GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY. by Derek Walker

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1 GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY by Derek Walker 0

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3 GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY by Derek Walker (c) Derek Walker

4 INDEX Page Introduction 4 Chapter 1 - The Stages of Growth 9 Chapter 2 - The Milk - Rebound Techniques 19 Chapter 3 - The Love Walk 33 Chapter 4 - Our Spiritual Food 44 Chapter 5 - Our Baptism into Christ 62 Chapter 6 - The Tongue 77 Chapter 7 - Moving into Ministry 88 Chapter 8 - Growing in Grace, through the Means of Grace 99 3

5 Introduction As children we all had a deep desire to grow up, to be like those who were a few years older than us, to be stronger, more able and more knowledgeable. Growth was a natural process which was enhanced by the right food and exercise. Our spiritual growth is similar. When we are newly born-again we are spiritual babes, and we need to grow-up spiritually. We need to receive the right spiritual food or else we cannot grow: As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby (Peter 2:2). We should have a strong desire to grow spiritually, and be like those who are spiritually strong and mature. This in turn should cause us to have a strong desire to continually receive the Word of God which is able to give us the spiritual strength and growth we need. Who wants to stay a baby, or a young child, or a spiritual teen? No, we all want to grow into the full maturity of adulthood. More than that we can become spiritual giants, for unlike natural growth which stops after a time, spiritual growth need never stop for there is no limit to how much we can grow spiritually! We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith GROWS EXCEEDINGLY, and the love of every one of you all ABOUNDS toward each other (2Thessalonians 1:3). 4

6 How sad to see a malnourished baby or child whose growth is stunted. Yet that is the spiritual state of many Christians because they are not eating the right spiritual food or applying the principles of God to their lives that would cause them to grow. We all want to grow up spiritually, but often we do not know how this happens and so we fail to co-operate with God in this and as a result we stay in spiritual babyhood or childhood. This book is written to address that need and give you the necessary knowledge from God s Word to understand how you can grow spiritually. Putting this knowledge into practice in your life will cause to to grow and become the mighty man or woman of God that God has made you to be, so that you can fulfil your calling, mission and destiny for this life, and so be prepared, matured and perfected, that you can contain the glory of God and rule and reign with Christ throughout eternity. Remember God wants you to GROW UP, so He has provided all you need for your spiritual life and growth: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue (Peter 1:2,3). God s grace is freely available to us to grow strong, but we can only tap into it and receive it through the knowledge of God in His Word. 5

7 So let us study God s Word together to see the things that are needful for our growth so that we fulfil our potential and destiny. God s heart is revealed in 1 Timothy 2:4: God wills all men (1) to be saved and (2) to come to the knowledge of the truth (the Word). God's two desires and priorities for every person is: (1) that they would be BORN AGAIN and (2) that they would GROW SPIRITUALLY. This happens only by us coming to know and do God s Word. God s will for you, once you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour is that you grow spiritually from babyhood to adulthood. He does not want you to remain a spiritual babe, but to continually grow up to become strong in spirit, faith and love. God s will is that we: grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Peter 3:18). Our growth in grace (love and faith) will happen as we grow in the knowledge of God through His Word. God s will is: that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting but, speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP in all things into Him who is the Head, Christ (Ephesians 4:14 15). We 6

8 are to never stop growing until we reach the full maturity of our Head, Jesus Christ, being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). So Paul says: Him (Christ) we preach (so that men might be saved), warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom (the Word), that we may present every man perfect (spiritually mature) in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). Our spiritual growth (like our natural growth) is a process. It does not all happen at once, but as we continue in God s Word. Jesus said: If you abide (continue) in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth (you know) shall make you free (grow up) (John 8:31,32). There are no shortcuts in our spiritual growth. Christians often chase after fads thinking they are quick fixes, but after spending their time on that they will discover they have just become more self-oriented and have not grown spiritually. They have just wasted their time. True growth comes through knowing the Word of God, and Jesus guarantees to us that we will surely grow strong, if we diligently continue in His Word. At the time of studying and applying His Word you may not be aware of growing, just as a child is unaware of his growth, but when you look back after a time of applying God s principles you will be amazed at how much you have actually grown. 7

9 God s vision and will for us is beautifully described for us in Jeremiah: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a TREE planted by the waters (of God s Word and Spirit), which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8). God wants us to grow into a strong, healthy and fruitful Tree. Its growth comes through being planted by the waters of God s grace (His Word and Spirit), so that it continually taps into that grace, drawing into itself all the life and nourishment it needs to grow and stand strong and bear fruit at all times. Psalm 1 gives the same picture and explains further how we can grow and become like this lovely, mighty Tree: Blessed is the man...whose delight is in the Law (Word) of the LORD, and in His Law (Word) 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 (Psalm 1:1-3). As we plant ourselves by the means (channels) of God s grace, we draw into ourselves all the grace we need to grow and prosper. Primarily, we are to plant ourselves by the waters of His Word, meditating on it continually. As we do, we draw into ourselves all the life and goodness we need for our growth, for it is all in His Word. 8

10 Chapter 1 - The Stages of Growth. God wants us to GROW UP into maturity. The normal state for all created things is to grow according to their internal programming (seed). If we are not growing something's wrong. God's vision for us in Ephesians 4:13-16 is that: we all come to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; no longer children, tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine,.. but 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...in love. It is God who gives the growth (1Corinthians 3:6). So, we will grow in grace as we walk in fellowship with God and receive the supply of His life. But much of this comes through our fellowship with each other. We are growing up into Christ. God's purpose for us is to be like Jesus, who shows us what we should be like. So God uses each situation and problem as an opportunity to help us grow to be more like Jesus: We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be 9

11 conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:28,29). The process of spiritual growth is parallel to natural growth. Words used to describe stages of childhood are also used for believers in their spiritual growth as children of God. Both natural and spiritual children have similar characteristics at each stage. We all have to go through a growing process. We can not become fully mature overnight. 1. 'Brephos' = 'a new-born baby' (Luke 2:12; 1 Peter 2:2). 2. 'Nepios' = 'one without power of speech', a baby up to two years (Matthew 21:16; 1Corinth 3:1, Hebrews 5:13, Ephesians 4:14). Babies are innocent (no past), teachable and also selfish. They are focused on their own needs and are easily upset if their needs are not met. They are very dependant on others. 3. 'Tecknion' = 'a little child' - pre-teen (from 3-8 years old) (1 John 2:1, Galatians 4:19). 4. 'Tecknon' = 'a child' (from 8 to 14 years) (John 1:12, Romans 8:16; Ephesians 5:1; 1 John 3:1,2). This involves adolescence - a time of great growth and change. There is a danger of overconfidence and pride in their new found maturity, strength and knowledge. They are still very vulnerable to foolishness and peer-pressure. 'Children of God' emphasises 10

12 the fact that we are born of our Father God above. 5. 'Huios' has no corresponding English word. It is translated as 'SON' and means a fully grown, fully mature son (Romans 8:14,19, Matthew 5:9,44,45; 2Corinthians 6:17,18). To be a 'huios (SON) of God' speaks of our coming to perfection (maturity). The focus is not on our birth, but on the end result. It means to be perfected in love, to be like Jesus. When a father considered that his son had reached the point of responsible manhood, he formally and publicly proclaimed him as his SON (huios) and often gave him a special cloak and a signet ring (symbolising the father s power and authority) to show that He now represented His father and could do business on his behalf. This happened to Jesus at His Baptism (Matthew 3:16,17). His Father proclaimed: This is My Son in whom I am well pleased. He clothed with the power and anointing of the Holy- Spirit and authorised (sent) Him to fulfil His ministry (Luke 4:18) A full grown SON was just like his FATHER. He had proved himself reliable and obedient. He knew his father, he received his father s teaching and followed and imitated his father's ways, and so now he responded to situations just like his father. Thus the father trusted his mature son to fully represent him and act in his name. People were to treat the SON as if he were the father. This equality of FATHER and SON was why the Jews were upset when Jesus claimed to be THE SON OF GOD. 11

13 The aim of our spiritual growth is SONSHIP. We are babies or children becoming SONS. We are to walk in a degree of sonship (maturity) in this life, but our full manifestation as God's SONS is still future. What God has started in us, He will bring to completion. He will clothe us in our resurrection body and present us as His SONS to all creation, filled with His glory, perfectly conformed to the image of our elder brother Jesus! For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 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. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing (manifestation) of the SONS of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the CHILDREN of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together until now. Not 12

14 only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the (manifestation of our) adoption, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:14-23; see also Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5; John 3:1-3, 1Thessalonians 5:23,24; Jude 24). Physical growth happens to all at a similar rate. But spiritual growth is not as automatic as this. You can have Christians 10 years old and more still in diapers! It is OK for a baby to act as a baby but not for a 20 year old to suck his thumb! It means they haven't grown as they should. Their response patterns are still childish, because they have not developed mature ways to handle problems. We should be well past the baby stage after 2 years. Paul often found believers were still babies when they should have grown up: Brethren, I could not speak to you as to spiritual (mature) people but as to carnal (flesh-ruled), as to BABES in Christ. I fed you with MILK and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere (Adamic) men? (1Cor 3:1-3). Spiritual babies are carnal (selfish) and this shows in immature reactions to people and situations (envy and strife). If babies feel bad they make a fuss and blame others. They are focused on personalities rather than the Word (1Corinthians 3:4). 13

15 Paul realised they were not ready for the MEAT of the Word, but as babies needed spiritual MILK. As with natural growth spiritual growth depends alot on the right diet. The Word of God is our spiritual food necessary for growth. But growth comes by food and exercise, by hearing and doing the Word. As we hear and then build our life on the word, putting it into everyday practice, we grow into maturity. In Hebrews we see Christians who have heard a lot of teaching, but are still babes because they have not applied it to their lives: We have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. By this time you ought to be teachers (spiritual adults), but you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and have come to need MILK not SOLID FOOD. For he who partakes only of MILK is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a BABE. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age (mature), who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:11-14). The MILK is the basic principles and teachings of the Word. As we receive the milk and live on it, we absorb it's strength and are built up to a place of maturity where we can eat solid food. The basic doctrines give understandings and ways (techniques) for living and responding that enable us to grow in maturity. 14

16 We will cover these in this series. As parents trains their children how to think and act in a more 'grown-up' way, so likewise God by His Word teaches us. MILK must be absorbed before we can grow out of babyhood into childhood, where we eat the SOLID FOOD that brings us to full maturity. This milk is now described: Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to MATURITY, not laying again the Foundation of: (1) repentance from dead works and (2) of faith toward God, (3) of teaching, (4) of baptisms, (5) of laying on of hands, (6) of resurrection of the dead, and (7) of eternal judgement and this we will do if God permits (Hebrews 6:1-3) The MILK is compared to a building's FOUNDATION which must be laid as the first step in its 'growth' upwards. In building the house of our life to glorify God we must know and apply these basics or we will stay spiritual babies. The building of our character (spiritual growth) is like the building of a house. This reminds us of Jesus teaching in Matthew 7:24-27, where He 15

17 told us how essential it is to build a good foundation for our lives by hearing and doing His words, otherwise our house will be weak and will collapse in the storms of life (a sign of babyhood). Babyhood is the time for laying the Foundation. Childhood is the time to add the growing superstructure, Sonship represents the completion,the perfecting, maturing and the full manifestation of the Designer's plans. The Milk of the Word is the material we use to build the foundation of our spiritual lives. It is essential for growth. Thus: As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). Babies have such a desire for milk, for they know they need it to grow. We should never lose our hunger for the Word of God for it is the source of our growth. To better understand our spiritual growth we must understand our SPIRITUAL BIRTH. A key law of creation is that everything reproduces after its KIND (see Genesis 1). The same is true spiritually (John 3:6). God created men, animals and plants with SEED within them. This SEED contains their very own nature, their spiritual genetics (DNA), their blueprint. Now the SEED, correctly planted produces something of the same KIND or NATURE as the original. The offspring (son) has the same nature as the father, which is why in the Bible 16

18 'son of' generally means 'to share the same nature as.' The amazing thing is that we are BORN OF GOD (John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:3; James 1:18; Titus 3:5; John 1:12,13). We are BORN AGAIN from DIVINE SEED - THE WORD OF GOD: Born again not of corruptible SEED but (of) INCORRUPTIBLE (SEED) through the WORD OF GOD which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23). God is our actual Father. We are born of His seed! When the seed (word) of God was planted (accepted) in our heart a new thing was begotten within us - A NEW SPIRIT, the NEW MAN (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). If anyone is in Christ - a new creation! old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new. All things are of God (2Corinthians 5:17,18) Like a baby this reborn person has no past, his sins are remitted and has a new start. The reborn spirit is made from Divine seed which is perfect and incorruptible. Whatever has been BORN OF GOD (the newman) does not sin, for His SEED remains in him; and he can not sin, because he has been BORN OF GOD (1 John 3:9). We know whatever is BORN OF GOD doesn't sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him (1 John 5:18) Spiritual growth is the growth of what God has done in our 17

19 SPIRIT into our SOUL (mind) and BODY. It is the life and nature of the SEED transforming our whole character (ways of thinking and acting) according to it's blueprint, so that the Divine Nature of love dominates our whole being. The nature of our spirit is love, joy, peace... (Galatians 5:22). As we express and bring or show forth our new nature this is the fruit of our spirit. This measures our spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is not the growth of our spirit in size, but in its expression and control of our character. As we grow more of the life and nature of our reborn spirit is expressed through our soul and body). Trusting in the flesh (mere human effort and energy) is of no avail (John 6:63). Flesh produces flesh but spirit produces spirit (John 3:6). Spiritual growth comes from the energy of the Word and the Spirit (John 6:63). What matters is the new creation (Galatians 6:15). What matters for spiritual growth is being born again, knowing it and living out from the new creation. What is of the flesh (the leaves) will ultimately be destroyed and what's left of us (the fruit) will be what's been produced by the Word (seed) and Spirit of God (1 Peter 1:23-25). So: As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). 18

20 Chapter 2 - The Milk: Rebound Techniques. We are born of God! (1 Peter 1:3, Titus 3:5). God is our actual Father and we are born from His seed-the word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25). This is the rebirth of our spirit by the impartation of God's life. We possess eternal life as children of God. At first we are spiritual babies and God wants us to grow up into maturity. As bread is our food for physical growth so God's Word is our necessary food for spiritual growth: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). In particular a baby needs to take in the MILK OF THE WORD in order to grow: As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). Spiritual growth is the growth of the New-Creation Man (our spirit) in its transforming our soul (mind) and actions, so that God's nature (love) dominates our thoughts, words and actions (our character) Growth is a process that happens as we hear and do the Word. There are no shortcuts; it is not automatic. We see this in 1Corinthians 3:1-3: I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual (mature) men, but as to CARNAL (flesh-ruled), to BABES in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not meat: for you were not able to bear it, neither now 19

