Bible Study Guide

Purpose of This Bible Study Lesson

Purpose of This Lesson

Last week we learnt about the Will Principle where as Christians desiring to develop Christ-like minds we have to surrender our will to God so that he can control our lives and this is the “Beginning Stage”. Today we will look at the 2nd principle- The River Principle; which is the “Growing Stage”.

Learning Goals

This lesson will guide the participants to:-

1. Learn how to walk in the power of a renewed and refreshed mind
2. Learn how to grasp the Truths contained in the word of God
3. Discover the power that comes from being transformed from within.

The River of Renewal

In Romans 12:2Romans 12:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  

Paul says “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The Christian life is a life constant renewal! The apostle Paul wrote about the war he had with his own flesh when he said “For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but I cannot carry it out. (Rom 7:18Rom 7:18
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good [is] not.  

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). The process of renewal and transformation is not a short-term process but long-term and it can only be achieved after total submission of our will to God. The process of renewal and transformation causes us grow and become mature in Christ so that we can bear the Fruit of the Hoy Spirit. Only clouds that are heavy with moisture give forth rain and only trees that are mature give forth fruits.

Begin Today’s Lesson by Reading: Ps 1, John 15:1-8John 15:1-8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
15 ¹ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ² Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. ⁶ If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ⁸ Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and [so] shall ye be my disciples.  

and John 4:7-15John 4:7-15
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. ⁸ For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food. ⁹ The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ¹¹ The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water? ¹² Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle? ¹³ Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: ¹⁴ but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life. ¹⁵ The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.  

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The River Principle

There are only two types of people in the earth, those without Christ and those with Christ living in them. Those without Christ are dead spiritually but those with Christ are alive spiritually because they have the “Living water” in them. And this water nourishes their inner man. The Samaritan woman thought Jesus was talking about natural water in John 4:11John 4:11
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water?  

. And when she wanted the Living Water that Christ was offering her, Jesus asked her about her life. We cannot attain a renewed state of mind if we still want to cling to the things that have held us captive for a long time. She was truthful about her life and we also need to be truthful so that Jesus can help us. When we come to Christ, he deals with our past and we become new creatures. The life of this Samaritan woman was known to Christ and nothing about us also is hidden from Him.

Many people have not dealt with their past and they cannot therefore move forward and attain the mind of Christ, just like this woman, we need to let go of our past and be free because “whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (John 8:36John 8:36
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
36 If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  

).

The Psalmist says about the righteous that “They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” (Ps 1:3Ps 1:3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  

).
If we are to succeed in our Christian lives and begin to bear Kingdom Fruit, we need to know that successful people are disciplined people and growth (increase) comes with discipline. That is why Jesus clearly warned us about this discipline by God in John 15:2John 15:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.  

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saying “He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit”. Are you bearing fruit already? Then expect “pruning” from the Father so that you may be clean and bear more fruit! Are you like a dead branch that does not bear fruit? Then expect the consequences of being totally disconnected from Jesus (The Vine).

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Bible Study Questions For Discussion - Week 26

1. Who do you think are the righteous according to Psalms 1? Please explain
   
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2. What is the obvious sign of growth and newness according to Psalms 1:2Psalms 1:2
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.  
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   ? Please explain
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3. In reference to the tree in Psalms 1, how does the Holy Spirit help our growth as Christians today? Please explain
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4. Why was the Samaritan woman not understanding what Jesus said in John 4:11John 4:11
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water?  
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   ? Please explain
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5. Why do you think many people do not understand the Word of God today? Please use Romans 12:2Romans 12:2
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  
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   to explain
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6. What is the purpose of “pruning” the branches in John 15:8John 15:8
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and [so] shall ye be my disciples.  
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   ? Please explain
   
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7. What happens to those who do not bear fruit according to John 15:8John 15:8
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and [so] shall ye be my disciples.  
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   ? Please explain
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8. What is the purpose of bearing fruit according to John 15:8John 15:8
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and [so] shall ye be my disciples.  
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   ? Please explain
   
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9. In your own words please explain briefly what you have learnt about the “River Principle” today and how you will apply it in your Christian life.
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Memorize John 7:38John 7:38
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water.  

: Rivers of Eternal Life

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water”

Tags: Bible study, Christ-like mind, Christianity

Purpose of This Bible Study Lesson

In this lesson we will learn how the helmet of salvation functions in spiritual warfare and also how to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, to protect us from spiritual wickedness.

Lesson Objective:

This lesson will guide the participants to:

1. Know the purpose of the Helmet of Salvation in spiritual warfare
2. Know how to use the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God
3. Discover how these two weapons can be used during spiritual warfare

Introduction

Paul writing about spiritual warfare to the Ephesians’ church advised them “to take the helmet of salvation” (Eph 6:17Eph 6:17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  

) because he knew fully well that there is no other protection against the enemy other than being in Christ. Salvation therefore accords to us the much-needed protection against the enemy in the form of a helmet, whilst the word of God acts as a sharp two-edged sword.

