Union with Jesus 5

Union with Christ

Disciples of Jesus:

Have Union with Christ in mind.
1 Co 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Spiritual Mind.
Ro 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

1 Co 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Php 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

God Unsearchable,

His ways and works.
Job 5:9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

Job 11:7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

Job 33:13 Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man's words?

Job 37:23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecc 8:17 then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.

Isa 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Ro 11:34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?"

1 Co 2:16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Christ's Example.
Php 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Humility Commanded.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Lk 14:10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honoured in the presence of all your fellow guests.

Lk 22:26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

Ro 11:20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

Ro 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Php 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Pe 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Pr 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Have Union with Christ in spirit.
1 Co 6:17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Have Union with Christ in love.
Song of Songs 2:16 My lover is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.

Divine Ownership.

Of the Souls of Men.
Dt 32:6 Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?

Eze 18:4 For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son - both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

Ro 14:8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

1 Co 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Song of Songs 7:10 I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me.

Christ, Bridegroom.
Mt 9:15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

Mt 25:1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Mt 25:6 "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

Jn 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

Rev 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

The Church as Bride.
Isa 62:5 As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

2 Co 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.

Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

Rev 21:2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Have Union with Christ in sufferings.
Php 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

New Man.

Spiritual Resurrection.

Raised from Spiritual Death.
Eze 37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet - a vast army.

Lk 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

Ro 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Ro 11:15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Eph 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

Eph 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Col 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,

Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Suffering For Righteousness' Sake.

Suffering for Christ.
Ac 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Ac 9:16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Ro 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Ro 8:36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

2 Co 1:7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Co 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

Php 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

2 Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

Heb 11:25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

Jas 5:10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

1 Pe 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

1 Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

1 Pe 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

1 Pe 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Denial of Christ.
2 Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

Mt 10:33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Mt 26:34 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

Mt 26:69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said.

Mt 26:70 But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

Mk 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Ac 3:14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.

2 Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

Tit 1:16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

2 Pe 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves.

1 Jn 2:22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist - he denies the Father and the Son.

Exaltation.

Spiritual Kinship, conditions of.

Fidelity.
Lk 22:28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials.

Lk 22:29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,

Ro 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

1 Co 4:8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings - and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you!

Endurance.
2 Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

2 Ti 2:13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Spiritual Cleansing.
Rev 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, Rev 1:6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Rev 2:27 'He will rule them with an iron sceptre; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' - just as I have received authority from my Father.

Victory over Satan.
Rev 20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Rev 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

The Rewards of the Faithful.

For Suffering Endured.
Mt 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Mt 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Ro 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

2 Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

Heb 10:34 You sympathised with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

Heb 11:26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

Rev 20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Have Union with Christ in his death.
Ro 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Sacraments of Baptism.

Significance of Baptism.
Ro 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

1 Co 12:13 For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Gal 3:27 for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

1 Pe 3:21 and this water symbolises baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

The Believer as a New Man.
(Ps 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.)

Eze 11:19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Ro 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Ro 7:6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

2 Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Gal 6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

Eph 2:15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,

Eph 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Col 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Walk of Believers, Characteristics of.

New Life.
Ro 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Ro 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Faith.
2 Co 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

Spirituality.
Gal 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Consistency.
Eph 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Love.
Eph 5:2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Caution.
Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise,

Col 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,

Illumination.
1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Christlikeness.
1 Jn 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Spiritual Bondage.

General References to the Bondage of Sin.
Pr 5:22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.

Jn 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Ac 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

Ro 6:16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey - whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Ro 7:23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

2 Ti 2:26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

2 Pe 2:19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity - for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

Life of sin.
Ro 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin

Eph 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Col 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

1 Pe 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do - living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

2 Pe 1:9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Self-Denial.

By Subduing bodily desires.
Mt 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Mt 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.

Ro 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin

Ro 8:13 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,

Ro 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Gal 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Gal 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Col 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

1 Pe 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

1 Pe 4:2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

The Surrendered Life, Characteristics of.

