2021 KIBC S1 T3 - Doctrina t3

Understanding the Pharisaic Spirit

Introduction to the Topic

• The speaker greets students and expresses gratitude for their attendance, referencing a previous class that discussed an impressive book fragment.

Historical Context of Pharisees

• The discussion highlights the historical efforts of religion, particularly Phariseeism, to suppress the recognition of God's will through the Holy Spirit across generations.

• It is noted that while early records of Pharisees exist from Jesus' time, similar strategies have been employed throughout history by various groups.

Characteristics of Pharisees

• Different factions within the Pharisees are mentioned, ranging from open-minded to conservative; notably, the Karaites are described as honest seekers who valued scripture.

• A key criticism from Jesus towards Pharisees was their hypocritical behavior—teaching respect for laws while living contrary to them.

The Weakness of Pharisaic Attitudes

• The speaker emphasizes that a major flaw in Pharisaic thinking is its focus on past revelations rather than current divine communication.

• Jesus’ teachings often contrasted what was previously said with new insights he provided, highlighting the importance of being receptive to God’s present voice.

Consequences of a Closed Mindset

• Many individuals cling to past truths and become adversaries against contemporary revelations they perceive as conflicting with their understanding.

• The spirit of Pharisaism aims to silence the Holy Spirit and stifle genuine spiritual engagement by prioritizing intellectual knowledge over heartfelt experience.

Living Out Spiritual Truth

• True mastery over scripture involves not just knowledge but also embodying its principles; using knowledge as a weapon against others indicates a misunderstanding of its purpose.

• The speaker stresses that transformation comes from opening one’s heart to God’s word rather than merely accumulating information.

Embracing Transformation Through Scripture

• Engaging with scripture should lead to personal confrontation and challenge; this signifies effective learning and growth in faith.

• A reference is made to a book discussing pharisaical actions aimed at undermining spiritual guidance within churches.

Encouragement Towards Humility and Openness

• Students are encouraged not to use their knowledge for superiority or judgment but instead seek genuine connection with those in need.

• Jesus exemplified this approach by inviting those who thirst for truth without questioning their backgrounds or beliefs.

Conclusion: Avoiding Pharisaism

• The session aims at fostering simplicity and openness towards God while also encouraging deeper understanding without falling into legalistic traps.

Understanding God's Plan for Humanity

Introduction to the Lesson

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and freedom in sharing knowledge, acknowledging God as the ultimate teacher and example.

Key Concepts in God's Plan

• The discussion continues from a previous lesson about what is most important in God's plan, focusing on His economy and our role in managing His grace.

• It is highlighted that God had a plan even before humanity's sin, reinforcing the idea of divine foreknowledge.

Scriptural Foundation

• Reference to Ephesians 1:4-5, which states that believers were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless through Christ.

• The repetition of these verses aims to deepen understanding of God's eternal intentions for humanity.

Understanding Salvation

• While salvation is crucial, it is noted that God's primary motivation is His paternal desire for us to become His children rather than merely being saved.

• Emphasis on how we are chosen not independently but within God Himself, highlighting our relationship with Him.

Holiness and Blamelessness

• The distinction between being "holy" (a legal status set apart for God) and "blameless" (external conduct), indicating both internal condition and outward behavior matter in our relationship with God.

Predestination and Adoption

• Discussion on predestination for adoption through Jesus Christ as an expression of God's will; this highlights both divine action and human response.

Comprehensive Divine Involvement

• Salvation involves all three persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—contrary to common belief that focuses solely on Jesus' role.

• This holistic view underscores that our election by God stems from His benevolent purpose rather than any merit on our part.

Apostolic Affirmation

Salvation Process and Divine Election

The Role of Peter in Salvation

• Peter emphasizes his significance as a foundational figure in God's building, highlighting the power of the message he conveys.

Key Concepts of Election

• The term "elected" is crucial, appearing in Ephesians 1:4, indicating that believers are chosen according to God's design and pleasure.

Sanctification Through the Holy Spirit

• Jesus Christ enables legal resources for sanctification through His death and resurrection; however, it is the Holy Spirit who executes this process.

