This study in the Word is intended to enable you to see clearly the Jesus of the Word and then describe what a fallen away Church looks like. This Bible study represents the second of several studies designed to take you through the Word of God to examine your Bible for yourself. In fact, you will find very few of our comments and explanations in this study. We have tried to simply give you a guideline to study the Word for yourself and to ask specific questions on each verse to cause you to examine your own Bible. It is very important that you use your Bible to answer the questions for yourself since many hearts have been captured by the traditions of men. This causes people to have tunnel vision and not to examine what the Word truly says but only part of the Word.
This study in the Word and the ones to follow are written for use as an individual Bible study aid, home group study, or church group study.
The following questions are some areas of study we cover in this Bible study or plan to cover in future studies. They are intended to urge you to consider the Word for yourself, and to examine yourself as to whether or not certain doctrines may have captured your heart and blinded you from seeing the Word.
If you will follow in your Bible through these studies, I believe the Word will change your life. Be careful not to build a doctrine around a particular scripture and be blocked from hearing the total Word for yourself. We plan to cover in these studies such issues as 1 Corinthians 3 concerning the carnal Christian and Romans 7 regarding Paul’s struggle with the flesh.
God has given us some clear answers to many questions about the last days. We are now able to show you who the sleeping virgins are and who is in the great falling away. We are dealing directly in these studies with what the Bible says. Let’s prove ourselves teachable and not be like the church of Laodicea who is rich, increased in goods, and in need of nothing.
You too can teach the Word of God.
Remember, you as a disciple have been called to teach the Word of God. The anointing abides within you (1 John 2:27). When you complete this study in the Word, share and teach it to a friend or a group. Spread the Word of God to others.
Help Spread the Word
When someone says the word “love” today, it can mean anything from lust to selfishness because the word love has become perverted. If we want to know what real love is, we need to go to the Word of God to see how God describes it.
In this study through the Word we are going to look at the love walk by comparing love and selfishness. To live in God’s love means to no longer live for yourself (read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). To live in selfishness is to live a life yielding to and indulging in the lust desires of the flesh.
This study is the first on the love walk. In the following studies, we intend to show you what love really is and the fruit of that love.
Let’s Review What We Covered in Bible Study #1
God tests the heart of everyone He creates. In Genesis 2:15-17 Adam was given a choice to choose between the tree of life and the tree of death. Adam and Eve were told that in the day they eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) “You shall surely die.”
Satan perverted and twisted God’s Word by changing the Word to say “You surely shall not die.” (Genesis 3:4). This was the first doctrine of Satan in the Bible. Adam and Eve chose to rebel against God’s Word and walk in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. (Genesis 3:6-7; 1 John 2:15-16). In this way, Adam became a Tree of Death. (See Romans 5:12 and
1 Corinthians 15:22.)
Adam’s heart was tested, and he failed. The last Adam, Jesus, was also tested, and he was victorious.
In Luke 4:1-4 Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tested in the flesh with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. Jesus resisted the enticing temptations of Satan to fleshly lust rebellion and established His heart as holy, blameless and pure. In this way, Jesus became a Tree of Life. We are also tempted and our hearts tested just like Adam, and just like Jesus. If we choose the way of Adam, resulting in sin and death, we also become a Tree of Death. If we choose the way of Jesus, resisting the lust, flesh rebellion to God we become a Tree of Life created in righteousness after the image of Jesus. (See Proverbs 11:30.)
All who name the name of Christ are called to walk just as Jesus also walked. We are to DIE TO SIN AND LIVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS (1 Peter 2:24). We do this by SHARING IN THE SUFFERINGS of Christ by resisting the temptations to fleshly lust rebellion from Satan, ceasing from sin and doing the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-2). If you don’t resist the temptations of the devil, then lust rebellion comes into your heart.
In this way, we ESCAPE THE CORRUPTION IN THE WORLD BY LUST and entrance into the Kingdom of God is abundantly supplied to us (2 Peter 1:4, 10-11). Those who desire to be made into the image of Jesus will have their hearts tested by the powers of darkness who attempt to bring rebellion. It is Satan who tempts us and entices us to yield to fleshly lust rebellion resulting in death – Tree of Death (James 1:13-16).
However, God has called us to be holy in ALL OUR BEHAVIOR (1 Peter 1:14-16), to resist the devil and suffer in the flesh through these lust temptations (1 Peter 5:8-10) and to LIVE NO LONGER FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR GOD (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
We are to put on the new self which is created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). In this way, Jesus becomes the source of salvation to all those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
The fruit of a DIVINE NATURE is a TREE OF LIFE. The one who receives ANOTHER JESUS, a DIFFERENT SPIRIT, and a DIFFERENT GOSPEL is led astray from simplicity and devotion to Jesus and becomes a TREE OF DEATH. The ones who DO THE WILL OF GOD become a TREE OF LIFE (Matthew 7:20-21).
The WORD OF GOD WARNS US that a time will come when people will CHOOSE DOCTRINES IN ACCORD WITH THEIR OWN LUST DESIRES rather than doing the WILL OF GOD (II Timothy 4:3-4).
NOW LET’S REVIEW A FEW SPECIFIC SCRIPTURES TO PREPARE US FOR OUR PRESENT STUDY THROUGH THE WORD.
Romans 5:12
Did sin and death spread to all men through Adam? SIN and DEATH is THE REBELLIOUS, CURSED NATURE OF SATAN.
Every person is born with this same CURSED NATURE OF SATAN.
Therefore, every man walks in the IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF SATAN.
His HEART LOVES and lives for this CURSED NATURE.
He is in TOTAL DARKNESS, and he does not know that Satan is his master and that DEATH and JUDGMENT are upon him.
Does your Bible indicate that the reason death spread to all is that ALL SINNED? In other words, when Adam rebelled against God by disobedience to His command, the nature and character of Satan entered Adam’s heart. Adam became the REPRESENTATIVE HEAD of all who walk in rebellion to God’s Word. Death abides on all those who walk in rebellion.
1 Corinthians 15:21
Does your Bible say “in Adam all die?” This means that death abides on all who practice fleshly sin rebellion, (See Romans 8:6).
Does your Bible say that death came by a man? That man is Adam.
Does your Bible say that life (resurrection from death) also came by a man? That man is the Last Adam, Jesus. This means that those who are in Christ Jesus no longer practice sin but practice righteousness. (See I John 3:7-10; Galatians 5:24)
1 Corinthians 15:22
What happens to all who are in Adam?