Begin Today’s Lesson by reading: 1 Sam 17:32-581 Sam 17:32-58
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. ³³ And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. ³⁴ And David said unto Saul, Thy servant was keeping his father's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, ³⁵ I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. ³⁶ Thy servant smote both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. ³⁷ And David said, Jehovah that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and Jehovah shall be with thee. ³⁸ And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail. ³⁹ And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. ⁴⁰ And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. ⁴¹ And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. ⁴² And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. ⁴³ And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ⁴⁴ And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the birds of the heavens, and to the beasts of the field. ⁴⁵ Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. ⁴⁶ This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day unto the birds of the heavens, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, ⁴⁷ and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah's, and he will give you into our hand. ⁴⁸ And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. ⁴⁹ And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. ⁵⁰ So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. ⁵¹ Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. ⁵² And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou comest to Gai, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. ⁵³ And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. ⁵⁴ And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent. ⁵⁵ And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell. ⁵⁶ And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is. ⁵⁷ And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. ⁵⁸ And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lehemite.  

and Matt 4: 1-11Matt 4: 1-11
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 ¹ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. ² And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. ³ And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. ⁴ But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. ⁵ Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, ⁶ and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. ⁷ Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God. ⁸ Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; ⁹ and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. ¹⁰ Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. ¹¹ Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him.  

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Overcoming Spiritual Giants

The battle between David and Goliath is considered a type of spiritual warfare between good and evil; Goliath was six cubits tall and his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron. Many theologians say that six is the number of the anti-Christ. (See also the size of the image of Gold that king Nebuchadnezzar made in Dan 3:1Dan 3:1
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 ¹ Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.  

and compare with 1 Sam 17:41 Sam 17:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  

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). Unlike Goliath, David chose not to put his trust in Saul’s armor as Saul was just a man like him, but he chose to put his faith in God because God had delivered him before from other situations. However, Goliath who was a representative of evil and he chose to put his faith in his size and his armor.

David’s salvation had been demonstrated by God’s great deliverances when he had fought with the lion and the bear; and similarly, our great deliverance has also been demonstrated through the work that Christ accomplished at the cross on our behalf. David could easily have succumbed to Goliath’s threats but he chose to ignore them and instead invoked the name of God against Goliath. David’s great might was seen in his humility of using stones carefully chosen from the brook; the stones in this case signify the Rock who is God, David’s deliverer as he describes God in 2 Sam 22:22 Sam 22:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 and he said, Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine;  

.

How many times have we faced a spiritual giant and succumbed to its size and enormity and listened to its lies and threats instead of looking unto God the rock of our salvation as David did? Let us always invoke the name of our God and fight the enemy with loaded words from the Bible instead of empty words; and may we always remember that it is not our physical size that matters, but the fact that the helmet of salvation continues to protect us, and that we have a living sword that is sharper than that of our enemies. Lastly, when faced with problems, let us remember that Christ is our Rock, (2 Colossians 10:4Colossians 10:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!

), a rock that is able to exterminate all giants on our behalf.

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Bible Study Questions For Discussion - Week 19

1. Very briefly please describe what you think Paul meant by “helmet of salvation” in regard to warfare in Eph 6:17Eph 6:17
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  
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   ? Please explain
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2. How can you describe David’s action of rejecting Saul’s amour in 1 Sam 17:391 Sam 17:39
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   39 And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.  
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   ? Please explain
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3. In the battle between David and Goliath, what do you think was David’s protection against Goliath? Please explain
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4. Compare the dialogue between David and Goliath in 1 Sam 17:41 Sam 17:4
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  
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   4-47 and that of Jesus in Matt 4:3-10Matt 4:3-10
   English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
   3 And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. ⁴ But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. ⁵ Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, ⁶ and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. ⁷ Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God. ⁸ Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; ⁹ and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. ¹⁰ Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  
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   and draw a parallel Between the two conversations. Please discuss
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5. Would you interpret the words spoken by David against Goliath and those spoken by Jesus against Satan as the “Sword of the Spirit”? Please explain
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6. Why do you think a Christian should always carry the sword of the Spirit as a weapon? Please explain
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7. Do you think Christians today are using the [tag-tec]sword of the Spirit[tag-tec] effectively? If no please explain
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8. Please give examples of how the Christian today can sharpen their swords? Please explain
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Reflection: 1 Sam 17:41 Sam 17:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  

7- The Sword of Words

“And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hands”. Our weapons are not physical but spiritual and they are able to deliver us against any spiritual giants even today.
Amen

Tags: Bible study guide, Christianity, helmet of salvation, spiritual warfare, sword of the Spirit