Study Guide

An Exposition on the Body of Christ: Contending for the Faith

10,641 words, about 53 min read

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MARY BANKS MINISTRIES PO Box 11563 Spring, TX 77391

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An exposition on the study guide - The Body of Christ.

a note from Mary Banks On behalf of the faculty and staff, I welcome you to Bible Teachers Global Training Center.

It is my desire that each of you walk into the ministerial call that God has on your life.

This course can provide you with a solid background and a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for your life. You will learn that the gifts are all administrations of the Holy Ghost and have one mind, purpose, and aspiration; to bring the Body of Christ to the fullness of the stature of the man Jesus Christ.

We look forward to working personally with you. If you have any questions, please feel free to address them with your teachers. We assure you that the curriculum will not only be enlightening but enjoyable, and encourage you to avail yourself to the developmental process of the maturing of the Body of Christ.

Get ready for an exciting, life-changing adventure into God’s Word!

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH CHAPTER. 1 CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH PART 2

“The doctrine that needs to be preached to the world and the church in these end times is the Doctrine of the New Creature. Without doubt the church has become unidentifiable when compared with the world. It has indeed merged with the world to become a gainsaying and wanton generation. However, I dare say this is not the church God identifies as His own.

Always remember, God never leaves Himself without a remnant. This remnant is proof His instructions can be obeyed and loved. God has an elect who delight in the truth and live their lives unto Him, even if it costs them everything. So where do we stand? Look at the times! our Lord will soon return. He will come in the power of His might to rescue His elect from the temptations our Father will pour out upon the earth. However, do we see the Church? Look out into the world, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces and public arenas. Can we see the church? Some may quickly remember the Christians we know around us, however, there is a vast difference between what God boasts as His, and what we may identify as His body. His people have the character and sentiments of Christ. They live unto Him. Therefore, simply wearing the title “Christian” is insufficient in the sight of God. Our lives must reflect our gospel! However, the Lord has given me a glimpse of the great impact that our apathy towards righteousness has had on the world. Listen to His words, “The reason that the world and the church have successfully merged is because of the double standard set by my people.”

THE DOUBLE STANDARD

Isaiah 44:6-8

6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

Psalm 138:2

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. There is no god above or besides our Father God. He is the only true and living God. He is highest on the hierarchy. He is what He is; in His own words “I AM THAT I AM”. With this said it is needful for us to understand that He cannot help who He is. He is simply God and this will never change, neither can He change Himself to fit the value system of humanity. There is no humanity in His new creation. The significance of it all is the fact that even though God is so great and powerful, He established a principle that can cause all creation to trust in Him. He has made Himself subject to His own word. He esteems it higher that His own name. Therefore, God abides by the same laws He establishes, in fact He is bound to it, just as we are. This is true integrity, and it is our joy that He remains immutable in that which He has established. He is not a God who simply decides what to do and disregards what He has already established. His submission to His own word sets that standard of integrity. It would be a double standard to minister something and to do another while still giving oneself a pass.

This is where the church has erred. The double standard is the fact that the church tells the world it should be like them, and condemns the sin in it; when in fact it does the same things.... but gives itself a pass.

There is no true standard of holiness. Sad to say not even the church identifies itself as a holy entity. It has established the fact that we cannot be perfectly free from sinning. Nevertheless, the mandate from heaven is for us to preach the new creature. We cannot blame the world for allowing this merger. The church has demonstrated that they are no different from the world. I hope we discern the passion of the Lord in this matter. Listen to the words of Apostle Paul.

1 Corinthians 5:1-6

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Listen to the righteous indignation of the Lord in this manner. However, many of us would read this scripture and think Paul was very harsh; in fact, I did for a long time. However, the Lord revealed unto me His stance as it pertains to His body. The Body of Christ must be preserved in holiness. The Body of Christ is not a church organization or a business franchise, it is the flesh and bone of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, He is holy, therefore His Body, too, is holy.

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It is necessary for us to judge whether God will discard into hell, a miracle working, prophesying son of God, who lived his life full of iniquity. We must also ask ourselves, why we identify workers of iniquity as the church simply because they choose to retain the title “Christian?” This is a hearty matter of the Father. The Church is supposed to be His expression, His presentation on the earth. The Church is supposed to cause the world to know God’s sentiment by the living proof of it. However, we have made the Body of Christ a catch-all organization, and made church about the tithing, offering and social fellowship. However, listen to the words of John:

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. The apostle John makes it known that in order to fellowship with him you must first have fellowship with the Father and the Son. However, fellowship is more than simply identifying yourself as a Christian. It is God who must identify you as one.

