Who Am I?

We live in turbulent and troubled times as it has been, and will be. But,
The Lord is on my side,
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?

Each Christian believer needs to know who he is. What is his true identity? Can he say with great assurance who he is?

......I am _____ “in Christ”
Ephesians 1
1. I am a saint "in Christ"
2. I am faithful "in Christ" Eph. 1:1
3. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places "in Christ" Eph. 1:3
4. I am chosen in Him before the foundation of the world in order that I should be holy and without blame before Him in love Eph. 1:4
5. I have been predestined to adoption as a son by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace Eph. 1:5
5. I am made accepted in the Beloved.
7. In Him, I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8. I know the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself,
9. …that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth -in Him.
10. In Him, I also have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
11. In Him, I have believed and been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Eph. 1:13

Ephesians 2
12. I am made alive
13. I am raised up together with Him, and made to sit together with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
14. In the ages to come God will show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward me in Christ Jesus.
15. I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that I should walk in them.
16. I have been brought near to God in Christ Jesus by the blood of Christ.
17. I am reconciled to God through the cross
18. I have access to the Father
19. I am a fellow citizen with the saints and members of the household of God,
20. I am part of the spiritual building, the Church, growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
21. I am being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 3
22. I am, as a Gentile, a fellow heir, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel
23. I am a part of the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
24. …in whom I have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
25. I am learning to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height of the love of Christ
26. I am learning to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that I may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Biblical Anthropology

Edgemont Bible Church Wednesday Night Bible Study Notes of February 18th, 2009

I. Our Creation
A. Adam and Eve were created by a direct act of God, not by evolution or theistic evolution. Even Secularists talk about “Intelligent Design” to their evolutionary friends. Alternatives to the creation account include strange, strange speculations of aliens, space stuff, etc., etc. On the mission field, our missionary encountered worldly anthropologists who wanted NO mission work to produce changed lives for the sake of leaving remote tribes in a “pristine and natural” condition.
B. Created as adults, not as children...some call this the “appearance” of age.
C. Both were created in the image of God. Gen. 1:26-27 This involves intellect or mind, emotions or sensibilities, and will.

II. Our Nature and Purpose
A. Man is body, soul and spirit. 1 Thess. 5:23
B. He is to worship and glorify God. The Bible actually shows that God provides everything needed for life and godliness. Counsellees often only want to be free of consequences, not biblical instruction for change of life and life style which is true freedom.

III. Our Fall
A. Original Sin
   Adam was our representative. Rom. 5:12-21
   All born of human parents are guilty in Adam
   We are born as sinners. Ps. 51:4
   We sin deliberately! Isa. 53:6
B. What is Sin?
   “A missing of the mark (target)”. Rom 3:23
   “Transgression of the law”. 1 Jn 3:4
   Inwardly and outwardly, doing and not doing, thought, word, action.
   Anything that offends God, who is absolutely Holy.
Consider the 10 commandments; Romans 1; 1 Cor. 6; and Galations 5
C. Consequences of Adam’s Sin
   We are separated from God.
   We are dead spiritually, Eph. 2:1
   Physical death entered into the world. Heb 9:27
   The whole creation is affected. Romans 8:22
   Moral corruption, spiritual blindness, guilt, are the result. Romans 1; 3:19
   In current terms political endeavors of many kinds are but one example.

IV. Our Salvation, John 1:12, Acts 4:12
A. Provided only and completely by the Father. John 3:16
B. Accomplished by the Son. “It is finished” (tetelestai). John 19:30
C, Applied by the Spirit. John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:17
D. Not by man’s efforts or works by God’s gift. Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 4:5

V. Assurance of Salvation
A. All sins forgiven. Col. 2:13; Acts 5:31, 13:38
B. All sins blotted out. Isa. 44:22
C. All sins remembered no more. Jer. 31:34
D. All sins removed as far as the east is from the west. Psa. 103:12
E. Assurance of Salvation is based on God, not on us. 1 Jn 5:13; John 3:18, 3:36

VI. Temptation is not sin, but yielding to temptation is sin.
1 John 2:15,16…love not the world; lust of flesh, eyes, pride of life
James 1:13,14 ….tempted by own lust…context of trials…ask God for wisdom, help…love of God more than self…see vs 12 (rewards)
1 Cor. 10:13 …God is faithful, greater than all temptations, then we can bear it.
Eph. 6:10-18 …being strong in the Lord + spiritual armor; dependent on Him; trust wholly in Him.
Prov. 16:3 …commit works to the Lord, thoughts will be established… in Rom 6: also know that all these things work together for good to those who love Him = count on it!
1 John 1:9 …If we confess our sins, He is just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness

VII. Testing is from God for our benefit …James 1
Job 23:10 …faith tested through trials and suffering
1 Peter 1:3-7 …mercy is a living hope and gives us assurance we are kept by faith also
Romans 1:28-38 …All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose…that we might be conformed to the image of His Son. There is no separation from Christ under any condition, situation or trial. Our hope is Him.