21 are you able. For you are yet carnal: for as there is among you envying, strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as (unsaved) men? Here are Christians who had not grown up as they should because they were not living from their new-creation spirit, walking by faith in the Word and what it says about them. Rather they were carnal- living by and from the flesh (in their own strength). The mark of being flesh-ruled is being selfcentred resulting in pride, envy and strife. Thus they were still babes and were not ready for the meat of the word, for they hadn't yet absorbed the milk. They had not put into practice the first-principles of the Word (the milk = the baby food). This is confirmed by a similar passage in Hebrews, where Christians can not take in the meat: You are dull of hearing. For by now you ought to be teachers, you need one to teach you again the FIRST PRINCIPLES of the oracles of God; and are those who need MILK, and not strong MEAT. For everyone that uses MILK is unskilful (unpractised) in the Word of righteousness (they have not put it into practice) for he is a BABE. But strong MEAT belongs to them of full age, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:11-13). 20

22 The MILK is the FIRST PRINCIPLES of the Word which when absorbed by hearing and doing it causes us to grow into maturity where we can eat MEAT. We will stay spiritual babies until we apply these basics of the Word. These are the foundations we must lay in our life before we can build higher. We can only build as high as our foundation in the basics is strong and deep. He now describes the MILK - outlining 7 areas of teaching: leaving the elementary principles of the TEACHING of Christ, let us go on to maturity; not laying again the FOUNDATION of (1) REPENTANCE from DEAD WORKS and (2) of FAITH TOWARD GOD, (3) of doctrine (teaching), (4) of baptisms, (5) of laying on of hands, (6) of resurrection of the dead, and (7) of eternal judgement (Hebrews 6:1-2). REPENTANCE from dead works and FAITH IN GOD. Dead works are works of the flesh (done in our own strength) including our efforts to save ourselves. The Bible makes clear that flesh just produces more flesh which is of no value to God and leads to death. The first principle of the Christian life is to realise you can not save yourself or live this life in your own strength. We must change the whole source and basis for our life and transfer all our trust to God and His grace. Before we trusted in self (our own strength, ability, performance, righteousness) for everything. This made us self-centred and self-orientated. We lean on what we have done or will do. Our mind is fixed on 21

23 self (resulting in pride or despair) and both are roads to death: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). We must turn from this way to trusting God as our Source of life, strength, love etc, looking to Him and depending on Him. This is how we start to walk by faith, living in, from and by the Spirit rather than in the flesh. If we walk in the Spirit we will grow spiritually. But if we trust in the flesh we will stay spiritual babes. Growth in maturity is moving from being self-centred to Godcentred. Jesus talked about this change: Come to Me, all you that labour and are heavy laden (with dead works), and I will give you rest. Take My yoke (my Spirit, my anointing) upon you, and learn of Me (through the Word) for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). A young ox would be yoked to a large ox and they would plough the fields together. It would seem easy because he wasn't doing it alone but was joined to one with great power, working with him. As we allow the yoke of the Spirit to come and rest upon us we can do great works as we trust in His power to work with us. When we believe, we enter into rest for we are resting on the Lord and are held up by His power (see Hebrews 3 and 4). When living in the Spirit, doing God's will is easy in the sense that He empowers us to do it. If we receive the yoke of the Spirit 22

24 upon us, we will live and do God's work in His power. To repent is to stop trusting self and live by faith in God. Then the New Creation Man will dominate (see Romans 8:2-6; Galatians 2:20; 5:16-25; 6:14-16; Philippians 3:2 on). God's grace (life) is freely available for us to live by, through faithdependance on God (Galatians 2:20), but while we trust in ourselves and in our works, we set God s grace aside and it can not operate in us and we do not grow in grace (Galatians 2:21). A big step out of babyhood is learning how to WALK. Each time a baby falls he gets up and tries again. Each time he learns more technique for getting up and for staying on his feet. As he perseveres he gets stronger. Likewise a Christian is learning to WALK in faith, in the Spirit. At first he finds it hard to stay on his feet, for a baby is easily knocked down (by his own sins, by things that happen to him in life, by what others say and do). The Bible gives specific faith-techniques for getting back on our feet and keeping on walking in faith under different pressures. These are an important part of the milk that new believers must be taught. Mastering them is basic to sustained growth in God. Christians who have not put these into practice, get knocked down easily and are then down and out for too long. Thus there is no sustained walk or growth. While grounded there is no growth. But every moment we are standing on the promises, living in God's grace we are growing. 23

25 Many things happen to cause us to fall and stop walking by faith. What really matters is not what happens to us, but how we respond to it. We let them knock us out or we get back up stronger. We need to know GOD'S REBOUND techniques, so we can immediately get back on our feet, into faith and moving on with God. (1) REBOUNDING FROM SIN Sin breaks our fellowship with God but not our relationship. It grounds us and stops our growth. Satan then adds his condemnation to paralyse us on the floor. If we respond in the flesh by covering it up, justifying it or trying to earn forgiveness by extra efforts, struggling against it in our own strength then we will stay grounded. Stop looking to yourself but rather claim: 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. King David learnt this when he sinned. In Psalm 32:1-5 he tells how he went into decline when he covered it up, but when he brought it to the light and confessed it fully he came back into God's blessing. Psalm 51 is his prayer of confession which finishes with asking to be refilled with the Holy-Spirit to do God's will. When you sin run to God not away from Him. He knows all about it anyway 24

26 and is ready to forgive. REBOUND from sin at once, get straight back into the grace of God. Every moment on the floor is wasted. REBOUND by CONFESSING your sin to God, and asking Him in faith to FILL you with His Spirit. (2) REBOUNDING from SUCCESS - Success, pleasures and good things can also cause us to fall asleep spiritually and get our eyes off God, living in our own strength, trusting in ourselves. They deceive us into thinking we do not need God. REBOUND by giving God THANKS for every blessing, acknowledging Him as our Source and GIVING Him the FIRSTFRUITS of what He has blessed us with: In everything (in every circumstance) give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1Thessalonians 5:18). (3) REBOUNDING FROM SETBACKS and TRIALS. A new Christian needs to know that it is not all roses. Afflictions and bad things will happen for we live in a fallen world. They must be told how to respond. Peter walked by faith on the water, while he looked to Jesus trusting His word. But the wind and waves (tests and trials) came and grabbed his attention. When he focused on them he began to sink. If we let problems dominate our thinking we sink, for we have let them take our eyes off the Lord. Trials come from evil, to push us down, pressurise and discourage us and try to make us give up walking by faith. 25

27 So, we must respond actively in order to keep our eyes and faith on God. They either overcome us or we overcome them by faith. REBOUND by actively REJOICING IN GOD, CLAIMING Romans 8:28: God works all things work together for good to them who love God, the called according to His purpose. This promise is (1) for the called according to His purpose. This speaks of believers, and His purpose for us is to make us like His Son Jesus Christ and glorify us (Romans 8;29,30). (2) This speaks of those who love God. Literally this reads: to them who are loving God. The extent to which this promise works for us in any situation depends on how much we are loving God in it (by looking to Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, rejoicing in Him). So as we love and praise God in the trial, He is working it for good both in our character, our circumstances and in our eternal glory, which is all the more reason to rejoice! We PRAISE God and THANK Him out loud that His power is working in the situation and that He is turning it for our good. In this way we stay on our feet or if we are down, that is how we get back into faith. God works the trial for our good, if we respond in faith. REJOICING in God causes us to look to God and move in faith when under pressure. One result is that we grow faster if we love and trust God in a trial. The more we grow in grace and in Christ-like character 26

28 (the fruit of the Spirit) then also the more eternal glory will be ours, for our capacity for glory in eternity is determined by the character we develop now. That is why we can rejoice by faith when under trial, for we know God is using it to make us more like Christ and prepare us for eternal glory as we look to Him. Matthew 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. 2Corinthians 4:16-18: Therefore, we do not lose heart (in trials and difficulties, rather we rejoice in God). Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen (the temporary problem), but at the things which are not seen (the eternal unchanging God and His Word). For the things which are seen are temporary (subject to change), but the things which are not seen are eternal. James 1:2-4,12: My brethren, COUNT IT ALL JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your 27

29 faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing... BLESSED is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Romans 5:3-5: We also GLORY in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance (patience); and perseverance, character; and character, hope (of the having the glory of God in us). Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 8:17,18,28-30: If children, then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (of the glory of God), if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us...and we know that all things (that happen in life) work together for good to those who are loving God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified these He also glorified. 28

30 In overcoming setbacks we get stronger. As we develop muscles by pushing against resistance, so our faith is challenged to operate more fully when there is resistance and thus it is developed more. When everything is perfect, we do not feel the need to use our faith much. Difficult times present the greatest demand on our faith and the greatest opportunity to use it. Trusting God in hard times causes greater spiritual growth than anything. Trials expose our weakness and the futility of trusting self, thus causing us to trust more fully in God, allowing His strength (grace) to work more fully in and through us. In 2Corinthians 12:9,10, Paul describes how he learnt to respond to difficulties with rejoicing. In this way, in his weakness he laid hold of the grace of God in a greater way and rebounded with greater grace, coming back stronger than ever. Every setback was a stepping stone, moving His life and ministry forward: He (God) said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Paul rejoiced in situations that revealed his need for God for he knew: God's strength is made perfect in weakness. As he 29

31 REJOICED by faith he found: the power of Christ rested upon him. In our awareness of weakness we reach out and put our trust in God, joining ourselves by faith to His strength. When we have done this we can say: I am strong not in myself but in the grace of God. Let the weak (those who feel at the end of their own strength) say: I am strong in the strength of my God. (4) REBOUNDING FROM HURTS and OFFENCES (from the sins of others) by QUICK and FULL FORGIVENESS. A great danger to our growth is not rebounding when others sin against us. If we nurse the hurt, then the seed of bitterness gets rooted in us and will grow up in us, troubling our life, spoiling our character and causing us to fall short of God's grace: Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15). In seeking to punish them, we only punish ourselves. REBOUND by FORGIVING QUICKLY and FULLY. Leave all judgement and vengeance to God (Romans 12:19-21). Forgive and PRAY for them that they will find God's forgiveness and blessing (as Jesus did on the Cross). This will remove all evil seeds of bitterness from your heart. This will keep you from falling when others mistreat you and let you down. You will then continue to grow in grace and glory, just like Joseph did, despite 30

32 the unfair and cruel behaviour toward him by his brothers. Ephesians 4:32: Be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you (completely and freely). It helps to remember how much God has forgiven you and that to hold others in unforgiveness brings torment (Matthew 18:21-35). It blocks the flow of the grace of God in your life and your growth like no other sin: whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25,26, also Matthew 6:14,15). The mark of spiritual maturity (perfection) is forgiving your enemies, praying for them and acting toward them in love as God does: You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy. 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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven -for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, 31

33 what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect (mature), just as your Father in heaven is perfect (mature) (Matthew 5:43-48). Blessed are the peacemakers (through forgiveness), for they shall be called (mature) SONS of God (Matthew 5:9). Mature ones have learnt to do this by putting the Word into practice, not because they felt like it. Thus by doing the Word, their inner man has gained dominance and they have become mature sons of God. They have become more like their Father. A major part of growing up is learning how to REBOUND in faith. REBOUND techniques are MILK - basic Christianity. We must master these first principles of the Word first, before we can take (receive) the meat. Knowing and applying them is essential for us to grow up into spiritual adults. If we do not learn to REBOUND we will stay babies. *If we don't confess our sins (1 John 1:9) we will stay a baby. *If we don't rejoice in tribulation (Romans 8:28) we will never build any muscle and so will stay a baby. *If we are slow to forgive, harbouring resentments and nursing bitterness, we are still a baby and in order to grow up we must learn to forgive quickly from the heart. 32

34 Chapter 3: The Love-Walk God wants us to grow up into strong mature Christians, but this does not happen by accident. Spiritual growth is really the PERFECTING OF GOD'S LOVE IN US, so that it controls our character, words and actions. In the New Birth God became the Father of our spirit, we were BORN OF GOD. Our spirit is a new creation possessing the life and nature of God. Growth comes by letting that new life be expressed and it depends on how much we let the love of God in us fill us and control us. God's nature is LOVE. God is LOVE (1John 4:8), so what He gives birth to (our spirit) must be made of LOVE. As children of God, His love-nature is already inside us, our spirit is made of love: The LOVE of God is shed abroad (poured out) into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Jesus prayed that: the LOVE You have loved me with may be IN THEM (John 17:26). God's love is in us. Father and son have the same nature. We are a LOVE child of a LOVE God. Walking in love starts by receiving God's love and knowing His love is in us. We have the capacity to love with God's LOVE. We do not have to get it, because we have it. Now by faith we must ACT on it, EXPRESS it, so that it is developed (PERFECTED) in us. A baby is born with great unseen potential. The process of growth happens as he begins to exercise his abilities (speaking, 33

35 walking etc) and then his potential comes forth. His inner abilities are developed, and perfected by practice until they show on the outside. So, as we walk in the LOVE of God within us, it develops and shows and we get skilful at moving in it. In this way we grow out of babyhood. Living from our flesh (soul-life) our ability to love is limited. Our natural love runs out with people we do not like or have upset us. This is then an opportunity to draw by faith upon the Divine love in us, and live by this unconditional, unlimited love. As we do this God's love in us is perfected (matured and developed). In 1Corinthians 3:1-3 the mark of BABY is described as being CARNAL (FLESH-RULED = self-centred). But A MATURE one is ruled by his spirit (love ruled). We have continual choices to act in love or operate in selfishness, to put own interests first or others, to deny self or not. A mature one has chosen to act in LOVE again and again so that it dominates his lifestyle (Hebrews 5:13,14). He is described as SPIRITUAL, for he is dominated by his spirit not his flesh. The more we chose LOVE the more our spirit takes control and LOVE is perfected (developed) in us. Carnality shows in envy, strife, and division where everyone fights for their own interests. We either give others what they deserve (justice) or we give love (mercy). If we dish out according to what others deserve they will do the same to us. 34

36 Christians who act from the flesh, are living just like a mere unsaved men because they are not drawing on God's LOVE. Anyone can be nice to their friends, but Divine LOVE goes further showing goodness to all, including the undeserving whether we like them or not. Spiritual maturity is to be controlled by this kind of unconditional, undeserved LOVE. Be ye therefore PERFECT (MATURE), even as your FATHER is PERFECT (Matthew 5:48). God wants us to be perfect! This means to 'be mature.' As SONS we have Father's nature and are to grow up to be like Him. The ideal of maturity we aim for is exemplified by our Father in heaven. He shows us what true maturity is and expects us to become like Him. In Matthew 5:44-47: Jesus shows us that the mark of maturity is unconditional love to all: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them who despitefully use and persecute you that you may be the SONS OF YOUR FATHER in heaven: for He makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them who love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? and if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore PERFECT (MATURE in love) even as your FATHER in heaven is PERFECT (v48) So this PERFECTION is MATURITY in LOVE. 35