Does your Bible say they all die?
Remember, Adam is the representative head of all who walk in rebellion; and death abides on them.
What happens to all who are in Christ?
Does your Bible say they all are made alive? Jesus is the representative head of all those who are in Christ or under grace.
Those who are in Adam walk according to fleshly lust rebellion (practice sin), according to the rebellious nature of Satan.
Those who are in Christ walk according to the character and nature of Jesus, according to the divine nature of God.
1 Corinthians 15:49
Does your Bible say we are to bear the image of the heavenly?
Does this mean those who are in Christ Jesus bear the image of Jesus?
Does this mean we are to WALK, TALK, ACT, AND LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY LIKE JESUS?
The children of God and the children of the devil are obvious. (I John 3:10.)
SATAN COMES TO ENTICE THE HEARTS OF MEN TO FOLLOW LUST REBELLION AGAINST GOD’S WORD.
This is how you put selfishness and rebellion in your heart and not walk in love.
Genesis 2:15-17 Did God say YOU SHALL SURELY DIE if you rebel against His Word?
Genesis 3:2-4
Did Satan contradict God’s Word and say YOU SURELY SHALL NOT DIE?
Genesis 3:6-7
Did death abide in them because of their rebellion?
Note: Verse 6 – Satan used the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life (I John 2:15-17) to ENTICE THEIR HEARTS INTO REBELLION AGAINST GOD.
NOW LET’S SEE HOW THE LAST ADAM, JESUS, DEALT WITH THOSE SAME TEMPTATIONS OF SATAN TO DRAW THE HEART INTO REBELLION.
Luke 4:1-14 Did Jesus RESIST THE DEVIL
in every temptation of the flesh with the shield of faith?
Did Jesus REBEL or did He TRUST God?
Did Jesus RECEIVE THE POWER of the Spirit?
NOTE: We are going to see in a moment how you resist and the result of resisting the devil.
Romans 13:12
Does your Bible say that we are to lay aside the deeds of darkness (lust rebellion of the flesh)?
Romans 13:13
Are you told in your Bible that we are NOT to walk in the lusts of the flesh?
Romans 13:14
Are you to make ANY PROVISION for flesh lust rebellion?
Are you told to PUT ON THE LORD JESUS?
Did Jesus put on the armor of light?
Does verse 12 tell us to put on the armor of light?
Did Satan tempt the heart of Jesus to prevent Him from putting on the armor?
Will Satan do the same to you?
The armor and shield of faith prevents Satan from putting selfishness and rebellion in your heart.
WHEN YOU REPENT FROM LUST REBELLION AND RESIST THE FIERY DARTS OF SATAN, YOU DON’T PUT SELFISHNESS IN YOUR HEART. WHEN YOU RESIST THE DEVIL, YOU RESIST SELFISHNESS. THIS IS THE LOVE WALK.
Ephesians 6:11-17 describes this armor of light and how we put it on. Before we look at the purpose of the armor in Ephesians 6, we first need to understand that a person who has been made holy and blameless by the Lord Jesus Christ does not participate in the tree of death (practicing sin). We resist all selfish rebellion (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Ephesians 1:4
Does your Bible say that those in Christ Jesus were chosen to be holy and blameless?
Colossians 1:19-20
Does your Bible say that through Jesus you have peace, being reconciled to God in all things?
Colossians 1:21
Having been reconciled to God, you lay aside the deeds of darkness (fleshly lust rebellion) and have as the outcome of peace with God.
Does this verse say that you FORMERLY were engaged in evil deeds (fleshly lust rebellion), and FORMERLY were hostile in mind?
Would this mean you no longer walk there anymore and no longer participate in that hostile rebellion?
Colossians 1:18
Does your Bible say Jesus is to HAVE FIRST PLACE IN EVERYTHING?
Would this be the fruit of someone who has been reconciled to God and no longer hostile in rebellion?
NOTE: No one is holy and blameless because they do good deeds. Jesus said, “there is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17). A person is made holy by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 2:13). No one is holy in and by himself. However, many have gathered around “doctrines of men” and claimed to have been made holy while walking in fleshly lust rebellion. Let’s see how the Bible describes the one who has been made holy through Jesus Christ.
A person who is holy and blameless DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE TREE OF DEATH.
1 Peter 1:14
Does your Bible say that as OBEDIENT children you are not to be conformed to your FORMER lust rebellion?
Does that mean you don’t participate in lust rebellion anymore (do not participate in sin?) (1 John 3:9-10.)
NOTE: Read Hebrews 5:9 again. Jesus became a tree of life (source of life) to all those who do what? (John 3:36; Acts 5:32.)
OBEDIENCE IS NOT WORKS.
Obedience is the fruit of a heart that has made Jesus Lord. Did we read in Colossians 1:18 that Jesus is to have first place in everything?
1 Peter 1:15
Does your Bible say that you are called to be holy?
In how much of your behavior are you to be holy?
Would this be making Jesus Lord over everything?
Would this mean you no longer participate in the tree of death (fleshly lust rebellion)?
Can you be holy in “all your behavior” and participate in the lusts of the flesh?
1 Peter 1:16
Does your Bible say you are to be holy because God is holy?
Does holiness sound like the fruit of your heart being joined to Jesus?
Ephesians 2:1-3
Does verse 1 say you WERE DEAD IN SIN?
Does your Bible say you FORMERLY lived in the lusts of the flesh by INDULGING THE LUST REBELLION of the flesh and mind?
Does your Bible say wrath abides on those who live that way? (See John 3:36).
Would that be a tree of death?
Now let me ask you, does your Bible say you FORMERLY lived that way?
Does that mean those who are in Christ Jesus (those made alive in Him, verse 5) no longer live there?
Ephesians 2:10
Did God create us (by being born again) to walk in good works?
(See 2 Timothy 2:21.)
Would those works be deeds of unrighteousness or of righteousness?
Would those “created in Christ Jesus” produce works of rebellion or works of obedience?
Ephesians 4:1
Does your Bible say you are to walk in a manner worthy of your
calling?
Did we read in I Peter 1:15 that you are CALLED TO BE HOLY? (John 15:16.)
Ephesians 4:14
We are not to be controlled by every wind of doctrine and the deceitful scheming of men’s minds (minds that are hostile to God, indulging the desires of the flesh).
Ephesians 4:17
To walk worthy of your calling is to walk no longer like the people of the world.
