Day # 1 / Session # 1
Disciples & Ministers According to Jesus
Matt 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
To have real weight or clout with Jesus. The word for love in this scripture is affection for Jesus above that of anything else. Having a greater affection for anything in this life makes a believer unfit and unprepared to follow Jesus. There will be a lack of balance of weight between the believer and Jesus himself.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
He that comes upon, hits upon, and holds on to his own selfish life for his selfish gain, shall bring himself to ruin, destruction, uselessness and misery through his corrupted self. He that ruins, destroys, and wastes away his sinful existence for the sake of the Lord shall discover, recognize, acquire and procure real life from the Lord for himself.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
We observe that Jesus commands His disciples to “Follow Him” in the above scripture. This is defined as a union in traveling the same road. It is an oneness with the pattern of Jesus’ life, His ministry, and even of His death, if necessary.
Look at the illustration of Peter’s denial of Jesus in comparison to Jesus’ command to deny ourselves. As you will notice, it is exactly the same word! Can you imagine how vehemently Peter with every fiber and atom in his body angrily disavowed that he knew, or had any relationship with the Master? This should be our same attitude in denying ourselves for the sake of our Lord?
Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send (apostolic sending) my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Which shall prepare Literally who will lay down all of the needed gear, utensils and equipment at another’s disposal.”
Day # 1 / Session # 2
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
If you notice, I highlighted the word “cannot”.
The root of this word is the word “dunamis”. We all know that dunamis is the dynamite power of God, that we as believers seek to obtain. In addition dunamis is an enabling power. God’s dunamis enables the casting out of demons and the operation of spiritual gifts. These scriptures inform us that the Christian who does not bear the cross, forsake all that he has, and put his family and his life behind the Lord, will not have the “dunamis “ or the enabling power to be a disciple of our Lord. The inherent power that He needs to change will not be there. The “cannot” is also constructed in the “absolute negative”. Simply expressed it tells us that “under no circumstances”, or, “Never”, or, “it is impossible” for the Christian who is not willing to to do these things to ever be disciple of Jesus.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
First John two and fifteen is an example of what I call a “proportional scripture.” In other words, to the proportion that the love for the things of this world fills the limited space of our heart, is to the same proportion that the love of God has no more room within that limited space, and must leave.
Day # 1 / Session #2 (CONTINUED)
Disciples & Ministers According to Paul
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Of no account do I make my life or hold my life in honor, so that I may complete my course on the horse track of life on which I am racing upon with joy, and the ministry that I received from the Lord to testify fully and thoroughly of the glad tidings of the grace of God.
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify ( Glorify) mine office:
To speak about “glorifying oneself” or even one’s ministry usually carries a negative connotation. Normally it implies pride and self-exaltation. Yet we should bring as much glory to God as is attainable within our ministries or callings. Glorifying can only deal with that portion of God’s work that is executed by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth(As soap being rinsed off from dirty plates) of the world, and are the offscouring(scrapings of food thrown away) of all things unto this day.
Are we willing to live our Christian life in such a way that we daily die to our rights, our reputation, and our need for recognition? I struggle with wanting to be a “personality for the Lord.” We are slaves of Christ. No slave has any rights of his own. When Jesus said that He was meek, in truth He said, that He yielded all His rights to the Father will. Are we willing to lay down our lives for sinners and serve them instead of merely preaching to them? Jesus said that he who wants to be first must be last. In actuality He was addressing us about being last in rank, importance, place, and time. Only those who make themselves servants (slaves) of all shall be chief in the eyes of the Lord.
Day # 1 / Session # 3
1Cor 9:24 ¶ Know ye not that they which run (to run and spend my strength in attaining to something) in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.(to possess and make my own.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery (the agony of athletic competition) is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Our Christian lives should abide in the exhilarating agony of strenuous athletic discipline. If we are experiencing boredom as believers, we are missing out on part of Christ’s destiny for us. Every great work of God has been executed on bended knees. Every great work of God takes between one to five hours of prayer daily
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
Our faith must contain a clear perception of God’s vision for our lives. “Without a vision the people perish.” We must not walk obscurely, as those who do not know the voice of God. We must not trash the air aimlessly with those things that Christ has not called us to, no matter how noble or praiseworthy they might be. Our time must not be wasted by the missed discernment of God’s will; too much is at stake! Our punch must be sure; we must strike straight and not spare.
