

### TRANSFORM

### YOUR

### CHRISTIAN LIFE

Being Changed From Glory to Glory

### D K OKINE
Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the

King James Version of the Bible.

Published by David K Okine at Smashwords.

Copyright 2017 D K OKINE

Smashwords Edition.

First Edition published by D K Okine at Smashwords 2017.

Find out more about D K Okine at:

Lighthouse Chapel International

Durban, South Africa

Write to:

mailto:okined@gmail.com

Contact: +27 76 956 7069

All rights reserved under international copy right law. Written permission must be secured from the author to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.
Preface

In Philippians chapter 1verses 6 the scripture reads "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".

It is my pleasure to inform you that God has just begun a good work in you, the mere fact that you have received the Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour is a clear indication that the change has just began and will continue until the day that the Lord Jesus Christ appears in His glory.

Our Christian life is a journey with God through Jesus Christ our Lord and as long as we continue to journey with Lord, we are continuously changed from glory to glory in our spirit, soul and body.

My prayer is that, as you read this book, may the Lord enlighten you to understand the New Birth and appreciate the on-going transformation that every Christian must to go through to progress in this journey with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my Sunday school teacher "Teacher Edna" as we were used to calling her. As young child from the age of 7 years, I recall how she taught me the Holy Scriptures and instilled in me the wisdom of the Word of God.

I remember clearly how she made us memorise the scriptures and recite them like a nursery poem even though we didn't clearly understand them at that age. Never did we know that she was sowing the seeds of greatness into the lives of young children who would grow up to be mightily used of God.

The mere fact that you are reading this book is a clear indication of fruitfulness of the seeds that were sown into me many years ago and the mighty grace of God upon my life.

Acknowledgments

John Ebo Opare- You have been a great blessing to me, thank you for designing this cover page. Your skills always come in handy. Thank you.

Angela Reynekye- Thank you Angela, your skills at editing the content and the flow of information has helped me beyond words. Thank you very much.

### Table of Contents

Section 1- Transforming Your Spirit

1. The Real Change

2. Understand That Man Is A Spirit

3. How To Grow Your Spirit

4. How To Strengthen Your Spirit

5. How To Energize Your Spirit

6. How To Take Care Of Your Spirit

Section 2- Renewing Your Soul

1. What is the Soul of a Man?

2. How To Renew Your Soul

3. How To Strengthen Your Soul

4. How To Become A Spiritual Christian

5. Your Soul is Your Responsibility

6. The Instruments of Real Change

7. What Is Your Vision of As A Christian?

8. How the Holy Spirit Can Transform Your Soul

9. 16 Characteristics of A Dead Soul

10. 25 Things God Requires of You As A Christian

Section 3- Constraining Your Body

1. Your Body Is Still The Same When You Are Born-Again.

2. 32 Facts About Your Body You Should Know As A Christian.

3. 20 Weapons That Satan Uses Against You As A Christian.

4. 10 Excellent Ways You Can Have Victory Over The Flesh.

5. 10 Important Christian Practices You Must Develop.

About the Author

Other Titles By D K Okine

### Section 1

### TRANSFORMING YOUR SPIRIT

Chapter 1

The Real Change

Therefore **if any man** **be** **in Christ** , **he is** **a new creature** : old things are passed away; **behold all things are become new**.

2Corinthians 5:17

The phrase "a new creature" is the Greek phrase "kainos ktisis" which literally means;

1. An original formation.

2. A new creation.

3. A being with no past.

4. One that never existed before.

5. Something created anew.

But we all (Christians), with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, **are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.**

2 Corinthians 3:18

The term "are changed" as indicated in the above scripture is the Greek word "metamorphoo" which is translated as;

1. To be transformed.

2. To be transfigured.

3. To be changed from one form to another.

4. A continuous change.

5. A continuous improvement.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, **yet the inward** **man** **is renewed day by day**.

2Corinthians 4:16

The inner man; the real you must be renewed every day. The word "renewed" is the Greek word "anakainoō" which denotes;

1. To renovate

2. To improve the state of something

3. To give fresh life

4. To make better

5. To improve continuously

From these three scriptural references, we can clearly understand that there are two major happenings in the life of anyone who is born-again.

1. A complete change; becoming a new creation. This denotes the spiritual birth.

2. A continuous change; a continuous improvement of the spirit, soul and body, this denotes spiritual growth.

Spiritual Birth is an instant change but Spiritual Growth is a time related and gradual improvement of the spirit, soul and body of the new creation. Spiritual growth and your ability to improve upon your Christian life every day is very much dependent on you; therefore take responsibility.

We have the Word of God as our mirror and a reflection of who we are supposed to be. It is important for every Christian to spend time to discover from the Word of God whom he is, what his rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities are.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

James 1:25

In my early spiritual development, I learnt from Kenneth E Hagin that for a new believer to grow, understand spiritual things and who we are in Christ Jesus, Christians need to meditate on the epistles; for the epistles clearly shows every Christian what salvation means, what it means to be in Christ and how to live a successful Christian life.

As long as a Christian continues to engage with the Word of God and with the Holy Spirit, he will continue to grow and be transformed from glory to glory. The glory of the Lord is the Word of God and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The transformation process begins when you are born again.

**But we all (Christians), with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord** , are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18

The real change happens to a person in 3 major dimensions;

1. Through the New birth.

2. By putting-off the "old man".

3. By putting-on the "new man".

THE NEW BIRTH; Being Born-Again

You Are Given A New Heart And A New Spirit.

**A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you** : and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, **and I will give you an heart of flesh**.

Ezekiel 36:26

This is why someone who truly repents and gives his life to Jesus Christ really becomes a changed person. God gives you a new heart and with your new heart, you can practice forgiveness, you can show unconditional love, you can have joy unspeakable, etc. With your new heart you are able to show and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to others.

A person who was very impatient, when truly born-again can now practice patience because patience is the fruit of his spirit. Another person who was full of anger and bitterness is now able to show and demonstrate love to a greater degree when he is truly saved.

All these changes and developments are possible when you truly repent and give your heart to Jesus Christ. God gives you a new heart that is able to do so many new things and bring forth good fruits.

**BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT** is **love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance** : against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 5:22-24

A genuine Christian can love anyone and everyone, a genuine Christian can be full of joy, a genuine Christian can be peaceful, a genuine Christian can be temperate and long suffering. A genuine Christian can be full of faith, a genuine Christian can be full of meekness and humility, a genuine Christian can control his or her fleshly feelings and emotions, a genuine Christian can overcome any inappropriate affection and lusts by the help of the Holy Spirit.

PUT OFF THE OLD MAN

That ye **put off concerning the former conversation the old man** , which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Ephesians 4:22-23

There is an "old man" and there is a "new man". The "old man" is the person you were before you met the Lord Jesus Christ. The "old man" is the figurative term given to that old life you used to live before you accepted salvation in Jesus Christ. The "old man" is that person who was living in darkness, living in sin and under the dominion of Satan, doing whatsoever he desired.

12 Things Every Christian Must Know About The Old Man

1. The "old man" was crucified and destroyed with Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

Knowing this, that **our old man is crucified with** **him** **, that the body of sin might be destroyed** ...

