The works of the flesh include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, and others such as hatred, strife, envy, drunkenness, and more. The first four items addressed are grouped as sexual works of the flesh. Adultery involves sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse, while fornication refers to any sexual activity outside of marriage. These are displeasing to God, as believers’ bodies are members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit.

Uncleanness refers to an impure or dirty mindset that produces immoral behavior, extending beyond Old Testament ceremonial law to mental and moral impurity in the New Testament (Romans 1, 2 Corinthians 12, Colossians 3). Lasciviousness describes open, flagrant lawlessness and public lewdness without regard for standards of decency or privacy (Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4, 2 Peter 2).

Scriptural instruction emphasizes sanctification and abstaining from these practices. Key passages highlight that the body is for the Lord, not fornication (1 Corinthians 6), and believers are called to holiness rather than uncleanness (1 Thessalonians 4). The pastor stresses that sex itself is not evil; it is honorable within marriage (Hebrews 13:4, Genesis 1-2). The problem lies in sex outside marriage, which leads to bondage rather than freedom. Believers are to possess their vessels in sanctification and honor, living as those bought with a price and set apart to God.

The message concludes by noting that victory comes through the truths in Romans 6, reckoning oneself dead to sin and alive to God.

To the messenger of Philadelphia, Christ identifies Himself as the holy and true One who holds the key of David, opening doors no one can shut. This assembly has little strength yet has kept Christ’s word and not denied His name. An open door is set before them. Christ promises to make the synagogue of Satan—those who claim to be Jews but are not—acknowledge His love for this church. Because they kept His command to persevere, He will keep them from the hour of trial coming on the whole world.

This Philadelphia-type church is small in number but strong in doctrine, focused on the true gospel. Believers here are overcomers who hold fast, earning victor’s crowns. Overcomers will become pillars in the temple of God, with the name of God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and Christ’s new name written on them. This represents the predominant condition of the church from approximately 750 to 1906 AD, a period marked by the Enlightenment, French Revolution, rise of higher and textual criticism, the Second Great Awakening, missionary movements, Bible societies, social reforms, and expansion of Christian education and hospitals.

The Philadelphia church holds to Scripture, demands clarity on the basis of salvation, and will not go through the Tribulation—the true church is removed at the rapture. Unbelievers mimicking Christianity (Christendom) remain.

The message then shifts to the church of the Laodiceans. Christ, the Amen and faithful witness, the beginning of God’s creation, rebukes their lukewarm works. Neither cold nor hot, they will be vomited from His mouth. They claim to be rich and in need of nothing, yet are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Christ counsels them to buy refined gold (sound doctrine), white garments (righteousness of salvation), and eye salve to see. Those He loves He rebukes and child-trains. He stands at the door of the church and knocks; if anyone hears and opens, He will dine with them.

This describes the current predominant condition of the church: progressive, wealthy, focused on numbers and finances rather than doctrine, with Christ largely left outside. True overcomers must respond to truth for salvation. Believers are called to seek Philadelphia-type assemblies that prioritize preaching and teaching God’s Word for spiritual maturity over self-help messages, entertainment, or wealth.

CHRISTIAN LIFE – LESSON 9

Sin Nature Part 3

Download Notes

Introduction & Review

1. The Character of Attacks from the Sin Nature

   1. Appealing

   2. Directed at the soul

   3. The list in Galatians 5

   4. The way these things can produce works

      1. Directly

      2. Indirectly

2. The Sexual Works of the Flesh

   1. Adultery

      1. Textual problem

      2. Definition

      3. Spoken against – 1 Cor 6:9

   2. Fornication

      1. Definition

      2. God’s will regarding it – 1 Thess 4:3

      3. Problems with it – 1 Cor 6:13-20; Eph 5:3-5

   3. Uncleanness

      1. Definition

         1. Related to ceremonial uncleanness

            1. Lev 11 etc.

            2. Acts 10:14 etc.

         2. Related to works

            1. Rom 1:24

            2. 2 Cor 12:21

      2. Should not be a part of the walk of a Christian

         1. 1 Thess 4:7

         2. Eph 4:17-24; 5:2-5

         3. Rom 6:19

   4. Lasciviousness

      1. Definition

      2. The possibility of living this way – 1 Pet 4:3

      3. Christians told not to live this way – Rom 13:13

3. God’s Expectations Regarding Marriage and Sexuality

   1. Is sex evil?

      1. Gen 1:28; 2:24

      2. Intended to be part of marriage – Heb 13:4

   2. The purposes of a sexual relationship in marriage – 1 Cor 7

   3. The dangers of not believing God has a standard – 2 Pet 2

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 7:05 PM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies and Growing in Grace Fellowship, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

Revelation: Given to Christ by God the Father to Show His Servants the Things that Must Take Place

Revelation 3: Philadelphia & Laodicea Churches Explained (1750-Today)

Download Notes

1. The Philadelphia Assembly (Revelation 3:7–13)

   1. The Lord has opened a door for this assembly that cannot be shut (Revelation 3:7).

   2. It is an assembly that is small in number, but strong in doctrine (Revelation 3:8).

   3. Those of the synagogue of Satan oppose them (Revelation 3:9).

      1. The synagogue of Satan are those who claim to be Jews who are not.

      2. This is a predominate teaching of Covenant Theology.

   4. This assembly will not go through the tribulation period (Revelation 3:10).

      1. The majority of this assembly is saved.

      2. This assembly will not remain after the rapture.

      3. The unbelievers, who claim to be Christian, in the other assemblies will go into the tribulation.

   5. The Overcomer (Revelation 3:11–13).

      1. Instructed to hold fast (Revelation 3:11).

      2. Will be made a pillar in the Temple of God (Revelation 3:12).

      3. The Name of God will be written on him (Revelation 3:12).

      4. The name of the New Jerusalem will be written on him (Revelation 3:12).

      5. Jesus’ New Name will be written on him (Revelation 3:12).

   6. The predominate condition of the Church from 1750 to 1906 AD.

      1. The Enlightenment’s Institution rose against the Church’s role in the state.

         1. The systematic dismantling of the Church as the foundational authority of the nation-state.

         2. The French Revolution (1789)

            1. Confiscation of Church Property

            2. Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790)

         3. The university, once the stronghold of theological study, was repurposed to promote rationalism, secular law, and empirical science.

         4. The rise of the modern, centralized bureaucracy meant that civil life became governed by secular statutes rather than Christian morality.

      2. The Rise of Higher Criticism from German Academia.

         1. Higher Criticism sought to strip the Bible of its supernatural authority by subjecting it to the same secular scrutiny applied to any other ancient relic.

         2. The driving force behind Higher Criticism was the Enlightenment assumption that the supernatural is impossible.

         3. By 1900, Higher Criticism had successfully colonized major Protestant seminaries in Europe and America.

         4. The Rise of Textual Criticism.

            1. Before the 18th century, textual scholars generally operated under the assumption that the “Received Text” (Textus Receptus) was essentially stable and reliable.

