Christian Living | 1

A Global Association of Theological Studies Publication

 Christian Living | 2

All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible unless otherwise
indicated. In public domain.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman
Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All
rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©
1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

GATS Edition
Copyright 2014 United Pentecostal Church

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Carter, Colleen.
Christian living / Colleen Carter. -- GATS Edition.
pages cm
"A Global Association of Theological Studies publication."
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN: 978-0-7577-4633-8
1. Christian life--Textbooks. I. Title.
BV4511.C275 2014
248.4--dc23
2014031368
 Christian Living | 3

With gratitude,
Global Missions
acknowledges
Lynne Jewett
and her $5000 contribution
to sponsor
the production and translation of
Christian Living
by Colleen Carter.

In Dedication to Wanda Faye Mean Drost

It is my privilege and honor to dedicate Christian Living by Colleen Carter
in memory of Sister Wanda Faye Drost. She was an example of a true Christian
lady, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Her gentle spirit and kind words
changed not only my life, but many others as well. She inspired countless
women throughout Central America and Mexico with her ready smile and
kindness, whether they were rich or poor, it really didn’t matter. She has prayed
and taught Bible studies in every kind of home from the garbage dump of
Guatemala City to mansions in Polanco, Mexico City. Pastors’ wives throughout
this part of the world still refer to many of the lessons she taught them. She was
 Christian Living | 4

the one that introduced Ladies Ministries to the countries of El Salvador,

Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Her courage in time of war and steadfast
faith in times of trouble taught us all how to trust in that “Unseen Hand.”

Wanda Faye Drost was born in Hillsborough, New Brunswick, Canada, to

Horace and Grace Mean on July 16, 1951. At the age of nineteen, she married
Thomas Wynn Drost on August 22, 1970, and shortly thereafter began her
missionary journey in the country of Spain. This is where their first two sons,
Steven and Daniel, were born. In 1975, shortly after Mark was born in Canada, she
followed her husband’s calling to the war-torn country of El Salvador. I will never
forget the story she told of standing in the bathroom and looking up at the rats
staring down at her. Right then and there she told the Lord that if He wanted her to
be in that country, He would have to give her a love for the people. Anyone who
knew her can testify to the fact that she truly loved the people she served.

In 1982, the Drost family moved to the neighboring country of Guatemala,

while continuing to oversee the work in El Salvador. During the nine years they
lived in Guatemala, they were also supervising the work in Belize, El Salvador,
Nicaragua, and Southern Mexico. In January of 1991, the Drost family took up
residence in Mexico City, Mexico. All three of their sons attended Bible school,
married, and came back to help establish the work in that city. When the
grandchildren came along, Sister Drost could not have been happier. She prayed
that they would be girls. The Lord granted her wish for the first four
grandchildren and then so kindly gave her a few weeks with her very first
grandson, before the He called her home. On January 15, 2001, Wanda Faye
Drost finished her missionary journey here on this earth and began her heavenly
journey with the Lord. Only the Lord knows how many lives—besides mine—
were touched and forever changed by this great Christian lady, Sister Wanda
Drost.

Lynne Jewett
Missionary to Guatemala
Children’s Ministries Coordinator
Central America/Caribbean/Mexico
 Christian Living | 5

Contents
Introduction: What Is Christian Living 7
1. Obedience 14
2. The Rewards of Obedience 22
3. The Mind 30
4. Doors to the Mind 37
5. The Will 48
6. Guard Your Heart 53
7. How Is Your Heart? 61
8. Fruitful Actions 72
9. The Destructive Three 81
10. Which Frame of Mind Are You? 91
11. A Matter of Attitude 98
12. The Unruly Member 106
13. Words Fitly Spoken 116
14. Holy Hands 124
15. Dedicated Hands 132
16. Have Ears? Listen 140
17. Clear Vision 149
18. Walking in His Ways 156
Afterword: Reflecting His Glory 164
Christian Living | 6
 Christian Living | 7

Introduction

What Is Christian Living?

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their
inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and
they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33).

Focus

The Christian life is a holy life. Holiness begins on the inside. The inward
experience will affect the outward actions and appearance.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

What is a Christian? A Christian is someone who is Christ-like, living

daily as taught by the example of Christ.

The magazine Guideposts defines a Christian in four ways:

• A mind through which Christ thinks.

• A heart through which Christ loves.
• A voice through which Christ speaks.
• A hand through which Christ helps.
 Christian Living | 8

Many people label themselves as Christians, yet live any way they please.
Christians live in obedience to God’s Word, writing His commandments upon
the tables of the heart.

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with

thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple
of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table
of thine heart” (Proverbs 7:1-3).

A Call to Holiness

God has called us to a walk of holiness.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith

the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”
(II Corinthians 6:17).

Christian living begins with holiness inside, but shows itself outside.

“We must believe in holiness externally, internally, and eternally”

(T. F. Tenney).

Inward holiness is important. A person can appear holy on the outside,

but be unholy on the inside. However, a person cannot be holy on the inside and
unholy on the outside.

Hudson Taylor was seated in a room with a new missionary to

China. He filled a glass with water, placed it on the table, and then
struck the table with his fist. As the water splashed out, he said to
the young missionary, “You will be struck by the blows of many
sorrows and troubles in China, but remember, they will only splash
out of you what is in you” (The Divine Eagle by Selwyn Hughes).

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God” (Romans 8:16).

What is on the inside will eventually come out for all to see.

When we are holy, we have the truth of the Word of God in our hearts.
The Lord desires truth in His children. The psalmist said, “Behold, thou desirest
 Christian Living | 9

truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know
wisdom” (Psalm 51:6).

Only God can make a person holy. Only He can renew a heart and remove
the stains of sin, washing it white as snow.

God’s Promises

In Jeremiah 31:33, God promises:

• I will put my law in their inward parts.

• I will write it in their hearts.
• I will be their God.
• They will be my people.

This new covenant was needed because the old one was inadequate. God
had written the old one in stone, but Jeremiah prophesied that God would write
the new one in the heart. The Holy Spirit would accompany the new covenant.
This would give people power and grace to live righteously.

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within
you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I
will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my
judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

God gives us new hearts so we can better love and obey Him. The ability
to respond lovingly to the Lord comes from the Holy Spirit in us. Paul stated,
“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).

Internal Holiness

How can we develop internal holiness? In Because We Are His, Raymond

Woodward stated, “If you are a Spirit-filled child of God, you already have
internal holiness, because God’s Spirit is holy!” However, God must reign in our
lives for us to continue living a holy life. The power of the Holy Spirit overcomes
sin, allowing us to live a victorious life.
 Christian Living | 10

One man said, “In order for a car to run, you must keep it full of diesel.
An empty tank will get you nowhere.” In order to live as a Spirit-filled
overcomer, we must stay full of the Spirit. Christians can live above sin if they
continue to seek His righteousness.

Lord Jesus,
Here is my brain; think through it.
Here is my face; glow through it.
Here are my hands; touch with them.
Here are my eyes; see through them.
Here are my ears; listen with them.
Here are my lips; speak through them.
Here is my heart; love through it.
(Author Unknown)

The Christian Way

Christians have the mind of Christ, so they think like Christ.

Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 2:5). He continued, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

If you are unsure of whether it is good to do something, ask yourself,

“What would Jesus do? Would what I am about to do please Him?”

Paul admonished the Philippians to control their minds. We too must guard
our thoughts. When we allow our minds to dwell on unholy thoughts, we pay the
consequences. Worldliness will rob us of our peace, joy, and nearness to the Lord.

Conclusion

The study of the following subjects will help us live like Christ:
• Obedience to God (His Word and way)
• The mind
• The heart
• The tongue
 Christian Living | 11

• The eyes
• The hands
• The feet
• The seven deadly sins
• The lust of the flesh
• The lust of the eyes
• The pride of life

A short Sunday school chorus goes along with these subjects:

“Oh be careful little heart what you hide,

Oh be careful little heart what you hide,
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
Oh be careful little heart what you hide.”
(Change the words to fit the various subjects.)

People cannot see inside, but God can. He knows every thought and intent
of our hearts. I Samuel 16:7 states, “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man
looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and
serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the
LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations
of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if
thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (I Chronicles 28:9).

“What have you done today that only a Christian would have done?”
(T. F. Tenney)

What Have You Learned?

1. How does Guideposts define a Christian? _____________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What has God called us to? _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 12

3. What does T. F. Tenney say about believing in holiness? ________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What are God’s promises to His children in Jeremiah 31:33? ____________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Why does God give us new hearts? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What does Raymond Woodward say about internal holiness in his book
Because We Are His? ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What question should we ask ourselves when we are unsure of what to

do? ____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What will worldliness rob us of? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. According to I Samuel 16:7, man looks on the outward appearance, but the
Lord looks where? _______________________________________________________

10. What question concludes this lesson? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 13

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 14

Lesson 1

Obedience
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by
the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

Focus

Hearing the Word is not enough. Faith in God leads us to obey His Word.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

Our actions affect people. Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden

affected all humanity. One man’s wrongdoing placed a sentence of judgment on
everyone. Through one righteous deed (Christ’s death), the gracious gift of
redemption came to all people. The effect of Christ’s righteous deed extends as
far as the effect of Adam’s transgression.

“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the
offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the
gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded
unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for
the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of
many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death
reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace
 Christian Living | 15

and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus

Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all
men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free
gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Romans 5:15-18).

Disobedience made us sinners, but the obedience of Christ brought us

redemption, allowing us to be called righteous. Christ’s obedience covers those
affected by Adam’s disobedience.

Hearers Versus Doers

“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of
the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13).

In the New International Version, Romans 2:13 says, “For it is not those who
hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law
who will be declared righteous.”

Everyone can listen to the Word of God, but only the ones who obey it are
righteous in God’s eyes.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul began (1:5) and ended (16:19) by linking
faith to obedience. “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for
obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name” (Romans 1:5).

The design of the gospel is to persuade people to obey God. Faith in God
produces obedience. Romans 15:18; 16:19; II Corinthians 7:15; and James 2:26
confirm this.

Faith and obedience work together. Faith without commitment to the

Word of God is vain.

“Faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is both the act of a single

moment and a continuing attitude for life that must grow and be
strengthened. Our faith should become greater because we have
faith in a definite person who died for us. Trust and obedience
develop into loyalty and devotion; loyalty and devotion develop
into an intense feeling of personal attachment to and love for Jesus
Christ. This faith in Christ brings us into a new relationship with
God and exempts us from His wrath; by it we become dead to sin
 Christian Living | 16

and indwelt by the Holy Spirit” (The Full Life Study Bible—King
James Version).

The depth of people’s faith can be judged by their obedience. When

people obey Christ, their faith grows.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your
own selves” (James 1:22).

“We cannot become what God wants us to become until

we do what God wants us to do” (T. F. Tenney).

Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt
offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat
of rams” (I Samuel 15:22).

People can outwardly worship God, but unless willing obedience

accompanies it, it is worthless. Saul disobeyed and rebelled against God’s clear
instructions. God told Saul to smite Amalek, sparing nothing. Instead of listening
to God, Saul took Agag, the king of the Amalekites, alive. He also saved the best of
the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and all that was good. Saul’s disobedience cost
him the kingdom. God dethroned him because he did his own thing.

King David was a different story.

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he
charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be
thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; and keep the charge
of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and
his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is
written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that
thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: that the LORD
may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If
thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with
all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said
he) a man on the throne of Israel” (I Kings 2:1-4).
 Christian Living | 17

David admonished Solomon to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to

God. However, Solomon’s disobedience and desire to do his own thing resulted
in God’s judgment. His disobedience led to the kingdom being divided and
finally destroyed. There is a great price attached to disobedience.

The Word of God must be followed in every detail. From the crossing of the
t’s to the dotting of the i’s, the Word of God is to be obeyed. People cannot choose
to obey some commandments and forget others. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Christ’s Example of Obedience

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of obedience.

As a child, Jesus was obedient to His parents. “And he went down with
them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all
these sayings in her heart” (Luke 2:51).

Jesus did exactly what He was supposed to do. Even though He did not
want to drink of the bitter cup of death, He did it. He prayed, “Father, if thou be
willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done”
(Luke 22:42).

To do all He was supposed to, He had to die. Jesus Christ lived in

complete obedience and gave His life for humanity. “But made himself of no
reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able
to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he
were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5: 7-9).

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the
body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).
 Christian Living | 18

Obeying God Rather Than People

“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all
nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and
said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken
unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak
the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20).

Although the magistrates threatened Peter and John, the disciples ceased
not to preach the name of Jesus.

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy
servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29).

Those who obey God receive the Holy Ghost and power.

“And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy
Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:32).

Obeying God rather than people will not always make a person popular.

“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and
beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the
name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence
of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer
shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house,
they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:40-42).

When obeying God, it is not always possible to please people. Paul saw
that his duty was to please God. If he displeased someone by pleasing God, then
so be it. A life separated from sin will conflict with some people.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?

for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ”
(Galatians 1:10).

Conclusion

A godly example of obedience impacts others more than we realize. To be

saved we must be doers of the Word and not just hearers. When God tells us to
 Christian Living | 19

do something, we should obey His voice. He is our heavenly Father and always
knows best.

Christ gave us a spotless example of obedience. Although obedience costs

us, the rewards are great.

What Have You Learned?

1. Summarize Romans 5: 15-18. ________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Who is considered righteous in God’s eyes? __________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What two things work together? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. How is faith measured in a person’s life? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What did Saul’s disobedience cost him? ______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What happened when Solomon neglected to obey God’s Word? _________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. Obedience is better than what? ______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 20

8. Who is our best example of obedience? ______________________________

9. What happened to Peter and John when they preached Jesus? ___________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. Why does obeying God sometimes cause us to conflict with others?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 21

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 22

Lesson 2

The Rewards of Obedience

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”
(Isaiah 1:19).

Focus

The rewards for obeying God’s laws are many.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

“That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest
obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy
life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land
which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and
to Jacob, to give them” (Deuteronomy 30:20).

Obedience Brings

• Blessing

The people of God were given a choice of whether they wanted a blessing
or a curse.
 Christian Living | 23

“A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God,

which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will not obey the
commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the
way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which
ye have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:27-28).

The Israelites were to choose whether they would live a victorious

lifestyle. God promised that if they obeyed His laws, His blessings would come
upon them and overtake them.

“And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if
thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God”
(Deuteronomy 28:2).

Their obedience would bring blessings (Deuteronomy 28:3-14):

• In the city and field

• In the fruit of their body, ground, cattle, kine, and sheep
• In their basket and store
• When they came in and went out
• Their enemies would be smitten
• Make them plenteous in goods
• Make them a holy people
• The Lord would open His good treasure unto them
• It would rain on their crops in the right season
• The Lord would bless all the work of their hands
• They would be the head and not the tail
• They would be above only and not beneath
• They would lend unto many nations but never borrow

All of this would only come, “If that thou hearken unto the
commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe
and to do them” (Deuteronomy 28:13).

God blessed Abraham because he obeyed the Lord. His willingness to

offer Isaac as a sacrifice brought God’s blessings upon his life.

“And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the
second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for
because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son,
 Christian Living | 24

thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I
will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand
which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of
his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be
blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice” (Genesis 22:15-18).

Because of Abraham’s obedience, God’s covenant promise remained in

effect.

• Long Life

“And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my

commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen
thy days” (I Kings 3:14).

When Solomon began his reign as king of Israel, he prayed that God
would give him wisdom and a discerning heart so that he might know how to
deal with God’s people. This request pleased the Lord. Solomon had not asked
for anything for himself. He could have asked for wealth, a long life, or the lives
of his enemies, but instead he asked for discernment in judgment. Solomon
wanted to be a good king who cared for his people and gave them the best
leadership possible. Because of his humility, God gave him what he asked for
and many things that he had not requested.

The gift of wisdom was not a guarantee that Solomon would always live a
godly lifestyle. That is why God emphasized that a long life would be his if he
walked in God’s ways.

• A Peculiar Treasure

On Mount Sinai God gave Moses a message for the children of Israel. God
told Moses to remind them of how He had brought them out of Egypt.

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my

covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all
people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom
of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt
speak unto the children of Israel” (Exodus 19:5-6).

God’s message had a catch to it. If they obeyed His voice, they would be a
peculiar treasure to Him. Israel was to be God’s own treasure, having a different
 Christian Living | 25

relationship with Him than other nations because He was Israel’s Redeemer.
Their obedience separated them from the rest of the world, making them a holy
nation.

Living a life acceptable unto the Lord requires us to separate from the
world’s sinful ways. Paul instructed the Corinthians:

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith

the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (II Corinthians 6: 17-18).

Christians are commanded to live a holy life.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a

peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (I Peter 2:9).

• Salvation

Noah’s obedience to God’s commandments saved his life, his family, and
the world. People probably laughed at Noah and thought him to be mad. A four-
hundred-eighty-year-old man was building a boat on dry land to escape a
coming flood when it had never rained. Noah’s deep trust in God caused him to
begin building a refuge of salvation for the family he did not have.

Noah was a righteous man, called by God’s Word “perfect in his

generations” (Genesis 6:9). He walked with God. He lived a life separate from the
evil corruption around him. He communed with God and feared Him. The
righteousness in Noah’s life came through his faith. God bestowed mercy and grace
upon him because he remained distant from a perverse generation. Noah was
saved from the earth’s destruction through the covenant God made with him.

• The Presence of God

Obedience to God’s commandments brings His presence. We can feel Him

in a real way when we draw close to Him.
“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he
will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (II
Chronicles 15:2).
 Christian Living | 26

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8).

Those who seek the Lord experience His wonderful presence.

• Answered Prayer

While Aaron and Israel disobeyed God, Moses obeyed and prayed for the
Lord to show him His way. Because of Moses’ obedience, God answered his
prayers.

“Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew
me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy
sight: and consider that this nation is thy people” (Exodus 33:13).

“And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou
hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee
by name” (Exodus 33:17).

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”

(James 5:16).

God’s promises are contingent upon our obedience. If we obey God’s

voice and continue in His ways, He will hear and answer our prayers. God
responds to earnest prayer.

• Restoration

Jeremiah wrote a letter to the Jews in Babylon. The seventy years of

captivity had been a terrible time for them. In his letter, Jeremiah told them to
continue to seek the Lord. If they would seek the Lord with all their hearts and
obey His Word, restoration would be theirs.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I
will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye
shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Do not give up on God just because an obstacle has arisen. Jeremiah told
Judah that the remnant would seek God earnestly for restoration. God promised
 Christian Living | 27

to answer because He had great plans for them. God listened to their prayers,
looked at their obedience, and fulfilled His promise.

“And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away
your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from
all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will
bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried
away captive” (Jeremiah 29:14).

Conclusion

Parents praise their children for obeying them. The Lord also rewards His
children for obeying His commandments. An obedient child of God is the most
blessed individual on earth. Obedience does not go unrewarded. God sees all
that we do and blesses us accordingly.

“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the

inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24).

What Have You Learned?

1. List five things that obedience brings.
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________
D. _______________________________________________________________
E. _______________________________________________________________

2. What did the Israelites have to do in order to be blessed? _______________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What continued because of Abraham’s obedience? ____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 28

4. According to this lesson, what are Christians commanded to do? Provide

Scripture with your answer. ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Why was God’s mercy and grace bestowed upon Noah? _______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What do the people who seek God experience? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. God fulfills His promises in response to what? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What did Jeremiah tell the Israelites in his letter? ______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 29

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 30

Lesson 3

The Mind
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but
they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).

