The Bible Lessons

Apr 4

APRIL 4, 1999

OUR RISEN SAVIOUR

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 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 13:23 Of this man's seed (David) hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30 But God raised him from the dead:

31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: By His death on the cross for our sins, and by His resurrection from the dead, and by His ascension to the right hand of God, Jesus Christ has become our Saviour, redeeming us from the penalty and power of sin and death.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(Acts 5:30, 13:29), "Tree": The Greek word here used (in reference to the cross that Jesus died on) means timber (as fuel or material) and is applied to a stick, a club, or a tree, or any other wooden article or substance. The word "cross" is translated from the Greek word which means stake or post. The cross was a wooden post and was used as the form of capital punishment. It becomes to us a symbol of the self-denial and exposure to death that Jesus submitted to in His atonement for sin, and the sufferings that His disciples endure in following Him.

(Acts 5:31), "Exalted with his right hand": The Greek text says, "exalted to his right hand".

(Acts 13:27), "They knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets": The Jewish leaders had no spiritual light nor vision in their souls. They were degraded by covetousness and pride of position and worldly honor. The Spirit of God had no access to their minds and hearts. Thus they could not recognize the Son of God when He appeared nor did they understand the prophecies that had gone before concerning Him.

(Acts 13:32-33), "The promise...God hath fulfilled...in that he hath raised up Jesus again": Paul is referring to the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the triumph of Christ in bringing salvation to Israel and to the whole of humanity. "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee": This is a quotation from Psalm 2:7. This second Psalm is purely prophetic of Christ and His ultimate overthrow of the kingdom of Satan. This sonship here declared is that which Christ obtained in the resurrection. Christ was the Son of God from the womb of Mary. But when He obeyed the Father in submitting to the death of the cross, God rewarded Christ with a powerful resurrection from the dead into an eternal sonship with Him, a sonship that can be fully shared by all who obey Him. Paul expressed it so wonderfully in Romans 1:3-4: "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."

(Acts 13:34), "Sure mercies of David": The Greek expression here is "the faithful holy things of David." It could also be expressed as "the holy things of faithful David." Because of David's favor before God in his worship, praise and faithfulness, God promised Him life and mercy forever. We find it in Psalm 89:20, "I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him." The prophet goes on to say in verse 24, "But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him." In verse 28 he says, "My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him." Much more is said there concerning David and his children. Paul applies this promise he quoted from Isaiah 55:3 to be fulfilled in the eternal resurrection of Christ. The life and victory over sin and death that Christ brought to us makes available these sure and faithful blessings.

(Acts 13:35), "Corruption": This refers to the decay and ruin of the body after death.

(Romans 8:34), "Who is he that condemneth?": In the light of all that God has wrought for us in Christ, who can successfully and lawfully condemn those who faithfully follow and obey Him?

LESSON BACKGROUND

Acts 5:29-32 shows the testimony of Peter and the apostles when they were brought before the Jewish leaders for preaching the Lord Jesus. What a wonderful truth they had on their side! They were fully persuaded and could declare it with all power and authority that the Holy One that these wicked rulers had put to death was exalted by God in a resurrection to eternal life and was at the right hand of His majesty in the heavens. This risen Saviour and the power of His blessed Spirit in our hearts give us boldness to stand up against the opposing powers of this present evil world.

Our scriptures from Acts 13 are from the message that Paul preached in Antioch in the Asian province of Pisidia. They had gone into the synagogue on the sabbath day and, after the reading of the law and prophets they were given freedom to speak. Paul stood up and spoke concerning the history of Israel from their deliverance from Egyptian bondage to the time of David, whom he brought out was a man after God's own heart. He brought out that from this man's lineage God had raised up a Saviour unto Israel, and this Saviour was Jesus of Nazareth. He was not recognized by the rulers of Israel and they had in their ignorance condemned Christ to be slain. Paul then declared to them that God has raised up Jesus from the sepulchre to life and that He was seen many days of His disciples. He then brought in the various scriptures that substantiated his claims, applying them directly to Christ and His resurrection. Christ's eternal sonship, of which we may all have a part, His victory over death and corruption, of which we may all truly share, and the holy blessings that had been promised to David which Christ came to bring to us: all of these things make up the inheritance that is offered to us in the great plan of eternal salvation. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What did God declare concerning His Son Jesus when He raised Him from the dead?

2. What was Jesus to be in His exalted position at the right hand of God?

3. How does Christ's position and power at the right hand of God benefit us?

4. To whom did Peter say that God has given the Holy Ghost to?

5. Why did the Jewish rulers not know Jesus nor the writings of the prophets?

6. What scriptures did Paul use to apply to the resurrection of Jesus?

7. Paul quoted from the second Psalm. How did he apply this scripture to Jesus?

8. Paul quoted from Isaiah 55:3, "I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." How can this be applied to the resurrection of Jesus?

9. Paul quoted from Psalm 16:10. How was this fulfilled in Jesus?

10. How does knowing that Christ is risen and is at the right hand of God give us confidence and hope?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

APRIL 11, 1999

HOLY MEN OF OLD SPAKE AS MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

I Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you.

11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

II Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said,...

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.

Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Matthew 22:43 ...How then doth David in spirit call him (Christ) Lord,...

Hebrews 3:7 Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice,

8 Harden not your hearts,...

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Job 32:8.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The holy scriptures of the Old Testament were given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as He moved on holy men to write and foretell the coming of the Christ as the Saviour and Light of the world.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(I Peter 1:11), "Searching what, or what manner of time": The Greek says, "Examining, to what things or what season the Spirit of Christ in them did make plain." The prophets yearned to know what Christ was to do and accomplish and at what time He was to appear.

(I Peter 1:12), "Not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things": The things spoken by the prophets and writers of Scripture were spiritual blessings to be ministered to us in this New Testament time. Those dear men of God were not privileged to actually possess these things as we now can, but they saw them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims of the earth. (Hebrews 11:13.)

(II Peter 1:20), "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation": The Greek says, "All prophecy of the scripture is not of its own loosing." The word "loosing" means explanation. The Scripture alone does not hold the secret of its true meaning. It takes the inspiration and enlightment of the Holy Spirit to reveal and make known its real content and how and where it is to be applied.

(II Peter 1:21), "Moved by the Holy Ghost": The word "moved" here means in the Greek to be borne, carried and upheld. Thus it implies to be enlightened, directed and given ability by the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 1:20), "Bishopric": This is the office of a leader or overseer.

(Matthew 22:43), "...David in spirit": This means that David, under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit, called Christ, Lord, even though He was to be born of his earthly lineage.