Death to Sin.
Ro 6:2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Ro 6:7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Ro 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gal 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Col 2:20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

2 Ti 2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;

1 Pe 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Christ Eternal.

His Pre-existence.
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "

Jn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jn 8:58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"

Jn 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jn 17:24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Heb 7:3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.

Rev 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Joys Of The Future Life,

Sources of.

Death will be Vanquished.
Isa 25:8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

Hos 13:14 "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? "I will have no compassion,

1 Co 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

1 Co 15:54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

2 Ti 1:10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Heb 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil

Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

Rev 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Have assurance of Union with Christ.
Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Jn 14:20 On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

Enjoy Union with Christ in the Lord's Supper.
1 Co 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

Breaking of Bread.
Mt 14:19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Lk 24:30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.

Ac 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Ac 20:11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.

Ac 27:35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.

Lord's Supper.
Mt 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

Mk 14:22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."

Lk 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

1 Co 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

1 Co 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,

Believers as Sharers or Partakers.
1 Co 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

Php 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.

Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

1 Ti 6:2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.

Heb 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

Heb 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,

Heb 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

1 Pe 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Pe 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

2 Pe 1:4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Identified with Christ by Union with Him.
Mt 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

The Family Of God.

Known as Brothers.
Mt 23:8 "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

Mt 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Lk 8:21 He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

Jn 21:23 Because of this, the rumour spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

Ro 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Heb 2:11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Heb 2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Rev 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

Rev 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Benefience, examples of.

Boaz.
Ru 2:15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, "Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don't embarrass her.

1 Ki 17:15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.

Elisha.
2 Ki 6:22 "Do not kill them," he answered. "Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master."

The Children of Ephraim.
2 Ch 28:15 The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys. So they took them back to their fellow countrymen at Jericho, the City of Palms, and returned to Samaria.

Job 29:16 I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger.

The Inhabitants of Tema.
Isa 21:14 bring water for the thirsty; you who live in Tema, bring food for the fugitives.

The Good Samaritan.
Lk 10:34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

The Poor.

Kindness to, Commanded.
Ex 23:11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.

Lev 25:25 "'If one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his countryman has sold.

Dt 15:7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.

Dt 24:12 If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession.

Ps 41:1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

Pr 14:21 He who despises his neighbour sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

Pr 19:17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

Pr 28:27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

Mt 19:21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Gal 2:10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Spiritual Service.

Performed in Humility.
Mt 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Jn 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Ac 20:18 When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.

Ac 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.

Duty to the Weak.
Mt 25:45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

Mt 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

Mt 25:36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Ac 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Ro 14:1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

Ro 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

1 Co 8:11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.

1 Co 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

1 Th 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Opportunity Lost by Indifference or Neglect.

For a Complete Victory - by a half-hearted King.
2 Ki 13:19 The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."

For Repentance - by Israel.
Jer 8:20 "The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved."

For Providing Oil - by the Foolish Virgins.
Mt 25:10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

For Investment - by the One-talented Man.
Mt 25:26 "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?

Mt 25:27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

For Sympathetic Service - by the Castaways.
Mt 25:44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

Mt 25:45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

For Sympathy with the Master - by the Disciples.
Mt 26:40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.

Mt 26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Mt 26:45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

For Accepting Christ - by Jerusalem.
Lk 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes.

For Meeting the Risen Lord - by Thomas.
Jn 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

Jn 20:24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

Condemnation.
Jn 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Ro 5:18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

1 Co 11:34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.

1 Ti 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

Tit 3:11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Jas 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

Self-Justification.

Seven excuses offered for the neglect of duty:

Personal Incompetence.
Ex 3:11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

Ex 4:1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?"

Ex 4:10 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

Lack of Social Position.
Jdg 6:15 "But Lord, " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

Difficulties of the Undertaking.
Pr 22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!"

