Believer's Bible Class PDF

Believer’s Bible Class Sam O. Adewunmi Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV). Other versions cited are NIV, KJV, GNB, God’s Word, BBE, MSG, LEB and NLT. ISBN 978-1-907734-14-4 First Edition First Printing November 1995 No part...

Believer’s Bible Class Sam O. Adewunmi Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV). Other versions cited are NIV, KJV, GNB, God’s Word, BBE, MSG, LEB and NLT. ISBN 978-1-907734-14-4 First Edition First Printing November 1995 No part of this publication may be produced, distorted, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, or except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permission Coordinator” at the email address: Covenant Publishing [email protected] Copyright © November 1995, Sam O. Adewunmi Cover Design by Covenant Publishing Team Sam O. Adewunmi’s Published by Covenant Publishing Printed in the United Kingdom 1 WEEK 1 SALVATION & ASSURANCE The Greek word ‘soteria’ which has been translated as salvation is a comprehensive term. In the Old Testament, it referred to deliverance or preservation from disease, dangers, sufferings, death, and the consequences of wrongdoing. In the New Testament, salvation is regarded almost exclusively as the deliverance from sin, its dominion, and consequences. In the words of our Lord Jesus, salvation is a prerequisite to entering the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). Pictures of salvation in the bible • Justification - Believers in Christ are judged by God and declared righteous and are acquitted. Rom 3:26; Rom 8:33; Titus 3:7 • Redemption - Believers are freed by God from the bondage of slavery to sin 1 Peter 1:18-19 • Regeneration - God gives life to those who are spiritually dead. 1 Peter 1:23 • Adoption - God places believers in the family and gives them a full status as sons. Rom 8:15 • Reconciliation - God turns those who are His enemies into His friends Rom 5:10, 11 • Sacrifice - The death of Christ in place of the sinner. Heb 9:26-28 • Propitiation - Presentation of an offering (Christ), to turn away God’s anger against sin Rom 3:25 Levels of salvation (2 Cor. 1:10) • Assurance - Believers are already saved because of Christ’s death. Our sins have been dealt with, we are no longer under condemnation, and we have the assurance of eternal life. John 5:24; Rom 8:1 • Sanctification - Believers continue to experience the power of God to save sin and victory over sin in their daily lives. Phil 2:12 • Resurrection - Believers will experience the fulfillment of their salvation at the return of Jesus Christ. Heb 9:28: 1 Peter 1:5 Regardless of the picture used in the Bible, the new birth is an experience, which all men ought to have. God has made the provision for the salvation of mankind through the offering of His Son as the propitiation for sins. It is His desire that all be saved (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9) and it is for all who believe (John 1:12; Rom 1:16). Steps to being saved. • Man’s problem - Accept you are a sinner. Rom 3:23 • God’s solution - Eternal life through Jesus - God’s grace. Rom 6:23; Titus 3:3-7 • Man’s response - Repentance of sin. Acts 2:38: Acts 3:19 1. Confessing Jesus as Lord. Matt 10:33 2. Faith in Jesus. Eph 2:8.9; Acts 16:30-31; Acts 20:21 Rom 10:9,10 2 Assurance of salvation This is the spiritual certainty of sins forgiven, of justification before God and the possession of eternal life – as long as the believer remains doing his Lord’s will (Col 4:12). Our salvation does not depend upon our feelings, which is always affected by our health, the weather, or circumstances. Ways to know I am born again. • Testimonies of the Bible - The Bible tells me I am saved. John 1:12; 3:36; 5:24; 6:47 • Testimony of the Holy Spirit - The Spirit of God directly witnesses with my spirit that I am a child of God. Rom 8:9, 16; Ga1.4: 4-6 and 1 John 4:13 • Testimony of a changed life – I am now a new creation 2 Cor. 5:17 1. New affections – for righteousness and against sin (hatred/disgust against sins) 2. New desires - to do the will of God. 1 John 2:3-5: Matt 7:21 3. New love for God - His Word, the Bible. Fellowshipping and communicating with Him. 1 Pet 2:2; Ps 42:1-2 4. New love for man - l John 2:9.10: 1 John 3:10 Assurance checklist - Robert Gromachi Your salvation will be strengthened with a yes answer to the following questions: 1. Do I enjoy fellowship with God and with other believers? 1 John 1:3,7 2. Am I troubled when I sin or when I see others sin? 1 Cor 5:1-13 3. Do I try to be obedient to the commands of the Bible? 1 John 2:3-5 4. Do I reject the wrong values of our present world system? 1 John 2:15 5. Do I love Christ and look forward for His return? 2 Tim 4:8; 1 John 3:2.3; 1 Cor 16:22; Rev 21:10-7; 22:12 6. Do I practice holiness as a Christian? 1 John 3:4-6 7. Can I discern between truth and error? John 10:3.27 8. Do I believe the basic doctrines of the Christian faith? 1 John 5:1 9. Have I experienced opposition because of my Christian faith? Phil 1:28 3 WEEK 2 SIN Last week, we learnt that man has a problem. God has the solution and man has a response to make. Today we shall look more closely at what man’s problem is. “All have sinned and have come short of the glory’ of God” Rom 3:23. This is man’s problem: all have sinned. Bible definitions of sin • To miss the mark Judges 20:16; Ps 51:4; Matt 1:21; Rom 6:23 • To deliberately do wrong Job 33:27; Col 2:13; Eph 2:5; Isaiah 1:2; 1 King 12:19; 2 Cor 6:14; 1 John 3:4; 1 John 5:17; Ps 78:8; Num 14:9; Gen 19:7 • A state in which men are trapped Ps 1:6; Ps 37:28; Gen 26:10; Lev 5:15-16 • To go astray or swerve from a straight line Job 19:4; Lev 4:13 • Whatever is not from faith Rom 14:23 • Failure to do what is known to be right James 4:17 • Transgression of the law of God 1 John 3:4 In the ordinary word, sin refers to missing or not reaching a goal, way, mark, or right point. It is anything not in harmony with, hence contrary to, God’s personality, standards, ways and will. It may be in word, in deed, or in failing to do what should be done. Origin of sin The Bible records that Satan, who is also referred to as angel Lucifer in ages past, sinned against God in the spiritual realm. Pride entered the most powerful, most beautiful, and most revered angelic being and as a result, he was thrown out of heaven. Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-18; Rev 12:7-12; 2 Peter 2:1-6. Original sin On the earth plane, sin was introduced to mankind through Adam - Gen 3. In Romans 5:12-21, the whole of mankind is viewed as having existed originally in Adam and therefore as having sinned originally in Adam Rom 5:12; Acts 17:26. Basis of this truth A quick run-through the scriptures reveal that generations have either benefited from or are punished for the actions of their first representative. God punishes to the 4th generation. Ex 20:5 God blesses to the 1000th generation. Ex 20:6 The sinful nature, like in many illnesses in medical practice is congenital. The Bible is full of phrases like “throughout your generations”. For example, the Levites are to serve in the priesthood throughout their generations. Another familiar word is “loin”, which usually refers to descendants. 4 Consequences of sin (Prov 28:13; Ps 32:3-5) • It grieves the heart of God. Gen 6:5-7. • It brings guilt, anxiety and insecurity Gen 3:8; Ps 5 1:3-4. • It results in separation from God. Gen 3:8; Is 59:1.2. • It brings judgement and everlasting punishment. Matt 25:46. • It enslaves Rom 6:17. • It causes spiritual blindness 2 Cor 4:4 cf 1 Cor 2:14 • It causes spiritual death Eph 2:1; Gen 2:17 • It produces a lack of hope Eph 2:12; Gen 3:23-24 cf Col 1:27 • It corrupts Titus 1:15. • It condemns James 5:12; Gen 3:8 cf Rom 8:1 • It brings shame and fear Gen 3:10 cf 2 Tim 1:2 • It causes pain Gen 3:16 cf 1 Tim 2:15 • It brings servitude Gen 3:16. • It causes sorrow Gen 3:17 cf Is 35:1-End; 51:10-11 • It brings curses Gen 3:17.18 cf Gal 3:3 • It brings sweat and toil Gen 3:19 cf Is 55:13 • It causes physical death Gen 3:19 cf Rev 21:4 • It produces suffering Rom 8:22, • It causes sickness Rom 8:18.23; Micah 6:13 cf 1 Pet 2:24; Is 53:5 In conclusion, we must understand that God will not hold us responsible for the sin of Adam and neither can we say we are helpless because of the sinful nature inherited from Adam. Everyone will be responsible for his or her own sins Rom 14:12. 5 WEEK 3 REPENTANCE & FORGIVENESS Having studied about Salvation, Assurance of Salvation and Sin, one important foundational doctrine needs to be understood: Repentance (Our part) and Forgiveness (God’s part). Necessity of repentance ▪ Reality of Sin: “Sin is reality, sins are actuality”. 1. All have sinned Rom 3:23. Repentance is necessary for salvation Matt 3:1, 2; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 2:37, 38. 2. Christians still fall into sin Rom 7:14-20; 1 John 1:8. Remember: We are saved, we are being saved and we shall be saved. This almost exclusively refers to our deliverance from sin. Hence, we are saved from sin, we are being saved from the power of sin and we shall completely be saved from the influence of sin when we receive a new, resurrected body. Repentance and forgiveness is therefore God’s grace towards us enabling us to remain in relationship with Him. Repentance is more than an act but an attitude of the heart basic to our on-going relationship with God. 1 John 2:1; Phil 2:12. ▪ Prerequisite to forgiveness. Nowhere in the Bible is forgiveness offered without repentance. “Metanoeo” and “Metamelomai” There are two Greek words that mean “repentance” in the New Testament: Metanoeo & Metalomai (2 Cor 7:8-11) Definition, Differences & Examples: Metanoeo means true repentance, characterised by a total turn-away from sin. Godly, sorrow felt is the feeling of hurting or displeasing God (Ps 51:3, 4). Confession is made directly to God and not man. The sin is not gone back to and the result is restoration. God always forgives. Example: David (Ps 51). Metamelomai means false repentance or remorse, characterised by no genuine break from sin. Sorrow felt is the feeling of being caught and not of displeasing God. Confession is made to man or to self, not to God. The sin is usually repeated. God does not forgive. Examples: Judas Iscariot (Matt 27:1-10); Saul (1 Sam 13:7-14); Esau (Heb 12:16, 17); and Cain (Gen 4:9-14). Characteristics of true repentance ▪ Godly sorrow for sin Ps 38:1-4; 2 Cor 7:10 ▪ Confession of sin 2 Sam 12:13 ▪ A willingness to give up sin Prov. 28:13 ▪ Having a hatred of sin (seeing sin as God sees it) Ez 20:43-44. ▪ Repentance sometimes includes restitution Luke 19:8; Lev 6:1-7 God always forgives the truly repentant 1 John 1:9 6 Dangers of remorse (i.e., failure to repent) ▪ Hardness of heart Ex 7:l3ff ▪ Seared conscience 1 Tim 4:2 ▪ Vulnerability to deliberate sins Ps 19:12.13; Gen 26:34.35; 28:6-9 ▪ Insensitivity to God Eph 4:17-19 ▪ The wrath and Judgement of God Heb 10:26.27 ▪ Loss of eternal rewards Rev 2:5.16: 3:3 ▪ No forgiveness Ps 32:1-5 It is important to note that Apostasy (rejecting the faith) cannot happen to a Christian as a sudden occurrence, it is a process that starts from not repenting from sin. According to Heb 6:4-8; 10:26-31, the degradation to Apostasy (also referred to as “Sin unto death” in 1 John 5:16.17) is as follows: • Deliberate sinning after knowledge of the truth. • Remorse instead of repentance. • Heart becomes hard; deliberate sinning becomes continuous. • True Repentance becomes difficult. • Prone to blasphemy both in word and deed. • No forgiveness, no restoration, no other sacrifice for sin. Conclusion: Repentance is seeing foundations in our lives that are unstable and giving them up for God’s foundations. It is not a negative thing, but rather a true foundation, necessary to receive the blessings of God and to press on to maturity in God. In fact, if the blessings of God are received into lives that do not have this foundation of repentance laid, it can result in a falling away from the truth that has been received. 