Focus

The mind can be transformed when submitted to Christ.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

The mind is the headquarters where information is gathered and

understood. The world affects the mind. Permanent damage can be done only if
the individual allows his or her mind to dwell on evil. The Spirit of God renews
the Christian’s mind and gives him or her the power to resist the enemy and
overcome evil.

The Carnal Mind

“But I was born a sinner, yes, from the moment my mother

conceived me” (Psalm 51:5, TLB).

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans
3:23).
 Christian Living | 31

Every person is born a sinner. Sinners have carnal minds. Their main
focus is on the things of the flesh. Paul stated, “For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be”
(Romans 8:6-7).

Enmity means “an enemy.”

Coming to Christ can defeat the rule of carnality. Christ can give us a new
mind.

The New Mind

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things

are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II
Corinthians 5:17).

“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new

person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”
(II Corinthians 5:17, TLB).

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission
of our sins, and receive the Holy Ghost, we become new creatures. We are given
a new mind. We think differently than we did before we were born again.

The Renewed Mind

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23).

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new
and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think.
Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will
really satisfy you” (Romans 12:2, TLB).

We need to daily renew our minds. The enemy is constantly warring for
our thoughts. The way to defeat him is to ask the Lord to renew our minds.
“Lord, renew my mind. Cleanse my thoughts with your blood, and help me to
remain focused.”
 Christian Living | 32

The natural mind cannot know God. God speaks to humankind through
His Spirit, and the Spirit speaks to the mind. To truly know God, we must have
the Spirit of Christ. (See I Corinthians 2:10-16.)

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in
spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

When the mind is renewed, inward change produces outward change. If

the spirit, temper, and nature of the mind are not renewed, an outward change is
of little worth and will not last.

The Guarded Mind

“But the Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you
from satanic attacks of every kind” (II Thessalonians 3:3, TLB).

Guarding the mind is important. We need to be protected against the

enemy’s tricks.

A few ways to guard our minds are:

• Through prayer and fasting.

• Reading God’s Word.
• Reading Christian literature.
• Asking God to cover our minds with His blood.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

“For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the
sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and
desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (Hebrews 4:12, NLT).
 Christian Living | 33

The Word of God is strong enough to tear down the kingdom of the devil
and build God’s kingdom on the ruins.

The Word of God is sharp on both sides. It enters where no other sword
can, performing a life-changing operation.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

It is no coincidence that the helmet that protects the soldier’s head and
mind is mentioned in the same passage as the sword of the Spirit. The helmet
protects the mind, and the sword cuts down anything that might injure the mind.

The Submitted Mind

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first
and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

When we love God with all our mind, we submit our mental power to His
will. We love His law and the gospel more than we do our decisions. When we
willingly submit our plans, decisions, and thoughts to Him, we show that we
truly love Him as He commanded.

The Christ-centered Mind

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 2:5).

God Himself came in flesh to provide salvation for man. For three and
one-half years, He lived what He preached, showing humanity the way. By His
words and example, He trained His disciples to carry on His work.

Jesus is our model. We should frame our lives, as close as possible, after
His great example.
 Christian Living | 34

Conclusion

Even though we are born sinners, we can be made righteous by the

cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. He takes our carnal mind and makes it new.
A daily renewal gives perfect peace because our mind is stayed on Christ
(Isaiah 26:3).

The enemy is warring for our minds. He wants control of headquarters.

Nevertheless, by dedicating ourselves to the Lord through prayer, fasting, and
Bible study, we can guard our minds against the attack of the enemy, defeating
him in Jesus’ name.

What Have You Learned?

1. What is the mind? _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Quote Romans 3:23. _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. When do we get a new mind? _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. How often should people renew their mind? __________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. When the mind is renewed, what does inward change produce? ________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 35

6. What are two ways to guard our minds?

A. ______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________

7. Quote Hebrews 4:12. _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What do the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit do for the
mind? _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. What happens when we love God with all of our mind? ________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. Quote Philippians 2:5. _____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 36

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 37

Lesson 4

Doors to the Mind

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of
thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health
to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are
the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and
perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let
thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet,
and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor
to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:20-27).

Focus

The five senses are doors to the mind. We must guard our senses to
protect our mind.

“Thinking is more precious than all five senses”

(Nachman of Bratslav).

What I Have Learned

Introduction

Since the beginning of time, Satan has warred for control of people’s
minds. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent planted the seed of unbelief in Eve’s
mind, tempting her to sin. Since then, a continual battle between good and evil
 Christian Living | 38

has progressed in man’s mind. Satan desires to control man’s choices so he can
rule him.

Satan cannot read our thoughts.

He can only attack our mind in hopes of destroying us.

The story of Judas betraying Christ (John 13:2) proves this. Satan attacked
Judas’s mind and tempted him. He knew that he only had to mention money and
Judas would listen.

Satan knows our faults, but there is hope. After receiving the Holy Ghost,
we have the power to defeat the devil. At baptism we take on the name of Jesus,
and at the name of Jesus the devil must flee. Jesus’ name is so powerful that
Satan cannot withstand it.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will

flee from you” (James 4:7).

Man’s Five Senses

The mind is the headquarters or, scientifically speaking, the nucleus

(basis) of the body. The brain sends messages to the rest of the body, telling the
different parts what to do. It is the operating system. The mind has five doors.

The five doors are the five senses:

• Ears (hearing)
• Eyes (sight)
• Nose (smell)
• Mouth (taste)
• Hands (touch)

When God created Adam with five senses, He meant for him to guard
them and screen what entered his mind. God wants to control your mind, but He
will never force us to submit to Him.

The devil is forceful, sneaky, and will take all he can get. “Give him an
inch and he will take a mile.” As Christians, we need not give him anything.
 Christian Living | 39

The devil brought humanity down by attacking the five doors. None were
locked, so he entered and made himself at home.

We have previously studied Genesis 3, but have never looked for the
senses.

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which
the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath
God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [Eve opened
her ear door when she listened to the serpent.] And the woman said
unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God
hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for
God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall
be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And
when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it
was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise
[Eve opened her eye door when she looked at the forbidden fruit.], she
took of the fruit thereof (The touch door opened when Eve took of the
fruit], and did eat [Eve opened her taste door.], and gave also unto her
husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:1-6).

The devil tricked Eve into unconsciously inviting him into her mind. His
tricks are many. He will come as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, ready to attack when
there is any sign of weakness.

Christians need to stand tall and strong, telling the devil that he is a liar
and the father of all lies.

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will
do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the
truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he
speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).

Satan cannot control our mind unless we let him. When we resist him, he
has to flee, but we have to start the fight.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you
 Christian Living | 40

the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

In the power of the Holy Ghost, we can guard the doors of our mind,
stand firm in God’s Word, and ignore the devil’s knocking.

In Christian Education, Linda Poitras stated, “Unless we are physically

handicapped (blind, mute, deaf), we have five gates (doors) that control access to
our minds . . . What we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste determines what we
learn . . . Our minds are the headquarters of our soul. What is put in our minds
decides our eternal salvation or destruction.”

Like a digital recorder, only what the mind records can be played back.

Oh Be Careful Little…

These precious gifts (five senses) that God has given to us are sometimes
taken for granted. We become careless with these priceless abilities.

A teacher asked her class to list what they thought were the
present “Seven Wonders of the World.” They finally agreed on:

1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids

2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter’s Basilica
7. China’s Great Wall

The teacher noticed that one little girl had not said anything. When
asked if she was having trouble, she replied, “Yes, a little. I could not
decide because there are so many.”
The teacher said, “Tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.”
The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the
World are:

1. To touch
2. To taste
3. To see
4. To hear
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. To love.”
 Christian Living | 41

When she finished, the room was silent. The things we consider
plain and “common” are truly wondrous. The most valuable things in life
cannot be bought.

(Adapted from The Ladies Touch, South Flint Tabernacle’s Ladies

Publication.)

• Ears: “Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of
knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12).

What we listen to goes into our mind.

The devil will knock at this door through bad language, dirty jokes,
worldly music, television, radio, and movies/videos. If we have disciplined
ourselves to listen to only godly things, we will not hear the tempting tap of the
enemy.

A few ways people can keep their ears pure are:

o Listen to positive conversation.

o Listen to godly music that uplifts the Lord and praises His holy
name.
o Attend church as much as possible to hear the preaching of the
Word.
o After prayer, stop and listen to what God might say. He will give
the strength needed to overcome the devil.

• Eyes: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of
them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalm 101:3).

The devil flashes the world before our eyes, trying to tempt us to sin.
Many people have fallen for this trick, thinking they could find happiness and
peace in sin, but the world has nothing to offer that compares to God’s peace.

A few ways the devil attacks the mind through the eyes are:

o Television, movies, videos.

o Billboard advertisements.
o Immodesty and pornography.
o Immoral actions of others.
o The Internet.
 Christian Living | 42

o Magazine advertisements and newspapers.

There is hope for the child of God. We can escape if we keep our eyes on
Christ. The psalmist David made a covenant to not set anything sinful before
his eyes.

With modern technology, it is becoming harder to avoid wicked images,

but we still have the choice of whether or not we allow our eyes and minds to
dwell on evil. We can turn our eyes on Jesus and look into His wonderful face.
He will strengthen us to abstain from evil and stay focused on Him.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him,

and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7).

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help” (Psalm 121:1).

• Hands: “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not
lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive
the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his
salvation” (Psalm 24:4).

The “touch” door is actually opened by more than the hands. We can
touch with all of our body.

We must protect our minds by abstaining from touching anything sinful

or ungodly. Such as:

o A friend of the opposite sex (not the spouse).

o Drugs.
o Alcohol.
o Cigarettes.
o Sex-focused magazines.
o Any enticing/beautiful object (not your own).

The enemy will tempt us to steal and commit murder. Hands can do
either good or bad. It is our choice.

When we submit our hands to God’s work, we have an easier time

keeping them clean. God gives us the strength we need.
 Christian Living | 43

• Nose: The “smell” door is the one most closely connected to memory.
It is not spoken of much, but the enemy knows the importance of this
door.

• Mouth: “O taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).

To have the strength to abstain from evil, we must feast upon the good
things of God. Taste His sweetness. Enjoy His presence. What are we feeding our
minds spiritually?

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew

12:34, ESV).

The enemy will try to enter our mind through our mouth by tempting us to:

o Lie.
o Murmur and complain.
o Backbite.
o Speak negatively.
o Curse.

When we give God control of our tongue, the devil cannot use our mouth
to hurt others.

Satan will also try to bring us down physically through things that enter
our mouth:

o Drugs
o Alcohol
o Cigarettes

As food is vital to life, a daily portion of the Bread of Life (God’s Word) is
vital to our spiritual survival.

Conclusion

“The battle for the mind has become more forceful. The venues of
pornography have extended their devious tentacles into the privacy of
our bedrooms and offices via video and the Internet. I agree with Billy
Graham, ‘I’m shocked that I am no longer shocked!’” (Arnold Cook).
 Christian Living | 44

We have to be careful and protect our thoughts from the tricks of the
devil. If he can get into our thoughts, he will take control of our mind, bringing
about our destruction.

• We remember 10 percent of what we hear (1 door).

• We remember 50 percent of what we hear and see (2 doors).
• We remember 70 percent of things we hear, see, and speak (3 doors).
• We remember 90 percent of things we hear, see, speak, and do (4
doors).

It is crucial that we stay on guard. The enemy will use whatever means
necessary to enter our mind and take control.

A Christian needs to remain alert, always aware of the enemy’s tricks. If we

stay alert, we will be more likely to stand against the pressure he places upon us.

During the first one hundred years after the Great Wall was built, China
was invaded twice, even though the wall was strong. How did this
happen? The gatekeeper became careless and the enemy bribed their
way through the gate. Two invasions happened because someone
unlocked the door and let the enemy enter.

How many Christians fall today because they do not guard the doors to
their minds? We must never let our defenses down.

“Lock the door; keep out the devil.

Lock the door; keep the devil in the night.
Lock the door; keep out the devil.
Light the candle, everything is all right.”

What Have You Learned?

1. According to Nachman of Bratslav, what is more precious than all five
senses? ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 45

2. What has Satan fought for since the beginning? _______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What can Satan not do according to this lesson? _______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. When does man receive power over the devil? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What happens at baptism? _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. Quote James 4:7. __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What are the five doors to the mind?

A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________
D. _______________________________________________________________
E. _______________________________________________________________

8. Give the statement from the lesson that best fits the devil. ______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 46

9. Explain what happened in Genesis 3:1-6, and which doors Eve opened to
her mind. ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. What must the devil do when we resist him? _________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

11. Quote Ephesians 6:12-13. ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

12. What are two ways we can keep our ears pure?
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________

13. What did the psalmist David do to protect his eyes? ___________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

14. When will we have an easier time keeping our hands clean of sin? _______
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

15. To what is the sense of smell most closely connected? __________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

16. What is vital to the survival of a Christian? ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 47

17. What are the statistics related to the senses and memory retention?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

18. Explain how the enemy got through the Great Wall of China.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 48

Lesson 5

The Will
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps”
(Proverbs 16:9).

Focus

Our prayer should be, “Thy will be done, O God.”

What I Have Learned

Introduction

The will of a person is where emotions and knowledge come together and
decisions are made. The will must be surrendered to God in order for Him to
have control. He will not force us, but it is necessary.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye

present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

The Different Choices

We make many choices as we go through life. Some of them are good,

while others are bad. We choose to live for God or the devil.

Some examples of right choices are:

 Christian Living | 49

Right Choices Scripture Reference

Steadfast Psalm 108:1
Full of integrity I Kings 9:4
Prompts action Exodus 25:2
Loves God Deuteronomy 6:5
Tender Ezekiel 36:26
Seeks God II Chronicles 19:3
Sincere Hebrews 10:22
Obedient Psalm 119:36
Purposeful II Chronicles 6:7
Decisive II Chronicles 6:7

Some wrong choices:

Wrong Choices Scripture Reference

Works wickedness Psalm 58:2
Deceitful Jeremiah 17:9
Inclines toward evil Genesis 8:21
Hard Exodus 8:32; 4:21
Proud Ezekiel 28:2
Stone-like Ezekiel 36:26
Unrepentant Romans 2:5
Unbelieving Hebrews 3:12

Choices take place in the human will. God has given people a will of their
own where they make the decisions for their lives.

The Will of God

How is the will of God connected to the heart?

“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).

The prophet Jonah finally obeyed God, but not because he had a change of
heart. The people of Nineveh repented, but Jonah still despised them and wanted
the Lord to destroy them (Jonah 3- 4).
 Christian Living | 50

We cannot just know the will of God and do it, but we need to do the will
of God “from the heart.” When we desire to do the will of God with our whole
heart, God will tell us what to do. We will not have to question if only we will
listen to what He has to say.

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether
it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the

renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

If Christians would obey this verse of Scripture, Christianity would be

honored everywhere. If they would separate from the world, Christ would be
glorified. A renewed mind that seeks only to do the will of God will not be slow
in finding it (Adapted from Barnes’ Notes).

We cannot go wrong when we seek God’s guidance. “Thy will be done”

(Matthew 6:10). Whatever God wants us to do, it is our reasonable service to do it.

“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach
his way” (Psalm 25:9).

The Grace of God

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his

good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

God’s grace working in us makes us capable of doing His will. Even

though God is working in us, we must choose to follow His leading. We must
choose to obey Him. We remain free to reject this wonderful grace. We may
know what God wants us to do, but will we do it?

Conclusion

God has given us the opportunity to choose the right from the wrong. He
stands near with arms open wide, ready to lead us if we will only let Him.
Knowing the will of God is not good enough; we must put action behind the
knowledge.
 Christian Living | 51

“To know the will of God is our greatest knowledge. To do the will of God
is our greatest achievement” (George Truett).

A sincere love for God will make the believer want to do His will no
matter what. God will never lead us where grace cannot keep us. Trust Him for
His will to be done in earth as it is in heaven.

What Have You Learned?

1. What is the will of man? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Give three right choices man can make.

A. ______________________________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________________________

3. Give three wrong choices man can make.

A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________

4. How is the human will connected to the human heart? _________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Can we go wrong when seeking God’s guidance? _____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 52

6. Quote Psalm 25:9. _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What makes a believer want to do God’s will? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 53

Lesson 6

Guard Your Heart

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”
(Proverbs 4:23).

Focus

God is looking for truth in men and women. We need to guard our hearts
from the tricks of the devil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

The key verse of Scripture cautions people to guard their heart or keep it
with all diligence. Why? Because people sometimes have a hard time keeping
their heart clean.

The heart contains the issues of life both spiritually and physically. This is
a direct reference to the arteries that carry the blood from the heart through the
whole body, all the way to the fingertips and toes. As long as the heart receives
and sends blood, life continues.

If the heart is the fountain of life, care must be taken so the fountain is not
stopped.
 Christian Living | 54

In his book Extreme Righteousness, Tom Hove tells three stories about
world-class athletes who had the external appearance of beautiful, physical
health. However, hidden problems soon claimed their lives.

• “In 1988, forty-year-old ‘Pistol Pete’ Maravich, the holder of

numerous ‘unbreakable’ college basketball records and later an NBA
All-Star dies while playing a pickup game in Pasadena, California. A
health enthusiast whose last words were ‘I’m really feeling good,’
Maravich died of a hidden heart defect.”

• “Flora (Flo) Hyman, a tall and powerful volleyball spiker, led the U.S.
women’s team to a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics. She died of a
heart attack a few years later at age thirty-one.”

• “In November 1995, at age twenty-eight, Russian figure skater Sergei

Grinkov, winner of two Olympic gold medals, dropped to the ice
during a practice session and died. He too had suffered a massive
heart attack.”

“The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem”

(James Poitras).

We need to examine our hearts consistently. We must guard our heart

with everything in us.

Wholeheartedly Following Christ

Charles Spurgeon told his London congregation, “Set your heart

upon God’s Word! It is the only way to know it thoroughly; let your
whole nature be plunged into it as cloth into a dye.”

Moses sent Joshua and Caleb with ten other men to spy out Canaan. They
saw beautiful fruit, fertile land, and giants. Ten spies focused on the giants, and
two spies, Joshua and Caleb, focused on God’s promise. “Let us go up at once,
and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

Some thirty-eight years later, at the age of eighty-five, Caleb asked Joshua
to give him Hebron for his inheritance. (See Joshua 14:12.) Caleb’s character
answered to his name, which means “all heart; faithful.”
 Christian Living | 55

“But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and
hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he
went; and his seed shall possess it” (Numbers 14:24).

“I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me
from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a
report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up
with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however,
followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses
swore to me, `The land on which your feet have walked will be
your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you
have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’ . . . So Hebron
has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since,
because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly”
(Joshua 14:7-8, 14, NIV).

We too can wholeheartedly serve the Lord.

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have
obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered
you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of
righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).

The Armor of God

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and
having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14).

1. The Girdle

The girdle covered the intimate parts of the body. This piece of armor kept
the whole suit together.