(Luke 2:25), "Consolation of Israel": The hope of the coming Saviour was a consolation to the people of Israel concerning their bondage and bitter sorrows as a nation. Their expectation of the Christ, the Anointed of God, was warped by vain desires and carnal ambitions, but to those, like Simeon, who were in touch with the light of the Holy Spirit, they understood that the answer to their needs was spiritual life and salvation for their souls. "The Holy Ghost was upon him": The word "upon" in the Greek is the sense of direction and application. The Holy Spirit found in Simeon a heart so humble, devoted and interested in the burden and need of Israel, that He, the Spirit, could draw near to and communicate with.

(Luke 2:27), "Came by the Spirit into the temple": Simeon came under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit to be present at the time of the appearance of the infant Jesus.

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our lesson today we want to study how the Holy Spirit worked and inspired the holy men of old to speak and to write the precious Scriptures that have been preserved for us today.

First we have Peter's writings concerning this wonderful working of the Holy Spirit in the saints of old. He had just spoken in I Peter 1 of how we greatly rejoice in this wonderful salvation and hope, even though for a season we be in heaviness through many various temptations. But he went on farther to say that these fiery trials are more precious than gold, and will be found unto praise, honour and glory when Jesus appears. We love Him now though we see Him not, yet believing, and we rejoice, receiving the purpose of our faith, the salvation of our souls. Then he declared that it was this salvation that the Spirit of Christ in the prophets spoke so clearly about. Then he said again in II Peter 1:20-21 that it was the Holy Spirit who had moved the prophets to utter their holy prophecies. The sacred sayings came not by man's will or wisdom. It was the Holy Spirit who inspired them, and it takes the Holy Spirit living in us to understand their true meaning now.

In Acts 1 we find the 120 believers, after Christ had ascended to God, gathered together in supplication and prayer, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit that Christ had promised them. Peter knew that something must be done concerning the vacancy among the twelve apostles made by the fall of Judas Iscariot. Peter stated that the Holy Spirit through David had spoken before concerning Judas, and quoted a combination of two scriptures, namely, Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8. It would be profitable to give these prophetic scriptures due consideration, remembering that they are not only referring to Judas, but to all who fall by the same example of unbelief and covetousness.

Jesus quoted from Psalm 110:1 when He asked the Jews about their belief that Jesus was the son of David. Our Lord declared that David said by the Holy Ghost that the Lord (God, Jehovah) said unto his Lord (Christ) to sit on His right hand until He made His enemies His footstool. Jesus concluded thus: "If David then call him Lord, how is He his son?" He said that David in spirit called Christ Lord. As Paul said, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." I Corinthians 12:3.

Then we have Hebrews 3:7-8 quoting from Psalm 95:7-8. The writer stated that the Holy Ghost said this. This Psalm is a wonderful message to us today. He exhorts us to praise the great God our Creator and faithfully worship Him. The expression "Today" means the present opportunity that God is giving to us. God is speaking to us today.

The account of Simeon in the temple is a moving example of the work of the Holy Spirit in men's lives previous to the ministry of Christ. This godly aged man was just and devoted to the worship of God. He was blessed to foresee the coming of the Messiah and lived in hopeful expectancy of seeing Him before he died. The Holy Spirit moved on his heart and had him there in the temple on the day when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus in to present Him to the Lord. As he held the Saviour in his arms he rejoiced in his prayer to God that his long awaited dream of seeing the Lord's Christ had at last been fulfilled.

-Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What did the Spirit of Christ in the prophets testify about?

2. What are the things that are ministered to us by them?

3. What is the only way by which we can understand the Scriptures?

4. What did the Holy Spirit say in prophecy concerning Judas?

5. What did David say, by the Holy Ghost, concerning Christ?

6. How was Christ to be David's Lord? How is He our Lord?

7. What are some of the reasons why people harden their hearts?

8. Why was Simeon such a worthy vessel for the Holy Spirit?

9. What was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit?

10. How can the Holy Spirit be hindered from working in hearts now?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

APRIL 18, 1999

GRIEVING AND RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT

Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

I Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.

Isaiah 63:7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.

9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. I Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: There have been those down through the ages who have resisted and grieved the Spirit of the Lord. The influence of the desires of the flesh and the attractions of carnal wealth and pleasure have caused the Spirit of the Lord to withdraw from many people. It is a fearful thing to grieve the Spirit of God and have Him depart, leaving us empty, cold and undone before God.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(I Samuel 16:14), "An evil spirit from the Lord troubled him": Saul had grieved the Spirit of God out of his life. Not waiting upon Samuel to offer the sacrifice, being rash and lifted up in his leadership, and disobeying the command of the Lord to destroy all of His enemies-yes, all of these things had brought about a change in the man who once was little in his own eyes. The Spirit of the Lord had departed, grieved and vexed with the sin that Saul would not part with. Now an evil spirit, not from the holiness and purity and truth of Jehovah, but a spirit that God permitted to come upon him, a spirit from Satan, took up its terrifying and tormenting abode in Saul. Note: When we grieve the Spirit of God out of our lives there is another spirit waiting and ready to move in and take possession of us.

(Acts 7:51), "Uncircumcised in heart and ears": The heart and affections become overgrown with fleshly desires and passions. This condition has but one remedy, and that is the painful work of severing them from the affections and interests, cutting them off from the activity and exercises of life. So the hearing of man becomes crusted over with thoughts and preconceived ideas that dull the mind and heart from really hearing the Word of God. Deluded Israel held tenaciously onto the circumcision of the flesh, but failed to see the need of being circumcised in heart and in ears.

(Acts 7:53), "Received the law by the disposition of angels": It was an angel that God spoke through on Mount Sinai. (Acts 7:38.) The angel of the Lord accompanied Israel in their journeys through the wilderness. (Exodus 23:20.)

(Hebrews 10:29), "Done despite unto the Spirit of grace": Insulted the Spirit of the Lord sent to help and save.

(I Thessalonians 5:19), "Quench not the Spirit": Do not extinguish the burning flame of the Holy Spirit by yielding and catering to the appetites of the flesh that are foreign to the holiness of God and that war against the soul.