7 WEEK 4 FAITH TOWARDS GOD While struggling with sin is a ‘negative’ way to grow, developing faith in God is ‘positive’. It is the foundation upon which many other virtues are built 2 Pet 1:5-7. Importance of faith We should not be in doubt as to why faith in God is important. The following are some reasons: ▪ Faith is a New Testament Doctrine. The word Pistis translated Faith appears 245 times in the New Testament and 3 times in the Old Testament. ▪ Faith is a foundational doctrine. Without a correct understanding and experience of faith, spiritual growth will be slow Heb 6:1, 2. ▪ New life in Christ starts through faith. There is no salvation without faith Eph 2:8. ▪ New life in Christ is by faith. Without faith, Christian experience will be uncomfortable Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38. ▪ God is only pleased by faith. Unbelief is a sign of distrust. It displeases God Heb 11:6; Matt 9:22; Mark 4:40; Luke 7:9. ▪ The Christian’s physical life should end in faith. God expects that we finish our race still strong in faith 2 Tim 4:6, 7; Heb 11:13. ▪ Christ lamented the possibility of a faithless generation Luke 18:8. Faith is not a part of the Christian life: it is the Christian life! It is a complete trust in God and translating that trust into action. We should note that trust is an attitude, and attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought, and habits can be acquired; in other words, faith increases from a low level to an even bigger one. Definitions of faith Faith is one of the few topics defined in the Bible (Heb 11:1). To understand this definition, we will look at what faith is and what faith is not. Faith is not an emotion; it is a conviction. It has nothing to do with the way one feels, but everything to do with what one believes. ▪ Faith is not positive words; it produces positive words. ▪ Faith is not presumption; it is a perception. All the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 acted on words received from God. They did not assume God spoke to them. ▪ Faith is not focused on materials; it is focused on God. Foundation of faith The character, personality and ability of God is the foundation of faith (Heb 6:13-18). Faith in turn is the foundation of hope (Heb 6:19; also, the word translated “substance” in Heb 11:1 KJV means “foundation”). We can say that: ▪ Personality of God - He never lies. ▪ Promises of God - He never repents. ▪ Ability of God - He never fails. 8 For faith in God to be effective, these three virtues of God must be convincingly established in a believer’s heart. With this foundation in place, faith will be applied constructively. Applications of faith ▪ Good works 1 Thes 1:3; 1 Tim 1:4b; John 14:12 ▪ Living hope Heb 6:19; Rom 5:1-5; Gal 5:5 ▪ Answers to prayer Mark 11:22-24; James 1:6, 7; 5:15 ▪ Healing, miracles, provision, etc. Mark 5:34; Luke 7:1-10; Matt 17:19.20; 15:28 ▪ Victory over the world 1 John 5:4 ▪ Obedience in the face of persecution Heb 11:36-39 ▪ Various exploits for God’s kingdom Heb 11 Developing faith towards God ▪ Having the right attitudes of mind, Phil 2:5-8; 4:8; Rom 12:2. ▪ Faith develops through our knowledge of God, Deut 7:9; Ps 9:10; 1 Thess 5:24 ▪ Praying in the Spirit Jude 20 ▪ Hearing the Word of God Rom 10:17 ▪ Experiencing God and His faithfulness, John 2:11; John 11:15 Conclusion: Faith is the very nature of God. He does all things with conviction (Rom 4:17). He expects us to have His nature of faith too. This nature is creative, bringing order out of chaos (Gen 1:2), life out of death, health out of sickness, prosperity out of poverty, truth out of error, and righteousness out of sin. Faith is this new nature expressed (Rom 1:17). Faith towards God is the lifestyle of the disciple of Jesus. 9 WEEK 5 WATER BAPTISM The bible speaks of baptism in its plurality (Heb 6:1, 2; Matt 3:11). These are: ▪ Baptism by one Spirit into one body: This is a basic requirement for salvation John 3:5. It occurs at conversion when we are born again. Whenever a person without Christ surrenders to Him, the Holy Spirit enters that person’s life. Rom 8:9. ▪ Baptism in water: Water baptism closely follows baptism into the body. As we shall see later, Christ commanded it to be done. ▪ Baptism in the Holy Spirit: To empower us for ministry. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is what every Christian desires. So, we shall spend more time next lesson discovering what it all entails. ▪ Baptism with fire: This is necessary for our purification. God brings things across our paths to purge and purify us. We need the times of breaking and purifying so that God can change and mould us into what He wants us to be. This can be a painful process (Isa 6:5-7) but, in the end, we become more like Jesus. ▪ Baptism of suffering: According to Luke 12:50 and Mark 10:38, this baptism may involve the total spiritual and physical surrender - of the whole being, spirit, soul and body – to the will of the Father. It may involve paying the price of vicarious sufferings even unto laying down one’s life. In this cource, we shall be dealing with Water Baptism and Baptism in the Holy Spirit. WATER BAPTISM Meaning The Greek word for ‘baptism’ is ‘Baptizo’ which means ‘to dip’ or ‘immerse’ or ‘cover wholly with fluid’. Therefore, water baptism implies the immersion or dipping of a believer in water. A Christian sacrament or ordinance Sacrament is an obligation; Ordinance is a command. Water Baptism is an ordinance instituted by Christ Himself in the great commission. Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16. Therefore by submitting ourselves for water baptism, we are alleging our obedience to an important injunction of our Lord Jesus Christ. Conditions of baptism ▪ Repentance Acts 2:3741 ▪ Believing Mark 16:15, 16 ▪ A clear conscience arising from repentance and belief 1 Pet 3:20, 21 Christ's baptism ▪ To fulfill all righteousness Matt 3:15 ▪ No sin; no need for repentance 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15 The baptism of Jesus Christ is an act of ceremonial appropriate for His public entrance into His mission as the Christ. 