Phase 3: Living in the Spirit

Although it is God's desire that every believer lives a victorious Christian life, He knows that there will be times when they will yield to sin and temptation. In His graciousness He has provided a way for us, through confession, to be forgiven and cleansed from all sin.

Forgiveness means to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt). It is an act of overlooking the wrong or offence committed against God or man. Nothing can be as assuring and refreshing as for a remorseful offender to know he has been truly forgiven by the one he has offended. This is what God delights to do anytime a sinner repents (Micah 7:18; Isa.1:18).

God, in addition to confession requires us to forgive others to facilitate His act of forgiveness (Matthew 6:15). Apparently, God’s heart is so large that He is ever ready to forgive anyone, no matter the dimension of his offence. God’s forgiveness relatively fosters our continued relationship with God; hence should be coveted at all times.

Unlike man's forgiveness, God's forgiveness is whole and he can completely forget and remember our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12). Neither is he looking for a way to punish us. God's forgiveness however does not exclude us from facing the consequences of our sins sometimes. Although he has forgiven us, we may reap the harvest of seeds we may have wrongfully sown in the past. However, we can trust God's mercy to help us.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1John 2:1 (KJV)

For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but who so confesseth and forsake them shall have mercy.

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)

If we confess our sins; He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9 (KJV)

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgression unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5 (KJV)

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm l03:12(KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about forgiveness in the following verses? John 2:1; John 1:9; Hebrew 4:15,16; Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 103:12 2.

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize 1 John 1:9.

Prayer is your lifeline to God. Form the habit of starting each day with prayer, and then learn to pray throughout the day as the bible encourages us to pray without ceasing. (1Thessalonians 5:17).

Prayer is simply talking to God. This is simply in the same way we might talk to someone we really love. Prayer could take several forms and could sometimes be unuttered, simply a heart's sincere desire. We should not be intimidated by the amount of time others spend in prayer rather we should ensure that a daily consistent prayer life is our goal and this will eventually grow with time.

We could use a simple acronym ACTS to form a pattern for our prayers where A means adoration, C for confession of sins, T for Thanksgiving while S stands for supplication and intercession.

But it is very important to acknowledge the fact that it is a two way conversation hence after talking to God, we should be prepared to listen to him. It may not be one loud clear voice that we might hear but just a thought sometimes might be God speaking to us or even a line of a chorus or a verse from the Bible.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall |be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7 (KJV)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:33 (KJV)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. James 1:5 (KJV)

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him. 1John5:14, 15 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about prayer in the following verses?

John 16:24; Ephesians 3:20; Matthew 7:7; James 1:5; Jeremiah 33:3; I John5:14-15

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures

3. Memorize John 16:24.

Does God hear and answer prayer? The answer is Yes, He hears and answers, though His answer may not correspond to what we are expecting as His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8). Sometimes the answer is a long time coming – requiring patience. There are however certain hindrances to prayer which we may need to be aware.

There is a joy that comes from answered prayers that encourages us to pray the more. However, there are times we do not experience this joy due to blocks on the path of prayer. Sometimes this can be done by ourselves inadvertently, hence the need to look at some of these hindrances so as to stop us from experiencing frustration.

Some of these hindrances include unbelief (James 1:6-8), unforgiveness (Mark 11:25-26), covetousness (James 4:3), pride (1Peter 5:5) or interestingly enough, not asking (James 4:2). Mention others.

As these hindrances are recognized and removed, the felicity of answered prayers will be ours.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures

If I regard iniquity (sin) in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Psalm 66:18 (KJV)

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we received of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 1John 3:21-22 (KJV)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7 (KJV)

*Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and received not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lust. James4:2-3 (KJV)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about hindrances to prayer in the following verses? Psalm 66:18; John 15:7; James 4:2; I John 3:21-22, James 1:6, 7, 2 Chronicles 7:14

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize James 4:2-3.

As you will note in the Scriptures, taking time for praise and thanksgiving pleases God. On some occasion, we ought to take all our prayer time to tell God how much we appreciate all that He is doing for us.

Someone once said that another way of changing the atmosphere of a room without painting it is to fill it with praise. This is because God delights in praise and inhabits it. In other words, another residential address for God is praise (Psalms 22:3). Taking time to praise God and worship God is a proof of our faith. It is the prescribed way to enter into his presence (Psalms 100:4). It is also evidence that we are not taking his many blessing in our lives for granted. An attitude of gratitude drives away heaviness and depression and is a sure antidote to murmuring. When we praise God, we thank him for what he has done and when we worship, we appreciate God for who he is.

