Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 The Spiritual Eternal Purpose of God The Spiritual Mind and Heart The heart contains the character. Matthew 11 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Luke 8 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Acts 13 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. 1 Peter 1 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. The heart and character are spiritual and therefore are eternal. Luke 16 still viewed Lazarus as someone to be used 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16 still cared about his brothers 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. The spiritual heart controls the body. Mark 7 out of the heart come the actions of the body 14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; 19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? 20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Matthew 12 out of the heart come the words of our mouth 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. James 3 because the same heart that controls the mouth controls the body! 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 Page 1
Proverbs 4 guard it! 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; FOR out of it are the issues of life. The heart changes. James 4 you must change the heart to purify it 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. The mind changes. Acts 2 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. repent (verb) to think differently from (preposition after in this case with a sense of reversal) + ( to exercise the mind ) 2 Peter 3 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. repentance (noun) reversal of decision the noun form of The mind changes the heart. Romans 12 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed BY the renewing of your mind, that ye The heart changes more slowly than the mind. Romans 7 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Mind 100% Heart 0% God Is Preparing Us for Heaven 1 Peter 1:20 the unblemished sacrificial Lamb was planned BEFORE the world began! 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained BEFORE the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Earth and man were created for a purpose. (NOT what Moody Bible Institute says Christ was not plan B! Heaven was not an afterthought!) God already knew man was going to sin. Before the Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 Page 2
foundation of the world, He had already ordained Jesus to provide a way for us to overcome sin through His sacrifice. Eternity in heaven with Him was his plan for us all along. God intends to prepare us for heaven. Revelation 21 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, PREPARED as a bride adorned for her husband. Romans 9 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. Luke 16 preparation for responsibility, among other things 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man s, who shall give you that which is your own? 1 Peter 1 preparation by fashioning ourselves to be holy 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. James 4 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Romans 12 conformed ( ) same as fashioning in 1Peter1:14 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye God Intends to Transform Us God intends to change the mind Romans 12 this renew has the connotation of changing for the better 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye Colossians 3 example of how renew is used 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Ephesians 4 the spirit of our mind is a spirit of love, meekness, etc. 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. God intends the mind to change the heart. Romans 12 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed BY the renewing of your mind, that ye Romans 8 this spirit is a spirit of love, meekness, etc. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 Page 3
God intends to grow the heart with exercise 1 Timothy 4 7 But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. Hebrews 5 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. God intends the heart to change the actions and vice versa Matthew 23 a changed heart changes the actions 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. James 2 practicing our faith makes our faith grow 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Being Complete in Heart Is the Central Purpose of Luke 6 BEING A DISCIPLE 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be AS HIS MASTER. Romans 8 ALL OF GOD S WORK WITH CHRISTIANS 28 And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 FOR whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 2 Timothy 3 - EVERY VERSE IN THE BIBLE 16 ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 THAT the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Ephesians 4 EVERY TEACHING OFFICE OF THE CHURCH (AND EVERY JOINT ) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 FOR the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 2 Corinthians 5 CHRIST S DEATH ON THE CROSS 15 And that he died for all, THAT they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 1 Peter 2 CHRIST S EXAMPLE ON THE CROSS 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, THAT we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Ephesians 2 OUR BEING CREATED 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 Page 4
Ecclesiastes 12 OUR ENTIRE EXISTANCE 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. The Growth Pyramid (Ladder, Steps, Progression, Whatever ) There is a consistent relationship between the virtues that starts with faith and ends with love. Romans 5:1-5 James 1:3,4 2 Peter 1:5-7 Faith (trial of) Faith (trial of) Faith Virtue Knowledge Temperance Patience Patience Patience Experience Hope Godliness Brotherly kindness Love Perfect (Love 1 Timothy 1:5) Love James 1 cause and effect layers of our foundation 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith WORKETH patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Jude 1 faith is the foundation 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves ON your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Romans 5 trying of faith produces patience, which produces experience, etc. 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation WORKETH patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. experience, trustiness (test) how do you test whether a bullet-proof vest is trusty? Romans 15 cause and effect (same as in Romans 5:4) 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Patience produces trustiness ( experience Romans 5:4). This is the same principle that scientific experimentation works on. If a test produces the same results consistently, it is considered to be reliable. Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 Page 5
Trustiness makes us hopeful (Romans 5:4). If we believe that we will receive the promise AFTER we patiently endure (Heb10:35,36; Heb6:11-15), then the fact that we patiently endure should give us hope that we will receive the promise. 2 Peter 1 this = escaped 5 And beside this, giving ALL DILIGENCE, ADD to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. - from the same as G730; properly manliness (valor), that is, excellence (intrinsic or attributed): - praise, virtue. or (G730) - Probably from G142; male (as stronger for lifting): - male, man. valor - courage and boldness, as in battle; bravery (Webster s) How does valor or manliness build on faith? (Eph3:12; Heb13:6; Php1:14; 2Tim2:3; Ac4:13; Ac9:27; ) How does knowledge build on valor? What good is misguided courage? (Rom10:2; Ac26:9-11) 2 Peter 1 self-control 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness. How does self-control build on knowledge? (1Cor9:25 what things?; Titus2:12; 1Cor7:9 contain ) - From G5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting) (G5278) - From G5259 and G3306; to stay under (behind), that is, remain; figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: - abide, endure, (take) patient (- ly), suffer, tarry behind. constancy - steadfastness, as in purpose or affection; faithfulness - or the condition or quality of being constant; changelessness How does patience build on self-control? (Mt13:20,21; Heb6:11-15; Heb10:36) - from G2152; piety; specifically the gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness piety having or exhibiting religious reverence; earnestly compliant in the observance of religion; devout devout - devoted to religion or to the fulfillment of religious obligations How does devoutness build on patience? (Col3:17; Mt22:37) 2 Peter 1 1tim1:5 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. How does sibling affection build on devoutness? (1Co13:3) faith valor (bravery) knowledge temperance patience (constancy) devoutness brotherly affection love primarily mind-motivated primarily heart-motivated Spiritual Sight Lesson 3 Page 6