10 Significance of water baptism (Romans 6:11) Water Baptism brings both the consciousness of spiritual freedom and the public declaration or profession of a change of state of position. ▪ Consciousness of spiritual freedom; Christ died, was buried, and resurrected. We are crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20), dead to sin and self, buried with Him (Col 2:12) and raised to new life (2 Cor 5:17). By this external rite, the believer professes his death to sins and resurrection to spiritual life. He reckons himself not only as someone delivered from sin and its penalty but no longer be enslaved by sin and as having dominion over death. ▪ Multi-confession of a change of state: Baptism is an outward confession of what has happened within. Our confessions are to: 1. Heaven - that we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Cor 15:3,4 2. The Church - that we are a part of it. 3. The world - that we are no more of it. 4. The devil - that we are finished with Him and have changed over to God's Kingdom Baptism of infants On the issue of baptism of infants, the basis of the argument is the baptism of the household of Cornelius (Acts 10) and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:32-34). We note here that these passages have no direct reference to infants. Again, it will be seen immediately that the 3 conditions listed above for baptism rule out infants. Infants cannot repent, cannot believe, and cannot answer with a good conscience to God. However, any child that has reached the age of accountability (which is undeterminable: i.e., not fixed) can be baptised. In conclusion, the act of sprinkling, pouring, making the sign of the cross with water, etc, is not scriptural, as we have seen from the definition of the word 'baptism'. Also, according to Matthew 28:18-20, the purpose of teaching and baptising is to prepare the new believer for becoming a disciple of Christ, hence infants cannot be seen as falling into this category. Most importantly, baptism has no saving power; Luke 23:39-43; 1 Cor 15:3, 4. Recap Baptism has no saving power Luke 23:39-43. According to Matt 28:18-20, the purpose of teaching and baptising is to prepare a new believer for becoming a disciple of Christ. Hence, find out about the discipleship in your church. If you have had the wrong baptism (sprinkling, pouring, making the sign of the cross with water, etc) ask your pastor for the next scriptural water baptism. 11 WEEK 6 BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Baptism as we have noted in our last class, is from a Greek word ‘Baptizo’ meaning dipping or immersion. Therefore, baptism of the Holy Spirit would mean or refer to a believer’s immersion by the Spirit. The prepositions in, by, with and of are used interchangeably in reference to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. Promised and fulfilled. Jesus made the promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples. John 14:16-18; Acts 1:4-8; Mark 16:16-18. The promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11) and the Holy Spirit since then has stayed with us, hence there is no need to tarry for His coming anymore. Who is the baptizer? The Holy Spirit is sent from the Father through Jesus Christ. John 15:26; 7:37, 38; Matt 3:11. Reasons for the baptism in the Holy Spirit ▪ It is a command. Eph 5:18; Luke 24:49. ▪ It gives new power and boldness to witness Acts 1:8; 2:14; 4:31-33. ▪ It is necessary for the release of the gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 12:7-11. ▪ It is necessary for maximum evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit Gal 5:22, 23. ▪ It is necessary for living a life to God’s glory John 16:14. ▪ It makes Jesus more real to us. John 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 9:17. ▪ It produces greater effectiveness in prayer Rom 8:26.27; 1 Cor 14:4, 15. ▪ It enables true worship of God. Acts 2:11; 10:46; John 4:23, 24; Eph 5:18-20. ▪ It brings a fresh understanding of and love for the Word of God John 16:13; 1 Cor 2:9-16. ▪ It gives us power to do what God has called us to do Acts 1:8. What do we receive? Power – dunamis: energy, power, might, great force, great ability, strength cf - dynamite Acts 1:8; 4:33. Other New Testament words for power: exousia - delegated authority, ischuros - great physical strength and Kratos - dominion, authority. Only those who have believed are entitled to such power. John 14:16-17: Acts 8:5, 12-24 Scriptural ways of receiving the Holy Spirit ▪ Receiving by faith, in prayer Luke 11:9-13; Acts 2. ▪ Ask, seek, knock Matt 7:11. Usually preceded by a deep thirst (thirst. come, drink John 7:37-39). ▪ Believing, hearing the word Acts 10:44-46. ▪ Laying on of hands Acts 8:17; 19:1-6. Simple process: open your mouth and speak in faith, the Holy Spirit giving utterance Acts 2:4. 12 Hindrances to receiving the Holy Spirit ▪ Abominable practices: Deut 18:10-13 - User of divination (fortune telling, ouija boards, automatic writing), observer of times (a person who deals with astrology and horoscopes), an enchanter (magician), a witch (one making contacts with evil spirits), a charmer (hypnotist), consulter with familiar spirits (spiritist medium), a wizard (clairvoyant, psychic, especially, telepathy), necromancer (one who supposed by communication with the dead, séances, voodoo) etc. ▪ Wrong doctrine and cults. ▪ Occultic involvements ▪ Fear ▪ Unbelief and our natural mind ▪ Yoga (system of Hindu philosophy) and other wrong religion ▪ Satanism ▪ Secular humanism ▪ Transcendental meditation ▪ Hatred, bitterness or unforgiveness ▪ Unconfessed sin Solution: Repentance Acts 2:38, 39. Bible accounts of the infilling of the Holy Spirit ▪ Jesus’ entry into ministry Luke 4:18-19. Acts 10:38 ▪ 120 believers at Pentecost Acts 1:14 - 2:4 ▪ The restoration of Paul’s sight Acts 9:17-20 ▪ Ephesian believers Acts 19:1-7 ▪ Samaritan believers Acts 8:14-25 ▪ Cornelius and his household Acts 10:44-48 Conclusion: Speaking in tongues is an evidence (and not the only evidence) of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The sign that we have been filled with the Holy Spirit is Jesus, His work and His empowering. However, when baptised in the Holy Spirit, all believers receive the capacity to speak in tongues whether or not they do so. 13 WEEK 7 LAYING ON OF HANDS The lesson today is a smooth progression from the preceding lessons; it gives purpose to the other foundations. Our faith in God and power received after the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just for ourselves. There is a need to transmit the blessing into the lives of others. While others can indeed be blessed by our words and even our lifestyle, an actual ‘physical transmission’ can take place through the “laying on of hands”. Truths about the laying on of hands ▪ A spiritual transmission takes place. The laying on of hands is the physical or visible aspect of a spiritual transference. What is transferred is not physical but spiritual e.g., spiritual gifts, wisdom, ability etc. Transference can be positive or negative. Both the good Spirit and evil spirits can be transferred through the laying on of hands. It can also be either way