            2. The most significant institutional shift in Textual Criticism occurred with the 1881 publication of the Greek New Testament by Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton Hort.

         5. The Second Great Awaking in the West.

            1. Revitalized religious practices.

            2. 1790s–early 1800s (Frontier phase): Revivals erupted in Kentucky and Tennessee among Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists.

            3. It fundamentally reconfiguration of American religious life, marking the transition of the United States from a nation of inherited, formalistic, and often static parish-based Christianity into a, voluntary religious culture where individual decision-making and engagement became the primary energy behind faith.

            4. The destruction of the barrier between the clergy and the laity for a democratic methodology.

            5. Birthed Social Activism within the Church.

               1. The American Bible Society—a non-profit organization founded in 1816 in New York City for the purpose to make the Holy Scriptures available to every person in the United States.

               2. The American Tract Society—it was established in the early 19th-century by Protestant leaders to promote the distribution of Christian literature to individuals who were otherwise unreached.

               3. Temperance Movement—a social and political movement led by Protestant denominations to mitigate the catastrophic effects of alcohol consumption on the American family and nation.

               4. Social Activism turned the Church into a massive engine for social reform.

            6. The Great Protestant Missionary Movement.

               1. By 1900, tens of thousands of missionaries primarily from Britain, US, and Europe were active worldwide

               2. Expansion of translations of the Bible, founding of churches, schools, and hospitals all resulted from missionary work.

               3. Social reforms are often linked to evangelical Christianity.

                  1. Abolishment of slavery.

                  2. Women’s education.

                  3. Sunday school.

2. The Laodicean Assembly (Revelation 3:14–22).

   1. The Amen, faithful and true witness, and beginning of creation speaks to this assembly (Revelation 3:14).

   2. The rise of progressive christianity.

   3. Its works are lukewarm, making them putrid (Revelation 3:14).

   4. They will be spewed out of Christ’s mouth into the tribulation (Revelation 3:14).

   5. It is a wealthy assembly in worldly goods (Revelation 3:15).

      1. It is poor in doctrine (Revelation 3:16–17).

      2. It is counseled to buy refined gold from Christ so that may have white garments (Revelation 3:18).

         1. Going after proper doctrine.

         2. Obtaining salvation through the truth.

   6. Those whom the Lord loves he child-trains (Revelation 3:19).

      1. God does not permit His children to be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32).

      2. The Lord child-trains everyone He receives (Hebrews 12:5–6).

      3. Child-training produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).

      4. Those who are not child-trained do not belong to God (Hebrews 12:8).

   7. This assembly has left Christ outside the door (Revelation 3:20).

      1. This is the door of the Church, not the heart of man.

      2. Some in this assembly will be saved.

      3. The majority are not saved.

   8. The Overcomer (Revelation 3:22)

      1. Will be granted to sit on the throne with Christ.

      2. They will reign with Christ.

   9. The present predominate condition of the Church since the early 1900s.

      1. The Pentecostal Movement.

         1. Focus on feelings over facts.

         2. Emerging from the remnants of the American Holiness movement, Pentecostalism shifted the focus of the faith from liturgy and theological orthodoxy toward subjective, ecstatic experience.

         3. The core theological innovation of the Pentecostal movement.

            1. The claim that the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

            2. Evidenced by glossolalia (speaking in tongues).

            3. Speaking in tongues is a requirement for the modern believer.

         4. Pentecostalism prioritizes the “fresh touch” of the Spirit over traditional systematic theology.

         5. Pentecostalism is intensely individualistic in its ideology.

      2. The Rise of the Mega-Church.

         1. Beginning in the 1970s and accelerating through the 1990s, church leadership began to import techniques from secular corporate management.

         2. The pastor shifted from a shepherd of souls to a CEO, tasked with marketing the “product” of the church experience to a broader demographic.

         3. Megachurches often scrub denominational identity in favor of generic, upbeat, and non-threatening branding.

         4. Services were re-engineered. High-production music, professional staging, and abbreviated, therapeutic messages replaced rigorous biblical exposition.

         5. The goal is to provide a “user-friendly” experience that prevents members from feeling confronted by the difficult realities of sin, national duty, or historical Christian truth.

      3. The Rise of Theological Liberalism and Modernism

         1. Coming out from the Hight Criticism movement, the infallibility of Scripture is replaced with major denominational teachings.

         2. Propositional Christianity—the Church is defined by abstract ideas and ideology rather than truth.

3. The Seven Churches Describe the Seven Periods of the Church on Earth.

   1. The only assembly not present today is the Ephesus assembly because it lost its fist love—the love for the brethren.

   2. We are currently in the Laodicean period; the last period of the Church on earth.

      1. An assembly that seeks worldly wealth over doctrine (Revelation 3:15–17).

      2. Progressive Christianity is the focus.

         1. It is the secularization of the Church by its own internal leadership.

         2. It is a strategy of survival that involves stripping away every element of the faith that offends the modern world.

         3. It is the functional equivalent of a social club or a political advocacy group that retains the terminology of the Church only to gain legitimacy while preaching a gospel of man-centered political change.

         4. It is fundamentally incompatible with the historic Christian faith.

      3. The overcome is the one who is saved

         1. Will eat from the tree of life in the garden of God (Revelation 2:7).

         2. The second death will not harm (Revelation 2:11).

         3. Will eat from the hidden manna (Revelation 2:17).

         4. Is given a stone of vindication (Revelation 2:17).

         5. Will receive a specific name from God (Revelation 2:17).

         6. Given authority over the nations (Revelation 2:26).

         7. Clothed with white garments (Revelation 3:4).

         8. The overcomer’s name will not be blotted out from the book of life (Revelation 3:4).

         9. Made a pillar in the Temple of God (Revelation 3:12).

         10. The name of God, the new Jerusalem, and Jesus’ new name will be writing upon the overcomer (Revelation 3:12).

         11. Sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 3:21).

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 6:00 PM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

Key themes include scoping out (paying close attention to) oneself to avoid temptation, as no temptation is uncommon to humanity. Walker references multiple passages showing objectivity in defending the faith respectfully, receiving God’s Word, and avoiding those causing division over secondary doctrines. He contrasts worldly philosophy and legalistic rules with living by faith through love, fulfilling the law of Christ.

Believers are to bear one another’s burdens with sustained effort, especially supporting the weak in faith without causing them to stumble, as in matters of conscience like food offered to idols. True sin for Christians occurs when acting against one’s faith-based convictions. Christians do not bear a cross as in the Jewish Messianic context but suffer righteously while shining as luminaries.