37 It means showing unconditional love to all, even our 'enemy' who has hurt us, whom we don't like, treating him as a friend (this starts with forgiving him) This is how God is. He loves us even when we mess up. He responds to men's hatred and rejection with love and mercy. He has a big heart and He wants us to be same, to be His SONS (grown up children who are just like our Father). To take the initiative and show love whether deserved or not. This means being Actors not Reactors, not controlled by other's behaviour but walk in love regardless. Is this 'putting on' an act? Be followers (imitators) of God, as dear children; and walk in LOVE, as Christ LOVED us, and gave himself for us (Ephesians 5:1,2). It is about acting in love as a child imitates his father. It is not hypocritical because His nature (LOVE) is in us. Hypocrisy is an outward face with no inner reality. Even if we cannot feel love, we know it is there and by faith we can draw on it. This love does not come naturally but supernaturally. The instinct of our flesh is the opposite, but we are not just natural but also supernatural beings. We are not just flesh, but also have a reborn spirit. Our natural love runs out, but if I know God's Love is in me, by faith I can lay hold of it and live from that love and find it flowing through me. It means denying our flesh reaction and acting out from our spirit. It may seem strange at first, but it is the better way. 36

38 How are we perfected in LOVE? Believing in God's Love in us, we choose to walk in love. By repeated practice love takes more and more control of our character, and we grow into maturity (sonship) LOVE is in us but must be perfected (this is the development of our character). Every time we act on and speak in that love, it is perfected and comes forth stronger. Whoever keeps His Word (this word or command is to walk in love - see v7,8, John 13:34; 1 John 4:21) in him truly is the LOVE of God PERFECTED (matured,developed): by this we know (and prove) that we are in him (truly born again). He who says he abides in him (claims to be a Christian) ought to walk as he walked (in LOVE) (1 John 2:5,6). 1 John 4. As we act in LOVE, LOVE is perfected in us, taking dominance in our personality: If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his LOVE is PERFECTED in us (v12). We have known and believed the LOVE that God has to us (walking in love starts by receiving His love - see v19). God IS LOVE; and he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him (v16). We walk in God's will, if we walk in love. When our LOVE is made PERFECT, we can have boldness (confidence, strength in our spiritual life)... because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but PERFECTED LOVE casts out fear for fear has torment. He who fears is not made PERFECT (mature) in love (v17,18). 37

39 This MATURING process is the development of Christlike character from the inside. This is also described in the Bible as the FRUIT of the spirit. Fruit is PRODUCED from the flow of an inner life. As a branch brings forth fruit by letting the SAP flow through it, so as we let LOVE flow through us, from the inside of us is produced visible FRUIT that people can see and eat from. This is a PROCESS. The fruit is contrasted with 'the works of the flesh' (v20,21). These WORKS are plural (implying a divided, dissipated life), but the FRUIT is singular. There is only ONE FRUIT (not 9): The FRUIT of the (human reborn) SPIRIT is LOVE, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control (v22,23). The whole fruit is LOVE - the nine words describing the qualities of reborn spirit, are all different aspects of LOVE. LOVE is joy, peace, goodness, faithfulnes, humility etc. The whole requirement of God is summed up as the COMMAND to LOVE (v14). If the fruit of our spirit is LOVE then the nature of our spirit must be Love. If we let the spirit dominate then the fruit of LOVE will be produced and demonstrated in our life. 1 Corinthians 13 describes God's Love in all its 9 qualities. It is a Love-ometer to use and test on ourselves and our lives. If we are honest with ourselves we will not be able to judge others because of our own selfishness. 38

40 LOVE is the more excellent WAY (ROAD to walk on) (1Corinthians 12:31). If I have not LOVE, I am as a sounding brass, or clanging cymbal (v1). When we are moving in Love, to God we are making beautiful music, harmonising with others. But when in the flesh, just going after our own things we may look O.K to others, but God just hears a noisy gong, drawing attention to ourselves. True Love is not out to get praise and attention. The God-kind of love is not interested in what I can get but what I can give. Though I have all gifts and have not LOVE, I AM NOTHING (v2). God's measure of our maturity is the measure of our love. The measure of a man is the quantity of love developed in his character. Some may put on a great show but in reality there is nothing there. They are still a baby. If I have not LOVE, (whatever I do) it PROFITS ME NOTHING (v3) Our love-walk governs our eternal rewards. The degree of God's love you possess is what you take into eternity. Your depth of character is your capacity for God's glory and hence determines your reward. Every time you act in love you gain treasure in heaven. Much is at stake! AMPLIFIED VERSION (1Corinthians 13:4-8): LOVE suffers and endures long. LOVE is LONG-SUFFERING. 39

41 Many endure, but do not keep a sweet disposition in the trial, but also: LOVE is kind. LOVE is KINDNESS. LOVE is never envious nor boils over with jealousy. Love is happy to see others succeed and be blessed. Thus LOVE is PEACE. It is content with God and His blessing. It does not compare with others. This either leads to envy if inferior or to pride and boasting if superior: LOVE is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited - arrogant and inflated with pride (v4). LOVE is MEEKNESS. It is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly (v5). LOVE is SELF CONTROL. It does not act in an embarrassing way. God's love in us does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it seeks not her own, it is not self seeking (v5). God's LOVE is self-giving and willing to yield. MEEKNESS is not weakness or compromising on essentials, but is willing to fit in with others and learn, being flexible and open to reason. Meekness is having a submissive heart towards God s authority, both in His Word, and in His delegated authorities on earth. LOVE is not touchy or fretful or resentful, it takes no account of the evil done to it - it pays no attention to a suffered wrong (v5). It is not easily provoked or irritated, 40

42 it thinks no evil. Thank God that He does not keep account (record) of our sin but forgives us! LOVE doesn't rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth (God and His Word), it rejoices when right and truth prevail (v6). LOVE is JOY. It does not rejoice when others fail, for it wants them to be blessed. Joy is a manifestation of Love. If we walk in love joy will be produced in our life. LOVE bears all things (whatever happens), believes all things (God s love in us is ever ready to believe the best of every person. Misunderstandings easily happen. Love puts best construction on people's words and actions) hopes all things, endures all things (without weakening) (v7). LOVE is FAITHFULNESS. Under pressure the faithful keep going, you know they will be there. Faithfulness is the relentless strength of love. No matter what happens they will be there for you. You can depend on them. God's love is strong and solid and is still reliable even under great pressure. The Hebrew word for God's Covenant love is 'HESEED' (translated loving-kindness) meaning LOYALTY and FAITHFULNESS. LOVE never fails (v8). If you walk in love you will not fail. Whatever hardships you face, at end of your life you will be a success in God s eyes if you consistently responded in love. 41

43 The character and glory that we take into eternity depends on how much love we have developed in this life (v13). God's LOVE is impossible for our flesh, but when we are at the end of our own strength and ability to love someone, it is good, for then we've got to move into the spirit of faith and lay hold of God's unconditional LOVE and put it into practice causing it to then grow stronger in us. We have a choice when someone does us bad, to either move in selfishness and talk about them (tastes good to the flesh) or move in love (and pray for them). Remember if they are out of God's love, we should feel sorry for them and pray for them for they have a serious problem. Let us not do what comes naturally but what comes supernaturally! Beloved, keep yourselves in the LOVE of God (Jude 20,21). LOVE is like a road or river. Keep within its boundaries. HOW? (1) Receive it (2) Know it is in you. (3) Walk in it. By faith act as if the Word is true. You are a love child of a love-god so walk in love. Then you will feel it, and see that it is real and powerful. When we are tempted to go outside it, say: no- my blessing is within the LOVE of God even if means denying self. 42

44 POEM: WHAT IS LOVE? It's silence when your words would hurt, It's patience when your neighbours curt, It's deafness when the scandal flows, It's thoughtfulness for another's woes, It's promptness when stern duty calls, It's courage when misfortune falls. 43

45 Chapter 4: Our Spiritual Food. God's 2 desires and priorities for every person are: (1) that they would be BORN AGAIN and (2) that they would GROW SPIRITUALLY, going from babyhood to adulthood. 1 Timothy 2:4: God wills all men (1) to be saved and (2) to come (by a process) to the (experiential) knowledge of the truth (the Word of God) - (by hearing and doing it). Both are achieved through receiving the Word of God: (1) The preaching of the Gospel and (2) teaching. See 1 Peter 1:23-2:2. Hebrews 6:1,2 describes the elementary principles - the MILK of the Word, that we must absorb to grow out of babyhood (1Peter 2:2). These foundational revelations of truth are what a mature Christian house (life) must be built upon. Third in this list of 7 doctrines is: the Foundation of DOCTRINE (TEACHING). This is a key revelation for our growth. It is that the teaching of the Word is our number one source of spiritual life and growth - the one thing absolutely necessary for our growth is the Word of God. Knowing this makes us hungry for more of the Word because we desire it for our sustenance and growth. 44

46 As new-born babes desire the pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby (1Peter 2:2). We can only grow by receiving the milk of the word like a baby. God anoints ministers of the Word for the purpose of perfecting (maturing) the saints, for all to be edified (built up) and growing together in the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:11-14). The number one thing every new Christian needs is good Bible Teaching along with regular Bible reading. Why is the Word so important? We will see why through 3 PICTURES or ANALOGIES of our growth: (1) The growth of our physical body. (2) The growth of a building. (3) The growth of a plant or tree. (1) The growth of our physical body. Food is necessary for growth. The WORD is our spiritual FOOD: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). As bread is food for our body so the Word is food for our spirit and spiritual life. It is essential for our sustenance and growth. Our body is made out of the same material substance as our food. We receive food into our stomach and it's substance and energy is absorbed into our body. Our New-man (spirit) was brought forth by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23-25) and is made 45

47 of the Word. The Word contains God's Life, Spirit, Energy and Nature: the Word of God is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (2Timothy 3:16). The Word of God which lives and abides forever (1Peter 1:23). As we receive the Word (our food) into our heart, we absorb its spiritual substance and energy (faith, love etc) and our spiritual life grows stronger: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The Word of God is the same substance as our spirit (which was from from the seed of the Word of God) and thus can feed it with God's life causing it to be strong in us. Like our body, our spiritual life needs to be fed and nourished in order to prosper. The Word contains FOOD for all stages of growth. *We start with MILK because it is the easiest to digest. 1Corinthians 3:1-2: I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to BABES in Christ. I fed you with MILK and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it. Hebrews 5:12-14: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need 46

48 MILK and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of MILK is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. These verses speak of believers (babes in Christ) who must drink the MILK of the Word in order to grow up. *Then we go onto HONEY, the sweet grace of God which releases sweetness into our life: More to be desired are they (God s words) than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than HONEY and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103). *There is also BREAD: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). God s provision for us includes: wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine (oil and wine symbolise the Holy-Spirit), and bread (symbolising the Word) which strengthens man s heart (Psalm 104:15). Jesus gave Himself to us as the BREAD OF LIFE inviting us to eat of His life: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes 47

49 in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life (John 6:48). They did not understand how so he explained that it was by eating His words my words are spirit and life (food for our souls) (John 6:63). *Finally the Word is MEAT for the mature He has given food (meat) to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant (Psalm 111:5, see also 1Corinthians 3:2, Hebrews 5:12,14 above). But the Word must be properly absorbed. It is not what is put before us that benefits us, but the FOOD WE DIGEST. We must chew and digest our food (the Word) to release the goodness in it Psalm 23 and Isaiah 55:1-3 say the Lord has set a table before us with all His provisions upon it. These spiritual blessings are wrapped up in the promises of God. We have to take them and eat them for them to be activated in us. Psalm 23:5: You prepare a table before me in the Presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup (of wine) runs over. (There is oil, wine and food laid out for us). Isaiah 55:1-3: Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money. Come, buy and EAT. Yes, come, buy wine and MILK without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not BREAD, and your wages for what does not satisfy? LISTEN carefully to Me, 48

50 and (by listening and meditating) EAT what is good (the WORD contains the grace and blessings and the life of God), and let your soul delight itself in abundance (of grace). INCLINE YOUR EAR (to the Word), and come to Me. HEAR, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you the sure mercies of David. This digestion is called MEDITATION. It means to chew the cud like cows, with 2 stomachs who regurgitate food already eaten to chew it more. Meditation is bringing a scripture up to chew on it. (CDs are helpful for meditating on and absorbing a sermon). It means to mutter the Word to ourselves. Look on it from every angle and personalise it. The more meaty it is, the more we must chew it. What have you been chewing over today? Meditation of the Word (using our mouth) renews our youth: Who satisfies your mouth with good things,so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s (Psalm 103:5). It brings sweetness to our soul: More to be desired are Your Words than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than HONEY and the honeycomb... Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:10,14). Meditation is the key to growing strong, successful and fruitful: Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to 49

51 do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:7,8). As we need a daily intake of food, so likewise our spirit needs daily meditation of the Word. (2) The growth of a building. We are God's Building (1Corinthians 3:9, see also Ephesians 2:20-22). The WORD is the substance (the BRICKS) the building of our spiritual life must be made from. We must use the Word to build foundations (Hebrews 6:1,2) and we continue to be built up (edified) by the Word as we hear and do it (Matthew 7:24-27). If we build our spiritual life with inferior materials our apparent growth will be shown to be false and will be destroyed. But if we build our lives with God s Word it will stand the test and prove to be genuine: 1Corinthians 3:9-16: You are God s Building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other 50

52 foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one s work -of what sort it is. If anyone s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the Temple of God, God will destroy him. For the Temple of God is holy, which Temple you are. (3) The growth of a plant or tree. The WORD is the WATER that a plant needs in order to grow. In Psalm 1:1-4 the growth of a believer is compared to a TREE: 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 TREEplanted 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. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 51

53 How we turn out depends on what we focus our attention on. If we listen to rubbish (v1), we will end up as rubbish to be blown away by the wind (v4). If we plant ourselves by the Word we will grow into a strong, stable, fruitful tree planted by the Waters. He who meditates in the Word day and night (as a lifestyle) will put down roots, and grow up strong and straight and flourish as a fruitful, productive tree. Again, the key to growth is the intake of the WORD. The WORD is the WATER containing the nutrients for growth. The tree planted by the water is the believer who puts himself under the Word. Meditation is like the tree's action of sucking in the water and its goodness. The tree takes in the water day and night and allows it to flow through it and fill it causing the tree to flourish at all times. The growth of our spirit (spiritual life) through our personality is like the growth of a plant or tree. Both grow from a SEED and both develop as a steady process if it is fed right. The New Man was created when the seed of the gospel was planted in our heart. The New Man grows out of that seed and thus is made of God's Word. Now God wants our New Man to grow like a plant or tree until it fills (controls) our personality (bringing forth much fruit). God's purpose is for us to be a fruitful tree of righteousness that glorifies the Lord: To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called Trees of 52