e.g., the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus Christ with faith Mark 5:21-34. ▪ The power is not in the hands laid but in the obedience to and faith in the command to lay hands Mark l6:17ff. ▪ Laying on of hands is sometimes accompanied by prayer, prophecy or/and a word of command. It can also be ministered after the prayer or prophecy; or in-between. There is no strict order. ▪ Laying on of hands can be both formal and informal. We are used to the laying on of hands at Church, but it is not supposed to be there alone. Jesus took little children in his hands and blessed them (Matt 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16). Children who are hardly ever touched by their parents would find it difficult to receive love when they grow up. Some Old Testament examples. ▪ The Israelites laid hands on their sacrifices transferring their sins and identifying with the sin offering. Lev 1:1-5 ▪ Jacob imparted blessings upon Ephraim and Manasseh by the laying on of his two hands and prophecy. Gen 48:14 ▪ Moses commissioned Joshua by laying on of hands, imparting to him authority and wisdom. Deut 34:9; Num 27:15-23; Josh 1:16-17 New Testament reasons for the laying on of hands ▪ To impart healing: 1. Jesus. Luke 4:40; 13:13 2. Elders are to anoint with oil by their hands and pray for healing James 5:14-16 3. Believers are encouraged to impart healing by the laying on of hands. Mark 16:17.18; Acts 9:17 & 28:8.9 show this outworked. ▪ ▪ To impart blessing: 1. Jesus blessed children as mentioned above. 2. Jesus put His hand on John and said, "Do not be afraid”. Rev 1:17 To impart the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Believers in general, as well as leaders were involved in imparting the baptism of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. Acts 8:14-24; 9:10-17; 19:6 ▪ To impart spiritual gifts. 1 Tim 4:14: 2 Tim 1:6; Rom 1:11 14 ▪ To set people apart for specific works: 1. Deacons. Acts 6:1-6 2. Missionaries. Acts 13:2.3 Laying on of hands with caution The Bible says: "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands". 1 Tim 5:22 Reasons for the caution: ▪ The warning applies especially in the setting people apart for ministry. Laying on of hands in this respect involves the transfer of authority, and a leaders need to be sure of the characters and spiritual ability of people they give authority to in the Church. The Deacons in Act 6 had to be men full of faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. 1 Tim 3:6 ▪ As noted above, a spirit-to-spirit contact occurs during the laying on of hands. Therefore, we need to show some care as to who we lay our hands on and who we allow to lay hands upon us. Conclusion: The laying on of hands is important in the Church for service, for blessing others and for enabling people in their calls. It is part and parcel of a functioning body, drawing life from Jesus, the Head, and releasing and imparting that life via the hands. The Power of the risen Christ to heal, minister, or give blessing is resident in every Spirit-filled believer and especially in those in leadership. This power can be released by the laying on of hands. 15 WEEK 8 RAPTURE The past lessons give much meaning to Christian life - they deal especially with the past and present. However, our life in Christ does not end in this life. Only Christianity gives men hope for the future. Absence of this hope spells misery 1 Cor. 15:19. The next three lessons will focus on some events that will happen in the future: The Raputre of believers, Resurrection of the dead & Eternal Judgment. Definition Jesus Christ said that after He must have left the earth, He will still come back to take the Church to where He is with His Father John 14:1-6. It is this coming of Jesus Christ for His Church and the events surrounding it that is referred to as the rapture. Interestingly, the word rapture is nowhere found in the Bible. It is from a Latin word Rapio and it means "taken up", “caught up" or "seized". The word has been adopted generally in Church because it sums up what the Bible says will happen when Jesus Christ comes back the second time. A Greek word that means quite the same as its Latin counterpart is harpazo, which denotes a swift, violent grab. The verb was used in 1 Thess. 4: 17 & Acts 8:39. See also John 10:12; Matt. 13:19 & Jude 23. Truths about the Rapture From these word studies and from the scriptures (1 Thess. 4:13-17; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Cor. 15:37-53), the following are true about the rapture: ▪ The rapture shall take place when Jesus Christ comes. ▪ Christ shall come with a shout, the voice of the archangel and a sound of the trumpet. ▪ The dead in Christ shall rise first with new, incorruptible bodies. ▪ Those who are alive shall have their bodies changed from corruptible to incorruptible. ▪ Everyone belonging to Christ, old or young, dead, or alive, will be caught with him. ▪ The catching up of the saints will be sudden and swift. The Bible says it shall happen “in the twinkling of an eye". ▪ All believers shall meet Christ "in the air.” When will Rapture take place? As stated in above, the rapture shall take place when (ever) Jesus Christ comes. This should be the basic foundational truth that gives hope to every believer. We have not been told to search for the specific time or date Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7. The natural man wants to know more than is allowed. Matt. 24:3; Acts 1:6. This is evidenced by the theological debates that have been on for so long, that is, whether Christ is coming: ▪ Before the tribulation pre-tribulationists ▪ Half-way into the tribulation mid-tribulationists ▪ After the tribulation post-tribulationists 16 What are we to hold on to? ▪ That Jesus Christ will come back Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 3:3-10 ▪ That Jesus Christ has not yet come back Matt. 24:23, 24; 2 Tim. 2:17, 18 ▪ That we need to be ready for His coming Matt. 24:42-44 ▪ That various things will happen before His coming Matt. 24:3-14; Mark 13:1-13; Luke 24:5-27 ▪ Whenever Christ comes, we will be caught up to meet Him 1 Thess. 