Bible Study Lessons

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

 

Date:   Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Series: Spiritual Warfare

Reference Scripture:  II Corinthians 5:14-17

Focus Verses: II Corinthians 5:17     

Today’s Discussion:    “A Change of Address”

We are anchored in God through our relationship with the Lord, Jesus.  There are three very important spiritual actions we must execute to draw on the power of God:

(I Corinthians 13:13 – “abideth” [men’-o] to stay (in a given place, state relation or expectancy)

·         Faith – [pis’-tis]; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher) a reliance upon Christ for salvation

·         Hope – [el-pece’] – to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation or confidence

·         Charity – [ag-ah’-pay]; from the Greek word – agapao – to love, i.e. affection or benevolence; a love-feast

The lesson aim is to encourage believers to check and evaluate our place in God.  More importantly, we must conduct frequent “soul searching” evaluations.  We must also monitor the condition of our heart and mind.  As believers we are in the process of relocating to a permanent place in Christ Jesus. 

The Apostle Paul’s opening statement in verse 14 reveals the source of his commitment to “the work of the ministry”.  He exclaims, “Christ’s love constraineth us”. (soon-ekh’-o: to hold together; to compress; or arrest; to compel, perplex, afflict or preoccupy)  Paul’s testimony to the church is significant and relevant.  As ambassadors for Christ we must draw from the purest source of strength known to all mankind, the Love of Christ.  Reference: John 3:16; Ephesians 5:25; Galatians 2:20)  Each of the subsequent verses support Paul’s commitment to the ministry through his understanding of the role of Christ in our lives.

Paul’s concern for the believer is that we present our new address to others so they will know we’ve moved.  Not in the physical sense of relocating, but in the sense of spiritual transformation.   There must be evidence of our “new walk”.  (Ref: Romans 6:4; 8:1) We must be able to distinguish the difference between the flesh and the spirit.  We must understand the three stages of the mind: natural (I Corinthians 2:14), carnal

(I Corinthians 3:1-3; Matthew 16:23; Colossians 1:21) or spiritual (Romans 12:2).  As believers we are expected to change how we view God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and ourselves.  According to Hebrews 11:6, FAITH plays a huge role in the transformation process.  FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY are essential to our transformation.  Each one of these spiritual behaviors is designed to bring us closer to God through our relationship with Jesus.  Thus, Paul’s statement in verse 17 serves as a starting point for those interested in going further in their walk with Christ.

List three old habits that were part of your past life?

List three new habits that are reflection of your new life in Christ?