A Bible Study Of Foundational Spiritual Principles

Deeper. A Bible Study Of Foundational Spiritual Principles
Copyright © 2003 by Ken Harer All rights reserved.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission.

Introduction:

“ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” 1 Timothy 3:9

As Christians we always want to be in the process of our faith growing deeper. The Bible gives us foundational spiritual principles we need for this to happen. They in turn become the basis for living all of the Christian life.

This study was designed for you to read each set of Bible verses and to answer the questions that follow. You are encouraged to take extra time for further study, prayer and reflection.

At the end of each week’s study you will find questions and suggestions for making it practical. It will be to your greatest advantage to think these through and put them into practice.

The Victorious Life

Whether you are looking for relief from the hurts and frustrations of life or sense that your best effort at the Christian life isn’t satisfying– there is hope. That hope comes through experiencing the abundant, full, victorious life in Christ.

Day 1 - Matthew 11:25-30
What are the three aspects of Christ’s invitation?

What promise does He give?

Day 2 - John 7:37-39
What are “streams of living water” within?

Do you have this life?
 

How much is it a part of your Christian experience?

Day 3 - John 10:7-10
What is meant by having life “to the full”?

What spiritual principles do you think are key to living the abundant life?

Day 4 - Ephesians 3:14-19
The Spirit continually makes Christ “at home” in our hearts through what?

Is victory in the Christian life received and maintained by completely trusting that Jesus has done and is doing it all? Explain.

What measure does this life give you?

Day 5 - Philippians 2:1-4
Why is a victorious life full of pitfalls such as pride and a critical spirit?

What should be our view of ourselves and of others?
 

Day 6 - 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Day 7 - Colossians 1:24-29

Making It Practical

1. Complete the following study to learn spiritual principles to the victorious life.
2. Besides pride and a critical spirit, here are some other pitfalls associated with the victorious life: having self-confidence after a number of victories; depending on thrilling supernatural experiences; being unteachable; neglecting God’s Word; longing for past blessing.
3. Record what spiritual breakthroughs you believe God wants to make in your life during this study.

 

The Blood of Christ

One of the foundational truths of the Bible is the power of the blood of Christ. It has the power to cleanse, forgive, reconcile, and redeem those who are living in darkness. Through His blood we have our conscience cleared, approach God and have victory over our enemy.

Day 1 - Ephesians 2:11-13
What was your condition when you were separated from Christ?
 

How were you “brought near?”

Day 2 - 1 Peter 1:17-21
What did God do for you by the blood of Christ?

What was life like for us before? Why?

How is the blood of Christ described?

Day 3 - Hebrews 9:11-14
What did Christ obtain through His blood?

What does His blood do for you?

Why is that important?

Day 4 - Hebrews 10:19-23
What does the blood of Jesus give you confidence to do?

Why can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?

Can you ever approach God based on your own merit? Why or why not?

Day 5 - Revelation 12:7-12
Although this describes a future event what do we learn about Satan’s present work against us?

How does Satan use accusation against us?

Why is the blood of Christ both the present and future victory against our enemy?
 

Day 6 - 1 John 1:5-7

Day 7 - Romans 3:25-26

Making It Practical

1. From what sins were you personally delivered?
2. How does the blood of Christ impact your view of those around you who are in bondage to sin?
3. Deliberately claim victory and freedom through the blood of Christ the next time you feel accusations from Satan.
 

Our Position In Christ

When we are redeemed by the blood of Christ our whole life changes. Our identity, acceptance, security, and significance is now found in our position in Christ. In the face of our own feelings, the world’s ridicule, or Satan’s accusations, we can rest in the truth that we are eternally different.

Day 1 - 2 Corinthians 5:17
What are you in Christ?

What difference does this make in your view of self?

Day 2 - Ephesians 1:3-10
What spiritual blessings have you received in Christ?

How do these blessings affect your view of God?
 

Day 3 - Ephesians 2:6-10
In Christ, what has God done for us in the heavenly realms?

Why did He do it?

Day 4 - Colossians 2:9-12
What have you been given in Christ?

What does that mean?
 

What difference does this make in your life from day to day?

Day 5 - Philippians 3:7-11
What was Paul’s view of his former way of life?

