2014 DECEMBER WEEK TWO LESSON

LESSON THIRTEEN (13)

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

MEMORY VERSE

“So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” Galatians 5: 16 (NIV)

This lesson teaches that as Christians there are two struggles that go on in our body; the result is what is seen by other people we relate to. It is either you walk in the spirit to please God or Walk in the flesh to please Satan. At the end of this lesson you will find answers to the following questions:

What do we mean by Walking in the Spirit?

When we walk in the Spirit, what happens?

What is fulfilling the lust of the flesh or walking after the flesh?

What are the acts of the flesh?

What is the result of those who obey the acts of the flesh?

How can we overcome the acts of the flesh?

1.      WALK IN THE SPIRIT.

It is important you understand that Man is a spirit being, has as a soul and lives in a body (Genesis 1:26). Man is spirit because of God’s consciousness in him (you need to know God in your spirit), Soul – Self consciousness (Mind, Emotions and Will), Body – Sense/ World consciousness (hot, cold sweet, bitter). To walk is to live in a particular way or to conduct your life in particular way. Therefore to walk in the Spirit is to have your daily life under the command and control of the Holy Spirit. Know that the Spirit and the flesh are in conflict. Galatians 5: 16- 24 (New King James Version)

Read Galatians 5: 16-24 and answer the following questions:

a.       What will be the result, if you walk in the Spirit?

.......................................................................................... (verse 16)

b.      What is against the Spirit?

…………………………………………………………..(verse 17)

3. According to Romans 8:1, what will happen to those who walk according to Spirit?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

d.      What do those who live according to the Spirit do? Roman 8:5

………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. FULFILLING THE LUST OF THE FLESH OR WALKING AFTER THE FLESH

The flesh refers to the old nature (the desire to do evil) or man’s fallen nature. The sinful nature is that desire and easiness to sin or err; that is still with the believer even after conversion. The lust of the flesh is what a person desires to do in order to be physically or emotionally satisfied. It is as a result of our actions that people see us either to be spiritual (walking in the Spirit) or carnal (obeying the desires of the flesh)

Read Gal 5:19-22;

a.       What are the works of the flesh? (verses 19-21)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. What will happen to anyone who practices the works of the flesh? (verse 21)

...................................................……………………………………………………………

3. What will happen to those who do not walk according to the flesh? Romans 8:4

………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. What do those who walk according to the flesh do?  Romans 8:5

…………………………………………………………………………………………

e.       Please continue the statement:  (Galatians 5:24) “Those who are in Christ have

……………….………………………………………………………………………

3. HOW DO WE WALK IN THE SPIRIT? GALATIANS 5:16

The reality of your consciousness is reuniting your spirit with the Spirit of God; being alive in Spirit or following the things of God. The Holy Spirit has reunited with your spirit and has given you new birth. (Romans 8:16) Walking in the Spirit is a daily experience of a believer who feeds on the word of God, prays and obeys what the Bible says. You can walk in the Spirit by renewing your mind with the word of God (Romans 12: 1-2); growing by feeding on the word of God (1 Peter 2:2) and being led by the Spirit of God.( Romans 8:14)

a.       What is your reasonable service? Romans 12:1

………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.      How will you not conform to this world? Romans 12:2

………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.       How would you grow? 1 Peter 2:2

……………………………………………………….……………………………………

d.      What is the fruit of the Spirit? Galatians 5: 22-23

………………………...............................…………………………………………………

e.       Since we live in Christ, what should we do? Galatians 5:25

………………………………………………………………………………………………

1.      WALKING THE NEW WAY

This lesson will help you identify the things you are expected to do as a new believer and those you are not supposed to do. Again, it will help you discover what are the things of the Spirit and that of the flesh; and the role of the new believer in the home.

a.       According to Colossians 3: 1, what are the things we are supposed to seek

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Why must we set our minds on things above (Heavenly things). Colossians 3:3

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

b.      If we really want to walk in the Spirit what are some of the things of the flesh that we need to put to death (stop). Colossians 3:5

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.       What will happen to those who keep on living to please the sinful nature? Colossians 3: 6

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

d.      Indicate the things (habits) we need to put off as we walk in the spirit. Colossians 3:8,9

