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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Whom do we Follow?
We are either led by
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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!
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What the Holy Spirit does
The Holy Spirit
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Glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ
Edifies the Body of Christ
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Motivational Gifts
Romans 12:3-8
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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.
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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
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The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
These are the spiritual gifts which we are dealing with in this study.
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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.
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Gifts versus Fruit
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Gifts are bestowed freely – Fruit grows through careful cultivation
Gifts come at any age – Fruit comes with maturity
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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.
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We need Both
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The power of God and
The love of God
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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.
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The Vocal Gifts
These are the gifts that are spoken.
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The gift of prophecy
The different kinds of tongues
The interpretation of tongues
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The Revelation Gifts
These are the gifts that make things known, that would otherwise have been
hidden from us.
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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
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The Power Gifts
The power gifts demonstrate the creative power of God shown through a human
channel.
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The gift of faith
The gifts of healings
The working of miracles
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Their Place in the Body
We need to understand where these gifts fit into the Body of Christ.
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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
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The Character of Jesus
This can be seen in the Fruit Of The Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22, 23 Mark
16:17-20
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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.
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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.
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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
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The Ingredients for the Gifts
There are three major ingredients that cause the gifts of the Holy Spirit to flow.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Greek Word
This is the word propheteia, which literally means:
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Speaking forth the mind and counsel of God
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Proclaiming the thoughts of God
Speaking forth on behalf of another
Being a spokesman
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Word of Faith
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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?
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Faith makes things happen
Faith makes words creative
Prophecy is faith – that the Word of God you speak will come to pass!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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It was full of goodness
It was full of blessing
It was full of hope and
It was full of promise
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The Seven Churches of Asia
Revelation 2 and 3
Here we see two chapters speaking a prophetic word to these seven churches.
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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.
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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.
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Laodicea
This prophecy contains only exhortation. There was nothing positive about this
church.
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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.
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Edification
That is to build what is broken down and to teach.
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Exhortation
This is the main function of the advocate who urges, pleads and convinces.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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� 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
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When the
Holy Spirit is
in it, you ARE
ABLE to do it.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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”.
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� 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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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