Praising God should not be confined only to times of praise and worship sessions in church or dependent on music or melody. We can express our praise to God also by reading Psalms or even making our own Psalms which can be a journal where we record our testimonies so that we can remember to thank God specifically. This also serves as reminders of the faithfulness of God and will help us trust him in times of waiting. As we mature in our faith, our praise and thanksgiving will no longer be dependent on our emotions or circumstances (Psalms 34:1).

Circle key words or phrases in the fallowing Scriptures.

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23 (KJV)

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. Psalm 69:30, 31 (KJV)

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good for his mercy endureth. Psalm 106:1(KJV)

Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children. Psalm 107:8 (KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6(KJV)

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks to God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1Thessalanias5:16-18(KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about praise and thanksgiving in the following verses? Psalm 50:23 Psalm 69:30-31 Psalm 107:8

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

God has not left us helpless and alone in the world. He indwells us by His Spirit, who daily ministers to our needs.

The Holy Spirit is the 3rd person in the Godhead, the other two being God the Father and God, the Son, Jesus Christ. These are usually referred to as the "Trinity" and although the word "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible, there are several scriptures that attest to its existence (Matthew 3:16-18).

It is indeed a mystery that the three are one. When Jesus was on earth, he promised his disciples the Holy Spirit and advised them to wait in Jerusalem for this gift. He referred to the Holy Spirit as a" Comforter" who would remind us of all things. Although there are several typologies of the Spirit such as "fire", "wind" or "dove", the Holy Spirit is a person and we can have a relationship with him. We are living in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit and his works are manifest on earth but he also dwells in us enabling us with the strength to live the Christian life.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8 (KJV)

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1Corinthians 3:16 (KJV)

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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. Romans 8:16, 17(KJV)

For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:l4 (KJV)

*For 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 14:26(KJV)

Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit in the following verses? John 3:8; Romans 8:14; I Corinthian 3:16; John 14:26; Romans 8:16, 17.

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize John 14:26.

God indwells us by His Spirit who will, if we allow Him to control our lives, give us a dynamic (vibrant, energetic and self-motivated) life and makes us more like Jesus each day.

When we become born again, the Holy Spirit indwells us. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit and the conviction he brings that make us decide to accept the gospel. He then continues to indwell us and work out changes in our lives so that we bear fruit. He is not just a force but a person, in short, the third person in the Trinity. Like every other person, he has feelings, he can be grieved, hurt, insulted. He can also feel when we likewise have these same emotions and one of his jobs is to comfort us and remind us of things that he has spoken about

As we develop a more intimate relationship with him, we will be more likely filled over and over again with the Spirit as Paul enjoins that we should be drunk in the Sprit and not with wine.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31(KJV)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:7(KJV)

*But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23(KJV)

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:25(KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit in the following verses?

Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 4:31; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Timothy 1:7, Galatians 5:2526

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize Galatians 5:22-23.

Do you want to save a lot of heartache, wasted time, dead-end roads and wrong turns in your Christian life? Then let God direct your daily path. He sees things from a different perspective.

God delights to guide us (Psalms 32:8). Sometimes we could experience frustration by claiming we do not receive guidance but God has made provision for guidance primarily by the Scriptures. Guidance could also take other forms such as of dreams, counsel, and circumstances. Mention others.

To be guided by God, it is necessary that we first of all follow already laid down principles as depicted by the Scriptures which we must read regularly. These principles are not subject to our feelings or emotions and require a full commitment to receiving the entire Bible as the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16).We should use the Scriptures as the litmus test to every form of guidance we receive, like the Berean Christians who still searched the Scriptures after Apostle Paul preached. (Acts 17:11). We must also have an attitude of trust and be ready to obey, demonstrating humility as it is only the meek he will teach his way (Psalms 25:9). But with every form of guidance God gives us, there is a need for us to walk in the light we have already received. God will not give us step 2 if step 1 has not yet been done and the guidance of God is usually in steps. No wonder the Scriptures says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37:23) and the Word is a lamp unto my feet (Psalms 119:105). A lamp usually shows just enough light for the next step. We walk by faith as we take one step after the other as God leads and guides us to his purpose and our destiny.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

Show me thy ways O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my Salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5 (KJV)

The meek will he guide in judgment', and the meek will he teach his way. Psalm 25:9 (KJV)

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the ways which thou shall go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32; 8(KJV)

Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein 1 should walk; for 1 lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:8 (KJV)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6 (KJV)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14(KJV)

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about guidance in the following verses Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 143:8; Psalm 25:96; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 32:8 Romans 8:14; Isaiah 58:11 2

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6.