• The Holy Spirit acts as a purifying agent, akin to fire during Pentecost, facilitating internal transformation.

Transformation of Hearts

• Isaiah prophesies about God pouring out His spirit to transform hearts from stone to flesh, illustrating the Holy Spirit's role in inner change.

The Interplay Between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• Believers are elected by God the Father for sanctification through the Holy Spirit and called to obey through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

Obedience Through Faith

Understanding Obedience in Christ

• Jesus learned obedience through suffering; His nature empowers believers to obey God effectively.

Glorified Humanity of Christ

• After resurrection, Jesus embodies glorified humanity which redeems human nature corrupted since Adam.

Living Out Obedience Today

• Believers can now obey God because they possess faith; true obedience stems from recognizing Christ’s work within them.

Faith as a Means of Obedience

Struggles with Self-Effort

• Attempting to obey God's law without divine assistance leads to frustration (as described in Romans 7).

The Pathway to True Obedience

• Genuine obedience arises from faith in what Christ has accomplished rather than self-determination or effort.

Ongoing Salvation Process

Continuous Nature of Salvation

• Salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process where believers are continually saved from fears and errors.

Spiritual Blessings Explained

Understanding the Call and Authority in Teaching

The Role of Actions Over Words

• Emphasizes that when creation sees us, it should see God’s power, authority, and love reflected in our actions rather than just our words.

• Highlights the difference between speaking truthfully (like a Pharisee) and living out those truths; true teaching requires embodiment of the message.

The Nature of Teaching as a Calling

• Discusses the desire to be teachers and how this stems from a heart aligned with God's will.

• Clarifies that being a teacher is not about professional validation but about fulfilling a divine calling; there’s a distinction between being professional and being called.

Validation Through Divine Backing

• Questions what defines professionalism in spiritual contexts; suggests that human credentials are secondary to divine endorsement.

• Stresses that God’s backing is essential for effective ministry; no amount of training can substitute for Christ's authority in one’s life.

Faithfulness Leading to Divine Provision

• Asserts that faithfulness in one's calling leads to God opening doors and providing necessary resources for ministry work.

• Encourages focusing on obedience to Christ as the foundation for effective service, emphasizing reliance on Him alone.

The Importance of Election by God

• Introduces the concept of divine election as a source of blessings, celebrating being chosen by God amidst many alternatives.

• Reflects on biblical figures like Noah and Abraham, illustrating how they were chosen by God without actively seeking Him; emphasizes God's initiative in selection.

Understanding God's Initiative in Our Lives

• Discusses Moses’ encounter with God while he was resigned to his life as a shepherd, highlighting God's unexpected call.

Understanding Divine Election and Salvation

The Importance of Giving Glory to God

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of giving glory and gratitude to God for being chosen, highlighting that it is God's choice rather than human decision.

• It is noted that while humans may turn away from God, He never abandons them, as illustrated by the example of Israel's stubbornness despite God's continuous efforts.

Recognition of God's Expectations

• The speaker reflects on how people often fail to recognize what God expects from them, comparing this to animals recognizing their shepherd or owner.

• A poignant description from Hosea illustrates God's love and care for humanity, even in their broken state.

Misattribution of Salvation

• There is a concern about attributing salvation to human effort instead of acknowledging it as solely God's work. This misattribution diminishes the honor due to God.

• The concept that salvation was established before the foundation of the world underscores that our contribution is merely our sinfulness.

Role in Leading Others to Salvation

• When leading others to salvation through the Holy Spirit, one must be cautious not to seek recognition; humans are merely connectors in this divine process.

• Only what is born of the Spirit holds value in heaven; thus, no individual should see themselves as worthy of recognition for another's conversion.

Understanding Election and Identity

• The importance of understanding divine election is emphasized; it shapes one's identity as a child of God with a significant purpose beyond mere salvation.

• Reference to 1 Peter 1:20 reinforces that believers were chosen before creation but revealed in later times out of love.

Creation and Purpose

• Everything created serves a purpose aligned with God's eternal plan for humanity, indicating intentionality behind existence itself.