Ephesians 4:18-19
Those who walk according to the world indulge fleshly lust rebellion with the practice of impurity and sensuality in the flesh and mind. They are hostile to walking in holiness. They have given themselves over to rebellion.
NOTE: When you are NOT WALKING IN HOLINESS AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN, then you are engaged in LUST REBELLION.
Ephesians 4:20
Does your Bible say that YOU DID NOT LEARN CHRIST BY WALKING THIS WAY?
Ephesians 5:8-9
Does your Bible say that you were FORMERLY walking in darkness?
Are you called to walk as children of light?
Does light consist of goodness, righteousness, and truth? Compare this again with Ephesians 4:17-19.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Does your Bible say you are to lay aside the lusts of deceit and to put on the likeness of God?
Is this likeness to God the light of righteousness and holiness of the truth?
Is this what you have been created for in Christ Jesus?
Review Romans 13:12-14. By putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, you make NO PROVISION for the lusts of the flesh.
Ephesians 4:26-27
Does your Bible warn you that if you walk with an UNREPENTANT HEART that you give place to the devil?
NOTE: The word “opportunity” or “place” means “a position of control or influence, an occupancy, a dwelling place.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Does your Bible say that you are to put these things away from you?
Colossians 3:5
Does your Bible call these works of the flesh idolatry?
Colossians 3:6
Does death (wrath of God) abide by these things?
Can you now see why the God who loves us tells us to put off the lust rebellion of the flesh?
Is this totally contrary to what traditions have taught us?
Colossians 3:8-9
Are these the deeds of the flesh we are to put off in Ephesians 4:31-32?
Did we read these things give the devil an opportunity, a dwelling
place.
Colossians 3:10
Are we to be renewed to the image of Jesus?
Is Jesus holy?
Would holiness be the result of a pure heart, undivided by the world, the flesh, and the devil?
Ephesians 5:3
Does your Bible say these things are not proper to be found among the saints?
Does that mean saints are to be putting to death the deeds of darkness and putting on Jesus (the image and character of Jesus)?
Is this the Church of Jesus Christ?
Ephesians 5:4
Compare this verse with Ephesians 4:30-32.
Ephesians 5:5
Does your Bible say YOU CAN KNOW WITH CERTAINTY that those who practice the lust rebellion of the flesh will have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God?
IS THIS TOTALLY CONTRARY TO WHAT TRADITIONS HAVE TAUGHT US?
NOTE: This is not two kingdoms but an expression describing one kingdom, God’s Kingdom.
Ephesians 5:7
Does your Bible say you are not to be partakers with those who practice these things?
NOTE: Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 to understand this verse. Paul says, “I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters … I wrote to you NOT TO ASSOCIATE WITH ANY SO-CALLED BROTHER if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater. ..” (1 Corinthians 5:10-11). Also read 2 Timothy 2:22. We are to pursue righteousness with those WHO CALL ON THE LORD FROM A PURE HEART.”
Ephesians 5:8
Does your Bible indicate that you FORMERLY walked in darkness? Does that mean you NO LONGER WALK THAT WAY?
This is why no immorality, impurity, or greed is to even be named among saints – they no longer walk in the lust rebellion of the
flesh.
How are you to walk?
Ephesians 5:11
Does this verse make it clear that you are NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN FLESH REBELLION?
Is the church supposed to simply tolerate and excuse those who do?
Ephesians 5:15-16
Are you to BE CAREFUL HOW YOU WALK?
Was this written to saints? Does your Bible say you are to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil?
NOTE: Compare verse 16 with Ephesians 6:13 and I Peter 5:8-9).
Ephesians 5:17-18
Is it God’s will for you to be FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD?
What does the Spirit of God lead you to do? Read Romans 8:14,13; Romans 6:10-11; Galatians 5:16.
Does your Bible tell you that if you are led by the Spirit you will put to death the deeds of fleshly rebellion and you won’t walk fulfilling fleshly desires?
NOTE: To “be filled with the Spirit” here does not refer to a one-time experience but a continuous action. The same word is used in Colossians 1:9, “that you may be filled (and continue to be filled) with the knowledge of His will. …”
Ephesians 5:24-27
In these verses, the Word of God compares the relationship of love and subjection to be found in marriage to the love and subjection to authority the church is to have for Jesus. (See Colossians 1:21-22.)
How does Jesus sanctify the church in verse 26?
Does your Bible say you are washed by the Word?
Does verse 27 say that God wants a holy and blameless church?
IS THIS THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST?
HOW IS THE CHURCH MADE HOLY AND BLAMELESS?
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Does your Bible SAY AGAIN that those who practice fleshly lust rebellion SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Does God warn you NOT TO BE DECEIVED ABOUT THIS?
1 Corinthians 6:11
Does your Bible say “such WERE some of you?
Does that mean you don’t walk that way anymore if you are in Christ?
Could this be what it means to be a new creation of Christ Jesus? (Read 2 Corinthians 5:17, 14-15, “that they who live SHOULD NO LONGER LIVE FOR THEMSELVES, BUT FOR HIM WHO DIED AND ROSE AGAIN….”)
Does your Bible say that the reason you no longer walk in the deeds of the flesh is that you were WASHED, and JUSTIFIED in the name of Jesus and in the Spirit? Compare this again to Ephesians 5:26-27; see also Romans 2:13.
Jeremiah 4:14
Does your Bible say your heart is to be washed from evil?
Does this mean wicked thoughts no longer find a dwelling place within you?
To walk in selfishness is to allow the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:16) to lodge within your heart.
To walk in love is to have the mind of Christ, no longer living for yourself, but for Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Jeremiah 4:21,22
This is how the gospel becomes veiled.
It is veiled to those who ignore the sound of the trumpet (the warning of the Word of God).
Read Ephesians 5:17 again to understand what is the “will of the Lord.” (See Romans 12:1-2.)
Matthew 12:46-50
Did Jesus say only those WHO DO THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN are of His family?
Matthew 7:18-21
Is everyone who says “Lord, Lord” going to enter the kingdom of heaven?
Does your Bible say that only those WHO DO THE WILL OF GOD enter the kingdom of heaven?
How are you going to know them?
Could this be the fruit of the heart and the mouth?