In Christ, what have you received that is not your own?

How are you the righteousness of Christ?
 

Day 6 - Galatians 3:26-29

Day 7 - Ephesians 3:2-6

Making It Practical

1. Is your identity, acceptance, security, and significance found in your position in Christ? How?
2. How does your position in Christ affect the way you approach life?
3. Renounce any lie about yourself that makes you feel rejected, unloved, abandoned, worthless, helpless, or hopeless. Give thanks to God for who you are in Christ.
 

Thirsty for God

Thirst for God begins with an awareness of our need for Him. As we give our hearts to pursue God, a passion develops that becomes more and more intense. This passion is often described in words such as desire, hunger, pursuit, longing or thirst.

Day 1 - Psalm 42:1-4
What is going on inside a person when the soul is panting and thirsting for God?

How do we come to a place to desire God in this way?
 

Day 2 - Psalm 63:1-8
What kind of things are happening in your life when you are seeking Him?

Describe the worship of someone who is thirsty and seeking God.

Day 3 - Isaiah 26:7-9
What is key as you “wait” for the Lord?

When does the soul and spirit “long” for Him? What point do you think Isaiah was making?

Day 4 - Jeremiah 29:10-14
To whom and in what situation were these promises specifically given?

What is the difference between living for God out of required duty and out of a passionate heart?

Would you consider your relationship with God a “sacred romance?” Explain.

Day 5 - Isaiah 29:13-14
What keeps our hearts far from God even when going through the motions of worship?

How can “rules” hinder passion?

Day 6 - Habakkuk 3:17-19

Day 7 - Luke 1:46-55

Making It Practical

1. Is God creating a thirst within you for Himself? If so, what are the indications?
2. How does a passion for God change your life and how does it affect those around you?
3. Introduce a new spiritual discipline in your life that can increase your thirst for God.

 

Brokenness

When God invades our lives and gives us a glimpse of His holiness, we are brought to brokenness. This happens because we see ourselves in the light of who He is. Brokenness leads us to complete dependence on Him, bringing hope, peace, and the abundant life.

Day 1 - Isaiah 6:1-5
Try to picture yourself in the scene of verses 2-4. What emotions are going on inside of you?

What was Isaiah’s response?

Why did he respond the way he did?

Day 2 - Psalm 51:10-17
What sacrifices is God looking for from you?

Why are these things important to Him?
 

Day 3 - Joel 2:12-14
When and how do you “rend your heart?”
 

What does God do when you rend your heart?

Day 4 - Nehemiah 9:1-6
What sins were the Israelites confessing?

How did they show their brokenness?

What was their view of God at this time?

Day 5 - James 4:8-10
What emotions are associated here with humility?

Why do you think that is so?
 

What does God do in our humility?
 

Day 6 - Isaiah 66:1-2

Day 7 - Revelation 3:14-16

Making It Practical

1. What is the difference between brokenness and defeat, discouragement, depression, or despair?
2. When do you most often come to brokenness in your life? How does it change you?
3. Spend some quality time silently mediating upon God’s holiness. Then ask yourself: Am I forgiving? Is there pride in my heart? Do I criticize? Are my viewing habits holy? Do I gossip? Am I dishonest? Am I bitter?

 

The Cross of Christ

Before we gave our lives to Christ we were slaves to sin because of the sin nature we inherited from Adam. There’s nothing more discouraging after becoming a Christian than to feel as though we are still slaves. The fact is, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

Day 1 - Romans 6:1-4
As believers, what is our relationship to sin?

What can you do because of dying and being raised in Christ?

Day 2 - Romans 6:5-10
What is the old self?

What is the result of the old self being crucified?

What does that mean practically in your life?

Day 3 - Romans 6:11-14
What does it mean to “count” ourselves dead to sin? Why is that important?

What is your response to the truth of being dead to sin?

Day 4 - Romans 6:15-23
What do you become when you are set free from sin?

What benefits do you reap when you become God’s slave?
 

Day 5 - Galatians 2:17-21
How are we “crucified with Christ and...no longer live?”
 

What part does faith play into this kind of life?