LESSON BACKGROUND

Today we want to study and consider the awful and costly mistake of grieving and resisting the dealings of the Holy Spirit. We have three examples of this in our lesson and then we have the challenge given to us in this time, the warning to not be guilty of this terrible sin as others have been. We have the sons of God before the flood who, according to history, sought to please God for a time, but finally yielded to the control of the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Then there was Saul who yielded to the flesh and was rejected of God. From Isaiah we hear the sad tale of Israel vexing the Holy Spirit after all that God had done for them in delivering them from Egypt and carrying them safely through the wilderness. From the message Stephen gave to the leaders of Israel in his defence we see the same sad account of Israel in their erring and rebellious ways throughout their history. Then we have the warning in Hebrews of the sore punishment that we will be accounted worthy of if we do despite to and grieve the Holy Spirit. It is a serious thing to go against the God who gave us our life and our being. He is worthy of our love and full devotion and obedience. Then to go after the lusts of the flesh and resist His efforts to reprove and convince us of our need is to invite destruction and ruin. May He stir our hearts to diligence and earnest decision to be on our guard against the inroads of Satan who is constantly seeking entrance to the heart of man.

QUESTIONS:

1. What danger is there in the outward beauty of a woman?

2. How is the Holy Spirit crowded out in so many marriages?

3. What causes the Spirit of the Lord to depart from a man?

4. What is the danger of one being void of the Spirit of God?

5. What were some of the things that caused Israel to grieve the Spirit of God?

6. What does it mean to be uncircumcised in heart and ears?

7. What caused Israel to be the betrayer and murderer of Christ?

8. What things must we watch out for in this matter of grieving the Holy Spirit?

9. What must we faithfully do to keep up with the Spirit of God?

10. Why does God allow us to be tempted by the flesh?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

APRIL 25, 1999

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PROPHECY

Isaiah 32:13 Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city:

15 Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

16 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

19 When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place.

20 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass. Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put wihin you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 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.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: ...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: God prophesied through His prophets that the Holy Spirit would one day be poured out upon His people and enable them to live righteously with peace and victory over all sin and uncleanness.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(Isaiah 32:15), "The wilderness be a fruitful field": The presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart and life will transform the barren desert of man into a field abounding in the fruit of the Spirit, namely; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, etc. "The fruitful field be counted for a forest": The fruitful field will be so thick and bountiful with fruit and foilage that it will be like a forest. The Hebrew word for forest means a thicket of shrubbery or bushes. The Spirit filled life will bring forth an abundance of righteous fruit.

(Isaiah 32:19), Here is the Septuagint rendering for this, and it is so good! "And if the hail should come down, it shall not come down upon you; and they that dwell in the forests shall be in confidence, as those in the plain country."

(Isaiah 32:20), "Blessed are ye that sow (the gospel seed) beside all waters (everywhere to every people), that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass (the Holy Spirit-filled ministers of the gospel of peace).

(Ezekiel 36:27), "Cause you to walk in my statutes": The Hebrew reads: "Make that which is in my statutes for you to walk." He is saying here that through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God we will be able to live up to the high and holy standard of God's Word without failure.

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our lesson today we have three vivid and unmistaken prophecies of the promised Holy Spirit being poured out upon mankind. These wonderful prophecies are fulfilled in this New Testament Dispensation of grace. Each of these divine utterances foretell the blessedness and glory of the presence and working of the Holy Spirit that we can experience now if we will qualify through entire consecration and unwavering faith. Isaiah's prophecy foretells and emphasizes the blessedness of the peace and quietness that will attend the presence of the Holy Spirit in a man. In this world of strife and selfish turmoil a person who is calm and possessed with a meek and quiet spirit will stand out. This is the moderation that Paul in Philippians 4:5 exhorts us to have on exhibition before all men. Let us take note that Peter quoted the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 in his message to the throngs gathered in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church. What a great declaration the apostle made to the people that day! The Holy Spirit had come in His power and glory to enable God's holy people to witness and labor for His cause as it would be pleasing to the heavenly Father. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Where does the Holy Spirit cause the fruitful field to be?

2. What is the result of the Holy Spirit being in the heart of man?

3. Why is peace and quietness such an important matter in man?

4. What is the low place where the city of God is found?

5. What are some of the indications of a stony heart?

6. What is meant by being given "a heart of flesh?"

7. How will the Holy Spirit manifest Himself in the soul of a man?

8. What does the Holy Spirit inspire God's sons and daughters to do?

9. What does it mean when it was said that God would pour out His Spirit upon "all flesh?"

10. What kind of deliverance does mankind need from God?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

A person who is void of the true Spirit of God is like a desert or a wilderness. Nothing really profitable of a spiritual or eternal value grows in the heart of one who is dominated by the flesh and worldly lusts. And until such a person is convicted and made aware of his empty desert there will be no move toward the blessedness of the heavenly life. There is trouble, disappointment and shame abounding in mankind where sin and transgression against God's law defiles the soul. Such was the condition of Adam's race in the light of God's countenance. But the almighty God inspired His holy prophets with visions of a better day, a day when His Holy Spirit would be poured out and received by hearts prepared by the atonement and doctrine of Jesus Christ. We today are living in the time of the fulfillment of this wonderful provision of grace and glory. We can have, in reality, just what the prophets said we could have. The wilderness of our hearts and lives can become a fruitful field abounding with the fruit of love, joy, peace, holiness, faith, humility and every other good quality that pleases God. By the blessings and strength of the indwelling Spirit of God this fruitful field can be like a forest in abundance of holy produce. Instead of strife and pushing and shoving of selfishness and carnal anger and wrath there will be patience, peace, quietness and soul rest. The soul of man will be a place of humility, faith and quiet trust in the living God.

MAY 2, 1999

THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD IN PROPHECY

Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Zechariah 4:1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,

2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

CONCLUDING VERSE FOR MEMORY: Our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. II Corinthians 3:5-6.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God works together to bring about the salvation of the souls of men. By them strength and power is given to His people and the highway of holiness which God wants us to follow is brought to light. The Word and the Spirit is the source of light for God's holy candlestick, which is the Church, the people of God who are delivered from sin to shine forth the beauties of holiness to the world.

WORD DEFINITONS

(Isaiah 35:1), "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them": The Hebrew says, "The wilderness and the dry land shall joy for them." But of whom is the prophet speaking when he says "for them?" Preceding this in Isaiah 34:16-17 it says, "Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein." In the verses before this it speaks of the animals and birds each having her mate. But then the prophecy turns and applies this thought of having a mate to the Word of the Lord and the Spirit of the Lord. These are the mates, the two agents that work together to bring about the beautiful work of the Lord pictured in chapter 35.

(Isaiah 35:4), "Vengeance and recompence": This refers to the victory over the devil and judgment for the havoc he has done to the soul and the "full and good treatment" of the Lord in His blessings and benefits to man.

(Isaiah 35:8), "It shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein": The Hebrew says, "And it is for them, the traveler of the way, and fools shall not go astray." The Septuagint says, "The dispersed shall walk on it and they shall not go astray."