4: 16, 17 Will people be left behind? After the rapture, some people will be left behind. There have been debates about who will and will not be left behind. The following, however, are the teachings of the Bible in this respect: ▪ All believers who have been genuinely saved and in whom resides the Holy Spirit will be raptured - "they that are Christ’s at his coming" 1 Cor. 15:23. See also Rom. 8:9; 2 Tim. 2:19; Gal. 5:24. A true Christian who is not directly and deliberately living a life of sin shall not be disqualified from the rapture, but there are warnings for those who indulge in sin knowingly without repentance (lessons 2 & 3). Salvation qualifies believers for the rapture, but sin can disqualify from rewards (lesson 10). ▪ Some people will be left behind. These include: all unbelievers (both Jews and Gentiles) and mere professing Christians (or churchgoers) Matt. 24:40, 41; 25:1-13. ▪ People left behind still have a chance of salvation. They will have to renounce the worship of the anti-Christ, suffer the consequence which is death by beheading and be rewarded for their stand Rev 20:4 Conclusion Jesus Christ will come back soon. This is the hope of all believers. The Bible teaches us to prepare for His coming, love His appearing, long for His coming (2 Tim 4:8), wait for His coming (James 5:7; 1 Cor. 1:7; Titus 2:13), and pray for His coming (Rev 22:20; Matt 6:10). Are you doing all these? "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" Rev 22:20. 17 WEEK 9 RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD The second lesson pertaining to future events in the Christian life concerns the resurrection of the dead. Resurrection means ‘raising up’ or ‘rising up’. In its verb form it means ‘to cause to stand up or rise; to raise up; to raise from sleep and from the dead’. As disciples of Jesus, we are not merely living for-time, or for a time, but for eternity. We are eternal beings, and our hope does not end in this life. Examples of resurrection in the bible The fact of the dead rising to life in the Bible clears the doubt of whether the dead rise or not 1 Cor 15:12; Luke 20:27; Acts 23:6-8 ▪ ▪ Resurrection in the Old Testament 1. The widow of Zarephath’s son 1 Kings 17:17-24 2. The Shunamite’s son 2 Kings 4:32-35 3. The man on Elisha’s grave 2 Kings 13:21 4. Many saints of old Matt 27:52, 53 Resurrection in the New Testament 1. Raised by Jesus • Jairus’ daughter. Mark 5:35-43 • The widow of Nain’s son Luke 7:11-17 • Lazarus. John 11:1-45 2. Through Peter - Dorcas Acts 9:36-42 3. Through Paul - Eutychus. Acts 20:9-12 The resurrection of Jesus The greatest example and pacesetter of those who have been and will be raised from the dead is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible records both the fact and truth of Christ’s resurrection. These two represent the future hope of believers. The fact There were various attempts to conceal the fact of Christ’s resurrection. Rumours that are still believed today were spread after the stone was rolled away. Matt 28:11-15. However, Christ made sure that He appeared to enough witnesses to protect the fact of His resurrection. ‘After His suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God”. Acts 1:3 He appeared to: • Mary Magdalene and some women Luke 24:1-12 • Two disciples on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-33 • Peter 1 Cor 15:5 • The Twelve 1 Cor 15:5 • Five hundred brothers at the same time 1 Cor 15:6 18 • James and all the apostles 1 Cor 15:7 • Paul 1 Cor 15:8 The truth The significance and truth of Christ’s resurrection is rather infinite. Everything we are, have and will be rests upon the truth of the resurrection. • He rose according to the scriptures - the scriptures are Truth. 1 Cor 15:3 • Christ’s resurrection gives meaning to the Christian life here on earth. 1 Cor 15:12-19 • Jesus Christ is the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:20; Col 1:18; Rom 8:29 • Authority of the believer centers around the resurrection. Eph 1:17-2:6 • Future judgement is assured. Acts 17:3 1 • The resurrection declares Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Rom 1:4 • Believers are justified because of the resurrection. Rom 4:25 • Death is defeated by the resurrection of Christ. Rom 6:8-9 • Because of the resurrection, we have a Priest on the throne of God. Heb 10:12 • There is a new birth into a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 1:3 No one can become a Christian without believing the truth of the resurrection of Christ. Rom 10:9.10 The future resurrection of all believers In the last lesson (Rapture) we established when the resurrection of believers who are dead will take place and concluded without a shadow of doubt through the Scriptures, that it will be at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The following are true concerning this resurrection - Believers shall rise again: • To eternal life Dan 12:2.3 • With a body like Christ’s glorious body Rom 6:5; Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2 • With a body according to the will of God 1 Cor 15:38 • With imperishable bodies.1 Cor 15:42 • With a body raised in glory 1 Cor l5:43a. • With a powerful body 1 Cor 15:43b • With spiritual bodies 1 Cor 15:44 • To be glorified with Christ. Cor 3:4: John 17:24 • First Rev 20:6 Ultimate resurrection of all who are in their graves. The Bible clearly teaches that all of humanity will eventually be resurrected on the last day John 5:28, 29. This final resurrection is the judgement and reward day. Luke 14:12-14; Rev 11:18; 20:1115. Conclusion: Death is not the end of our Christian life. We shall rise to life to be with Christ forever. But we must not forget that resurrection day is reward day for the Christian. This is why we must take heed of what we do while in the body. Let us join George Whitfield by saying “0, that I might work for eternity; pray for eternity; preach for eternity: I want only God.” 19 WEEK 10 ETERNAL JUDGEMENT There is heaven and there is hell. What determines what happens to who and which place an individual - dead, alive, or yet unborn - will reside for all eternity is described as judgement. In the scriptures, we see that there are judgements in history as well as eternal judgement. Surrounding eternal judgement are various teachings which are both unbiblical and illogical. For this level of our study, we shall be careful not to involve ourselves with such teachings. Judgement in history Very consistent in human history is God’s wrath (on both disobedience and rebellion) and mercy. Two of God’s judgements in time are: ▪ Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Gen 19:24, 25; Ezekiel 16:49. ▪ Death of Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-10. In both cases, and many others, God’s judgement served as warnings to His people 2 Peter 2:6; Acts 5:11. Eternal judgement This is the judgement which awaits every human soul in eternity, after time and history have closed. All humanity is to be judged (Acts 17:30, 31), Christians inclusive. Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10 • Sinners are judged and consigned to everlasting punishment. 2 Thess 1:8,9; Rev 11:18; Matt 25: 46; Rev 20:10,15; John 3:18. They are judged because of: • 1. Sin against God’s law Rom 2: 12 2. Ungodliness. 2 Pet 3:7 3. Unrighteousness. 2 Pet 2:9 4. Disobedience. Jude 6 5. Trespass. Rom 5:18 6. Evil deeds. John 3:19 The righteous in God will live forever with Christ Jesus and receive rewards for what they have done in Christ. 1. There is no condemnation. John 3:18, John 5:24; Rom 8:1 2. Reward for our faithfulness. Matt 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27 3. Our works will be tested by fire. 1 Cor 3:11-15 Why teach on eternal judgement? ▪ That we should continually be grateful for the grace and mercy of God. Rom 5:8,9; 1 Thess 1:10. ▪ That we might appreciate the power of God. Matt 10:28; Heb 10:3 1; 1 Peter 1:17. ▪ To stir up intercession for the lost due to the awfulness of dying without Christ. ▪ That we might appreciate and present the gospel as it is for it reveals both the righteousness and wrath of God. Rom 1:16-20 20 Who is judge? ▪ God. Acts 7:31; Rom 3:6; Heb 12:23; 1 Peter 4:5; 1 Peter 1:17 ▪ Jesus. John 5:22-27; John 5:26, 27; Acts 10:42 ▪ The words of Jesus. John 12:47, 48; Psalm 119:160 ▪ The Saints. 1 Cor 6:2-3 Principles of divine judgement ▪ The measure of light or truth revealed. Matt 10:14, 15; Rom 2:12 ▪ The words of God. John 12:48-50 ▪ Divine all-knowledge. John 8:15,16; Rev 20:12,15; Rom 2:2 ▪ Personal responsibility. Rom 14:10-12 ▪ Personal conduct. Rom 2:5, 6; 1 Pet 1:17, Rev 20:12; Rom 2:16; Heb 4:12, 13. ▪ Divine impartiality. 1 Pet 1:17; Rom 2:12; 1 Sam 16:7 ▪ Treatment of Christ’s children. Matt 25:31-46; Matt 12:50; 2 Thess 1:5-10 ▪ The Law. Rom 2:12 ▪ Righteousness and Justice. Ps 9: 8; 96:13; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:5; 2 Tim 4.8; Rev 19:11 ▪ Motives and thought life. 1 Cor 4:5; Rom 2:16; Heb 4:12, 13 ▪ The gospel. 2 Thess 1:8 When does judgement occur? ▪ It has occurred. 1. Satan. John 16:11; Col 2:15 2. The World. John 12:31 1. ▪ ▪ Man. John 3:18; 5 24; Rom 5:9, Rom 8:1 It is occurring. 1. Sinners. Rom 1:18-32 2. Christians. 1 Cor 11:31, 32 It will occur. 1. After death. Heb 9.27 2. The last day. John 1248 3. The Day. Matt 10:15; 11:22-24; 12:36; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:5; 1 Cor 3:13; 2 Thess 11:10; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; 1 John 4:17 Conclusion: waiting judgement ▪ At the throne seat (Bema) of Christ, for the Saints. Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10 ▪ At the throne of His glory, for the Gentile nations. Matt 25:3; 14:6 ▪ A great white throne (after the Millennium), for all dead sinners. Rev 20:11,15 21 WEEK 11 THE CHURCH The study of the Church cannot be fully taught in a class like this. We shall therefore attempt to define the Church and picture the ways it is being identified in the Scriptures. We shall also see a little of the features of the Church. Meaning of Church The word ‘Church’ is from a Greek compound work “ECCLESIA”. Ecclesia, itself is from two words “EK” which means “Out” and “KALEO” meaning “To call”. The Church is therefore a company of people who have been called out: ▪ Called from the Kingdom of darkness or old line of selfishness etc., initiated by God to reveal salvation and who we are in His Son. ▪ We are called for a purpose which is primarily to have a relationship with God. We are not worthless as we think or as people think we are. ▪ “Called together” - not one individual is called. Our new birth in Christ Jesus is personal, but not private, it should be shared with others. Heb 10:25; Matt 18:20; Acts 2:42, 46. ▪ We are called to enjoy a future inheritance which God Himself prepared. 1 Peter 5:10; John 14:1-3; Rev 21:2 Christ’s description of the Church “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt 18:20) The birth of the Church Though there existed a body of believers who in every age had remained faithful to God before Pentecost, their gathering together was only a type and shadow of what began at Pentecost. ▪ Born after Jesus’ ministry (Matt 16:18) “…I will build My Church …” ▪ Born after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. Matt 16:18,21; Acts 1:4,5; Titus 2:14 ▪ Born of the Spirit – One main feature of ht birth of the Church is the unity of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit did not come until Christ’s ascension. John 16:7; Acts 2:5-11 ▪ Born at Pentecost. Acts 2:14, 47. New Testament definitions ▪ The Church Universal - Christ never intended His Church to be fragmented or divided as denominations. The body should be one. John 17:11; 20:22; 1 Cor 10:17; Eph 4:4 ▪ The local Church - this may be in a city, town or village and the word ‘local’ can be used to address all the house Churches put together. Acts 13:1; Acts 15:41; 20:17; 1 Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1; Gal 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; Rev 1:11 ▪ The small House Church. Acts 1:13; Acts 2:46; Rom 16:5; Rom 16:14,15; Col 4:15 ▪ The actual Assembly of God’s people. Matt 18:20; Acts 12:12; Acts 19.9; Acts 20:7-8 22 Images of the Church ▪ Church of God. Acts 20:28; Gal 1:13; 1 Cor 1:2; 1 Tim 3:15. This means it is God’s Church, not ours, Jesus said “... I will build My Church.” ▪ Building. 1 Cor 3:9; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Peter 2:4-5. We are living stones built together into a spiritual house, so that we can be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. A building shows order, structure and purpose so are we. ▪ Bride. Rev 21:9; 2 Cor 11:2-4; Eph 5:21-32. This enables us to understand the oneness that Christ and His Church are to experience together in a personal loving relationship and commitment. The Church, therefore, as the bride of Christ ought to keep herself morally and doctrinally pure. ▪ Body of Christ. 