54 righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified (Isaiah 61:3). The number one thing necessary for this growth is the WATERING OF THE WORD of GOD (Ephesians 5:26). Plants that receive no water shrivel and die. They cannot grow. The primary need for every Christian is to be sustained, nourished and to grow is the WATERING of the WORD. We are like a young plant in the heat of the sun (the afflictions, pressures and trials of life) that continually needs watering. But we do not need the toxic rain of false doctrine! Receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls (James 1:21). The word is implanted at our new Birth, but we must receive more of it (hearing and doing it) for the spirit-life to grow out of it, filling and transforming our souls. In 1Corinthians 3:6,7 the believers are compared to PLANTS. I planted (the preached word that saved them) Apollos WATERED (by teaching the Word), but God gave the increase (the growth). God is the Source of all growth, but He only does it through the teaching (watering) of the Word. Like plants we need a daily intake of the water of the Word. Isaiah 55:8-12 describes the WORD as RAIN that comes down from heaven sent to WATER the plants (us) causing us to grow and be fruitful. The Word will accomplish its purpose in us, if we receive it, and then it will cause us to spring up with joy. 53

55 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the RAIN comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but WATER the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My WORD be that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. The PARABLE OF THE SOWER is the clearest exposition of this picture (Luke 8:5-18, also Mark 4:1-25, Matthew 13:3-23). Jesus said this is the most important Parable for us to understand. It is the revelation of how the Kingdom of God (the Life of God) grows in us as a PLANT. The Parable shows the progression and growth of the Kingdom in us. It shows it in 4 Stages which mirror the phases of a plant's growth. The key to the Parable is the WORD, which is the SEED of God containing the life, nature and power of the Kingdom (v11). It all starts from a Seed and the growth is the growth of the Seed (the Word) in us. 54

56 Luke 8:5-18: A sower went out to sow his seed (v5a). Now the Parable is this: The seed is the word of God (v11). SOIL 1: And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down and the birds of the air devoured it (v5) Interpretation: Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved (v12). SOIL 2: Some fell on stony (shallow) soil; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture (v6). Interpretation: But the ones on the stony (shallow) soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away (v13). SOIL 3: And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it (v7). Interpretation: Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard go out and are choked with cares riches and pleasures of life and bring no fruit to maturity (v14) SOIL 4: But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold (v8). Interpretation: But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience (v15). 55

57 Conclusion (The Main-Point): When He had said these things He cried, He who has ears to hear (the Word), let him hear (literally: let him hear and keep on hearing the Word )! (v8b). Interpretation: Therefore take heed how you hear (the Word). For whoever has (ears to hear), to him more (blessing, grace and growth) will be given; and whoever does not have (ears to hear), even what he seems to have will be taken from him. The Soil represents our heart. The Seed represents the Word and the Plant that grows from the Seed represents the new spiritual life that Word brings forth in us when it is planted in our heart. Under the right conditions this new-life of God will grow and manifest itself above the surface where it can be seen by all. The message of the Parable is that the Word is the key, and that God works in us through His Word, and that if we will let His Word be planted in us and if we keep on receiving His Word, we will grow spiritually and bear much fruit to God s glory. THE STAGES OF GROWTH OF A PLANT (1) The seed is planted. (2) It puts down roots. (3) It overcomes competition from weeds. (4) It brings forth fruit. The Parable does not just describe 4 different kinds of Soil, but it also follows the 4 Stages of the growth of a plant, revealing the 56

58 factors and forces that come to impede our spiritual growth at each Stage. It also reveals the key required to overcome these obstacles and maintain the growth of the seed unto maturity: If anyone has EARS to HEAR (the Word) let him HEAR (v8). The key to growth is to keep on hearing the Word of God. This hearing or receiving the WORD is like a plant receiving WATER. If the plant and the earth (heart) continues to receive the WATERING of the WORD, then good growth will continue. Since the key to God s operation in us is the Word, satan's strategy is to take the Word from us or to keep us away from it. To reach STAGE 1, the Seed must penetrate the surface and be planted in the soil. Thus the Word must first be understood and received in our heart. SOIL 1 is hardened and unreceptive to the Seed, so that the Plant cannot even reach STAGE 1. To stop men reaching STAGE 1, satan blinds the minds of unbelievers (hardens their ground) so they do not even understand the Word, then he comes to take it away from their thoughts by distraction. But the answer is for them to keep hearing the Word, for the Water of the Word will soften their soil (hearts), until the Seed can be planted in them. This happens when they understand, believe and receive the Word of the Gospel, and as a result the new-life of God is planted in them (they are Born Again). To reach STAGE 2, the Seed must put down strong faith-roots. SOIL 2 shows the situation just after STAGE 1 is reached. The 57

59 young plant with little roots is vulnerable to the heat of the sun (representing bad things or afflictions that happen to us in life), because the soil is shallow and it only has a little root-system. The roots represent our faith-commitment to the Word, and our ability to stand under pressure. The stronger they are, the more they are able to pull in the sustinance needed to endure the heat. The danger is that although the plant may seem to spring up quickly, if it does not quickly start developing roots satan will be able to come and turn up the heat, causing it to wither away in discouragement, thus stopping it from ever reaching STAGE 2. They will wither under the heat of the sun after a promising start. Again the answer is to keep receiving the watering of the Word, which will soften and deepen the soil and allow the roots to grow strong. When tests and trials come to try and stop us believing we should keep putting our roots down deeper by turning to God more in the Word and prayer. In this way we will become strong in faith and be able to overcome the attacks and enter STAGE 2. To reach STAGE 3, the plant must overcome competition from other plants and weeds, which want to benefit from the soil. These represent other things in our life which compete for the attention of our heart. These are cares, responsibilities, pleasures of life (including the good things of life such as our duties to our job and family). SOIL 3 shows the state of things before STAGE 3 is reached. Even though the plant is well-rooted, these other 58

60 things are capable of stopping it grow to maturity, because if they are allowed to grow too much they will choke the new plant (they will take all the goodness of the soil for themselves, so that the plant does not have enough supply of life to thrive and bear fruit). So the next danger to prevent our growth is that we allow ourselves to be so distracted by these other (good) things which demand our attention, that we give no time to nourishing our spiritual life through receiving the Word. The result is we allow these things to choke our spiritual life, preventing our spiritual growth from reaching maturity and fruitfulness (STAGE 4). So satan s strategy at this point is to con us into thinking that we have no time for God s Word, because we are too busy with these other important things. He tries to divert our attention from the Word onto other things. Someone under this deception says: I m too busy to pray or read the Bible or go to Church. When I am not working, I need to be with my family or relax, so there is no time left for God. Such a person who replaces God by things that are just good has his priorities all wrong. By cutting his spiritual life off from its source he stops growing and as a result (without God s help) the rest of his life will suffer. But if he would put first things (God s Kingdom) first, then all the other things of his life (his job, family, relaxation) would work well. God s life in him would then give him mastery and blessing in the other areas of his life (Matthew 6:33). This issue 59

61 is illustrated with Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 where Jesus tells Martha overwhelmed by the things of life that only ONE THING (the Word) is needful. This was what Mary chose. Putting it first will then give you mastery over the details of life. So again the key at this Stage of growth is to keep putting the Word first, by giving it our full attention. The water of the Word has all the nutrients necessary to feed the new-life within us so that it can grow strong It also has the disinfectants needed to destroy any sinful weeds and control any overgrowth of other plants competing with our spiritual life. So by continuing to patiently receive (hear) the watering of the Word we will continue to grow and bear much fruit and so enter STAGE 4. So the Kingdom enters us by the SEED (the Word) and grows in us from that Seed as it is WATERED (by the Word). Satan's strategies to stop our growth are all focused on cutting us off from our supply (the Word). The key is to keep under the watering of the Word for then our heart is changed into good soil and the life of God grows in us and becomes visible and fruitful. We will grow and succeed only if we continue under the Word. The New Life in you was created by the Word. As you continue to hear the Word that life is nourished, strengthened and grows. Thus Jesus concluded the teaching of this Parable by saying: Whoever has (ears that hear the Word) shall more (life, 60

62 blessing, growth) be given in abundance, but whoever has not (ears to hear the Word) what he has shall be taken from him (by satan) (Matthew 13:12). The measure (of attention to, and hearing the Word) you use, it (growth) will be measured to you and to you who HEAR (the Word) shall more be given (Mark 4:24). Take heed therefore how you hear (the Word) for whosoever has (ears that hear and receive the Word) to him shall be given (blessing and growth-for the life and blessing of God is in the Word!) and whosoever has not (ears that hear) from him shall be taken (by satan) even what he seems to have (Luke 8:18). He backslides (gets into negative growth) and loses all his gains. 61

63 Chapter 5 - OUR BAPTISM INTO CHRIST In 1Corinthians 3 our Christian life and growth is compared to: (1) A BABY needing the MILK of the WORD to grow: I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to BABES in Christ. I fed you with MILK and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are you not carnal? (v1-4). (2) A PLANT needing the WATERING of the WORD to grow. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I PLANTED, Apollos WATERED, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who PLANTS is anything, nor he who WATERS, but God who gives the increase (growth). Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are God s fellow workers; you are God s FIELD (v5-9a). (3) A BUILDING (HOUSE) built using the WORD for BRICKS You are God s BUILDING. According to the grace of God 62

64 which was given to me, as a wise master BUILDER I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he BUILDS on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone BUILDS on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one s work, of what sort it is. If anyone s work which he has BUILT on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the TEMPLE of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the TEMPLE of God, God will destroy him. For the Temple of God is holy, which Temple you are (v9b-17) In building a house it is essential to lay the right FOUNDATION - which Paul said he laid, which is JESUS CHRIST (v11). So the FOUNDATION that a Christian must build upon is the BASIC TEACHING OF JESUS CHRIST - who He is, who we are in Him, who He is to us and in us. Hebrews 5:12-6:2 agrees: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the FIRST PRINCIPLES of the oracles of God; and you have come to need MILK and not solid food. For everyone who 63

65 partakes only of MILK is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, for he is a BABE. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES (TEACHINGS) of Christ, let us go on to perfection (maturity), not laying again the FOUNDATION of (1) repentance from dead works and (2) of faith toward God, (3) of doctrine, (4) of baptisms, (5) of laying on of hands (6) of resurrection of the dead, and (7) of eternal judgment. They needed: the first principles of the oracles of God (5:12) This is also called the MILK for BABES (5:12,13) and: the elementary principles (teachings) of Christ, which are also described as the FOUNDATION that must be laid for the building of our spiritual life. In other words the milk-teaching that babes need for growth, consist of the FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINES OF CHRIST - the foundational revelations of truth that we must build the house of our life and character upon, in order for it to stand the test. This Foundation consists of the 7 elementary teachings of CHRIST which are described in Hebrews 6:1,2. These are what a Christian house (life) must be built upon in order for it to become strong and mature. The 4th of these teachings is the FOUNDATION of BAPTISMS, which we will now study in this Chapter. 64

66 There are 3 Foundational Baptisms at the start of the Christian life. In this Chapter, we look at the first 2 of these Baptisms: (1) When receive Christ, the Holy-Spirit BAPTISES us INTO CHRIST and we become part of the Body of Christ, so it is also described as being baptised into the body of Christ: By one Spirit we were all baptised into one body (1Corinthians 12:13) (2) BAPTISM INTO WATER is commanded on all believers to testify outwardly and publicly of their BAPTISM INTO CHRIST (which happened in our spirit). So we must be saved before being baptised, which is then our first step (act) of faith, a declaration of our new identity and life in Christ, a physical demonstration of what's already happened in our spirit. BAPTISM means to DIP or IMMERSE like a garment dipped into die. It is to be IDENTIFIED, made ONE with,and thus to share the same life and quality. The result is permanent change. The New Birth was accomplished by the Spirit BAPTISING us into Christ, thus uniting us with him (identified with his past, present and future.) We were put into Him and His eternal life came into our spirit. The truth is WE ARE IN HIM and HE IS IN US (John 17:23,26). We are born of God with His New Life and Nature within. Thus firstly the doctrine of Baptisms covers the key revelation of WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST by the New Birth. 65

67 To grow spiritually we must know who we are in Christ and walk in that truth. Spiritual growth like natural growth is the outworking of who we are by our birth. We gradually discover the truth of who we are,and what we can do and then walk by these truths. Growing up involves growing in knowledge of our HISTORY, our ABILITIES, who WE ARE and living accordingly. Likewise our spiritual growth involves finding the truth of who we are by the New Birth and living that out. Imagine having amnesia and forgetting who you are. Your identity is the same but it is locked up inside. You are not free to be who you are and vulnerable to believing lies about yourself. This is what it is like for a baby Christian who does not know who he really is in Christ. We live up to who we believe ourselves to be, so he is unable to fully express his true reborn nature. Satan comes and lies to him about who he is. But there is a Book that tells the truth about ourselves. We must study to find out who we are in order to grow into the person we should be, otherwise we are paralysed by our ignorance. We need to know this truth for then we are set free to be ourselves. So we must find the TRUTH which is in the WORD (teaching) of Christ who said: If you abide (continue) in my WORD you are my disciples indeed and you will KNOW (personally) THE TRUTH (of who you are in Christ) and the TRUTH (you know) shall make you free (John 8:32). 66

68 A hearer of the word and not a doer, is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror (the word which reveals what we are like in Christ) he OBSERVES HIMSELF, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who LOOKS (intently) into the PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, will be blessed in his doing (James 1:23-25). He sees who he is, meditates until it changes his self-image so that he acts on it and is blessed. Acting on the word (the truth of who he is) releases the new life of the newman and he grows into who he really is as a SON OF GOD. NEW CREATION REALITIES to KNOW and build our life upon (things that are true based on our Baptism into Christ. If any man be IN CHRIST, behold, he is a New Creation, old things are passed away, the new has come, and all things are of God (2Corinthians 5:17). The 'IN CHRIST' Scriptures tell of who we are and what we have because of this BAPTISM. (1) Romans 6:3-6: Don't you know that those BAPTISED INTO CHRIST JESUS were BAPTISED into his DEATH?...BURIED WITH HIM by BAPTISM into death,...as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we should walk in newness of life. If we have been UNITED together in his death, we also shall be his resurrection. 67

