for us today. The kingdom of heaven “IS”. � The Kingdom is not carnal, i.e. it is not based on our natural senses. John 18:36. In the King or under His Lordship we are not moved by our senses or by circumstances. � The Kingdom does not come with visible signs (Luke 17:20). The word visible means “in such a way that it is visible with our physical eyes; in a visible way”. � The Kingdom is within you (Luke 17:21). � We enter the Kingdom by being born again (John 3:3). � The Kingdom is at hand i.e. it is within the reach of everyone. The message of the mountain in the Old Testament is stay away. The mountain of the New Testament message is come (Mark 1:14-15). God offers His Kingship to everyone. � The Kingdom is in the Holy Spirit and is characterised by righteousness (by doing right) which is expressed in peace and joy (Romans 14:17). It is the abundant life of John 10:10. � The Kingdom takes priority (Matthew 6:33). � The Kingdom is a gift i.e.. it is abundantly given to us through the grace and love of God (Luke 12:31-32). � The Kingdom is characterised by violence (Matthew 11:12), Although it is offered to us through grace. � The Kingdom demands perseverance (Luke 9:62). � The Kingdom is characterized by power (1 Corinthians 4:20). The Greek word “Dunamis” refers to power, ability and the strength of the Lord. � The Kingdom is supernatural, i.e. it surpasses the realm of the natural – the power and wisdom of man, the ability and intellect of mankind (Matthew 28:18). � The Kingdom involves persecution, oppression and resistance (Acts 14:22). The cowardly will not fi ght the good fi ght of faith. It is for those who overcome in Jesus Christ. � The Kingdom is established and cannot be moved (Hebrews 12:26-29). All the systems of the world are busy crumbling. � The Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom (2 Peter 1:11; Luke 1:31-33) and it is without limits. � The Kingdom must be taken to the whole world (Mark 16:15; Matthew 24:14). The world has heard a Gospel but not yet “This Gospel of the Kingdom”. Before the Gospel of the Kingdom can be taken to the world, the light of the Gospel of the Kingdom must penetrate and bring deliverance to the dark areas of culture, politics and religion that have been handed down to us. It is a supernatural Gospel which is administered by supernatural people! Our Father, let Your Kingdom come let Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! 173 Christian Life Training © 2008 LECTURESIX NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. .......... ......... ....................................... . ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ... ..................................... ......... ............ ............................ ......... ..................... ................... ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ..................................... ... ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... ........................................ ......... .......... .............................. ......... ................... ..................... ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... ............................ ............ ......... 174 Discipleship Growth DGR2 - Key Terms adjure to command, often by an oath; to appeal earnestly to anointing literally: “to apply ointment” or “oil” to something to make it work better with greater freedom; spiritually: God anoints us with the Holy Spirit when He gives us the ability and power to do His work. antagonistic to make hostile or to act in opposition or in an annoying manner bestowed presented a gift or an honour blaspheme to show contempt for God, especially in speech; use bad or profane language brainwashing using methods to effect radical changes in a person’s ideas or beliefs contentious controversial; tending to quarrel counterfeit an imitation of something genuine made with the intention of deceiving or defrauding; a deliberate fake cringe to shrink or fl inch in fear diversities differences in state or quality; varieties edifi cation to improve the morality or intellect, especially by instruction – to build people up exhort to earnestly urge, persuade or strongly advise someone to do something fl eecing cheating or defrauding someone fused inseparably joined together havoc destruction; ruin, chaos heed to take care; be careful Key Terms CHRISTIANLIFETRAINING 175 PP lease read these carefully. They will add to your comprehension (understanding) of the material. If still in doubt, consult a concise Dictionary, or fi nd comparative words in a Thesaurus. Christian Life Training © 2008 ignorance a lack of knowledge, education, or information ingrafted become permanently part of the stock or item onto which it is implanted (apply spiritually) intercession to act in prayer to God on behalf of others intimidation to discourage, make frightened by threats; to silence itinerant wandering; working in many different places manifestation a visible indication or sigh; a public demonstration of feeling manifold multiple; of many different kinds manipulation a way of controlling something for one’s own benefi t monasticism the monastic way of life morale the degree of mental or moral confi dence which you have mortal used in terms of our human existence which is subjected to death ordained having been appointed or concecrated in a holy order, e.g., a priest oppressed affl icted or tormented; something which lies heavy on the mind Papal Bull a formal document issued by the Pope perspective a way of looking at things and judging their relative importance, pestilence a deadly infectious disease; an evil infl uence presumptuous taking something for granted without it being so razed completely demolished revile to use abusive or scornful language against someone sacramentarianism belief in rituals for their own sake; particularly the sacraments schism the division of a group into opposing groups slandering making bad or untrue statements about someone snare anything that traps someone unexpectedly stereotyped to act or think about something in a repetative or even meaningless way stipulated specifi ed; insisted on treasury always used in a context where it refers to something of a very high value true nature the basic qualities or essential character of something; the proper or accurate point of view and the ability to see it unquenchable unable to stop, e.g., a fi re from burning vesture a garment, or something that seems like one wrested took away by force yielding to be fl exible or submissive towards a course zealously to be fi lled with or inspired by intense enthusiasm 176