Romans 6:6

2. The "old man" was a servant unto Sin.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him....that henceforth **we should not serve sin.**

Romans 6:6

3. The "old man" and his deeds can be put off completely.

That ye **put off concerning the former conversation the old man** .....

Ephesians 4:22

4. The "old man" was corrupt because of deceitful lusts.

That ye **put off .... the old man** , **which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts** ...

Ephesians 4:22-23

5. The "old man" is full of lies.

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.

Colossians 3:9

6. The "old man" describes anyone who is dead unto God because of their sins.

And you hath he quickened, who **were dead in trespasses and sins....**

Ephesians 2:1

7. The "old man" describes anyone who conducts his life in the same manner as unbelievers.

.... **wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world...**

Ephesians 2:2

8. The "old man" describes anyone who is obedient to Satan also called the "prince of the power of the air".

.... **wherein in time past ye walked..... according to the prince of the power of the air** ...

Ephesians 2:2

9. The "old man" describes anyone who living in disobedience to God. Unbelievers are called "children of disobedience".

... **wherein in time past ye walked according to....the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience...**

Ephesians 2:2

10. The "old man" describes anyone who walks in the lusts of his body.

... **wherein in time past ye walked...in times past in the lusts of our flesh...**

Ephesians 2:3

11. The "old man" describes anyone who fulfils the evil desires of his body and his mind.

.... **among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind...**

Ephesians 2:3

12. The "old man" describes anyone who can be considered as "children of wrath"; that is people who are given to every form of evil work.

... **and were by nature the children of wrath** , even as others.

Ephesians 2:1-3

PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN

And that ye **put on the new man** , which after God is **created in righteousness and true holiness.**

Ephesians 4:24

The Apostle Paul urges every believer to put on the new personality, new behaviour, new attitudes and characteristics of the new person we have become by being born-again; being given a new spirit and a new heart.

15 Ways to Put on the New Man / 15 Characteristics of a Born-again Christian

1. By allowing old things to pass way.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: **old things are passed away** ; behold, all things are become new.

2Corinthians 5:17

2. By renewing your mind with the full knowledge and understanding of the Word of God.

And have put on the new man, **which is renewed in knowledge** after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:10

3. By renewing your mind-set.

**And be renewed in the spirit of your mind** ; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:23-24

...but **be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind** , that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans12:2

4. Put on the "new man" by putting away all lying as a Christian.

**Wherefore putting away lying** , speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25

5. Put on the "new man" by speaking the truth as a Christian.

... **speak every man truth with his neighbour** : for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25

6. Put on the "new man" by giving no place to the devil in your life.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness..... **neither give place to the devil**.

Ephesians 4:24, 27

7. Put on the "new man" by making sure that your anger does not lead you to Sin.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness..... **be ye angry, and sin not** : let not the sun go down upon your wrath

Ephesians 4:24, 26

8. Put on the "new man" by being involved in a legitimate business, avoiding all forms of stealing and malpractice.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness..... **Let him that stole steal no more** : but rather let him labour, **working with** **his** **hands the thing which is good** , that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Ephesians 4:24, 28

9. Put on the "new man" by speaking with good communication; using words which edify others.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.... **Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers**.

Ephesians 4:24, 29

10. Put on the "new man" by being obedient and sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness ....and **grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**.

Ephesians 4:24, 30

11. Put on the "new man" consciously putting away all forms of bitterness, etc.

**And that ye put on the new man** , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness .... **let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice**.

Ephesians 4: 24, 31

12. Put on the "new man" by being kind, compassionate and forgiving.

And that **ye put on the new man** , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness .... **and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you**.

Ephesians 4:24, 32

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12

13. Put on the "new man" by operating in the God kind of love.

And have **put on the new** **man** , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.....and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:10, 14

14. Put on the "new man" by allowing the peace of God to be the guide in your heart.

And have **put on the new** **man** , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him..... **and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful**.

Colossians 3:15

15. Put on the "new man" by allowing the word of God to dwell in you richly in all wisdom.

**Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom** ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16
Chapter 2

Understand that Man is a Spirit

The Foundational Phase of Spiritual Growth- Understanding

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God **your whole spirit and soul and body** be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thessalonians 5:23

A proper understanding of these separate but linked entities would help every believer to become a more responsible Christian. Man is firstly A Spirit; he has A Soul and lives in A Body given to him by God.

As a Christian, you must understand that it is your Spirit that is born-again, it is your Spirit that is saved, it is your Spirit that is made alive unto God, it is your Spirit that is renewed and it is your Spirit that is a new creation.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, **he (your spirit; the inner man) is a new creature** : old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

This therefore points us to the importance of taking the personal responsibility in growing our Spirit; the real you. The Scriptures uses 3 terminologies to describe the real you.

1. The inner man.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in **the inner man**.

Ephesians 3:16

2. The inward man.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet **the inward man** is renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

3. The hidden man of the heart.

But let it be **the hidden man of the heart** , in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1Peter 3:4

It is therefore the duty and responsibility of every Christian to understand this foundational phase of Spiritual Growth. Your Spirit; the real you is like a baby, need grow and strengthen this inner man. God is not going to do it for you; neither can your pastor or a minister do it for you.

The Pastor can preach to you or teach you the Word of God but it will be more profitable for you as a Christian to take up the responsibility of searching the scriptures daily and to find the truth of the Word of God just like the Christians in the city of Berea.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. **These (Christians) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.**

Acts 17:10-11

As a Christian, you must have a genuine interest in growing and developing your Spirit (inner man). Understand that the growth of a Christian is only measured by the maturity of his Spirit (the inner man) who ultimately MUST control the Soul and the Body of that person. If your inner man is weak and feeble, then your Soul and the desires of your Body will gain control over you and lead you to Hell. Hence, when your Spirit is strong, growing and yielded to the Holy Spirit, your Spirit will be able to control your Soul and your Body.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: **but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God**.

Romans 8:13-14
Chapter3

How To Grow Your Spirit

The Next Phase of Spiritual Growth-Feeding Your Inner Man

**As new-born babes** , desire the sincere milk of the word that ye (your spirit) may grow thereby.

1 Peter 2:2

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, **even** **as unto babes in Christ.** I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Corinthians 3:1-2

There are two types of Christians who are referred to as "babes" in Christ Jesus;

1. The New convert- New born.

2. The Convert who is not growing- A Baby Christian.

It is very necessary for both types of "babes" in Christ to grow. The primary way for those considered as "babes" in Christ to start growing or continue growing is to expose them to the feeding ministry of the Word of God. The feeding of these "babes" in Christ can be done in two primary ways;

a. By the Shepherd, Pastor or Teacher.

**I (Paul) have fed you** with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Corinthians 3:2

And I will give you **pastors** according to mine heart, **which shall feed you** with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15

b. By the Babes themselves.

**Hear, ye children** , the instruction of a father, **and attend to know understanding**. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. **He taught me also** , and said unto me, **Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live**. **Get wisdom, get understanding** : forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; **therefore** **get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding**. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Proverbs 4:1-8

What Does It Mean To Feed?