The Work of the Holy Spirit (Cont.)

VIII. The Believer's Responsibility (Cont.)

C. The Power to Do Good
    1. The Fruit of the Spirit-John 15:1-11; Gal 5:22,23
      a. Love - An action for the benefit of another without regard of cost to oneself, which is

Inclusive of the Whole World
Exclusive of the World System
Inclusive of the True Church
Without End -1 Cor. 13:8
Toward Israel -Jer. 31:3
Sacrificial -2 Cor. 8:9
Unrequited and Pure -John 13:34-35

      b. Joy - John 15:11
      c. Peace - John 14:27
      d. Longsuffering - Ex. 34:6
      e. Gentleness - 2 Sam. 22:36
      f. Goodness-Rom 5:7
      g. Faithfulness - Lam 3:22-23
      h. Meekness - 2 Cor. 10:1; Zeph. 2:3
      i. Self-control-2 Pet. 1:5-7

   2. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit -Rom 12; 1 Cor 12-14; 1 Pet. 4:10; Eph . 4
   3. The Offering of Praise and Thanksgiving-Heb. 13:15
   4. The Teaching of the Spirit-1 John 2:10-27
   5. The Leading of the Spirit - Jer. 10:23; Prov. 3:5-6
   6. The Life of Faith-1 John 5:4; Eph. 1:17-21; 3:16-19
   7. The Intercession of the Spirit-Rom 8:26

D. Conditions/Prerequisites to Filling
   1. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God - Eph. 4:30
      a. Prevention of the Christian's Sin-Ps. 119:11
          1) The Word of God-Ps. 119:11
          2) The Indwelling Holy Spirit
          3) The Intercession of Christ
      b. Remedy of the Christian's Sin
          1) 1 John 1:5-2:2
          2) 1 Cor. 11:31-32
          3) Heb. 12:5-11
          4) 2 Cor. 7:8-11
   2. Quench not the Spirit - 1 Thess. 5:16-19
            a. Resistance of the Spirit - attitude of resistance or indifference to the known will of God
            b. The Yielded Life - Rom. 6:12-15
            c. The Example of Christ - Heb. 10:5-7
            d. The Will of God-'doing' based on the Scriptures
            e. The Sacrificial Life - Ex. 21:5-6
   3. Walk in the Spirit - Gal. 5:16-25 against:
            a. The World
            b. The Flesh
            c. The Devil

The Work of the Holy Spirit

VIII. The Believer's Responsibility

A. Introduction
    1. Intelligent Motives-must recognize positional truth in order to have correct motives for living for God
    2. Prescribed Obligations-1 Cor 10:32 supernatural requirements placed upon the believer, therefore they need supernatural power to live-2 Pet 1:4; Eph 5:19-6:4; Col 3:16-4:2
    3. Dependence upon the Holy Spirit-only two powers to live by, your own or the Spirit's
    4. The Word of God-1 Cor 2:10-3:3-how you deal with the Word tells something about you-Col 3:16
    5. A Spiritual Transformation-what is true about who you were and who you are now "in Christ"
    6. Terminology Used - Spirit Filled
        a. The Spirit upon you in OT and Pentecost - John 14:16-17
       b. He that is Spiritual-Gal 6:1 - any believer
       c. Filled with the Spirit-Eph 5:18 - empowered to live according to the supernatural

B. The Power to Overcome Evil-John 15:5; 1 John 2:15-16; 5:4
    1. The World-the system of thinking and doing run by Satan, the prince of this world -John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11
    2. The Flesh-The tree/wood illustration
    3. The Devil-Satan-alive and well

C. The Power to Do Good
    1. The Fruit of the Spirit-John 15:1-11; Gal 5:22,23
        a. Love - An action for the benefit of another without regard of cost to oneself, which is

