"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Overcoming Sin by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_08.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Overcoming Sin

INTRODUCTION

1. A wonderful blessing we receive when we become Christians is the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ
1. At our BAPTISM, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all PAST sins
2. Compare Ac 22:16 with Re 1:5
2. This does not mean that our problem with sin is over...
1. We still sin at times - 1Jn 1:8,10
2. Satan does his best to cause us to sin - 1Pe 5:8
3. If we are to maintain a close walk with God, and ultimately receive the riches of glory He has prepared for us, we must overcome the problem of sin in two ways:
1. By sinning less and less - 1Jn 2:1a
2. By knowing what to do when we do sin - 1Jn 2:1b-2
4. This lesson is concerned with helping us see how sin develops, and how to overcome sin with its terrible consequences

[To overcome sin, we need to understand how it develops. The Bible outlines the development of sin in Jm 1:12-15...]

1. HOW SIN DEVELOPS
1. THE FIRST STAGE IS "TEMPTATION"...
1. In Jm 1:14, we see that "temptation" includes two things:
1. DESIRE (some translations say "lust", suggesting a strong desire for something)
2. ENTICEMENT (an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy the desire)
2. Putting it in the form of a simple equation: TEMPTATION = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY
3. To illustrate:
1. A small boy is TEMPTED to steal some cookies when he WANTS (desire) them and has an OCCASION (opportunity) to take them
2. The temptation becomes stronger if he wants them badly, and has a good chance of getting them without being seen
4. PLEASE NOTE: At this stage in the development of sin, actual sin has not yet been committed
1. It is not a sin to be "tempted"
2. For Jesus Himself was "tempted as we are, yet without sin" - He 4:15; 2:18
2. THE SECOND STAGE IS "SIN" ITSELF...
1. "When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin" - Jm 1:15
2. It becomes sin when we ACT and YIELD to the temptation
3. Thus sin involves the added step of some sort of action on our part
4. Again, in the form of a simple equation: SIN = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION
3. THE THIRD STAGE INVOLVES THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNREPENTED AND UNFORGIVEN SIN: "DEATH"
1. "And sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" - Jm 1:15
2. The "death" spoken here refers to spiritual separation from God
1. This separation occurs first in this life - cf. Is 59:2
2. If we die physically in this state, then we will experience the "second death", which involves eternal punishment! - Re 21:8
3. Putting all this into a final equation: DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION + NO FORGIVENESS = DEATH
4. OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIN...
1. Sin will have overcome us if we receive the "final punishment" of Re 21:8
2. But we will have overcome sin if we can avoid this punishment and experience the glories God has prepared for His children!
3. How can we be sure to overcome sin? BY STOPPING ITS DEVELOP- MENT AT ANY ONE OF THE FOUR POINTS LEADING TO THE FINAL PUNISHMENT!

[Now let's examine how this may be done...]

2. HOW TO OVERCOME SIN
1. CHANGE OUR "DESIRES"...
1. Since this is where the process of sin begins, it is the best place for us to begin
2. Bear in mind that it is a part of Christian growth to change our desires - Ro 12:1-2; Ga 5:24
3. How do we change our desires?
1. Notice that the WORD OF GOD has always been instrumental in helping people overcome sin - Ps 119:11; Mt 4:3-10
2. To see how the Word of God can change our desires...
1. As we read of God's love, longsuffering and mercy, we desire to serve Him - Ps 116:12-14
2. As we read of sin and its damnable consequences, we come to hate it! - Ps 119:104
4. So the more we study God's Word, the less likely we will have the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by "nipping it in the bud"!

[But changing our desires takes time; while engaged in the process of changing our desires, what else can we do?]

2. LIMIT OUR "OPPORTUNITIES"...
1. Remember, we are tempted only when there is BOTH desire and opportunity
2. So while we work on changing our desires, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires
3. This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as Jesus taught - Mt 6:13; 26:41
4. We can cooperate with God by:
1. Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires
1. Following the example of David - Ps 101:3-4
2. And the example of Job - Job 31:1
2. Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them
1. Again, David sets a good example - Ps 101:6-7
2. Paul also adds his warning - 1Co 15:33

[But we will unlikely remove EVERY desire and opportunity to sin in this life, what then?]