(Zechariah 4:6), "The word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts": Zerubbabel was the leader of those who rose up to rebuild the temple of God when they returned to Jerusalem. Ezra 5:2. He becomes a type of Christ who built the real temple of God. The prophet is given a vision of the spiritual house of God, the Church, which is here pictured as a golden candlestick with an olive tree on either side of it from which flowed the oil for the burning of the lamps thereon. The prophet inquired of the Lord what these two olives trees were. This was the answer the Lord gave him, the substance of which is: the Word of the Lord by His Spirit. More clearly it could be expressed thus: the Word of the Lord accompanied by the Spirit of the Lord.

(Zechariah 4:10), "The plummet...with those seven": The plummet refers to the tool and instrument for measurement and trueness in building. This is referring to the Word of God. This is with "those seven" of which he said, "they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth. This is undoubtedly referring to the Spirit of God. Jesus is pictured in Revelation 5:6 as the "Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." So we see it pictured again as the Word of God with the Spirit of God.

(Zechariah 4:14), "The two anointed ones": We have pictured here two olive trees, one on either side of the golden candlestick. Then we have two olive branches which through two golden pipes (or tubes) empty the golden oil out of themselves (into the bowl of the golden candlestick). These two olive trees are mentioned in Revelation 11:3-4 and stated to be God's two witnesses. These are none other than the Word and the Spirit.

LESSON BACKGROUND

We have a very important truth revealed in prophecy for our lesson today. The Word of God accompanied by the Spirit of God is God's avenue and means of revealing Himself to the heart of man. We are to love the Word of God and study it earnestly and prayerfully. As we get the Word of God planted in our hearts and minds, then it is the work of the Spirit of God to reveal the sense and the meaning and to write it indelibly upon the tender tables of the heart. By the blessing of these two witnesses we can overcome the darkness of this world and the deception of the devil. Both of our scriptures from the Old Testament reveal the value and dire importance of the Word and the Spirit to the spiritual benefit and welfare of our souls. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Where is this wilderness and desert that needs the Word and the Spirit?

2. What will they do for the weakness and feebleness of our lives?

3. What will they do for a fearful heart?

4. What kind of highway will the Word and Spirit show us?

5. Who will walk on this highway?

6. What was on either side of the golden candlestick?

7. What did the two olive trees represent?

8. What was the plummet? What were the eyes of the Lord?

9. What was the golden oil that came from the olive brances?

10. What does the Word and the Spirit do for the saints of God?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

MAY 9, 1999

THE FOUNTAIN AND RIVER OF LIFE

Ezekiel 47:1 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.

4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.

5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said 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: from whence then hast thou that living water?

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever 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 be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!... For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. Psalm 36:7, 9.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit is likened in the Scriptures to a great fountain of living waters which God has caused to flow out from His throne down into this world to bring spiritual life to whosever will come and drink thereof.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(John 7:38), "Out of his belly": This could be more properly rendered as "out of his innermost being."

LESSON BACKGROUND

Ezekiel was a priest who lived in Babylon during the captivity of the children of Israel there. While seeking the Lord for the welfare of His people among the captives by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened and Ezekiel saw visions of God. The hand of the Lord was there upon him and he saw things that line up with the visions John saw as recorded in the Book of Revelation. One of these we have in our lesson today, that being the crystal-clear river of life. Ezekiel had just been given a close-eye view of the New Jerusalem and the spiritual temple of God. Bear in mind that these are spiritual revelations and prophetic utterances of what was to take place in the future realm of the Church of God. These were not literal things that he saw, but spiritual revelations given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel saw this great river coming out from under the threshold of the house of God. He also saw on the bank of the river many trees that, like what is shown in Revelations, brought forth new fruit every month and the leaves of which were for medicine, or healing. These are spiritual things, showing the life that is in the Holy Spirit living in the soul and the healing that it brings not only spiritually, but also physically.

We now consider the woman at the well that Jesus met unto whom He introduced the thought of living water. She seemed totally in the dark about what such as this was. But when she was made aware that this man had a power and knowledge that caused Him to know things that she was sure He could not be aware of, it stirred her curiosity. This well that Jesus introduced to her was the gushing fountain of the Holy Spirit. Jesus identified this later at the last day of the feast of the tabernacles. He gave the invitation much like the one He gave in Revelation for people who are thirsty for living waters to come and drink.

John, at the close of his narration of what was revealed to him, pictures the beautiful river of life flowing out from the great white throne. This mighty fountain springs from heaven and comes down into this world to flow into the hearts of all who will be thirsty and come to Christ. This is the Holy Spirit. His presence in our souls quenches and satisfies our thirst. But we must allow this same fountain to flow out of our lives in service and help for others. If we have this sweet Holy Spirit, He will flow out of our hearts a stream of gladness and spiritual blessing to all of our fellowmen. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Why is water such a good illustration of the Holy Spirit?

2. Why is the river of life pictured as such a vast river?

3. How can we drink of this river of life?

4. How can we eat of the tree of life?

5. Why is the water of life so far from carnal and worldly people?

6. How can the Holy Spirit flow out from the soul?

7. What kind of well did Jesus say this water would be in the soul?

8. To whom is the water of life made available?

9. Who is it that is to receive the Holy Spirit?

10. What are some of the benefits received from the river of life?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

MAY 16, 1999

THE REFINER'S FIRE

Isaiah 4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:

4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

Isaiah 33:13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.

14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

16 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.

Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.

2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit is like a refiner's fire. It is an everlasting and devouring burning. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man will burn out all impurities and imperfections of character and attitudes and ways. It takes real consecration and perfect obedience to the will of God to have the Holy Spirit to live and work in us.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(Isaiah 4:3), "Left in Zion, remaineth in Jerusalem": These are they who will not be offended nor stumble at the Word of God. They will be obedient to the leadings and dealings of the Holy Spirit. They will endure the burning of the reproofs and corrections of the burning love of the Spirit. Thus they will remain in the Church of God and go no more out. Many people, sad to say, have made a start in the Church of God, and have not followed through with their commitment to the Lord and have drawn back from the burning fire.

(Isaiah 4:4), "Blood of Jerusalem": Blood here represents injury and damage to the spiritual state of man. When a person disobeys God and grieves His Spirit the result is spiritual bleeding and ultimate death to the soul. By the burning of the Holy Spirit we who faithfully obey and follow Him can avoid all spiritual injury and death.

(Isaiah 33:14), "Sinners in Zion, hypocrites": The Hebrew word for hypoocrite means a soiled or impious person. People who receive not a love for the truth and have pleasure in any kind of unrighteousness or sin cannot stand the burning of the Spirit of God.