Personal Weakness.
Jer 1:6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

Jer 1:7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

The Hardness of the Master.
Mt 25:24 "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

Mt 25:25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'

No Need Discovered.
Mt 25:44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

Mt 25:45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

Pressure of Business.
Lk 14:18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'

Lk 14:19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'

Lk 14:20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'

Sins of Omission.
Mt 23:23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.

Mt 25:45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

Lk 11:42 "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practised the latter without leaving the former undone.

Lk 12:47 "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.

Jas 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Divine Voice of Christ.
Ac 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Jn 10:4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Jn 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Jn 18:37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Ac 9:3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Rev 1:15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.

Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Sudden Events.
Ecc 9:12 Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.

Malachi 3:1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.

Mt 24:27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Mk 13:36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

Lk 2:13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Ac 2:2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Ac 9:3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Ac 16:26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.

Christ Jesus, the Glorified Christ.

Seen at the Transfiguration.
Mk 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, Jas and Jn with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.

Mk 9:3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

As Portrayed by Himself.
Jn 1:51 He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Appeared at Paul's Conversion.
Ac 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.

Described by the John the Apostle.
Rev 1:13 and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.

Rev 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

Rev 1:15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.

Rev 1:16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

Rev 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.

Rev 19:12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.

Compared to a Flock.
Ac 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Scattered by Persecution and False Shepherds.
Jer 23:2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done," declares the LORD.

Eze 34:12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

Mt 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Mt 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

Jn 10:12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.

Jn 16:32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

Ac 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Dispersion of the Early Disciples.
Mt 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

Zec 13:7 "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.

Ac 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Ac 11:19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.

Persecution.
1 Ki 19:2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."

1 Ki 22:27 and say, 'This is what the king says: Put this fellow in prison and give him nothing but bread and water until I return safely.'"

2 Ch 16:10 Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people.

2 Ch 24:21 But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the LORD'S temple.

Jer 20:2 he had Jer the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the LORD'S temple.

Jer 32:2 The army of the king of Babylon was then besieging Jerusalem, and Jer the prophet was confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah.

Da 3:20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

Da 6:16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Da and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Da, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"

Ac 4:3 They seized Peter and Jn, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

Ac 5:40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Heb 11:36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.

Disciples Scattered.

Abroad.
Mt 8:11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

Mt 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

Mk 13:27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Jn 11:32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Jas 1:1 Jas, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

Are complete through Union with Christ.
Col 2:10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Spiritual Fullness Satisfies the Deepest Needs.

The Overflowing Cup.
Ps 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Fullness of Blessing.
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Mt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Fullness of Joy.
Jn 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Ro 15:29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

Fullness of God.
Eph 3:19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Fullness of Spirit.
Eph 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Fullness of Wisdom.
Col 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Exhorted to maintain Union with Christ.
Jn 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Ac 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Exhortations.

Examples of.
Lk 3:18 And with many other words Jn exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.

Ac 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."

Ac 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Ac 14:22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Ac 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

2 Co 9:5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

1 Th 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

2 Th 3:12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

1 Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone

Heb 13:22 Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter.

1 Pe 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

Divine Grace of God.

Freely Given.
Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Ac 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Ac 13:43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Empowers Men for Service.
1 Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Enables Men to lead the Simple Life.
2 Co 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

May be rendered ineffectual.
2 Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.

Gal 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Eph 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.

Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Jas 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Pr 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Not given for selfish use.
1 Pe 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Promised to the Humble.
1 Pe 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Joy and Gladness.

Examples of.
2 Ch 30:21 The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD'S instruments of praise.

Ne 8:17 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Jos son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.

Ps 4:7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

Ps 45:15 They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

Ac 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Ac 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Ac 14:17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

Steadfastness.

Exhortations to.
Jos 23:7 Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them.

Jos 23:8 But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.

1 Sa 12:21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.

Job 11:14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,

Job 11:15 then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.

Ac 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

1 Co 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Gal 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Eph 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Php 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Php 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

2 Th 2:2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.

2 Th 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

1 Pe 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

2 Pe 3:17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.

Joy in Spiritual Service.