27 But I keep under my body (To beat the body black and blue, or get a black eye), and bring it into subjection (make my body a slave to the Spirit of God) lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (a reject , reprobate, and one who failed the test that God put before them.)
The love of God and the love of the world are opposed to each other. Either you love one or love the other. What the world values, Christ abhors. What the worldly man esteems as of great value Christ says, “get the behind me Satan!”
1Cor15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured (To labor with strenuous zeal, to the point of exhaustion) more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
“Spiritual burn out” is always inadmissible. It is the product of all labors for the Lord initiated by us, and not the Holy Spirit. Yet our lives should be consumed with the Lord and His work.
2 Cor 4:1 ¶ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not
Because by the mercy of God, we were called into this ministry, we do not become discouraged. (We know that if God divinely summoned us, He will take care of us, and see us through; therefore we do not lose heart.)
2 But have renounced (we gave up once, and now forbid) the hidden things of dishonesty (anything that brings shame or disgrace to the gospel, or to us), not walking in craftiness(not conducting ourselves in the doctrines of men), nor handling the word of God deceitfully(by trickery, adulterating or corrupting God’s word for base gain) ; but by manifestation of the truth (but by manifesting the gospel in its accuracy and genuineness through the Word of God and by our lives) commending ourselves to every man’s conscience( we present ourselves to every type of men’s conscience) in the sight of God. (Before the constant gaze of God)
Paul here says, that the soundness of the apostle’s doctrine and the genuineness of his or her life in accordance to the gospel must be so great, that it must hold up to the scrutiny of the voice of God bearing witness or passing judgment to what the apostle ministers in their hearer’s consciences. Secondly, the apostle must also deal with the scrutiny of God Himself, whose penetrating look is ever upon the apostle.
2Cor 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves (out of our minds, or wits, or exhibit insanity) it is to God: or whether we be sober,(sound mind) it is for your cause.
In our burning obedience to our Lord, Jesus requires us to take steps of faith that portray us as incoherent and insane to the world, and even to the dormant church at large. If we never appear to be crazy in the eyes of the world, it should give us cause for concern. Yet the reality is; we do have the sound and healthy mind of Christ. This should be the balance of a normal Christian life.
2Cor 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
I will very gladly incur personal expense for your Christian well-being. I will pour my very soul out for your progress in the faith. I will exhaust myself by spending and using myself up for your spiritual maturing in Christ.
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness,( As Christ is magnified and made great in his life, the power of God within Paul brings much freedom to him. Paul can live out the gospel in confidence, candor, fearlessness and honesty, unhindered in every way.) as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body), whether it be by life, or by death.
The apostle Paul’s desire was to take his life and use it as a magnifying glass that would make Jesus Christ great. His expectation is one of stretching out his head to be able to anxiously observe this process becoming a reality in his life.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after (I persecute after), if that I may apprehend ( seize and make it my own) that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Please personalize this for yourself; “I persecute, pursue, and overtake everything for which Christ has called me. I do this in hope of being able to seize, and grasp all that Christ has grasped and possessed me for.”
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Therefore I neglect and no longer care for what is behind me. I stretch myself out and towards, and run swiftly after what is before me. The direction being, the mark of the goal of the high price of unbroken fellowship of Christ’s resurrection life, and the hope of His calling for me.
A prophetical and healing time of ministry will be held after each evening’s last session. Ministry time is not part of the seminar. Those that wish to remain are welcomed to do so. If you feel like going home at the end of the session you may do so as well.
Day # 2 / Session # 4
Disciples & Ministers According to Paul
1 Tim 1:12 ¶ And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
Greek: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who endued me with His power (only as He found me dependable.) The gift of His power was given to me as He found me worthy of trust. Once that the trust and power were there God placed me into my ministry.
1 Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Greek: Do not become careless about the spiritual gift, which was given to you by (the Holy Spirit) through prophecy and the laying of hands.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Meditate- Care for, attend to, and keep practicing “the things that we have discussed”
Give thyself wholly to them – Literally “to become one with them”.