1 John 1:5-6

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

There is a contending for the faith that must happen. This is why the world does not believe on, or see our Christ. We have chosen to make the church what we would have it to be; a place that pampers and covers sin, instead of a place that eradicates it. If there is no one to preserve and protect the holiness of the Body of Christ, sin will continue to feel comfortable in our buildings. The world will continue to include us in their carnal affairs if we do not preach, live, and manifest the new creature! The world must know the church is not human like they are. We are a different species here on this earth; sent to manifest Christ through human flesh. We are pilgrims of another country. Not only must we tell them but we must contend for the faith. We must preserve the Body of Christ in holiness. Sin should not be bold in the midst of us. It is most necessary that we obey the Lord and His instructions in regards to dealing with sin in the church. Let us not ignore the commandments of the Lord and by this redesign His body into something that is foreign to the Kingdom of God. Jude 1:3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Let us fight the good fight of faith.

”

Lesson Objective: The purpose of this lesson is to show the spiritual disposition of the Church in comparison to what it is supposed to be.

Exercise 1: In the boxes provided write your “true” sentiment compared to God’s sentiment.

WHAT IF..... MY SENTIMENT GOD’S SENTIMENT

You come home to find out that your house has been broken into. You find out that it was a family member on drugs. You never confront the individual but two months later they need a place to live so he asks you.

Does your sentiment equal God’s, why or why not? If not, what do you have to change to share God’s sentiment?

Isaiah 44:6-8

6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah is making the point that there is truly only one real God. Therefore, this is a perfect scripture to corroborate the point intended. However, we need to take a closer look at some of the terms he uses in this verse.

THUS SAITH THE LORD.....

The scripture begins with the terminology ‘thus saith the Lord.’ It is important to note that it was the prophet Isaiah who was receiving this word from the Lord. However, by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he spoke. This inspiration or unction that the Holy Ghost gave him allowed God to use his (Isaiah’s) mouth or pen even as He spoke through the mouth of the donkey in the account of Balaam.

Self Evaluation: God says ye are my witnesses. How have you been a witness

A

The significance of the terminology ‘thus saith’ is the fact that the Holy Ghost is clarifying it is no longer Isaiah who speaks but it is the Lord. Therefore, the words that are written or said are the testimony of the Holy Ghost. 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 (John 16:13). In this case, the Holy Ghost is testifying of that which He has seen and heard from the Lord the King of Israel and His redeemer the Lord of hosts. The verse goes on to convey that it is the Lord, the King of Israel who speaks. This identifies the reality that this is not a natural king, like king David and Solomon were, but this King of Israel is God Almighty; (hence the capital ‘K’ in the scriptures). He is the Lord.

Survey Says - Activity 1:

Survey four people and ask them to define what the gospel is.
Find four scriptures that define “gospel”. Write out each scripture. Scripture 1:_______________________________________________________ Scripture 2:_______________________________________________________ Scripture 3:_______________________________________________________ Scripture 4:_______________________________________________________

Therefore, the Holy Ghost spoke through Isaiah, delivering the Word of God, the King of Israel. However this word was not of the King alone, it was also of His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts. The word ‘his’ speaks to ownership and therefore reveals that the ‘redeemer’ speaks of another person - Jesus Christ. Just as the phrase ‘Word of God’ implies the Word is of God and therefore belongs to God, even as the Redeemer belongs to the King. It is the word of both God, the King of Israel and Jesus the Redeemer that came unto the prophet Isaiah via the Holy Ghost; and that word was; “I Am.”

The Lord, the King of Israel

- The King of Israel refers to God Almighty.

His Redeemer, the Lord of Hosts

- Jesus is the Lord God’s Redeemer. He was sent to take away the sins of the world.