THE FRUIT OF A CHRISTIAN IS THE IMAGE AND CHARACTER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. (See Galatians 5:22-24 and compare it with verses 19-21.) SINCE JESUS IS HOLY, THE CHRISTIAN IS TO BE HOLY (review I Peter 1:14-16). HOLINESS COMES WHEN YOU JOIN YOURSELF TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS. YOU CANNOT MAKE YOURSELF HOLY. HOWEVER, THE FRUIT OF BEING MADE HOLY IS TO WALK IN HOLINESS, PUTTING TO DEATH THE LUST REBELLION OF THE FLESH (I Peter 1:14-16).
A MAN CANNOT LOVE GOD IF HE DOES NOT LOVE HOLINESS. (See John 14:15 and John 3:19-21.) THE ONE WHO DOES NOT LOVE HOLINESS DOES NOT LOVE GOD’S WORD.
THE ONE WHO TRULY LOVES GOD’S WORD, DOES IT! IF YOU TRULY LOVE GOD’S WORD YOU ARE A DOER OF IT (James 1:22).
EPHESIANS 4:24 SAYS, “PUT ON THE NEW MAN (image of Jesus), WHICH IN THE LIKENESS OF GOD HAS BEEN CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS OF THE TRUTH (Word of God).
HOW DOES SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN MADE HOLY, WALK?
1 Peter 4:12
Does your Bible clearly say that you should not be surprised at being tested?
NOTE: A review of Bible Study #1, pages 2-12, would be very helpful at this point.
1 Peter 4:1
Did Jesus suffer in the flesh?
How?
By resisting the temptations to fleshly lust rebellion from Satan. This is called a fiery trial. (See Ephesians 6:16).
Does your Bible say that the one who suffers by resisting these fiery temptations of Satan cease from sin? (2 Corinthians 10:3-5.)
1 Peter 4:2
When you resist these fleshly lust temptations that entice you into rebellion against God, do you cease to live for the lusts of the flesh?
Does your Bible say this is how you live for the will of God?
Would that be a walk of holiness?
1 Thessalonians 4:1
Does your Bible say you ought to walk to please God?
1 Thessalonians 4:3
Does your Bible clearly indicate that a walk pleasing God is a walk of holiness (sanctification)?
Is this the will of God for your life?
1 Thessalonians 4:4-5
Does your Bible say you are not to walk indulging fleshly desires like those who don’t know God?
Are you to KNOW HOW TO POSSESS your vessel in holiness?
NOTE: This is why many who desired to overcome the flesh have only experienced defeat. Doctrines that did not conform them to godliness (I Timothy 6:3) have hidden from them the way to possess their bodies in holiness.
1 Thessalonians 4:7
For what purpose has God called you?
Does this make holiness an option?
Remember, ONLY those who DO THE WILL OF GOD GO TO HEAVEN
1 Thessalonians 4:8
If you try to make these verses say something the Bible doesn’t say for the sake of your own religious doctrines and traditions, WHO ARE YOU REALLY REJECTING, MEN OR GOD?
NOTE: Read Acts 5:32 to see to whom God gives His Holy Spirit.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS WALK OF HOLINESS?
Hebrews 12:14
Does your Bible say that without walking in holiness (sanctification) NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD (enter the kingdom of God
and go to heaven)?
Sanctification purifies the heart. Review again 1 Peter 4:1-2 which describes what a walk of holiness means.
Hebrews 12:15
Does God provide grace to walk in holiness? (See Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16.)
Does your Bible say you are to be careful that no “root of bitterness” defiles you? (See Proverbs 4:23.)
In order to understand what this “root of bitterness” means, turn to Deuteronomy 29.
Deuteronomy 29:18-19
Does the Word say that a “root of bitterness” comes by TURNING YOUR HEART AWAY FROM THE LORD?
Can this bring a false peace?
A root of bitterness comes in and defiles the heart from the purity of devotion to Jesus. This is how someone becomes a tree of death rather than a tree of life (see Bible Study #1).
1 Peter 5:8
Are you told to resist the fiery trials of Satan that entice you into lust rebellion of the flesh?
You take every thought captive and resist the devil in order to keep lust rebellion from entering your heart (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
2 Peter 5:9
Does your Bible say clearly that this is addressed to BRETHREN?
IMPORTANT! Read Ephesians 4:26-27. When you give the devil an “opportunity” or “place,” it means you give him “a place of occupancy” or “an area of control.” The reason you are to RESIST THE TEMPTATIONS of the devil is so that NO IMPURITY, no root of bitterness, can enter your heart and defile the body.
Remember, Ephesians 5:5 says, “no immoral or impure person … has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”
1 Peter 5:10
Does your Bible say that when you RESIST Satan’s temptations of FLESHLY REBELLION that the GOD OF GRACE will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish the heart (bring forth the image and character of Jesus)?
NOTE: Compare this with Hebrews 12:15, “see to it no one COMES SHORT OF THE GRACE OF GOD.” The way you come short of grace is BY NOT RESISTING the fiery trials of the devil. Grace covers sin in a repentant heart, but when you allow rebellion (root of bitterness) to enter your heart, the body becomes defiled. In this way you experience God’s wrath that is poured out on ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 1:18).
1 Peter 3:15
Does your Bible say that you are to SANCTIFY CHRIST AS LORD in your heart?
How does a person sanctify Christ as Lord?
1 John 3:2,3
Does your Bible say that EVERYONE who has the hope to see Jesus PURIFIES HIMSELF JUST AS JESUS IS PURE?
Read again Ephesians 5:26. We are sanctified and cleansed by the “washing of water with the Word.” Now turn to Leviticus 20 to see the relationship between holiness and the Word of God.
Leviticus 20:7
Does your Bible say you are to consecrate yourself unto holiness?
This verse means the same thing as 1 Peter 3:15.
Leviticus 20:8
Does your Bible clearly say the way you do this is to KEEP THE WORD AND PRACTICE IT?
Would this be the opposite of practicing fleshly lust rebellion?
James 1:16
Does your Bible warn BRETHREN not to be DECEIVED? Let’s see what we are not to be deceived about.
James 1:12
Is the person who PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL the one who gets blessed?
What trial is this referring to?
James 1:13-15
Who brings the trial (verse 13)? Does your Bible say this trial is the work of Satan to entice you into lust rebellion that brings forth death (a tree of death)? The one who PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL IS THE ONE WHO RESISTS THIS LUST REBELLION, SUFFERS IN THE FLESH, CEASES TO WALK IN SIN. When you resist, God supplies the grace to walk in it. This is the one who gets blessed.
James 1:19-20
Are you to walk in anger?
Does anger achieve the righteousness of God?