Walker stresses examining one’s own works for quality, avoiding self-deception by comparing to others, and testing faith against Scripture—salvation by grace through believing Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Knowledge should edify through love, not puff up, as all are equal members in Christ’s body. Works will be tested at the Bema Seat, urging building with good quality now. Believers focus on living out the new creation in Christ, bearing burdens out of love for the saints.

While Jesus was speaking to the Jews, He called out their generation for their unbelief. He warns them to pay close attention that the light in them is not darkness (Luke 11:35). Israel, as a nation, is a light to the world (Matthew 5:14). No one hides a lamp once it has been lit, yet the Jews were not evangelizing the Nations as they should have been (Luke 11:33). Since the lamp of the body is the eye, if the eye is without guilt, the whole body is full of light; however, when the eye is malignantly evil, the body is full of darkness (Luke 11:34). Darkness is a lack of God’s life in activity (1 John 1:5). Rather than following their Messiah, these Israelites were malignantly evil and continually sought a sign instead of expressing faith in God’s promise to them (Luke 11:29). Jesus instructed them to carefully scope themselves out to ensure their light is not darkness; they are not malignantly evil but shining forth as a light to the Nations.

In regard to the Church, we are to pay close attention to brethren who cause division and scandalize. They do not follow the doctrine that we have learned. Rather, they do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly. We are to avoid them because they deceived the simple (those who do not know wrong) through smooth words and flattering speech (Romans 16:17–18). In contrast to these, we are to scope out those who walk properly as a pattern to follow (Philippians 3:17).

The grace believer lives out from faith because he is righteous in Christ. As a result, those of the Church do not scope out the things they can see, but the things that are not seen. The things that are eternal are where our attention is to be fixed upon (2 Corinthians 4:18). Therefore, let us walk through faith, not through sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Additionally, among the saints, we are not to be high-minded; instead, we are to have the same frame of mind, be humble, and esteem others as better than ourselves. Our attention should not only be on our own things, but also on the things of others (Philippians 2:4). In all this, we are to have the same mind in us that Christ had. Regardless of who we are in this world or the value and position we hold, we are to subject ourselves to the will of God (Philippians 2:5-8).

Scoping out emphasizes paying close attention. The things that deserve this type of attention from us relate to our position in Christ, not what the world or false teachers offer.

Galatians

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

Download Notes

Scoping Out Yourself (Galatians 6:1)

• Using an objective mindset (Galatians 6:1).

• Wisdom and understanding in shown by good works done with objectivity of wisdom (James 3:13).

• We are to always be ready to defend our hope with objectivity of mind (1 Peter 3:15).

• We are to receive the word of God with objectivity (Colossians 3:12).

• An aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

• Does not mean humility (Ephesians 4:2) or gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1).

• Considering means to pay careful attention to.

• We are to scope out those who cause divisions among us and avoid them (Romans 16:17).

• We do not scope out the things seen regarding how we live (2 Corinthians 4:18).

• We are to be scoping out for the interest of other saints (Philippians 2:4).

• We are to scope out those who walk properly as examples for our conduct (Philippians 3:17).

• No Temptation has overtaken us than what is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Knitting Together

• Identify the desire, not the result.

• Do not us the philosophy of men (Colossians 2:8).

• Do not use the principles of the world system (Colossians 2:20–22).

• Focus on the defense, not the action.

• Properly applying the Truth (Romans 6:3–6, 11, 13).

• Putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18).

• Rejecting the world system’s desires (Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:31).

Bearing One Another’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2)

• Bearing expressing a sustained effort or burden-bearing.

• It is distinguished from picking up and carrying something.

• The strong in the faith are to bear the inabilities of the weak (Romans 15:1).

• Not permitting your freedom to harm another person’s conscience (1 Corinthians 8:7).

• Not allowing our food to cause a fellow saint to sin (Romans 14:15, 23).

• Jesus uses the term “bear” when speaking to the Jews about following Him.

• Those who did not bear their cross and follow Him could not be His disciple (Luke 14:27).

• The bearing of their cross was the loss of family relations, national identity, and being ostracized by the Jews (Luke 14:26).

• Those who followed Christ as the Messiah risked losing everything in this life (Matthew 10:34–39).

• The Christian is not called to bear a cross.

• He cannot follow Christ as the Messiah.

• Christ has been raised from the dead, making Him both Lord and Christ–the resurrected, glorified one (Acts 2:36).

• Christians are graciously given to suffer for Christ because they are living out the righteousness they have in Christ (Philippians 1:29).

• Christians are to be luminaries in the world (Philippians 2:15).

• The bearing of another’s burden is out of love (Galatians 6:2)

• This fulfills the law of the Christ–caring for those in the body.

• The Christ is the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• We are equal in the Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

• When a member of the body suffers, we all suffer with him (1 Corinthians 12:26).

• We are members of one body (1 Corinthians 12:27).

• If anyone considers himself to be someone (Galatians 6:3).

• He is to become nothing so that his frame of mind is not deceived.

• Knowledge puffs up where love edifies (1 Corinthians 8:1).

• Your perceived position has no value with God (Galatians 2:2).

• The greatest serve others out of love (Matthew 23:11).

Examining Your Own Works (Galatians 6:3)

• We are to put our works to the test to determine if they are of good quality (Galatians 6:3).

• This examination is rooted in testing for approval, not failure.

• Our works will be examined by fire at the Bema seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13).

• Examine your faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).

• What is the basis for your salvation?

• The only way to be saved is to believe that Christ died on behalf of our sins and was raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

• If you are basing your salvation on anything else, it does not meet the test for salvation is by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8).

• We are to examine all things and hold to what is proper (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

• The testing of our faith is beneficial ( James 1:3).

• Our tested faith is more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7)

• We are to rejoice in ourselves, not boast before others (Galatians 6:3).

• We are not to boast about others (Galatians 6:3).

Each One is to Carry His Own Burden (Galatians 6:4)

• We are not to lay our burden on other saints.

• Those who do not work, do not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

• We are not to impose the standards we hold ourselves to on others (Romans 14:22).

• This does not permit sin, division, or heresy among the saints (Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 5:11).

• We bear with each other out of love

• We are not to be expected to bear your burden.

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of our main service at 11:00 AM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

The message emphasizes the importance of mindset. Those according to the flesh reflect on fleshly things, leading to death, while those according to the Spirit reflect on spiritual things, bringing life and peace. Paul urges setting the mind on things above, where Christ is seated, because believers have died and their life is hidden with Christ in God.

Central to the teaching is the doctrine of imputation: God counts believers as having died and been raised with Christ, even though these events have not physically occurred. This position in Christ is received by faith through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, immersing believers into Christ’s death and resurrection. Key steps from Romans 6 include: knowing that the old man was crucified with Christ so the body of sin might be destroyed; reckoning (logically considering) oneself dead to the sin nature but alive to God; and yielding one’s members as instruments of righteousness to God rather than to sin.