Revelation 5:9

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 13:8

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. This verse describes Jesus as the Lamb that was slain from the foundations of the world. Thus, He was the Redeemer of the world even from the beginning of time Now it is also helpful to look at some other facts laid out in Isaiah’s verse:

Despite the fact that Jesus was not yet born in the flesh at the time Isaiah received this prophecy, he was still his present Redeemer.
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: also confirms the fact that Christ as the Redeemer of mankind was alive and well many years before He was manifested on the earth.
It was the Word that was made flesh. Therefore, Jesus existed as the Word of God long before He came forth from Mary’s womb.

Take note of the fact that Isaiah refers to Jesus as the Lord of hosts: Hosts

There are three hosts that the scriptures speak of
The Host of the stars and constellations: the heavenlies
Genesis 2:11
The Angelic Host

- The Host of the Armies of Men

I am sure Isaiah’s reference was to Jesus being the Lord of the Angelic Host as well as all that dwell among the stars. Nevertheless, He is also Lord of all powers that exist on the earth.

Now we come to an interesting declaration of the Father.

I am Despite the introduction stating two, i.e both the King of Israel (God Almighty) and the Redeemer the Lord of Hosts (Jesus Christ), the scripture follows with I am, rather than we are. ‘I am’ is singular. It speaks to the trinity; the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost, are one. God is the King of Israel, Jesus (the Word) is the redeemer and it is by the unction of the Holy Ghost that caused Isaiah to prophesy.

I am the First Refers to God, the Father, being the first manifestation of God mentioned previously in the verse, God the King of the Jews. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God the Father is before all things that exist. However, He is also the first manifestation of the Godhead to the human race. I am the Last In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God1. But the Word was with or rather in God. That Word was made flesh and became the second manifestation of God.

But then came the sons, the church; which is a holy habitation for the Father. The church has been engrafted into the last form of God. We have put on the New Man, Christ Jesus. Therefore, we are in Christ Jesus, whose body we are; we have become the last manifestation of God. At the time appointed we will be changed into our glorious bodies, which will be the final form of God. He will live in and walk among us. God will be all in all.

1 Gen 2:1 - Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

Therefore, the sons of God are the last manifestation of God in the earth and throughout eternity. There will never be another manifestation of God. He is the First and the Last. God is both the first and the last manifestations of Himself. The verse above (Isaiah 44:6-8), is compacted with many mysteries that could send the reader anywhere in study. It is clear that on the face of it the scripture refers to the fact that God Almighty is the only true and living God, however, there are deeper gems waiting to be revealed. When we examine the terminology used in the scripture we will notice that the mystery of Christ can also be unveiled through the Old Testament.

It was the testimony of Jesus Christ that He is the volume of the book. This therefore means every scripture that has ever been testifies of Him. Consider the verse once more:

Isaiah 44:6

6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

It is clear now that the first line of this verse reveals the mystery of the Holy Trinity/ Godhead. Even though the three could be found speaking in the verse, their word was; I am, rather than ‘we are’. This verse then serves as a confirmatory scripture to the Doctrine of the Trinity, that they are indeed three in one. It is the testimony of God that He is the first and the last. It is common for us only to see this scripture from the perspective of time. We think it to mean that God was before all and will be after all. However, the Word of God lets us know that we will be with the Lord forever and ever. This therefore means He will not be after us. This scripture must therefore refer to something else.

A major rule in bible study is the principle. If there is a symbol described in the text then the scriptures will interpret the symbol either within its context or elsewhere in scripture. In this case, the words ‘first’ and ‘last’ are used, but the Lord makes no reference as to what He is the first or last of.

The context of scripture causes us to realize He is referring to that which He had already said; the First, being the first and only God and King of Israel, and the latter being the Redeemer, and Lord of hosts. This scripture further speaks to the mystery of God manifesting Himself in different forms. Consider the following: St. John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This is the first form/manifestation of God. He was God Almighty, the Word. This is who Israel identified as their God and King. However, let us consider the last.

St John 1:14...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The same God who was from the beginning changed form and dwelt within flesh. To dwell in flesh is the last and final form that God will be manifested in, and that is the form of the Redeemer and His Church.

Philippians 2:5-7 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

The scripture above describes the last or final form in which God would manifest Himself - flesh. God testified that He would walk and talk amongst us, and He is doing it in His final form, Jesus Christ.

One might ask what I mean when I say final form. I simply am referring to the fact that there will not be another form after Christ. However, it is noteworthy to mention that those who have received His Spirit are the members of Christ, or the body parts of this final form. Therefore, all the saints comprise this last form, which is Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:10-11 - And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

HE IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST. Therefore, He is God and beside him, (meaning outside of Christ) there is no other God.