Barnes’ Notes says, “The girdle was the bracer up. It kept all the parts of
the suit in their proper place. Truth is also to brace us up, and to gird us for
faithfulness and firmness in our conduct.”

“Great is the laxity (carelessness) of falsehood;

truth binds the man” (Grotius).
 Christian Living | 56

Barnes’ Notes adds, “Truth conserves a man from those slack views of
morals, of duty and of religion, that leave him uncovered to every attack. It
makes the soul sincere, firm, constant, and always on its guard. A man who has
no consistent views of truth is the man whom the devil will attack.”

Truth or honesty is our girdle. It was prophesied of Christ that

righteousness should be the girdle of His loins and faithfulness the girdle of His
reins (Isaiah 11:5).

“Truth: Let this be my brazen wall; that no man can reproach me

with a crime, and that I am conscious of my own integrity”
(Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

God desires truth and sincerity in the inward parts. Sincerity comes from
the heart of man. It is the strength of his loins.

2. The Breastplate

The armor that covered the body from the neck to the thighs consisted of
two parts. One covering was on the front and the other on the back. It was made
of rings, or scales, and fastened together in order to be flexible, but still guard the
body from a sword, spear, or arrow. The breastplate kept the vital organs safe
and sheltered the heart. A soldier could not defend himself against the enemy
without a breastplate.

The righteousness that Christ gives us protects us against the enemy’s

arrows. Without it we cannot successfully resist temptation. A lack of integrity
leaves us exposed to the enemy like a soldier with a defective breastplate.

The king of Israel was hit between the joints of his breastplate by an arrow
sent from a bow, drawn at a chance (I Kings 22:34). Many men who think they
have on the Christian armor are struck in the same manner because they have a
character defect, a lack of integrity, or an unguarded point. The enemy is
watching for a weak spot to attack.

• David was tempted to commit the enormous crimes that stained his
memory.
• Peter was tempted to deny his Lord.
• Judas was attacked through his greed.
 Christian Living | 57

Many have been attacked and have fallen. We must have the
righteousness that God gives to protect us from the enemy’s arrows.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says:

As the breastplate defends the heart and lungs, and all those vital
parts that are contained in what is called the region of the thorax; so
this righteousness, this life of God in the soul of man, defines
everything upon which the man’s spiritual existence depends.
While he possesses this principle, and acts from it, his spiritual and
eternal life is secure.

Conclusion

David Schafer’s wife gave him a very important present, not knowing that
it would save his life. On October 1, 1977, David, a police officer in America, was
working the night shift and received a call on his radio. A pharmacy robbery was
in progress. He arrived just in time to see the suspect fleeing in his car. David
followed. Three blocks later the suspect suddenly pulled over to the side of the
road. Officer Schafer was approaching the car when suddenly the door burst open.
The suspect pointed his revolver at the officer and pulled the trigger. The next
morning, Officer Schafer’s wife, Terry, answered the door and was told good and
bad news. The bad news was that her husband had been shot. The good news was
that the bulletproof vest she had bought him had saved his life.

Christ provides us with the breastplate of righteousness—a shield over

our hearts that sin cannot penetrate.

(The above story was adapted from Paul Aurandt in The Tale of the Tardy
Oxcart by Charles R. Swindoll.)

God’s Word hidden in our hearts will keep us from sinning. No

temptation of the enemy can penetrate the breastplate of righteousness.
 Christian Living | 58

What Have You Learned?

1. What must the heart be capable of in order for life to be continued? ______
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What did Charles Spurgeon tell his London congregation? ______________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. How did Caleb serve the Lord? _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What was Caleb given in Joshua 14? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What is special about the girdle in the armor of God? __________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What is our girdle? ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What does God desire in the inward parts? ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What is the Christian’s breastplate? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 59

9. What was the purpose of the breastplate? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. What will the righteousness of God do? ______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

11. What saved Officer David Schafer’s life? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

12. What is the spiritual application? ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 60

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 61

Lesson 7

How Is Your Heart?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my
thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in
the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Focus

A child of God needs to be careful with the condition of his heart.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

The condition of the heart is vital to the survival of the body. When the
heart is not functioning properly, the body suffers. As a healthy physical heart is
necessary to man, so a healthy spiritual heart is to a Christian.

The condition of a person’s heart determines his or her response to the

Word of God. A good heart will receive the Word with gladness and obey it
wholeheartedly.

Parable of the Sower

What is a parable? According to The Full Life Study Bible, “a parable is a

simple story from everyday life that reveals a truth to those whose hearts are
prepared to hear, and conceals truth from those whose hearts are unprepared.”
 Christian Living | 62

Jesus told the parable of the sower to explain how people will receive the
gospel. (See Matthew 13:3-8, also Mark 4:3-8 and Luke 8:5-8). This parable
teaches us many things. The Full Life Study Bible lists three specific truths:

1. Conversion and fruitfulness depend on how one responds to God’s

Word.
2. There will be a mixed reaction to the gospel by the world.
• Some who hear will not understand.
• Others will believe unto salvation, but will later fall away.
• Others will persevere and bear fruit in varying degrees.
3. The enemies of God’s Word are:
• Satan
• Worldly concerns
• Riches
• Pleasures

The ground in which the seed of God’s Word is sown is the heart. It
should not be empty and unyielding like the field of the slothful (Proverbs 24:30).
It is capable of:

• Improvement
• Bearing good fruit

The Word (seed) will live in man’s heart only if the heart is prepared. The
prepared heart bears fruit when the seed of the Word is nurtured.

The four different types of soil represent four types of hearts.

Soil Results Represents

Wayside None Hard hearts
Stony Short-lived Shallow hearts
Weedy Choked out Cluttered hearts
Good Fruitful Whole (responsive) hearts

The Hard Hearts

“And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the
fowls came and devoured them up” (Matthew 13:4).
 Christian Living | 63

Some seeds scattered by the sower fell on ground that had not been
plowed and was hard like a pathway. The seed could not sink into the ground
and take root.

Those with hard hearts hear the Word, but they do not understand it
because their heart has not been prepared. They are not interested in the things
of God.

Hardening of the arteries of the heart robs the body of the flow of blood
and life-giving oxygen. A hard heart prevents the soul from absorbing the life-
giving Word of God.

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary states, “The great truth is that
hearts unbroken and hard are not fit soil for saving truth. The devil who is so
afraid of losing a victim finds something to attract the attention away from the
things of God, and destroys the seed.”

“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and

understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth
away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received
seed by the way side” (Matthew 13:19).

When the heart is hard, the ears are dull. The whispers of the Spirit are not
heard. The calling of the Word is disregarded, and the ears are stopped (Psalm
58:4-5).

Mindless, careless hearers are an easy prey to Satan. He is the great thief
of sermons and robs everyone he can of the Word. The birds pick up the seed
that falls on the unplowed ground. If we do not break up the ground by
preparing our hearts for the Word, and do not cover the seed with meditation
and prayer, we will be unfruitful.

The Fallow Ground

Fallow ground is soil that has been so neglected and hardened that it
cannot receive seed. In Hosea 10:12-13, the people’s hearts had become like that
spiritually. They needed to break up their own hearts and minds by a repentance
that would open them to the Word and will of God.

“For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break
up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise
 Christian Living | 64

yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart,
ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come
forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil
of your doings” (Jeremiah 4:3-4).

When God told Judah and Jerusalem, “Break up your fallow ground,” He
was referring to their commitment to the truth. He wanted them to renew
themselves in righteousness. They had to repent of their sins and break up the
hardened soil of their hearts. The evil must be removed from their hearts as the
foreskin is removed in physical circumcision.

The Shallow Heart

“Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and
forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they
had no root, they withered away” (Matthew 13:5-6).

Shallow hearts contain things that hinder growth.

1. The hard, rocky soil with very little earth does not allow the roots to
penetrate and grow.
2. The small amount of dirt allows the seed to quickly germinate and
form a plant that is just as quickly destroyed.
3. When the sun comes out, the thirsty plant withers away and dies.

The stony, shallow hearts:

• Hear the Word.

• Are quick to receive it.

• Receive it with joy.

• Endure for a while.

These hearts have no understanding of commitment. They produce a

shifting lifestyle.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary gives some reasons for their lack of fruit.
They have:
• No root in themselves.
• No settled, fixed principles in their judgments.
 Christian Living | 65

• No firm resolution in their wills.

• No rooted habits in their affections.
• Nothing firm that will be either the sap or the strength of their
profession.

“It is possible that there may be a green blade of a profession, yet

there is no root of grace. Hardness prevails in the heart, and what
there is of softness is only in the surface. Inwardly, the people are
no more affected than a stone. They have no roots and are not
united with Christ who is our Root. Those who have no root will
endure but awhile. A ship without weight, though it may at first
out-sail the loaded vessel, will fail in stress of weather, and never
make her port” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary).

1. Times of trial become stumbling blocks for people, and they cannot get
over them.
2. Shallow hearts are easily offended.
3. Persecution is like the scorching sun.
4. The same sun that warms and cherishes the rooted plants withers and
burns up those without roots.

The Cluttered Heart

“And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and
choked them” (Matthew 13:7).

In a field where thorns and weeds grow, the crop is limited. Thorns and
weeds destroy positive growth in the plants around them. The thorns block light
and air and sap the moisture and nutrition from the soil.

This type of soil is a little better than the stony one. It represents the
condition of those who do not quite cast off the Word of God, yet come short of
any saving benefit by it. The things of the world overcome the good they gain by
the Word.

“Prosperity destroys the word in the heart, as much as persecution does;

and more dangerously, because more silently: the stones spoiled the
root, the thorns spoil the fruit” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary).

The seed that fell among the thorns and weeds was choked out by the
clutter. The cluttered heart does not allow the Word of God to grow, because sin
 Christian Living | 66

smothers the things of God. In this heart, the things of God are not important.
Many Christians have priority problems. The things of God come second, while
the world has first place.

“And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they
have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and
pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).

In this heart-soil there is softness and depth; but the thorns sap the
strength of the soil and starve the plant.

Some of the thorns that choke out the things of God are:

• Cares of this world.

• Deceitfulness of riches.
• Desires of other things.
• Pleasures of this life.

These thorns devour our time, energy, money, and divide our loyalty.

The Whole (Responsive) Hearts

“But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold” (Matthew 13:8).

The whole (responsive) heart is the prepared heart, cleared of stones and
clutter. This soil is soft and ready to receive the seed of God’s Word. The Word
sinks into its moistness and grows into a strong plant.

There is a goodness about this last type of heart-soil.

• Its softness and tenderness receive and cherish the seed.

• Its depth allows it to take firm root, and not quickly lose its moisture.
• Its cleanness gives its whole vigor and sap to the plant (Jamieson,
Fausset, and Brown Commentary).

A heart soft and tender stirred to its depths by the great things of eternity
and jealously guarded from worldly things will produce much fruit.

Fruitfulness separates Christians from hypocrites. They bring forth fruit of

righteousness and are called disciples of Christ (John 15:8).
 Christian Living | 67

Jesus did not say that this good ground had always been without stones or
thorns. However, the hindrances had been removed so that the seed could grow.
Christians are not free from temptation, but they are free from its control.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary describes the hearers represented by the

good ground:

• They are intelligent hearers, hearing the Word and understanding it.
• They are fruitful hearers, which is an evidence of their good
understanding. Fruit is produced when the mind and lifestyle
conforms to the gospel we have received and obeyed.
• They are not alike in fruitfulness; some a hundred-fold, sixty, or thirty.
Among fruitful Christians, some are more fruitful than others. The
harvest will be plenteous if the ground is good, the fruit right, and the
heart honest.

Jesus, the Heart Specialist

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:

who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

How is your heart? What type of soil are you? After examination, if you
seem to fall short, there is still hope. Jesus, the heart specialist, knows how to
clear, plow, and fertilize your heart-soil. He can make your life productive, but
you have to ask for His help.

King David called for help when he prayed, “Search me, O God, and
know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked
way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within

me” (Psalm 51:10).

Jesus wants to do a work in our hearts. Let’s let Him:

• Give us a new heart.

• Write His laws upon our hearts.

We need heart-soil that will bear much good fruit.

 Christian Living | 68

Conclusion

Let us examine our hearts to make sure that the soil is prepared to hear
and obey the gospel. We need to be deeply rooted in the Word of God to live a
holy life, pleasing and acceptable to God.

Is anything choking out God’s Word in you? If there is, allow the Heart
Specialist to give you a heart transplant.

“A tourist was once staying at an inn in a valley in northern Italy where the
floor was dirty. He thought he should advise the landlady to scrub it, when
he perceived that it was made of mud and the more she would scrub it
the worse it would become. So it is with our hearts; its corrupt nature will
admit of no improvement; it must be made ever anew” (War Cry).

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things

are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II
Corinthians 5:17).

What Have You Learned?

1. What does the condition of a man’s heart determine? __________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What parable is studied in this lesson? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the enemies of God’s Word? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 69

4. What is a person’s heart-soil capable of producing? ____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What does the reception of the Word depend upon? ___________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. List the four types of soil and hearts.

A. ______________________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________________
D. ______________________________________________________

7. What kind of heart is compared to the hard ground? ___________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What is the only thing that will prepare the hard heart for seed? _________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. What four things identify stony, shallow hearts?

A. ______________________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________________
D. ______________________________________________________

10. List three reasons for the lack of fruit in stony, shallow hearts.
A. ______________________________________________________
B. ______________________________________________________
C. ______________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 70

11. According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, what do the stones and thorns
destroy? _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

12. What are some of the thorns that choke out the things of God? __________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

13. What type of heart is the whole heart? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

14. What type of heart bears much fruit? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

15. Who is the best heart specialist? _____________________________________

16. Quote Psalm 51:10. ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

17. Quote II Corinthians 5:17. __________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 71

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 72

Lesson 8

Fruitful Actions
“Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening it hurts! But
afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and
character” (Hebrews 12:11, TLB).

Focus

Fruit is produced by our actions. What we plant is what we will harvest.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

The produce of people’s lives is seen in their actions. What type of life
they live and how they talk indicate what crops are growing in their fields.

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of

thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth
good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree
cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth
good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them” (Matthew 7:16-20).

“Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a crop of
my love” (Hosea 10:12, TLB).
 Christian Living | 73

The Barn Is Full

Many people have a barn full of fruit. But what kind of fruit do they have?
When farmers plant potatoes, they expect to reap potatoes. They cannot plant
potatoes and expect to reap yams. What is planted is what will grow. Sowing joy
will reap joy. Love produces love. Hate produces hate.

“Don’t be misled; remember that you can’t ignore God and get
away with it: a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows!
If he sows to please his own wrong desires, he will be planting
seeds of evil and he will surely reap a harvest of spiritual decay
and death; but if he plants the good things of the Spirit, he will reap
the everlasting life that the Holy Spirit gives him. And let us not get
tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest
of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. That’s why
whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and
especially to our Christian brothers” (Galatians 6:7-10, TLB).

Two different types of crops are:

• The fruit of the Spirit.

• The works of the flesh.

What is planted is what will grow.

The Fruit of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk
in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this
kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict
with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the
passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified
them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the
Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become
 Christian Living | 74

conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another”

(Galatians 5: 22-26, NLT).

(The explanation of each fruit is adapted from The Full Life Study Bible.)

• Love—seeking for the good of another person without thought of

personal gain (Romans 5:5; I Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:2; Colossians
3:14).
• Joy—the feeling of gladness based on the love, grace, blessings,
promises, and nearness of God that Christians feel (Psalm 119:16; II
Corinthians 6:10; 12:9; I Peter 1:8).
• Peace—the quietness of mind and heart based on the knowledge that
all is well between the Christian and Christ (Romans 15:33; Philippians
4:7; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20).
• Longsuffering—endurance, patience, being slow to anger or despair
(Ephesians 4:2; II Timothy 3:10; Hebrews 12:1).
• Gentleness—wanting to not hurt anyone (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians
3:12).
• Goodness—kindness to others, not allowing evil to have control
(Matthew 5:44; 21:12-13; Romans 15:2; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:16).
• Faith—loyalty by promise, commitment, honesty, and trustworthiness
(Matthew 23:23; Romans 3:3; I Timothy 6:12; II Timothy 2:2; 4:7; Titus
2:10).
• Meekness—the ability to be angry when anger is needed and humbly
submissive when submission is needed (II Timothy 2:25; I Peter 3:15)
• Temperance—this is self-control over desires, passions, including
faithfulness to marriage vows (I Corinthians 9:25; Titus 1:8; 2:5).

When the Spirit of God works in the hearts of men and women, the fruit of
the Spirit is produced.

The fruit of the Spirit works in conflict with the works of the flesh.

The Works of the Flesh

After conversion, individuals continue to war within themselves. The

works of the flesh fight for control. Only a committed heart enables us to
overcome the enemy. The seventeen works of the flesh begin in the heart and
mind of people and are manifested in their actions.
 Christian Living | 75

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will
produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts,
eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic
activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish
ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those
in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and
other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that
anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God”
(Galatians 5:19-21, NLT).

(This list is also adapted from The Full Life Study Bible.)

• Adultery—sexual relations of a married person with someone other

than their spouse.
• Fornication—immoral sexual conduct before marriage, and also
includes taking pleasure in pornographic pictures, films, or writing.
• Uncleanness—sexual sins, evil deeds, including thoughts and desires
of the heart.
• Lasciviousness—sensuality, following passions and desires to the
point of having no shame or public decency.
• Idolatry—worship of spirits, persons, or graven images, also trusting
in someone or something to have greater authority than God.
• Witchcraft—sorcery, black magic, worship of demons, and use of
drugs to produce a spiritual experience.
• Hatred—intense, hostile intentions and acts, extreme dislike or enmity.
• Variance—quarreling, a struggle for superiority.
• Emulations—resentfulness, envy of another’s success.
• Wrath—explosive anger or rage that flares into violent words or deeds.
• Strife—selfish ambition and seeking of power.
• Seditions—introducing divisive teachings not supported by God’s
Word.
• Heresies—division within the congregation into selfish groups that
destroy the unity of the church.
• Envyings—resentful dislike for another person who has something
you desire.
• Murders—killing a person intentionally and with malice.
• Drunkenness—impairing one’s mental or physical control by alcoholic
drink.
• Revellings—excessive feasting; a party spirit involving alcohol, drugs,
or sex.
 Christian Living | 76

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of
God?” (I Corinthians 6:9).

“Stop and think! Have you ever known a truly good and innocent
person who was punished? Experience teaches that it is those who
sow sin and trouble who harvest the same” (Job 4:7-8, TLB).

The Fruit of Righteousness

“Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will eat
the fruit of their actions” (Isaiah 3:10, NASB).

Isaiah was instructed to encourage those who remained faithful to the

Lord in the midst of unfaithful people. God wanted Israel to be a fruitful nation.
He compares them to a blossoming vineyard (Isaiah 27:6).

The righteous will be like trees planted by the river waters (Psalm 1:3).
God gives life to those who faithfully serve Him.

Two examples from Scripture of fruitful people are:

• Ruth (Ruth 3:10-11).