69 Knowing our old man (spirit) was CRUCIFIED WITH HIM...if we DIED WITH CHRIST we shall also LIVE WITH HIM. Knowing Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more, death has no dominion over Him. For the death He died, he died once for all, but the life He lives, He lives to God. Likewise reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. We were baptised into Christ s death, burial and resurrection. Our old-man was crucified and died with him. Out of this death arose a new man who operates in newness of life. We were raised with Christ. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has raised our spirit. Our spirit is made of the resurrection life and power of Christ so sin and death has no dominion over it. This is who you really are: victorious over sin, satan and death. You have conquered them all IN CHRIST. Yes, He conquered, but now joined to Him you share in His victory. (2) Colossians 2:10-15: complete IN HIM... IN HIM you were circumcised (the old man cut off)...buried WITH HIM BY BAPTISM in which (BAPTISM) you were also RAISED WITH HIM by faith in the working of God who raised Him from the dead (to be saved you had to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead-god took that faith in God's resurrection power to resurrect your spirit!) and you, being dead.. has MADE ALIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM... 68

70 He disarmed principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them triumphing over them in it (His death, burial and resurrection). He conquered and triumphed over satan and we were in Him when He did it. So: we are more than conquerors THROUGH HIM who loved us (Romans 8:37). (3) In Ephesians 1:19-23, Paul prays for us to have a revelation of: the exceeding greatness of His power IN and 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 in the heavenlies far above all principality, power, might, dominion and every name that is named. Now we are in Christ that same power that raised up and exalted Christ is working in us. When we were baptised into Christ we were baptised into Christ and became part of His Body. The Body is one with the Head, so when the Head was raised, the Body was raised by the same operation of God s power. This is confirmed in Ephesians 2:1,5-6: and YOU He MADE ALIVE who were dead in trespasses and sins (v1). When we were dead in trespasses He MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST (by grace you have been saved) and RAISED US UP TOGETHER (with Christ) and made us SIT TOGETHER in heavenly places IN CHRIST (far above all principalities and powers) (v5,6). 69

71 So the very same mighty power that worked in Christ: (1) making Him alive (overcoming all death), and (2) raising Him victorious above all pricipalities and powers (3) seating Him in authority and dominion over all things, has also been fully released in our spirits when we were saved, so that: (1) we have been made alive together with Christ (our spirit has been transformed from death to life by God s power). (2) we have been raised us together with Him victorious far above all enemy powers (our spirit is an overcomer in Christ), (3) we have been seated together with Him far above all things (our spirit has been given a position of authority and has been given dominion to reign with Christ over all things). This means the resurrection life, victory and authority of Christ has also been imparted to our reborn, new-creation spirit, so that now we are more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37). So our reborn spirit has been saved in the new-birth (Ephesians 2:5,8). It is perfect and does not sin: Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and cannot sin, because he has been born of God (1John 3:9). We know that whatsoever is born of God (the reborn spirit) does not sin (we may sin, but it does not come from our spirit which is perfect); but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him (the armour of God protects the New-Man from all evil) (1John 5:18). 70

72 The reborn spirit is called the New-Man. It is dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). It is made in the perfect image of Christ: 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 (Colossians 3:9,10). the New Man which was created according to God (in His image), in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Our spirit has been recreated according to the blueprint of Christ, so that it is now in the perfect image of the resurrected Christ! Our reborn spirit is the real you. It is full of God s love: The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us (Romans 5:5). It possesses all of the fruit of the spirit: The fruit (produce) of the spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-25). These truths are FOUNDATIONAL for our IDENTITY IN CHRIST. We are no longer ordinary people - but we New Creations with resurrection life in us: devil defeating, worldovercoming children of God, successful in Christ: We are His workmanship (God s masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good (excellent) works, which God prepared beforehand (and put in our spirit) that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10) When we believed and were put in Christ we overcame satan. 71

73 All he can do is lie and try convince us we are still rejected. The TRUTH is we are: the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST (2Corinthians 5:21) and: there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). WATER BAPTISM is the outward SIGN, TESTIMONY or CONFESSION of what has already happened in our spirit. Going under the water we proclaim the old man dead and buried. Rising up out of the water declares we have risen to new life - a new creature in Christ who will walk in a new-life. Through this confession the inward reality is brought into manifestion in our lives: Confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10) The Growth Process. Our spirit has been reborn - the new Man. This is our true identity. Spiritual growth is the outworking of what God has done in our spirit in the New Birth. The extent of our growth is the extent this new life dominates. The key is our mind (soul). While we think in the old ways of darkness the new life is blocked from revealing itself. Once we see who we are (once our mind is renewed to agree with our spirit) then the real us (the New Man) can come through and be seen in our lives. Romans 12:2: Be not conformed to the world (do not let the world squeeze or pressure into its mould from the outside), but be transformed (a metamorphosis) by the renewing of your mind (to the truth of God s Word about who you are in Christ). 72

74 'Metamorphosis' is a change where the reality that is already on the inside comes forth to be revealed and manifested on the outside, like a butterfly coming forth from within a caterpillar. It is the bringing forth into our lives of our true personality and beauty (who we are in our spirit), our inner life in Christ being revealed on the outside. This transformation (metamorphisis) happens when our mind is renewed by the Word of God. We all with unveiled face (the veil of unbelief being removed) beholding in a Mirror (God s Word) the glory of the Lord are being transformed (by metamorphosis) into the same image from glory to glory, by the Spirit (2Corinthians 3:18). We see ourselves in the Mirror of God s Word, and so in God s spiritual Mirror we see our spirit. We see ourselves as we are in Christ: the glory of the Lord, full of love, joy and peace. As we see who we are in Christ, a transformation (spiritual growth) is brought to pass by the Spirit who changes us from glory to glory. That is, the glory that we behold in our spirit through the Word comes forth into our souls and into expression in our lives, so that they are being conformed into the same image as our reborn spirit, according to how much of that glorious image we see in the Mirror. It is a growth process of change from glory to glory so that the more the veil of ignorance and unbelief is removed and the more we behold of ourselves as we continue to look in the Mirror, the more of the glory within can be revealed without. 73

75 Getting to one degree (level) of glory (growth) prepares us for the next, for each change removes more of the veil and positions us to see more of the glory of the Lord, which allows the Spirit within us to bring about the next change. Thus we should be having a continuous growth transformation from glory to glory, becoming more and more like Christ, so that our souls and lives are being increasingly changed into the same perfect image of Christ, that has already been accomplished in our reborn spirit. Build the house of your life on the ROCK FOUNDATION. We have seen that another picture of our spiritual growth is the building of a house. The most important issue is to build it on the right foundation, otherwise it will not stand in the storms. It must be a foundation of solid ROCK - CHRIST HIMSELF. Simon Peter answered and said, You are the CHRIST, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not REVEALED this to you, but My Father in heaven. 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 (Matthew 16:16-18). The ROCK is Christ. We must build our spiritual lives on the unchanging Rock of Christ, that is, we must build our lives on the revealed truth of CHRIST: WHO HE IS (the Son of God) and WHO HE IS IN US and WHO WE ARE IN HIM by our BAPTISM into CHRIST. 74

76 The Foundation we must build upon is the REVEALED TRUTH of CHRIST: For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said there are two ways to build the House of our life and character: Whoever (comes to me and) HEARS my WORDS and DOES them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the ROCK (who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock). The rain descended, the floods (storms of life) came and the winds blew (false spirits, ideas and doctrines) and beat (vehemently against) that house, and it did not fall (could not shake it) for it was FOUNDED on the ROCK. But he who HEARS my WORDS and DOES NOT DO them (applies and builds his life on them) is like the foolish man who built his house on the sand (on earth without a foundation) and the rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat on the house and it fell and great was its fall (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49). One built on earth (surface soil). He lived by what his feelings and natural thinking told him (a self-image based on appearance, performance, human reasoning) but these are unreliable, shifting sands. A house built on this foundation has no strength. It is made of straw. It may look OK but its weakness will be revealed when it is tested under pressure either by the storms of life (Matthew 7:27) or by God s judgement (1Corinthians 3:9-15). The tests will show what you have built your life upon, how you 75

77 have built, and what materials you have been building with. The man who did not build on Christ, by believing and acting on His words (but by following his own ideas and feelings instead), did not build anything strong or of lasting value, for all came to nothing when the storm hit (we all face storms, especially the ultimate storm of death). His spiritual growth was not real and lasting. As a result he ended up with nothing. The other man dug deeper (not depending on the surface layers) down to the ROCK and built his house on that FOUNDATION. He was building his life on the teaching of Jesus. The foundation is the TRUTH of Christ - Who He is, who we are in Christ and who He is in us. This is the unchangeable SOLID ROCK, the dependable Truth of Christ - so we can safely build on it. It is independant of our performance, feelings, or what others think of us. This man hears and hears the Word, and acts on it, and as he does he is building his life on the Word and with the Word. Since his house is built on the WORD and made from the eternal, indestructible WORD, it is solid, unchangeable, strong in storms and will last forever. This is true spiritual growth. This to acheive real spiritual growth we must build our lives on the Rock Foundation of Christ - the Revealed Truth of Who He is and who we are in Him. We do this building by HEARING, BELIEVING and DOING His Word. As we believe His Word, and act on it as the ultimate truth, we build our life on the Rock. 76

78 Chapter 6 - THE TONGUE Our tongue is a small member, but is very important in our spiritual life and growth. In Creation God released His Spirit and His Power by SPEAKING WORDS, creating by releasing the breath of His mouth. We are created in the IMAGE OF GOD and through our mouth have the power to bring forth good things or to destroy our life by bringing forth evil. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:12). Jesus said: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart BRINGS FORTH GOOD THINGS, and an evil man out of the evil treasure BRINGS FORTH EVIL THINGS...for every idle word men speak they will give account of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:34-37). Every word has consequences. A bad thought dies unborn if not spoken or acted upon and you will not be judged for it. A good man (1) by his MEDITATION in the WORD stores up GOOD TREASURE abundantly in his heart, and then (2) SPEAKS it out, thus bringing forth and creating good things in his life. A bad (foolish) man meditates on evil things (fear, worry, what satan is doing) and it fills his heart and comes out of his mouth creating the evil he was afraid of (e.g. creating rejection by 77

79 saying - 'no one likes me or wants to be with me.') So the GROWTH OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE is greatly determined by our use of our TONGUE. Our spiritual growth is the increase of how much our reborn spirit-nature controls our life. It is by our WORDS and actions that this life is expressed, released and developed in us. Our tongue is hooked up to our heart and so it has a unique ability to express our spirit. Actions do also, but words are our primary actions. As we speak out from our spirit, God's life and love is released and thus it is developed (perfected) in us. With the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). There are 2 Stages: (1) At salvation, when you believed you received eternal life, your spirit was made righteous, you were reborn and received the LIFE of God in your inner man. Then (2) As you confess (act and speak out) what God has done on the inside, the result is salvation (wholeness) - the outward experiential manifestation of what God has worked within. This process applies to all our receiving from God (e.g. healing). First believe you receive by faith the answer (the word) into your spirit (Mark 11:24), and then by speaking it (the word) out, you declare you have it and you call forth it into your life. Thus you bring it forth into manifestation, for you will have what you 78

80 say if you believe what you say will come to pass (Mark 11:23). Thus in Genesis 1, God brought (called) forth into manifestation what He already had in His Spirit by saying: LIGHT BE. When we know we have received something from God, we can then bring it forth by our corresponding words and actions. In the BAPTISM IN HOLY SPIRIT we (1) receive the fullness of the Spirit within, and then (2) release the power that is now in our spirit by speaking with tongues: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). Speaking in tongues is a God-given way we can yield our tongues to God everyday to speak and pray out His will. If we consistently pray in tongues it will greatly enhance our spiritual growth: He who speaks in a tongue EDIFIES himself (BUILDS himself up spiritually) (1Corinthians 14:4). But you, beloved, BUILDING yourselves UP on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20). JAMES is a book of practical Christianity written to Christians (1:2) with the aim of bringing SPIRITUAL GROWTH (1:4). Receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to SAVE your souls (1:21). All spiritual growth comes through the WORD. Our spirit was saved (reborn) by the Word planted in us and as we keep receiving the Word, that new life grows 79

81 and fills us, saving our souls (bringing all of God's fullness into our lives). Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourself (that you are growing) (v22). The Word has the ability to save (make whole) the life (character), but it must be acted on (this means first of all 'confessed' verbally). James is thinking of Jesus' Parable of the 2 house-builders in Matthew 7. One heard the Word only, but did not act on it. He produced no character, strength or real spiritual growth as the storm later revealed. He looked at his house and was deceived into thinking it was something when it was not. The other heard and acted on the Word - he based his life on the word. As he heard and did the Word (spoke it and applied it) he was building his spiritual life and character with the Word of God as the material. Every time he believed and acted on the Word (LOVE) another brick was established in his character. His house grew and was perfected and stood the test because it was built of the indestructible eternal Word of God. Another illustration of these 2 kinds of believers is in James 1:23-25: If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a Mirror (the WORD) - he observes himself (who he is in Christ, who Christ is in him, his relationship to God) goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks (intently) 80

82 into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it (see also John 8:31,32) and is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in his doing (as he does it). One of them does not store good treasure up and so does not bring it forth. The other looks diligently (meditates) in the Word and so builds it up in his heart. Then he brings it forth by saying and doing it, and so he is blessed, saved, perfected (Joshua 1:8). Spiritual Growth comes by hearing and doing the Word! What kind of actions bring forth true spiritual growth? (1) If anyone among you thinks he is religious (a good Christian) and does not bridle (take strong control of) his TONGUE but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is useless (unproductive) (v26). The tongue is the primary way we act on the Word. Not only speaking in line with the Word, but refusing to contradict it. Often it wants to speak evil and to be doers of word we must bridle it like we would a wild horse. If we don t, we are deceived if we think we are growing or mature. (2) Pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (v27). Walking in LOVE (loving and showing mercy to the needy) is also a key action. Be careful not to pick up the world's apathy 81

83 toward them (James 2:1-13 gives specific examples of this). James 2:14-26 argues that although we are saved by faith alone, we only grow spiritually when we put our faith into action. Faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead (unfruitful, inactive) (v17,21). Faith without works is dead (useless) (v20,26). When Abraham offered up Isaac (v21) his faith was working together with his works and by works (acting on the word) his faith was made perfect (developed, grew) (v22). James 3 now focuses on the primary action producing (or hindering) growth - THE TONGUE: Let few become teachers, knowing we will receive stricter judgement (v1). If we give account for every word we speak, how much more will teachers be judged strictly. We all stumble in many things. If any one does not stumble in word he is a perfect (mature) man, able also to bridle the whole body (v2). Notice: (1) A mark of maturity is tongue-control and so our growth is measured by how much we bring our tongue under the control of our spirit. (2) The tongue is the control centre of the body. Putting the Word on our tongue is the first step to doing the Word in our actions. By bringing the tongue under control we bring our whole body (actions, life) under the control of the spirit. 82