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

e.       What should be the life style of the new believer who is walking in the Spirit?. Colossians 3: 12-17

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

f.       Everyone in a family has a role to play in order to please God. If we play our role in the family and community to please God then we are simply walking in the spirit. Read Colossians 3: 18-22 and state the duties of the following people indicated below:

a.       Wives: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.      Husbands ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.       Children……………………………………………………………………………………………

d.      Fathers………………………………………………………………………………………………

e.       Slaves/House helps ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Conclusion

We believe that this week’s lesson has enabled you to understand how to walk in the Spirit in order not to fulfill the lust of the flesh. We pray you will put these lessons into practice and make it become part of your life, for a fruitful living in Christ Jesus.

You have successfully completed all the lessons on New Life in Christ, Congratulations! Prepare to go through another exciting and growth oriented lessons in the next Volume. The next volume will look at the Keys to abundant Life. The lessons will help you grow and glow; and affect others with your new found faith. Please answer the questions that follow to help you;

1)      How can you put into practice what you learned?

2)      Would you encounter any obstacles incorporating these principles into your life? If yes, how could you overcome them with the help of the Lord and your discipler?

2014 DECEMBER WEEK ONE LESSON

LESSON TWELVE (12)

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

MEMORY VERSE

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience of the Holy Spirit coming upon and filling those who are born again with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Matthew 3:11, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, 8 Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8:14-17 etc.

There are various reasons why we speak in tongues in church and in our privacy.

This lesson seeks to answer the need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and the conditions for the Baptism.

1.      The Need for Holy Ghost Baptism

a)      Reading from Acts 2:4, what filled the disciples and what happened afterwards?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

b)      According to Acts 1:8 and Luke 24:49, when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, He gives you ………………………………………………………… to accomplish mighty works in Christ.

c)       The Holy Spirit helps you in times of your weakness according to Romans 8:26. How?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

d)     According to 1 Corinthians 14:2, what does he who speak in tongues utter and to whom?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

e)      1 Corinthians 14:4 declares that if you speak in a tongue, you …………………………….. yourself.

2.      What do you do to receive the Baptism?

a)      Reading from Acts 2:38-40 what would you do to meet the condition for the baptism?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

b)      Luke 11:9-13 suggests some possible means we may receive the Holy Spirit Baptism. What are they? …………………………………………………………………………………………

c)      Which command did Jesus give the disciples while he was eating with them according to Acts 1:4-5? …………………………………………………………………………………………

d)     According to Acts 2:4, the disciples yielded by availing themselves.

i)                    What does it mean to yield in? .........................................................................................................................

ii)                  What is expected of you? ……………………………………………………………………. ………….

NOTE

1.      The above is the normal order or process but there can be an exception. Eg. At the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-48)

2.      Certain physical manifestations like falling, jumping, crying, shaking etc and also prophesying and other gifts may accompany the occurrence. However, the biblical initial evidence is always the speaking of new tongues as on the Day of Pentecost. Thus, the speaking of genuine new tongues given as utterance from the Holy Spirit is not just the primary evidence which will lead on to secondary evidence but the only initial sign of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

Conclusion

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift for all believers including the new believer who needs Him for spiritual growth and maturity; as well as gifts for the benefit of the Church. Desire for that baptism, pray for it, be in expectation and God will give it to you freely. Try your hand on these questions which is able to aid your understanding of the baptism.

1.      Why is it necessary for me to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? State three (3) reasons that relate to you personally.

a)

b)

c)

2.      What sacrifices do I have to make to meet the conditions for the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Consider three (3) of them.

a)

b)

c)

3.      How can you put into practice what you learned?

4.      Would you encounter any obstacles incorporating these principles into your life? If yes, how could you overcome them with the help of the Lord and your discipler?

2014 NOVEMBER WEEK FOUR LESSON

LESSON ELEVEN (11) 

THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

MEMORY VERSE


“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14: 16-17 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

The Holy Spirit who is the third person in the God Head (Trinity) is a personality. Christians of today should eagerly seek Him after accepting Jesus as their Lord and savior.  A right knowledge of who the Holy Spirit is, affects everything we do, say and think about Him. A proper understanding of the Holy Spirit, therefore, can transform our lives. It must therefore be said for a fact that we are living in the era or dispensation of the Holy Spirit and that any Christian or Church organization that fails to acknowledge the teaching and direction of the Holy Spirit is bound to fail, or merely exist as a religious club.