God honored Ruth’s virtue. She forsook her homeland to be with her
mother-in-law (Naomi). After Ruth married Boaz, Obed was born.
Obed was the grandfather of David. This is the family line through
which Christ came into the world.
• Jonathan (II Samuel 9:1-7).
Jonathan was loyal to David. David made a promise that he would
always show Jonathan’s family kindness. Jonathan’s loyalty saved his
son Mephibosheth.

“So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure
and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of
righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and
praise of God” (Philippians 1:10-11, NIV).

We need to be sincere, without any mixture of evil, completely pure

before the Lord. This will produce fruit of righteousness.
 Christian Living | 77

The True Vine

Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches. He expects us to bear fruit.
If we remain attached to Him, we will have life and bear fruit.

In John 15, Jesus talks about two types of branches on vines:

• The fruitless
• The fruitful

The branches that do not bear fruit no longer have life in them that comes
from enduring faith in and love for Christ. These dead branches are taken away
and destroyed.

The fruit-bearing branches have life because they are attached to the
source of life. They love the Lord with all their being.

Sometimes the branches need pruning. God cuts away the things that
would hinder growth and the vital life-flow of Christ into them.

Our fruit must bring glory to God through our life and witness.

“And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your
hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go
down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be
able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long,
how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to
experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will
never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last
you will be filled up with God himself” (Ephesians 3:17-19, TLB).

Conclusion

We will be known by our fruit (Matthew 7:16). What we have inside will
come out in our actions. If Christ is the center of our lives, the fruit of the Spirit
will be evident. However, if Christ has no place in our hearts, the works of the
flesh will be seen.
 Christian Living | 78

We must harvest fruit of righteousness like Ruth, Jonathan, and many

other people in the Bible. This can be done by staying connected to the True Vine
Christ Jesus. He is our source of life.

What Have You Learned?

1. What do our actions produce? ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What kind of crop do we reap? ______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. List the fruit of the Spirit.

A. __________________________________________
B. __________________________________________
C. __________________________________________
D. __________________________________________
E. __________________________________________
F. __________________________________________
G. __________________________________________
H. __________________________________________
I. __________________________________________

4. What conflicts with the fruit of the Spirit? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What enables us to overcome the enemy? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 79

6. What does this lesson say about Ruth? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What will produce fruit of righteousness? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. Who is the true vine? ______________________________________________

9. What are the two types of branches?

A. ___________________________________________________
B. ___________________________________________________

10. What must our fruit do? ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

11. How will we be known? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 80

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 81

Lesson 9

The Destructive Three

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (I Peter 2:11).

Focus

Satan’s tricks fall into three categories. We must not be ignorant of his
devices.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

All sin fits into one of three categories. Since the Garden of Eden, Satan
and humans have warred on these battlefields:

• Lust of the flesh.

• Lust of the eyes.
• Pride of life.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”
(I John 2:16).
 Christian Living | 82

Love of the World

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15).

We cannot love the Father and the world at the same time. Loving the
world defiles our relationship with God and leads to spiritual destruction.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and
love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of

the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend
of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

Friendship with the world is spiritual adultery. Adultery is being

unfaithful to our avowed love. Embracing the sins of the world, giving in to
lusts, and enjoying evil are signs of unfaithfulness to God.

The world boasts of many things and makes promises it cannot keep. All
that the world can give is temporary fulfillment.

“Friendship with the world” does not mean we should not be friends with
the people of the world, but that believers must not have a close relationship
with the world’s evil system. We should be friendly, attempting to win them to
ourselves and to Christ.

Jesus gave an example in Matthew 9:11 when He ate with the publicans
and sinners. He did not become a part of the world, but attempted to show the
way of salvation to those who were lost.

Lust of the Flesh

“The lust of the flesh is bodily and impure desires that seek their
delight in women, strong drink, delicious viands (foods), and the
like” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

The lust of the flesh is not only “lust for flesh,” but also the “flesh’s lusts.”
The lusts of the flesh are not all sexual. Man can lust after wealth. This lust has its
 Christian Living | 83

base in the flesh. Flesh used in this moral sense (as opposed to the physical
sense) is man’s carnal nature, which has a tendency to displease God.

A man can lust after a woman (or the woman after a man). The thought
enters the mind (usually through the eyes), and without self-control and
discipline, the thought process leads to lust. At this point, many fall into adultery
or fornication.

The lust of the flesh is dangerous and destructive.

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body;
but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (I
Corinthians 6:18).

“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife,
and let every woman have her own husband” (I Corinthians 7:2).

“For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should
abstain from fornication” (I Thessalonians 4:2-3).

“Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like
manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after
strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance
of eternal fire” (Jude 7).

Lust of the Eyes

“Lust of the eyes is inordinate desires after finery of every kind,

gaudy dress, splendid houses, superb furniture, expensive
equipage, trappings, and decorations of all sorts” (Adam Clarke’s
Commentary).

The eyes are the gate from the world to the flesh. While the lust of the
flesh means physical pleasures, the lust of the eyes deals more with mental,
artistic pleasures.
Satan uses advertisements to incite lust and wreck lives. The world places
many glamorous things before our eyes, trying to make us believe that we need
these things. This is a trick of the enemy to get our focus off Christ. Satan wants
us to lust after earth’s treasures.
 Christian Living | 84

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but
lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”
(Matthew 6:19-21).

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some
coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God,
flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, patience, meekness” (I Timothy 6:10-11).

Pride of Life

“Pride of life means hunting after honours, titles, and pedigrees;

boasting of ancestry, family connections, great offices, honourable
acquaintance, and the like” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

The “pride of life” causes us to lust after the world’s recognition. We want
fame and power.

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is
wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the
perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them” (Proverbs 11:2-3).

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide
the spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:18-19).

“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the
condemnation of the devil” (I Timothy 3:6).

The less people know about God’s Word, the easier they fall. The devil fell
through pride, which is a good reason why we should take heed of pride. Pride
turns angels into devils.
 Christian Living | 85

Source of the Destructive Three

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life do not come
from God or lead to Him. They are of the world and offer temporary pleasure.
They begin, grow, and end in man’s desire to satisfy his carnal nature. They
corrupt the mind, distract it from divine things, and leave it incapable of spiritual
enjoyments. Conversely, doing the will of God leads to eternal life.

“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (I John 2:17).

Lust in the Garden

When Adam and Eve sinned, sin entered the entire human race (Romans
5:12). God told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This
command was a moral test to see if they would obey the Lord. The serpent took
this as an open door to tempt Eve.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for
God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall
be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil”
(Genesis 3:4-5).

When the serpent questioned God’s word, unbelief formed in Eve’s mind.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and
that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one
wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto
her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6).

Genesis 3:6 and I John 2:16 are connected.

Genesis 3:6 I John 2:16

Eve saw the fruit on the tree, that it Lust of the flesh
was good for food.
It was pleasant to the eyes. Lust of the eyes
It was desired to make one wise. Pride of life
 Christian Living | 86

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their sin:

• Started the cycle of physical death in their bodies.

• Brought spiritual death, severing their close relationship with God.
• Made every person born a sinner.

Even though individuals are born sinners, God continues to deal with
them, attempting to draw them closer and rebuild the close relationship.

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live

according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will
die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you
will live” (Romans 8:12-13, NKJV).

Because of the corruption of sin, people desire to do their own thing and
go their own selfish way.

Satan used God’s creations to “get back at God.” He fell because of lust
and pride. He wanted to be like the most high. (See Isaiah 14:12-14.) Thus, God
cast him out of Heaven with one-third of the angels.

Ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden, humanity has sought for moral
knowledge and discernment apart from God. However, the search is fruitless.

Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:1-11 records the temptation of Jesus Christ in the wilderness.

Satan tried to entice Christ when He was at one of His weakest points. He had
fasted for forty days and was weak in body. Satan tried to make Him stray from
the will of God.

Each time Jesus submitted Himself to the Word of God, He overcame

the temptation.
The Full Life Study Bible adds:

• Satan is our greatest enemy. As Christians we must be aware that we

are engaged in a spiritual warfare with unseen but real powers of evil.
These evil forces often attack the child of God, trying to weaken his
stand for Christ.
 Christian Living | 87

• Without the Holy Spirit and the proper use of the Word of God, a
Christian cannot overcome sin and temptation.

The Full Life Study Bible lists how to use the Word of God to overcome
temptation:

• Realize that through the Word of God you have the power to resist any
appeal Satan can make.
• Memorize the Word of God.
• Meditate day and night on the verses you have memorized.
• Say the memorized passages to yourself and God the instant you are
tempted.
• Recognize and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit to live by God’s
Word.
• Surround all the above steps with prayer.

Conclusion

“An old maxim says, ‘When lust takes control, God is quite unreal to us.
When we are in the grip of lust, the reality of God fades’” (T.F. Tenney).

Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life are devices Satan uses to
try to destroy our relationship with God. When we are aware of his tricks, we
can overcome him.

We can be victorious like Christ. The “destructive three” will not have an
entrance into our lives if we:

• remain in the Word,

• stay full of the Spirit, and
• determine to live as Christ has shown us.
 Christian Living | 88

What Have You Learned?

1. Name three things that will destroy the child of God.
A. _____________________________________________________________
B. _____________________________________________________________
C. _____________________________________________________________

2. Is it possible to love God and the world at the same time? Give Scripture
references with your answer. _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What can be compared to friendship with the world? __________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What must people flee from according to I Corinthians 6:18? ____________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What is the gate from the world to the flesh? __________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. Summarize what Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21. _______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. Why should we take heed of pride? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 89

8. What will happen to the one who does the will of God? ________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. Explain how Genesis 3:6 is connected to I John 2:16. ___________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. How did Jesus overcome temptation? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

11. According to The Full Life Study Bible, how can the Word of God be used to
overcome temptation? ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

12. List three ways to keep the “destructive three” out of our lives.
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 90

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 91

Lesson 10

Which Frame of Mind Are You?

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 2:5).

Focus

A negative frame of mind tears down and destroys, but a positive frame
of mind builds up.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

A “frame of mind” is an attitude. An attitude is like a picture frame. The

frame makes the picture look good or bad.

Our attitude determines how we think. A negative frame of mind

(attitude) can destroy goals, relationships, and even the soul. However, a positive
frame of mind (attitude) can empower us to overcome sickness, poverty, trouble,
and even insure salvation.

Negative attitudes are destructive but can be overcome. We can

victoriously move forward with a brighter outlook on life.
 Christian Living | 92

Attitudes in the Bible

A study of the Word of God reveals many positive and negative attitudes.
A few examples are:

Positive Attitude Scripture Reference

A willing mind I Chronicles 28:9
A Bible-based mind Psalm 1:2
A God-focused mind Isaiah 26:3
A teachable mind Titus 2:12
A renewed mind Romans 12:2

Negative Attitude Scripture Reference

A reprobate mind Romans 1:28
A defiled mind Titus 1:15
A worldly mind I John 4:5
An evil mind Jeremiah 4:14
A poisoned mind Acts 14:2

A Destructive Attitude

Negative attitudes destroy. The Bible cites people whose attitude

destroyed them. They did not have the mind of Christ.

Saul’s rebellious attitude had him removed from the throne. He liked to
do things his way. God told him to destroy all of the Amalekites, but Saul
rebelled and took Agag the king captive (I Samuel 15:8-9).

Because Saul would not utterly destroy the enemy (I Samuel 15:9), he was
destroyed. “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (I Samuel 15:23). Satan uses
rebellion to destroy Christians.

Saul’s rejection as king does not mean God rejected him personally. He
was removed from his office of leadership, but still could experience the
forgiving power and close relationship with God.

Man will sin and perhaps be lowered in rank of office, but no sin is too
great that God will not have mercy upon and forgive.
 Christian Living | 93

A Constructive Attitude

Joseph, the son of Jacob, had an excellent attitude. His attitude was
constructive. He had many occasions to be hateful, but he continued to have the
mind of God (Genesis 37, 39-45).

Joseph was not like the other sons of Jacob. His attitude was pure even
though he was sold as a slave; lies were told about him; and he was unjustly
imprisoned.

Joseph’s constructive attitude was a blessing to him and to those around

him. When he went to Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39), the Lord was with Joseph
(Acts 7:9-10). Joseph was not the only one blessed.

“From the day Joseph was put in charge [of Potiphar’s house], the
LORD began to bless Potiphar for Joseph’s sake. All his household
affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock
flourished” (Genesis 39:5, NLT).

He was taken to Egypt to bring salvation to God’s people. His positive

attitude built up and changed the future of a starving nation.

God knows what He is doing in our lives. He can take the bad and make
something good.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are called according to
His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NASB).

How can we keep a positive attitude? Paul gave some pointers in I

Thessalonians 5: 16-18:

• Be joyful.
• Keep on praying.
• No matter what happens, be thankful, for this is God’s will for you
who belong to Christ Jesus.

A Further Study

The key verse tells us to let this mind be in us that was in Jesus Christ.
 Christian Living | 94

Paul talked about Christ coming to the earth. The God of glory robed
Himself in the flesh of a baby and slipped into our world. Where was this King of
kings born? Surely His parents were rich and famous.

This baby was born of a virgin in a stable where the horses and cows slept.
They wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger where the
cows ate their grain. Our Savior humbled Himself to the life of a servant and
became of no reputation so we could receive eternal life (Philippians 2:7).

He lived to serve and save others. Paul told us to imitate Christ’s humility
and “be likeminded, having the same love, being in one accord, of one mind”
(Philippians 2:2).

We should strive to be humble as the Lord was, following His example.

We need to have the same attitude or frame of mind that Christ had.

Conclusion

October 10, 1989, was a beautiful day. Mr. E. Carter went to work as a
logger as he normally did. His outlook on life was positive and praise-filled.
Before nightfall, life would drastically change, challenging his attitude and trust
in God.

Before noon, a tree hit Mr. Carter on the back, paralyzing him from the
armpits down. While paramedics were coming, Mr. Carter lay on the ground,
near the tree that changed his life, and sang praises to his God. He sang, “I claim
the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary.”

Attitudes control us. Since the accident, Mr. Carter has not walked, but his
positive attitude is infectious. He continues to spread the story of how God is
good and how God has been with him through it all.

Circumstances have given Mr. Carter a chance to develop a negative

attitude, but he knows that God works all things together for the good of those
who love Him.

By having the mind of Christ, we have power to overcome negative

attitudes. We can victoriously move forward in Jesus’ name.
 Christian Living | 95

“Two thoughts cannot occupy the mind at the same time,

so the choice is ours as to whether our thoughts will be
constructive or destructive” (Betty Sachelli).

What Have You Learned?

1. What is a “frame of mind”? _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Can negative attitudes be overcome? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What kind of attitude did King Saul have? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What did Saul’s attitude cost him? ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. How was Joseph different from his brothers? _________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. How can we keep a positive attitude? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What is Paul talking about in Philippians 2:5? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 96

8. What does Paul tell us in Philippians 2:2? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. What does Betty Sachelli say about our thoughts? _____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 97

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 98

Lesson 11

A Matter of Attitude
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within
me” (Psalm 51:10).

Focus

Attitudes are important. A person’s attitude determines his success or

failure.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

In their book In Search of Holiness: A Practical Guide for Today, David and
Loretta Bernard stated, “Attitudes are the most important basics of holiness. If a
person has the right attitude towards God and his fellow man, his holiness will
be seen in all areas of his life. If he does not have the right attitude, no amount of
outward holiness will cover the lack of inward holiness in the sight of God.
Wrong attitudes are the first signs of backsliding and are usually works of
double standards.”

Three Kings

Different attitudes are visible in each of the first three kings of Israel: Saul,
David, and Solomon.
 Christian Living | 99

Saul, An Attitude Problem

“And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man,
and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a
goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was
higher than any of the people” (I Samuel 9:2).

“And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul
the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty
years” (Acts 13:21).

Saul started out with a good attitude. He was in favor with God when
Samuel anointed him king of Israel.

“And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt
prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man” (I
Samuel 10:6).

When Saul was anointed king, God gave him another heart (I Samuel
10:9). However, three chapters later, Saul developed an attitude problem. Pride
took over, and an “I can do it myself” attitude surfaced. King Saul decided he no
longer needed God.

Saul’s attitude problem consisted of the following:

• Impatience (I Samuel 13:11-12).

• Partial obedience (I Samuel 15:10-14).
• Rebellion (I Samuel 15:22-23).
• Profanity (I Samuel 14:24).
• Selfishness (I Samuel 15:12; Philippians 3:15).
• Disloyalty (I Samuel 14:39).
• Jealousy (I Samuel 18:5-9).

(The above list was adapted from A Man After God’s Heart by Luis Palau.)

Because of his bad attitude, Saul lost the kingdom. Disobedience and
rebellion, the products of pride, cost him the throne. Saul’s attitude led to his
downfall.

“But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit
from the LORD troubled him” (I Samuel 16:14).
 Christian Living | 100

David, A Man after God’s Own Heart

Saul’s successor, David, had an entirely different attitude than Saul.

“And when he had removed him [Saul], he raised up unto them

David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I
have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart,
which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22).

David was just a boy when Samuel anointed him to be the next king of Israel.

God told Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his
stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man
looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (I
Samuel 16:7).

David had a heart to do the things of God, but he was not perfect. His
salvation was his ability to repent. When he sinned, he prayed, “Create in me a
clean heart, O God; renew within me a right spirit [attitude].”

When Saul sinned, he made excuses for himself. See the difference in their
attitudes?

“And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my
father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and
in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou
hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a
son to sit on his throne, as it is this day” (I Kings 3:6).

Solomon, A Wise and Discerning Heart

When Solomon became king, God asked him what he wanted. Solomon
asked for a discerning heart.

He could have asked for power, wealth, and many other things, but he
asked for discernment. He desired to rule well. He wanted God’s help in making
the right decisions.

“Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place
of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know
how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people
 Christian Living | 101

you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and
to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern
this great people of yours?” (I Kings 3:7-9, NIV).

Because Solomon’s request pleased God, He blessed him with what he did
not ask for. Besides a wise and discerning heart, God gave Solomon riches and
honor, and promised him a long life if he walked in His ways (I Kings 3:10-14).

Could a wise and discerning heart be the key to greater things? Could it
be a secret to other blessings of prosperity and honor? It was for Solomon.

Beatitudes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed
are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which
do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which
are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before
you” (Matthew 5:3-12).

We can have an attitude of meekness, mercy, peace, and striving to please

the Lord. The Christian should hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Seven Attitudes of the Spiritual Life

One definition of attitude is “posture.” Our posture or body language

reflects our attitude.
The way we walk, sit, or stand tells a story about our attitude and the way
we view things.

(This section has been adapted from the Thompson Chain Reference Bible.)
 Christian Living | 102

• Lying down for spiritual rest:

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters” (Psalm 23:2).
• Sitting for instruction:
“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and
heard his word” (Luke 10:39).
• Standing for warfare:
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14).
• Walking for fellowship:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin” (I John 1:7).
• Running for progress:
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud
of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before
us” (Hebrews 12:1).
• Leaping for ecstasy (joy):
“And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the
temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8).
• Mounting up for exaltation:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Our attitude determines our altitude. How high we go in God and in life,
whether we succeed or fail, depends largely upon our attitude. Look at Saul,
David, and Solomon. Their lives tell us that it is so.