3. EXERCISE "SELF-CONTROL"...
1. Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to ACTION in fulfilling our sinful desires
2. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can overcome sin!
3. How does the Christian exercise self-control?
1. Self-control is but one aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit" - Ga 5:22-23
2. When we become Christians, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives - Ac 2:38; 5:32
3. The Spirit is God's instrumental agent by which He imparts strength to us - Ep 3:16
4. Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to "put to death the deeds of the body" - Ro 8:12-13
5. As Paul said: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Php 4:13
4. It is through faith in God's Word that the Christian believes that he has this divine help - Ep 3:20
1. It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in behalf of the Ephesians - Ep 3:16
2. But equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you are not alone as you try to do God's will - Php 2:12-13
3. As an exercise commercial once said: JUST DO IT!
5. The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to a temptation - 1Co 10:13

[But there may be times when we don't take advantage of the strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then?]

4. OBTAIN "FORGIVENESS"...
1. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment
2. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! - 1Jn 2:1-2
3. Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins!
1. By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him in BAPTISM - Ac 2:38; 22:16; Re 1:5
2. By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we REPENT, PRAY, and CONFESS our sins to God - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
4. At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!
5. SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT OVERCOMING SIN...
1. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the four points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin!
1. God helps us to "control our desires" by providing His WORD to renew our minds
2. God helps us to "limit the opportunities" through His PROVIDENCE as we pray for such
3. God helps us to "exercise self-control" over our actions through His SPIRIT strengthening the inner man
4. God helps us to "obtain forgiveness" through the BLOOD OF HIS SON as we repent and pray
-- Isn't the grace of God wonderful? - 2Th 3:3; 1Co 10:13
2. In this discussion we have concentrated on "sins of commission"
1. That is, sins we commit by overt action on our part
2. There are also "sins of omission"
1. Sins which come from failing to do what is right - Jm 4:17
2. Overcoming these sins is similar...
1. Change our desires so we want to do what is right
2. Exercise self-control so we act the way we should when we have the opportunity
3. When guilty of sins of omission, obtain forgiveness in the same way
3. In learning the four points at which we may overcome sin, don't think that we can simply wait until we reach the fourth point to act...
1. That is, to just go ahead and sin, then ask God for forgiveness
2. There are several reasons why we should not do this:
1. In baptism, we were freed from the power of sin, and should now present ourselves to God as servants of righteousness - Ro 6:1-23
2. Though we can receive forgiveness for sin, we might still suffer the "temporal" consequences of sins - Ga 6:7-9
3. If we allow sin to deceive us so as to become "hardened",we may get to the point of sinning "willfully" and lose our salvation! - He 3:12-14; 10:26-31
3. So don't take the grace of God lightly and attempt to abuse it!

CONCLUSION

1. How much better it would be to praise God for His grace, and use it to overcome sin in our lives!
2. May the promise found in Jm 1:12 help motivate us to do so:

   "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...

1. Are you engaged in a daily Bible study program which will help you develop the proper kind of desires?
2. Do you "watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation"?
3. Do you avoid circumstances and companions that you know would entice you to sin?
4. Do you pray that God will strengthen you "by His Spirit in the inner man"?
5. Do you ask God daily to forgive your sins, and to help you overcome sin in your life?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