Day 6 - Colossians 3:5-11

Day 7 - Galatians 6:12-16

Making It Practical

1. What sins do you struggle with that you are really dead to? How are these truths liberating to you?
2. If we are dead to sin, does that mean that sin has been eliminated from our lives? Why or why not?
3. Memorize Romans 6:6 and quote it aloud when you are tempted by a sin that easily ensnares you.
 

Our Flesh

If we are no longer slaves to sin, then why do we continue struggling with sin? The answer is that we still have a fleshly mind and body that was corrupted by the sin nature. (Notice that in the following verses some Bibles use the word “sin nature” but footnote the word “flesh” which is the better translation.)

Day 1 - Romans 7:14-20
What is the meaning of the phrase, “...what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do?”

Why is this part of the Christian experience?

Can good things, including serving God, be done in the flesh? Explain.

Day 2 - Romans 7:21-25
Where is this struggle taking place?

What words are used to describe the struggle?

Day 3 - Galatians 5:19-21
What are other deeds of the flesh that might be added to this list?

What do you think is the answer to overcoming this “conflict?”

Day 4 - Romans 8:1-8
What part does Christ play in victory over sin in the flesh?

What part of your inner being is central to winning this struggle? Why?
 

Day 5 - Romans 8:9-17
Where does the power for living the abundant, victorious life reside?

How does putting to death the deeds of the body through the Spirit work in your everyday life?

Day 6 - Galatians 6:7-10

Day 7 - Colossians 2:9-11

Making It Practical

1. Does the believer have two natures - a sin nature and a new nature? Why is this important to your walk?
2. Can you overcome the flesh completely?
3. Spend time in prayer asking God to bring to your mind works of the flesh. Renounce those things He brings to your mind. Announce your surrender to the Holy Spirt to overcome the flesh.
 

Christ Our Sufficiency

We are inclined to think that we can live for Christ in our own strength, or at least do a little. But the fact is we are weak and need complete reliance, deep humility and constant dependence on Christ. It is not a life of striving or struggling, but of resting.

Day 1 - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
What is sufficient in our weaknesses?

How is power made perfect in weakness?

In what areas of weakness does Christ’s power rest upon you?

Day 2 - John 15:1-4
What is the only way to bear fruit as a Christian?

How do you “remain” in Christ?

Day 3 - John 15:5-8
What can you do apart from Christ?

What does that mean?

What promises are given to those who remain in Him?

Day 4 - Philippians 4:10-13
What was Paul’s “secret” to being content?

What other kinds of things does the strength provided by Christ enable you to do?

When is the last time you found Christ’s strength to be sufficient in your life?

Day 5 - John 3:27-30
How does John’s attitude that, “He must become greater, I must become less” apply to you?

How do you evaluate your life overall in Christ being your everything?

Day 6 - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Day 7 - Hebrews 12:1-3

Making It Practical

1. Do you often find yourself in a position of failure in your Christian life? How is it different when Christ is living through you?
2. Give thanks for Christ’s strength the next time you have that empty, overwhelmed feeling.
3. Commune with Christ using names that reflect your need and His sufficiency (Good Shepherd; King; Life).
 

The Indwelling of the Spirit

It is amazing to think that when the disciples looked at Jesus they were looking at God in the flesh. Now consider something equally amazing– God is living within you through the Holy Spirit–you are His dwelling place.

Day 1 - John 14:15-18
When Jesus says the Holy Spirit, “will be in you” what did He mean?

How is the Spirit a Counselor within us?
 

Day 2 - Romans 5:3-5; 8:9
What expression of God is the Holy Spirit to us?

If you don’t have the Spirit, what does it indicate?

Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
What is the significance of our body being called a “temple?”

How does the indwelling of the Spirit impact your life in a practical way?

Day 4 - Galatians 4:6-7; Philippians 3:3-4
Why do you think the Holy Spirit calls out “Abba, Father?”

How do you “worship by the Spirit of God?”
 

Day 5 - 1 John 3:21-24
What do we have confidence about because the Spirit lives within us?
 

How do you know you have the Holy Spirit indwelling you?
 

Day 6 - 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Day 7 - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Making It Practical

1. Do you honestly believe that Jesus is alive and that He is alive in you by His Spirit?
2. Do you ever give any evidence of Jesus Christ thinking, deciding, or acting by His Spirit in you?
3. Spend time mediating on the reality that the Holy Spirit lives in you. Consider how your life will be different as you integrate this truth. Finish up with a time of worshiping in the Spirit.
 