This is a very profound statement of the Lord. There is no God beside Him. ‘Beside’ means, without, or apart from. There is only one God. Consider the scripture below: St. John 5:17-18 - But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

God in this verse established that He is the only God, however even though He is God, He is yet triune. The triune being that God is, has a form which is that of Jesus Christ in the flesh. However, the scripture above further cements the concept being taught by the Father in Isaiah 44:6, that beside Him there is no other God. Those who have received the Holy Ghost are the children of God. This is not symbolic or figurative, but it is literal. They have been transformed by the Spirit of adoption, by the soul of the believer being placed in the Holy Ghost. This adoption is not likened unto the natural adoption, because in the world even though one may sign a document gaining legal ownership of a child, they will never be that child’s true parent. The child will always have the features of their former parents, his/her DNA does not change by the signing of a legal form. However in the adoption of the Spirit, there is a transformation that must be undergone.

The transformation, is not an upgrading of that person who already existed, but it is a doing away of that person all-together and starting from scratch. That person must die, and be reborn. This is very literal. The person who was once a child of Adam/the Devil, dies, by the removal of their soul from their flesh. Their soul is then placed inside of the Holy Ghost, reviving the individual and causing such a one to experience a rebirth. Therefore, in this rebirth this individual is truly a literal child of God, because he has been begotten by God.

The scripture in John reveals to us that it is a great mystery to be called a child of God. To say that one is a child of God is to also say that one is a god. God totally agrees with this deduction.

St. John 10:32-38 - Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

The scripture cannot be broken. To be a child of God is to be of God’s kind. It means that God is in you and you in God. Therefore, the body that God’s Spirit is within becomes a vehicle of expression for Him, to do works. The body becomes His image, or a visual representation of the invisible God2. The children who have been baptized into the Holy Spirit are one with God. He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit (1 Cor 6:17). The soul is hidden in God. Therefore, the Lord’s testimony remains true. Beside Him there is no other God. The children are included in that statement, because they have become one spirit with the last, the redeemer Jesus Christ. Though there are many sons of God today, there is still only one God, who lives in all and is all. Thus saith the L ord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the L ord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

St. John 36-38

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Isaiah 44:7-8

7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God;

Here the Father calls for other gods if there be any other gods.

2 Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature For each question select the BEST answer according to the lesson you have just completed.

1.He is simply God and this will never change, neither can He change Himself to a. accommodate what the world thinks that He should do. b. fit the value system of humanity. c. create a new people who will respect Him. d. become another God.

2. There is no humanity in His new creation. a. True b. False
3. The will is also able to reflect what? a. Our purpose and focus. b. Our praise and worship to God for His many blessings in our own lives. c. Our worship according to our very own personal experiences with God. d. Our singleness of mind; tenaciousness, and purposefulness.

Complete the questions below:

4. Therefore, simply wearing the title _______ is insufficient in the sight of God.
5. God never leaves Himself without a ___________.

WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

Psalm 138:2

2] I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. I will worship...

In this passage King David is declaring his love for the Father. Here, the word worship means to give honor and respect to one who is in authority. It suggests that David knew and understood who God was and shows his reliance on Him. From the time we have known of David in the scriptures, God proved His power in his life. From the days of the shepherd boy tending his father’s sheep, to his anointing by the prophet Nathan to replace King Saul; God established a track record of being a deliverer. For David, this deliverer was also loving and kind in His judgments. Therefore, from personal experience he is able to truly worship God.

The will is our strength of character. It is our determination to do good or evil. The will is also able to reflect our singleness of mind; tenaciousness, and purposefulness. The will is where our resolve and commitment lives. Therefore, our worship must be as David’s. It must have purpose and focus. We must be able to praise and worship God for His many blessings in our own lives. Our worship must be according to our very own personal experiences with God. Self Evaluation: Explain a time where you identified that your worship was not from a pure heart and why?

Isaiah 29:13 KJV [13] Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Matthew 15:9 KJV [9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

What a powerful statement about worship! We cannot worship God any other way but with our whole heart, mind and soul. David did not have the Holy Ghost but he understood something we did not. There is truly only one way to love a great and powerful God; with everything that we are. Jesus said how can a man serve two masters? He will hate the one but love the other, or hold to the one and despise the other….our hearts can never be divided. Our worship must be with not only a pure heart, but also our whole heart.