• Romans begins with an account of fallen humanity while Ephesians starts with being chosen spiritually, illustrating two perspectives on human condition.

Connection Between Books: Romans and Ephesians

• Romans presents a narrative focused on corruption while Ephesians highlights spiritual selection prior to Genesis 1.

• This contrast shows how Paul articulates different aspects of human nature—sinful beginnings versus divine selection.

Identity as Chosen People

• In Peter’s writings, believers are identified as a royal priesthood and chosen people meant for greater purposes beyond just salvation.

Predestination Explained

Understanding Predestination and Purpose in Romans 8

The Concept of Election and Predestination

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of the passage, highlighting the concepts of election and predestination as foundational to understanding God's purpose.

• It is noted that believers are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ, indicating a divine intention for transformation rather than mere selection.

• The distinction between being an only son versus becoming a firstborn among many siblings illustrates the idea of spiritual affiliation within God's family.

• The sequence presented: chosen, predestined, called, justified, and glorified underscores a systematic process in salvation history.

Clarifying Predestination

• The term "predestination" can be complex; it is suggested that alternative translations may help clarify its meaning as marking or identifying individuals for a specific purpose.

• This concept implies that God has placed a mark on believers even before their birth, signifying their intended role in His plan.

Purpose Behind Creation

• An analogy is drawn with automobile design; just as designers focus on purpose over details like color or model, God’s creation serves specific divine purposes.

• Understanding predestination involves recognizing how God marks individuals for future calling based on His overarching purpose.

Biblical Examples of Predestination

• A reference to John 17 highlights Jesus’ prayer where He acknowledges those given to Him by the Father—indicating preordained relationships with His followers.

• Jesus manifests God's name to His disciples who were already marked for salvation before they fully understood their identity.

Transformation Through Justification and Sanctification

• The process begins with God's choice followed by marking individuals for specific tasks; this leads to justification through faith in Christ's sacrifice.

Understanding Predestination and Sonship

The Concept of Being Chosen

• The speaker references Ephesians 1:11, emphasizing that believers are chosen as God's inheritance, predestined according to His purpose.

• The act of being chosen signifies a divine selection for sonship, highlighting the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ.

Purpose and Destiny

• According to Ephesians 1:11, God marked believers before the foundation of the world with a specific purpose and destiny.

• This predestination aims to lead individuals to become children of God, necessitating regeneration to live out this identity practically.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

• The speaker uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate that all children have rights as heirs but may choose different paths.

• One son remains with the father while the other squanders his inheritance; this reflects choices impacting their relationship with their father.

Restoration and Acceptance

• Upon returning home, the prodigal son is embraced by his father but must change his appearance (clothes and hygiene) to fully participate in family life.

• While these changes do not alter his status as a son, they enable him to stand before his father without shame or discomfort.

Grace vs. Works

• The speaker stresses that being declared a child of God is an act of grace rather than something earned through behavior or works.

• True affiliation involves both genetic connection and positional acceptance within God's family; actions should reflect this identity rather than define it.

Returning to Identity

• Acknowledging one’s true identity requires recognizing past mistakes but also taking action towards restoration—returning like the prodigal son did.

• This return is about regaining clarity on who we are in God despite our failures; it emphasizes personal responsibility in maintaining our relationship with Him.

Assurance of Salvation

• Those marked by God's grace will ultimately seek Him again after straying; this reflects His loving intervention in their lives.

Understanding the Process of Divine Transformation

The Divine Calling and Predestination

• The speaker emphasizes that God has a complete and wonderful process for individuals, highlighting predestination and calling as foundational elements in this divine journey.

• Colossians 1:15 is referenced, stating Jesus Christ as the "image of the invisible God," indicating God's desire for many children, not just one.

Condition vs. Position

• The concepts of condition (internal state) and position (external standing) are discussed; harmony between these two allows believers to express their identity as children of God.

• A parable illustrates a son’s return to his father, showcasing how external appearances can deteriorate one's perceived identity despite being a child.