Conclusion

“Our attitude toward the world around us depends upon what we are
ourselves. If we are selfish, we will be doubtful of others. If we are of a
generous nature, we will be likely to be more trustful. If we are quite
honest with ourselves, we won’t always be expecting dishonesty in
others. If we tend to be fair, we won’t feel that we are being cheated. In a
sense, looking at the people around you is like looking in a mirror. You
see a reflection of yourself” (Good Reading).
 Christian Living | 103

Arthur Schopenhauer adds, “To one man, the world is barren, dull, and
superficial; to another rich, interesting, and full of meaning.”

It is all a matter of attitude.

What Have You Learned?

1. According to David and Loretta Bernard, what are the most important
basics of holiness? _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Wrong attitudes are a first sign of what? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. Who were the first three kings of Israel?

A. _____________________________
B. _____________________________
C. _____________________________

4. According to Luis Palau, what did Saul’s heart problem consist of? ______
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What was David called? ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What did Solomon request?_________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 104

7. What did God give Solomon in addition to his request? ________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. List the seven attitudes (postures) of the spiritual life.

A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________
D. _______________________________________________________________
E. _______________________________________________________________
F. _______________________________________________________________
G. _______________________________________________________________

9. What does our attitude toward the world depend upon? _______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. What does Arthur Schopenhauer say in this lesson? ___________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 105

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 106

Lesson 12

The Unruly Member

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison” (James 3:8).

Focus

An untamed tongue is powerful and destructive.

“The tongue is the only tool that grows sharper with constant use”
(Washington Irving).

What I Have Learned

Introduction

“Oh be careful little tongue what you say,

Oh be careful little tongue what you say,
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
Oh be careful little tongue what you say.”

The Revell Bible Dictionary defines tongue three ways.

1. The moveable muscular structure in the mouth. “So he brought down

the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one
that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt
 Christian Living | 107

thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his
knees to drink” (Judges 7:5).

2. A language or dialect. “For with stammering lips and another tongue

will he speak to this people” (Isaiah 28:11).

3. Figuratively, one’s speech. “My soul is among lions: and I lie even
among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are
spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword” (Psalm 57:4).

“And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak
the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary
themselves to commit iniquity” (Jeremiah 9:5).

The tongue can defend or defeat. The powers of life and death are in the
tongue. (See Proverbs 18:21.)

The Untamed Tongue

James chapter three gives a detailed explanation of how dangerous an

untamed tongue is. This little member can do great damage (James 3:5-6).

James compares the tongue to several common things.

• A horse’s bit (James 3:3). The bit is placed in the horse’s mouth to
make it obey when the reins are tugged. With the bit in the horse’s
mouth, a man can control the animal.
• A ship’s helm. Strong winds drive a ship, but a small wheel called a
helm controls it. With a turn of this wheel, the ship goes wherever the
captain chooses (James 3:4).
• A fire. A small fire can do a world of damage. The tongue can defile
the rest of the body and destroy many lives (James 3:6).

“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word,
the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body”
(James 3:2)

If people are able to tame their tongue, they can control their whole body.
 Christian Living | 108

The tongues of beasts, serpents, birds, and sea life have been tamed, but
man cannot tame his tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James
3:8). Only the Spirit of God can give us power to tame this disobedient member.

The Snare of the Soul

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for
strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare
of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6-7).

With his lips, a fool starts a fight. He is snared in the trap built by his
words.

“He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of
him. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a
burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer
separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:26-28).

One of the easiest ways to sin is with the tongue. It is in a slippery place
and can cause man to fall quickly.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

The Full Life Study Bible lists ways that we can sin with our mouth. We
must avoid these snares.

• Gossiping/talebearing/slander (Proverbs 26:20-22).

• Lying/exaggeration (Exodus 20:16).
• Cursing (harsh words)/taking the name of the Lord in vain (Exodus
20:7).
• Teaching false doctrine (I Timothy 6:3-5).
• Boasting (Psalm 10:3).

Gossip, Talebearing, or Slander

These three sins are of the same nature.

“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no
talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and
 Christian Living | 109

wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a

talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost
parts of the belly” (Proverbs 26:20-22).

Satan tries to use talebearers and gossips to destroy the church.

Talebearing sows discord.

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore

meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips” (Proverbs 20:19).

This is one of the seven abominations or things God hates that are
mentioned in Proverbs 6.

“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all

meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:2).

“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of

his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and
judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the
law, but a judge” (James 4:11).

“Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I [God] cut off”
(Psalm 101:5).

That is a sobering thought.

“All gossipers are liars. Why? If one’s motive is wrong, he can’t

keep his story straight” (T. F. Tenney).

Those involved in gossiping repeat things that should not be repeated.

They delight in sharing the “facts” about someone else, causing hurt, destroying
confidence, and damaging lives. Like a fire, the story grows and becomes more
destructive. This is not of God.

Lying and Exaggeration

Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).

When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, He said, “Thou shalt not
bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16). God hates lies.
 Christian Living | 110

“And all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with
fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

Lying costs people more than they ever want to pay.

Of the seven abominations God hates listed in Proverbs 6, two are

connected to speech—a lying tongue and a false witness.

Stretching or adding to a story is called “exaggeration.” Many people fall

into this sin. The original story was not interesting enough so to keep the
attention of the audience, a few extra details are added.

• Twice Abraham lied when he said that Sarah was his sister and not his
wife (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-16). He excused himself by calling a half-
truth, the truth. (See Genesis 20:12.) However, a half-truth is a lie.
Truth is pure. It cannot be mixed with anything and remain truth.

Both of Abraham’s lies led to near disaster. The king would have
married Sarah had God not intervened and given her back to
Abraham.

• Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Ghost and died for it (Acts 5:1-11).

“Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with
silver dross. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up
deceit within him; when he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there
are seven abominations in his heart” (Proverbs 26:23-25).

“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering
mouth worketh ruin” (Proverbs 26:28).

“It takes great ability to make a goat taste like a deer, but Isaac’s
wife knew how to do it. Deceit finds a way” (T. F. Tenney).

Lying is not always done with words. Actions speak louder than words.
Showing a false certificate or continually being with someone other than your
spouse can give the wrong impression to those around you.

Christians do not lie. They tell the truth, even if they have to pay the
consequences.
 Christian Living | 111

Honesty is the best policy!

Cursing and Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain

One of the Ten Commandments is “Thou shalt not take the name of the
LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his
name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

Many people use the name of the Lord in loose conversation. They are not
praising Him, but still they say, God, Jesus, Lord, and/or Christ. This is taking the
name of the Lord in vain. If God is not being prayed to or praised, then His name
need not be said. Slang expressions are unnecessary. This habit must be broken.

“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for
whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not” (Romans
12:14).

Cursings and blessings should not come out of the same mouth. People
inconsistently use their tongues to speak well of God and degradingly about
their fellow man.

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we

men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same
mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things
ought not so to be” (James 3:9-10).

When others do wrong, instead of cursing them, pray for them, taking
their name before the throne of God. Bless them.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Boasting

“For they [wicked people] brag about their evil desires; they praise
the greedy and curse the LORD” (Psalm 10:3, NLT).
 Christian Living | 112

A bragger is self-centered. Talking about himself or herself and his or her

opinions is his or her highest joy.

The Solution

Christians can refrain from sinning with their mouths by giving the Holy
Spirit control. The guidance of the Spirit “[casts] down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5).

The Spirit will make us aware of when we are offending God and our
fellow man.

Conclusion

An untamed tongue can do much damage. We need the Holy Ghost to

give us power to control this unruly member.

If our lips would keep from slips,

Five things observe with care:
To whom you speak; of whom you speak;
And how, and when, and where.
(William Norris)

What Have You Learned?

1. What are the three definitions that The Revell Dictionary gives of tongue?
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________

2. What does James 3 say about the tongue? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 113

3. Give one of the comparisons that James states about the tongue. _________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. Quote James 1:19. _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Name three ways that we can sin with our mouth.

A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________

6. How can Christians refrain from sinning with their speech? ____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What does the guidance of the Spirit cast down? ______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What does talebearing sow? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. Who is the father of lies? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 114

10. Who died because they lied to the Holy Ghost? _______________________
________________________________________________________________________

11. What is the best policy to keep one from sinning? _____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

12. Quote Exodus 20:7. ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

13. What should not come out of the same mouth? ________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 115

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 116

Lesson 13

Words Fitly Spoken

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health
to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

Focus

Words fitly spoken bring health and healing.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in
due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23).

The wrong words can destroy, but words fitly spoken can bring health
to the soul (wounded spirits) and healing to the body (bones) and
relationships. (See Proverbs 12:18.) Fruitfulness and productivity are the
rewards of words fitly spoken.

Pleasant Words

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver”

(Proverbs 25:11).
 Christian Living | 117

King Solomon drew a word picture to show us how important right

words are. A word spoken at the right time and the right place can have a
beautiful effect on someone’s life. Advice or comfort given seasonably and in apt
expressions is like golden balls resembling apples or like apples of a golden color
framed with silver. The right words are priceless. As a picture is pleasing to the
eye, so is a word fitly spoken pleasing to the ear.

Honest Conversation

In the past, a man’s word was as good as a written guarantee. When a

man gave his word, he did what he said. His word could be trusted.

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is

perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1).

An upright poor man is favored over a rich, lying fool.

“A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and
with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in
the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit
thereof” (Proverbs 18:20-21).

The following list of Incentives of Pure Speech was adapted from Peace in
Society and Purity in Speech.

• Honest words bear fruit. “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the
fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled”
(Proverbs 18:20).
• Honest words are valuable. “There is gold, and a multitude of rubies:
but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel” (Proverbs 20:15).
• Honest words bring freedom. “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his
tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).
• Honest words bring acceptance. “He that loveth pureness of heart, for
the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend” (Proverbs 22:11).

Revealing Words

The tongue is the hardest member of the body to control. In their book In
Search of Holiness: A Practical Guide for Today, David and Loretta Bernard stated,
 Christian Living | 118

“The way you use your tongue is a good indication of your relationship with
God. The tongue speaks whatever is in the heart.”

Whatever is in the heart comes out in conversation. Maybe it will not all
come out at once, but eventually it will show itself.

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?
for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh”
(Matthew 12:34).

In The Dynamics of Preaching, Warren W. Wiersbe said, “Since what we say

with the tongue comes from the heart, we had better be careful about the
vocabulary we use when we talk to ourselves. When we least expect it, what
we’ve been saying in our hearts will come out of our lips and embarrass us.”

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”
(Proverbs 4:23).

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from
the heart; and they defile the man” (Matthew 15:18).

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his
tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain”
(James 1:26).

The mouth talks about the things that fill the heart.

Other Tongues

Have you ever wondered why God used speaking in other tongues as the
initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost? One reasonable explanation is that the
tongue is the hardest part of a man to tame. Once God has control of the tongue,
He has the life.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak
with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).

This disobedient member is the hardest for us to yield to God. Therefore,

when we speak in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance, it signifies that we
have given God complete control.
 Christian Living | 119

Powerful Words

Jesus taught the importance of the tongue when He said that men would
be judged by their words.

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou
shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).

To use the power of words constructively, let us pray:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be

acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer”
(Psalm 19:14).

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips”

(Psalm 141:3).

Conclusion

Words have the power to bring life or death. They will either build or
destroy.

If we want to bring health and healing to ourselves and those who hear
us, our words must be fitly spoken.

“Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the

contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you”
(Titus 2:8).

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye
may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).

“Dear Father, help me bridle my tongue, so that on judgment day I will

not be found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon” (Anonymous).
 Christian Living | 120

What Have You Learned?

1. What are pleasant words to the soul and to the bones? _________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Quote Proverbs 25:11. ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What powers are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:20-21)? ___________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. Give one of the Incentives for Pure Speech listed in this lesson. __________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What did David and Loretta Bernard say about the tongue and
relationships with God? __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. Quote Proverbs 4:23. _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What is a reason why God used speaking in tongues as the initial sign of
receiving the Holy Ghost? ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 121

8. Name two things that words can do.

A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________

9. What psalm can we pray when trying to control the unruly member? ____
________________________________________________________________________

10. Write the quotation at the end of this lesson. __________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 122

When to Keep Your Mouth Shut

by Jessie Rice Sandberg
(“The Sum of My Happiness”)

Do Not Open Your Mouth:

1. In the heat of anger (Proverbs 14:17).
2. When you do not have all the facts (Proverbs 18:13).
3. When you have not verified the story (Deuteronomy 17:6).
4. If your words will offend a weaker brother (I Corinthians 8:11).
5. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or of your friends
and family (I Peter 2:21-23).
6. When you are tempted to make light of holy things (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
7. When you are tempted to joke about sin (Proverbs 14:9).
8. If you would be ashamed of your words later (Proverbs 8:8).
9. If your words would convey a wrong impression (Proverbs 17:27).
10. If the issue is none of your business (Proverbs 14:10).
11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie (Proverbs 4:24).
12. If your words will damage someone’s reputation (Proverbs 16:27).
13. If your words would destroy a friendship (Proverbs 16:28).
14. When you are feeling critical (James 3:9).
15. If you cannot speak without yelling (Proverbs 25:28).
16. When it is time to listen (Proverbs 13:1).
17. If you may have to eat your words later (Proverbs 18:21).
18. If you have already said it more than one time, at which point it
becomes nagging (Proverbs 19:13).
19. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person (Proverbs 24:24).
20. When you are supposed to be working instead (Proverbs 14:23).

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from
troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).
 Christian Living | 123

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 124

Lesson 14

Holy Hands
“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting” (I Timothy 2:8).

Focus

God desires worship that comes from a clean heart and is expressed with
holy hands.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

“Oh be careful little hands what you touch,

Oh be careful little hands what you touch,
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
Oh be careful little hands what you touch.”

Hand is referred to 1,600 times in the Bible and is symbolic of power or

ability. The hand can:

• Bless or curse;
• Lift up or tear down;
• Worship or scorn.
 Christian Living | 125

Hands in Worship

Barnes’ Notes gives an insight to the key verse, I Timothy 2:8. “‘Holy
hands’ here, means hands that are not defiled by sin. When men approach God,
they should do it in a pure and holy manner.”

Spreading and raising of the arms and hands in prayer was a common
custom practiced by both Jews and heathens. While praying, they reached out
and symbolically held onto the help they asked for. (See Psalm 28:2; 63:4; 119:48;
134:2.)

Right after talking about men lifting up holy hands, Timothy referred to
the way women should dress.

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest

apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair,
or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (I Timothy 2:9).

Why would God say that men should lift holy hands and women should
dress modestly? What is the connection?

Barnes’ Notes gives a reasonable explanation: “The apostle had stated

particularly the duty of men in public worship (I Timothy 2:8), and he now
proceeds to state the duty of women. All the directions here evidently refer to the
proper manner of conducting public worship, and not to private duties; and the
object here is to state the way in which he would have the different sexes
appear.”

Body language speaks as loudly as verbal speech. We communicate with

our hands. Hands have a language of their own. They express:

Victory

“But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it
under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his
hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his
hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (Exodus 17:12).

As long as Moses held up the rod of God, which symbolized power and
authority, Israel prevailed over the Amalekites.
 Christian Living | 126

The rod in the air showed their dependence on God. They had faith that
God would bring the victory. When we lose our dependence on God, the enemy
will prevail.

The waving of the hands in the air is a sign of victory. It is a way of

saying, “To God be the glory for the things He has done.”

Supplication

Outstretched hands are a sign of reaching out to God. They indicate

pleading or supplication (Psalm 88:9).

“Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” (Psalm 68:31).

Can a country have hands? This verse refers to the time when Ethiopia
would stretch forth its hands in supplication.

Uplifting

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble
knees” (Hebrews 12:12).

The arms, hands, and lower limbs are the strength of the body. If they are
weak, the whole structure is unstable.

Hands hang down because of fear. The enemy uses fear to make us think
we are weak and unable to do anything for God. Fear takes our focus off God
and weakens our hands and knees.

Do not allow your brother or sister’s hands to hang down. Lift them up.
Strengthen them through encouragement. Hold their hands high.

Submission

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may

be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For
if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what
one has, not according to what he does not have” (II Corinthians
8:11-12, NIV).
 Christian Living | 127

Using our hands to do God’s work requires submission. The work of our
hands is not necessarily measured by how much we do, but by whether or not
we give our all. When working for the Lord, it is up to us to give our best.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there
is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Submissive people open their hands, surrendering all. However, a closed,

tight fist indicates clutching and an unwillingness to yield.

How do you receive a gift? Can you properly hold the package with
closed hands? In order to receive the gifts God has for His children, we must
open our hands. The same concept works when giving a gift. If you clutch the
gift, the other person cannot receive it. At times, God may be more willing to
give than we are to receive.

Heart and Hands

Throughout Scripture, the heart and hands are referred to in the same
passage (Job 11:13; Psalm 24:4; 78:72; 73:13). Why?

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”
(Proverbs 4:23).

The heart dictates the actions of the hands. What do we hold dear in our
hearts? The works of our hands reveal our priorities.

Look at people doing the same job. Some like the job and others do not.
Who is the most likely to do the best work? The ones who like their job. Why?
Because their hearts are in what they are doing and they will give it their all. The
attitude of their heart expresses itself through the deeds done by their hands.

God’s people have pure hearts and clean hands. Jesus taught about the
hypocrite who was clean on the outside, but dirty inside. He said:

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make

clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are
full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that
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which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may
be clean also” (Matthew 23:25-26).

Man is easily fooled by outward cleanliness. However, God sees the heart.
We cannot have clean hands and a dirty heart at the same time.

Clean hands involve abstaining from things that pollute and defile. Many
sins are committed with the hands. They are conceived in the mind but carried
out with the hands. For example:

1. Stealing
2. Murder
3. Fornication/adultery
4. Vandalism
5. Sexual harassment

The actions of the hands can plant the seed of sin in the mind. For
example, when touching a person of the opposite sex who is not your spouse. In
church circles, we shake hands and say, “Praise the Lord.” It should stop at that.
Holding hands can lead to lustful thoughts. Continued interaction feeds the
sexual hormones. If the body is not brought under subjection, sin can enter and
defile the body, possibly leading to adultery or fornication.

“(Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the
using)” (Colossians 2:21-22).

The apostle Paul warned against infecting our lives by touching and
handling forbidden things. Do not purposely put yourself in a tempting
situation. Keep yourself pure before the Lord.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in
his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who
hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He
shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from
the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24: 3-5).

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even
as he is pure” (I John 3:3).

In the Old Testament, a man who was ceremonially unclean could not
enter the Temple. He first had to go to the priest and be pronounced clean.
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Matthew Henry’s Commentary adds, “The hands lifted up in prayer must be

pure hands. They are not to be soiled with undeserved increase, or anything else
that would make a man unclean and offensive to God.”

The work of our hands will be counted as nothing if our heart is not pure.
Both our hands and our hearts must be clean before our works and our worship
are acceptable to God.

“I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar,

O LORD” (Psalm 26:6).

“Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double

minded” (James 4:8).

“The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean
hands shall be stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9).

Conclusion

Lifting up holy hands in worship shows God that we love Him. The
language of the hands speaks the feelings of the heart. God accepts worship that
comes from a pure heart and is expressed by holy hands.

What Have You Learned?

1. What are the three things that the hand can do?
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________

2. What does I Timothy 2:8 show? _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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3. List the things that the hands can express.