Believers are no longer slaves to sin but to righteousness under grace. Walking by the Spirit ensures one will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. The pastor connects this to related passages in Colossians 3, Ephesians 4, Galatians 5-6, and John 15, stressing abiding in Christ for fruitfulness and renewal of the mind. The session outlines victory over the sin nature through understanding one’s position in Christ, renewing the mind, and daily yielding to God.

For Thyatira, Christ commends their growing works, love, service, faith, and patience but rebukes them for tolerating “Jezebel,” a false prophetess who teaches spiritual fornication—mixing pagan practices with Christianity, including idolatry, worship of Mary (Immaculate Conception), saints, and eating things sacrificed to idols. Time for repentance is given, but unrepentant followers and her “children” (daughter churches like Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Reformed groups) face the Great Tribulation. True believers are distinguished from the organizational structure. The pastor clarifies that the true Church (all saved believers) does not enter the Tribulation, though unsaved within these systems will. He addresses the “deep things of Satan,” rejecting unbiblical exorcism practices; demons cannot possess Christians (1 John 5:18), and spiritual warfare involves the armor of God, standing firm, resisting the devil (Ephesians 6, James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9). Overcomers—those who believe the gospel—receive authority to rule with Christ and the morning star, signifying participation in the first resurrection.

For Sardis, the church has a name of being alive but is spiritually dead, reflecting the rise of Reformed theology (1520–1730 AD). It critiques false gospels like “accept Jesus into your heart” or “make Jesus Lord,” emphasizing the true gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Reformed theology’s covenant framework, pre-election views, and departure from apostolic doctrine are noted, though it rejects Catholic idolatry. Overcomers are clothed in white garments of righteousness, their names never blotted from the Book of Life, and Christ will confess them before the Father. The period also includes pietism, Puritanism, Wesleyanism/Methodism, and Anabaptists, shifting focus toward holy living.

CHRISTIAN LIFE – LESSON 8

Imputation & Sin Nature Part 2

Download Notes

1. The Christian’s Mental Activity

   1. A summary of the problem with the sin nature – Rom 7:21-8:4

   2. The importance of the Christian’s frame of mind

      1. Col 3:1,2

      2. Rom 8:5-7

   3. The relevance of imputation

      1. Mentioned in Romans 6

      2. Explained in Romans 4:17

      3. Details given in Col 3:1,2 and Rom 8:5-7

      4. The potential effects of adopting God’s view of us

         1. Eph 4:22-24

         2. Gal 6:15

         3. Col 3:9-11

         4. John 15:4

2. The Christian’s Defense Against the Sin Nature (Romans 6)

   1. The imputed situation – 6:1-5

      1. Dead to the sin nature

         1. Rom 6:2,3

         2. Rom 7:4

      2. Immersed into that death at salvation

         1. 1 Cor 12:12,13

         2. Gal 3:27,28

      3. Raised with Christ

         1. Rom 6:4,5,8,11,13

         2. Eph 2:5,6

         3. Col 2:12-14; 3:1

   2. The known freedom from the sin nature – Rom 6:6-10

   3. The reckoned death and life

      1. How you handle the information – Rom 6:11

      2. The expected effect of doing this – Rom 6:12

   4. The yielding to God

      1. Stop yielding to the sin nature – Rom 6:13a

      2. Yield to God as alive from the dead – Rom 6:13b

      3. The effect on our relationship to law – Rom 6:14

   5. The necessity to yield to one or the other

      1. Rom 6:15-23

      2. Gal 5:16,24

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 7:05 PM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies and Growing in Grace Fellowship, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

Revelation: Given to Christ by God the Father to Show His Servants the Things that Must Take Place

Revelation 2: Thyatira & Sardis – Catholic Era to Reformation

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1. The Thyatira Assembly (Revelation 2:18–29).

   1. The One who has eyes like fire and feet like fine brass.

      1. Judgment and refinement

      2. Those of the Church are child-trained when they are judged (1 Corinthians 11:32).

   2. Catholicism becomes the predominate methodology in the Church

      1. The good works of the assembly increased (Revelation 2:19).

      2. Prestigious Educational Institutes.

         1. The university system as it exists today is a direct descendant of the Church.

         2. The development of Western science of law owes a debt to Canon Law.

      3. Hospitals and Orphanages.

         1. Monasteries and religious orders served as the primary, and often sole, providers of healthcare, hospices, and care for orphans and the poor for centuries.

         2. The concept of systematic, institutionalized charity and hospitals originated from the monastic model.

      4. Scientific philosophy and methodology has its beginnings in the Church.

   3. The rise of the harlot Jezebel (Revelation 2:20).

      1. The Church begins to mix with pagan religions

         1. Christmas—winter solstice. Adaptation of the yule tree.

         2. Easter—Adaptation of the Germanic goddess of spring.

      2. Spiritual fornication is rapid in this assembly.

         1. The worship of Mary.

         2. The worship of saints.

      3. Time was given to change the mind (Revelation 2:21).

      4. Her and her daughters will be cast into the great tribulation (Revelation 2:22–23).

         1. The Eastern Orthodox Church—rejects the absolute authority of the Pope, the Immaculate Conception of Mary (as defined by Rome), and Purgatory.

         2. Lutheranism—Emerging from the work of Martin Luther. It retains much of the traditional liturgy while reforming the theology of justification.

         3. Anglicanism—maintains an episcopal structure inherited from the Catholic Church but incorporates Reformational theology.

         4. Reformed (Calvinist) Traditions—Presbyterians and the Dutch Reformed, pushed for a more radical restructuring of church government and a focus on the sovereignty of God, often departing significantly from the sacramental life of the Catholic tradition.

      5. The art of Exorcism is developed–knowing the deep things of Satan (Revelation 2:24).

   4. To those who have not followed the harlot, no other burden will be put on them (Revelation 2:24).

      1. They reject the idolatry from the harlot Jezebel.

      2. They reject knowing the deep things of Satan.

         1. Christians cannot be possessed by demons (1 John 5:18).

         2. Christians are not given authority to rebuke demons (Ephesians 6:13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).

   5. The Overcomer will be given authority over the nations (Revelation 2:26–27).

      1. The Church will judge in the Millennial Kingdom.

      2. The overcomer will be given the morning star.

         1. A part in the first resurrection: they are included with Christ the firstfruits of those out from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:23).

         2. Jesus is the morning star (Revelation 22:16).

         3. The morning star rising in the heart (2 Peter 1:19).

      3. The one who overcomes is the one who believes the gospel for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; 1 John 5:4).

