Thinking on Scripture with Dr. Steven R. Cook

The purpose of this lesson is to explain what the Bible teaches about the Christian’s advance to spiritual maturity. These lessons help us to know God’s Word in order that we might live His will and live the righteous life He expects.

The purpose of this lesson is to explain what the Bible teaches about the Christian’s advance to spiritual maturity. These lessons help us to know God’s Word in order that we might live His will and live the righteous life He expects. To read in full, see Dr. Cook’s book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WXT7NL3 

Steve’s Blog: https://thinkingonscripture.com/

Steve’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B005FSY6XO

Steve’s Audio Lessons: https://thinkingonscripture.com/audio-video/

In tonight's lesson we spent the whole hour discussing how God uses trials to help develop us spiritually. These trials become opportunities for us to grow into spiritual adults and to let our light shine for others to see. Paul wrote, “we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). James said, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam 1:2-4 CSB). The Lord uses the fire of trials to burn away the dross of our weak character and to refine those golden qualities consistent with His character. The growing believer learns to praise God in and for the trials, knowing He uses them to strengthen our faith and develop us into spiritually mature Christians. Trials can make us bitter or better, depending on how we respond to them.

The purpose of this lesson is to explain what the Bible teaches about the Christian’s advance to spiritual maturity. These lessons help us to know God’s Word in order that we might live His will and live the righteous life He expects. To read in full, see Dr. Cook’s book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WXT7NL3

Steve’s Blog: https://thinkingonscripture.com/

Steve’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B005FSY6XO

Steve’s Audio Lessons: https://thinkingonscripture.com/audio-video/

The purpose of this lesson is to explain what the Bible teaches about the Christian’s advance to spiritual maturity. These lessons help us to know God’s Word in order that we might live His will and live the righteous life He expects. To read in full, see Dr. Cook’s book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WXT7NL3

Steve’s Blog: https://thinkingonscripture.com/

Steve’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B005FSY6XO

Steve’s Audio Lessons: https://thinkingonscripture.com/audio-video/

The purpose of this lesson is to explain what the Bible teaches about the high calling of God’s servants. The Bible reveals that Christians are called to a high standard of conduct which glorifies God and edifies others. This requires Christians to learn God’s Word and to live God’s will, which takes years of study and application. As we advance spiritually by faith, we will reach a place of maturity where we will maximize God’s truth and grace. To read in full, see Dr. Cook’s book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WXT7NL3

Is Self-Defense Biblical? - https://youtu.be/aFFSeUYNysQ

Steve’s Blog: https://thinkingonscripture.com/

Steve’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B005FSY6XO

Steve’s Audio Lessons: https://thinkingonscripture.com/audio-video/

Restore Broken Fellowship with God Through Confession of Personal Sin. All believers sin, and there are none who attain perfection in this life (Pro 20:9; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8-10). For this reason, familial forgiveness is necessary for a healthy relationship with God. David understood the folly of trying to conceal his sins, which resulted in psychological disequilibrium and pain; however, when he confessed his sin, God forgave him (Psa 32:2-5). John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God forgives because it is His nature to do so, for He “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15; cf. Psa 103:8-14). And He is able to forgive because Christ has atoned for our sins at the cross, satisfying the Father’s righteous demands regarding our offenses. The apostle John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). The challenge for many believers is to trust God at His word and accept His forgiveness and not operate on guilty feelings. William MacDonald states:

"The forgiveness John speaks about here [i.e., 1 John 1:9] is parental, not judicial. Judicial forgiveness means forgiveness from the penalty of sins, which the sinner receives when he believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is called judicial because it is granted by God acting as Judge. But what about sins which a person commits after conversion? As far as the penalty is concerned, the price has already been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. But as far as fellowship in the family of God is concerned, the sinning saint needs parental forgiveness, that is, the forgiveness of His Father. He obtains it by confessing his sin. We need judicial forgiveness only once; that takes care of the penalty of all our sins—past, present, and future. But we need parental forgiveness throughout our Christian life."[1]

     Be Filled with the Spirit. Paul wrote to Christians, “don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit” (Eph 5:18 CSB). If a believer consumes too much alcohol, it can lead to cognitive impairment and harmful behavior. But the believer who is filled with the Spirit will possess divine viewpoint and manifest the fruit of godliness, worship, and thankfulness to the Lord (Eph 5:19-20). Being filled with the Spirit means being guided by Him rather than our own desires or the desires of others. The Spirit’s guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of Him, but that He has more of us, as we submit to His leading. Warren Wiersbe comments:

“Be filled with the Spirit” is God’s command, and He expects us to obey. The command is plural, so it applies to all Christians and not just to a select few. The verb is in the present tense, “keep on being filled”, so it is an experience we should enjoy constantly and not just on special occasions. And the verb is passive. We do not fill ourselves but permit the Spirit to fill us. The verb “fill” has nothing to do with contents or quantity, as though we are empty vessels that need a required amount of spiritual fuel to keep going. In the Bible, filled means “controlled by.” “They... were filled with wrath” (Luke 4:28) means “they were controlled by wrath” and for that reason tried to kill Jesus. “The Jews were filled with envy” (Acts 13:45) means that the Jews were controlled by envy and opposed the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. To be “filled with the Spirit” means to be constantly controlled by the Spirit in our mind, emotions, and will…But how can a person tell whether or not he is filled with the Spirit? Paul stated that

The purpose of this lesson is to explain what the Bible teaches about the high calling of God’s servants. The Bible reveals that Christians are called to a high standard of conduct which glorifies God and edifies others. This requires Christians to learn God’s Word and to live God’s will, which takes years of study and application. As we advance spiritually by faith, we will reach a place of maturity where we will maximize God’s truth and grace.

The purpose in this lesson is to explore what the Bible reveals about knowing and doing the will of God. Dr. Cook discusses the theological categories of God’s will, which include His permissive will, overruling will, and providential will. To read in full, see Dr. Cook’s book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WXT7NL3

 

Steve’s Blog: https://thinkingonscripture.com/

Steve’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B005FSY6XO

Steve’s Audio Lessons: https://thinkingonscripture.com/audio-video/

The purpose in this lesson is to explore what the Bible reveals about knowing and doing the will of God. Dr. Cook discusses the theological categories of God’s will, which include His revealed will, sovereign will, and directive will.