Paul tell us throw ourselves fully, or become submerged and consumed with the things that lead to godliness, purity, charity, spiritual gifts, and so forth.
That thy profiting Literally “pioneers cutting a way for an army”
Every Christian is called to a blaze a new pioneer trail, through which the Lord can effectively travel, in accordance with their unique calling. There are now pew sitters, and no room for mediocrity in God’s kingdom.
May appear to all - Will become evident to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine Fasten your attentions to, observe, and attend to yourself first, and to your doctrine second. This doctrine is what you teach. It must be in accordance with the truth of the scriptures and your life must line up with it.
Continue in them – Be sure to remain in these things!
Day # 2/ Session # 5
Knowing the Difference Between the Holy and the Profane
2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Called us with an holy calling The holiness of the Lord is what cuts or sets us apart from the world so that God can utilize us for His sacred, uniquely rare, and highly specialized eternal purposes. This is the opposite of what the world is involved at large. The common purposes entangling the masses are what God calls the profane. My father has always told me “Jose, remember, the crowd is usually wrong.”
Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
The calling of God entails first an invitation for us to become born again. This calling however must lead us into our spiritual vocation, which is holy, cut from the world, and highly specialized in a military fashion of sorts. If as believers we are simply content to become born again, but do not allow the Lord to separate us enough from the profane, we will not enter into the fullness of our spiritual vocation and will have missed our calling.
Exo 26:33 And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.
34 And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
The American College Dictionary defines for us testimony as “ evidence in support of a fact or statement.” Therefore, within the Ark of the Covenant resides the complete and absolute evidence that supports all of the facts of whom God really is. In other words the fullness of God dwells inside. Therefore the church’s great responsibility is to furnish to the world at large with preciseness, who God really is. It must so fully declare Him that the world has all the facts that it needs, to accept God or reject Him. In reality, the testimony of God is no different to the testimonies given by witnesses in a courtroom. The purpose of testimonies is to furnish a jury with enough factual evidence that will allow it to reach a truthful verdict.
Heb 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
When Moses was about to build the tabernacle for God, God cautioned him to accurately construct it in accordance to a specific pattern that He would show him. The Lord has a particular and unique pattern of ministerial construction for every local assembly, and every corporate and individual ministry. In our Greek scriptures the word “admonished” is defined as “divine instruction according to revelation.” This is an exhortation for us to cautiously build our ministries step by step in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes.
Rev 5:5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
The brilliancy and the glory of the original blueprint of a NT fellowship in the heavenly realm create a shadow, or an outline, to those who have been called to faithfully reproduce it here on earth. Our great responsibility is to reproduce it to the heavenly original with the greatest of earthly accuracy.
The blessings of God will fall upon this fellowship in proportion to how accurately it has been reproduced in “accordance with the pattern shown in the mount.”
Heb 8:2 A minister ( a religious minister) of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not( “in no case” absolute negative) man.
Greek: A minister of the sanctuary and of the authentic and “built according to the blueprint of God” tabernacle of God, which the Lord fixed in place, and had absolutely nothing to do with man. The church of God must be built upon the authenticity and genuineness of God’s pattern.
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder(technician, architect or craftsman)and maker(the author of a work) is God.
Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands
Greek: Absolutely never dwells in handmade temples
Heb 9:23 ¶ It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24For Christ is not entered(absolutely never made by hands.) into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Heb 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Greek: A greater and more perfect tabernacle, absolutely never made with hands, and not of this creation.
It cannot be of the earthly or fleshly creation.
Our hands cannot touch it.
God’s must be genuine and accurate according to the heavenly plan.
It has nothing to do with man’s agendas and plans.
The Lord must be the one to author and build it.
Day # 3 / Session # 6
Working Out Your Salvation
John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
What have we to do with thee and hath nothing in me are exactly the same wordings in the Greek.
Absolute binding of the enemy can only occur, when each and every part of our lives have come into conformity with the will of the Lord, and the enemy is forbidden a place or space where he can afflict us.
