Week of November 10th Grace Study – Questions 1-6

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

Grace

Answer the questions, which follow the Scripture Verses below.

John 1:14-17 John expresses the grace of the Father, both in Jesus and us.

¹⁴And  ²⁵³² the Word  ³⁰⁵⁶ was made  ¹⁰⁹⁶  ₅₆₃₃ flesh,  ⁴⁵⁶¹ and  ²⁵³² dwelt  ⁴⁶³⁷  ₅₆₅₆ among  ¹⁷²² us,  ²²⁵⁴ (and  ²⁵³² we beheld  ²³⁰⁰  ₅₆₆₂ his  ⁸⁴⁶ glory,  ¹³⁹¹ the glory  ¹³⁹¹ as  ⁵⁶¹³ of the only begotten  ³⁴³⁹ of  ³⁸⁴⁴ the Father,)  ³⁹⁶² full  ⁴¹³⁴ of grace  ⁵⁴⁸⁵ and  ²⁵³² truth. ²²⁵  

¹⁵John  ²⁴⁹¹ bare witness  ³¹⁴⁰  ₅₇₁₉ of  ⁴⁰¹² him,  ⁸⁴⁶ and  ²⁵³² cried,  ²⁸⁹⁶  ₅₇₅₄ saying,  ³⁰⁰⁴  ₅₇₂₃ This  ³⁷⁷⁸ was he  ²²⁵⁸  ₅₇₁₃ of whom  ³⁷³⁹ I spake,  ²⁰³⁶  ₅₆₂₇ He that cometh  ²⁰⁶⁴  ₅₇₄₀ after  ³⁶⁹⁴ me  ³⁴⁵⁰ is preferred  ¹⁰⁹⁶  ₅₇₅₄ before  ¹⁷¹⁵ me:  ³⁴⁵⁰ for  ³⁷⁵⁴ he was  ²²⁵⁸  ₅₇₁₃ before  ⁴⁴¹³ me. ^{3450  16}And  ²⁵³² of  ¹⁵³⁷ his  ⁸⁴⁶ fulness  ⁴¹³⁸ have  ²⁹⁸³   all  ³⁹⁵⁶ we  ²²⁴⁹ received,  ²⁹⁸³  ₅₆₂₇ and  ²⁵³² grace  ⁵⁴⁸⁵ for  ⁴⁷³ grace. ^{5485  17}For  ³⁷⁵⁴ the law  ³⁵⁵¹ was given  ¹³²⁵  ₅₆₈₁ by  ¹²²³ Moses,  ³⁴⁷⁵ but grace  ⁵⁴⁸⁵ and  ²⁵³² truth  ²²⁵ came  ¹⁰⁹⁶  ₅₆₃₃ by  ¹²²³ Jesus  ²⁴²⁴ Christ.

 Q-1 from John 1:14

What does it indicate when a capital letter is used in Scripture within a sentence?  e.g., Son, Him, His, Almighty

 Q-2 from John 1:14

Based on the definition provided below from the Greek Language dictionary who was and is “the Word”?

the Word =

3056. lovgo” loágoás, log´-os; from 3004; something said (incl. the thought); by impl. a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extens. a computation; spec. (with the art. in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):— account, cause, communication, × concerning, doctrine, fame, × have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, × speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

 Q-3 from John 1:14

What does “was made flesh,” mean?

 Q-4 from John 1:14

What does the fact that He dwelt among us mean in relation to our value to Him?

 Q-5 from John 1:14

The fact that Jesus was the only begotten of the Father means that Father God had how many Sons?  Therefore, there can be how many Saviors? How many Messiahs?  How many Redeemers? How many Christ?

 Q-6 from John 1:14

This verse states that “the Word” was full of two characteristics.  Name those two characteristics.

Week of November 3rd Heaven Series – Follow-up Piece.

We will be taking a one-week break from our Bible Study on “Redemption, Obedience, and Grace” to address questions, which have been submitted to me regarding the “Heaven Series” posted on an earlier date.  I chose to insert this piece, this week, as we have ended our section on obedience and we are getting ready to begin our section on grace. 

