Testing the Spirits...

I John 4:1-6
Dear Friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.


The Greek word for "Spirit" in vs. 1 is pneuma which is a noun meaning spirit, heart, mind; Holy Spirit, ghost, wind, breath.

The Greek word for "test" in vs. 1 is dokimazo which is a verb that means to test, try examine, or interpret.

The Life Application NT Commentary helps to explain that in vs. 4, "Some Christians want to do this Spiritual Battle as individuals. They take the word "you" as "the spirit who lives in me" but the pronoun is plural, referring to the community of believers. Believers have the personal assurance of the Holy Spirit's presence within. But they must not attempt to do battle with Satan alone. They need others for prayer, resources, advice, guidance, protection, healing and more."

Discussion:

Okay, when I first read this, it looked really hard to explain/interpret...but while studying it I realized it is one of the most essential passages for this whole "where do you draw the line" study. As Christians born again with Christ in his death and resurrection we are lead by the Holy Spirit which serves as our conscience, heart, and our moral/Spiritual guide. Obviously, if you believe that there is a Holy Spirit from God that is guiding you, have you ever thought about the fact that Satan has his own spirits that try to deter you from your correct path??? This passage tells us that we need other Christians for prayer, and advice to sort of keep ourselves in check. It is scary that there are powerful spirits trying to mess with our hearts, minds and consciences! I think this is why it is so important to surround ourselves with Christian friends!

• How do we "test" a spirit? Are you sure you are always listening to the Holy Spirit vs. one of Satan's spirits trying to feed your mind?
• I think prayer is so important in this "game" because that is what it seems to be. Do you feel like your prayer life is where it needs to be so that other spirits cannot creep in?
• What do you believe about spiritual warfare? How do you make what seems to be an abstract concept, real and concrete in your everyday life?

This passage was so much to think about it! I hope your week is a blessed one!! Please remember Earle's mother(my husband) who is undergoing cancer tests this week and surgery.

-CB

Warnings against Idleness

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

(Paul writing to the Thessalonians)
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyones food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat. " We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet, do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Discussion:

I think that this passage is basically speaking to people who are not physically unable to work, but people who are basically being lazy and taking advantage of those in the church at Thessalonica who are willing to help. Paul is saying that, even though he was helping the church there, he worked hard, and did not expect to be taken care of for nothing. He said that he did this as an example.

• What are some situations where it can be easy to either, become idle, or possibly enable someone who is becoming idle. I think there is also sin involved in the enabling...which I am probably guilty of at times. I think this letter Paul wrote, is saying to not associate with these people so that they will not take advantage of you and because they may feel ashamed of their laziness. What are your thoughts on this topic? How do you draw your boundaries where idleness in concerned when you could possibly be dealing with not only a church family member, but possibly a real family member?

Just wanted to say, how much I appreciate those who have been involved in our discussions. I really love your comments and your perspective on things!! Keep them coming!!

CB

I Corinthians Chapter 5

Here is kind of where this chapter summarizes itself.
I Corinthians 5:9-13
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater, or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What buisness is it of mine to judge those outside the church? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you.

Discussion?????

So for the discussion this week, I think we need to define for ourselves(meaning I need to find my own definition for these things too) what it means to us to be, sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, or a slander, a drunkard or a swindler. The bible says we are to hold each other accountable...sometimes that can be really hard.

What is sexually immoral?

• What kinds of things do we watch on television or movies that might plant sexually immoral thoughts in our minds?
• How do we talk?
• If you are married, can you be sexually immoral with your spouse? Define how you can or how you can't.
• Do you know of anyone who may be having an extra-marital affair that you may not have gone to as a Christian brother or sister?

What is it to be greedy?

• Is this someone who hoards money or things or time or attention?

What is an idolater?

• Is this simply putting things in the way of our worship to God? What exactly is an idolater?

What is a slanderer?

• Is this someone who slanders God or other people or both?
• Could this be as easy as being one who constantly gossips?

What is a drunkard?

• Is this simply someone who lives a lifestyle addicted to substance?
• How much is too much?

What is a swindler?

• Is this someone who tricks you out of money or time or uses other people to their own advantages?

All of these things I need to double check myself and first ask, am I guilty of these things...and then I need to know where the line is drawn that I might need to pray with someone who is struggling in these areas....So people..this one is a little more intense...you have to go "there" a little, but where do you draw your spiritual/ moral lines here?? Thoughts? Thoughts? Please share.

CB

The Line Between Life by the Spirit and Life in Sinful Nature

Romans 8:1-16

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteousness requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation but it is not to the sinful nature to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children....

Discussion Questions:

• After reading this passage, it tells us that if Christ is in us, he gives life to our mortal bodies through his Spirit. We are obligated to not live by our own sinful nature. What does this mean to you?
• Give examples of, "the misdeeds of the body." How do we know when our line is blurring to where we are giving in to some of our own desires, and maybe our conscience has been a bit, dulled by the world we live in so that we do not hear the message that the Spirit is trying to tell us.