(Isaiah 33:15), "Stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood": The burning love of God in the soul will cause us to rejoice not in iniquity, but rather to rejoice in the truth. (I Corinthians 13:6.) We do not receive any doctrine that will fall short of the real true standard of holiness that pleases God. Anything that is contrary to godliness is injurious and damaging to the soul.

(Malachi 3:1), "Messenger of the covenant": In one sense this can be referring to Jesus, the Son of God. But Jesus Himself points one and all of His disciples to the Holy Spirit who was to come in His place. Christ went back to heaven, but the Holy Spirit has taken up His abode in the hearts of His saints. Thus He becomes the messenger of the new covenant, the One who writes the laws of God in the tender, obedient heart and directs the functions and ways of the Church.

(Malachi 4:2), "Calves of the stall": Calves of this sort are not allowed to run loose out in the wild, but are kept up, penned and cared for and fully fed diligently with the best and most nutritious feed. This is the way the Holy Spirit cares for us. He keeps us from this wild and loose society and puts a jealous guard and care over us, and feeds us with the rich spiritual food from heaven that will cause us to be fat and flourishing in the courts of the Lord.

(Luke 6:17), "Throughly purge his floor": This is a threshing term. The floor is the wide, flat area where the grain in the chaff and straw is brought. There it is threshed and separated from the chaff. With great fans the chaff is blown away and gathered together to be burned. The wheat is taken into the bins for safety and use. So it is with the Holy Spirit. He gives light and knowledge of the will of God and separates us from the chaff of anything unlike God. The real elements of holiness and truth remain while the vain things are consumed.

LESSON BACKGROUND

From Isaiah and Malachi come the vivid prophecies foretelling the burning fire of the Holy Spirit and what it will do for the souls of men and for the Church of God. By the spirit of the judgments of His word and by the burning fire of the Holy Spirit the saints of God can attain to a purity and holiness not known before. Empty professors and hypocrites will not take to this devouring fire because they are not willing to give up their idols and vain pleasures. The Spirit of God coming into the soul will come with fire, burning, consuming and purging out of the heart and life every thing chaffy and unlike God. If a person is not willing for the Holy Spirit to purge out all dross and unholy ways, then he cannot have the blessing of perfect holiness. The Holy Spirit will not abide with uncleanness. This is the Holy Spirit dispensation and God is shaking the heavenly places to remove those things that are carnal and not heavenly, so that the true and holy qualities of life can remain. This is a serious and fearful aspect of the Holy Spirit, but if we are willing to obey His voice and conform to the image of Christ, we can happily dwell with this devouring fire and everlasting burnings. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What is the spirit of judgment and burning?

2. What will this do for the souls of men and the Church of God?

3. Who is it that will be fearful against the burning of the Spirit?

4. Who will be able to abide the Refiner's fire?

5. What attitude must a person have to retain this holy fire?

6. What makes up the chaff that the unquenchable fire will consume?

7. What happens if we cease to obey the Holy Spirit's reproofs?

8. What does it mean to be the real wheat and not the chaff?

9. What kind of people make up the chaff?

10. What will be the end of people who hold on to their chaff?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

MAY 23, 1999

PROPHECIES OF JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

II Corinthians 3:3 ...Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. Hebrews 10:15 ...The Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.)

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Jesus Christ, conceived in the womb by the Holy Spirit, was anointed by the Holy Spirit to minister to the souls of men to bring salvation and deliverance from sin and death. Through the Holy Spirit we can have God's laws written in our hearts and we have access to enter into the most Holy Place of entire sanctification and perfect holiness.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(Isaiah 11:1), "A rod out of the stem of Jesse": The Hebrew says, "a shoot from the stump of Jesse." Jesse was the father of David, and Christ's physical lineage was to come from him.

(Isaiah 11:3), "Shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord": The Hebrew says, "He is made to breathe in the fear of Jehovah." This thought of Christ's breathing signifies the breath of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit which was upon Him, guiding His every thought and action in the fear and submission to His Father, Jehovah.

(Isaiah 11:4), "The rod of his mouth, the breath of His lips": This refers to His Word and His Spirit. With His Word, Christ would smite the earth, that is, He would preach and declare the whole counsel of God. With His Spirit He would slay the wicked, that is, He would give power and authority to break the power and dominion of Satan from the hearts of men.

(Isaiah 61:2) "The acceptable year of the Lord": The Hebrew says, "The year of acceptance of Jehovah." This means the time when Jehovah will accept all who come to Him for salvation in the name of His Son, Jesus. "The day of vengeance": This means the day when God would avenge the sinful bondage of man and break the power of Satan that man can be free and redeemed to walk in perfect holiness before God once more.

(Isaiah 61:3), "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion": The Hebrew says to "put or make a place for those who are mourning in Zion." Those who feared God and yearned for victory over Satan and sin were given an opportunity to be delivered and find a place in the New Testament Church of happiness and service. He went on to name these needs out, namely, to give beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Heaviness is defined in the Hebrew as weakness, dimness, obscurity and despondency.

(II Corinthians 3:3), "Fleshy tables of the heart": This means the tender tables of the heart. This expression probably comes from Ezekiel 36:26 where God promises to "take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and give you an heart of flesh."

(Hebrews 10:19), "Boldness to enter into the holiest": Full confidence and perfect right to enter into the most holy place. Jesus entered into heaven itself to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24.) This was the most holy place of which the type was shown in the Jewish tabernacle. We are given through Christ access into the heavenly places where we can sit even now with Christ. (Ephesians 2:6.)

(Hebrews 10:22), "Our bodies washed with pure water": The pure water is the holy doctrine of God and Christ, and we purify our bodies through being obedient to Christ's Word and teachings.

LESSON BACKGROUND

In our lesson today we notice two special, clear prophecies from Isaiah of Jesus and the Holy Spirit working in Him to bring about salvation to the hearts of men. Then we have the writer in Hebrews quoting from Jeremiah 31:33-34 concerning the New Covenant in Christ written upon the tables of the heart instead of the tables of stone. We also have Paul's words that this ministration is by the Holy Spirit who writes God's testimonies upon the tender tables of the willing and obedient heart. We want to take notice that the prophets foresee Jesus Christ, the Saviour, working under the anointing and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And it is further noticed that through this same Holy Spirit we are given access to enter into the most holy experience of being entirely sanctified and in constant communion with heaven. How wonderful to know that Jesus worked under the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit in perfecting this great salvation that we can have and enjoy today! -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What various manifestations of the Spirit were upon Christ?