Heaven Series – Follow-up

     Since the publication of the series on heaven, I have received some questions about God and heaven. I am writing this piece to address a few of those questions, which I believe to be excellently thought out and embody the deep searching which goes on in the heart of a person. I thank my readers for submitting their questions on the heaven series and encourage all my other readers to do likewise regarding any of my writings.  I am grateful for the opportunity to bring more clarity and understanding.

     I will address three questions, the first of which is as follows: “What is the purpose of God manifesting His wisdom?”  The most precise and direct answer to this question is that God manifest His wisdom so that we might know Him. With God, it is and always has been about relationship with Him.  Our fellowship on this side and the other side of heaven is meant is to bring us and God great satisfaction and fulfillment.   

     Question two, “Why does God need to declare His own righteousness, handiwork, and glory?” As in any relationship, being known and understood is important. God declares His righteousness, handiwork, and glory that we might know and understand His character better, little by little. In the course of gaining a greater and greater understanding of His character, we gain a greater appreciation for Him, His Majesty, His Deity and a deeper understanding of the difference between the Creator and created. 

     Final question, “And who is He declaring these things to? To the people He made? He made people just so they could go to heaven and realize how great He is for making them?  And then what?” I sense frustration in this question, and it is likely my answer will only add to that frustration, until people can come to a place where they can accept the answer.   The answer is, yes, exactly. It is much like an unending circle of love.  He declares Himself that we might know, understand and love Him; He creates us that He might love us and we might love him.

     This person’s questions are the deep inner questions that haunt every unsaved person.

Week of Oct. 27th Defining Obedience Bible Study / Concluding Thoughts

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self  

Obedience

Concluding Thoughts on Obedience

When I was struggling with committing to a life of holy obedience to God, He spoke this to me one day during my personal devotional time with Him. It summarizes what is going on inside when we struggle with obedience.

“When you get agitated inside, you are saying to Me you do not trust I love you. That I have allowed the source of your agitation for a reason. I know you feel very unloved, but I love you without reserve – yet, you tie My hands from showing it for you because you will not obey. I love you – obey Me and let Me show you. Obey Me and I will honor you.”

Week of Oct. 20th Defining Obedience Bible Study / God’s Tidbits on Obedience

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

 

Obedience

 

 

 

 

God’s Tidbits on Obedience

 

God has spoken to me on the matter of obedience several different times. Below are the Words spoken to me by God on two of those occasions. 

 

While reading Chapter 15 of First Corinthians:

 

Verse 56 – The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

What God spoke – “Each time you willingly choose to sin you enter into another form of death. Another piece of the endless wicked nothingness of death steals time from your life. When you approach dealing with sin with the “I have to” attitude instead of the “I want to” attitude, it, meaning sin, is already well on its way to defeating you. Law, the requirement of something, will always rape away its appeal. Yet, the right to choice enhances something’s appeal; hence, the reason for free will. Only through your choice to love Me, obey Me; can I really enjoy that love and obedience.”

 

Verse 57- But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

What God spoke – “You are in Jesus therefore, you have victory over anything you ever need victory over. He died to make all that possible; all needed victory is a done deal. Now only walk obediently in that victory and enjoy its spoils. There is nothing I want you to do that you cannot do – nothing.”

 

Verse 58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 

 

While Reading a Devotional Book:

God spoke -

I can and will transform your life only ask – - -

How do you ask?

By Obeying Me.

Then your faith in Me has manifest itself in your life; and faith is rewarded.

 

This, He meaning God, will do for anyone willing.

Week of Oct. 13th Defining Obedience Bible Study / Kingdom of Self

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

 

Obedience

 

Notes on Obedience from The Kingdom of Self by Earl Jabay

 

 

Obedience, that is, to terms other than our own. The obedience is to the King. This terminates the rule of self.

 

Note that this obedience is not a feeling of agreement but rather an act of submission to the King, often in spite of one’s disagreement.

 

A fundamental spiritual law in the Kingdom of God had been set in operation – - namely, that the obedient person becomes the free person.