Today some people doubt the personality of the Holy Spirit. They consider Him a power, a force or an energy, and not a person. However, Scripture shows clearly that He is a person (a Being).
Despite the importance of understanding the Scriptures as a whole, there is much confusion and superstition in the minds of many people about the Holy Spirit. It is our intention in this lesson to present the true understanding of what the Bible teaches about the subject of the personality of the Holy Spirit.

This lesson will however help you get answers to these questions;

a.       Is the Holy Spirit a person, or one that possesses "personality"?

b.      Is the Holy Spirit simply an "influence", or "impersonal force that emanates from God?

c.       Why is the Holy Spirit a person? His Personal Characteristics.

WHY IS THE HOLY SPIRIT A PERSONALITY

A)    THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS

1)      What does 1 Tim 4:1 say and who is speaking?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2)      Go to that chariot and stay near it. Who said this according to Acts 8:29?

………………………………………………………………..

3)      According to Acts 10:19-20, Peter was given a charge to execute. Who gave that charge and what was it?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4)      Reading from Acts 13:1-4, what did you observe the Holy Spirit do?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

B)     THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES

5)      According to Jn. 14:26, the Counselor who was to teach the Apostles and to remind them of all things was referred to as? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

It is worthy to note that Jesus consistently used a personal pronoun “He” “Him” to refer to the Holy Spirit and not "it" (implying a being, not an impersonal force) – Jn. 14:16-17, Jn. 16:7-13

C)    THE HOLY SPIRIT BEARS TESTIMONY ABOUT CHRIST

a.      According to John 15:26, what would the Holy Spirit do when He comes?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.      Just as the apostles (who were "Personal Beings") would bear
         witness, so also the Holy Spirit Jn. 15:27

D)    THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES

c.       According to John. 16:13, what will the Holy Spirit do?     

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

E)    THE HOLY SPIRIT FORBIDS

d.      What did the Holy Spirit do according to Acts 16:6-7?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

This He did by "forbidding" them and "not permitting" them, despite their initial efforts. Sometimes the Holy Spirit can forbid us from making certain decisions.

F)     THE HOLY SPIRIT INTERCEDES

e.       The "Spirit Himself (note Paul's use of the personal pronoun) …………………………..” Rom 8:26

G)   THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

f.       According to Rom 8:27, he who searches our hearts knows …………………………………………………….

g.      1 Co 2:11 suggests that He has knowledge because He knows ………………………………………………….

h.      Humans have affection (love) so do the Holy Spirit. What does Romans 15:30 say?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

i.        According to 1 Cor. 12:11, who decides which person to receive which gift(s)?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

j.        Can we say that based on 1 Cor. 12:11, the Holy Spirit has a will?

Yes…………………… No …………………………

H)    THE HOLY SPIRIT COULD BE OFFENDED

k.      What does Eph. 4:30 say?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

l.        Can we declare base on Eph. 4:30 that the Holy Spirit has emotions? 

Yes…………………………No …………………………

m.    What are the three things you are not to do against the Holy Spirit according to Matt. 12:31-32

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

n.      According to Acts 5:3 what did Ananias and his wife, do and against who?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

o.      What was the result of their actions against the Holy Spirit?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

p.      What did the Jewish leaders do according to Acts 7:51-53?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Conclusion
From the discussions above, it is obvious to agree with the Bible that the Holy Spirit is a person who possesses all the unique characteristics such as a ability to speak, think, guide etc. He cannot be a force, energy or an object as some suggest.

Having gone through this lesson, kindly meditate over how your personal relationship with the Holy Spirit is. How does He feel towards you? What has He done, and is doing, for you in God's scheme of redemption? And how does He react to your reception or rejection of the Word He has revealed? How can you put into practice what you learned?

Would you encounter any obstacles incorporating these principles into your life? If yes, how could you overcome them with the help of the Lord and your discipler?