**I have fed you** with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Corinthians 3:2

To "feed" is the Greek word "boskō" which is translated as;

1. To nurture.

2. To provide pasture.

3. To give food.

4. To supply necessary resources.

5. To give knowledge and understanding.

6. To Instruct.

7. To teach.

The Best Type of Food Needed For Baby Christians To Grow.

Apostle Paul was very specific to mention the type of food necessary to feed "babes" in Christ.

**I have fed you with milk** , and **not with meat** : for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Corinthians 3:2

Similarly, Apostle Peter, the head of the early church also prescribed the same spiritual diet necessary to feed "babes" in Christ.

As new born babes, **desire the sincere milk of the word** that ye may grow thereby.

1 Peter 2:2

This special diet recommended by Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter and John the Apostle is what is described as "the Milk of the Word". Remember, the Word of God comes in different diets;

1. The Milk of the Word- (For babes in Christ)

2. The Meat of the Word- (For children in Christ)

3. The Strong Meat of the Word- (For adults in Christ)

What is the Milk of The Word?

The Milk of the Word are messages intended to develop the understanding of Christians who can be referred to as "babes in Christ". It is also specific messages aimed at gradually building up the "babes in Christ" and causing them to grow in their relationship with the Lord Jesus.

In the First epistle of John chapter 2, John the Apostle clearly outlines the messages recommended for "babes in Christ". In this Chapter of Scripture, John the Apostle referrers to the "babes in Christ" as "my little children" and writes specifically to them.

**My little children** , these things write I unto you....

1John 2:1

The phrase "my little children" is the Greek word "teknion" which literally describes Christians who are considered as "infants, darlings, and children who feed on milk for food".

What Type Of Messages Are To Mature The "Babes In Christ"

The Milk of The Word is as follows;

1. The Messages About "Sin And Righteousness".

My little children, these things write I unto you, **that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous**.

1John 2:1

2. The Messages About "The Atonement of Sins By Jesus Christ".

**And he (Jesus Christ) is the propitiation (the payment) for our sins** : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1John 2:2

3. The Messages About "What It Means To Know God".

**And hereby we do know that we know him** , if **we keep his commandments**. He that saith, I know him, **and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him**.

1John 2:3-4

4. The Messages About "How To Know If You Are Still In Christ".

But whoso keepeth his word, **in him verily is the love of God perfected** : **hereby know we that we are in him.**

1John 2:5

5. The Messages About "What It Means To Abide In Christ"

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he (Jesus) walked.

1John 2:6

The effective use of the Milk of the Word is very important because it's the foundational stage for the spiritual growth of every believer. Every Christian needs to develop this proper foundation for further spiritual growth.

**If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do**?

Psalm 11:3

Thus, if a Christian is not adequately fed with the Milk of the Word so as to get the proper foundation, it's very likely that he or she will be a deficient, malnourished and a weak Christian. There are many like that in the body of Christ today.

Our Lord Jesus Christ perfectly described what would happen to Christians who do not have a proper foundation in their Christian upbringing.

...but he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; **yet hath he not root in himself** , **but dureth for a while** : for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Mathew 13:20-21

Jesus said Christians who do not have proper foundations have no root in themselves and will survive only for a while.

7 Practical Ways You Can Feed Your Spirit

1. Having Your Quiet Time Daily.

Spending time alone to read the word of God and develop a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; **but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,** that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

2. Listening To Preaching Messages By Anointed Ministers Of God.

My son, **attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings**. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Proverbs 4:20-22

3. Having Regular Bible Study.

Get good reference bibles, concordance, study bibles, etc.

**Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Timothy 2:15

4. Memorizing Scriptures Regularly.

**Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly** in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

5. Making Every Effort To Practically Understand The Word of God.

**Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things**.

2Timothy 2:7

Consider using newer translations, use a study guide, use monthly devotionals, use dictionaries, etc.

6. Reading Christian Books Regularly.

Till I come, **give attendance to reading** , to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Timothy 4:13

7. Attending Church Services And Other Spiritual Meetings.

**They go from strength to strength,** **every one of them** **in Zion appeareth before God.**

Psalm 84:7

What It Means To Have Deeper Roots In Jesus Christ

1. To develop so much love for Jesus Christ.

**Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?** **shall** **tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?** As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Romans 8:35-37

2. To be fully persuaded about your love for God.

**For I am persuaded** , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

3. To be established in the Christian faith, growing and developing in Jesus Christ.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, **so** **walk ye in him** : rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7

4. To have an excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss **for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord** : for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ...

Philippians 3:8

5. To live a life only to please Jesus Christ.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: **and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.**

Galatians 2:20

6. To continue in the Christian faith, grounded, settled and not moved away from the Gospel.

**If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and** **be** **not moved away from the hope of the gospel,** which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

Colossians 1:23

7. To become a Fruitful Christian.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, **that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and** **that** **your fruit should remain** : that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 15:16

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Chapter 4

How To Strengthen Your Spirit

Meditating On the Word of God

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; **but thou shalt meditate therein day and night** , that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

**Meditate upon these things** ; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

1Timothy 4:15

Meditation is a very spiritual activity for the growth and development of every Christian. Meditation must be done the way God prescribes through the Scriptures. Meditating on the Word of God must be a routine activity; it must be done day and night as God instructed Joshua.

When Meditation is done in the prescribed way, it gives the one who meditates wisdom, practical sense and an inherent ability to do what the Word of God prescribes. Meditation for the Christian has two outcomes;

1. The prosperity of your Spirit.

2. The prosperity of your Soul.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou (your spirit, your inner man) mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3John 1:2

2 Ways For Effective Meditation

1. Learning To Always Speak Rhema.

Rhema is the personal revelation and deep insight you receive for your life from either studying the Word of God or hearing the Word of God. As a Christian, you must learn to speak what the Word of God has revealed about you and not speak your feelings or the occurrences in your life.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou **shalt meditate** therein day and night....

Joshua 1:8

To meditate as indicated in the scripture above is the Hebrew word "hâgâh" which is means;

1. To murmur

2. To ponder over to yourself

3. To mutter

4. To roar

5. To speak

6. To utter

7. To talk

Isn't this amazing? We have discovered from the scriptures that to grow our Spirit (the inner man), we need to practically speak in accordance to what the Word of God says concerning us in every situation.

The Scriptures isn't supposed to only me memorized or considered carefully, it is to be spoken continuously. The Word of God is to become the language of the new creation because the scripture in Joshua 1:8 instructs us to speak it day and night.

Wow, why is this so? I believe the scriptures are a reflection of what God wants us to be and also the scriptures has the power and ability to create and change things, issues and circumstances.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: **the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.**

John 6:63

This therefore means as long as we meditate on the word of God, as long as we speak in agreement with what the word of God says, we are changed, and situations change and a transformation take place for the better.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, **are changed into the same image from glory to glory** , even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18

This is the best recipe for spiritual growth. As the scriptures said, meditate day and night! Don't worry about what you feel or current situations, just keep speaking the word, just keep uttering the scriptures, and just keep pondering over them again and again.

