|
|
|
|
Bible studies:
As a diligent student of the Bible, you will want to make sure the Bible really says what this study says. Always remember to test all things with God's word - as the Bereans did. They "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). First, read the study all the way through, without looking up the Scriptures. Then read the study again, this time looking up the Scriptures. Highlight or mark each verse you look up so you can easily find it later. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are three natures mentioned in God’s word: God’s nature, Satan’s nature and human nature. Satan’s nature controls human nature, so there is no good thing in human nature (Luke 18:19; Rom. 7:18; John 7:7). Human nature is being held captive by Satan to do Satan’s will (2 Tim. 2:26). Satan’s will is put to death in our bodies when we do only God’s Will daily in our lives. Jesus Christ came to tell us about the Father’s nature. He said it is very easy for us to acquire the Father’s nature (Matt. 11:30). All we need to do is forsake our human nature by imitating Him (1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1). The Lord is righteous in all His Ways and kind in all His deeds (Psalm 145:17). When we practice righteous deeds for God, we are obedient to Jesus Christ and we allow the Spirit of God to dwell in us (1 John 3:10; Acts 5:32). We are keeping His Ways because we are doing His Will. The Spirit of God then reveals God’s nature in us (Rom. 8:29; Gal. 1:16; 4:19). This is called the doctrine that conforms one to godliness (1 Tim. 6:3). Human nature will not die without a fight. That is why you must fight the good fight of faith, and have faith that God will implant His nature in you (Psalm 4:5; Phil. 2:12). You will then be a new creature in Christ Jesus (Col. 1:28). When you have this new godly nature, then you will be righteous in all you do. You will be like Jesus because you will keep His deeds (Rev. 2:26). When all you do is righteous, then all you will reap will be blessings. You will be living the abundant life, full of joy and peace, that Jesus Christ came to show you (John 10:10; Acts 3:19, 26). You will understand that you were created to do good works and that the message of eternal life is righteousness (Eph. 2:10; John 8:51). Satan hates it when you practice righteousness for God’s glory because this is how he is put to death in your flesh (Matt. 5:16). Do not let him stop you! Be zealous for good deeds and overcome your human nature (1 Peter 3:13; Rom. 12:21; Psalm 37:27). That is how you resist Satan and have God’s nature formed in you (James 4:7; Eph. 6:11, 13). The God of peace and love, who is calling you to this holy Way of life, will soon crush Satan under your feet, and after you have suffered a little, God will perfect His nature in you (Rom. 16:20; 1 Peter 5:10; Gal. 4:19). (Feel free to give copies of this study to others who want to know God’s truth. You will be doing God’s Will when you show and tell others how to live this special Way.) Bible studies:
|