Found by the faithful.
Ne 12:43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

Ps 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

Ps 100:2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Ps 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

Ps 126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Lk 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."

Lk 4:36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!"

Ac 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Accessions to the Church.

On the Day of Pentecost.
Ac 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Daily Additions.
Ac 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Number Increased after Pentecost.
Ac 4:4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Steady Growth of the Church.
Ac 5:14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

Priests join the Disciples.
Ac 6:7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Ac 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Accessions in Antioch.
Ac 11:21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Ac 11:24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Under Paul's Preaching.
Ac 14:1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.

Ac 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Ac 17:4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.

Ac 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Co who heard him believed and were baptised.

Reception of God and Truth.
Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Receiving Christ.
Mt 10:40 "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.

Mk 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Lk 8:40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.

Lk 19:6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Jn 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Steadfastness.

In Persevering to the End.
Job 17:9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

Jn 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

Ac 13:43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Ro 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

2 Ti 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

1 Pe 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Rev 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Walk of Believers.

Characteristics of.

New Life.
Ro 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Ro 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Faith.
2 Co 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

Spirituality.
Gal 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Consistency.
Eph 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Love.
Eph 5:2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Caution.
Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise,

Col 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,

Illumination.
1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Christlikeness.
1 Jn 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Thankfulness.
Dt 8:10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.

Ps 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Ps 107:22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Col 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

1 Th 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Instruction and Teaching.

Examples of Divine.
Dt 4:5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.

Ne 9:20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst.

For the Young.
Ps 71:17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds.

Isa 8:11 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:

Isa 28:26 His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.

Given with Infinite Pains.
Jer 32:33 They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline.

Foretold.
Jn 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

1 Co 2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

Christ, the Great Teacher.
Eph 4:21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

Love's Great Lesson.
1 Th 4:9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

1 Jn 2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Security.

They are Firmly Established.
2 Ch 20:20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."

Ps 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

Ps 112:8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

Pr 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Isa 54:14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.

Ro 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,

Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

2 Th 2:17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Heb 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.

Spiritual Foundation furnishes perfect security.
Isa 28:16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

Isa 54:11 "O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires.

Mt 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

1 Co 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

1 Ti 6:19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

2 Ti 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

Nu 16:5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers: "In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him.

1 Pe 2:6 For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Necessary to growth in grace.
Eph 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Col 2:19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Unity of Believers.

Exhortations to.
1 Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

2 Co 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Eph 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Php 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

Col 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

1 Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Necessary to fruitfulness.
Jn 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Jn 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Spiritual Fruit.

Conditions of Fruit-bearing:

Contact with the Living Water.
Ps 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Spiritual Receptivity.
Mt 13:23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Death of the Old Life.
Jn 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Chastening, or Pruning.
Jn 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Abiding in Christ.
Jn 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Ro 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

Heb 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Physical and Spiritual Helplessness of man.
Lk 13:11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.

Jn 5:7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Jn 6:44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

Jn 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Ac 3:2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.

Ro 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Ro 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Powerlessness of Men Often Due to Sin and Unbelief.

Israel could not stand before their enemies.
Lev 26:37 They will stumble over one another as though fleeing from the sword, even though no one is pursuing them. So you will not be able to stand before your enemies.

Dt 28:32 Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation, and you will wear out your eyes watching for them day after day, powerless to lift a hand.

Jos 7:12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

Jdg 1:21 The Benjamites, however, failed to dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites.

Jdg 2:14 In his anger against Israel the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist.

A broken covenant stripped Sampson of his strength.
Jdg 16:17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man."

Apostacy produced a nations of cowards.
1 Sa 17:24 When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.

Babylon enervated by idolatory.
Jer 51:30 Babylon's warriors have stopped fighting; they remain in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women. Her dwellings are set on fire; the bars of her gates are broken.

Unbelief rendered the apostles helpless to contend with Satanic forces.
Mk 9:18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

Jn 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

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