And as you keep meditating, you receive the inner strength to be able to perform, to be able to become what you are speaking, to be able to rise above your flaws, and become what God says you are.

It is therefore the duty of the every Christian to search the scriptures diligently so as to discover what God has said concerning his or her life or concerning a particular situation. Afterwards, we are to meditate on those words day and night so that the inherent power from the Word of God will ignite a change in our lives or a change in that particular situation.

2. Thinking Deeply About The Word Of God For Wisdom And Direction.

The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy; a young Christian to meditate on two major things;

1. The things that Apostle Paul had told him personally from the scriptures.

2. The things Timothy himself had discovered personally from the scriptures.

**Meditate upon these things** ; give thyself wholly to them; **that thy profiting may appear to all**.

1Timothy 4:15

The phrase "meditate upon" as used in this scripture is the Greek word "meletaō" which is literally translated as;

1. To consider carefully.

2. To analyse properly.

3. To resolve in the mind.

4. To think through so as to glean something.

5. To think deeply about what is read or said.

Through the power of effective meditation, there will be evident growth in both the Spiritual life and the Physical life of a Christian causing his success and change of status to be seen and known unto everyone.

Make adequate time to think on the Word of God as Isaac did. Isaac went in the evening to meditate on God and as a result, God made his to see the blessings in his life. The blessings of having camels and the blessing of noticing his bride Rebekah.

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming and Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

Genesis 24:63-64

You can easily notice who your bride or groom is and the various provisions God has made for you when you make conscious effort to practice meditation.

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Chapter 5

How To Energize Your Spirit

Exercise Your Inner Man

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and **exercise thyself rather unto godliness**. For bodily exercise profiteth little: **but godliness is profitable unto all things** , having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1Timothy 4:7-8

In the same way children exercise by being active and running around for their bones and muscles to develop well and become strong and every adult is also being encouraged to exercise so as to keep fit, SO MUST every Christian ought to exercise his or her Spirit- the inner man.

To "exercise" from the scriptural reference 1Timothy 4:7 is the Greek word "gumnazo" which means;

1. To train

2. To practice

There is bodily exercise and spiritual exercise; both are profitable but as a Christian, it's more beneficial to you to carefully consider the exercising of your spirit (the inner man).

5 Practical and Effective Ways to Exercise Your Spirit

1. **You Can Exercise Your Spirit By Praying With Your Spirit.**

What is it then? **I will pray with the spirit** , and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 Corinthians 14:15

As a Christian, your spirit (the inner man) can communicate directly with the Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. This is because God is a Spirit and the scripture below indicates that anyone who wants to worship or relate with Him MUST do so in the spirit.

**God is a Spirit** : and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:24

This is one of the foremost reasons why every Christian must recognise that he or she is first of all a spirit (the inner man) and must aim to develop his or her spirit. Your spirit can communicate directly to God without consulting your soul and body. Remember, it is the spirit that is made alive unto God.

And you (your spirit) hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins..

Ephesians 2:1

God is also the father of spirits as the scriptures relay in Hebrews and therefore we His children must be able to communicate with Him in the spirit with our spirits.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the **father of spirits** , and live?

Hebrews 12:9

God has therefore provided and given His children a spiritual language by which our spirits can fellowship and communicate directly to Him. The same way a parent can communicate and fellowship with his or her child in a unique language, so can every Christian fellowship and communicate effectively with our Heavenly Father in the unique language our Heavenly Father has provided.

So then, what does it mean to pray with your spirit? And with what language can our spirit (the inner man) communicate with the Heavenly Father?

**For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth** , but my understanding is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:14

The Apostle Paul describes this language as **an unknown toungue**.

It has been given this description because with our human senses we can discern human dialects and various languages we speak as humans but this unique language that our spirit (the inner man) speaks or is able to communicate with the Heavenly Father cannot be discerned or understood with the human intellect. It transcends the wisdom of men.

The Prophet Isaiah comparing unbelievers, the scribes of this world, the people who count the towers they own in this world with the people of God also describes this same language the people of God poses.

Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of **a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.**

Isaiah 33:19

The language with which our spirit (the inner man) can communicate directly with and to God without any human interference is described as a Deeper Speech.

It's like a radio signal that only catches a particular frequency. When you speak or pray in tongues you switch in to another frequency beyond the human realm. You start operating in the spirit realm with your spirit.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit **in the spirit he speaketh mysteries**.

1Corinthians 14:2

The Prophet Isaiah described what Apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 14:14 as "an unknown tongue" as;

• A deeper speech than that which unbelievers can perceive.

• A stammering tongue that unbelievers cannot understand.

Furthermore, the Prophet Isaiah describing the matured Christian as one who has been weaned from the milk of the word also discloses how God will speak to these matured Christians.

Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? **Them that are weaned from the milk,** **and drawn from the breasts**. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: **for with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people**. To whom he said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Isaiah 28:9-12

Again the Prophet Isaiah affirms that with stammering lips and with another tongue will God communicate with His people. Speaking and praying in tongues gives a believer;

• A deeper speech and expression between a Christian and the Heavenly Father

• Exercises the spirit (the inner man) of a believer

2. **You Can Exercise Your Spirit By Praying in the Holy Spirit.**

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, **praying in the Holy Ghost** ...

Jude 1:20

Praying with your spirit is different from praying in the Holy Spirit. Firstly, I want you to understand that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He is God Himself manifested and represented by His Spirit.

Praying in the Holy Spirit is described as;

• Praying in agreement with the Holy Spirit

• Praying with the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit

• Praying and interceding for others in accordance to the will of God

• Praying biblical prayers

An immature Christian can be very self-centred especially when he or she is still a new Christian, a new concert or a non-maturing believer. This selfish attitude causes a lot of Christians to neglect the will of God and only concentrate on what they want.

**Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts**.

James 4:3

To ask amiss is to ask for wrong things, it can also be considered as asking for things that does not agree with the will of God for your life.

To ask amiss is to ask for selfish things or to ask for things with the wrong motive or for the wrong purpose. When we yield to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit of God to lead and guide us, we begin to have a strong fellowship with Him. The Holy Spirit is able to advise us, encourage us, prepare us, lead us, protect us, etc. and also help our weakness.

No one can be a successful Christian without the Holy Spirit. As Children of our Heavenly Father, we all need the help and the assistance of the Holy Spirit to know and walk in the perfect will of God their lives.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:26

Interpreting this scripture, we understand that the Holy Spirit is our Helper who helps our frailties. We also know that our spirit (the inner man) is recreated and considered as a new born growing day by day, therefore just as a new born is helped and assisted because of its weaknesses, so the Holy spirit is available to help our spirit( the inner man) grow more in the knowledge and in the will of God.

Often we are limited in our knowledge of what we ought to pray for as individuals, persons or groups. Most people hardly pray mostly because they their needs are met. Most rich and affluent people relegate the Heavenly Father and the ministry of prayer for those who are considered poor and can't help themselves. This kind of mind is very myopic.

Prayer is not only a means of making our needs and request known unto God, there are far deeper reasons why every Christian ought to pray than just asking for needs and requests.