   6. This was the predominate condition of the Church from AD 606–1520.

2. The Sardis Assembly (Revelation 3:1–6)

   1. Reformed Theology (Calvinism) becomes the predominate teaching of the Church (Revelation 3:1).

      1. They are dead; many are unbelievers—do not teach the gospel for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

      2. They have a name that is alive (some are saved).

   2. They are to strengthen the things about to die—proper doctrine.

      1. Their works have not been found to be mature.

      2. They rejected the teaching of the harlot brought in by Catholicism.

      3. Reformed Theology rejects the doctrine received from the Apostles.

         1. Reformed Theology presents a concept of Pre-election that is not compatible with Scripture (God has already chosen those who will be saved).

         2. Reformed Theology understands the Bible through the framework of Covenant Theology.

            1. Covenant of Works (with Adam): perfect obedience for life.

            2. Covenant of Grace (with Christ): salvation by grace through faith for all believers across history.

   3. The Overcomer

      1. Will be clothed with white garments (Revelation 3:5).

         1. Represents a person who is righteous (Revelation 19:14).

         2. A whiteness that is beyond human ability (Mark 9:3).

      2. His name will not be blotted out from the book of life (Revelation 3:5).

         1. The book of life contains all the names of the saved in all generations.

         2. Once your name is in the book, it will not be blotted out.

         3. Those names not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

   4. This was the predominate teaching of the Church from 1520 to 1730 AD.

      1. The Reformation period (1520–1521 AD).

      2. The Council of Trent (1545–1563).

         1. Roman Catholic Church codified its doctrine in response to the Protestant Reformation.

         2. Trent rejected Sola Scriptura, asserting that the Bible and the unwritten traditions of the Church possess equal authority.

         3. It condemned the doctrine of faith alone for salvation.

         4. It established the sacramental life of the Church to create a barrier against protestant views—Transubstantiation, Mass. etc.

      3. The Rise of Protestant Scholasticism and Pietism (Mid 1600s to early 1700s).

         1. To guard against Catholicism, Protestantism became rigid and heavily ideological, prioritizing precise, propositional orthodoxies (Scholasticism).

         2. The Scholastic method forces theologians to deal with contradictions in Scripture.

         3. This era of Protestant Scholasticism resulted in the dense, systematic Confessions, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. Their intent was to define theology with an unprecedented level of logical precision (1647 AD).

         4. Pietism prioritized the heart of religion over the rigid, intellectual, and institutionalized focus of the post-Reformed Church.

            1. The Lutheran Priest were the founders of Pietism.

            2. Church of the Brethren—founded in 1708 in Germany. Heavy focus on baptism and strict obedience to the law of Christ. Migrated to Pennsylvania.

            3. Reformed priest such as the Puritans.

            4. Rise to Wesleyanism—Methodist used the fundamental Pietist tenants, small groups, emphasis on new birth, and active social engagement.

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 6:00 PM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

In Galatians 6:1, if a brother is overtaken in a trespass—meaning the mind has already determined to violate God’s standard before the opportunity arises—those who are spiritual must restore (knit together) such a one in a spirit of meekness/objectivity, watching themselves lest they be tempted. “Overtaken” denotes a prior decision in the mind. A trespass is the mental process of determining to act against God’s standard, distinct from sin, which is the outward act. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4) and anything not of faith (Romans 14:23). Trespass relates more to spiritual death, while sin brought physical death through Adam.

Using James 1:14-15, temptation comes from strong desires (from the sin nature, Satan, or world system); when conceived, it births sin. Christians possess two lives—soulish (physical) and spiritual. Death is separation, not annihilation. Believers are not held liable for trespasses as Old Testament Israel or future kingdom saints will be; instead, they mature by stopping trespasses before they become sin. Restoration involves those walking by the Spirit helping knit the overtaken believer’s mind back to truth—framing it on things above (Colossians 3), being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5), discerning spiritually (1 Corinthians 2), and scoping oneself to avoid temptation. This process restores fellowship and prevents fulfilling fleshly desires.

Galatians

Knitting Together a Fellow Saint Caught in a Trespass

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Knitting Together a Fellow Saint Caught in a Trespass (Galatians 6:1).

• Overtaking means “Before taken”

  • The concept of “overtaken” denotes a precise intervention or temporal action that precedes an expected outcome.

  • The woman who anointing Jesus’ feet (Mark 14:8).

  • Those who take before others (1 Corinthians 11:21).

  • It is from the same concept seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

• Trespass

  • This is the process within the mind in which a person determines to do something that is against God’s standard.

  • Scripture does not specifically define a trespass; rather, its meaning is properly derived from understanding how it is used.

  • Scripture defines a sin; sin is doing lawlessness (1 John 3:4).

    • Sin for a Christian is anything that is done while doubting (Romans 14:23).

    • Doubling is not hesitation or being unsure. It is the deliberate process of justifying an action known to be contrary to God’s expectations.

    • One who knows to do good and does not, sins (James 4:17).

  • Scripture states that a sin and trespass are different (Ephesians 2:1).

  • In Romans 5:12–13, sin brought physical death.

  • In Romans 5:17, trespass brought another death (Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13).

  • Humans possess two types of life (Genesis 2:7).

  • The process of sin (James 1:14–15).

    • A temptation comes from one of our three enemies: Sin nature, Satan, or World System (James 1:14).

    • We accept is as our own desire and determine to do it—this is a trespass (James 1:15).

      • We have not taken the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

      • We are in an unrighteous state—unrighteousness includes the determinations and sins (1 John 5:17).

      • This is conception and is within the person.

    • We sin when we act upon the determination (James 1:15).

      • Sin is always an action (1 Corinthians 6:18).

      • Sin comes out from the heart (Matthew 15:11).

  • The one caught in a trespass is overtaken in his mind concerning a specific action.

    • When the opportunity arises, he will work out the sin.

    • This is any type of action that is contrary to God’s expectations.

    • This is something the person is aware of, not a suppressed desire or in the subconscious.

Knit Together the One Caught in a Trespass (Galatians 6:1).

• Restoration is the knitting together to mend.

• The saints are to be knit together in the same mind and same judgment, not causing divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10).

• By faith, we know that God knit together the ages (Hebrews 11:3).

• The one knitting must be Spiritual (Galatians 6:1).

  • Spiritual means to emanate the things of the Spirit.

  • Emanate is to flow out, proceed, or originate from a source.

  • This believer is taking each step by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

  • The mind must be framed on the things above (Colossians 3:1–3).

  • In this state, a saint is able to discern ( 1 Corinthians 2:15).

  • Requires being filled where lacking with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18–19).

  • Relates to the understanding and wisdom (Colossians 1:9).

Scoping Out Yourself (Galatians 6:1)

• Using an objective mindset (Galatians 6:1).

  • Wisdom and understanding in shown by good works done with objectivity of wisdom (James 3:13).

  • We are to always be ready to defend our hope with objectivity of mind (1 Peter 3:15).

  • We are to receive the word of God with objectivity (Colossians 3:12).

  • An aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).

  • Does not mean humility (Ephesians 4:2) or gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1).