84 So bringing our tongue under the control of the Word and Spirit of God is a major key to our spiritual growth. ILLUSTRATIONS of how our tongue controls our body, our life, our spiritual growth and destiny (James 3): 1. We put BITS in HORSES' mouths so they may obey us, and we turn their whole body (v3). It is hard to believe our small tongue has the power to control our direction in life. A bit is small and weak compared to a horse but because it is at the control centre (mouth), you can control a big restless horse with a bit. Likewise although the tongue is small it is so positioned that you can use it to control your life. 2. Look at SHIPS, though so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small RUDDER wherever the pilot desires (v4). Our life is like a big ship with winds (wrong ideas and pressures) that blow on us to try and get us offcourse and shipwreck. The Pilot (our inner-man) can control it with a small rudder (tongue). Our tongue controls the direction and destiny of our life. You can keep it on course by speaking God's promises over your life (confess Psalm 23). 3. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire (spark) kindles! and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets 83

85 on fire the course of nature (disrupting the orderly cycles of life) and is set on fire by hell (v5,6). The tongue's power is seen in its power to destroy. It is small but has great power. Uncontrolled it will run rampant destroying your relationships, everything you have built, your body (evil and bitter words bring sickness) Evil words release hell-fire into your life and in others. Thus we must learn to tame it (bring it under control). It is like a wild animal. It is not easy. It takes a QUALITY DECISION. In fact it is impossible in the natural: 4. Every kind of beast...has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (v7,8). Willpower alone can not do it. We must trust in the supernatural power of God, by speaking the Word and speaking in tongues. Only then it can be done. 5. A PUZZLE: With it we bless our God and with it we curse men made in the image of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. Brethren this ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?' (v9,10,11). Can a fig tree (dead religion), bear olives (the oil of the Spirit), or a grapevine (grapes/wine of the Spirit) bear figs (death)? neither can a salt spring produce fresh water (NIV) (v12). 84

86 We do not see this in nature, so what is going on? From the same opening (mouth) we see sometimes the fresh water of the spirit released (v17,18) and at other times bitter waters (v14-16). v12 has the answer - there are actually 2 Fountains (sources of life or spiritual water) in us that want to be expressed, through the same opening or fountainhead (our tongue). (1) The Fountain of our flesh wants to be expressed through the mouth (we all feel its build up of pressure at times). If we yield to it we will speak wisdom from below (v14-16). (2) The Fountain of our reborn spirit has waters of love, joy, peace bubbling up, the wisdom from above (v17,18). One fountain cannot produce two waters - there must be two fountains. Both fountains push for control. There may be water pressure in your hose pipe, but you control the nozzle! We control which waters come out (life or death). No good (life) can come by yielding to the fountain of the flesh. James 3: We need to recognise (taste) what kind of water is wanting to flow: If bitter envy and self-seeking is in your heart...this wisdom (WORD) is not descended from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic, producing confusion and every evil thing. If it tastes bad then turn off the nozzle - if you stop meditating on it, it will subside. 85

87 Instead start speaking and praying: wisdom (WORDS) from above-pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy producing 'the fruit of righteousness and peace' by 'peaceful sowing' of WORDS. Thus speaking from this fountain (in peace not strife and anxiety) results in good fruit (outward growth produced from an inward life). This is character growth in our life and in others. If it tastes good open your mouth and let living waters flow out. You feel good after praising God, because you have let waters of life and joy flow out of your mouth from the good fountain in you (see also Isaiah 12, John 7:37-39). The Tongue in TRIALS (James 1:1-20). In trials the greatest pressure comes on us to yield to the wrong fountain! James starts with what we should say when things go wrong. REJOICE when you fall into various trials (do not just say nothing but start yielding to God's fountain in you to resist evil) Knowing that the testing of your faith (the test is to see what you yield your tongue to) produces (develops) patience (if you keep confessing the Word). Trials give us a unique opportunity to grow for they put a demand on our patience (an important character quality in our spirit). Let patience have its perfect work (do not quit speaking from the spirit) that you may be perfect (mature) and complete (in character), lacking nothing (1:2-4). By continuing to yield our tongue to God's Word we 86

88 exercise patience and it then grows in us with the result that we become mature and as we let living water flow the blessing (answer) to our trial comes through and we 'lack nothing' (c.f. v12) Giving up and yielding our tongue to the negative brings more trouble to us and we do not grow. Speaking from the wrong fountain hinders our growth. One way we do this is by blaming God: Let no man say when he is tempted (tested, tried) - 'I am tested by God' - for God can not be tested by evil neither does He test anyone (v13). Here we are clearly forbidden to say that God brought the test, trial, trouble, sickness or tribulation upon us. Yet under the pressure of the tribulation many believers fall for the devil s deception, that this is really from God. They are trying to find some peace that somehow this curse is God s Sovereign Will, and so in the trial they disregard God s Word (James 1:13) and yield their tongue to evil, slandering God s good character and so handing satan the victory in the trial. As a result of yielding their tongue in this way to the pressure of the trial and to the lie of satan, rather than to God s Word, they will remain passive and defeated in the trial and their spiritual growth will be hindered. But had they dug deeper in prayer, confessed God s goodness and rejoiced in the trial, thanking God for working it all together for good, then their spiritual growth would be accelerated in the trial and they would come through it victorious. 87

89 Chapter 7 - MOVING INTO MINISTRY Hebrews 6:1,2 gives the 7 ingredients of the milk of the Word, the Foundational Doctrines of Christ - what people need to apply to their lives to grow spiritually. The 4th Foundation is Baptisms We have looked at (1) the Baptism into Christ and (2) into Water. Today we look at the 3rd Baptism - the Baptism in the Spirit which gives power for Ministry, and the 5th Foundation - the Laying on of hands (which describes Ministry in action). We see the growth process in how Jesus brought his disciples on. 1st: They became believers. Responding to the call of salvation they are saved by grace through faith. As new-borns they are spiritual babes who need to grow. Unfortunately many stay babies (unproductive Christians). 2nd: He called them to be his disciples (followers, learners, who put Jesus and his word first in their life). A disciple is one who continues in the word, knows the truth and is set free to grow into who he is as a son of God (John 8:32). Jesus told them discipleship will be hard and cost everything. It will take everything you have got. You must lay down your life, but the rewards are great. It is worth giving your life for Christ and His cause, rather than fritter it away. He called them to count the cost and give all (Luke 14:25-35, Matthew 10:1-42, 16:24-27). He warned against half-hearted decisions which will result in 88

90 failure and a falling away in the tests of life. In the Parable of the Sower only the good soil, the committed ones, continue to grow and produce fruit. Discipleship is first learning to do the Word in our everyday life- living by Kingdom ways of humility and love. 3rd: True Discipleship leads to Ministry. Jesus said: Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. A true disciple starts to MOVE OUT IN MINISTRY. This is the fulfilment of the growth process and a mark of maturity. A baby has everything done for it, but as he matures he takes on more responsibility and reaches out to others. He said: The greatest in the Kingdom is the one who humbles himself and is the servant of all. The aim of a disciple is to be like his teacher. So we are to be like Jesus: (1) In character and commitment to God and His Word and (2) in supernatural ministry (John 14:12). In James 1:26,27 the mark of true religion (discipleship) is: (1) The Tongue - bringing ones life under control of the Word. (2) Ministering God's love to the needy. This is the doer of the Word who is experiencing growth (the saving or developing of the soul). As we grow we must answer 3 CALLS from God: (1) To enter Salvation - 'come to Jesus.' 89

91 (2) To enter Discipleship - 'follow Jesus and learn His Word.' (3) To enter Ministry - to give ourselves for others to be blessed (and get blessed in return). The result of discipleship is ministry. Matthew 11:28-30 shows all 3 Calls and Stages: Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (1) Come unto Me..and I will give you rest (salvation). (2) Learn of Me (3) Take my yoke (Spirit) upon you, so that we can labour together in the harvest fields. Jesus (our example): (1) was born of the Spirit (2) grew to personal maturity and character (3) received power and moved out in ministry. The Great Commission says: (1) Mark 16:15-18: Go preach the Gospel to the whole world...those who believe will be saved. (2) Matthew 28: Having gone disciple all nations HOW? (A) Baptising them (the entrance into discipleship, the culmination of the call to be 100% committed to Christ). 90

92 Baptism is a confession of our new identity in Christ and our new lifestyle as his disciple. 'I have decided to follow Jesus.' (B) Teaching them to observe all that I (Jesus) commanded you. So, (1) We give the Gospel for Salvation. (2) We challenge them to be a committed Disciple, resulting in their Baptism. (3) Now as Disciples, starting with the Gospels, we systematically teach them the Teaching of Jesus. (4) This process culminates in them moving in ministry - so that they give out what they have received and disciple and care for others. In fact, the teaching of Jesus concludes with the Great Commission - a call and command to Ministry. In our words and prayers we want to help people on to maturity. God's programme for people is: (1) to be saved. (2) to be committed to God, the Church and the Word. (3) to move out in Ministry. GOD IS MOVING and we are to move people along this track. God's Word is: (1) To the unsaved - receive God s free gift of salvation. (2) To the saved but drifting - get committed to Christian living 91

93 -put God first, get involved in Church, in fellowship, in the Bible and prayer for these are all means (channels) of grace for you, so that you may grow in grace. (3) To those faithful in the Bible and in Church, who are established in the truth - move out in ministry - give what you have received. Ministry is like being a waiter, you see the need and go to the Lord to receive the answer and serve (minister) it to the person. (4) To those already ministering and giving of their time and gifts, God wants you to remember you are first His son, second His servant. Do not get so caught up in the work that it becomes more important than your relationship with God. He loves you unconditionally, not because of the work you do. Rejoice and rest in the fact that He has accepted you, and live out from that. The proof of discipleship is moving into fruitful ministry (John 15:7,8; 2Peter 1:8, Luke 8:15, Matthew 4:19). The purpose of discipleship is to bear 'ministry-fruit' (John 15:16). We prove ourselves to be true disciples, abiding in the Word, by walking in love (John 13:34,35) and bearing much fruit (John 15:7,8). Paul said to some: By this time you ought to be teachers (ministering, giving out the word to others), but you need more milk (they were still babes) (Hebrews 5:12). Had they put the Word first, by now they would have been ministering (not 92

94 necessarily in the pulpit, but helping, teaching and discipling others). The fact they had not moved into ministry revealed they were not true disciples for they had not grown as they should. Growth in maturity means growth into ministry. KEYS FOR PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY *(1) FIND your SECURITY and IDENTITY IN GOD, not in your ministry. Grow in your personal character and relationship with God, in knowing who you are in Christ. Ministry can only be as strong as the foundation of character. Jesus set the example of being a servant (minister) when he washed his disciples' feet. He did this from a place of security in God: Jesus knowing the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God ROSE (John 13:3). He then put on a towel and washed their feet. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus gave the call and cost of discipleship. Then in 10:1,2, He described the great need for labourers (ministers) and sent the 70, who passed the test of commitment, to preach the Gospel (v9). In v17-20 they returned rejoicing at the power that flowed through them (seeing demons subject to them in Jesus name) Then Jesus warned them of the danger of basing one's security and identity in one's works, ministry and anointing, for this means being lifted up in pride like satan who fell from heaven. Rejoice not that the spirits are subject to 93

95 you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven (v20). We are to rejoice in that we are beloved sons of God and give Him all the glory. *(2) PROVE YOURSELF FAITHFUL. Faithfulness is the number one thing required by God (1Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 25:21). If we are faithful in smaller things we will be entrusted with more (Luke 16:10-12). God considered Paul faithful and set him into ministry (1 Timothy 1:12). Lack of self-discipline (e.g. in our words) will also disqualify us from ministry (James 3:1, 1Corinthians 9:26,27). *(3) GET and KEEP YOUR MOTIVES STRAIGHT. If your motive is to look good or important or be popular we will never stay the course. Our motive for ministry is LOVE and GRATITUDE to God, not to get popularity or status with men. It is to freely give what we have freely received (God's love), to bless others, and to please our Father by walking in His will, following the example of Jesus - our big-brother. Part of maturity is to be dead to praise or censure. Of course we like praise and do not like criticism, but we cannot let either of them get to us to puff us up or stop us (1Corinthians 4:3,4): With me it is a very small thing for me be judged of you, or of man's judgement, yea I judge not myself. For I know nothing of myself, yet I am not hereby justified, but He who 94

96 judges me is the Lord. Paul was motivated by the fear of the Lord - his main concern was to please Him. We should receive constructive correction and not be not overly upset by destructive criticism. Paul sought only to commend himself to God and was not bound by fear of man. We will get criticised when moving out in ministry but it is the love of God that constrains us and keeps us reaching out (2Corinthians 5:14). Love is not touchy, fretful or resentful, takes no account of the evil done to it - it pays no attention to a suffered wrong (1Corinthians13:5 Amp) When you move in ministry you come on the front line and satan tries to discourage by raising up critics (who do not do much themselves-true disciples are to busy with the work to look round at others and criticise). Likewise do not be overly exalted by praise, success and results-stay grounded in who you are in Christ and you will stay the course and bear fruit. *(4) RECEIVE THE POWER. So spiritual growth involves moving into ministry. But Jesus never sent anyone without first empowering them. You are My witnesses..i send the promise of my Father on you, but tarry until you are clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:48,49). This is the Baptism in the Spirit. Jesus did not move into a full supernatural ministry until He was Baptised in the Spirit. The same is true for His disciples (Acts 1:4,5,8). 95

97 You shall receive power when the Spirit comes on you and then you shall be my witnesses (Acts 1:8) - fulfilled in Acts 2:4 on the day of Pentecost: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. They were filled with the power of the Spirit, ministered and as a result bore much fruit. So to grow we must receive the basic teaching of 'Baptisms' (Hebrews 6:2), so that we can receive power to minister. Come to the Father in the Name of Jesus and ask for the Holy- Spirit confifdent He will give us what we ask (Luke 11:9-13): So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Receive the infilling of the Spirit by faith: Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them (Mark 11:24). 96

98 First you receive the Holy Spirit on the inside of you, and then secondly by yielding your tongue to the Spirit and speaking His words you release the rivers of Spirit to flow out to bless others. So, receive the Spirit, and then by faith YOU speak out in tongues trusting the Spirit within to give you the words. Until you speak you are like a hose-pipe filled with water but the nozzle (tongue) is closed and so the benefit (power) is blocked. You have the Word, you have the power so MOVE OUT, REACH OUT, believing that as you do His power is flowing through you! It is not enough to be BAPTISED in the Spirit. Many sit around; they have received power but are not using it. Power is for a purpose - to minister (Acts 1:8). This means risk! Having received, we are to MOVE OUT TO MINISTER God's Love - and that is what LAYING ON OF HANDS (Hebrews 6:2) refers to. Jesus said to all Christians in Mark 16:15-18: GO - preach - lay hands on the sick and they will recover. This is symbolic of all Ministry. To lay hands on the sick or needy is to REACH OUT in LOVE to a hurting, dying world that needs a touch from God. As His representative when you touch them, God is touching them with His love. It is a picture of loving hands reaching out to hold and IDENTIFY. Joining as one with them, you bring God's love and power to them, helping them receive from God. You are just a channel. 97