Inclusive of the Whole World
Exclusive of the World System
Inclusive of the True Church
Without End
Toward Israel
Sacrificial
Unrequited and Pure

The Work of the Holy Spirit

VII. The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Christian

A. Regeneration-Tit 3:5
1. The necessity - John 3:6; Eph 2:1-3
2. The impartation of Life - John 10:10; Rom 6:23; Eph 2:1-3
a. A Knowledge of God - 2 Pet 1:3-4
b. A New Reality in Prayer - Heb. 4:16
c. A New Reality in the Reading of God's Word - 1 Pet. 2:1
d. A Recognition of God's Family - 1 John 3:14
e. A Divine Compassion for a Lost World - 2 Cor 5:11
3. Acquisition of the Nature of God - 2 Pet 1:4
4. Induction into the Family and Household of God - Col 1:12
5. Inheritance of a Son's Portion - Rom 8:16-17
6. God's own Purpose to His Eternal Glory - Rom 8:28-30; Eph 2:10

B. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
1. According to Revelation - John 14:17; Rom 8:9,11
2. In Relation to Anointing - 1 John 2:20,27
3. According to Reason
4. In Relation to Sealing - 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30

C The Baptizing of the Holy Spirit
1. The Word "baptizo" - To place into and associate with that which you have been placed into
2. The Determining Scriptures - 1 Cor 12:12-13; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:1-4; Col 2:9-13; Eph 4:4-6; 1 Pet 3:21
3. The Thing Accomplished
a. Organic Union - Rom 11:17
b. The Fourfold prayer of Christ - John 17:11,21-23
c. The Only Ground for Imputed Righteousness - Rom 4:5; 5:17
d. Due Recognition of the Union - Eph 4:4-6
e. The Ground of Appeal for a Holy Life
4. The Distinctiveness
a. Not Regeneration - Regeneration is Christ in you; Baptism is you being placed in Christ
b. Not Indwelling - Indwelling is the Spirit in you; Baptism is you being placed in Christ at the beginning of your salvation
c. Not Filling - Filling is the Spirit empowering you for holy living, multiple times, Baptism happens one time.

Knowing the Will of God - Part 2

The bible has a peculiar and special place in the lives of all Christian believers. One of these is its place for individual and personal decision-making. The role of the scriptures in this regard speaks to us with the necessity of understanding the difference between the bible speaking directly and indirectly. In dealing with His chosen people, God gave a conditional promise that "If you...(will do these things)....I will heal you". Their decision was based upon whether or not they believed Him. It is the same today. Romans 3 teaches that our decisions may be made on the basis of what He has said, or they made be made on the basis of pride, which leads to defense of self. The latter can lead to pure misery.

Consider these three propositions about Biblical Guidance:

There is no way to know God's will and receive His guidance apart from the scriptures. There are NO prophets today.
There are scriptural principles and practices to cover all areas of life. This contradicts in many cases those who proclaim that the Bible is silent in many areas. We seek principles applicable to all decision-making.
The Scriptures speak directly and indirectly by implication. They help us make either/or (yes/no) choices or they give us a limited number of equally legitimate choices. This is so important to understanding and applying the principles of life.

Also, consider these steps for good decision making:

Gather all the facts - list pros and cons. You will have to work at this. Godly decision-making can be hard, hard work. No counselor ever proclaimed that every decision was easy.
Search out all the principles, examples, etc. of Scripture that you can find which have a bearing on the decision. Seek the counsel of a qualified Biblical counselor or pastor. The context and and also specific instructions are important.
Apply these to the pros and cons and the various options.

Like Jeroboam, you may find it is necessary to seek godly counsel to supplement the wisdom that the Holy Spirit brings to you by means of prayer. Man is not omniscient.
If narrowed down to two equally good decisions based on biblical principles, you may decide on the basis of preference. Self is involved, but not before seeking and searching the Scriptures. If I am searching for a job, and find two that meets my objectives on the pro side of things, it is not a sin to have personal preferences
If the question of possible sin does arrive, the Biblical principle of "the holding principle" should be used....see below.

Most believers in decision-making can arrive at the place of "equally legitimate choices". Then, you may say, "I just cannot decide". Here are two points to help one in decision-making:

Some principles will help you narrow options more than others. Principles are given that relate to effects on family, the future, continuing service to the Lord, etc.
There may be more than one biblically legitimate option.