• Considering means to pay careful attention to.

  • We are to scope out those who cause divisions among us and avoid them (Romans 16:17).

  • We do not scope out the things seen regarding how we live (2 Corinthians 4:18).

  • We are to be scoping out for the interest of other saints (Philippians 2:4).

  • We are to scope out those who walk properly as examples for our conduct (Philippians 3:17).

• No Temptation has overtaken us than what is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Knitting Together

• Identify the desire, not the result.

  • Do not us the philosophy of men (Colossians 2:8).

  • Do not use the principles of the world system (Colossians 2:20–22).

• Focus on the defense, not the action.

• Properly applying the Truth (Romans 6:3–6, 11, 13).

• Putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18).

• Rejecting the world system’s desires (Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:31)

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of our main service at 11:00 AM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

1 John

How Do We Know?

Download Notes

1. Introduction

   1. Review

   2. Experiential Knowledge

2. The Truth – 2:4

   1. Described to the Galatians

      1. Gal 3:1; 5:7

      2. Had known God – Gal 4:9

   2. Experientially Known

      1. Rom 6:6

      2. Phil 3:9,10

3. How do we Know? – 2:3

   1. The former lack of knowledge – 1 Cor 2:14

   2. His commandments

      1. Given in Scripture – 1 Cor 14:37

      2. Do not confuse dispensations – Heb 7:18

      3. The New Commandment – John 13:34

      4. Linked to love – John 15:10

4. The Role of Love – 2:5

   1. Affects our experiential knowledge

      1. 1 John 4:7

      2. 1 John 3:18,19

   2. How our liberty in Christ should be used

      1. Instead of serving the flesh – Gal 5:13; Rom 6:1,2

   3. How Christians are intended to function

      1. Eph 4:16

      2. Eph 5:2

      3. Col 3:14

      4. 1 John 2:6

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of our main service at 9:45 AM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

The message explains the distinction between the saved human spirit and the unsaved soul, both of which input into the mind. The spirit provides rational thought; the soul supplies emotional impulses. Ephesians 4:22-23 calls believers to be renewed in the spirit of their mind, while 1 Peter 1:9 and 2:11 describe the soul as the final part to be saved and under attack by fleshly lusts.

Turning to Galatians 5, the pastor shows that walking by the Spirit ensures one will never fulfill the strong desires of the flesh. The works of the flesh—adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, hatred, strife, envy, and similar emotional, anti-social behaviors—are listed, contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires; therefore, believers are to live and walk by the Spirit rather than by law.

The teaching moves to Romans 7, where Paul illustrates the futility of trying to overcome the flesh through law. The definite article in the Greek text highlights “the sin”—the indwelling sin nature—which, when stirred by the commandment, produces every kind of lust and leads to the classic struggle: “the good that I want to do I do not do, but the evil I do not want, that I do.” Law is holy, but the flesh is weak; attempting to live under it counts the believer as still alive to the sin nature.

Romans 8 then reveals the solution: God condemned sin in the flesh through Christ so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit, not the flesh. The mind set on the flesh is death; the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. This prepares the way for the next lesson on Romans 6—reckoning oneself dead to sin and alive to God through imputation and positional truth—emphasizing that victory comes not by self-effort or law but by the provision already accomplished at the cross. The series will continue distinguishing the sin nature from Satan and the world system, noting that each enemy requires its own distinct biblical defense.

The crown of life is for overcomers—believers who have trusted Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Other crowns believers can earn by yielding to the Holy Spirit include: the incorruptible crown (self-control, 1 Cor. 9:25), the crown of life for enduring temptation (James 1:12), the crown of righteousness for those who love Christ’s appearing (2 Tim. 4:8), the crown of rejoicing for soul-winning (1 Thess. 2:19; Phil. 4:1), and the crown of glory for faithful pastors (1 Pet. 5:4). These rewards result from living out what Christ has already provided, not self-effort.

For overcomers, the second death has no power. The first resurrection includes church-age believers, Old Testament saints, and Tribulation saints; the second resurrection and second death (lake of fire) apply to the unsaved (Rev. 20:6, 14; 21:8).

The message shifts to the church in Pergamos (approx. AD 312–606), where Satan’s throne was located. Believers held fast amid martyrdom (Antipas), yet the doctrine of Balaam (merchandising the saints for gain, loving unrighteous wages) and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (hierarchy separating clergy from laity) entered. Constantine’s Edict of Milan (313), state patronage, and the Council of Nicaea (325) integrated the church with the Roman state, leading to political corruption. Christ calls for repentance or He will fight with the sword of His mouth. Overcomers receive hidden manna, a white stone of vindication, and a new personal name known only to God.

The church in Thyatira represents the rise of Catholicism as the dominant expression of Christianity. Christ, with eyes like flame and feet like fine brass, commends their growing works, love, service, faith, and patience. Yet He rebukes tolerance of “Jezebel,” who promoted spiritual fornication and idolatry—mixing pagan practices (e.g., elements in Christmas and Easter), worship of Mary and saints, and merchandising. Good contributions from this period include hospitals, orphanages, universities, systematic charity, and early scientific methodology rooted in studying creation. However, the church is called to child-training discipline so it will not be condemned with the world. Overcomers who reject these evils will be rewarded.

CHRISTIAN LIFE – LESSON 7

Spiritual vs Carnal & Sin Nature Part 1

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If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 7:05 PM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies and Growing in Grace Fellowship, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

Revelation: Given to Christ by God the Father to Show His Servants the Things that Must Take Place

Revelation 2-3: Pergamos, Thyatira & Sardis – Church History from Constantine to Reformation

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1. The Smyrna Assembly (Revelation 2:8–11).

   1. This assembly faces ten periods of severe persecution (Revelation 2:10).

   2. This was the predominate condition of the Church from AD 170 to 312.

      1. The majority of the Church was killed by persecution.

      2. Persecution also brought strength in doctrinal matters.

      3. Those who are believers will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

         1. Only the Church receive the victor’s wreaths

         2. The overcomer is the one who believes in Jesus (1 John 5:5).

         3. The victor’s wreaths of the grace believer

            1. Incorruptible Crown – for exercising self-control in all things (1 Corinthians 9:25).

            2. Crown of Life – for enduring a temptation (James 1:12).

            3. Crown of Righteousness – for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

            4. Crown of Boasting – for Preaching the Gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

            5. Crown for the Evangelists (Philippians 4:1)

            6. Crown of Glory—for pastors who serve well (1 Peter 5:4).

         4. The second death will not hurt them (Revelation 2:11).

            1. The second death is for all the unsaved (Revelation 20:14).

            2. The second death has no power over those who are resurrected in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6).