By praying in agreement with the Holy Spirit and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are able to pray according to the will of God and carry out our priestly ministry effectively unto God. This therefore is the importance of exercising our spirit (the inner man) by praying in the Holy Spirit.

Remember God is a Spirit and they that want to fellowship and relate with Him must do so in the Spirit with their spirits and in the truth of the word of God. Hence, the ministry of prayer is a ministry of fellowship with the Heavenly Father. Through the ministry of prayer, we are able to have and grow a deeper relationship with the Heavenly Father.

Therefore in exercising our spirit (the inner) by praying in the Holy Spirit we expose ourselves to having a relationship with the Father of Spirits and I deeper knowledge of the truth of the word of God.

3 **. You Can Exercise Your Spirit By Practicing the Wisdom of the Word of God.**

But be **ye doers of the word, and not hearers only** , deceiving your own selves.

James 1:22

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, **but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God**.

Mathew 4:4

This is one of the greatest revelations in the Word of God. You must understand that the main food for your spirit to grow is the Word of God. The word "live" from the scriptural reference Mathew 4:4 is the Greek word "zaō" which is translated as;

i. To live a life time

ii. To be alive

iii. To be lively

Therefore Jesus Christ was telling us that it is not only food that is able to keep man alive; it is not only food that is able to sustain man to live in this life time; it is not only food that is able to make man lively but the Word of God.

To the Christian;

i. The Word of God is what sustains life

ii. The Word of God is what we are to live by in this lifetime

iii. The Word of God is what gives us life

iv. The Word of God is what makes us lively

v. The Word of God is the ingredient of growth for the spirit of the Christian (the inner man).

King Solomon from ancient History from Proverbs 4:22 define the word of God as;

i. Life to the spirits of those who find them.

ii. Medication and cure to the Human body

For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Proverbs 4:22

Practice living your life by the revelations that you have found in the word of God, by so doing you are feeding your spirit and exercising your spirit to digest and assimilate the deeper understanding of the word of God.

4. **You Can Exercise Your Spirit By Speaking The Truth In Love.**

**But speaking the truth in love** , may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Ephesians 4:15

Exercising our Spirit causes the inner man to grow and develop strength. By practicing to always speak the truth and walk in the truth of God's word is one of the ways amongst many to grow the inner man.

Walking In Truth and Speaking The Truth

LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Psalm 15:1-2

Walking in truth and speaking the truth qualifies a Christian to abide in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

**Walking in truth means** ;

1. Walking in honesty, faithfulness and sincerity by your actions.

2. Walking by the revelation of the truth of the word of God.

Speaking the truth means;

1. Being honest, faithful and sincere in your words.

2. Talking and confessing the truth of the Word of God concerning you as a Christian.

Speaking the truth in love causes your spirit (the inner man) to grow up in Jesus Christ. If you want to grow your spirit (the inner man) then walk in the understanding of what the truth is. What then is the truth?

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 17:17

Our Lord Jesus Christ said that the truth is what the word of God is, what the word of God tells us and what the word of God shows us through the scriptures.

5. **You Can Excerise Your Spirit By Keeping Yourself In The Love Of God**.

**Keep yourselves in the love of God** , looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:21

What It Means To Keep Ourselves in the Love of God

Keeping ourselves in the Love of God means;

1. Walking in Love

2. Practicing love towards one another

3. Living in love

4. Guarding ourselves with the weapon of love

5. Holding fast the love of God

6. Preserving love everywhere we are

7. Ensuring that there is always love among you

This kind of love is the Greek word "Agape" which is also described as the God-kind of love. It is this same kind of love expressed in John3:16 which caused the Heavenly Father to send His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the whole world so that we could be reconciled back to God.

Keeping ourselves in the love of God is the greatest security and safety we have as Christians. It is the greatest sign that we are truly born again and we are the representatives of God on this earth.

Beloved, let us love (agape) one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (agape).

1 John 4:7-8

To be born again is receive the life of God which comes from His great love towards man-kind. It is also the greatest sign identifying who really a Christian is and who God really lives in. As Christians, we can increase and grow in the God-kind of love not only to other believers but as the scriptures indicate, we can express love to all men by the help of the Holy Spirit.

**And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another** , and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

1 Thessalonians 3:12.

6. **You Can Exercise Your Spirit By Waiting On The Lord.**

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: BUT THEY THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

Waiting upon the Lord can be described as;

i. Tarrying in the presence of God

ii. Waiting for the Lord to attend to you

iii. Expecting something from the Lord

iv. Patiently seeking the face of God

7 Practical Ways To Wait Upon The Lord

1. By going to a type of wilderness to fast and pray.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into THE WILDERNESS, being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Luke 4:1-2

2. By going to a solitary (private) place to pray.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a SOLITARY PLACE, AND THERE PRAYED.

Mark 1:35

3. By waking up a great while before day to pray.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a SOLITARY PLACE, AND THERE PRAYED.

Mark 1:35

4. By tarrying in a type of Jerusalem.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: BUT TARRY YE IN THE CITY OF JERUSALEM, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Luke 24:49

Jerusalem can be anywhere you choose to wait on God, whether a camp site, whether a hotel room, whether in your home, a friend's place, etc. You must be able to create your own Jerusalem where you can often go and wait upon the Lord.

5. By resorting in a serene atmosphere like a garden to pray and study the word of God.

When Jesus had spoken these words, HE WENT FORTH WITH HIS DISCIPLES OVER THE BROOK CEDRON, WHERE WAS A GARDEN, INTO THE WHICH HE ENTERED, AND HIS DISCIPLES. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

John 18:1-2

6. By going to a place where you have had an experience with God before; a Gethsemane.

And they came to a place **which was named Gethsemane** : and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

Mark 14:32

Gethsemane is the Greek word for an oil press, spiritually speaking; it is a place of an anointing, a place where you know God speaks to you, a place where God visits you or a place where you get close to God and know His presence.

You will have to choose and decide where your Gethsemane is or will be and stick to that place as your retreat centre.

7. By engaging yourself in activities that would allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they MINISTERED TO THE LORD, AND FASTED, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Acts 13:1-2

As these prophets and teachers engaged themselves in the activity of ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit visited them and gave them direction. You and I can minister to the Lord through deep prayer, through worshiping Him in spirit and in the truth of His word, through bible study, etc.

Ask yourself, what activities do you engage in that activates the presence of God in your life? Is it listening to preaching messages by an anointed minister of God, or by reading certain books or by creating an atmosphere of worship? By engaging yourself in such activities, you expose yourself to the Holy Spirit so He can speak to you.

7 Powerful Blessings of Waiting on God

a. God gives power to the weak.

**He giveth power to the faint** ......

Isaiah 40:29

Power in this verse is the Hebrew word "kôach" which is translated as;

• Vigour

• Strength

• Ability

• Might

• Literal force or mental strength

• Ability to produce

• Wealth and substance

b. God increases the strength of those who wait on Him.

.... **and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.**

Isaiah 40:29

God is able to multiply His strength in your life and His anointing upon your life when you wait upon Him. He is also able to abilities, desires and visions to those who don't have any.

c. When you wait upon the Lord you renew your strength

But they that wait upon the **Lord shall renew their strength** ...

