InstaStudy

Walking in Godly Wisdom: Learning to Faithfully Apply the Commands of Jesus of Nazareth to One’s Own Life Through Understanding, Obedience, and Daily Practice.

This study explores the path to living a life of godly wisdom by deeply understanding the teachings of Jesus, committing to obedient application, and cultivating daily practices that transform character and conduct. We will delve into the nature of God, the power of His Spirit, and the practical steps to embody His truth in every aspect of life.

1. Understanding the One True God and His Word

1.1 The Revelation of God in Jesus Christ

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; John 14:7-9; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the Father revealed in flesh.
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus Christ.
  • To know Jesus is to know God; He is the express image of God's person.

1.2 The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture

Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12
  • All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
  • God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us in all truth.
  • The Word of God is living and powerful, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1.3 Renewing the Mind Through God's Truth

Verses: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23-24; Philippians 4:8
  • Transformation occurs by the renewing of our minds, not conforming to the world's patterns.
  • We are called to put off the old self and be renewed in the spirit of our minds, putting on the new self.
  • Focusing our thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable aligns us with God's wisdom.

2. The Call to Obedience: Applying Jesus' Commands

2.1 Repentance and Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Colossians 2:12
  • Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins, identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection.
  • Through baptism, we are buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life.

2.2 Receiving the Spirit: The Promise of the Father

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 2:38-39; John 14:16-17; John 7:38-39
  • The infilling of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in other tongues, is a distinct experience subsequent to water baptism.
  • This promise is for all who believe, empowering them for godly living and service.
  • The Spirit of God dwells within believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them.

2.3 Love for God and Neighbor

Verses: Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8
  • The greatest command is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
  • A new commandment is given: to love one another as Jesus has loved us.
  • Love is the fulfilling of the law and the defining characteristic of a disciple of Jesus.

2.4 Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Verses: Matthew 6:14-15; Colossians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
  • We are commanded to forgive others as God in Christ has forgiven us.
  • Unforgiveness hinders our relationship with God and others.
  • God has given us the ministry of reconciliation, calling us to seek peace and restore relationships.

2.5 Living a Holy and Separated Life

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Romans 12:1
  • We are called to be holy in all our conduct, just as God is holy.
  • Separation from worldly practices and influences is essential for true devotion to God.
  • Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, is our reasonable service.

3. Daily Practice and Spiritual Transformation

3.1 Prayer and Communion with God

Verses: Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16
  • Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, bringing our requests and thanksgivings before Him.
  • We are encouraged to pray without ceasing, maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence.
  • The fervent prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

3.2 Fasting and Self-Denial

Verses: Matthew 6:16-18; Isaiah 58:6-7; Luke 9:23
  • Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us humble ourselves, seek God more earnestly, and break the power of fleshly desires.
  • True fasting involves not only abstaining from food but also seeking justice, mercy, and compassion.
  • Taking up our cross daily and denying ourselves is a fundamental aspect of following Jesus.

3.3 Worship and Fellowship

Verses: John 4:23-24; Hebrews 10:24-25; Psalm 100:2
  • True worship is in spirit and truth, acknowledging God's supreme worth and majesty.
  • Fellowship with other believers is vital for encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth.
  • Serving the Lord with gladness and coming before His presence with singing expresses our devotion.

3.4 Overcoming Temptation and Sin

Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7-8; 1 John 1:9
  • God provides a way of escape for every temptation, enabling us to endure and overcome.
  • Resist the devil, and he will flee from you; draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
  • Confessing our sins leads to God's faithfulness and justice in forgiving us and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

4. Living a Spirit-Filled Life and Bearing Fruit

4.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:1-2; Romans 8:13-14
  • To walk in the Spirit means to be led by the Spirit and to live according to His guidance, not the desires of the flesh.
  • Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
  • There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

4.2 The Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:5; John 15:8
  • The Spirit produces character qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  • Abiding in Jesus is essential for bearing much fruit, as apart from Him, we can do nothing.
  • Bearing fruit glorifies God and demonstrates our discipleship.

4.3 Spiritual Gifts for Service

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • The Spirit distributes various gifts for the common good and the edification of the body of believers.
  • Each believer is given a manifestation of the Spirit to profit all.
  • These gifts are to equip the saints for the work of ministry and for building up the body of Christ.

4.4 Witnessing and Discipleship

Verses: Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 3:15
  • We receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
  • The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded.
  • Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.