            3. The second death is total separation from God (Revelation 21:8).

2. The Assembly in Pergamos (Revelation 2:12–17).

   1. The one who speaks to them has a tongue that is sharper than any two edge sword.

      1. The word of God has the ability to divide soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).

      2. Christ knows truth from fiction; he knows what the assemblies are doing (Revelation 1:16).

   2. They dwell where the throne of Satan resides (Revelation 2:13).

      1. Satan is the prince of the air and governs the world system (Ephesians 2:2).

      2. Christianity become the state religion.

      3. Constantine set the stage for the state to effectively govern the Church.

      4. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD ended the state-sponsored persecution of the Church.

         1. Through providing the Church with imperial patronage, tax exemptions, and resources to build, he integrated the Church into the Roman political order.

         2. This favorable influence made the Church susceptible to state influence and the lure of political corruption.

         3. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD display this influence due to Constantine’s involvement in arbitrating ecclesiastical disputes.

      5. The way of Balaam enters the Church.

         1. The merchandizing of saints for political prestige and wealth.

         2. Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15).

         3. The way of Balaam is the way of false teachers, cf. 2 Peter 2:1.

         4. The way of Balaam is to greedily seek after money; using the saints as a treasury (Jude 11).

      6. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans further impacted the Church (Revelation 2:15).

   3. Due to their failure to repent, the sword was brought against them (Revelation 2:16).

      1. The Byzantine–Sasanian War (602–628 AD).

         1. This was a prolonged conflict between the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire—predominantly Christian—and the Zoroastrian Sasanian (Persian) Empire.

         2. It devastated Christian populations, churches, and holy sites in the Levant, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and beyond.

         3. It was one of the most destructive wars of late antiquity.

         4. This war, although not directly aimed at the Church, exhausted both empires, making them vulnerable to the rapid Islamic conquests starting in the 630s.

      2. The Overcomer (Revelation 2:17).

         1. The overcomer is the one who has Christ (1 John 4:4).

         2. They will be sustained in Heaven while waiting for the resurrection—hidden manna (2 Corinthians 12:4—knowledge for the saint that resides in Heaven).

         3. Each saint has a specific name given by Jesus—a white stone will be given with the name that no one else knows.

         4. The white stone is a small, worn smooth, pebble.

            1. These types of stones were used for casting votes (Acts 26:10).

            2. This stone carries a judicial weight—the stone is the token of vindication of the grace believer.

      3. This was the predominate condition of the Church from AD 312–606.

         1. In AD 313, Constantine legalizes Christianity.

         2. In 380 AD, Christianity becomes of official religion of the Roman empire.

         3. In 590 AD Pope Gregory I consolidates papal and political powers, creating the Papal States.

3. The Thyatira Assembly (Revelation 2:18–29).

   1. The One who has eyes like fire and feet like fine brass.

      1. Judgment and refinement

      2. Those of the Church are child-trained when they are judged (1 Corinthians 11:32).

   2. Catholicism becomes the predominate methodology in the Church

      1. The good works of the assembly increased (Revelation 2:19).

      2. Prestigious Educational Institutes.

         1. The university system as it exists today is a direct descendant of the Church.

         2. The development of Western science of law owes a debt to Canon Law.

      3. Hospitals and Orphanages.

         1. Monasteries and religious orders served as the primary, and often sole, providers of healthcare, hospices, and care for orphans and the poor for centuries.

         2. The concept of systematic, institutionalized charity and hospitals originated from the monastic model.

      4. Scientific philosophy and methodology has its beginnings in the Church.

   3. The rise of the harlot Jezebel (Revelation 2:20).

      1. The Church begins to mix with pagan religions

         1. Christmas—winter solstice. Adaptation of the yule tree.

         2. Easter—Adaptation of the Germanic goddess of spring.

      2. Spiritual fornication is rapid in this assembly.

         1. The worship of Mary.

         2. The worship of saints.

      3. Time was given to change the mind (Revelation 2:21).

      4. Her and her daughters will be cast into the great tribulation (Revelation 2:22–23).

         1. The Eastern Orthodox Church—rejects the absolute authority of the Pope, the Immaculate Conception of Mary (as defined by Rome), and Purgatory.

         2. Lutheranism—Emerging from the work of Martin Luther. It retains much of the traditional liturgy while reforming the theology of justification.

         3. Anglicanism—maintains an episcopal structure inherited from the Catholic Church but incorporates Reformational theology.

         4. Reformed (Calvinist) Traditions—Presbyterians and the Dutch Reformed, pushed for a more radical restructuring of church government and a focus on the sovereignty of God, often departing significantly from the sacramental life of the Catholic tradition.

      5. The art of Exorcism is developed–knowing the deep things of Satan (Revelation 2:24).

   4. To those who have not followed the harlot, no other burden will be put on them (Revelation 2:24).

      1. They reject the idolatry from the harlot Jezebel.

      2. They reject knowing the deep things of Satan.

         1. Christians cannot be possessed by demons (1 John 5:18).

         2. Christians are not given authority to rebuke demons (Ephesians 6:13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).

   5. The Overcomer will be given authority over the nations (Revelation 2:26–27).

      1. The Church will judge in the Millennial Kingdom.

      2. The overcomer will be given the morning star.

         1. A part in the first resurrection: they are included with Christ the firstfruits of those out from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:23).

         2. Jesus is the morning star (Revelation 22:16).

         3. The morning star rising in the heart (2 Peter 1:19).

      3. The one who overcomes is the one who believes the gospel for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; 1 John 5:4).

   6. This was the predominate condition of the Church from AD 606–1520.

4. The Sardis Assembly (Revelation 3:1–6)

   1. Reformed Theology (Calvinism) becomes the predominate teaching of the Church (Revelation 3:1).

      1. They are dead; many are unbelievers—do not teach the gospel for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

      2. They have a name that is alive (some are saved).

   2. They are to strengthen the things about to die—proper doctrine.

      1. Their works have not been found to be mature.

      2. They rejected the teaching of the harlot brought in by Catholicism.

      3. Reformed Theology rejects the doctrine received from the Apostles.

         1. Reformed Theology presents a concept of Pre-election that is not compatible with Scripture (God has already chosen those who will be saved).

         2. Reformed Theology understands the Bible through the framework of Covenant Theology.

            1. Covenant of Works (with Adam): perfect obedience for life.

            2. Covenant of Grace (with Christ): salvation by grace through faith for all believers across history.

   3. The Overcomer

      1. Will be clothed with white garments (Revelation 3:5).

         1. Represents a person who is righteous (Revelation 19:14).

         2. A whiteness that is beyond human ability (Mark 9:3).

      2. His name will not be blotted out from the book of life (Revelation 3:5).

         1. The book of life contains all the names of the saved in all generations.

         2. Once your name is in the book, it will not be blotted out.

         3. Those names not written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

   4. This was the predominate teaching of the Church from 1520 to 1730 AD.

      1. The Reformation period (1520–1521 AD).

      2. The Council of Trent (1545–1563).

         1. Roman Catholic Church codified its doctrine in response to the Protestant Reformation.

         2. Trent rejected Sola Scriptura, asserting that the Bible and the unwritten traditions of the Church possess equal authority.