2. What kind of judgment was Christ NOT supposed to judge with?

3. How did Christ smite the earth with the rod of His mouth?

4. How did Christ slay the wicked with the breath of HIs lips?

5. Who did Christ preach good tidings to?

6. Who are the ones who really benefit from Christ?

7. Where are the laws of God really supposed to be written?

8. How are the laws of Christ written in the heart?

9. What does it mean to enter into the holiest?

10. How are our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

Jesus Christ, the Son of the most high God, was anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit. He obeyed the will of God perfectly in His earthly life and let the Holy Spirit lead Him in all things. He was the offspring of the womb of Mary that had been blessed of God to conceive by the Holy Spirit. The angel had told Mary concerning this: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35. The angel explained to her husband Joseph, saying, "Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:20. So Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit as the Son of God from birth. Then we see the Holy Spirit descending from heaven like a dove upon Jesus when He was baptized by John. All four of the gospels tell of this wonderful event. The Spirit immediately led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (Matthew 4:1.) Jesus obeyed the Holy Spirit all along His earthly journey. Jesus returned from the wilderness in the power of the Spirit into Galilee where, at Nazareth, He stood up in the synagogue on the Sabbath day and read the prophecy of Himself in Isaiah 61 and declared to the people, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Luke 4:14-21. The miracles that Christ performed were through the power of the Holy Spirit. The teaching that He ministered to the souls of men was from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit within Him. He handled and applied the prophecies of the Old Testament according to Holy Spirit interpretation.

MAY 30, 1999

JESUS SPEAKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 ...When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

John 16:7 ...I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: 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.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: Jesus informed His disciples that He was going to leave them to go back to the Father. But He promised to them that another Comforter would come in His place. This was the Holy Spirit, which was with them, but would later come in power to be within them.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(John 16:7), "Expedient": The Greek word means profitable and to their advantage and benefit.

John 16:14), "He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you": The Holy Spirit is ever in perfect communication with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. He receives vital knowledge and intelligence from the Father and Christ and relays it to the person in whose heart He abides. When the Holy Spirit speaks or moves in a saint of God for any purpose, one can be assured that the impression is coming right from the Father's great loving heart. Oh, praise the Lord!

LESSON BACKGROUND

Jesus had arranged for Him and His disciples to keep the feast of the passover in an upper room. All three of the other gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke told of this. It is very evident that it was at this time during this final meeting with His "own which were in the world," before His arrest, that He explained to them what we have in our lesson today. He had told them in previous times of what was coming in His being taken by the Jews and tried and condemned to death. But in these four chapters of John, 14th through the 17th, Jesus made it clear to them that He was, after all was fulfilled of Him, to be taken back to the Father in heaven. He knew that this thought would bring great sorrow to their hearts. He exhorted them to not be troubled, for He was going back to the Father to prepare a place for them and make it possible for them to join Him thereafter. He wanted them to keep believing in Him, and assured them that His departure from them would by no means be a separation, but it would rather turn out to be a closeness and fellowship with Him unknown before. This was because His absence would be wonderfully filled and gloriously satisfied with the indwelling Holy Spirit. He was present with them in Jesus, but would come within them and fill their innermost being with power, comfort and light. How wonderful that our Master was fully conscious and all-knowing about this glorious blessing! Luke tells us that He expressed it thus: "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49. In the book of Acts, written also by Luke, we see Jesus just before He ascended up to heaven, giving last minute instructions to the disciples that they were not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, and that as John had baptized with water, so they were to be baptized with the Holy Spirit real soon. And when this would take place they were to be given power and authority to be witnesses for Him unto all the earth. This was the last thing they heard Jesus say before He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. So, in obedience to their Master's word, they returned to Jerusalem to await the fulfillment of the promise of the Father that Christ had so graciously informed them of. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Why did Jesus have to leave His disciples?

2. Who did He promise would come and take His place?

3. Why did He call the Holy Spirit the "Comforter?"

4. Why is the world not capable of receiving the Holy Spirit?

5. What more could the Holy Spirit do than what Jesus had done?

6. What does the Holy Spirit bring to our remembrance?

7. What does the Holy Spirit testify of?

8. What does the Holy Spirit reprove men about?

9. What does the Holy Spirit guide us in?

10. What do we receive in the Holy Spirit and what does it enable us to do?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

JUNE 6, 1999

THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES

Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

15 ...(The number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty.)

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

11 ...We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:39.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit came even as Jesus said He would, and the one hundred and twenty believers in Christ received Him with great joy and power to witness to people, even people of other tongues. We today have the same privilege as they did, for the promise of the Father is for all who will believe and obey Him.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(Acts 1:14, 2:1), "One accord": The Greek word is a combination of two words which together mean united in mind and passion.

(Acts 2:3), "Cloven tongues": The Greek meaning here is that tongues of fire were distributed to each one and appeared upon them.

(Acts 2:5), "Devout": Devout means to be diligent, reverent, pious, earnest, sincere and circumspect.

(Acts 2:15), "Third hour of the day": Everyone of the people knew that the third hour of the day (9:00 a.m.) was not the time when people got drunk on wine. It was usually after a day's work that people relaxed and took their drinks.

LESSON BACKGROUND

After the Lord Jesus had spoken His final words to His disciples and had ascended up and disappeared in the cloud, His followers turned and walked back to Jerusalem. It could have been the same upper room where Christ met with the twelve before His crucifixion, but we are not certain of this. It was a special place where they met to pray and tarry before God. How wonderful that Mary, the mother of Jesus and also His brethren were in that number! One hundred and twenty people in all united in earnest prayer to God and tarried there for the next ten days. Jesus had appeared to them for forty days, and Pentecost was fifty days after Passover. So we have about a ten day period in which the disciples tarried in prayer and petitioning God for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Just how they carried it all out we do not know, except that when the Holy Spirit came they were sitting. Perhaps they had just had a good lengthy season of prayer and had arisen from their knees and were quietly sitting. However it was we know that it was the great day of the Lord when He came down in power and glory and filled the hearts of His people. Tongues of fire were seen resting upon each of them and their innermost being was filled with the glowing presence of the Holy Spirit of God. We can see them pouring forth from the house rejoicing and declaring the wonderful works of the Lord. God gave them the Spirit of prophecy and enabled them to speak in the various languages of the people who were in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost at that time. Oh, what a wonderful event! It was a great fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 102:21-22 when God purposed "To declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord." Peter continued and declared to the people that this was the Holy Spirit that the prophets had promised. He told them to repent and be baptized and they, too, would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit that God had promised to pour out upon all flesh. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. For what purpose were the one hundred and twenty met together?