There is absolutely no relationship between the demonic and Jesus.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed( don’t take on the outward form or blueprint of the world by a disobedient walk with the Lord) to this world: but be ye transformed (metamorphosis; or attain to a complete and radical inward change and becoming a totally different individual) by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove( only when we are radically changed can we then test, approve and possess for ourselves the mature, well pleasing, and good will of God) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Remember the example of the lowly caterpillar being transformed into the beautiful butterfly. Metamorphosis? What about the tadpole being transformed into a frog? Total and radical change! Guess what? That is exactly what the Lord wants out of our lives. The death of ourselves on the cross and the resurrection life of our Lord within us should be so extraordinary, that indeed we all become lovely and free butterflies for His glory.
Unrecognizable as a tadpole is from a frog because Jesus lives so big in us, should find us with no former remembrance of our “tadpolish” existence. At least that should be our goal!)
Day # 3 / Session # 7
2 Corinthians 9:11. Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
"Causeth" is once again the word "katergazomai.'
Here a life, and a spirit of bountifulness, liberality and generosity " works out" thanksgiving to God by many.
2 Cor 12:12 states that our ministry must be fully carried out or "katergazomai" in patience and in the manifestation of the full power of God.
2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
"Wrought" is once again the word "katergazomai.'
Romans 15:8 Paul states that he will not boast in any fleshly endeavor or works but only in that which the Christ has fully worked or katergazomai out through his life.
Phillip 2:12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
“Work out” is once again the word "katergazomai.' It means the following:
(Utterly accomplish, finish and achieve to completion everything that has to do with your salvation. Utterly finish it! Do not leave anything lacking! Therefore growing up into Christ in all things.)
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
We are encouraged here to take the whole armor of God and having done all to stand, to stand therefore. "Having done all" is once again the word "katergazomai.' It is exactly the same word as “work out” in the verse above.
Simply stated it depicts us as warriors in that terrible struggle against the world, Satan, and sin. The big ball of dull is kicked up as were engage in these gladiator struggles of life. When the dust finally settles we remain standing victoriously, as Satan, sin and the world lay scattered at our feet. Once again my brethren, the command is to carry out all things to a complete victory. The reason why the church is so weak is because few obey this scripture.
2 Cor 4:17 is an encouragement to us that our light and momentary affliction fully accomplishes in us an eternal weight of glory.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
A prophetical and healing time of ministry will be held after each evening’s last session. Ministry time is not part of the seminar. Those that wish to remain are welcomed to do so. If you feel like going home at the end of the session you may do so as well.
Day # 4 / Session # 8
Ministers and Money
Eph 4:14 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;
Greek: By the “spiritual dice playing” of men in which they work around you with the goal of implementing the methodology of error.
Beware of the “winds of doctrine” concerning financial prosperity that are not scriptural.
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
“Doctrines of men” activate the methods of error, and suppresses the righteousness of God. God’s righteousness is the visible manifestation of His glorious deeds upon the earth. If we teach, or are taught what is wrong, the activity of the Spirit of God is restricted in proportion to the error.
1Tim 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt ( thoroughly corrupted) minds, and destitute (defrauded) of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness ( esteeming as the law or the custom of the land that material acquisition brings godliness): from such withdraw thyself.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
New Testament prosperity comes from two words that mean a “good road” or a “good path”. This implies success or accomplishing in an expeditious matter what we have set out to do. If we desire to have true success in our finances as believers, our success must start with a prosperous spiritual condition.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Greek: You cannot be a slave to two lords… You will hate one, and love the other one unconditionally…you will embrace one; and think little of the other…Ye cannot be a slave to God and to material acquisitions.
Matthew six and twenty four is another one of those “famous” proportional scriptures. To the extent that we embrace material gain for selfish motives is to the same extent that we will think little of, and hate the Lord. By hating the Lord, I mean to say that we will hate what He requires from us that regard the yielding up of the material wealth that we dearly embrace. Our ability to obey the Lord, as Lord, will be restricted likewise to the extent that we are submitted to the lordship of material gain.
1 Tim 6:6 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Greek (paraphrase & my thoughts): What is great gain is (not selfish material acquisition but) godliness with contentment.
Contentment - Is a most interesting word. It is defined as the state of being so filled with the Spirit of God that the believer is self-sufficient solely in the fullness of the Spirit. By this self-sufficiency I mean, that the Christian is totally free or independent from being swayed or trapped by the sufficiency that comes from external circumstances and worldly affairs. His or her sole sufficiency is in the Lord and not upon external means. This type of believers are content with having little or much, because they independently self-sufficient from the world, and solely dependent and self-sufficient in the revelation of the Lord Jesus.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
I love how the Greek NT scholar Marvin Vincent translates this scripture; “ We brought nothing into this world because we can carry nothing out.”