 

 

Father in Heaven:

I will resist you no longer. I give up.

You take over my life and run it according to Your will.

By Your divine power, straighten out my life and lead me into freedom.

I submit myself to your divine authority.

If at any time in the future I fall into sin, or begin to doubt, or even deny You – disregard my rebellion.

Let the covenant we are making now stand eternally.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

 

The Kingdom of Self

Earl Jabay

Week of Oct. 6th Defining Obedience Bible Study / Notes on Q 10 & 11

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

 

Obedience

 

Notes on Preceding Questions

 

Use the definitions provided for a better understanding of what obedience is and for greater understanding of the question notes, which follow each definition.  Pay special attention to underlined portion of the definitions.

 

OBEDIENCE — carrying out the word and will of another person, especially the will of God. In both the Old and New Testaments the word “obey” is related to the idea of hearing. Obedience is a positive, active response to what a person hears. God summons people to active obedience to His revelation. People’s failure to obey God results in judgment. In the Old Testament covenant between God and human beings, obedience was the basis for knowing God’s blessing and favor (Ex. 19:5; 24:1–8). Samuel emphasized that God’s pleasure was not in sacrifice but in obedience (1 Sam. 15:22). Even the promise of a new covenant emphasized obedience as God’s gift (Jer. 31:33).

In the New Testament, the obedience of Christ stands in contrast to the disobedience of Adam. The disobedience of Adam brought death, but the perfect obedience of Christ brought grace, righteousness, and life (Rom. 5:12–21).

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

 

Note on Q-10

Whereas, salvation is not obtained through obedience to God or rituals, our lives are effected by our obedience or lack thereof. God cannot and will not bless disobedience, sin, or rebellion.  Therefore, we will suffer the natural consequences of our actions if we chose to step outside the lines of obedience God has laid down for us personally and in His Word.  We cannot be disobedient and sin, then believe that we can live under the umbrella of God’s blessing and favor.  He will continue to love us and woo us back to an obedient lifestyle but He will not allow us to walk in His favor and blessings.

 

Note on Q-11

The very best thing a person can ever do for their lives, happiness, peace, and rest is to become as obedient as possible to God.  Thus, living a life characterized by obedience to God, His Will, His Ways, His Commands, and His Purpose.

Week of Sept. 29th Defining Obedience Bible Study / Questions 10 & 11

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

 

Obedience

 

Use the definitions provided for a better understanding of what obedience is and to answer the questions, which follow each definition.  Pay special attention to underlined portion of the definitions, they will provide clues for the answering the questions.

 

OBEDIENCE — carrying out the word and will of another person, especially the will of God. In both the Old and New Testaments the word “obey” is related to the idea of hearing. Obedience is a positive, active response to what a person hears. God summons people to active obedience to His revelation. People’s failure to obey God results in judgment. In the Old Testament covenant between God and human beings, obedience was the basis for knowing God’s blessing and favor (Ex. 19:5; 24:1–8). Samuel emphasized that God’s pleasure was not in sacrifice but in obedience (1 Sam. 15:22). Even the promise of a new covenant emphasized obedience as God’s gift (Jer. 31:33).

In the New Testament, the obedience of Christ stands in contrast to the disobedience of Adam. The disobedience of Adam brought death, but the perfect obedience of Christ brought grace, righteousness, and life (Rom. 5:12–21).

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

 

Q-10

Do you believe as Christian today, under the New Covenant, that obedience to God effect our lives in relation to God’s blessings and favor?  Why or why not?

 

Q-11

Will you choose today to commit to God that you will live a life characterized by obedience to Him, His Will, His Ways, His Commands, and His Purpose?

Week of Sept. 22nd Defining Obedience Bible Study / Notes Q 8 & 9

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

Obedience

Notes on Preceding Questions

Use the definitions provided for a better understanding of what obedience is and for greater understanding of the question notes, which follow each definition.  Pay special attention to underlined portion of the definitions.