Categorical Bible Reading for August 2022

DATE	LAW		HISTORY		LITERATURE		PROPHECY
08/01/22	GEN. 26	MARK 7	2 CHR. 33	ACTS 17	PROV. 21	HEB. 5	MICAH 4	REV. 15
08/02/22	GEN. 27	MARK 8	2 CHR. 34	ACTS 18	PROV. 22	HEB. 6	MICAH 5	REV. 16
08/03/22	GEN. 28	MARK 9	2 CHR. 35	ACTS 19	PROV. 23	HEB. 7	MICAH 6	REV. 17
08/04/22	GEN. 29	MARK 10	2 CHR. 36	ACTS 20	PROV. 24	HEB. 8	MICAH 7	REV. 18
08/05/22	GEN. 30	MARK 11	EZRA 1	ACTS 21	PROV. 25	HEB. 9	NAH. 1	REV. 19
08/06/22	GEN. 31	MARK 12	EZRA 2	ACTS 22	PROV. 26	HEB. 10	NAH. 2	REV. 20
08/07/22	GEN. 32	MARK 13	EZRA 3	ACTS 23	PROV. 27	HEB. 11	NAH. 3	REV. 21
08/08/22	GEN. 33	MARK 14	EZRA 4	ACTS 24	PROV. 28	HEB. 12	HAB. 1	REV. 22
08/09/22	GEN. 34	MARK 15	EZRA 5	ACTS 25	PROV. 29	HEB. 13	HAB. 2	REV. 1
08/10/22	GEN. 35	MARK 16	EZRA 6	ACTS 26	PROV. 30	JAMES 1	HAB. 3	REV. 2
08/11/22	GEN. 36	LUKE 1	EZRA 7	ACTS 27	PROV. 31	JAMES 2	ZEPH. 1	REV. 3
08/12/22	GEN. 37	LUKE 2	EZRA 8	ACTS 28	ECCL. 1	JAMES 3	ZEPH. 2	REV. 4
08/13/22	GEN. 38	LUKE 3	EZRA 9	ACTS 1	ECCL. 2	JAMES 4	ZEPH. 3	REV. 5
08/14/22	GEN. 39	LUKE 4	EZRA 10	ACTS 2	ECCL. 3	JAMES 5	HAG. 1	REV. 6
08/15/22	GEN. 40	LUKE 5	NEH. 1	ACTS 3	ECCL. 4	1 PET. 1	HAG. 2	REV. 7
08/16/22	GEN. 41	LUKE 6	NEH. 2	ACTS 4	ECCL. 5	1 PET. 2	ZECH. 1	REV. 8
08/17/22	GEN. 42	LUKE 7	NEH. 3	ACTS 5	ECCL. 6	1 PET. 3	ZECH. 2	REV. 9
08/18/22	GEN. 43	LUKE 8	NEH. 4	ACTS 6	ECCL. 7	1 PET.4	ZECH. 3	REV. 10
08/19/22	GEN. 44	LUKE 9	NEH. 5	ACTS 7	ECCL. 8	1 PET. 5	ZECH. 4	REV. 11
08/20/22	GEN. 45	LUKE 10	NEH. 6	ACTS 8	ECCL. 9	2 PET. 1	ZECH. 5	REV. 12
08/21/22	GEN. 46	LUKE 11	NEH. 7	ACTS 9	ECCL. 10	2 PET. 2	ZECH. 6	REV. 13
08/22/22	GEN. 47	LUKE 12	NEH. 8	ACTS 10	ECCL. 11	2 PET. 3	ZECH. 7	REV. 14
08/23/22	GEN. 48	LUKE 13	NEH. 9	ACTS 11	ECCL. 12	1 JN. 1	ZECH. 8	REV. 15
08/24/22	GEN. 49	LUKE 14	NEH. 10	ACTS 12	SONG. 1	1 JN. 2	ZECH. 9	REV. 16
08/25/22	GEN. 50	LUKE 15	NEH. 11	ACTS 13	SONG. 2	1 JN. 3	ZECH. 10	REV. 17
08/26/22	EXO. 1	LUKE 16	NEH. 12	ACTS 14	SONG. 3	1 JN. 4	ZECH. 11	REV. 18
08/27/22	EXO. 2	LUKE 17	NEH. 13	ACTS 15	SONG. 4	1 JN. 5	ZECH. 12	REV. 19
08/28/22	EXO. 3	LUKE 18	ESTH. 1	ACTS 16	SONG. 5	2 JN.	ZECH. 13	REV. 20
08/29/22	EXO. 4	LUKE 19	ESTH. 2	ACTS 17	SONG. 6	3 JN.	ZECH. 14	REV. 21
08/30/22	EXO. 5	LUKE 20	ESTH. 3	ACTS 18	SONG. 7	JUDE	MAL. 1	REV. 22
08/31/22	EXO. 6	LUKE 21	ESTH. 4	ACTS 19	SONG. 8	ROM. 1	MAL. 2	REV. 1

Crossing the Terminator by Gary Rose

Crossing the Terminator by Gary Rose

 

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap010428.html

Three Dog Night and “Black and White”

 

I was a young man with three pre-school age children in 1971 and I loved “Rock and Roll” music. I just accepted the melodies I heard as “normal”, but didn’t really appreciate the music for what it was- simply wonderful! Yesterday, I was listening to YouTube videos and then a Three Dog Night song ( Black and White ) began playing. Now, I hadn't heard this in years, but I enjoyed it so much that I played it over and over again.