ASurvey Says - Activity 2:

Find three (3) scriptures in the New Testament that define what it means to worship.
Survey four (4) people: How do you worship

“TOWARD THY HOLY TEMPLE…”

There are many references in the scripture of “worshipping toward” which showed the position the Hebrews would turn when they were worshipping Jehovah God. They would always position themselves to the east during their captivity in Babylon. This was the act of giving honor and acknowledgement, of the fact that Jerusalem was the place of the temple of God. It was the only known place of God coming down from heaven to hover over the mercy seat; bringing forgiveness of sins to the Nation.

And why would they always look to the east? Many scriptures refer to the Jews looking toward, praying toward, pitching their tents toward…..the east. The Jews believed one day their redeemer would return. All they had was the law and the promise of a Saviour.

Zechariah 14:4 (KJV)

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. How sad the story becomes; when a nation of people have completely ignored the coming of the Saviour and are ignorantly and adamantly looking for the fulfillment of scripture that will take them through the tribulation or “time of Jacob’s trouble.” Yes, He will set foot on the Mount of Olives, but it will be at the time of the end. Even today when we entertain devout Jews or Muslims they are still praying, facing the east. They are still looking for a Redeemer to come. But the truth is, the Redeemer has already come, He has reconciled the entire world to God. His name is, Jesus Christ and His message to the Church is found in John 4:21-23. Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. Those who know their God will worship Him in the Spirit and in Truth. They are are sons of God.

Exercise 2: Spend at least 15 minutes a day for 1 week. Write your experiences each day.

SIN IN THE BODY

1 Corinthians 5:1-6

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

It is clearly established, through close examination of the scriptures given above that God is supreme, above all, and there is no other God beside Him. In addition, we see the Body of Christ (Christians) who have taken on the very nature of God. So let us consider 1 Corinthians 5:1 as it relates to God’s identification of the church and His standard of holiness.

It is reported commonly…

Dictionary / C / common

Public; general; frequent; as common report.
Usual; ordinary; as the common operations of nature; the common forms of conveyance; the common rules of civility

This suggests that it is common knowledge and open; everyone was speaking of it. there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles...

-The Gentiles - All who were not Jews.

-The Jews were God’s chosen people who were given the laws of God and represent the church. The Gentiles represent sinners or the world.

Romans 2:133 -The undertone in Apostle Paul making the comparison stresses the distinct difference between the church and the world.

Romans 2:284 - External factors such as nationality, possession and knowledge of the law are not the main identifiable characteristics of the church but rather its ability and willingness to embrace and obey the law (word).

In 2 Corinthians 6:17 the Apostle writes, “Wherefore come out from among them,

3 Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another;)

4 Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” that one should have his father’s wife…

In the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy5, we see God’s laws to the Jews concerning fornication and specifically fornication with your father’s wife and the consequences of doing so.

Romans 2:17-206 The Jews boasted themselves in knowing the law and were guilty of yoking other non Jews with it.

1 Corinthians 5:2

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

And ye are puffed up...

Paul was moved even further in righteous indignation by the church’s apathy towards the sin. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance “puff up” From phusis in the primary sense of blowing; to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty) puff up. - In this account indicates that the church did not take a stand against sin and implies that they were comfortable with the acceptance of this open sin. Paul continues to address the church, ...and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

The unconcern here points to the issue of a double standard being formed in the hearts and minds of this church and their willingness to disregard God’s mandate

5 Leviticus 18:8 ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife; it is your father’s nakedness.

Deuteronomy 22:30

“A man shall not take his father’s wife so that he will not uncover his father’s skirt.

Deuteronomy 27:20

‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s skirt.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

6 Romans 2:17-23 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restesth in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

for holiness.

...and have not rather mourned Paul is continuing his rebuke in communicating to these leaders that those who are followers of God have the same emotions and sentiments concerning sin as He does. In other words, you ought to be saddened by the scandal this act has caused to the testimony of Christ.

...that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. In addition, you need to realize and be saddened that your brother has fallen and knowing the severity of God, he will be judged accordingly. Instead, they had accepted this behavior and therefore preferred this man rather than righteousness.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, ...as absent in body Paul was not physically there with them.