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Greek: And having food and covering we shall be self-sufficient in the Lord.
But they that will(to plan for and deliberately purpose to ) be rich fall into temptation( the trials of the devil and sin) and a snare (the same word used for a snare used to catch birds and beasts, unaware), and into many foolish(void of understanding) and hurtful( injurious) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.( which cause men to sink into destruction and perdition)
Destruction: Destruction has to do with numerous types of earthly calamities, bondages, and illnesses that come to plague people as they make it their chief aim to become rich.
Perdition – Perdition can also be termed as destruction, but many times it is the outcome of the destruction brought by the love of money. Perdition can contain within it both spiritual and eternal aspects. The calamities brought by the love of money on many occasions send people to hell because the lord mammon has taken the precedence over the Lord Jesus.
Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
The name Appollyon, which the angel of the bottomless pit, comes from the same root word for perdition. Both are defined as “destroyer” and “destruction.” I believe that that the danger of the Christian seeking material acquisitions is self-explanatory.
10 for the love of money (a fond love) is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after( to stretch out after in order to grasp) they have erred from the faith ( to be led astray from the truth and into idolatry), and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (grief, distress and pain.)
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
I simply love the word “flee”! Our English word for fugitive comes from this word. Several dictionary definitions such as a runaway, a person who is fleeing, or someone who takes to flight describes the fugitive. My friends, we must be fugitives from the love of selfish material gain.
Likewise, I love the word “follow after”, which is none else than the word for persecute!
My friends, we must be fugitives from the love money and persecute instead righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness!
Righteousness: The visible and righteous exhibitions of the works of the invisible God through our lives. Likewise, righteousness is also the outward results of the grace or labor that the Lord performs within us. We must be “living molds” of the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, the outcome of the super human labor of the revealed Christ, and not the bondage brought through our own efforts by the works of the law. Persecute this!
Godliness A life that is entirely pleasing to God. Persecute this!
Faith Living by “the faith of God” which is found in His rhema word, as we restrict our lives to the voice of the Spirit. Persecute this!
Love Unconditional, sacrificial love, for our neighbor and brethren. Persecute this!
Patience Loving endurance with the quirks and hang-ups of others. Persecute this!
Meekness This is the conclusive mark of the “love slave” of God! It is the yielding up of all of our rights to the Lord. Persecute this!
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12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Greek: Athletically agonize in the beautifully athletic conflict of faith.
Grasp and make for your own eternal life now on earth.
In which you have confessed a beautiful confession. (Confession is the reality of what lies inside of us as expressed outwardly through an honest mouth. A beautiful confession can only come forth from a beautiful life.)
13 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Greek Guard, and watch over carefully, in order to fully perform, the commandment without blemish, free from vice, and with nothing that the devil or man can take a hold of, or point an accusatory finger at.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, “Nor to hope in the riches of uncertainty.”
Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy Who supplies us richly from His own resources.
18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Ready to distribute Always ready to impart with openhanded liberality.
Willing to communicate The TDNT defines this rare New Testament word as “belonging or appointed to society” or “gladly giving others a share.”
“Willing to communicate” comes from the word for fellowship, which is to “have in common.”
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Greek: Treasuring up for themselves a beautiful foundation into the future so that they may be free in the present time to grasp and make their own eternal life.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Greek: “He that soweth upon a blessing shall reap upon a blessing.”
What the apostle Paul has in mind when he tells us to sow bountifully is that our sowing must be of such quality and in such quantity that it will reach to produce a real blessing upon someone else. Such a man or woman will reap a blessing back from the Lord. Mother Teresa said, “We must love until it hurts.”
Day # 4 / Session # 9
Ministers and Money
The Law of (Koinonia) or Christian Fellowship Supercedes Financial Prosperity, Tithes & Offerings
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship koinonia and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution koinonia for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship koinonia of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution koinonia unto them, and unto all men;
Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate koinonia forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
The Restoration of the Apostolic Walk Must Occur in the Church
Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
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