Restoration of Identity

• Upon returning home, the son’s condition changes when he receives new garments from his father, symbolizing restoration to his rightful position as a son.

• The father's actions—embracing and restoring the son's image—demonstrate God's grace in renewing our identities despite past failures.

Spiritual Warfare Against Identity Formation

• There is an acknowledgment that spiritual opposition exists against forming the image of Christ within us; believers may struggle with their external lives reflecting their internal identity.

• Despite being declared righteous by grace through faith, many live at a basic level without expressing their true identity as children of God.

Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformation

• The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in shaping believers' identities post-calling; He helps manifest the image of Christ within them.

• John 1:12 is cited to affirm that belief grants rights to be called children of God, but transformation into His likeness requires active work by the Holy Spirit.

Anticipation for Redemption

• Romans 8:23 discusses creation's longing for redemption; it highlights that mere declaration as children isn't enough—manifestation is essential.

• Believers are encouraged to focus on embodying Christ's image rather than merely improving personal behavior or relationships.

Conclusion on Spiritual Growth

• Emphasis is placed on striving for transformation into Christ's likeness rather than superficial improvements in character or conduct.

Salvation Experience and the Role of the Holy Spirit

The Nature of Salvation

• The experience of salvation includes having the first fruits of the Spirit, yet believers still groan within themselves, eagerly awaiting adoption.

• Although declared righteous and living as children of God, there remains a need for the redemption of our bodies to be fully realized.

Human Condition and Groaning

• Believers experience discomfort in their physical bodies, which are not yet perfected; ailments like hunger and fatigue are seen as burdens.

• Aging is a natural law that causes spiritual groaning as individuals yearn for eternal, incorruptible existence.

God's Plan for Redemption

• God has organized a process for believers to fulfill His purpose through stages: choosing, predestining, and making them His children.

• This journey involves sanctification—being set apart by the Holy Spirit to express Christ's image progressively throughout life.

The Role of the Church

• The church plays a crucial role in this sanctification process by working on believers' character through discipleship.

• While sanctification is fundamentally an act of faith (belonging to God), it requires active expression in daily life.

Understanding Sanctification

• Paul addresses the Corinthians about being sanctified in Christ Jesus while also being called to live out holiness actively.

• Two aspects emerge: positional sanctification (already achieved in Christ) versus practical holiness (a continuous pursuit).

Glorification and Future Hope

• In Romans, Paul emphasizes that while believers are glorified in Christ, they still await completion in their physical bodies.

• The Holy Spirit signifies separation from worldly influences; despite initial fears before Pentecost, empowerment leads to bold witness.

Summary of Key Concepts

• The church is both sanctified in Christ and called to live out that holiness consistently.

Understanding Our Spiritual Affiliation

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Identity

• The concept of being affiliated as children is emphasized, highlighting the operational role of the spirit of sanctification in realizing God's goal for us to be His children.

• Encouragement is given to revisit specific biblical verses and mark them, fostering a deeper understanding through personal engagement with scripture.

Exploring Key Biblical Terms

• A call to search the New Testament for terms such as "chosen," "predestined," "called," "sanctified," "glorified," and "adopted" particularly within the epistles, which can enhance comprehension of these concepts.

• Participants are urged to connect their findings with teachings from the class, reinforcing learning through textual analysis.

Creating Personal Definitions and Glossaries

• After reviewing relevant scriptures, individuals should create a glossary summarizing definitions of key terms discussed in class for better retention.

Sharing Knowledge and Understanding

• An important task involves explaining these spiritual processes—election, predestination, calling, adoption—to someone else to solidify understanding and receive feedback on clarity.

Preparing for Future Lessons

• Emphasis is placed on how this foundational knowledge will prepare participants for upcoming discussions about God’s creative process in Genesis.

• It is noted that God's choice occurred before creation itself, establishing a timeline that underscores our identity as chosen beings even before humanity's creation.

Importance of Communication in Learning

• The necessity of articulating learned concepts to others is highlighted as crucial for internalizing knowledge; speaking reinforces understanding more than mere contemplation or writing.

Engaging Others Responsibly