Isaiah 40:31

The word "renew" is the Hebrew word "chalaph" which is translated as;

• To restore

• To revive

• To refurbish

• To sprout (like the sprouting of a new stem or branch)

When your energy is depleted or your love for God and the things of God is diminished or has waxed cold, revive yourself and renew your spiritual energy by waiting upon the Lord.

d. When you wait upon the Lord you are able to develop new wings

.... **they shall mount up with wings as eagles** ...

Isaiah 40:31

To "mount up" is the Hebrew word "âlâh" being translated as;

• To ascend

• To arise

• To bring up

• To come up

• To excel

• To grow

• To increase

• To stir up

The word of God promises us that those who wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as the eagle. The term "wings" being referred to in this verse can be described figuratively as;

• New Ideas

• Superior plans

• Innovations

• Creativity

• Supernatural wisdom

• Wisdom that excels

• Supernatural Direction

• Vision

This is the blessing that only applies to those who wait upon the Lord. Waiting upon the Lord has the ability to;

i. Stir up new ideas for your life and career

ii. Increase your insight and understanding

iii. Give you supernatural direction for your life

iv. Come up with fresh ideas and creative innovations

v. Make you ascend above all others with superior plans from God

vi. Give you a God given vision for your life and other arrears

vii. Produce excellent results in your life.

This is the blessing that comes from patiently waiting upon the Lord. So then, why don't many Christians wait upon the Lord?

Firstly, I believe its ignorance of the word of God. Many Christians don't know what the word of God. Many Christians are very naïve and very shallow when it comes to knowing and understanding the word of God.

Secondly I believe it's the desire of many Christians to conform to the standards on this world; to be like unbelievers and to achieve results the same way unbelievers do which denotes lack of spiritual insight.

Thirdly I believe many Christians are not deep enough to know God personally and to get to know God and His word in a way so as to trust Him to give them direction in every area of their lives. This denotes unbelief and mistrust in God and His word.

e. Those who wait upon the Lord will not lose steam.

.... **they shall run, and not be weary...**

Isaiah 40:31

The best scenario to explain this phenomenon is with a horse race. It's ability to run its race without getting tired, or to continue a long race without losing an ounce of energy, zeal or focus.

It's like a train that going on travelling without losing its steam, like a race car poised at winning its race without losing any momentum.

A Christian who regularly waits upon the Lord will continue going on and on, encouraging himself, always abounding in the work of the Lord. That believer will continue running with the vision that God has given him or her.

It's like you have a self-propeller engine inside you which continues to propel you to fight on, never quit, never give in, never lose focus, pressing on despite the challenges or the opposition and continue aiming for success in everything because the greater one live inside you.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: **because greater is he that is in you** , than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:4

f. Those who wait upon the Lord will continue their walk with Jesus Christ without backsliding.

...and **they shall walk, and not faint**.

Isaiah 40:31

Millions of believers are fainting and are backsliding in their Christian faith only because they don't wait upon the Lord. Walking with the Lord Jesus Christ is walking on a narrow path as the scriptures describe. These will be so many times you may feel that things are not working out for you or that God is not answering your prayers.

The life of a Christian is the life of faith in a God who you cannot see with your physical eyes but with your spirit. The Prophet Habakkuk mentioned that the only way the just (Christian) shall live is by his faith and trust in God.

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: **but the just shall live by his faith.**

Habakkuk 2:4

Many Christians have backslidden from the narrow path which leads to life to walking on the broad way with unbelievers which leads to destruction.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, **and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in** thereat: because strait is the gate, **and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it**.

Mathew 7:13-14

One of the surest ways to maintain your spiritual life and your connection with Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit is to consciously make time to regularly wait upon the Lord. Walking with the Lord Jesus Christ is very possible without backsliding or drawing back. How does one do that? By waiting on the Lord regularly!

**Now the just shall live by faith** : but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 10:38

g. Those who wait upon the Lord receive answered prayers and many excellent results.

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments...

Daniel 9:3-4

Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, o Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment (answer) came forth and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Daniel 9:21-23

The Prime Minister Daniel, a very spiritual man who was also considered a prophet of God practiced the art of waiting on God. Though he had a secular job, he made time to wait upon the Lord and carry out his priestly ministry.

Daniel was employed at the highest level of power in 3 consecutive governments but he still maintained a great spiritual life, a relationship with God.

As a result of waiting of God by praying and supplications with fasting, the Prophet Daniel obtained the flowing excellent results;

• An Heavenly Vision

• An angelic visitation

• He received supernatural skill

• He received supernatural understanding

• He received answered Prayers

• He received the affirmation of the great love of God for Him

• He received the ability to understand matters

These are all excellent outcomes of the art of waiting upon the Lord in the life of the Prophet Daniel and this can also be our testimony as well.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: **wait, I say, on the Lord.**

Psalm 27:14

7. **You Can Exercise Your Spirit By Learning How To Handel The Word Of God Truthfully.**

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, **nor handling the Word of God deceitfully** ; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 4:2

To handle the word of God truthfully is to be able to effectively apply the practicality of the word of God in one's life and in every circumstance.

You need to know what the word of God says about every situation, challenge or difficulty. The scriptures educate us in every sphere of life and it is wisdom for every Christian to know the truth of the word of God.

Every Christian should be able to handle the word of God which is also described as the sword of the spirit. Your spirit has a weapon; a sword which is the word of God and it is the duty of every Christian to study, arm them-selves, understand and know how to practically use the word of God in every situation.

Many Christians have been deceived and led astray by false doctrines, false teachings, deceptive tricks, enticing words etc. only because they did not know the truth of the word of God and how to handle practically the revelations of the word of God for them-selves.

Many have not been able to use the sword of the spirit well and as a result have cut and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (false teachings).

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, **they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.**

1Timothy 6:10

Isn't it interesting that as soon as anyone is born again, you are given the sword of the spirit which is the word of God? Now it is the duty of the Christian to grow this sword daily and know how to use it effectively as a defence and as an offensive weapon.

Most Christians are holding a sword which looks like a plastic knife. When the enemy is described as a lion that is looking for someone to devour and you come standing with a plastic knife as your weapon, wouldn't that be funny?

**Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour**.

1 Peter 5:8

This is one of the reasons why a lot of Christians are eaten up and destroyed by demons, devils, evil spirits and various situations in their lives. Many have not taken time to gradually develop the sword of their spirits with which they can resist the devil and confront the thieves and the devourers in their lives.

Whom **resist steadfast in the faith** , knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 Peter 5:9

It is the word of God that is the most effective weapon in the hands of a Christian that is used to resist steadfastly any lions, thieves, devourers or any devils fashioned against your life.

From today decide to study the word of God. Make every necessary effort to develop the sword of the spirit which the word of God in your mouth of a Christian.

8. **Exercise Your Spirit By Practicing Your Faith in the Word of God**

What then is faith? I believe the scriptures are the best resource material to glean from. Our Heavenly Father through his word teaches us what real faith is by demonstrating faith Himself in so many ways.

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, **even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.**

Romans 4:17

The Holy Spirit is describing to us how the Heavenly Father operates. Now these are 2 attributes or 2 characteristics that describe the nature of God.