99 So minister compassion not judgement. When you do this, God's love and recovering power is transmitted into their lives. God's will for all Christians to have 2 areas of Ministry: (1) In the Church (not necessarily officially, it could be welcoming and encouraging new ones or intercession). We are all members of the body and contribute to life of body and together we are a witness. Whatever you do in the Church you strengthen her witness, if done well. (2) In the World, we are all called to share the Gospel (Mark 16:15-18), we have all been given the ministry of reconciliation: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 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. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2Corinthians 5:17-6:2). GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY 98

100 Chapter 8 - Growing in Grace, through the Means of Grace. Key Thought: We grow spiritually in grace by availing ourselves of God's ordained CHANNELS (MEANS) OF GRACE to us. God wants us to: GROW in the GRACE of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (1Peter 3:18). God wants us to GROW UP into maturity. The normal state for all created things is to grow according to their internal programming (seed). If we are not growing then something is wrong. We must not stay as a spiritual baby but we must grow up into maturity. We all want to grow spiritually, but we need to know how. As a good parent God has provided all the means we need in order to grow spiritually in grace, but we must be diligent to apply ourselves to them. All spiritual growth in God is growth in His grace for God operates toward us in and by grace. GRACE is the freely given LIFE and BLESSING of God, but there certain anointed Channels (Means) of grace that He has established and ordained for us, so that if we will faithfully give ourselves to them and be obedient to practice them, then we will be in position to receive a regular supply of grace that will result in our consistent spiritual growth. 99

101 Although the grace of God is freely available, God has ORDAINED CHANNELS or MEANS of Grace which are normal ways it flows to us. As we give ourselves to these Channels of grace we will be in position to receive an abundance of grace, and thus continually GROW IN GRACE. In the same way that we receive electricity into our homes, the blessings of His grace are all paid for by Christ and transmitted to us by (in) the Holy-Spirit, but God has established certain outlets for His grace, which we must plug into in order to receive its flow into our lives. These are the Means (Channels) of Grace. All GRACE IS IN and THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. John 1:16-18 tells us that Christ is now the Source of God's Grace to us: Of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared Him. 2 Corinthians 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen The Grace of Christ originates in the eternal love of God, the Father; it comes to us through Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection, and is communicated, revealed and manifested to us by the Holy-Spirit. Grace flows to 100

102 us from Christ's death, burial and resurrection. On the Cross it was all paid for. When Jesus cried: It is finished (Tetelestai) this was a commercial word meaning: PAID IN FULL. Through His resurrection and ascension this grace was released to us in the Holy-Spirit as a totally free gift. The issue for us now is how do we get ourselves in position to receive it. It is God who gives us all growth by His grace (1Corinthians 3:6) So, we can only grow in grace as we walk in fellowship with God and receive the supply of His life. But He has ordained that much of this grace comes through our fellowship with each other. God's vision for us: "until we all come to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; no longer children tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine...but may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head-even 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 in love" (Ephesians 4:13-16). *THE first MEANS of Grace: the Preaching of the Gospel. We initially receive the grace of God when we hear the Word of God through the Gospel (the first means of Grace) and repent and trust in Christ alone for our salvation. We are then put into Christ, and receive forgiveness and eternal life. Our spirit is 101

103 reborn and we become a New Creation. We are now sons of God in right-standing with Him. All this was accomplished at the moment of salvation but now we are to continually grow in grace (letting that grace grow in us), so that the life and potential God has already put within us is fully expressed in our lives. Our soul and character needs to be developed into the image of Christ that already exists in our spirit. We are to grow up into all that we are in Christ, until we are fully manifested as who we are as sons of God. In the natural we eventually stop growing, but there is no limit to our spiritual growth, as long as we continue to avail ourselves of His grace by being faithful in God's Means of grace. We are BORN AGAIN from DIVINE SEED - the WORD of GOD: "Born again, not of corruptible SEED but INCORRUPTIBLE, through the WORD OF GOD which lives and abides forever... the WORD which by the GOSPEL was preached unto you" (1 Peter 1:23,25). The Word (Seed) of God contains His life and nature, and when we received it through the Gospel, we received His new life and nature within. Our reborn spirit is made of the incorruptible life and nature of Christ, having been produced by incorruptible Seed. Our spirit has been reborn of God in the image of Christ. As all life comes forth from a SEED which contains the blueprint (DNA) for its full development, and is destined to grow under the right conditions until the nature, potential and life 102

104 hidden within is fully manifested, so likewise we are born of God's Seed and our reborn spirit contains our spiritual DNA (from God) which contains all our potentiality as sons of God, so that the new life and nature that is already in our spirit is destined to grow in us until it is fully manifested. As the DNA for all life is derived from its parent and gives it a like-nature to its parent, so our spiritual DNA comes from our Father God giving us His nature and causing us to grow into His image. We are predestined to grow into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30), by the seed and new-life God has implanted within us. Therefore our spiritual growth is all about expressing (working out) the life and nature that God has already worked within us (see Philippians 2:12,13). It is not about trying to become someone we are not, but discovering and manifesting who we already are on the inside. We were born again by grace, now we must grow in His grace, letting that new life and nature be shown in our lives. We are a new man, a new creation, through the working of God's grace within us. Now we must let this new life and love that is within our spirit grow in us, develop us and be revealed in our lives: "We are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good (excellent) works, which God prepared beforehand (and programmed within us) that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). 103

105 Just as my natural growth involves the increasing development and revelation of potentialities that were already within me but hidden so likewise my spiritual growth is the fulfilling, developing, revealing and expressing in my life of who I am already in my spirit. This new-life is in my spirit, and so as I live out from my spirit, by faith depending upon the help and power of the Holy-Spirit in all that I do (praying and walking in the Spirit), I am expressing, releasing and revealing this new-life, and producing (manifesting) the fruit of the spirit in my life and character. As I walk in love, so the love of God that is in me is developed and perfected. In this way I grow up spiritually towards attaining the full maturity of my character and the full expression of my true personality, achieving the fullness of my potential, and fulfilling my God-given call and destiny in life. However this growth in grace is only possible if we continue to receive the Word, for although the Son has truly set our spirits free (John 8:36) it is only those who continue in the Word who will enjoy and experience this freedom in their lives, for only through knowing the truth of the Word are we set free (John 8:31,32), for it is the Word that tells us who we are now in Christ in our spirits, and when we know and act on this truth, this new-life and freedom is released and manifested in our lives. Without the Word renewing my mind to who I am in Christ, I cannot walk by faith in the new-creation realities. Therefore, 104

106 the Word of God is a continual Means of grace to me that I will always need to grow and develop spiritually in my Christian life. The Primary Means of Grace for the Christian Life is the Word of God. In 1 Peter 1:23 we saw that our new life (spirit) was brought forth by the Word of God. It therefore follows that a major key for this life to grow in us is to keep on receiving His Word. This is why Peter goes on to say: "As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the WORD, that you may GROW thereby (1 Peter 2:2). Thus the TEACHING of God's WORD is an ongoing Means of grace that is essential for our spiritual health and growth in grace. The Word of God contains the supply of grace we need to grow spiritually. We are already sons of God in the spirit through God s Word, but we need to grow into that likeness (in the expression of our life), by continually feeding on the Word, for the Word feeds our new-creation spiritual life, activating it and making it strong in us (Matthew 4:4). Therefore in order to grow we need to give ourselves to God's Word, for it is the major Channel (Means) of God's grace to us. His grace comes through His Word. So as we outwardly give ourselves to hear, study and meditate on His Word, inwardly His grace is being imparted to our lives, so that we grow in our spiritual strength and life. This same truth is given in James 1:18-21: "Of His own will He 105

107 (God) brought us forth by the WORD of truth (the New- Birth), that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. So then my beloved brethren (who have received this same spiritual rebirth), let every man be swift to hear (the Word)... and receive with meekness the implanted Word (Seed), which is able to save (transform, develop) your souls." We have been reborn by the Word of God planted within us. Now we must continually HEAR, RECEIVE and SUBMIT to the WORD of GOD that has already been implanted within us, for it not only has the power to feed our spirits and activate our spiritual lives, but also it has the power to save our souls (mind, will and emotions), transforming them into the likeness of our new spirit-man which has already been saved (transformed into the image of Christ). As we give ourselves to His Word, it will become dominant in us, controlling and changing our thoughts, attitudes and actions, so that as our soul comes into agreement with our spirit, the new-life and nature of Christ within us will grow in us and find more and more expression in our lives, with the result that we will grow spiritually, showing forth in our lives who we really are in our inner-man, being increasingly conformed to His image. The Means of Grace are revealed in Acts 2. The Book of Acts is an excellent place to learn about the means of grace, for there we see the early Church living and growing in the grace of God, 106

108 as they diligently continued in the Means of grace ordained by God. As a result that they quickly grew in grace. We will see what these channels of grace were, and how by diligently living by them they grew and thrived spiritually. We will also notice that these means of grace all centre on Church Life showing how important it is to be part of a local church to grow spiritually for that is how God meant it to be. Like a body each part is supplied by the Head, but much of the supply comes through the other members of the body of Christ (our ministry to one another): 1. The Grace of Salvation is imparted through the Means of Gospel-Preaching. Acts 2:37-38: "Now when they heard this (Peter's Preaching), they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said to them, REPENT (from trusting in self) for the remission of sins (resulting in the grace of SALVATION)." 2. Initiation into the Christian Life is marked by WATER BAPTISM - an ordained Means of grace for a new-believer. Acts 2:38-39: "and let every one of you (new believers) be BAPTISED in the name of Jesus Christ (the MEANS); and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (the GRACE). For the promise (of the Spirit) is to you and to your children, 107

109 and to all who are afar off (that s us), as many as the Lord our God will call (this Means of grace is for all believers). Baptism is the Means of Grace which we are commanded to observe at the start of our Christian Life (Mark 16:15,16, Matthew 28:19). As such it is foundational to our Christian Life. It is connected with receiving the gift (grace) of the Holy-Spirit. We see this also in Jesus' Baptism, for as He was obedient to be baptised, He received the anointing of the Spirit for His ministry. Had He refused Baptism, He would have missed out on the grace that God associated with it. Obedience always releases blessing (grace), and as you obey God in Baptism you position yourself to receive a spiritual blessing you would otherwise miss out on. If we are disobedient and do not avail ourselves of this means of grace our whole Christian life will be lacking as a result, because we will have failed to receive His grace as we should. Believer's Baptism is a Testimony and Confession of our faith, where you declare the salvation God has accomplished in you, by your outward words and actions. When we confess outwardly what we believe in your heart, our confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9,10). Thus it brings about (releases) a manifestation of the new-life within, revealing in our life the salvation that God has already worked within us in the New Birth. That is why Mark 16:16 says those who believe and are baptised shall be saved. Not only do new believers prove their 108

110 faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord by being baptised in water (by full immersion), but their Baptism releases the salvation in their lives that they received when they believed the Gospel. Along with Communion, Water Baptism is a Sacrament. This means it involves an outward physical action which has a spiritual significance. It is an outward sign of an inward grace. In other words, God has ordained Baptism as a means of grace, so that as you submit to Baptism you are in position to receive the grace associated with it. Because Baptism is ordained and anointed by God, as you go through the outward action of Baptism by faith (calling on the Lord to wash you from the past sin-consciousness and to fill you with His Spirit to empower you to live this new life) God imparts to you the inward grace. As a sacrament the inward grace works in conjunction with the outward act that is ordained by God. Unlike Communion which should be received regularly as an ongoing Means of grace throughout our Christian lives (representing our continual drawing upon the life of Christ released through His death and resurrection), Water Baptism is only administered once to us at the start of our new life (representing the completed work of our New Birth). Thus Baptism is an essential Means of grace designed to give a new believer the best possible start to the Christian life, releasing grace for the cleansing of the past and the filling of the Spirit for 109

111 the future, and is foundational for any future growth in grace. It is the method of initiation ordained by God by which we can receive grace to enter a full and fruitful Christian Life. In Acts 2:41 we see them obeying and receiving these Means of grace: "Then those who (1) gladly received his WORD were (2) BAPTISED; and that day about 3000 souls were added to them. 3. CONTINUATION and growth in the Christian life and experience, requires us to continually receive the grace of God made available through His 4 ordained MEANS described in Acts 2:42: "And they continued steadfastly: (1) in the apostles doctrine (teaching) and (2) fellowship, (3) in the breaking of bread, and (4) in prayers." The resulting GRACE they received is described in v43-47: "Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved. 110

112 Acts 2:42: They (together) continued steadfastly (1) in the apostles TEACHING, and (2) FELLOWSHIP, (3) in the BREAKING OF BREAD and (4) in PRAYERS (and PRAISE)." When God ordains a Channel of grace, it means He will always work with it. The Word, Fellowship, Communion, Prayer and Praise are ways by which we can always tap into and draw upon the grace of God. God guarantees to supply grace to us when we participate in these means of grace. The early Church knew this and that is why they continued steadfastly in all these activities. They knew they were not empty religious rituals, but ways in which they were able to draw upon the life and grace of God enabling them to grow. Notice that these Channels of grace are mostly related to the Church meeting together (although they can and should also be done privately, the emphasis is on their corporate life together). This tells us that there is much grace that we can only receive corporately. The grace received through the public ministry of these means goes beyond what we can receive through them privately. An isolated, unchurched Christian is not involved in the Means of grace and so cannot grow as he should. MEANS 1. THE TEACHING of the WORD (The Apostle's Teaching). This is mentioned first, for the Word is our primary Means of grace and growth. "As new-born babes, desire the 111

113 pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby (1Peter 2:2) God's 2 desires and priorities for every person is: (1) that they would be BORN AGAIN and (2) that they would GROW SPIRITUALLY - from babyhood to adulthood. "God wills all men (1) to be saved (this is accomplished by the preaching of the Gospel) and (2) to come (by a process of growth) to the knowledge of the truth (this comes through the teaching of the Word)" (1 Timothy 2:4). It is primarily through knowing and doing the Word that we grow up spiritually, for it is the Word that gives us the knowledge of the truth. Food is necessary for growth. The WORD is our spiritual FOOD: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). As bread is food for our body, so the Word is food for our spirit and spiritual life. It is essential for our sustenance and growth. The PARABLE OF THE SOWER reveals that the key to our spiritual life and growth is God s Word. He works through His Word: Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). Therefore the key for us to maintain strong spiritual life and growth is to continue to give our attention to hearing the Word. This is in fact the main point Jesus makes to us in His conclusion to the Parable: He who has ears to hear (the Word) 112