Why not?
Read again Ephesians 4:26-27, 31,32. This does not apply to only anger, but to any deed of the flesh that you refuse to resist and allow to come into your heart by refusing to walk in repentance. The next verse tells us more is intended than just anger.
James 1:21
Does your Bible say you are to PUT ASIDE ALL FILTHINESS AND WICKEDNESS (fleshly lust rebellion)? (Revelation 22:11.)
Does it really mean ALL?
This is the ONLY WAY TO IMPLANT THE WORD IN YOUR HEART. No matter how much you read the Word or say the Word, it will not be implanted in you if you walk in rebellion to the Word.
Did Leviticus 20:8 say you are to KEEP AND PRACTICE the Word?
James 1:22
Does this verse say clearly you are to be a DOER OF THE WORD?
Does this mean you are to PRACTICE what you read, hear, and speak in the Word?
Does your Bible also clearly say that if you are not PRACTICING the Word YOU ARE DELUDING YOURSELF?
Did James 1:16 warn BRETHREN NOT TO BE DECEIVED about this?
James 1:23-25
Compare this again with verse 12.
Does your Bible say it is the DOER OF THE WORD WHO GETS BLESSED?
2 Peter 1:2-8
The Word of God in the DOER OF THE WORD will produce the fruit spoken of in verses 5-8.
Does your Bible say if these qualities are yours, you won’t be unfruitful?
2 Peter 1:9
Compare this verse with James 1:22-25. This man has “forgotten” that he was cleansed by the washing of the Word to continue a walk of holiness. We are chosen to go and bear much fruit (John 15:16). Read 1 Thessalonians 4:7 again to see why God called us.
Does God call you to be “diligent” about your walk with Him?
2 Peter 1:10-11
Does your Bible say if you PRACTICE those things mentioned here YOU WILL NOT STUMBLE but will have the ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUPPLIED TO YOU IN ABUNDANCE?
James 1:2-4
Does your Bible call these trials the TESTING OF YOUR FAITH?
Does this testing produce endurance or patience (perseverance under trial, James 1:12)?
Notice, the blessing that comes is that you become perfect and complete. Compare this with I Peter 5:8-10. Your heart becomes established in holiness and righteousness of the truth (Ephesians 4:20-24).
Hebrews 10:36
Does your Bible say that endurance or patience works with HAVING DONE THE WILL OF GOD?
Is this when the blessing comes (you receive what was promised)?
James 1:5-7
God says He will supply all the wisdom needed to persevere under this trial. That’s why we can count it all joy – God is still in charge
conforming us to the image of Jesus.
IMPORTANT: Read Philippians 2:12-16.
Are you to work out your salvation in the fear of the Lord? You do this by resisting fleshly lust rebellion and being obedient to the Word of God.
Is it God who works within you to establish the heart (verse 13)?
Are you to prove yourself BLAMELESS AND INNOCENT CHILDREN OF GOD in a crooked and perverse world? (In other words, you are not to walk as the world walks. This is how you are a child of light.)
Does your Bible say you are to HOLD FAST THE WORD OF GOD (Word of Life)? YOU HOLD FAST THE WORD BY BEING A DOER OF THE WORD, NOT JUST A HEARER ONLY.
James 1:7-8
The opposite of walking blameless before God is a double-minded man. This man tries to walk both ways (with Christ and with the world; lusts of the flesh).
Can this man expect to GET ANYTHING FROM GOD?
Psalm 12:1-4
This describes a double-minded man. He speaks falsehood (lies, traditions of men, and philosophies of the world rather than what God says, read Colossians 2:8) because he has a DOUBLE HEART. In his heart, he refuses to acknowledge God’s lordship over his tongue and his life. This is what fleshly sin rebellion does. To walk in the lusts of the flesh is to REFUSE GOD’S RIGHT OF LORDSHIP OVER YOUR LIFE. You are saying, “I am my own master.”
Proverbs 3:1-7
This describes a man with a SINGLE HEART FOR GOD.
This man:
*Does not forget the Word but keeps it in his heart (verse 1).
*The Word adds length to his life and peace to his mind (verse 2).
*He does not let kindness and truth leave his heart (verse 3).
*He finds favor with God (verse 4).
*He trusts in the Lord by not leaning on his own wisdom (does not have a double heart) (verse 5).
*In ALL HIS WAYS he puts God first; he remembers and does God’s Word (verse 6).
*He is not wise in his own eyes but WALKS IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD (verse 7).
*THIS MAN HAS A PURE HEART.
LET’S SUMMARIZE WHAT HAS BEEN SAID THROUGH GOD’S WORD.
1 Peter 1:6-7
The trials of Satan come to entice you into lust rebellion against God’s Word. These same trials are then used by God, through the washing of the Word and the Holy Spirit to establish the heart WHEN YOU RESIST AND OBEY THE WILL OF GOD.
Does the Bible call this a fiery test? When your heart is purified like gold in a fiery furnace (read Mala-chi 3:1-3), you are presented to God in honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:9
This is not just for a few people. This is the way that faith obtains the salvation of your souls (read again James 1:21 and 2 Peter 2:4-11).
1 Peter 1:22-23
In obedience to the truth you purify your mind, will, and emotions. You are born again by the Word of God when you obey and resist the suggestions of rebellion from Satan. THIS IS NOT WORKS. IT IS THE RESPONSE OF A PURE HEART TO THE LOVE OF GOD WHICH LEADS TO REPENTANCE. Obedience is not works. However, if your faith has no works, it is USELESS (James 1:17-22).
This is the walk of love – to wash away all selfishness from your heart.
IMPORTANT: Read James 1:2-8, 12-16, 19-22, 25-26 again carefully. Does verse 26 say that if you don’t practice these things YOUR RELIGION IS WORTHLESS? Read also Hebrews 5:9. To whom does Jesus become the SOURCE OF SALVATION?
1 Peter 4:12-13
You are not to be surprised at having a fiery trial. It is from the devil and he desires to devour you by stealing, killing, and destroying (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10). Instead, realize that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). When you suffer in the flesh against these lust temptations to rebellion, you cease to sin by the working of the grace of God in your life and you do the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-2).
1 Peter 4:15-16
There is a suffering that comes to the one who is worldly, living by the lusts of the flesh. The suffering of a Christian is to resist the flesh rebellion that comes through temptation and persecutions.
1 Peter 4:17
Does your Bible say JUDGMENT begins with the world or in the household of God?