1. He quickens those who are dead; whether spiritually or physically dead.

2. He calls those things which are not as though they were.

Our Heavenly Father called Abraham; a man who did not have any biological children and was in no position to father children at the age of a hundred years a father of many nations as indicated in the scriptural reference Romans 4:17.

To the natural mind, this is very absurd and very ironical. How do you call a childless man a father of many nations? How does this happen? This is how our God, the Heavenly Father operates and anyone who would like to walk with God must understand this nature and character of God.

Also Abraham demonstrated what is called "faith" in the bible. It is important to understand and get a deep knowledge of what faith really is. Even though biologically, there was no indication in his body that he could father a child and likewise his wife Sarah had a womb which was described as" as good as dead" he Abraham "believed" in the word that God had spoken to him about.

That is what is described as faith; believing in the spoken word or the revealed word of God to you. If God has spoken to you through whatever means;

1. Believe it (agree with it with your spirit)

2. Act the word regardless of the circumstances you may find yourself in.

To believe is to agree with the word of God in your heart (your spirit) not only your mind. Many people only agree with the word of God in their mind but not in their spirit or with their spirit (the inner man).

For with **the heart man believeth** unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:10

To believe is to believe with your heart; your spirit (the inner man). Remember, once you are born again, you have a new heart and a new spirit. So Abraham believed, he accepted the word of God deep down in his heart.

What God had told him didn't make any sense but he still believed. I am definitely sure that He knew that one of the characteristics of God the Heavenly Father is calling those things which are not as though they are.

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 4:18-21

Secondly, Abraham held on strongly to the word of God. That is what we call the demonstration of your faith or the action that makes your faith alive.

1. Faith believes the word of God

2. Faith acts on the word of God

Abraham the father of Faith who is our best example to learn from and to follow did not only believe in his heart that word that God had spoken to him, he also demonstrated his faith in that word. He gave action and life to the word he received. How did he do that?

3 Practical Ways to Demonstrate Your Faith in the Word of God

1. Do not have double mind-set regarding the promise of God through unbelief.

**He staggered not at the promise of god through unbelief** ; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Romans 4:20

To stagger is the Greek word "diakrinō" which is translated as;

• To withdraw

• To separate from something

• To oppose

• To hesitate

• To doubt

• To waver

• To be uncertain

2. Become strong in Faith, giving glory to God.

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God...

Romans 4:20

• To be strong in faith is to stand firm on what God has told you through His Spirit or His word.

• To be strong in faith is to give glory to God in the face of opposition.

• To be strong in faith is to continually confess the word of God that has been revealed to you till you see its reality. His word is His glory

• To be strong in faith is to perform the actions that are related to the manifestation of the faith to the glory of God.

3. Become fully persuaded that God is a promise keeper.

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 4:21

To be fully persuaded is the Greek word "plērophoreō" which means;

• To be fully convinced

• To carry out fully (in evidence)

• To be completely assured

• To entirely accomplish

• To make full proof of

Though Abraham was about an hundred years old and Sarah his wife was about ninety years, he had to make love to his wife Sarah maybe once or several times on different occasions having in mind and being fully persuaded that he was producing nations just like God had told him. Like I mentioned;

a. Faith is believed with the heart

b. Faith is demonstrated by actions

The Holy Spirit tells us in Hebrews chapter 11 that God is a rewarder of faith demonstrated by actions.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, **and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**

Hebrews 11:6

The Apostle James also adds his voice; James makes it clear that faith without actions or demonstrations is dead.

**Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone**. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, **and I will shew thee my faith by my works.**

James 2:17-18

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Chapter 6

How To Take Care Of Your Spirit-Inner Man!

**Take heed unto thyself (your inner man)** , and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both SAVE thyself , and them that hear thee.

1Timothy 4:16

Practical Ways To Take Care Of Your Spirit – The Inner Man

1. Pay Attention To The Daily Growth Of Your Spirit.

**Take heed unto thyself** , and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:16

The phrase "take heed" means;

• Pay careful attention to

• Carefully consider

• Carefully understand

Every Christian has to understand that this Spirit (the inner man) is more important in relation to the Soul and the Body. The principal duty of every Christian is to pay careful attention to care take and daily growth of the inner man.

2. Understand The Doctrines of The Word Of God.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto **THE DOCTRINE** ; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:16

The doctrines of the word of God are the teachings, the revelations and the different understandings and wisdom we glean from the word of God. The scriptures are so many and it is therefore the duty of the Christian by the help of the Holy Spirit to dissect and glean bit by bit the various teachings, directions, instructions and wisdom in the word of God that affect our earthly and heavenly life.

But the word of the Lord was unto them **Precept Upon Precept** , **Precept Upon Precept; Line Upon Line, Line Upon Line; Here A Little, And There A Little;** that they might go.....

Isaiah 28:13

For the Christian, the teachings of the Word of God must not just be read or memorized, it must be understood little by little, line upon line so that by that gradual process of gleaning, our spirit(the inner man) gradually grows in the knowledge of the word of God.

So please don't be pleased with yourself for having read the whole Bible once or many times, it must be your aim to carefully assimilate and imbibe the revelations, the teachings, the instructions and the wisdom in the word of God to that it will have a practical effect on glory on your life and the lives of other people you influence.

3. Continue In The Doctrines Of The Word Of God.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; **CONTINUE IN THEM** : for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:16

To "continue in them" means;

i. Make it your habit

ii. Make it your routine

iii. Make it a repeated action

iv. Persevere in doing these things

v. Don't get tired in practicing these things

vi. Focus on these things

vii. Make these things your daily activity

The Apostle Paul also advices Timothy, a young Christian brother to continue in these two practices;

a. Paying attention to grow the spirit (the inner man)

b. Paying attention to understand the doctrines of the word of God

Apostle Paul gives Timothy 2 important reasons why it was important he ought to continue in those 2 important Christian practices. He states emphatically that when he continues in these practices;

a. He shall save himself (his spirit and his soul)

b. He shall save (the spirit and the souls of) those that hear him

The word "save" from the above scripture is the Greek word "sōzō" which is translated as;

1. To bring salvation to

2. To deliver

3. To protect

4. To heal

5. To preserve

6. To make whole

7. To cause to do well

This therefore helps us to understand that as long as we Christians continue to take heed to the development of our spirit (the inner man) and to the development of our souls (understanding the various doctrines of the word of God) we are in the best position to bring deliverance, salvation, protection, healing, preservation, making whole and the causing ourselves and the people who listen to us to do well.

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### Section 2

### RENEWING YOUR SOUL
Chapter 1

What Is The Soul Of A Man

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became **a living soul**.

Genesis 2:7

The Soul of a man is the Hebrew word "nephesh" which is literally translated as;

1. The breathe of life in a man

2. That which gives vitality to man

3. The bodily and mental senses of man

4. The desires and appetites of man

5. The mind of man

6. The personality of man

7. The self

The Soul of a person consists of all the human emotions, senses, characteristics, attitudes, intellect, appetites, desires, feelings, our power of choice, etc. The Soul can also be described as the entire wiring of a human being. The growth and development of your Soul is your responsibility.