A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________

4. What happened when Moses’ hands were supported by Aaron and Hur?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What does Psalm 68:31 mean? ______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What type of hands will a submissive person have? ____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What did Jesus teach about in Matthew 23? ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. List three sins that start in the mind and are carried out by the hands.
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________

9. Give an example of a sin that starts with the hands. ____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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10. What are the two things that need to be clean according to James 4:8?
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________

Personal Study Notes

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Lesson 15

Dedicated Hands
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there
is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Focus

The Lord wants us to use our hands for His work. It is up to us whether
we dedicate them to His service.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

Our hands represent our passion. What we do with them shows to what
we are dedicated. For example:

• A farmer uses his hands to break the soil and plant the seed.
• A writer uses her hands to put on paper the words of her mind.
• A fisherman casts the net and pulls it in with his hands.

Giving Hands

“Hands Go! Hands Come!” (African Proverb)

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This section was adapted from James Poitras in his book ACTS: God’s
Training Manual for Today’s Church.

A Christian should have giving hands. In the Book of Acts, believers sold
their possessions and gave to the church to help in the financial crisis.

In two days, the church went from 120 people to at least 3,120. This meant
that there were many more people to feed. The believers realized how the Lord
had blessed them and felt that they should share their blessings. They sold their
possessions and brought the money to the apostles to distribute to those in need.

Many people do not want to give out of the abundance of their wealth, but
they expect God to give to them abundantly. God does not operate that way.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed

down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into
your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall
be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

How you give is how you will receive. Reluctance will reap reluctance,
but joyous giving reaps joy.

“God has given us two hands―one for receiving and

the other for giving” (Billy Graham).

We have a call to sacrificial giving.

The sacrificial giving of the Macedonian church pleased the Lord.

“Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his
kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia. Though they
have been going through much trouble and hard times, their
wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich
generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could
afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They
begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in
the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem. Best of all, they went
beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate
themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God
might give them” (II Corinthians 8:1-5, NLT).
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Their sacrifice produced a sweet, acceptable aroma (Philippians 4:18).

Their giving also brought them prosperity (Philippians 4:17).

Break the curse of poverty by giving more than you can afford, because
you can never outgive the Lord.

God gives us a promise when we sacrificially give to Him. “But my God

shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 4:19).

Warring Hands

“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by

mine arms” (Psalm 18:34).

In spiritual warfare we protect ourselves by holding the shield of faith and

the sword of the Spirit.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
(Ephesians 6:16-17).

Hold high the shield of faith. Faith in God’s Word will protect us from
Satan’s fiery darts.

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us it is “the substance of things hoped

for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is believing without evidence. Faith is
our defense against Satan’s attacks.

The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. The sword is the only
offensive piece in the soldier’s armor. It is called the sword of the Spirit because
it is the Spirit of God dwelling inside us that makes the Word of God effective in
our lives.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
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Matthew Henry’s Commentary adds an interesting thought: “Scripture-

arguments are the most powerful arguments to repel temptation with. Christ
Himself resisted Satan’s temptations with, ‘It is written’ (Matthew 4:4, 6-7, 10).
This (the Word of God), being hid in the heart, will preserve from sin, killing
those lusts and corruptions that are hidden there.”

When Satan throws his fiery darts at us, we can hold high the shield of
faith and use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to quench his arrows.

• If he comes at us with poverty, we can quote Philippians 4:19.

• When Satan aims an arrow of lust at us, we can escape by quoting
Philippians 4:8.
• When he pierces us with sickness, we can cut him down with I Peter 2:24.
• When Satan throws persecution at us, we will rejoice as we quench his
fiery dart with Matthew 5:10-12.

Whatever dart comes at us, with the shield of faith and the sword of God’s
Word we can defeat Satan.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
thee” (Psalm 119:11).

Ministering Hands

Christ is the head, and we are the body. We are the limbs that get the
work done. He gave us His Spirit and then told us to go and tell everyone about
it. Christ works through the hands of man.

While Christ was on the earth, He touched the children, the sick, and even
lepers. His hands ministered to those around Him everywhere He went. As
Christ’s hands, it is our duty to reach out to people and meet their needs.

Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today

He has no feet but our feet to lead men in the way
He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible the careless world will read.

We are the sinner’s gospel; we are the scoffer’s creed;
We are the Lord’s last message, given in word and deed;
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What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy with other work than His?
What if our feet are walking where sin’s allurement is?
What if our tongue is speaking of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him or welcome His return?
(Annie Johnston Flint)

Working Hands

Christ has given His children power to do His work.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”
(Acts 1:8).

The church only progresses when we have a mind to work. Growth will
not just happen.

Nehemiah and the Jews in Jerusalem are good examples of “hands-on”

laborers (Nehemiah 3-6). Because the people were unified, saw the task before
them, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work, they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem
in fifty-two days.

Many people, when they are saved, are shocked to discover how much
plain, old-fashioned hard work is involved in serving God. Lazy people have a
hard time living for God. Some miss opportunities because it is disguised as
hard work.

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour,
working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have
to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28).

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and

to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (I
Thessalonians 4:11).
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Conclusion

Giving, warring, ministering, working—all require dedicated hands.

Christ needs our hands to do His work. We will face opposition, but He
has equipped us with the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit so we can do
the job.

What Have You Learned?

1. What type of hands should a Christian have? _________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Quote Luke 6:38. __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What does Billy Graham say about hands? ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. Quote Philippians 4:19. ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What do we need to hold in our hands during warfare? ________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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6. What is faith? _____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What is the sword of the Spirit? _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What type of arguments are the most powerful? _______________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. Who are Christ’s hands? ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. When will the church progress? _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 139

Personal Study Notes

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Lesson 16

Have Ears? Listen

“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of
knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12).

Focus

To live an overcoming Christian life, we must open our ear door to God’s
voice, but shut out the filth of the world.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

Oh be careful little ears what you hear,

Oh be careful little ears what you hear,
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
Oh be careful little ears what you hear.

What are we listening to? What information is entering our mind through
the doorway of our hearing? It is important that we listen to things that lift up
and exalt Christ.
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The Ear Door

Biblically, the ear represents receiving, understanding, and responding to

God’s Word.

“Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth [receiveth, understandeth]

my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid
the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat
vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was
founded upon a rock” (Luke 6:47-48).

“He that is of God heareth [receiveth, understandeth] God’s words:

ye therefore hear [receive, understand] them not, because ye are not
of God” (John 8:47).

Many times Jesus admonished, “He who has ears, let him hear [receive,
understand].” (See Matthew 11:15; 13:9; 13:43; Mark 4:9, 23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35.)

The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary says, “In biblical times people
spoke to each other’s ears: instead of listening they ‘inclined their ears.’ When
they prayed, God ‘bowed down His ear’ to hear them.”

The same reference also adds, “The ear had a significant part in some
Jewish ceremonies. It was sanctified by blood in the consecration of Aaron and
his sons to the priesthood (Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:24), and at the cleansing of a
leper (Leviticus 14).”

The Seeking Ear

“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the
wise seeketh knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15).

Why do we attend seminars, conventions, or conferences? We want to

learn more about the Word of God. We want to hear more from anointed men
and women of God who can help us grow in Christ.

Those who seek knowledge will find it. God never said seeking was time
wasted, but “seek and you shall find” (Matthew 7:7). If the ear seeks knowledge,
 Christian Living | 142

the heart gets it, keeps it, and is enriched by it. We must get knowledge, not only
into our heads, but also into our hearts.

“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of
knowledge” (Proverbs 23:12).

The Itching Ear

Laws are made for our benefit. (See Deuteronomy 32:46-47.)

Many people believe if they do not listen to the laws, they will not be held
accountable because they “didn’t know.”

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

To know God’s laws, we must heed the teaching of His Word. God gave
commandments to show us the right way to live. When the man of God is
preaching or teaching, it is to our benefit to listen with diligence.

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound
doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around
them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want
to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn
aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure
hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of
your ministry” (II Timothy 4:3-5, NIV).

Many people want the gospel to be sugarcoated. Their ears itch to hear
pleasing things—things other than the truth. This is dangerous territory.

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his
prayer shall be an abomination” (Proverbs 28:9).

There is a tremendous cost in turning away the ear. If we do not regard

God’s Word, our prayers will not be accepted, and they will be as an
abomination to God. Refusing to listen to God’s Word costs us God’s listening
ear. If we want God to listen to us, we must listen to Him.
 Christian Living | 143

“But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed
when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and
would not accept my rebuke . . . Then they will call to me but I will
not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they
hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they
would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat
the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes”
(Proverbs 1:24-31, NIV).

“To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear?
behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken:
behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no
delight in it” (Jeremiah 6:10).

The Closed Ear

“But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the
counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went
backward, and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:24).

When we fail to listen to the Word of God, we backslide. The people of

Judah set up a competition between their will and God’s. They did not incline
their ears to listen or their hearts to obey His commandments. They wanted their
own way and did as they chose, ignoring what God asked of them. They relied
on their own counsel rather than the Word of God.

At Mount Sinai Israel said that whatever God said they would do. (See
Exodus 19:8.) They started well, but less than two years later they fell behind at
Kadesh-Barnea when they wanted to choose a new leader and return to Egypt
(Numbers 14). God told them to go forward, but they turned their ears from
hearing. If they had just obeyed, all would have been well. However, they drew
back in rebellion and paid for it.

The Selective Ear

Satan will try to get control of our mind through our hearing in a variety
of ways.

• Advertisements (radio, television, magazines)

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• Movies/Videos
• Music (If the lyrics are suggestive, the music can inspire evil.)
• Conversations
• Sounds

We must be careful what we listen to . The enemy is out to claim our soul
and will try every trick he can to succeed. Through prayer and a life committed
to Christ, we can stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).

Choosing not to listen to sinful things (such as foul language and bad
stories) may cost us popularity and even friendships. However, the bottom line
is, our walk with Christ is more important. We can choose not to listen to the filth
of the world.

Two little girls were looking at the great picture of Christ at the
door. One asked the other, “Why don’t they let Him in?” The other
replied, “Maybe they’re down in the basement and can’t hear
Him!” Too often we are down in the basement of our lower selves,
the cellars of sin, and we hear not His voice. The big question today
is not, “Is God speaking?” but “Are you listening?” (The Vance
Havner Quote Book).

The Heart and the Ears

What is the connection between the heart and the ears? What you hear
enters your heart. The ears are very tender. What is heard is put into memory
and later comes out in conversation.

“Consider carefully what you hear” (Mark 4:24, NIV).

Children will repeat much, if not all, of what they hear. What is being
programmed into your children’s hearts and minds?

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always

resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye” (Acts 7:51).

Israel had a history of refusing to listen to God. They listened to the

ungodly nations around them.
 Christian Living | 145

In Stephen’s message in Acts 7, he warned the Jews to turn from their

wicked ways. When we harden our hearts toward the Word of God, judgment
comes. Those who refuse to hear [receive, understand] will pay a tremendous
price—eternal death.

The Ear of the Lord

God is all seeing (Proverbs 5:21; 15:3). It can also be said that He is all
hearing. He hears the faintest cry of a child or worried mother. The simple
mention of His name gets God’s attention immediately. God wants to hear our
voices calling upon Him.

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he
heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him,
even into his ears” (Psalm 18:6).

God hears every need. He also hears and delights in our prayers and
praise (Psalm 71:8; 130:2; Proverbs 15:8).

King Hezekiah prayed, “O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest

between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of
the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear;
open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which
hath sent to reproach the living God” (Isaiah 37:16-17).

God’s ears are always listening for our voice.

“He that planted the ear, shall he not hear?” (Psalm 94:9).

Conclusion

“He who has ears, hears what he chooses” (Anonymous).

People can be deaf by choice. Sounds that disturb one person’s thoughts
may never affect another one’s. The hearing sense can be turned on or off.

For example: A mother and father both have the same hearing sense.
However, at the faintest movement or cry from the baby, the mother is up for the
midnight feeding, while the father continues to sleep. Why? The maternal instinct
 Christian Living | 146

sharpens the mother’s sense of hearing, allowing her to hear the baby. The mother
sleeps with one ear open, while her husband sleeps with both ears closed.

We can be the same with the world. We can be deaf by choice, blocking
out the filth and evil. Although we have ears, we do not have to hear all that goes
on around us. On the other hand, we can choose to hear God’s voice and live an
overcoming Christian life.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith
unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7).

What Have You Learned?

1. What does the ear represent biblically? _______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Quote Proverbs 18:15. ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What happens when the ear seeks knowledge? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the cost of turning away the ear from God’s Word? _____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 147

5. What happened to Judah when they failed to listen to the Word of God?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What is the connection between the heart and the ears? ________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What gets God’s immediate attention? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. What does God like to hear? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. Quote Psalm 94:9. _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. Give the final quote in this lesson and explain what it means. ___________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Personal Study Notes

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Lesson 17

Clear Vision
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole
body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be
darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23).

Focus

We need to guard our eyes from the filth of the world. Focusing on Jesus
keeps our vision clear.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

To live a holy and acceptable life, we need a clear vision, focused on

Christ. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).

Blinded

The god of this world (Satan) blinds people to the truth so they will not be
saved.
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“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them
which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (II
Corinthians 4:4).

Satan knows that one of the easiest ways to enter the mind is through the
eyes. People like things that appeal to the eye. Therefore, Satan fashions the
things of this world to tempt the flesh. He gives the worldly lifestyle a glamorous
appearance to make it appear good and exciting.

After being exposed to these temptations over and over, we become

accustomed to them and accept them as normal. If we look at and think about sin
long enough, we eventually will sin, which is what the devil wants. Many people
think that they have to commit the act before they have sinned, but allowing it to
remain in our thoughts is also sin.

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust

after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart”
(Matthew 5:28).

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such
things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure
in them that do them” (Romans 1:32).

People who take pleasure in seeing sin are as guilty as those who have
committed the sin.

Satan wants us to focus on immorality, violence, pornography, and other

lustful things. He displays these things through the media, movies, television,
books, magazines, and advertisements.

“It is not the darkness that blocks your vision so much as what is
between you and God” (Gail B. Trafford).

Eyes that are not guarded against the filth of the world eventually become
blind. Spiritual blindness robs man of eternal life.
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Enlightened

There is hope for the blind. God is forgiving and ever-loving. When we
obey the plan of salvation, the spiritual scales fall from our eyes and our
understanding is enlightened. We do not see things as before. When the film of
the world is removed, God’s way becomes clear.

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may
give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye
may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of
the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:17-18).

“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own
blood” (Revelation 1:5).

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship

one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin” (I John 1:7).

Jesus’ blood covers all sin. The cleansing power of the blood is always
available to men and women as they draw nearer to God.

When we are cleansed by the blood, God gives us light so we can stay
focused on Him. When we focus on Him, understanding comes.

Focused

“My eyes are ever looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can
rescue me” (Psalm 25:15, TLB).

We keep our eyes from evil by staying focused on Jesus. When we look at
Him, the things of this world lose their appeal. As the old hymn says:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of this earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
 Christian Living | 152

The prophet Isaiah made a promise: “He that . . . shutteth his eyes from
seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of
rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure” (Isaiah 33:15-16).

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help” (Psalm 121:1).

If we can keep our eyes on Jesus, we will have strength to refrain from sin.
Stay focused on Him!

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before
you” (Proverbs 4:25, NIV).

Just as the runner keeps his focus on the finish line, so should the
Christian look unto the author and finisher of his faith.

How can we stay focused? How can we guard our eyes?

• Make a covenant.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes” (Psalm 101:3). The
psalmist David promised that he would not set any wicked thing
before his eyes. How appropriate this is for our day.

• Read God’s Word.

We can only stay focused on a God we know. Reading about Him
opens our eyes to His power, love, and grace.

• Pray and fast.

Talking to Jesus helps us think about Him more. We rarely think about
someone we never talk to.

• Be around other focused Christians.

United we stand, divided we fall. There is strength in numbers. When
we feel weak and like giving in, our Christian friends can encourage us
to press on.

“But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD” (Psalm 141:8,

NIV).
 Christian Living | 153

Conclusion

As Christians, we must guard our eyes. Evil enters the mind through the
eyes. Whatever we need to keep out of our minds, we must first keep away from
our eyes.

Clear vision is vital to Christians.

“Vision is essential for survival. It is spawned by faith, sustained by hope,

sparked by imagination, and strengthened by enthusiasm. It is greater
than sight, deeper than a dream, broader than an idea. Vision
encompasses vast vistas outside the realm of the predictable, the safe,
the expected. No wonder we perish without it!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

A clear vision that is focused on Jesus sees the light of the gospel and
envisions great things in God.

What Have You Learned?

1. What do we need in order to live a holy and acceptable life? ____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What is one of the easiest ways to get into the mind? ___________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What would Satan like for us to focus on? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What is spiritual blindness? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 154

5. How can the sight of a spiritually blind person be restored? _____________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. When does this restoration take place? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. Quote I John 1:7. __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. Give the comparison between the Christian and the runner. ____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. How can we stay focused? How can we guard our eyes? _______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. Finish this statement. United we stand, _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

11. How important is clear vision to a Christian? _________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

12. What does Charles R. Swindoll say in this lesson? _____________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 155

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 156

Lesson 18

Walking in His Ways

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me
an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11, NIV).

Focus

A person will be able to stand when walking in the truth.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

Oh be careful little feet where you walk,

Oh be careful little feet where you walk,
For the Father up above is looking down in love,
Oh be careful little feet where you walk.

“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established”
(Proverbs 4:26).

When living for Christ, our destination is known. We must walk the
path of righteousness, asking God to give us the strength we need to keep
moving forward.
 Christian Living | 157

The Proper Footwear

The Israelites ate the Passover with their shoes on. They were ready to
travel.

Jesus commanded His disciples to wear sandals, so they could travel and
do His work.

Just as the Israelites were on the way to possess the Promised Land, we
are on a journey from this strange land to our eternal home. We must stand tall
as we travel through this life.

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”
(Ephesians 6:15).

For the Roman soldier, shoes and greaves (leggings) of brass were part of
the military armor. They protected the feet and legs from wounds from sharp
sticks, stones, and unexpected holes. If a soldier’s feet were wounded, he could
no longer march, and the enemy could overtake him. A wounded soldier could
neither stand to resist his enemy, chase him, nor run from him. (See
romanmilitary.net/tools/armor/.)

When a soldier went to battle, he needed proper footwear. As we go into

spiritual battle, it is important that our feet are protected. A Christian who has
properly dressed his feet can make it through obstacles and trials.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against

principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore
take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians
6:12-13).

The devil wants the soul of man, and he does not fight fair. He will try
every trick he has to try to knock us off our feet. In order to stand tall and strong,
we must be steady on our feet so the winds of false doctrine and the storms of
life cannot knock us over.

The road of life has many obstacles such as misunderstandings, opposition, or

apathy that make it difficult to continue walking if our feet are not properly shod.
 Christian Living | 158

Ill-fitting shoes leave blisters. We must wear our own shoes. If we try to
wear someone else’s, our feet will become sore. God has called us to a personal
walk of holiness where we walk at our own pace, wearing properly fitted shoes.

Walking on the right path is important. A child of God has only one path to
walk: the path of righteousness. “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of
dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18, NIV).