God is going to judge every hypocrite in the household of God (the ones who have a double-heart, are double-minded, indulging the flesh with its evil desires while holding to a FORM OF GODLINESS).
1 Peter 4:18-19
Does this sound like the way to salvation is a broad road or a narrow road?
Are you called to suffer by resisting the rebellion of the flesh to do the will of God? (Read Romans 8:17.)
Who do you entrust your soul to? (Read Jude 24.)
NOTE: God does not promise to KEEP the REBELLIOUS IN HEART and deed.
IMPORTANT: Read Matthew 7:13-23; Luke 13:22-27.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Does God expect you to destroy the lust rebellion (fiery darts of Satan, Ephesians 6:16) that come to your mind? This includes ANY SPECULATION OR THOUGHT raised up against God’s Word.
Let me ask you a question.
Is lust one of those thoughts that is against God’s Word?
How about temper and anger?
What about slander, gossip, jealousy, strife, division, immorality, greed, and idolatry?
Does God pour His wrath out upon these things? (See Colossians 3:5-9; Galatians 5:19-21.)
2 Corinthians 10:6
Does your Bible tell you to not only take your thoughts captive but also to PUNISH ALL DISOBEDIENCE? (You REPENT, TURN FROM IT, PUT IT TO DEATH BY WALKING IN OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH.)
Does your Bible say you do this UNTIL YOUR OBEDIENCE IS MADE COMPLETE? (Until your heart is pure.)
WE ARE NOW READY TO SEE HOW WE PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT IN EPHESIANS 6.
NOTE: NOTICE CAREFULLY THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ARMOR: TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, SALVATION, WORD OF GOD. ARE NOT ALL OF THESE DESCRIPTIONS OF JESUS?
NOW READ ROMANS 13:11-14; EPHESIANS 4:22-24; COLOSSIANS 3:5-10, 12-13; I THESSALONIANS 5:4-9 TO SEE HOW YOU PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD. YOU PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD BY CEASING TO SIN AND “PUTTING ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
Ephesians 6:11
Does your Bible say that by putting on the full armor of God you can stand against the SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL?
Read 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 and Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32 for an example of a scheme of unforgiveness. This is just one example of Satan’s many schemes of lust flesh rebellion. Unforgiveness keeps you from having a pure heart. It causes you to be double-minded. That’s why you suffer in the flesh by resisting the temptations to be bitter or hold a grudge, and in this way you suffer in the flesh. You die daily against lust rebellion of unforgiveness (raised up against the knowledge of God, (2 Corinthians 10:5) that the life of Jesus (image of a pure heart) can be manifested in you (see 2 Corinthians 4:7-12).
IMPORTANT: ALL THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL COME TO DIVIDE AND DEFILE THE HEART FROM PURITY AND SIMPLICITY OF DEVOTION TO JESUS. SATAN EVEN TRIES TO DEFILE THE ARMOR. LET’S SEE HOW SATAN DOES THAT.
Ephesians 6:14
SATAN comes with a false gospel he calls truth (II Corinthians 11:3-4).
TRUTH
GOD SAYS all real Truth will conform you to godliness (I Timothy 6:3-5).
SATAN SAYS it is enough just to have a head knowledge of the Truth.
GOD SAYS it is not the mere acceptance of the Truth that makes you a Christian but the “love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Those who love the truth practice the truth (John 14:21).
RIGHTEOUSNESS
SATAN SAYS you are righteous while you practice fleshly lust rebellion.
GOD SAYS “Do not be deceived. The ONE WHO PRACTICES RIGHTEOUSNESS is the one who is righteous” (1 John 3:7).
Ephesians 6:15
PEACE
SATAN gives you a “false peace” while you walk in the stubbornness of your own heart (Deuteronomy 29:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Jeremiah 6:13-14).
GOD SAYS only those who have been justified by faith (see Acts 15:8-9) persevere under the fiery trials of Satan, (James 1:12) obtain proven character (2 Peter 2:4-11) and walk in love (1 John 3:14) have peace. See Romans 5:1-5 where all of these qualities are related to peace with God.
Ephesians 6:16
FAITH
SATAN SAYS accept the temptations of fleshly lust rebellion (James 1:13-15).
GOD SAYS put them to death (2 Corinthians 10:5-6; 1 Peter 4:12, 1-2; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Galatians 5:24).
Ephesians 6:17
SALVATION
SATAN SAYS salvation is an experience, while you continue to walk in fleshly rebellion.
GOD SAYS blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments pure, unspotted by the world, the flesh, and the devil (Revelation 16:15; Romans 13:11-14; 1 John 3:3).
WHEN YOU DO NOT RESIST THE DEVIL, YOU ARE IN REBELLION AND NOT KEEPING YOUR HEART PURE. LET’S LOOK AT AN EXAMPLE OF A DEFILED, IMPURE HEART.
Mark 7:20-23
When you refuse to put on the armor of God (put on the Lord Jesus Christ) or let Satan defile the armor through the traditions of men, this is what the powers of darkness place in your heart. You then have an impure heart, a selfish divided heart, and in this way you become defiled. When you walk this way you are walking the WAY OF ADAM, BECOMING A TREE OF DEATH rather than A TREE OF LIFE (created in the image of Jesus). Read again Hebrews 12:14-15.
IMPORTANT: Read Romans 1:28-32; Romans 2:2.
Is the judgment of God on those who walk this way?
Mark 7:6-7
Does your Bible say these were honoring God with their lips?
A person can say religious words with his mouth while HAVING AN IMPURE HEART.
Is this kind of worship fruitful or in VAIN?
Does this mean that if you are not coming to God with a PURE HEART your RELIGION, your WORSHIP, is WORTHLESS? (Read 2 Timothy 2:22.)
Mark 7:8
You no longer hold fast the Word of life (Philippians 2:12-16) but seek to justify yourself by your traditions.
REMEMBER: The problem is that YOUR HEART IS NOT PURE BEFORE GOD.
Mark 7:13
The result of your impure heart is that you invalidate the Word of God. You reject the Word for your traditions. In this way, you keep the Word from washing your heart (Ephesians 5:26) in order to purify it. The reason is that carnal doctrines have captured your heart.
WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD BUT YOUR HEART IS STILL FAR FROM GOD. YOU ARE NOT CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF JESUS. A PURE HEART ALLOWS GOD TO WORK IN YOU TO PRODUCE THE IMAGE OF JESUS (James 4:4-10). WHEN YOU PRACTICE SIN YOU ARE NOT RESISTING THE DEVIL BUT INSTEAD YOU ARE AGREEING WITH HIM. YOU DON’T HAVE ON THE ARMOR OF GOD AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL. YOU ARE FILLING THE MIND WITH THOUGHTS FROM THE DEVIL WHICH GOES INTO YOUR HEART. THIS PRODUCES SELFISHNESS INSTEAD OF LOVE. THIS IS THE FRUIT OF THE DEVIL (A TREE OF DEATH) RATHER THAN TAKING YOUR THOUGHTS CAPTIVE TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST (THE WORD OF GOD). IN THIS WAY YOU ARE NOT PUTTING TO DEATH THE LUST REBELLION OF THE FLESH AND YOUR OBEDIENCE IS NEVER MADE COMPLETE. (Read Romans 8:14, 13; 2 Corinthians 10:6.)
Colossians 2:4
Does the Word of God warn you not to be deceived (deluded) by a persuasive argument?
Would this be the traditions of men?
Colossians 2:8
Does your Bible clearly describe the traditions of men as EMPTY DECEPTION?
Are they “not according to Christ?”
Are you warned that they can TAKE YOU CAPTIVE?
We have described to you through the Word how they take you captive. They CAPTURE YOUR HEART AND YOU BECOME DOUBLE-MINDED. These traditions of men excuse fleshly lust rebellion, promising you false security while you walk in the desires of the flesh. They ignore Scriptures like Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-8; Revelation 21:6-8; Colossians 3:5-8; and I Corinthians 6:9-11, explaining them away, while you walk in the REBELLION OF AN IMPURE HEART. (Read Romans 1:28-32; Romans 2:2.)
These doctrines of men promise you heaven while you keep a DIVIDED HEART – a heart far from God. In this way, you INVALIDATE THE WORD, not allowing it to PURIFY YOUR HEART (remove rebellion).
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE WORD OF GOD WHEN THIS HAPPENS? TURN TO ISAIAH 29.
Isaiah 29:9-12
Does your Bible say that the Word of God becomes LIKE THE WORDS OF A SEALED BOOK? In other words, they can only see their own traditions. They cannot see TRUTH because their DIVIDED HEART (double-minded) has SEALED THE BIBLE FROM THEIR UNDERSTANDING (read Matthew 13:23, 19). THIS IS HOW RELIGIOUS PEOPLE GO TO HELL.
WHY CAN’T THEY UNDERSTAND? WHY IS THERE NO DISCERNMENT?
Isaiah 29:13
Is this the same problem we previously read about in Mark 7?
Is their reverence for God from a PURE HEART or from a DIVIDED HEART?
Isaiah 29:14
What does your Bible say happens to their wisdom and their discernment?
THIS IS HOW RELIGIOUS PEOPLE MISS GOD AND GO TO HELL.
Titus 1:15-16
Does your Bible say that to the pure all things are pure?
Remember 1 John 3:3; the one who puts his hope in Jesus purifies himself just as Jesus is pure.
Have we just seen how a person gets a DEFILED HEART?
Is their mind and conscience PURE or DEFILED?
Does your Bible say these same people PROFESS TO KNOW GOD but WALK IN DISOBEDIENCE?
Does your Bible say this kind of worship is in VAIN and WORTHLESS?
WHAT DOES TRUE SALVATION INSTRUCT US TO DO?
Titus 2:11-12
Are we told to deny ungodliness and worldly desires?
Does your Bible say that true salvation instructs you to live righteously and godly?
Is PRACTICING the deeds of the flesh RIGHTEOUS and GODLY or UNRIGHTEOUSNESS and UNGODLINESS?
Read Romans 1:18 again.
ON WHAT DOES GOD POUR OUT HIS WRATH?
Titus 2:14
Does your Bible say that God redeems us from EVERY LAWLESS DEED so that we can be PURE and HIS OWN POSSESSION?
Remember 1 Peter 1:14-16. We are not to be conformed to the lusts of the flesh, but as OBEDIENT CHILDREN WE ARE TO BE HOLY.
Titus 3:3
Does your Bible say you ONCE were DISOBEDIENT?
Does it say you ONCE WERE ENSLAVED TO THE LUST OF
THE FLESH?
Does that mean you don’t live for the flesh anymore but for Him who died for you? (See 2 Corinthians 5:15.)
Titus 3:5
What does the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit do? (See Ephesians 5:26-27; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Jeremiah 4:14, 21-22.)
WHAT DOES GOD HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IDOLS IN THE HEART?
Ezekiel 14:3-4
Does your Bible say that God is addressing “any man of the house of Israel?”
Would that be people of the world or religious people?
Who is going to give that person an answer for the idol in his heart?
Ezekiel 14:6
What answer does God give to that person?
Does God say REPENT AND GET RID OF YOUR IDOLS?
Could idols today be various lusts of the flesh? (See Colossians 3:5.)
Could it be selfish ambition? (See James 3:13-14.)
How about a church or a ministry making a name for itself?
Ezekiel 14:5
Does God say He wants to “lay hold of your heart?”
Is that so your heart can be PURIFIED?
Do the doctrines and traditions of men – not according to the Word of Christ (Colossians 2:8) – purify your heart or divide your heart?
1 Timothy 6:3
Does your Bible say that SOUND DOCTRINE conforms you to godliness?
2 Timothy 4:3
When you do not endure SOUND DOCTRINE you do not want to hear the truth. (John 3:20; Ezekiel 33:30-32.)
Is this true today?
They don’t desire to walk in godliness, and therefore they protect their own doctrines and traditions.
What kind of teachers do these people seek out?
Do these teachers tell them they are righteous and holy while they walk in rebellion (Proverbs 24:24)?
2 Timothy 4:4
Does your Bible warn you that some will turn aside, not wanting to hear the truth?
2 Timothy 4:7
When you fight the good fight of faith, you do not let your heart become defiled.
You do not let the Word planted in your heart be disturbed and
uprooted by men’s traditions and worldly philosophies.
Read 1 Peter 5:8-10 and Ephesians 6:16 to see how you fight the good fight of faith.
2 Timothy 4:8
Does your Bible say this is how you obtain a crown of righteousness?
1 Timothy 4:1
This is one of the ways the powers of darkness entice you into fleshly lust rebellion. In this way, they keep you from either putting on the full armor of light or delude you into falsehood about what the armor really is.