Obedience =

o·be·di·ence  

n

1.  act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody’s authority

obedience  (n)  Synonyms

compliance, agreement, submission, respect, duty, deference, conformity, tractability, subservience, docility, meekness

Encarta ® World English Dictionary

Note on Q-8

Jesus died on the cross for our redemption and so we might be able to enjoy God’s Will for our lives.  Therefore, it is our duty in return to be willing to get in step with what God want of and for us.  Otherwise, we will not be able to enjoy the abundant life He has in mind for us.

Note on Q-9

We are not god God is God!  We should not act like spoiled bratty children when dealing with God.  It is our responsibility to be respectful, to agree with, defer to, and take a docile and meek attitude toward God.  We must always remember we are dealing with the Creator of the Universe, the One who gives and takes life away. How dare we take any other attitude except reverential obedience.

Week of Sept. 15st Defining Obedience Bible Study / Questions 8 & 9

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

Obedience

Use the definitions provided for a better understanding of what obedience is and to answer the questions, which follow each definition.  Pay special attention to underlined portion of the definitions, they will provide clues for the answering the questions.

Obedience =

o·be·di·ence  

n

1.  act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions, complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody’s authority

obedience  (n)  Synonyms

compliance, agreement, submission, respect, duty, deference, conformity, tractability, subservience, docility, meekness

Encarta ® World English Dictionary

Q-8

Do you believe you have a sense of duty to God and to God’s Will for your life?  Why or why not?

Q-9

Do the words found within the definition above reflect your attitude toward God as His child?  Are you respectful, do you defer, agree with, and take a meek and docile attitude toward God?

Week of Sept. 8st Defining Obedience Bible Study / Notes on Q 1-7

Redemption – Obedience – Grace

The Master of Self

Obedience

Notes on Preceding Questions

Use the definitions provided for a better understanding of what obedience is and for greater understanding of the question notes, which follow each definition.  Pay special attention to underlined portion of the definitions.

Obedience =

5218.  uJpakohv hupakoáeµ, hoop-ak-oá-ay´; from 5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by impl.) compliance or submission:— obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).

5219.  uJpakouvw hupakoáuoµ, hoop-ak-oo´-o; from 5259 and 191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by impl. to heed or conform to a command or authority:— hearken, be obedient to, obey.

5259.  uJpov hupoá, hoop-oá´; a primary prep.; under, i.e. (with the gen.) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the acc.) of place (whither [underneath] or where [below] or time (when [at]):— among, by, from, in, of, under, with. [In composition, it retains the same general applications, espec. of inferior position or condition, and spec. covertly or moderately.]

191.     ajkouvw akoáuoµ, ak-oo´-o; a prim. verb; to hear (in various senses):— give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), ([shall]) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.

New Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words

Note on Q-1

When we are attentive to someone or something, we are paying attention: listening or watching carefully and with concentration and also considerate or responsive: behaving toward somebody in a way that shows special regard or affection.

Note on Q-2

When we hearken to a command, request, or someone’s will we are listening to and pay attention to what is required of us.

Note on Q-3

We are required as God’s children to comply with and submit to God’s Will and Purpose for our lives.  God will not force us to do so; it will be our choice, which we must make for ourselves.  Just as freewill applied to our salvation, it applies to compliance and submission to God as well.

Note on Q-4

None of us will be able to obey God and God’s directives 100% of the time.  This nonetheless, should be our aspiration in life.  Complete and total obedience to God will frees us from the burden of our own self-will.

Note on Q-5

If a person is truly, a subordinate to Christ this will be reflective in their obedience to Christ and His Will for them.  A lack of subordination on a person part reflects a problem in their relationship to Christ.

Note on Q-6

We must, as children and servants of God’s, be willing to follow His commands both when we find it to be easy and convenient and when we find it to difficult and inconvenient.  We cannot pick and choose when we will be obedient and when we will not be obedient.

Note on Q-7

Each person has a specific mission to fulfill for Christ if he or she is willing.  Therefore, each individual must develop their own ability to hear from and understand God and His Will for their specific life.  Learning to recognize God’s voice within their spirit is crucial to this process.