114 let him (continually) hear (the Word)! (Matthew 13:9). The primary key to our spiritual growth is hearing the Word. This hearing is receiving the WORD, which is like a plant receiving WATER. If the plant and the earth (heart) continues to receive the WATERING of the WORD, then growth will continue. Since the key is the Word, satan's strategy is to take the Word from us or to keep us away from it. Jesus confirms this when He interprets the Parable and explains more fully the Conclusion (His main point) which is: He who has ears to hear (the Word) let him hear (the Word)! His Commentary on this is given in Matthew, Mark and Luke: Whoever has (ears to hear the Word) shall more (blessing, life and growth) be given in abundance, but whoever has not (ears to hear the Word) what he has (blessing) shall be taken from him (by satan) (Matthew 13:12). The measure (of attention) you use (in hearing the Word), it (spiritual growth and blessing) will be measured to you, and to you who HEAR (the Word) shall more be given (Mark 4:24). Take heed therefore how you hear (the Word) for whosoever has (ears that hear and receive the Word) to him shall be given (blessing and growth - for the life and blessing of God is in the Word!) and whosoever has not (ears that hear) from him shall be taken even what he seems to have (Luke 8:18). 113

115 MEANS 2. FELLOWSHIP with other believers is also a vital Means of grace. The early Christians maintained a strong fellowship life together, sharing with each other, participating in a common life together, worshipping and reaching out together, helping and encouraging one another, as illustrated in Acts 2: God gave us this photograph of the early Church as an example for us. God has ordained our fellowship together as an important Means of grace, which we ignore to our own peril. The New Testament assumes that all believers should be part of a Church community, and those who separate themselves from fellowship and Church-life separate themselves from the means of grace and so their growth is hindered and they are an easy target for satan. God never meant the Christian life to be solitary, but to be lived in fellowship with other believers, for we are members of the same family and even members of the same body and how well would a member do if it were detached from the rest of the body and the supply of life and support that the rest of the body supplies? As we fellowship with other believers we receive a supply of grace that cannot be replaced by anything else (Ephesians 4:13-16). God has ordained it this way so there is nothing we can do to bypass the need for this Means of grace. MEANS 3. THE BREAKING OF BREAD or COMMUNION (v46) is one of two Ordinances instituted by our Lord Jesus. 114

116 (1) BAPTISM represents the once and for all start to the Christian life (our New Birth) showing how we died and rose to a new life with Christ, entering a RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus. Thus we are only BAPTISED once. When we receive Christ into our heart, He comes in to have FELLOWSHIP with us:...if anyone opens the door of his heart to me, I will come into him and sup (eat) with him. (Revelation 3:20). To eat a MEAL with someone has always signified having FELLOWSHIP with them - that is the main purpose of eating together. This is what the LORD'S SUPPER is about - fellowship (COMMUNION) with Christ. (2) COMMUNION is a time to draw near to God and deepen our FELLOWSHIP with Him -and the best way is over a meal. It is only for Reborn Christians who have already entered into relationship with God. It is for them to renew and deepen fellowship. It is inappropriate for others. We see this in the original Supper where only Christ's disciples were there (Judas had left by now). Only if you are in God's Family can you sit at the family table. We receive Communion again and again for though we enter into relationship once we continually renew fellowship. It is a meal - the Lord's Supper which represents our ongoing need to feed on the life of Jesus and to receive cleansing and forgiveness. 115

117 Jesus instituted Communion: As they were eating Jesus TOOK bread GAVE THANKS (BLESSED) and BROKE IT and GAVE it to them saying: Take eat, this is my body which is GIVEN for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.' Likewise He also TOOK the CUP after Supper and GAVE THANKS and GAVE IT to them saying: DRINK from it all of you. For this CUP is the NEW COVENANT (established) in My BLOOD, which is shed for you (for many for the forgiveness of sins) and they all drank from it (harmonised from Luke 22:19-20, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-25). Jesus' actions in instituting Communion have rich Symbolism: (1) HE TOOK BREAD. He TOOK HIMSELF (His BODY) He is the BREAD OF LIFE born in BETHLEHEM ('House of BREAD'). He was born to feed the world with Himself. (2) HE BLESSED IT (lifting it up to God, OFFERING IT up to God with thanksgiving). Jesus offered himself up to God as a willing sacrifice. (3) HE BROKE IT. Jesus allowed his body to be BROKEN for us on the cross. BREAD in Hebrew means: 'that which is crushed between the jaws.' Bread contains nourishment but only when crushed by our jaws is it released to us. Jesus was crushed in the Jaws of Death so that the LIFE that was IN HIM could be released to us (see also John 6). 116

118 (4) HE GAVE IT to His disciples to eat. The LIFE and BLESSINGS purchased at the Cross were FREELY GIVEN to us for our nourishment. (5) He told us TAKE and EAT it. We must receive it. We have the choice to accept or reject this grace. We must believe and receive the life of Christ into ourselves. He is the BREAD OF LIFE, to be received daily in our fellowship with him. Jesus then TOOK the CUP (symbolic of the NEW COVENANT) containing the WINE (symbolic of his LIFE-BLOOD POURED OUT on the Cross), BLESSED IT and GAVE IT to his disciples to drink. Life, joy, forgiveness and all the blessings in the CUP (New Covenant) are in the WINE (His BLOOD) for the life is in the blood and when His Blood was poured out the price was paid to establish the Covenant and that life could be made available to us. Christ has BLESSED and GIVEN that LIFE to us and now it is up to us to TAKE the CUP and DRINK DEEPLY from it, receiving forgiveness, cleansing, peace, healing and all the blessings that are ours in the blood of the New Covenant, (represented by the Wine). Do this in REMEMBRANCE of Me. If a husband 'forgot' he was married he would stop living as a married man. His wife would then remind him with their wedding photos and rings-the symbols of their union. In the busyness of life we can forget our 117

119 roots and identity in Christ. Communion is a time to remember who we are - that we're God's children, forgiven and beloved, purchased by BLOOD. As we look at the symbols of bread and wine we remember that every blessing comes by GRACE from the Cross of Jesus Christ. Every blessing is in the bread and wine (the body and blood of Christ) so when we eat and drink, we are receiving the grace of God, acknowledging our need of His sustenance. This keeps us from pride and trusting in self and causes us to look to Christ. The Cross is the heart of our faith and we continually need to come back and focus on it, and remember (bring to the forefront of our mind) what Christ has done. Communion helps us to do this. Luke 24: On the Road to Emmaus Jesus had His second Communion. Jesus drew near to 2 disciples, but they did not know him (v15,16). Often Jesus is with us, but we are too caught up with our problems we do not discern His Presence. But: As He sat at table with them (fellowship) HE TOOK BREAD, BLESSED and BROKE IT and GAVE IT to them (v30). Then their eyes were opened and they KNEW Him. (v31) Later they told the other disciples: how He was recognised by them IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD (v35). Jesus draws close to us and reveals Himself to us in the Breaking of Bread. Our eyes are opened and we see Him anew. 118

120 The CUP of BLESSING which we bless is it not the COMMUNION of the blood of Christ? The BREAD which we break, is it not the COMMUNION of the body of Christ? For we though many are one bread and one body, for we all PARTAKE of that one bread (1Corinthians 10:16,17). COMMUNION ('Koinonia' - a spirit of generous sharing, the opposite of greedy grasping) means FELLOWSHIP, the mutual sharing of life and blessing. In Communion we actually PARTAKE of the body and blood (we receive in a special way the spiritual life and grace that the bread and wine represents - see also v18-22). You PARTAKE of the spirit of those you have close fellowship with - that is what fellowship means! In Communion we partake of the LORD. He has FREELY given and freely offers His grace and we freely give our thanks and praise and rededicate ourselves to Him. Thus the Lord's Supper is a time of Communion, a place to renew and deepen our fellowship with the Lord. It reminds us that our fellowship is based and centred on the cross. It also deepens our fellowship with each other for we're reminded we are ONE BREAD and ONE BODY and share the same salvation, Saviour and life. We are sitting at the same family table in fellowship. So to properly enter into Communion we must be in a spirit of unity and forgiveness with brothers and sisters (1 John 4:7-21). 119

121 1Corinthians 11 gives instructions for Communion proving that Christ gave it to all the Church, not just the original disciples. Those who ate in a spirit of grasping and division were not eating the LORD'S SUPPER (v17-22). Communion was so important it was supernaturally revealed to Paul (v23): Jesus TOOK bread and when he had GIVEN THANKS he BROKE IT and said: 'Take eat, this is my body which is BROKEN for you, do this in remembrance of Me (v23,24) Likewise He also TOOK the CUP after supper saying: 'This CUP is the NEW COVENANT in my BLOOD. This do as often as I drink it in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes (v25,26). As often as you eat shows we are to take Communion repeatedly and there is no limit. 'Until He comes shows that He instituted communion for the Church until His Return. You proclaim the Lord's death" means we confess (show) our personal faith in His Blood by drinking from the cup. It is the LORD'S SUPPER (v20). He has invited us to come to His table and eat. "He has prepared a table for me in the presence of my enemies...my cup runs over (Psalm 23). All the blessings (healing etc) are on His table - symbolised in the bread and wine for they all come through the body and blood 120

122 of Christ. We are free to TAKE and EAT them. All the blessings are great but the FOCUS of attention is JESUS. Our eyes should be open to see JESUS - THE HOST IS PRESENT. He has provided everything on the table. He wants us to enjoy all the blessings but most of all he wants to enjoy our fellowship. No good host would invite but not come! He said: REMEMBER ME - put me on the forefront of your mindremember I am with you. SEE JESUS, the Focus of the Feast. Therefore we must approach the Lord s Table knowing we do it in His Presence, at His invitation and not to participate unworthily. Treating the body and blood lightly is UNBELIEF which opens the door to destruction (v27-32). We need to judge (check,prepare) ourselves to make sure we are entering into the meal properly. COMMUNION IS POWERFUL. For received wrongly, it can be a cause of early death. Received correctly, it is a major CHANNEL OF GRACE (like a high voltage wire). MEDITATION AT COMMUNION. SEE JESUS standing here. Open our eyes to see Jesus. You are sitting at his Table - His banner over you is love. He wants to share Himself with us. He calls us to a deeper fellowship with Him. The doorway to this is in our heart to draw close to the Cross and remember. *Looking at the bread remember that all the blessings are from body of Christ broken for us. 121

123 *Looking at the Cup remember that all blessings are through the blood. As we see Him dying for us, let go of all pride and superiority: Forbid it Lord that I should boast save in the Cross of Christ my God - all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. *Forgive and pray for the person that hurt us. How dare we not forgive, when we remember we were forgiven of so much! *Confess any sin, see him die for it, release it and receive forgiveness. *See Him carry your sickness, rejection and shame and receive His health, favour and acceptance from God. *As you see Him giving his life for you, THANK HIM and REDEDICATE yourself (your plans, your week) to Him. Psalm 121:1-3: I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD (not from the hills) Who made heaven and earth (He made the hills). He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. We are to not to look to the natural, but rather lift our eyes above the natural and look to God for His help and grace. However qualities of natural things can remind us of qualities of the God who made them. So as we look at the dependable, unchanging, strong hills and mountains, we are reminded of our eternal, faithful, mighty God and so turn our eyes to Him to trust 122

124 in Him, Who is the true Rock of Ages, for all the help we need. Likewise the Sacraments involve natural elements (water, bread and wine), but they are only symbols of Divine things. They are given to aid our meditation, so that as we look upon them, we are reminded of the realities of the grace of God that they represent, and so we are inspired to lift up our eyes to see the Lord and what He has done for us, and put all our trust in Him. We have been studying the 4 Means of grace, that were continually and faithfully practised by the early Church, which resulted in their great spiritual health and growth: They (all together) continued steadfastly: (1) in the apostles TEACHING, and (2) FELLOWSHIP, (3) in the BREAKING OF BREAD and (4) in PRAYERS (and PRAISE)" (Acts 2:42). Finally 4. In PRAYERS (and PRAISE). If receiving the Word is like eating food, prayer is like breathing. We are to pray without ceasing, in our own language and in tongues, giving Him our requests, intercessions, confessions, thanksgivings and praises, and receiving (breathing in) His Spirit and answers by faith. It is our continual fellowship with God and is a vital means of grace. Every successful venture in the Lord is birthed in prayer. 123

125 Psalm 100: enter His Presence with praise and thanksgiving Psalm 22:3: "He is enthroned on the praises of His people." Nehemiah 8:10 says that we should rejoice in the Lord for: "the joy of the Lord is our strength." As we pray and praise the Presence (Grace) of God fills our lives filling us with His joy, wisdom and strength. Our spiritual life and growth depends on good breathing (a healthy prayer life). This is not just an individual activity, but it works to a greater degree when practised corporately, for where two or more are in agreement (symphony) Jesus said He would be in the midst to answer (Matthew 18:18-20). When we praise God in unity there is a greater anointing than when we are alone. Likewise when we pray in unity there is a greater release of God's power. Thus this Means of grace involves corporate prayer and praise and indeed this aspect is emphasised in Acts 2 where it describes the life and growth of the first Christians in the early Church. 124

126 Other Books by Derek Walker include: End-Time Prophecy Parts 1-4 How to receive your Healing Evangelism Training Course Commentary on the Gospel of John (chapters 1-11) Growing Up Spiritually CD Series (8 messages in each) Blood Covenant The Covenant Names of God Praise John s Gospel 1 and 2 The Book of James 1 and 2 Positional Truth Basic Christianity Number in Scripture Miracles of Jesus...and others. DVDs of our TV programme are also available. For more information about Oxford Bible Church or to order books, CDs or DVDs contact: Derek Walker, OBC Church Office, Cotswold House, 363 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7PL, UK. Tel: (01865) d.r.walker@talk21.com A full product listing is available free upon request. Products can also be purchased online at our website: where you will also find many other free online teachings, including bible studies and audio messages by Derek Walker. 125

127 GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY Do you want to grow up spiritually and become strong in spirit, in faith and love, or just stay a spiritual babe? God wants us to be spiritual giants not wimps, and He has provided all we need for our growth in God. This book will reveal God s will and ways to gain a dynamic spiritual life and to promote a consistent growth in grace. Discover the keys that will activate and perpetuate your growth. About the Author: Oxford Bible Church Derek Walker meets Sundays, is a Bible Teacher at 11am and 6pm, at and the Senior Pastor Cheney School Hall, of Oxford Bible Church, Cheney Lane, which he pioneered Headington, together with his wife Oxford. Hilary, in