The plan of salvation is the gateway to the path of truth. At the gate we
begin the journey toward the finish line, walking in righteousness and truth all
the way.

After obeying the plan of salvation (Acts 2:38), we are armed with the true
message, and we can withstand whatever Satan throws in our path. The
preparation of the gospel allows us to maintain a steady pace, overcoming
difficulties and dangers.

“The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and

resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it”
(Matthew Henry’s Commentary).

The Leading Heart

“Where your heart is, your feet will follow” (Anonymous).

“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide”
(Psalm 37:31).

“Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from
thy way” (Psalm 44:18).

What is in the heart determines where the feet walk. If Christ lives in us,
we will walk in the right direction. The Spirit of God leads in the path of
righteousness. A sincere love for God will not allow us to visit worldly places.

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).
 Christian Living | 159

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”

(Psalm 119:105).

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he

delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast
down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).

Keeping His Commandments

“Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy

God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him” (Deuteronomy 8:6).

To walk in His ways we must keep His commandments. Here are some
other things that will help us walk in truth.

• Seek God’s will in making life decisions (Proverbs 20:24).

• Make the church a regular stopping place (Luke 2:37).
• Walk only where Christ would walk (Colossians 2:6).
• Have family devotions, as well as personal devotions. Show your
children the way (Psalm 5:3).

Psalm 1:1 states:

• Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
• nor standeth in the way of sinners,
• nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Obeying the Word of God keeps us on the right road. Seeking after God
and His righteousness is walking in His ways. Following after the Spirit of God
keeps our feet on the right path.

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have
dominion over me” (Psalm 119:133).

“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in

man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

The Lord will not force anyone to do anything or go anywhere. However,

He will gladly guide our footsteps when we ask for His help.
 Christian Living | 160

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship

one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us
from all sin” (I John 1:7).

Walking in the light of God’s Word shows us the impurities in our lives.
When a light is turned on, the dirt is revealed. Cleansing is needed to remove the
dirt. The light of Christ reveals the sin, and the blood of Christ removes it.

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy
holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness,
and speaketh the truth in his heart” (Psalm 15:1-2).

People who walk uprightly, work righteousness (does right), and tell the
truth. They stand tall before God and their fellow men and women.

In Hannah’s song of praise or prayer, she mentioned the feet. “He will
keep the feet of his saints” (I Samuel 2:9).

When we walk in truth, God will not allow our feet to slip.

At His Feet

Jesus Christ walked in integrity, compassion, and submission.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered

for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (I
Peter 2:21).

Luke records that Jesus came to earth “to give light to them that sit in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace”
(Luke 1:79). He came as a baby to teach us how to walk.

If we want to learn how to walk, we must spend some time at Jesus’ feet.
Sitting at His feet and looking at His example will tell us a great deal about what
we should do. While Martha was worried about the meal, Mary forgot about the
cares of life and sat at His feet.

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and
heard his word” (Luke 10:39).
 Christian Living | 161

Conclusion

Obeying God’s Word will keep us on the path of truth. Having our feet
properly shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace will keep us from
stumbling and falling as we walk in His ways.

“I have refused to walk the paths of evil, for I will remain obedient
to your Word” (Psalm 119:101, TLB).

What Have You Learned?

1. Quote Proverbs 4:26. _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Why did the Israelites wear their shoes when eating the Passover? _______
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What is the quote about the heart and feet in this lesson? _______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. Who orders the steps of a good man? Give Scripture with the answer. ____
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. Explain the importance of a Christian wearing the right footwear. _______

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 162

6. What does Ephesians 6:12-13 say? ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What must one keep in order to walk in the ways of the Lord? __________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. Quote Psalm 119:133. ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

9. What will walking in the light of His Word do for us? __________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

10. What should we do if we want to learn how to walk in Christ? __________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 163

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 164

Afterword

Reflecting His Glory

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the
Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as
by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Corinthians 3:18).

Focus

As Christians, we are to reflect God’s glory. People are watching us. We

must be holy for He is holy.

What I Have Learned

Introduction

Are we reflecting God’s glory so that others see His love, mercy, and
compassion in us? Do we reflect Jesus?

It’s good to be a Christian and know it,

but it’s better to be a Christian and show it!

Mirrors

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God
created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27).
Man was created in the image of God. We are to reflect His image.
 Christian Living | 165

A mirror reflects the image set before it. When you look in the mirror, you
see yourself looking back at you.

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are
being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (II Corinthians 3:18,
NIV, emphasis added).

“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors

that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord
works within us, we become more and more like him” (II
Corinthians 3:18, TLB, emphasis added).

Many people whom we will never talk to are watching us. When we live
for Jesus Christ, we live in a glass house where everyone watches our every
move. Will they see the love of Christ in us? The true Christian reflects a
wonderful and loving Savior.

Holiness

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD

your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the
LORD which sanctify you” (Leviticus 20:7-8).

Holiness is essential to salvation.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man
shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

After the new birth experience, a battle for holiness begins between the
born-again spirit of man and the old carnal nature.

Our holy God demands that His children be holy like Him.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all

manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am
holy” (I Peter 1:15-16).

Holiness changes us inside and out. It is shown on the outside through

obedience to the Word of God. God’s Word clearly states that men are to look
 Christian Living | 166

like men and women are to look like women (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians
11). This is practical holiness.

An inward spiritual change of heart and attitude sets us apart from the
rest of the world. The spiritual change creates a physical change that separates
us. As children of God, we are not supposed to look like the world, because we
are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, and holy nation.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a

peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (I Peter 2:9).

Sacrifice

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye

present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
God” (Romans 12:1-2).

We are called to a life of holiness and separation. Holiness includes the

sacrifice of our desires and will. We must be holy and separated in order to be
acceptable to God.

Love for God

Love for God maintains holiness.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15).

When we love God, we will seek to please Him, live holy, and reflect His
glory. A true and sincere love for God creates a desire within us to abstain from
the evil of this world.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep
my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto
him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).
 Christian Living | 167

Love of God

First Corinthians 13 is the love chapter of the Bible. In this chapter Christ-
like character is exalted more than ministry, faith, or the possession of spiritual
gifts. God values and emphasizes character that acts in love, patience, kindness,
unselfishness, and love for truth.

Those who are rich in holiness, godliness, and love for God are the
greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. The love of God poured out within the
believer’s heart through the Holy Spirit is always great.

Grow in Grace and Glory

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (II
Peter 3:18).

Some ways we can grow in grace and glory are:

• Study God’s Word.

• Pray.
• Fast.
• Show God’s love to others.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace
and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk
uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

To behold the glory of God is to realize the glory, truth, and person of
Jesus Christ as He is revealed in the gospel. It means to experience His nearness,
love, righteousness, and power through prayer and the Holy Spirit, while
abiding in Him and His Word. It results in our transformation into His likeness.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I

preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye
stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I
preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered
unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died
for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and
 Christian Living | 168

that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (I

Corinthians 15:1-4).

If the gospel is found wanting, it is because our gospel is something less

than the gospel of Christ.

“We beheld his glory . . . full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that
pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that
hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us
exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that
is in the world through lust” (II Peter 1:3-4).

Conclusion

Peter summed up Christian living.

“Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, you must have the same
attitude he did; you must be ready to suffer, too. For remember,
when your body suffers, sin loses its power, and you won’t be
spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires but will be
anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the
evil things the godless enjoy—sex, sin, lust, getting drunk, wild
parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and other terrible
sins. Of course, your former friends will be very surprised when you
don’t eagerly join them anymore in the wicked things they do, and
they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. But just remember that
they must face the Judge of all, living and dead; they will be
punished for the way they have lived. . . . The end of the world is
coming soon. Therefore be earnest, thoughtful men of prayer. Most
important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love
makes up for many of your faults” (I Peter 4:1-5, 7-8, TLB).
 Christian Living | 169

What Have You Learned?

1. Why should we be holy? Give two Scripture references with your answer.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. How does Genesis 1:27 say that humanity was created? ________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. What is a true Christian like? _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

4. What is essential to salvation? ______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

5. What does holiness include? ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

6. What will create a desire inside of a person to abstain from the evil of this
world? _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

7. What is special about I Corinthians 13? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

8. Quote I John 2:15. _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 170

9. List four ways we can grow in the Lord’s grace and glory.
A. _______________________________________________________________
B. _______________________________________________________________
C. _______________________________________________________________
D. _______________________________________________________________

10. Quote John 1:14. __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

11. Summarize Peter’s final advice. _____________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 Christian Living | 171

Personal Study Notes

 Christian Living | 172

Bibliography
Anderson, Ken. Where to Find it in the Bible–The Ultimate A to Z Resource.
Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996.
Beers, V. Gilbert. The Victor Handbook of Bible Knowledge. Colorado Springs:
Scripture Press Publications, Inc., 1981.
Bernard, Loretta A. and David K. In Search of Holiness: A Practical Guide for Today.
Hazelwood, MO: Word Aflame Press, 1981.
CD ROM Database. Adam Clarke’s Commentary. Biblesoft, 1996.
. Barnes’ Notes. Biblesoft; 1997.
. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary. Biblesoft; 1997.
. Marriage, Family and Christian Counseling. Regal Books; 2000.
. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition.
Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1999.
. PC Study Bible Version 3.0 for Windows: Complete Library Resource. Biblesoft;
1993-1999.
. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1962.
Cook, Arnold L. Historical Drift. Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications, Inc., 2000.
Cory, Lloyd. Quotable Quotations. Colorado Springs: Scripture Press Publications,
Inc., 1985.
Fausset, A. R. Fausset’s Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing
House, 1975.
Halley, Henry H. Halley’s Bible Handbook (New International Version). Grand
Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000.
Haney, Kenneth F. One God - One World - One Church - One Vision. Hazelwood,
MO: Word Aflame Press, 2001.
Hester, Dennis T. The Vance Havner Quote Book. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House
Company, 1986.
Hindson, Edward and Edward Dobson. The Knowing Jesus Study Bible (New
International Version). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1999.
Hovestol, Tom. Extreme Righteousness: Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees. Chicago:
Moody Press, 1997.
Hughes, Selwyn. The Divine Eagle. Waverly Abbey House, Surrey England:
Crusade for World Revival, 2001.
Moore, Beth. A Heart Like His. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.
Morgan, Robert J. Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes.
Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2000.
 Christian Living | 173

The New Lexicon Webster’s Encyclopedia Dictionary of the English Language. Lexicon
Publications, Inc.; 1990.
New Living Translation Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,
1996.
Palau, Luis. A Man After God’s Heart. Grand Rapids: Discovery House Publishers,
1998.
Poitras, James. ACTS: God’s Training Manual for Today’s Church Level A. Portable
Bible Schools International, 1998.
. ACTS: God’s Training Manual for Today’s Church Level C. Portable Bible
Schools International, 1999.
Poitras, Linda. Christian Education. Africa Aflame, 2002.
Revell, Fleming. The Revell Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell
Company, 1990.
Sandberg, Jessie Rice. When to Keep Your Mouth Shut. Church Bulletin.
South Flint Tabernacle. The Ladies Touch, Volume 21, Number 5. South Flint
Tabernacle’s Ladies Publication, 2002.
Stamps, Donald C. and J. Wesley Adams. The Full Life Study Bible (King James
Version). Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.
Strong, James. The New Strong’s Concordance of the Bible. Nashville: Thomas
Nelson, Inc. Publishers, 1985.
Swindoll, Charles R. The Tale of the Tardy Oxcart and 1,501 Other Stories. Nashville:
Word Publishing: Thomas Nelson Company, 1998.
Tenney, Merrill C. The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan Publishing House, 1967.
Tenney, T. F. The Main Thing . . . Is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.
Hazelwood, MO: Word Aflame Press, 1993.
Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis: B. B.
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Webster’s New Young American Dictionary. New York: Smithmark Publishers,
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Wiersbe, Warren W. The Dynamics of Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House
Company, 1999.
Woodward, Raymond. Because We Are His: Biblical Studies in Practical Holiness. A
Bible school handout, 1999.
 Christian Living | 174

Missionary Spotlight:
Roger and Barbara Edwards/
Harold and Barbara Hanson
By Barbara Joan Wilson Edwards Hanson

My life began on March 12, 1937, in Bloomington, Indiana, as the second

child of Austin and Mary Belle Wilson. They named me Barbara Joan.

After my parents divorced, my mother, my brother Phil, and I moved to

the next house up the road from my dad’s parents. Since my mother had to
work, Phil and I stayed at the grandparents’ house after school, on Saturdays,
and during the summer. We were seven miles out of town on a small farm with
many fun things to do. When I was eight we moved into town.

I had often attended a little, country Methodist church with my

grandparents but didn’t really know much about the Bible. I became friends with
three girls in junior high who went to a United Pentecostal church. On Sunday
April 1, 1951, I went with them to Sunday school and worship service. I spent the
afternoon with one of them and went back to church on Sunday night. The
pastor preached, but I don’t know now what the message was about. When he
gave the altar call and everyone was standing, I began to cry. I had no idea why.
The pastor came and asked me if I would like to go to the altar and pray. I said,
“Sure.” After they prayed with me for a while, they talked to me about
repentance and baptism. I said that I wanted to be baptized.

My life changed from that night on! I received the Holy Ghost about six
weeks later. What a wonderful experience that was! I began to go to church
regularly and stopped going to movies, ball games, and other places I had been
so interested in before. My family, of course, saw the difference in me and did
not understand what it was all about.

After I had been in the church for four and a half years, I began to date
Roger Edwards. We dated for eleven months and married on November 24, 1956.
We were very involved in the church. He worked as a printer, and I worked at a
bank. We built a house in 1959. Even though the Lord did not see fit to bless us
with children, our life was good.
 Christian Living | 175

Roger began to experience some

health problems about 1961. The doctors
finally diagnosed a thyroid condition.
When he began taking the proper
medicine, he started to do well.

In 1965, as Roger was working on

our yard, he received a call from the Lord.
He asked Roger if he was willing to leave
his job and home to preach the gospel. His
answer was yes. Then the Lord asked if he
was willing to go to Hong Kong to preach
Roger and the gospel. Again his answer was yes.
Barbara
Edwards
I knew nothing about this until
much later. God is so wise. He knows how
to deal with each individual. My husband was wise as well. If he had come into
the house and announced that he was called to preach and to go to Hong Kong, I
really don’t know what I would have done! Fainting, having a heart attack, or
other possibilities come to mind. No, life went on as usual for a while.

Roger knew he would need two things to prepare to go to Hong Kong:

training and experience. He checked into Bible colleges, wanting to be sure to
choose the right one. In several different ways, the Lord indicated that he should
to go Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. Roger had already visited
there with a pastor from Bloomington.

Now things had progressed to the point that Roger knew he needed to
talk to me about what was going on. He used to tell people that I tried to ignore
it for a while and thought it might go away. (Our personal desires or ideas may
change, but a call from God does not go away.) He told me that he had a call to
do something for God and that he needed to go to Bible college to prepare for it.
(No mention of Hong Kong came at that time.) I began to pray about it.

We drove to St. Paul for graduation in May of that year. I got to see the
school and meet the faculty and many other people that Roger had already met.
Among those were Dale and Dorothy Hodges. They had an apartment in a big
house owned by Dale’s parents. They had another, smaller apartment for rent.
We made a deposit on it so we would have a place to live when we arrived in St.
Paul in the summer.
 Christian Living | 176

About the middle of August, we packed up, said good-bye to family and
friends, and began a new chapter in our lives. Roger enrolled in school and got a
night job in printing. I got a job where Dorothy Hodges worked; she and I rode
to work together.

Sometimes Roger pushed himself too much. He was a student and

worked full time. He was also elected president of his class, which took some
extra time. All that kept him very busy. In spring 1967, Brother Norris asked us
to move into an apartment in the big men’s dorm so Roger could serve as the
dorm supervisor. He quit the printing job, but worked several hours for the
school. He was both a printer and an electrician, and there was always work to
be done. Sometimes it was too much. He once ended up in the hospital for a few
days from sheer exhaustion!

Roger was about to complete his Bible college training and the next item
on his list was to get some experience. Graduating in the same class were Gary
and Linda Reed, who later became missionaries to the Middle East. In
conversations, Roger and Gary found out they had the same idea. They needed
to go somewhere to start a church, and they both thought it should be a
challenging place! I don’t know how they chose Laramie, Wyoming. But it met
the requirement. It was a challenge!

After graduation and choir tour, Roger and I were ready to load up and
head for Wyoming while the Reeds traveled with the ABI quartet. We loaded our
car and our panel truck with a trailer hitched on the back. We took all our things
and some things of the Reeds, including an organ and piano.

When we arrived in Laramie, we rented a motel room. We had no idea

where we were going to live. However, as it worked out, we moved into a fully
furnished, two-bedroom house the third day. The owner no longer wanted to
care for rental property and agreed to sell it to us. And it had a one-bedroom,
furnished apartment in the basement that we could rent out.

The house had a nice, long living room and dining area combined. We
put the organ and piano in there until we later rented a place to start having
church services.

Finally, Roger began to talk to me more about Hong Kong. I still thought
we would never go there. I just felt that I would never be able to do that. At that
point I had never personally known any foreign missionaries. In my mind, they
were a different kind of people. They were born to be foreign missionaries. Not
 Christian Living | 177

us. We were just common people. (Since that time, of course, I have had the
privilege to know many missionaries and I know that they are all common
people who have an uncommon call. But then I just didn’t understand that.) As I
said before, the Lord and my husband were patient with me.

Unfortunately, Roger became ill with an incurable form of Hepatitis while

we lived in Wyoming. He was still able to work but was in a doctor’s care and on
medicine. At one point, the doctor decided to operate to see what was really
going on in his liver.

Roger was beginning to wonder how he would be able to go to Hong

Kong. Lying in the hospital following the surgery, he asked the Lord to give him
reassurance that he was supposed to go to Hong Kong. He prayed, “God, if you
want me to go to Hong Kong, have someone from Hong Kong walk into my
hospital room.”

On Saturday morning, the doctor said that Roger was doing well and
could go home. He was getting his things ready when suddenly he remembered
his prayer and thought he might not get the answer that he had expected. Then a
young woman came into the room to check on him. She obviously was Oriental,
but he didn’t know if she was Chinese. He became very excited and said, “Where
are you from?” “From the university,” she replied. He said, ‘‘No, I mean, where
were you born?” She said that she was born in Hong Kong. She worked at the
hospital only on weekends and she usually worked on a different floor. So, he
had his answer.

By then it had been about eight years since he had felt his call. However, he
had not talked to anyone in the Foreign Missions Division yet because he knew
that he was not ready to go. Finally, at the 1973 General Conference in Salt Lake
City, Roger talked to Harry Scism, the regional director for Asia. He encouraged
us to apply. After thinking and praying about it, we decided to give up the church
and move to Rawlins, Wyoming, which is about a hundred miles from Laramie.
We then started the application process for missionary appointment.

By that time, I was willing to do that. I felt if we were appointed, it would

be fine; if we were not, that would be fine. People had warned us not to be
surprised if we were not appointed the first time we met the Foreign Missions
Board. Also, we and others felt that we might not be appointed because of
Roger’s health. However, Roger had been the chaplain at the state penitentiary in
Rawlins for almost three years before we moved there and he continued in that
position until we left Wyoming. He was also the district youth president and did
 Christian Living | 178

some traveling in that capacity. He worked full time and I worked part time. We
were also involved in the church in Rawlins during the year that we lived there.