Later that day, I remembered a picture of the moon showing the terminator ( the point where darkness becomes light ) and thought about how individuals turn from sin to God is similar to crossing the terminator from darkness to light.

The Bible says...

John 8:12 ( World English Bible )

¹² Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” note: see also John 9:5

Acts 26 ( WEB )

¹ Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.

² “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

³ especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

⁴ “Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

⁵ having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

⁶ Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

⁷ which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!

⁸ Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead?

⁹ “I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

¹⁰ This I also did in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

¹¹ Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

¹² “Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

¹³ at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

¹⁴ When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

¹⁵ “I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

¹⁶ But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;

¹⁷ delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,

¹⁸ to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Luke 15 ( WEB )

¹¹ He said, “A certain man had two sons.

¹² The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ He divided his livelihood between them.

¹³ Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.

¹⁴ When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need.

¹⁵ He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

¹⁶ He wanted to fill his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any.

¹⁷ But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger!

¹⁸ I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.

¹⁹ I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.”’

²⁰ “He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

²¹ The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

²³ Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate;

²⁴ for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ They began to celebrate.

God is the light of the world and we understand that light best as exhibited by the son of God, Jesus. And what does light do? Guides us, prevents our stumbling, helps us see the right way to live our lives. While in this world, Jesus gave us a perfect example of how to live, how to follow the heavenly light which leads us to God and helps us truly live.

Many people actually enjoy living in darkness; doing whatever they like and think this is genuine living; they are wrong. The apostle Paul was a perfect example of this and then he came to his own personal terminator ( point a which darkness and light intersect ). The heavenly vision began a change that completely changed him from a persecutor of “The Way” to one of its most prominent advocates. The “Prodigal son’s” terminator was when he realized how foolish and futile his hedonistic life style was and returned to his family in humility. Two different stories, but both with a change, a change from darkness to light.

I wonder, what event in your life will cause you to realize that you genuinely need the light that only God can supply. When you eventually reach this point, things will become crystal clear, as clear a Black and White. I pray that you never cross the terminator in the wrong direction; stay in the light!

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" The Practice Of Prayer by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_04.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

The Practice Of Prayer

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we discussed Principles Of Prayer, such as:
1. Characteristics of acceptable prayer
2. Obstacles to prayer
3. Answers to prayer
2. With a desire to encourage disciples of Jesus to more diligent praying, this lesson will offer suggestions as to The Practice Of Prayer...

1. WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY?
1. HAVING "SET TIMES" TO PRAY CAN HELP TO CREATE THE HABIT OF PRAYING...
1. For example, consider the practice of:
1. David, whom God described as "a man after My own heart" - Ps 55:17
2. Daniel, whom the angel of God described as "O man greatly beloved" - Dan 6:10
2. These great men of God made it a habit to pray at set times throughout the day; we would do well to imitate their example
3. At the very least...
1. Find some time each day to be alone with God in prayer
1. Early morning may be best for some
2. Others might find it easier to be alone late at night
2. Make it a special time to be alone with your Heavenly Father!
2. YET PRAYERS SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO "SET TIMES"...
1. Special needs call for special times of praying
2. Consider the examples of:
1. Jesus, praying on important occasions - Lk 6:12-13
2. Paul, praying in trying circumstances - Ac 16:25
3. Nehemiah - praying on the spur of the moment - Neh 2:4-5
3. THE GOAL IS TO "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING" - 1Th 5:17
1. Having "set times" will help develop the experience in praying
2. Praying "spontaneously" as needs arise will develop the disposition to pray in every circumstance (i.e., "without ceasing")
2. WITH WHOM SHOULD WE PRAY?
1. JESUS EXHORTED US TO PRAY "IN SECRET" - Mt 6:5-6
1. Private prayer should occupy the largest portion of our total life of prayer
2. Consider the value of "secret prayer":
1. It forms a close union, communion and fellowship with God (it is just you and Him!)
2. It is a true test of your sincerity and devotion
1. You certainly are not doing it to please men (they can't see you)
2. You can't be trying to falsely impress God (He will see right through you)
3. Your Father will reward you "openly" - Mt 6:6
-- Therefore, "private prayer" should be a priority!
2. JESUS ALSO SPOKE OF PRAYING WITH "TWO OR THREE" - Mt 18:19-20
1. The early Christians prayed together often...
1. In times of trouble - Ac 4:23-24; 12:5,12; 16:25
2. In times of departure - Ac 20:36; 21:5
2. A sweetness of fellowship and sense of strength comes when God's people pray together
-- Therefore, "praying with others" should be done as often as possible
3. HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
1. JESUS TAUGHT HOW TO PRAY - Lk 11:1-4
1. The "Lord's Prayer", as it is commonly called, is a model, a guide for learning how to pray
2. A careful examination of this prayer reveals that proper prayer includes:
1. To "whom" we should pray ("Our Father in heaven")
2. Praising God ("Hallowed be Your Name")
3. Supplication
1. For God's purposes ("Your kingdom come. Your will be done...")
2. For our physical needs ("Give us this day our daily bread")
3. For our spiritual needs ("Forgive us our sins...")
4. For spiritual needs of others ("For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us")
3. He also stressed the importance of simplicity in our prayers - Mt 6:7-8
2. A HELPFUL ACROSTIC IN LEARNING TO PRAY IS "A-C-T-S"
1. A = ADORATION
1. I.e., praising God
2. A good example of this is found in 1Ch 29:10-13
3. Spending time in sincere praise of God's greatness will help put us in the proper spirit of humility
2. C = CONFESSION
1. I.e., acknowledging our sins before God
2. When we understand how sin can break the fellowship we have with God, we naturally desire its quick remission
3. Fortunately, as Christians we can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus as we confess our sins - 1Jn 1:9
3. T = THANKSGIVING
1. An important part of prayer, even those in which we are making requests - Php 4:6
2. The benefits of giving thanks are many:
1. Causes us to acknowledge God's existence, love, and care
2. Reminds us of His goodness
3. Helps to shift our focus from what we don't have to what we do have
3. The kind of things to be thankful for:
1. Things we can see in our lives...
1. Health
2. Family and friends
3. God's guidance, answers to previous prayers
2. Things we may not be able to see...
1. Our adoption as His children
2. The forgiveness of sins
3. The hope of eternal life
4. The assurance of His continued presence
4. God's people have every reason to be thankful, and to be known for "abounding in thanksgiving" - Col 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 4:2
4. S = SUPPLICATION
1. I.e., making requests of God - Php 4:6
2. If we are faithful in including the first three (adoration, confession, thanksgiving), this last will prevent prayer from being simply a spiritual "shopping list"
3. When we broaden our requests to include others, we enter into one of the most noble realms of prayer: intercession
1. Something which God wants us to do - 1Ti 2:1
2. Examples of whom we can pray for are given in the next section...
3. FOR WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY?
1. IN THE SCRIPTURES, GOD INDICATES THAT HE WISHES US TO PRAY FOR:
1. Self
1. For physical daily needs - Mt 6:11
2. For personal growth in Christlikeness and devotion to God - Col 1:9-12
2. Family
1. For spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.
2. For their nurture and growth in the teaching of the Lord - Ep 6:4
3. Community
1. For peace to prevail
2. E.g., Jer 29:7
4. Church
1. For love and unity to prevail - Jn 13:35; 17:20-21
2. For the spiritual growth of each member - Php 1:9-11
3. For the gospel to have free course - 2Th 3:1
5. Nation
1. For national repentance and consciousness of who God is - Psa 33:12; Pr 14:34
2. For leaders to rule wisely - 1Ti 2:2
6. Nonbelievers
1. For their salvation - Ro 10:1
2. For the effort of those involved in teaching them - Ep 6:18-20
7. The sick
1. For their restoration to health - Jm 5:14-15
2. For spiritual strength and peace of mind - Jm 5:16
8. The poor and oppressed
1. Such as the homeless, fatherless, unborn children - Pr 29:7
2. Those in other nations oppressed by their own rulers or outside influences
2. IT MIGHT HELP TO HAVE A "PRAYER STRATEGY"...
1. On Monday - Family
1. Pray for both immediate and extended family members
2. For both their physical and spiritual well-being
2. On Tuesday - Church
1. For members in the local congregation
2. For Christians and congregations throughout the world
3. On Wednesday - Community
1. For community leaders
2. For your neighbors
4. On Thursday - Nation
1. For elected officials
2. For efforts to bring peace and righteousness
5. On Friday - World
1. For world peace
2. For nations that are "closed" to the gospel
6. On Saturday - Afflicted
1. For the poor, homeless, jobless
2. For those in prison
3. For those who are sick
4. For widows, single mothers, fatherless children