The Filling of the Spirit

To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled and dominated and directed and captivated and motivated by the Spirit. The Spirit filled life is the normal Christian life, it is not a special deluxe edition of Christianity.

Day 1 - Ephesians 5:18-21
How does being drunk and being filled with the Spirit compare?

What is the difference between indwelling and filling?

How are you filled by the Spirit?

Day 2 - Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31
How many times were the early Christians filled?

How often are you filled by the Spirit daily?

Day 3 - Galatians 5:16-18
What happens when you live by the Spirit?

How would you describe your life in the Spirit?

Day 4 - Galatians 5:22-26
What might be other “fruits” of the Spirit?

Do you obtain the fruit of the Spirit by surrender or self-effort? Explain.

Day 5 - Ephesians 4:30; 1Thessalonians 5:19
How do you grieve the Holy Spirit?

How do you quench the Spirit?

What should you do when you grieve or quench the Spirit?

Day 6 - Luke 1:15, 41, 67

Day 7 - Ephesians 6:18-20

Making It Practical

1. Here are some things to keep in mind concerning the filling of the Spirit: (1) Embrace your need for the Spirit- filled life (2) Surrender often to His control (3) Ask for His filling (4) Confess sin that He brings to your mind (5) Live in obedience through His power.
2. Make it a habit to begin your prayer time with a season of silence before God, to reflect upon the indwelling of the Spirit and to surrender to His control. Ask for and expect His mighty working in your life.
 

Surrender

The pattern of the victorious life is often similar. First comes failure and an awareness of our need which leads to brokenness. Then follows a wholehearted, complete surrender to the Spirit of Christ. This first step is followed by daily steps of continued surrender.

Day 1 - Romans 12:1-2
What should you offer your bodies as?

How do you become a living sacrifice?

Do you often surrender your life to the Holy Spirit as a living sacrifice? Explain.

Day 2 - Romans 6:13-14
What parts of our body can we offer to sin? Explain.

In what areas of your life has yielding to God produced righteousness?

Day 3 - Luke 22:39-43
What were the words of Jesus that reflected surrender?

What is Jesus teaching us?

Day 4 - Luke 14:25-33
Why did Jesus say “hate” your family and your own life?
 

What does Christ call you to give up to be His disciple?

Day 5 - Galatians 3:1-5
How were the Galatians living the Christian life?

Contrast determined self-effort verses surrender to the Holy Spirit.

Day 6 - Hebrews 12:9-11

Day 7 - Philippians 1:20-21

Making It Practical

1. Can you live the Christian life without surrendering yourself completely to Him?
2. Is there any area of your life that you have not surrendered to Christ? (relationships, habits, thoughts, plans, goals, attitudes, possessions, etc.).
3. If you have never taken the first step of full surrender to Christ, do it now. Consciously surrender to the Holy Spirit throughout the day for His filling.
 

Grace

We often acknowledge that it is by God’s grace that we have been saved. We also need to realize it is by God’s grace that we continually experience the victorious life. Brokenness, thirst, surrender and filling all come because of His graciousness.

Day 1 - Romans 3:21-24
How would you define grace?

What is so amazing about being justified freely by God’s grace?

Day 2 - 1 Timothy 1:12-14
What did God’s grace save you from?

How was it poured out?

How have you experienced His abundant grace in the last few months?

Day 3 - 1 Peter 5:10-11
What does God’s grace do in our suffering?

How does Peter respond to God’s grace?

Day 4 - Hebrews 4:14-16
What does it mean to approach the throne of grace?

Why can you approach confidently?

What will God give you in your time of need?

Day 5 - Jude 3-4
What are these godless men doing?

How do we cheapen the grace of God?

Day 6 - 1 Corinthians 15:9-11
Day 7 - Galatians 2:21

Making It Practical

1. Is the Christian life one of grace (something God does) or surrender (something we do)?
2. To get a fuller picture of the incomparable riches of His grace, list all the advances in your spiritual life you owe to His unmerited favor.
3. Take an extended time to boldly approach the throne of God and ask for an abundance of His grace in your life.

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