         3. It condemned the doctrine of faith alone for salvation.

         4. It established the sacramental life of the Church to create a barrier against protestant views—Transubstantiation, Mass. etc.

      3. The Rise of Protestant Scholasticism and Pietism (Mid 1600s to early 1700s).

         1. To guard against Catholicism, Protestantism became rigid and heavily ideological, prioritizing precise, propositional orthodoxies (Scholasticism).

         2. The Scholastic method forces theologians to deal with contradictions in Scripture.

         3. This era of Protestant Scholasticism resulted in the dense, systematic Confessions, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. Their intent was to define theology with an unprecedented level of logical precision (1647 AD).

         4. Pietism prioritized the heart of religion over the rigid, intellectual, and institutionalized focus of the post-Reformed Church.

            1. The Lutheran Priest were the founders of Pietism.

            2. Church of the Brethren—founded in 1708 in Germany. Heavy focus on baptism and strict obedience to the law of Christ. Migrated to Pennsylvania.

            3. Reformed priest such as the Puritans.

            4. Rise to Wesleyanism—Methodist used the fundamental Pietist tenants, small groups, emphasis on new birth, and active social engagement.

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of Evening School of the Bible at 6:00 PM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.

In contrast, the singular fruit of the Spirit—produced by the Holy Spirit—includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness (objectivity of mind), and self-control. Against such there is no law. Christians who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and strong desires through immersion into Christ’s death (Romans 6). The old man in Adam was crucified so the body of sin might be rendered ineffective, freeing believers from slavery to the sin nature.

Believers are to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), set their minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8), and put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit. A mind framed on the flesh produces death and cannot please God, while a mind framed on the Spirit produces life and peace. Sinful passions are aroused by law; therefore Christians must avoid placing themselves under law, which strengthens the flesh.

Victory comes by focusing on who we are in Christ—crucified, buried, and raised with Him—rather than directly fighting the flesh. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ as an outer garment and make no provision for the flesh. Step by the Spirit, following the track already laid by Christ and the oracles of God. This involves seeking things above (Colossians 3), possessing one’s vessel in honor, abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, and living out resurrection life. The desires of the Spirit, when fulfilled, weaken the pull of the flesh, leading to victory and maturity in holiness.

Galatians

Stepping by the Spirit

Download Notes

The Crucifixion of the Flesh (Galatians 5:24)

Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh (Galatians 5:24).

They are immersed into Christ’s death (Romans 6:3).

The old man was crucified, rendering the sin nature ineffective in Christ (Romans 6:6).

Since we have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer our life, but Christ who lives in us (Galatians 2:20).

The crucifixion of the passions of the flesh (Galatians 5:24).

Passion signifies an affliction, passion, or experience of suffering, whether physical or emotional.

The passions of this present time are not comparable with the glory to come (Romans 8:18).

The sinful passions in the flesh are aroused by law to work out fruit unto death (Romans 7:5).

The flesh serves the law of the sin nature (Romans 7:25).

Crucifying the passions of the flesh involves our frame of mind (Romans 8:4–5).

The flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8).

The one who lives according to the flesh is about the die (Romans 8:13).

The crucifixion of the strong desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:24).

We are to put on Christ as an outer garment and make no provision for the strong desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14).

The strong desires of the flesh are contrary to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

We are to cleanse ourselves from the soiling of the flesh and spirit as we mature in holiness and the respect of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

The sin nature resides within the flesh (Romans 7:17).

We are to no longer permit the sin nature to rule but yielding to righteousness (Romans 6:12–13).

We have been crucified and raised with Christ to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–5).

By setting our minds on the things above, we are able to put to the death the works of the flesh in our members (Colossians 3:5).

We are to know how to possess our vessels in honor, not like the Gentiles in the strong desires of passion (1 Thessalonians 4:5).

Fleshly strong desires war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11).

False teachers allure through the strong desires of the flesh (2 Peter 2:18).

The world system uses the strong desires from the flesh to manipulate and redirect the love of God (1 John 2:16).

We are to be conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10).

Possessing a righteousness that is no through law or self-effort (Philippians 3:9).

Knowing the inherent ability of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10).

Attaining to the resurrections from the dead (Philippians 3:11).

Taking Each Step by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)

“Step” refers to following a predefined track.

Walk focus on your general conduct (Galatians 5:16).

Step emphasizes following a specific path or track.

All Christians should be stepping by the oracles of God in Christ (Hebrews 5:12).

When James encouraged Paul to show he steps by the Law (Acts 21:24).

Those who follow the track of Abraham in faith (Romans 4:12).

We are to follow the track of pressing on on the basis of our high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14–16).

We are to remain in the track of equality in Christ so that peace rules among us (Galatians 6:15–16).

We no longer step by the principles of the world (Galatians 4:3).

Touch not, taste not, handle not, for the purpose of obtaining righteousness (Colossians 2:20–22).

We are free from the weak and beggarly course of the world (Galatians 4:9).

Philosophy and the traditions of men follow the tracks of the principles of the world and are not according to Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Edifying Other Saints (Galatians 5:26).

Let no one become vainglorious (Galatians 5:26).

Vainglory is a combination of “empty” and “having an opinion”.

We are to do nothing seeking to obtain an opinion from others that is has no value to it (Philippians 2:3).

We are not to provoke one another (Galatians 5:26).

Provoking refers to challenging others.

In contrast to provoking, we are to have humility, objectivity, and long-suffering (Ephesians 4:2-3).

We are not to be envious of each other (Galatians 5:26).

Envy is a strong desire against what another person has.

Envy is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:21).

Envy comes out from those who teach contrary to the teaching of godliness (1 Timothy 6:3–6).

Kenodoxia (Vain Glory) – The internal foundation of false identity.

Prokaleō (Provoking) – The external action of challenging others to secure that false identity.

Phthoneō (Envying) – A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions or qualities.

Join us in person at 811 W. Main Street in Monroe, WA 98272.

If you are unable to join in person, we will have a live broadcast of our main service at 11:00 AM.

Live Broadcast

And let us consider one another in stirring up love and proper works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, just as is the habit of some, but encouraging, and so much more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews chapter 10:24–25).

In a world that often pulls us toward isolation, coming together face-to-face provides encouragement, clarity, and spiritual strength. At Word of Grace Studies, we gather because we value the opportunity to build up one another in truth, to stir up love and proper works, and to grow together in the faith. Whether you can come and fellowship with us or at a local assembly in your area, do not forsake the assembling of the saints, your presence matters—for your benefit and for the encouragement of others.

You’re always welcome to join us and experience the encouragement and connection that come from gathering together.