CONCLUSION

1. These are simply suggestions, to help us see that there is much we can be praying for; other suggestions could include:
1. A "daily prayer strategy" (morning-family; noon-church; evening-community)
2. When praying for the nation and the world, pray about the events described in the newspaper
3. Keeping a "list" or "journal" of those for whom you are praying
2. The important thing is to PRAY, and to do so:
1. "always"
2. "in everything"
3. "earnestly"
4. "being vigilant"
5. "without ceasing"
3. I hope these last two lessons will encourage us to be more diligent in utilizing this wonderful privilege of prayer!

SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...

1. Do you spend time each day in prayer to God?
2. Do you find prayer an easy or difficult activity?
3. Do you pray with other people at times other than before meals, in Bible classes, or in the assembly?
4. Do your prayers include the needs of others, or just your own concerns?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD" Studying The Bible by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/closer-walk-with-god/cw_05.html

"A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD"

Studying The Bible

INTRODUCTION

1. An important element involved in our walk with God is BIBLE STUDY
2. Some new Christians find difficulty getting started in this area
3. But this is an important duty, one which the Bible emphasizes - Ac 2:42; 1Pe 2:2

1. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS IMPORTANT
1. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "SANCTIFICATION"...
1. "Sanctification" means "to set apart"; as used in the Bible, to set apart for God's purpose
2. The Word of God is the means by which God does this...
1. As praised by David in his psalm - Ps 19:7-11
2. As mentioned in the prayer of Jesus - Jn 17:17
-- IF WE ARE GOING TO BE USEFUL TO GOD, THEN WE NEED TO STUDY HIS WORD!
2. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "PRESERVATION"...
1. A lack of knowledge has always destroyed the people of God - Ho 4:6
2. But the YOUNG can keep their ways pure by the Word of God - Ps 119:9
3. And the ELDERS were exhorted to keep the church by the Word - Ac 20:28-32
-- ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS TOWARD BACKSLIDING IS TO NEGLECT GOD'S WORD!
3. BECAUSE THE BIBLE POSSESSES THE POWER OF "SALVATION" AND "CONDEMNATION"...
1. Received properly, it can save our souls! - Jm 1:21
2. It will be the standard by which we will be judged - Jn 12:48

[Will the Word save us, or will it condemn us? Careful study and application of the Bible will make the difference!]

2. WHY BIBLE STUDY IS OFTEN NEGLECTED
1. SOME PEOPLE JUST "TAKE THE PREACHER'S WORD"...
1. For this reason, they do not study for themselves
2. Most preachers are good men, but they can still be wrong - Ac 18:24-26
3. It is our responsibility to "test the spirits" (1Jn 4:1-2), and to be able to identify "false apostles" (2Co 11:13-15)
2. SOME PEOPLE SAY "THEY CAN'T GET ANYTHING OUT OF THE BIBLE"...
1. This may be because they read it so little, or because they do not know how to go about studying it
2. Often it is because they do not use a modern English translation
3. Most have simply made little effort to understand it
4. Yet Paul assumed that people could understand it if they read it - cf. Ep 3:3-4
3. SOME PEOPLE SAY "THEY DON'T HAVE THE TIME"...
1. People who DO study are busy too, but they leave off things that are less important
2. As Jesus commanded, we must put the things of the kingdom of God FIRST - Mt 6:33

[There is really no excuse for neglecting the Word of God. In view of its importance, we would be foolish to do so.

