InstaStudy

Walking in Faith to Believe on Jesus of Nazareth as the Scriptures Have Said Through the Power and Guidance of the Holy Ghost: A Biblical Exhortation.

This Bible study explores the foundational truths of walking in faith, focusing on the divine identity of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture, the essential steps of salvation, and the empowering role of the Holy Ghost in the believer's life. It exhorts believers to embrace a life of obedience, spiritual power, and fruitfulness through a deep understanding and experience of God's plan for salvation and daily living.

1. The Identity of Jesus Christ: The One True God Revealed

1.1 Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer

Verses: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Isaiah 44:24
  • Jesus is not merely a created being but the eternal Word, God Himself.
  • All things were made by Him and for Him, demonstrating His divine sovereignty.
  • He holds all creation together by His power, revealing His omnipresence and omnipotence.

1.2 Jesus as the Father Manifested in Flesh

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:7-9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Prophecy declared Him to be 'Everlasting Father,' indicating His divine nature.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, as He is the full embodiment of God.
  • God was manifest in the flesh, reconciling the world to Himself through Christ.

1.3 Jesus as the Only Savior and Lord

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; John 20:28
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • Thomas's confession, 'My Lord and my God,' affirms Jesus' full deity.

2. The Call to Believe: Repentance and Faith in His Name

2.1 The Necessity of Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • Without repentance, there is no forgiveness or salvation.
  • God commands all people everywhere to repent.

2.2 Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and God

Verses: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 11:6
  • Saving faith involves believing in Jesus as the Son of God and the one true God.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation.
  • It is impossible to please God without faith.

2.3 The Power of His Name for Salvation

Verses: Acts 2:21; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
  • Salvation is found in no other name but Jesus.
  • Whatever we do, we should do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.

3. The New Birth Experience: Water Baptism and the Holy Ghost

3.1 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name for Remission of Sins

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is commanded for the remission of sins.
  • Early believers were baptized specifically in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • It is a burial with Him, symbolizing death to sin and resurrection to new life.

3.2 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46; John 7:38-39
  • The promise of the Holy Ghost is for all who repent and are baptized.
  • The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, dwelling within believers.
  • Receiving the Spirit is a distinct experience, often accompanied by spiritual manifestations.

3.3 The Evidence of Speaking in Other Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6
  • Speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • This experience was consistent among believers in the early church.
  • It signifies the indwelling presence and power of the Spirit.

4. Walking in the Spirit: Living a Life of Obedience and Power

4.1 Living by the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-2; Romans 8:13
  • Walking in the Spirit means being led by and submitting to the Holy Ghost.
  • There is no condemnation for those who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
  • Through the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body.

4.2 Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:5; Ephesians 5:9
  • The Spirit produces character traits like love, joy, peace, and self-control.
  • Abiding in Christ, through the Spirit, enables us to bear much fruit.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a transformed life.

4.3 Exercising Spiritual Gifts for Edification

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • The Holy Ghost distributes various gifts for the common good of the church.
  • These gifts are to be used to build up and strengthen believers.
  • Every believer has a role in the body of Christ through the Spirit's empowerment.

4.4 Continual Prayer and Worship in the Spirit

Verses: Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20; John 4:24
  • Praying in the Spirit involves spiritual communication and intercession.
  • Building ourselves up on our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost.
  • True worship is in spirit and in truth, guided by the Holy Ghost.