An illustration of biblically based principles can be found in getting married:

Take a biblical look at the single life. The Bible proclaims the advantages of being single. Do this first.
Define biblical standards for marriage partner. Is he/she a believer? Are they walking with the Lord? If not, waiting is a good principle. My silly pastor states emphatically that blonds are a personal preference!
Evaluate the person's sensitivity to biblical authority and influence. Are conflicts common?
Look for evidence of spiritual growth, obedience to God's Word. Is there evidence of oft complaining or giving of thanks?
Look for principles of solving problems biblically.
If more than one option remains, than choosing by preference is not sinning.

Do not misunderstand God's Will by ignoring the Scriptures. Experience, emotion, catastrophes and undue influence of others can lead you astray. These three points should be considered:

The Holy Spirit does lead the believer in decision-making by means of prayer and in response to those who are in submission to Him. God's leading in Romans 8:14 and Galatians 5:18 are examples. Other example are the Philippian's response to trials in 4:15, and Paul's response when warned of the dangers of going to Jerusalem.
The peace that passes all understanding of Colossians 3:15 as it rules in the heart is a faith principle that applies only to believers. Corporate prayer and the fellowship of the saints is a great encouragement.
Sometimes, usually rarely, circumstances (a fleece) can bring you to a point of decision...but NOT apart from the bible. For the most part, we consider circumstances to be unreliable.

Last, but not least, there is the HOLDING PRINCIPLE.

This is the article and sustainer by FAITH. Romans 14:23 certainly indicates that we must "be convinced in our own mind". This conviction comes in the heart, based on the Word of God, and is entirely of faith. That which is not of faith is sin.

Knowing the Will of God - Part 1

Biblical counselors tell me that the list of excuses for not using the Bible in Decision-Making is long and convoluted:

The bible has nothing to say about specific or general everyday decisions that I have to make
I don’t need the bible, I have my experience to guide me
After all, there are additional revelations that are available in the form of visions, dreams, feelings, circumstances, fleeces, and so on ad infinitum
My psychologist said that I must become aware of my inner self
All my friends give me advice, and I am selective
I have several books on the subject
I listen to my wife/husband/parent/pastor/guidance counselor etc.

Although there may be some truth in one or more of these excuses, they do not contain the whole truth in general, or provide the principles that are needed for godly living in the perfect and holy plans of our God. The Bible tells us that all are wrong in the following ways:

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Pet. 1)

15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3)

If the Bible appears to be silent on some issues, look again. There are 31,173 verses in the Old and New Testaments that presents God’s Word in terms of specific commandments, general commandments, and specific and general principles for ALL things pertaining to life and godliness. More on this in Part 2.

We recognize that different aspects of God’s Will do affect different people in different ways. The old puritans and Calvinists wrote copiously on the will of God with different names for various understandings of the different aspects. There are the decrees of God before the foundations of the world were laid. There is His permissive will applicable to our lives today and so on. Different people give different names to these. John Piper in his Desiring God - God centered resources from the ministry of John Piper included a penetrating article entitled "Are there two wills in God" with respect to divine election and God's desire that none should perish. Following the Reformation, the discussions on the will of God passed between Calvinists to Arminians to Amyraldians and back again on the order and significance of the eternal decrees. A bit of church history research will bring you up to date on their thinking, but not here and not now. This is never taught or even mentioned in modern pulpits.

This brief outline from my pastor will help on a few elements:

The DIRECTIVE Will of God
1. His Moral will
2. That which He has already revealed to us (example: abstain from sexual immorality, etc.)
3. Commandments that can only be found in the Bible
4. Instructions of what He wants us to do

The DECREED Will of God
1. His Sovereign will
2. His ultimate, eternal, determined will (example: Luke 22:31,32)..."what ifs" are NOT profitable
3. Can only be determined by man after the fact, can not be known in advance. Only God is omniscient. We have everything we need from the scriptures for life and godliness.

The implications to this subject of the eternal decrees and His decreed will are astounding. Man has the desire to want to know in advance in order to avoid trial and tribulation. Yet, the believer is promised by the Lord to have trials and tribulations. The author of Hebrews tells us that such trial is the discipline of the Lord to bring us to repentance, that we might be conformed to the image of His son. But we want to know in advance anyway. This turns the tables on the holy One of Israel. It makes Him responsible, not us! It would also take the pressure of living in the midst of trial off of us. Let's face it. We are lazy!