...but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, Paul is saying, even though I am not physically there, I know the mind of Christ concerning this matter and have not hesitated to use that authority to judge in His stead.

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ When we hear this phrase, we tend to think about “in the authority” of His name, but let us also consider “in agreement with.” Paul’s judgment is in accordance to that of the Christ within him. when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s terminology here. He is speaking from the perspective of oneness with Christ. Paul is saying in essence the elders who gather together, his own spirit and Christ all have the same judgement because of this oneness. Christ is ultimately the one doing the work or making the decision.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Again Paul reiterates the posture they have taken towards this sin is very detrimental and allowed it to contaminate and hinder others in their pursuit of God. KJV Dictionary Definition:

LEAVEN, n. lev’n. L. levo, Eng. to lift.

A mass of sour dough, which, mixed with a larger quantity of dough or paste, produces fermentation in it and renders it light. During the seven days of the passover, no leaven was permitted to be in the houses of the Jews. Ex. 12.
Any thing which makes a general change in the mass. It generally means something which corrupts or depraves that with which it is mixed. The bad example of a man of influence can be very harmful and can set the standard of the church.

Listen to the righteous indignation of the Lord in this manner. However, many of us would read this scripture and think Paul was very harsh; in fact, I did for a long time. However, the Lord revealed unto me His stance as it pertains to His body.

ASSESSMENT 1 Multiple Choice and True/False

For each question select the BEST answer according to the lesson you have just completed

What does God esteem higher than his own name? a. Jesus Christ, His Son. b. Nothing, His name is above ALL names. c. His own word. d. His feelings towards sin.
God does not abide by the same laws He establishes, in fact He changes because He is merciful. a. True b. False
What is true integrity, according to the lesson? a. God remains immutable in that which He has established. b. God abides by the same laws He establishes and is bound to it. c. God is honest and has strong moral principles. d. God is loving, merciful, and will never change.
Jesus existed as the Word of God long before He came forth from Mary’s womb. a. True b. False
To dwell in flesh is the last and final form that God will be manifested in, and that is the form of the Redeemer and His Church. a. True b. False
The main identifiable characteristic of the church is ___________ a. The ability and willingness to embrace and obey the Word. b. Showing forth your faith. c. Constantly praying and fasting at home until you reach the throne. d. Always being present at church ready to serve.
The word worship means to give honor and respect to one who is in authority? a. False b. True

Match each statement with the BEST choice based on the lesson you have just completed.

8. What sets the standard of integrity? A. a pure heart, and our whole heart
9. What is the mandate from heaven? B. God’s submission to His Word
10. What is God’s final form on Earth? C. to preach the New Creature
11. Our worship must be with what? D. The Church

Humanity Word Double standard Sons of God Christian Use one of the words above to complete the sentences below.

12. It would be a __________ to minister something and to do another while still giving oneself a pass.
13. There is no ________ __ in His new creation.
14. It was the ________ that was made flesh.
15. The __________ are the last manifestation of God in the earth and throughout eternity.

Part II: Preserving the Body in Holiness

The Body of Christ must be preserved in holiness. The Body of Christ is not a church organization or a business franchise, it is the flesh and bone of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, He is holy, therefore His Body, too, is holy.

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

21 Not every one that saith Lord, Lord shall enter into the Kingdom…

Expository on The Judgement of the Saints

There is a time coming wherein even the people of God will be judged. (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 (Hebrews 10:30). This is important because many in the Body of Christ, do not believe there will be a judgment of the saints.

This judgment will not be based on the great exploits that some may trust in; (The excellency of any power to do great works is of the Lord, and not of us; 2 Cor. 4:7).
Neither will we be able to reason our way into Heaven. Heaven is for a select few, those who have chosen to walk in obedience to the will of God. (Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 ).
Paul said to the church at Philippi; (Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 ).
What would Paul need to fear if it took miracle working power to assure his entrance into heaven? Instead he declared that he would beat his body under. (This simply means that he would not use his body to seek after the sinful pleasures of this world.)
Paul also understood that we must be willing to suffer the loss of all our worldly goods for Christ’s sake. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:8). KJV Those who have been born again have been placed in a position to glorify God by allowing the life of Christ to be seen in us. He wants “His” life to be seen so those who are lost can see that there is hope. When we walk in obedience to the will of God, we bear fruit. This is pleasing to God. We want to hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Self Evaluation: Explain a time where you identified that your worship was not from a pure heart and why?