But how shall one study the Word of God? There are several different approaches...]

3. METHODS OF BIBLE STUDY
1. THE "PLANNED-LESSON" METHOD...
1. "A Closer Walk With God" is an example of this method
2. Someone prepares lessons on a subject, then it is studied in a class or at home
3. This is a good way to study, but one's study should not be limited to this method
2. THE "SUBJECT" METHOD...
1. This involves selecting some subject (e.g., "baptism"), then collecting and studying each passage in the Bible on the subject
2. This method has its advantages, but it can be easy to take things out of context and draw the wrong conclusion
3. THE "BOOK" METHOD...
1. This consists of an intensive study of a single book of the Bible
2. Since the Bible was written a book at a time, this is probably the best way to study the Bible
3. DAILY BIBLE READING programs can very easily utilize this approach to the Scriptures
1. E.g., following a program to read through the entire Bible each year
2. E.g., taking a chapter each week to read and study daily, you can cover the New Testament in depth over a five year period
-- Doing both of these will give a person an OVERALL under- standing of the Bible and an INDEPTH understanding of the New Testament

[To get more out of the studying you do...]

4. SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR BIBLE STUDY
1. SET A REGULAR TIME...
1. Regularity is a key to success, so set aside some regular time for study
1. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night, after the children are in bed
2. For "morning larks", early morning before the children arise might be better
2. Family study is a good practice, but each person needs also to have a regular time in which he or she can come face to face with God's message ALONE
2. PRAY AS YOU STUDY...
1. Begin your study with prayer - cf. Ps 119:18
2. As you study, ask God for the wisdom and strength to understand and obey His Word - cf. Ps 119:5,6
3. End your study with prayer - cf. Ps 119:10-11
3. UTILIZE VARIOUS HELPS...
1. TRANSLATIONS
1. Using various translations can help make understanding the Bible easier
2. The more reliable translations are:
1. King James Version (a classic, but somewhat archaic)
2. New King James Version (my personal choice)
3. American Standard Version (most literal, but hard to read)
4. New American Standard Version (a wordy update to the ASV)
3. Some translations that are easy to read can be used as references (e.g., New International Version)
4. One should not put much stock in versions translated...
1. By one man (e.g., The Living Bible)
2. By individuals from one denominational background (e.g., The New World Translation)
2. DICTIONARIES
1. Not knowing the meaning of words is the most common cause for not understanding the Bible
2. An ordinary English dictionary can be used, but there are special Bible dictionaries that are more useful and accurate
3. A good one is "Vine's Expository Dictionary"
3. CONCORDANCE
1. This useful work contains words in alphabetical order along with a list of verses in the Bible where they are found
2. It can be a great time saver in finding verses based on a given subject
3. If possible, use a concordance based upon the translation you use
4. ENCYCLOPEDIAS
1. This type of reference gives detailed articles on the people, places, and things mentioned in the Bible
2. Two good sets are:
1. Zondervan's Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible
2. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
5. COMMENTARIES
1. These are books written by scholars commenting on various books of the Bible
1. One must be careful, as these scholars are not inspired and are subject to mistakes
2. But their insights and the fruit of their own study can be helpful
2. It might be good to ask mature Christians what commentaries they can recommend
6. These and other reference helps are often found in church libraries and may be available for your use; in time, you should gradually develop your own library of Bible study aids

CONCLUSION

1. Such aids can be a great help, but make sure that the conclusions you draw are based upon your own careful study of God's Word!
2. What is most important is that we are engaged in some sort of consistent, systematic study of the Bible so that we are ever being blessed by the Word of God!

SOME QUESTIONS TO STIMULATE YOUR THINKING...

1. How long do you study the Bible daily?
2. Do you study the class lessons at home (when available) that you have in church?
3. If you are not doing so now, are you willing to spend 15-30 minutes daily in Bible study?
4. What's your biggest problem in studying?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022