2. What did the presence of Jesus' mother and brethren indicate?

3. What kind of activity were they all engaged in?

4. How important was it that they were all of one accord and mind?

5. How did the Holy Spirit manifest Himself when He came?

6. What did the Holy Spirit enable these people to do?

7. What did the people hear them speak about?

8. What did some think was going one?

9. How did Peter refute the idea of them being drunken?

10. What did Peter declare that this was?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

Let us put ourselves in spirit with these souls of long ago

As they stood upon Mt. Olive with their faces all aglow.

There they heard the words of Jesus speaking of the Spirit's show'r

That so soon would come upon them, giving them the living pow'r.

Then they saw Him slowly rising upward, upward to the sky,

And they watched until He faded from their raptured wond'ring eye.

See them turn and take their journey back into Jerusalem,

Where the saints were met together in obedience to Him.

There we see them supplicating fervently with one accord,

On their knees with passion seeking for the Spirit of the Lord,

All their hearts in faith preparing, waiting patiently in love

For the gracious sweet appearing of the Holy heavenly dove.

On that bright and blessed morning of the Pentecostal day

They were sitting, calmly sitting in a quiet holy way,

When a sudden sound from heaven fell upon their listening ear,

And bright tongues of fire upon them to each other did appear.

Then with joy their inner being felt a fulness so divine,

Holy, sweet, and purest gladness with an inward light to shine,

"He has come!" perhaps they shouted, "Let us sing His praise abroad!"

Forth into the streets to herald all the wond'rous works of God.

Oh, thank God! this glorious blessing can be ours, yes, still today,

We can all receive the Spirit if we'll consecrate and pray,

If we'll seek the Lord and tarry till He sends the holy Fire,

We can have the Spirit's fulness all our spirits to inspire.

How we need His inward dwelling, How we need His comfort now

In this world of dark confusion, need His seal upon our brow!

Dark the night that gathers 'round us in these latter days of time,

But with Holy Ghost anointing we can keep our lives sublime.

Seek it ever, never stopping in your quest for heaven's best,

Let the Holy Spirit lead you to the Saviour's promised rest.

All the truth He'll surely teach you, guide you in life's darkest hour,

JUNE 13, 1999

LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT THE FLESH

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 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.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affecions and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: If we live and walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. The flesh and the Spirit are contrary one to another and both cannot rule at the same time. We must crucify and put to death every sinful desire and bring into subjection our fleshly bodies to the obedience of Christ.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(Romans 8:5), "Mind": To exercise the mind; to entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; to be mentally disposed in a certain direction. Those who are in accord with the flesh will have this kind of catering to the flesh and the fulfillment of its desires with little or no consideration for the Spirit.

(Romans 8:10), "The body is dead because of sin": Because of the potential of sin taking hold through yielding to the appetites of the body, the child of God must live carefully and be always ready to crucify any inclination or desire for that which is forbidden. It is a constant denial of yielding to the temptations of sinful flesh with respect to the mind of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit is life because of righteousness": We seek to please the Holy Spirit rather than the desires of the flesh because obeying Him brings to us life and peace for the soul.

(Romans 8:12), "We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh": This could be more plainly stated like this: We are under no obligation to the flesh. We do not have to live after it for we do not owe the flesh one single thing. We owe everything to the Spirit of God and to His pleasure we want to live.

LESSON BACKGROUND

Jesus paid the price and made this great provision for us to have the Holy Spirit as an indwelling Guest and source of power and guidance for our lives. But we must always be aware that there is an opposing influence all around us that will work against the Holy Spirit. It is the flesh which is the appetites and desires of the body. Satan has founded his kingdom upon the lusts of the body-uncontrolled and undisciplined by the Word and the Spirit of God. In Christ Jesus is found power and grace to deny the flesh and live according to the Spirit. We must have a mind and purpose to do this or the flesh will take over. It is bearing the cross to resist the approach of Satan through the avenues of the fleshly desires and to yield to the will of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived this way and if we are to have God's smile of approval, we must likewise let the Spirit of God lead us in everything. The writings of the apostle Paul in our lesson today are very plain about this. To the Romans and to the Galatians Paul included explicit instructions and warnings about the danger of living to the flesh. He shows, on the other hand, the beauty and profit of following after the Spirit. It is a decision that we have to make and to continue to make. The flesh is always there to assert itself. No matter how saved and sanctified one can be there will always be the flesh to keep under and discipline. The appetites of the body uncontrolled will lead us astray from God. The list of the works of the flesh and the itemized fruits of the Spirit are very enlightening and informative if we will but open our eyes to the truth. There is no excuse for us becoming ensnared in any of these works of the flesh. And grace is given and help from the Spirit is ours to develop a life filled with the fruits of righteousness. If we desire these things the Lord is able to help us to have them abundantly. It is just that simple. Let us be moved with desire and purpose to deny the flesh and faithfully obey the Holy Spirit in all things. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. What must we walk after to be free from condemnation?

2. What is meant by "minding the things of the flesh?"

3. How can we be sure to avoid the traps of the flesh?

4. What does it mean to "mortify the deeds of the body?"

5. What is it that makes manifest the true sons of God?

6. What is the relationship between the flesh and the Spirit?

7. What is the sad truth about those who do the works of the flesh?

8. What must we do with the flesh and the affections and lusts?

9. Why are the fruits of the Spirit so desirable and beneficial?

10. Is it possible to live in the Spirit and yet not walk in the Spirit?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

JUNE 20, 1999

THE WORKINGS AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

I Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:28.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The indwelling Holy Spirit works in our private devotions and prayers as well as our public labors. He wants to lead and anoint us in all of these things. He gives the gifts and functions in the Church, which, as the body of Christ, shows forth the glory and goodness of God.

WORD DEFINITIONS

(I Corinthians 12:3), "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost": This means that only by being in harmony and unity with the Holy Spirit will a confession of Jesus Christ be of any value or benefit.

(I Corinthians 12:4), "Gifts": Endowments, bestowed of God; benefits.

(I Corinthians 12:5), "Administrations": Attendance, aid, or service.

(I Corinthians 12:7), The Greek says, "The showing forth of the Spirit is given to each one to the advantage." This means that the working of the Holy Spirit is to contribute to the welfare and benefit of all the Church.

(I Corinthians 12:13), "Drink into one Spirit": We drink of the Holy Spirit through earnest prayer and supplication, study of His Word, by obedience and keeping consecrated to do the will of God above all else.

(Jude 20), "Building up yourselves on your most holy faith": The Greek says, "by your most holy faith building up yourselves." The most holy faith is by that sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, keeping fresh and up to date in devotions and service and the inspiration and anointing He gives daily.