Matthew 7:22

22 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

Many claim they are a part of the Body of Christ. They will stand before God and begin to confess all the great exploits that they have done. But the word “many” lets us know that it is very possible to be led off course and be deceived while following the majority. There are churches that seat hundreds and thousands who are following a false prosperity doctrine, a doctrine of dual nature or some other doctrine that points a man to himself and the preservation of his things. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Matthew 7:13

Survey Says - Activity 3:

Find three scriptures that refute the doctrine of “Dual Nature.”
Ask three people: Do you believe that you would go to heaven if you died right now? What is your evaluation based on?

The entrance into the Kingdom of God is described as the strait gate which suggests a very narrow way that is restrictive, a way that brings discomfort and suffering. This is not a popular way because it does not bring glory to the flesh. It is a road of suffering and self denial. But the ‘many’ that the scripture speaks about in Matthew 7:22 are filled with saints who pride themselves in the operation of the gift of God in their lives. The only thing that they could offer up to God was the gifts of the Spirit that operated through them.

Each of us have been given a measure of the gift of Christ; some will prophesy, some will work miracles, some will have great revelations. They were given to us by God at salvation according to His purpose for our lives. It is the gift of God. We have done nothing to deserve it.

Romans 11:29

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

God will use us mightily in people’s lives. The gifts were left in the body for the glory of God that men might come to repentance. In Matthew 7:22 it is important to note that all who stood before God confessed they were working for Him. They argued it was in His name that they were able to perform miracles. And they were right...

Acts 19:11-12

11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: [12] So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. It would be impossible for a man to perform the miracles that we see in the scriptures except God is working through him and in him. Apostle Paul is a great example of one whom God was manifesting Himself through in signs and wonders. Everywhere Paul went he healed the sick and the lame and cast out demons. God was establishing a name for Himself among the Gentiles. But let us read a little further…

Acts 19:13-16

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. [15] And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? [16] And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. God was not working in or through the sons of Sceva. They told the spirits to leave in the name of Jesus. But the same spirit they were trying to cast out of the man was the same spirit in them. Jesus taught us about this. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?Mark 3:23

The sons of Sceva were frauds. The devil had no respect for their commands to come out of the man. Instead they brought a worse fate on themselves. They were humiliated and made a spectacle. Satan won’t cast out Satan. The devil knew he owned them. But by the devil’s own confession, he recognized Jesus and Paul. Why, because God Himself was in them. They were commanding this spirit to come out by the power and authority of Jesus Christ.

Quiz 2

The Body of Christ is not a church organization or a business franchise, it is a. A local body of people who worship together. b. People who have been born again. c. The flesh and bone of the Lord Jesus Christ. d. Those who confess the Christian faith.
Sin will continue to feel comfortable in our buildings if there is no one to a. Love and embrace people who come into the church. b. Tell people the truth. c. Preserve and protect the holiness of the body of Christ. d. Judge righteousness and hate sin.
We bear fruit when we _________. a. Study the word with diligence. b. Pray and fast. c. Walk in obedience to the will of God. d. Love and encourage the brethren.
The sons of Sceva were an example of a. People whom the Lord has no respect for. b. Being made a spectacle of because of living unholy. c. People whom devil having no respect for. d. People who have no regard for God’s Spirit.
Each of us have been given

A: a measure of the gift of Christ B: an opportunity to change the devil

“MANY WILL SAY”

The “many” who were denied entrance into the Kingdom of God were denied because they worked iniquity. What is iniquity? It is that which stops the flow of love in the Body. It cuts off the very life source of who God is. He is love. In fact, all that God does is because of love. Iniquity is sin and anything that is not the love of God.

Galatians 5:24 KJV [24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

We belong to Christ and so as the children of God we have the power to renounce sin and iniquity. This must be our testimony. Jesus told the disciples that we have to take up our cross and follow Him. This is that narrow way that we spoke about earlier. Obedience is our token into heaven. Now there are no more excuses for sin. Hebrews warns us about those who willfully choose to continue in sin. Survey Says - Activity 4:

Consider two (2) instances since you have been saved when you have stopped the flow of love.
If obedience is our ticket into heaven, ask two people how many tokens they’d say you earned based on your relationship with them.