Before the start of the General Conference in October 1974, we went to

Louisville, Kentucky, to meet the Foreign Missions Board. We were both
nervous, not knowing what to expect. Nevertheless, the brethren were very kind
and made us feel at ease right away. After the interview, they said we would
hear within two days whether we would be appointed. We knew the procedure.
If the missions board recommended us, then our names would go to the General
Board for appointment as missionaries.

I remember well when the answer came. My husband was in a late

meeting with the youth committee. I was in the hotel room alone. When the
phone rang I thought it would be
him, telling me that they would
be much later and not to wait up
for him. Instead, it was our
district superintendent’s wife.
The General Board was also
meeting late that night. Knowing
we were anxious to know if we
would be appointed, the
superintendent had stepped out
of the meeting, called his wife,
and asked her to let us know we
were appointed missionaries to
Hong Kong!

I thought I was prepared for whatever the answer was. I thought that I
had overcome the feeling that we just could not do that. Nevertheless, when I
heard the answer, I found that I was not prepared. I fell on my knees beside the
bed and began to cry out to God, “I can’t do that!” It took some time of weeping
and praying, but I got an answer from the Lord. He said that He could make
something out of nothing and that He chose whom He would use. With His help,
we could do it. A song came to my mind: “Little is much when God is in it.”
After that night I never again felt that I couldn’t do it. I knew that God had called
us and with His help we could do it.

Soon after the conference we attended the School of Missions. It was a

wonderful time to meet the other new missionaries as well as those who were on
furlough. We received a lot of instructions and answers to many questions.
 Christian Living | 179

Then Roger and I flew to Toronto for a missions conference. Pastor Carl
Stephenson asked if we would like to attend a Chinese church service Sunday
afternoon. Of course, we wanted to do that. He put us on the subway, told us at
which station to get off, and said the Chinese pastor would be waiting for us.

Brother Daniel met us, and we went to the church. It was an exciting
experience. The service was in Chinese, so we understood none of it.
Nevertheless, we felt the Spirit of God there.

Later Brother Daniel took us to a Chinese restaurant. As we enjoyed our

food and got acquainted, Roger shared a potential problem that could keep us from
getting into Hong Kong. The government required that we have two people who
lived there to sponsor us. We knew one man who had studied in the United States
and had gone back to Hong Kong to start a church. We were sure that Brother
James would be a sponsor. We had no idea who the second one would be.

Brother Daniel said that it was not a problem. He had started a church in
Hong Kong before he moved to Canada. He said that he would contact a man in
that church who would serve as our sponsor. And that is exactly what happened.
Problem solved! God had the answer before we even knew there was a question.
Interestingly, both Brother Daniel and Brother James had come into the church
under Frank Wheeler, a missionary in China many years before!

In February 1975, we began deputation travel. We met hundreds of

wonderful people in the churches we visited. And we saw much of our great
country as well as parts of Canada.

We returned to Indiana in late December. The Foreign Missions

Committee did not want us to travel anymore but prepare to go to Hong Kong.
Harry Scism, who had been to Hong Kong many times, advised us about what
we should take.

We worked with Edwin Judd, the secretary of Foreign Missions, to

make our plane reservations. He wisely suggested we break up the trip for two
reasons. It would help us to deal with jet lag and we could visit other places on
the way. Why not? We decided to stop in Hawaii to visit missionaries W. E.
and Lane Scott and in Manila, Philippines, to be with the Scisms before going
on to Hong Kong.

On an icy January 24, 1976, we were excited to be finally on our way to

Hong Kong. About thirty people were at the Indianapolis airport to see us off. It
 Christian Living | 180

was not easy to say good-bye to relatives and friends, not knowing when we
would see them again. (From the time Roger received his call until we went was
about eleven years!)

Five hours after leaving Chicago, we landed in Honolulu where it was

about eighty degrees! We were in awe at the beauty all around us. There were so
many flowers that the air was full of a sweet aroma. The smell was almost
intoxicating.

We enjoyed our short time with the Scotts, being in church with them,
meeting many wonderful people, enjoying a little sightseeing, and sampling
some tasty foods. Then it was time to continue on. The flight from Hawaii to
Manila was ten hours and it was dark all the way. We had a great time in Manila
with the Scisms and the other two missionary families.

Finally, on Monday morning, February 2, we flew into Hong Kong. We

stayed in a hotel for just two nights. Brother James came to the hotel and advised
us to move a few blocks up the street to a YMCA. The room there was fine and
much cheaper than the hotel room.

We were so excited that we could hardly rest those first few days. We
were out taking pictures, looking at apartments, furniture, and vehicles. Just
twenty-three days after we arrived, we moved into an apartment. We were very
busy during those three weeks, buying furniture and appliances, getting drapes
made for the windows. We also registered with the American Consulate’s office,
applied for Hong Kong identification cards, and opened a bank account (not an
easy task). We were finding our way around, visiting some churches, and
applying for language school.

Once we started, language study consumed most of our time. Cantonese is

a very difficult language for western people to learn. The complete course was
two years, but we did not complete it. Roger had a tutor come to the apartment
for a while. We tried not to get too involved in anything that would take our time
away from language study.

In fall 1976, regional evangelist Fred and Betty Hyde and their son
Michael moved to Hong Kong and into the same building we lived in. He
traveled much of the time but his wife and son were there. The Hyde family was
a great blessing to us and a help in getting the church started. He encouraged us
to start meetings in our apartment even while we were still studying language,
since we already knew people who wanted to come.
 Christian Living | 181

We started Bible studies on Sunday afternoons. We bought folding chairs

that we could set up in our living room. We had more than twenty people at
times for those studies. Brother Hyde brought his guitar when he was in town
and we sang. We taught the Chinese some songs and they taught us some. Most
of those who came understood English quite well but if any translation was
needed, we had those who were capable of doing that. A few months later we
began having prayer meetings in our apartment on Thursday nights.

Finally, we began to look for a place to rent to start the church. It was
important that it be easily accessible by public transportation. In September 1977
we rented a suitable place on Nathan Road, a major street in Kowloon.

In November we had a retreat in Hong Kong for all missionaries in Asia

and the South Pacific region. Roger was very busy making arrangements for the
retreat besides getting the church ready for our first service.

On Sunday, October 30, just three days before the retreat started, we had
the first service. General Superintendent Stanley Chambers and his wife had
come for the retreat. He preached and dedicated the church. That was a
wonderful day! About thirty people were present. During the altar service, ten
Chinese knelt in repentance and the new altar was wet with tears.

When we got to Hong Kong, we had to deal with culture shock. I wrote
down my first impressions and listed things we would need to adjust to such as:
language, food, climate, strange-looking money, very crowded living conditions,
very small grocery stores with limited variety, and different electrical current so
we could not take any small appliances from the States. The traffic was also a big
one. Not only was it heavy, but since Hong Kong was a British colony, they
drove on the left side of the road and the steering wheels were on the right side
of the vehicles! I did not drive in Hong Kong.

Culture shock can be almost as bad when you come back to the States as
when you go to the foreign field. We did not realize how much we had changed.
When we got back that first time, one of the first things I noticed was the size of
some of the stores. K-Mart was huge! The size of some of the products was
amazing to me and such a large variety of things was available. We did not have
so many choices to make in Hong Kong when we shopped. After living in such a
densely populated city of high-rise buildings, we were impressed with some
wide-open spaces. When Roger drove in the States again, it seemed right to him
to drive on the wrong side of the road!
 Christian Living | 182

We were seeing people coming into the church and were thrilled with
everyone. We had planned to stay for four years before taking a furlough.
However, the committee wanted us to return in fall 1979 and be in the General
Conference in Salt Lake City. During our eight-month furlough we traveled
among the churches and attended some missions conferences and district
conferences.

My husband’s health was always a concern. When we received our

appointment, the Board felt safe in sending us to Hong Kong because they knew
Roger could get good health care there. They would not have sent us to a third
world country. After we returned to the States, the Board asked him to get his
doctor to write a letter updating his condition. The doctor said he thought Roger
would be better off in Hong Kong doing what he wanted to do than he would be
in the States. So we were appointed for another term.

We returned to Hong Kong in May 1980. In December Roger started a radio

broadcast that would be heard every day and have a potential listening audience of
thirty-five million people in Hong Kong and the southern part of China.

We built a recording studio in the back of our church. Roger wrote the
radio messages. We hired people in the church to translate the messages and to
read them on the tapes to be broadcast. We included some Cantonese Christian
music in each tape. We offered the listeners Bibles and other books and had a
seven-lesson Bible correspondence course available. We would send a diploma
when the course was completed. We hired people in the church to read the
letters that came, answer them, and send out the literature and the diplomas. We
had two working full time and one part time. Sometimes we sent people into
China to deliver things to contacts inside who would distribute them. Sometimes
those things would be taken away at the border. Other times they got through.

The second missionaries to come to Hong Kong were David and Debbie
Curtis, who arrived in summer 1981. They lived in the same building as we did for
one year. He pastored the church while they were studying language. That helped
Roger since he was so busy with the broadcast and his health was getting worse.

The Curtises moved out to a village after one year and started a church.
About the time they moved in summer 1982, Robert and Derethia Forbush came.
Brother Forbush was then installed as the pastor. They moved into the same
building where we lived and started their language study.
 Christian Living | 183

Roger had some bad episodes with his health and was hospitalized a few
times. In November 1982 another missionary retreat was held in the Philippines.
Even though Roger was not well, the doctor said it would be okay for him to
attend. He made it, but was not able to be in all the services.

Some of the officials who came from the States for the retreat, including
General Superintendent Nathaniel Urshan, were shocked when they saw Roger.
He looked bad. Because so many were so concerned about him, the Foreign
Missions committee, along with Paul Cook, our regional director, decided that
we should return to the States in December. They wanted Roger to see a doctor
in St. Louis to be sure that everything that could be done for him was being done.
We understood.

On December 18 we had a beautiful Christmas banquet with the church

people. Two days later, we left Hong Kong. We had Christmas with family and
friends. In January, Roger saw the doctor in St. Louis, was hospitalized for tests,
and found out nothing more could be done to prolong his life. His condition
grew steadily worse. He was in and out of hospitals in St. Louis, Indianapolis,
and Bloomington over the coming months. He went into the Bloomington
hospital on May 24. The Foreign Missions Board was meeting that week in St.
Louis. We knew that they would be discussing our situation.

Robert Rodenbush called me on Friday afternoon, in Roger’s hospital

room. The Board had decided to give us medical leave. And they felt that I
should go to Hong Kong to take care of our things and give up the apartment
because it seemed evident that we would not be going back. They suggested that
my mother go with me and his mother stay with him.

Roger’s nurse asked me if I would like to spend the night in his room. I
had not considered it since it was small, but I told her I would. She brought in a
small bed for me. I was not comfortable. The bed was hard, and I was trying to
sleep in my clothes. And, of course, I was concerned about him. Nevertheless, the
Lord allowed me to get to sleep at about 11:00 and sleep right through until
about 5:00 in the morning. Then when I awoke, I could hear nothing except the
oxygen running. Roger had gone to be with the Lord. It was May 28, 1983.

That was the beginning of a very difficult time for me. But the Lord gave
me strength and I had family, friends, and church family all around me, for
which I was very thankful.
 Christian Living | 184

The funeral service was a wonderful tribute to Roger. Many ministers as

well as relatives, friends, and church people were there. Harry Scism; Edwin
Judd; Paul Cook; James Simison, the Indiana district superintendent; and Charles
Benninghoff, the local pastor, all spoke.

I had mixed emotions about making a trip to Hong Kong. I wanted to see
the people and be with them again, but I knew how difficult it would be for me
to be there without Roger. In June Roger’s mother, my mother, and I made the
trip. They were a great help to me as well as the Forbush family, the Curtises,
and the church members. Somehow we got everything done in the few days we
were there. The church had a special service and a banquet for us and gave nice
gifts to each of us.

I decided to stay in
Bloomington, at least for a while. I had
many adjustments to make: learning to
live alone, not being a missionary any
longer, and even learning to live in the
States again. I had to buy a car and
furniture and rent an apartment. I
would have to get a job. I was able to
stay with Roger’s mother until I could
get a place.

Even before I got settled, the

Grants in St. Paul called and offered me a job at ABI. I prayed about it and talked
to the pastor. We agreed I needed a time of adjustment and was not yet ready to
start something new. I was sorry. I had to tell them that I couldn’t come. Instead,
I went to work in August at the same bank where I had worked for twelve years
before we moved to Minnesota.

The year 1984 brought more changes for me. S. G. Norris and Gerald
Grant called again to offer me a job. I was ready then and told them I would
come before the new school year started. I was the dorm supervisor and worked
in the office. Quite unexpectedly, about two months into that first school term,
Brother Norris asked me to teach a class on foreign missions once a week to the
third year class.

I knew that I wanted to be married again. I was never really happy being alone.
I felt that the Lord would bring the right person into my life at the right time.
 Christian Living | 185

nd Barbara In fall 1985, a young woman, Kathy Hanson, came to ABI from Montana.
nson When Roger and I were in Wyoming, we knew about the Hansons who lived in
Billings. I remembered Sister Hanson and the five children since we had seen
them at camp meetings. I’m sure I had seen Kathy’s dad, but I did not remember
him. He was usually working and unable to attend camps. Kathy’s mother
struggled with cancer during Kathy’s first year at ABI. About the time Kathy had
planned to return to ABI to start her second year, her mother passed away. As the
youngest of the five children, she felt bad about leaving her dad alone. All the
siblings were married and none lived in Billings. Her dad encouraged her to go
back and continue her education, which she did. She was in my dorm that year. I
tried to be a friend to her and to help her in
any way that I could, as I did with all the
girls.

Kathy’s dad knew that he wanted to

be married again and had prayed much
about it. His children all knew that he
would probably marry again and they were
okay with it. They wanted him to be happy
again. In December 1987, I received a
beautiful Christmas card with a nice letter
from Harold Hanson, thanking me for
being so kind to his daughter and for being
Harold and Barbara
there for her when she needed someone to Hanson
talk to.

I found out later that Kathy and her

dad had talked about me while she was home at Christmas time. She wanted us
to get acquainted. He was interested in me but not sure if he should contact me.
She asked me if I would be interested, found out that I was, and told him. And
the rest is history!
 Christian Living | 186

We were
married on June
25, 1988. Here
was another
huge change in
my life. I left
job, church, and
friends in St.
Paul to move to
Billings. I The Harold
quickly Hanson Family
adjusted to
having a special
person in my
life again. I got used to not having a job. The church was different, but I got used
to that. And I did make new friends there.

A big part of the change was that I became a part of a big, wonderful family!
All of a sudden, I was “Mom” to five children and “Grandma” to eight beautiful
grandchildren. All of the family was there for our wedding.

As soon as we returned from our honeymoon, I became busy helping

Kathy prepare for her wedding, and I enjoyed that. All the family was back in
August to see Kathy and Jon married. Then they were off to Arkansas, to work
for the Lord. Mark and family were in Helena where he was the pastor. Denise
and family also lived in Helena. We would be seeing those two families most
often because they were just 240 miles from us. Steven and family lived way up
north in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada, where he was a pastor. John
and family were in Texas where he was an assistant to his father-in-law.

Harold did not have a call to the ministry, but his three sons and one son-in-
law are ministers. He was very proud of his family and so am I! The years have
brought many changes in the family. All of them have made some moves. With
Kathy and Jon’s three children, the total is eleven grandchildren. Some of the
older grandchildren are married and the first great grandchild is on the way.

Harold took an early retirement two and a half years after we were
married. We both enjoyed traveling. With his family scattered and my parents,
brothers, and friends in Indiana, we always had somewhere to go. I calculate we
made twenty-three trips by car and five trips by air in the thirteen years we were
 Christian Living | 187

married, not including the trips we made to Helena. We were so thankful that
with all the traveling we did, we never had an accident or even any problem on
the road.

In 1996 we found out that Harold had an incurable health problem and
that his health would continue to deteriorate. The doctor said he might have
only four years left to live. We just kept on with our lives the best that we
could. We continued to make our trips but could not be gone as long as we
sometimes were before.

We prayed for healing, but it did not come. In August 2001 he went into
the hospital. As his condition grew worse, the family started to arrive. On a
Thursday all the children, some of their spouses, and some of the grandchildren
were with me in the intensive care unit around Harold’s bed. He was not
conscious, but we prayed with him and we sang and reminisced until about
noon when the Lord took him home. It was September 6, 2001.

All the children and almost all the grandchildren were there for a
beautiful memorial service for him. The family sang and spoke, and the church
was full of other relatives and friends.

I did not want to make another major change in my life, but I had to. I
didn’t want to stay in the house alone. I didn’t need that much room and didn’t
want to have to keep up a house. I could not mow the grass nor blow the snow
nor do many other chores around a house. And I did not want to stay in
Montana. I liked it there and had friends, but I wanted to be nearer family
members.

I began to prepare to sell the house and move but did not know where I
was going to move to! My close friend Mary in St. Louis suggested that I might
want to move there. I made a trip there before Thanksgiving and she showed me
a nice complex of condos where most of the residents are older. It is a nice
location, just one and a half miles from the church. It is well kept and the prices
are reasonable. The condo that I eventually bought was empty then but was not
ready to be shown.

I had many things to sort and much to get rid of. A man came from forty
miles away to look at a china cabinet that I had advertised for sale in the
newspaper. He wanted it for his wife. He asked if the house was sold and since it
wasn’t, he offered to buy it. I did not need to list it with a realtor.
 Christian Living | 188

I flew to Indiana for Christmas, drove over to St. Louis, and looked at the
condo. The next day I made an offer on it, and the offer was accepted that same
day. As soon as I got back to Billings, I finalized the sale of the house, packed,
and arranged to ship my furniture to St. Louis.

I do not love to be outside in winter. I really don’t like to drive on snowy,

icy streets. I especially do not like to be out on the highways in the winter. No,
winter travel is not for me! Yet there I was. I had sold the house in Montana and
bought a condo in Missouri. That meant that I had to get my car and myself to St.
Louis—1,350 miles away—in January!

As I was talking to Denise on the phone, I mentioned I needed someone to

drive with me but had no idea who. She calmly said, “I can go with you.” So on
Thursday, January 31, 2002, the movers came and loaded my things. I loaded my
car, gave the house keys to the new owner, and rented a motel room. Denise flew
to Billings after work. We left the next day and arrived at Mary’s house on
Sunday afternoon. The highways were dry all the way! We had no problem of
any kind. Early on Monday morning I took Denise to the airport to fly home to
Helena. Mission accomplished!

I am just 240 miles from my hometown and am able to drive over there
alone to visit family and friends. In the first three years I lived here I made
sixteen trips and have had no problems on the road! I am so thankful for that. So
life goes on.

God has been good to me and kept His hand on me for so many years.
Through the good and the bad, He is always there. I like to look for God in
things that happen. We know that He is in control, but He will let us go our own
way if we insist. I am trying to let Him lead and I am trying to follow.

Written in 2005; condensed by Dorsey Burk in 2013.