In many respects, the Christian life is a life of testing. God, through adverse situations, purifies and takes out of our lives those things that are not pleasing to Him. Trials are to be expected but should never be viewed as punishment because the trial of our faith produces patience.

Adversity connotes amongst several things calamity, misfortune and trouble. The Bible says in this world we shall have trouble (John 16:33). This is not brought by God but usually as a result of the fall due to the free choice of man. We also have an enemy, the devil who is seeking our downfall. Adversity usually serves as a purifier and helps us to be more conformed into the image of God's son with increasing dependence on God (Job 23:10). Just as God causes his rain to fall on both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45), both Christians and non-Christian alike face challenges in this world. A non-Christian will not only face his troubles by himself but also face a godless and damnable eternity.

However, the blessing of being a Christian is that you are not in it alone. When Jesus told his disciples to go to the other side, there arose a storm, but because Jesus was with them in the boat, they could call on him and he calmed the storm (Mk 4:35-41). God's grace is sufficient for everything we go through (2 Corinthians 12:9) and he will not allow us to be tried or go through adversity longer than necessary. We see this in the life of Joseph. (Psalms 105:17-22).

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4(KJV)

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope. Romans 5:3, 4(KJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 8:28 (KRomans JV)

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job l:2b and 23:10 (KJV)

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 (K.JV)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:l6, 17 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about adversity in the following verses?

James 1:2-4; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Romans 5:3-4; Job l: 2b; 23:10; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize Romans 8:28

To chasten means to correct or to discipline. There are times when God because of His love for us, must bring a measure of discipline into our lives.

As children, we were corrected by our earthly parents and parent figures so that we can become mature and responsible adults. This was hardly ever pleasant (Hebrews 12:11) but it was a proof that they loved us and we were part of the family (Hebrews 12:9-10). Likewise, also, God our heavenly father because of His love for us must bring a measure of discipline into our lives (Hebrews 12:5-6). God’s discipline should be welcomed by His children for it is a sign that we belong to His family (Hebrews 12:7-8).

God uses various means to correct His children. He sometimes uses Scriptures (2 Tim3:16) or even instructive experiences to chasten His people. We see the latter depicted in his dealing with the Israelites all the way in the wilderness for forty years after they left Egypt to the promised land of Canaan. He humbled and tested them, causing them to hunger and thirst to know what was in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalms 106:9). He wanted them to live by His Word and not by physical things.

As Christians, we have also left the spiritual Egypt of sin and are on our way to heaven, the Promised Land. The criteria for entry is holiness which befits God's purpose for discipline which is given so that we might share in his holiness (Hebrews 12:10). Believers should thus respectfully submit to His discipline.

Circle key words or phrases in the following Scriptures.

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Job.5:17(KJV)

Blessed is the man who thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Psalm 94:12 (K.JV)

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every one whom he received. Hebrews 12:5- 6 (KJV)

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:31, 32 (K.JV)

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness has afflicted me. Psalm 119:67, 75(KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about discipline (chastening) in the following verses: Job 5:17; Hebrews 12: 5-6; Psalm 94:12; 1 Corinthians 11:31- 32, Proverbs 3:11-12; Psalm 119: 67, 75

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize 1 Corinthians 11:31- 32

The apostle Paul had a permanent infirmity which he prayed earnestly that the Lord should take away, but He said His grace is sufficient unto him. Paul suffered from beatings and imprisonment. Job had boils from head to foot. Stephen gave his life for the faith. We too can expect suffering in this life. However we should not view suffering as punishment.

Although suffering is universal, it presents in many forms to different people. Sometimes we may suffer directly as a consequence of our actions or inactions or that of others but there are also some suffering that comes through no fault of ours. It is just life. Whatever may be the cause of our suffering, it is essential that we do not waste the experience but gain from our pain. God is able to work well through our sufferings and the comfort which we receive can be shared with others to encourage them.

Circle key word or phrases in the following Scriptures.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29 (KJV)

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12,13 (KJV)

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. Romans8:18 (KJV)

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. I Peter5:10 (KJV)

STUDY GUIDE

1. What do we learn about suffering in the following verses? Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Philippians 3:10; Romans 8: 18; 1 Peter 2:2021; 1 Peter 5: 10

2. Do a verse study on one of the above Scriptures.

3. Memorize Romans 8:18