1 Timothy 4:6
Does God say that you are to be nourished on SOUND DOCTRINE?
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Does your Bible say that GODLINESS IS WHAT HOLDS THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE?
Did we read that SOUND DOCTRINE conforms you to GODLINESS?
THE BIBLE SAYS THERE IS “A FORM OF GODLINESS” THAT IS NOT TRUE GODLINESS. THIS “FORM OF GODLINESS” PRODUCES THE WRONG FRUIT. LET’S SEE WHAT THIS FRUIT IS.
Read 2 Timothy 3:1-4
2 Timothy 3:5
Does God say AVOID those who merely hold to a form of godliness and produce the fruit of ungodliness?
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Does your Bible say clearly that UNRIGHTEOUSNESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS ARE NOT TO BE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER?
Do verses 16-18 say anything about why we don’t see more of the glory of God and the fruit of Jesus today?
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Does God promise protection from Satan?
2 Thessalonians 3:4-5
When our hearts are directed to purity and devotion to Jesus, we are demonstrating and manifesting our love for God (“love the Lord your God with all your heart” Mark 12:30).
2 Thessalonians 3:6
Does God warn us to be careful about who we walk with?
IMPORTANT: Read 1 Corinthians 15:33-34.
Compare this with 1 Timothy 6:3-5 which describes those without understanding and are deprived of the truth.
John 8:43-44
Jesus said the reason people cannot understand the Word is because “YOU WANT TO DO THE SELFISH DESIRES OF YOUR FATHER,” the devil.
You can’t indulge the flesh with its evil desires (desires of Satan) and understand the Word of God.
John 8:47
Does your Bible say those who are of God can hear the Word of God?
Even if they have believed in some traditions of men, when they hear the Word of God they know the teaching as being from God.
Those who cannot hear are not of God.
John 7:17
Does your Bible say that if you are WILLING TO DO the will of God you can know if the teaching is according to God?
Did we read in Matthew 7:21 that only those who DO THE WILL OF GOD go to heaven?
What is the opposite of doing the will of God?
Jude 1:18-19
Does your Bible say the ones who are worldly-minded, following their own ungodly lusts, are the ones who cause divisions?
Is this the opposite of doing the will of God?
Jude 1:16
These are people led by the lusts of their own flesh.
They WANT TO DO the desires of their father the devil.
They are in covenant IN THEIR HEARTS with Satan.
They are filled with SELFISH AMBITION, seeking only their
own advantage.
Jude 1:12
Does the Word of God describe these as religious people, hidden reefs in your love feasts?
Galatians 6:12-13
Now we see another of the reasons we are to separate ourselves from these men.
They will try to compel you to walk as they walk.
They want to count you among their numbers to boast in your flesh.
This is why we are to pursue righteousness with those who call on God from a PURE HEART (2 Timothy 2:22).
NOTE: This does not at all mean we are to separate ourselves from the lost people in the world who don’t know God. God does, however, demand a purity of heart and single-minded devotion among those who name the name of Christ. (See I Corinthians 5:9-12; II Timothy 2:19; Ephesians 5:3-9 for a discussion of this.)
2 Corinthians 6:14
Does your Bible say that darkness and light cannot walk together nor have fellowship together?
2 Corinthians 6:16
Can the temple of God (the hearts of men where the Spirit of God dwells) be in agreement with idols?
2 Corinthians 6:17
Does your Bible say that you are to no longer be unequally yoked?
How does this verse say you avoid being unequally yoked?
2 Corinthians 7:1
This is why we pursue righteousness.
We cleanse ourselves by the washing of the Word so there will be no defilement in flesh and spirit. The result is that we walk in holiness and the fear of the Lord.
Read II Timothy 2:19-26.
The opposite of a PURE HEART (LOVE) is NOT RESISTING the flesh and DOING THE WILL OF SATAN (SELFISHNESS). God’s Word says that we should NOT BE QUARRELSOME but be ABLE TO TEACH those in OPPOSITION TO THE TRUTH so they might REPENT and escape from DOING THE WILL OF SATAN.
John 3:16
While this verse is often quoted and memorized, the traditions of men have ignored verses 19-21.
John 3:36
“He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who DOES NOT OBEY the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (NAS version). (Compare this with Hebrews 5:9; Colossians 3:5-8.)
John 3:19-20
Those who are DOING THE WILL OF SATAN are in OPPOSITION TO THE TRUTH.
They do not want to give up their carnal lifestyles.
They will not COME TO THE LIGHT (Word of God).
John 3:21
What does someone who PRACTICES THE TRUTH do when he is TAUGHT THE WORD OF GOD?
1 John 3:4-5
Does your Bible say Jesus appeared to TAKE AWAY THE PRACTICE OF SIN?
(Compare this verse with Titus 2:14.)
1 John 3:3
What does everyone who has the hope of eternal life do?
1 John 3:6-7
Does your Bible say that THOSE WHO ARE RIGHTEOUS PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS? (See Revelation 21:27.) They do the will and Word of God.
1 John 3:8
Did Jesus appear to destroy the works of the devil? (The fruit of fleshly sin rebellion.)
Romans 6:14
Does your Bible say that sin is not to be your Master?
Romans 6:16
How do you become a slave of something? YOU PRESENT YOURSELF FOR OBEDIENCE.
What does obedience to sin result in?
What does obedience to righteousness result in?
This is a result of living in the love of God. A heart full of the love of God walks in obedience to the Word of God.
A heart full of selfishness walks in obedience to the flesh, indulging its lust desires.
Romans 6:17
Does your Bible say that YOU BECOME OBEDIENT FROM THE HEART?
Romans 6:19
What happens when you present yourselves to slaves of impurity?
To righteousness?
Romans 6:22
Does your Bible say that the benefit of presenting yourself to obedience in righteousness is sanctification which results in obtaining eternal life?
Read Hebrews 12:14
WHAT THEN? IF SOME DID NOT BELIEVE, THEIR UNBELIEF WILL NOT NULLIFY (INVALIDATE THE WORD) THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD, WILL IT? MAY IT NEVER BE! RATHER, LET GOD BE FOUND TRUE, THOUGH EVERY MAN BE FOUND A LIAR… (Romans 3:3-4).
This Bible Study merely represents a basic foundation in the Word. If you would like more information on the subjects covered in this study through the Word, Be Fruitful and Multiply has tapes available that deal with these Scriptures in depth. The audio tapes are designed to help you build on this foundational study.