1 Cor 10:17; Rom 12:4,5; Eph 2:16; Eph 4.4; Col 3:15; 1 Cor 12:27. This is where the focus is on, Function, Completeness and Union. ▪ Family. Eph 3:15; Rom 8:17; Heb 2:10, 14-17; Acts 2:41-47; Gal 6:10. The Church is not a religious club you opt to join but rather it is God’s family to which you were added. You become joint heir with our Elder Brother, the Lord Jesus. The Church is a lifestyle and not an activity. It is focused on relationship, order, sharing, living together, no pretence, where there is existence and adherence to discipline. ▪ Flock of God. 1 Peter 5:2, 3; Acts 20:28; Luke 12:32; John 10:1-30. The Pastor, Bishop, Elder, Shepherd or Overseer are to look after the flock. These provide security, feeding, direction and defense. ▪ Golden lampstand. Rev 1:20. This denotes light, safety and protection from darkness. ▪ Gods’ field. 1 Cor 3:9. This means we are born to produce and be fruitful. ▪ God’s fellow-worker. 1 Cor 3:9. This is a privilege with responsibility. ▪ Mountain of the Lord. Isa 2:3. This provides solidarity, strength, and majesty. ▪ Pillar. 1 Titus 3:15. This means there is stability, support, and truth. ▪ The people of God. Acts 15:14; 2 Cor 6:16; Heb 4:9; 1 Peter 2:9 “Saints” - set apart, holy, sanctified. Rom 1:7. Mentioned 62 times in the New Testament, 61 in the plural and only once in the singular implying that the Christian life is not lived in isolation. ▪ Fellowship of the Church Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 5:2; Eph 4:3; 1 Peter 3:8. This is the gathering of God’s people which promotes unity and down- plays diversity. ▪ Army of God. 2 Cor 10:3-6; Eph 6:10-19. This includes the dead (Church triumphant) and the living (Church militant). Conclusion: God re-entered into a relationship with people, and this can be described fully in 5 statements: ▪ The Church is people. ▪ The Church is people together (community) ▪ The Church is people together loving God (worshipping) ▪ The Church is people together loving one another (sharing the life of Christ). ▪ The Church is people together loving the world (evangelizing) 23 WEEK 12 AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH Spiritual authority Authority in the church is in all its facets ordained by God and God alone. God has given all authority in heaven and on earth to Jesus (Matt 28:18; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 1:22-23) and Jesus in turn delegates His authority to spiritually qualified leaders in His church, Isaiah 9:6. Four-fold duty (Eph 4:11-13) Jesus said that He would build His church, Matt 16:18. Paul explains that Jesus Christ has chosen to do this by giving “gifts” of men as leaders to the church who will: ▪ Equip or prepare believers for service in the Kingdom of God. ▪ Cause the church to be built up and grow numerically. ▪ Bring believers to maturity, both individually and corporately. ▪ Unite the church in faith. Results Leaders need to he able to bring those in their care to a place where: ▪ They are: 1. Responsible, caring, and supportive of one another. 2. Calm, consistent, committed, and joyful. 3. Continuing steadfastly in the word of God. 4. Whole and complete in Christ. 5. Growing up into Christ in every way, being joined and held together in harmony where each person knows their place and gift. ▪ They are no longer: 1. Childish, spoon-fed, and self-willed. 2. Stuck or stagnant in their spiritual life. 3. Tossed back and forth by waves of mood or emotion, lacking assurance stability. 4. Blown here and there by every wind of teaching. Leadership spells responsibility The shepherd must: ▪ Keep their flock safe from attack. The wolf (devil) will try to isolate members of the flock by deception, but the shepherd should be there to protect his sheep from this. ▪ Give authority and discipline on behalf of Jesus who is the head of the church. ▪ Be able to keep their sheep in rank so that they are in step with one another and with God. The church needs Christians who are willing to lay aside their vanity, pride, self-importance, independence, and pettiness and instead, keep rank and be of undivided loyalty. Duties of members towards authority (Heb 13:7.17) ▪ They should hear the word of God through their leaders and take it seriously and personally. Rom 10:15-17 ▪ They should pray for their leaders, their ministries, and their families. Rom 15:30; 2 Thess 3:1-5 24 ▪ They should greet their leaders warmly, making them feel loved and welcomed. Appreciate your leaders and give them due respect and recognition. Great honour is due to them who labour on your behalf. 1 Thess 5:12, 13; 1 Tim 5:17 ▪ Speak well about your leaders or say nothing bad about them. Num 12:1-16 Submission to authority ▪ Leadership not rulership, leadership not dictatorship. Leaders are servants, leading by example and not lording it over the flock. 1 Pet 5:1-3 ▪ God demands submission and obedience to our leaders. Heb 13:37. Leaders should have real love and care for their sheep and put the best interest of their members first. The members should listen to and act upon the leaders’ guidance because they hear, recognise, and submit to the Word of God in their leaders. This does not mean a heavy submission where we obey everything our leaders say because we have no choice, but rather it is a submission arising out of a respect for and acknowledgement of the leaders’ place before God. ▪ Submission is an attitude of heart not a position of slavery. To submit is to voluntarily place yourself under the care, protection, and guidance of your leaders. Members of the church cannot be forced to do anything. However, where there is recognition of true spiritual authority within a leader, those under that authority will willingly submit. This submission also brings blessing because those under authority find that they in turn receive authority. Matt 8:9 ▪ Humble submission is submission to an imperfect being. God is still dealing with everybody, 1 Sam 26:9. It may also be to a younger person and should not be despised. 1 Tim 4:12. When we submit to those God raised up to be in authority over us, we are in fact submitting to God Himself. Rom 13:1-5 Conclusion: If, however, God’s delegated authority asks us to do something contrary to what we know God would have us do, then we must obey the higher authority of God and His Word. 25