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. Hebrews 10:29-30 It is necessary for us to judge whether God will discard into hell, a miracle working, prophesying son of God, who lived his life full of iniquity. We must also ask ourselves, why we identify workers of iniquity as the church simply because they choose to retain the title “Christian?” This is a hearty matter of the Father. The Church is supposed to be His expression, His presentation on the earth. The Church is supposed to cause the world to know God’s sentiment by the living proof of it.

However, we have made the Body of Christ a catch-all organization, and made church about the tithing, offering and social fellowship. However, listen to the words of John:

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The apostle John makes it known that in order to fellowship with him you must first have fellowship with the Father and the Son. However, fellowship is more than simply identifying yourself as a Christian. It is God who must identify you as one.

1 John 1:5-6

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

In order to fellowship with the Father and the Son we must be holy. We must be light, and have no darkness. Therefore, in order to fellowship with John, we must be holy. I hope we are hearing the heart of the Lord in this matter. There is a contending for the faith that must happen. This is why the world does not believe on, or see our Christ. We have chosen to make the church what we would have it to be; a place that pampers and covers sin, instead of a place that eradicates it. If there is no one to preserve and protect the holiness of the Body of Christ, sin will continue to feel comfortable in our buildings. The world will continue to include us in their carnal affairs if we do not preach, live, and manifest the new creature!

The world must know the church is not human like they are. We are a different species here on this earth; sent to manifest Christ through human flesh. We are pilgrims of another country. Not only must we tell them but we must contend for the faith. We must preserve the Body of Christ in holiness. Sin should not be bold in the midst of us. It is most necessary that we obey the Lord and His instructions in regards to dealing with sin in the church. Let us not ignore the commandments of the Lord and by this redesign His body into something that is foreign to the Kingdom of God.

Jude 1:3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Let us fight the good fight of faith.

Assessment 2

Multiple Choice and True/False

For each question select the BEST answer according to the lesson you have just completed.

The church is supposed to ________. a. Help those who come to the church looking for aide. b. Judge right from wrong. c. Do miracles and prophecy. d. Be His expression and presentation, on the earth.
In order to fellowship with the Father and the Son, a. We must be holy, light, and have no darkness. b. Fellowship with His people. c. Be in submission to the leaders He placed over us. d. Give Him our time, offering, and effort.
The world must know the church is not human like they are. We are a. Responsible for loving one another. b. A different species here on this earth; sent to manifest Christ. c. To maintain the tasks given to us in the ministry. d. Able to redirect our attention to the entire Body of Christ.
Entrance into the Kingdom of God is described as a. A popular way. b. A way that requires a lot of work. c. A straight gate. d. A way that is filled with trials and tests.
True or False: There is no way that God will operate through an unholy vessel.
T b. F
At salvation we receive a. All of the power to perform miracles and the works of the Lord. b. God’s nature and emotions. c. Our route into Heaven. d. A second chance.
True or False: Those in Matthew 7:22 who were called workers of iniquity were right when they argued it was in God’s name that they were able to perform miracles. a. T b. F

Matching Match each statement with the BEST choice based on the lesson you have just completed.

8. The Body of Christ is NOT A. the world does not see our

Christ.

9. Obedience is B. a church organization or business.
10. If we don’t contend for the faith C. redesign His body into something foreign.
11. Prophecy or miracles D. our token into Heaven.
12. The church can not E. a measure of the gift of Christ.

FIll In the Blank

Select the BEST short response answer from the drop down menu to complete each statement.

13. We must ask ourselves, why we identify workers of iniquity as the church A: simply because they choose to retain the title “Christian?”

B: simply because they attend church and work on church boards?

14. If we do not preach, live, and manifest the new creature ___________. A: the world will not respect or listen to the word we minister. B: the world will continue to include us in their carnal affairs.
15. Some will prophesy and some will work miracles, so that _________. A: we can have a testimony when we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. B: that men might come to repentance.

Answer Key

Quiz 1

B
A
D
Christian
Remnant

Assessment 1

C
B
A
TRUE
B
C
D
A
DOUBLE STANDARD 13. HUMANITY 14. WORD 15. SONS OF GOD

Quiz 2

Assessment 2

D
A
B
C
A
B
TRUE
B
D
A
E
C
A
B

(Footnotes)

1 St. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God.