LESSON BACKGROUND

We really have a combination of two thoughts in our lesson today, but they go together. We want to consider the working of the Holy Spirit in our prayers and supplications to God and the working of the Holy Spirit in the Church with the various members of the body of Christ. Paul brings it out so beautifully how the Holy Spirit helps us in our human weakness and limited knowledge by interceding for us with God according to His will. We are not able to really present ourselves in prayer, but the Holy Spirit, with our supplications, brings us right up to the Father. Then we have Jude telling us to pray in the Holy Ghost and build up ourselves by our most holy faith into the heights of grace as we humble ourselves to the depths of humility and nothingness. We have Paul's precious words concerning the body of Christ and how the Holy Spirit gives the gifts, the Lord Jesus inspires and directs the servitude of the saints to one another and to all men, and how God works by His power in various, wonderful ways. He says further that God sets the members in the body as it pleases Him. So it is for us to draw nigh unto God and live faithful and let Him work in us as it is best according to His gracious wisdom. What a beautiful arrangement of the work of God can be on display by us obediently following the direction of the sweet Holy Spirit! -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. Why is it so important for the Holy Spirit to accompany prayer?

2. Why are we not able to pray successfully on our own?

3. What does praying in the Holy Ghost do for us?

4. What is the only way that we can effectually acknowledge Christ?

5. What are the gifts of the Spirit given to the Church for?

6. Who decides what gift is to be given to a person?

7. Why is it so needful that there be diversities of gifts?

8. What are some of the responsibilities that go with having a gift?

9. What does it mean to "drink into one Spirit?"

10. Why is it that we cannot be successful without the help of the Holy Spirit?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

JUNE 27, 1999

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S ETERNAL REWARD

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

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

II Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

CONCLUDING SCRIPTURE FOR MEMORY: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11.

CENTRAL THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart of the child of God will be the means and power of quickening them in that last great day and changing them from corruption to incorruption, from mortality to immortality.

WORD DEFINTIONS

(Romans 8:19), "Earnest expectation": Intense anticipation. "Waiteth for": Eagerly expects. "Manifestation": This word from the Greek means "disclosure" and it comes from another word which means "to take off the cover." The saints of God and their hope is a hidden treasure. The wisdom that they follow is a hidden wisdom. It is not seen nor recognized by the wicked society and this present, evil world. We are dead to this world and our life is hid with Christ in God. But in that day we will appear with Him in glory, that is, the covering will be taken away and we will shine forth and the ungodly will bemoan their wretched state and behold the ones they despised and persecuted entering into eternal glory while they are found naked unto eternal destruction.

(Romans 8:20), "Subject to vanity": This means that we must tarry here in the confines of this mortal flesh, subject to its pain and discomforts, surrounded and restricted by its limits and difficulties. "Not willingly": Not voluntarily on our part is this strait imposed, but through the wise decision of God. He decreed that Christ be taken to the heavens for a duration which only He controls, and His children be left down here for a season. But He has done it with a promise, a faithful promise, that the time will come when we will be liberated and granted glorious and unbounded freedom in that blessed world to come.

(Romans 8:21), "From the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty": From the slavery of death and decay to the freedom of the glory.

(Ephesians 1:13), "Sealed with that Holy Spirit": Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:30, "Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." A seal is a means of preservation, a resistance to contamination and unauthorized intrusion. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. He is the seal of the living God that will safeguard our passage through the dangers and defiling influences of this present evil world.

(Ephesians 1:14), "Earnest of our inheritance": An earnest is a pledge, or part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest. The Holy Spirit received and retained in the soul is a pledge of the complete and full recompense of all that God has promised unto the obtaining of the resurrection and eternal life.

(II Corinthians 5:1), "Tabernacle": Tent. This mortal body is likened unto a tent. It is not permanent but to be taken down after awhile and a change made to a more substantial dwelling. (II Corinthians 5:3), "Naked": This is the state of the soul unprepared and unqualified for the reception of the house which is from heaven. Such is doomed to be cast out into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, no shelter, no warmth, no comfort, nor protection from the dark and cold eternal night. It is a thought that chills the very soul with terror.

LESSON BACKGROUND

From the writings of the apostle Paul who wrote words concerning our blessed hope never uttered before, we have a wonderful insight to the glory which shall be brought out into the open in that day of rewards. We want to especially notice that the glorious state of eternal bliss is the result of the Holy Spirit living within us. We are now in the straits of humanity, amid the sorrows and sufferings of the creature living in a world contrary to the Spirit who dwells within us. The wisdom of God planned that we spend some time down here in this narrow and difficult realm, but it is to make the glorious liberty of eternal life more wonderful and precious to us. God works this way. He prepares us for the blessedness of His goodness by allowing us to suffer the fires of tribulation and suffering. He likens our mortal state to be as a tent. Now a tent is not a very substantial dwelling. There are people who live in tents and get by. But it is not very enjoyable at times. So it is with us in this mortal life. But we have hope through the gospel that a wonderful transition is coming. This old tent will be exchanged for a new body, a body that will be substantial for eternity. There is a serious thought in our lesson. And that is to be sure that we are in line and fully qualified in God's sight for this new body, so that we will not be found naked, or destitute when this tent is taken from us. -Leslie C. Busbee

QUESTIONS:

1. How can we be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ?

2. What must we be willing to do if we would be glorified together with Christ?

3. Why did God make us to have to live in this vain world for a time?

4. What hope does He give us in this vain state?

5. Why is there a groaning in the child of God?

6. Why is the redemption of the body called an adoption?

7. How is the Holy Spirit a seal?

8. How is the Holy Spirit relative to the full reward of the resurrection?

9. What will be the horror of being found naked?

10. What will be the power and means by which our mortal bodies will be quickened unto immortality?

COMMENTS AND APPLICATION

"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." Galatians 5:5. While we tarry in this world we are often outside the camp of worldly honor and praise, bearing the reproach of Christ. "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Hebrews 13:14. "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Romans 8:24-25. It is in the wisdom of the Almighty to subject us to live and endure the vanities of this present world (which is soon to perish) for a season. But He does it in hope of a better day to come. This makes the sweet sweeter and the reward more precious and wonderful. But while we are tarrying in this world of sin and sorrow we have a precious Guest who stays with us day and night. Oh, how precious is the Holy Spirit to the child of God! How sweet is the communion and fellowship we have with Him! He comforts us in the dark hours of trial and hardship. He helps us in the difficult situations of this mortal life. He whispers encouragement and keeps pointing us on to that better day that is coming. Yes, some golden daybreak Jesus will come. The fleeting things of earth will pass away and we will rise up from this mortal state to meet the Lord in the air with all the other saints and redeemed of all ages. Oh, what will it be to be there? Let us hold to God's unchanging hand! He leads to victory! -Lesl