And be not conformed to this world: **but be ye transformed** by **the renewing** of your mind (soul), that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

Please understand that the Soul of any man can be;

1. Transformed

2. Renewed

3. Trained

4. Taught

5. Changed

6. Controlled

7. Perfected

30 Characteristics of Your Soul.

1. Your Soul Can Be Healthy And Prosperous.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as **THY SOUL PROSPERETH**.

3 John 1:2

2. Your Soul Can Cleave Unto Another Person.

And HIS SOUL CLAVE UNTO Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

Genesis 34:3

To cleave to is to;

a. Be joined to another

b. Follow Hard after another

c. Hold fast unto another

d. To catch by pursuit

3. Your Soul Can Depart From You Without Your Control.

And it came to pass, **AS HER SOUL WAS IN DEPARTING** , (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Genesis 35:18

4. Your Soul Can Be Exchanged For Earthly Possessions.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? **OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL**?

Mathew 16:26

5. You Can Lose Your Soul Through A Bad Trade.

**FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?** or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mathew 16:26

6. Your Soul Can Be In Anguish.

And they said one to another, we are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the **ANGUISH OF HIS SOUL** , when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

Genesis 42:21

To be in anguish means;

a. To be distressed

b. To be stressed

c. To be unhappy

7. Your Soul Can Sin Against God Through Ignorance.

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, **IF A SOUL SHALL SIN THROUGH IGNORANCE AGAINST ANY OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD** concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them.

Leviticus 4:2

8. Your Soul Can Easily Follow After Wizards And Demonic Spirits.

And the **SOUL THAT TURNETH AFTER SUCH AS HAVE FAMILIAR SPIRITS, AND AFTER WIZARDS** , to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 20:6

9. Your Soul Can Be Bought With Money.

But if the priest **BUY** **ANY** **SOUL WITH HIS MONEY** .....

Leviticus 22:11

10. Your Soul Can Be Very Discouraged.

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and **THE SOUL OF THE PEOPLE WAS MUCH DISCOURAGED** because of the way.

Numbers 21:4

11. Your Soul Can Be Kept Diligently So You Don't Lose It.

Only take heed to thyself, **AND KEEP THY SOUL DILIGENTLY** , lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons.

Deuteronomy 4:9

12. You Can Find God If You Seek Him With All Your Soul.

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, **THOU SHALT FIND** **HIM** **, IF THOU SEEK HIM WITH ALL THY HEART AND WITH ALL THY SOUL.**

Deuteronomy 4:29

13. You Can Love God With All Your Soul.

... **AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD** with all thine heart, and **WITH ALL THY SOUL** , and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:5

14. You Can Serve God With All Your Soul.

And now, Israel, what doth the **LORD** thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, **AND TO SERVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART AND WITH ALL THY SOUL**.

Deuteronomy 10:12

15. Your Soul Can Lust After Things.

Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, **WHATSOEVER THY SOUL LUSTETH AFTER** , according to the blessing....

Deuteronomy 12:15

16. Your Soul Can Be Enticed Secretly.

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, **ENTICE THEE SECRETLY** , saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

Deuteronomy 13:6

17. Your Soul Can Be Troubled To The Point Of Your Death.

And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, SO THAT HIS SOUL WAS VEXED UNTO DEATH.

Judges 16:16

18. Your Soul Can Be Bitter As A Christian.

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

1Samuel 1:10

19. A Sorrowful Spirit And A Troubled Soul Is Mostly Expressed By Drunkenness.

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, **I** **AM** **A WOMAN OF A SORROWFUL SPIRIT: I HAVE DRUNK NEITHER WINE NOR STRONG DRINK, BUT HAVE POURED OUT MY SOUL BEFORE THE LORD**.

1Samuel 1:15

20. Soul Tie Is Real-Your Soul Can Be Tied To Another Person's Soul.

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul **THAT THE SOUL OF JONATHAN WAS KNIT WITH THE SOUL OF DAVID** , **and Jonathan loved him as his own soul**.

1Samuel 18:1

21. You Can Love Another Person As Your Own Soul.

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, **BECAUSE HE LOVED HIM AS HIS OWN SOUL**.

1Samuel 18:3

22. You Can Love Same Sex As Your Own Soul Without Any Sexual Interactions.

And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: **FOR HE LOVED HIM AS HE LOVED HIS OWN SOUL**.

1Samuel 20:17

23. The Soul Becomes Grieved For The Loss Of Family.

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, **BECAUSE THE SOUL OF ALL THE PEOPLE WAS GRIEVED, EVERY MAN FOR HIS SONS AND FOR HIS DAUGHTERS** : but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

1Samuel 30:6

24. The Holy Spirit Is The Only One Who Can Redeem Your Soul Out Of All Trouble.

And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, **AS** **THE LORD LIVETH, WHO HATH REDEEMED MY SOUL OUT OF ALL ADVERSITY**.

2 Samuel 4:9

25. You Can Lose Your Soul And Your Soul Can Be Restored To You Again.

And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, **LET THIS CHILD'S SOUL COME INTO HIM AGAIN**. And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; **AND THE SOUL OF THE CHILD CAME INTO HIM AGAIN** , and he revived.

1Kings 17:21-22

26. Your Soul Can Be Weary Of Your Life.

**MY SOUL IS WEARY OF MY LIFE** ; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1

27. The Bitterness Of Your Soul Can Lead To Your Death.

**AND ANOTHER DIETH IN THE BITTERNESS OF HIS SOUL** , and never eateth with pleasure.

Job 21:25

28. Your Soul Can Be Wounded, Offended And Deeply Hurt.

Men groan from out of the city, **AND THE SOUL OF THE WOUNDED CRIETH OUT** : yet God layeth not folly to them.

Job 24:12

29. God Can Take Away The Soul Of Rich Men Who Forget God.

For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, **WHEN GOD TAKETH AWAY HIS SOUL?**

Job 27:8

30. It Is Only God Who Has The Power To Deliver The Souls Of Men From Hell Unto Eternal Life.

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; **HE WILL DELIVER HIS SOUL FROM GOING INTO THE PIT, AND HIS LIFE SHALL SEE THE LIGHT.** Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, **TO BRING BACK HIS SOUL FROM THE PIT** , to be enlightened with the light of the living.

Job 33:26-30

Your Soul can perish, your Soul can be destroyed, your Soul can be lost, your Soul can cause you to be disqualified for Salvation and Eternal life. It all depends on what you do with your Soul; the choices you make now whiles you are alive will determine where your Soul with your spirit will be in the afterlife.

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Chapter 2

How To Renew Your Soul

10 Practical Ways You Can Renew Your Soul

1. Change Your Thinking.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things.**

Philippians 4:8

2. Make The Choice Not To Conform To The Standards Of This World.

And **be not conformed to this world** : but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

3. Walk And Conduct Your Life As New Creation.

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, **even so we also should walk in newness of life.**

Romans 6:4

4. Develop New Spiritual Habits.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: **but yield yourselves unto God** , as those that are alive from the dead, **and your members** **as** **instruments of righteousness unto God**.

Romans 6:13

5. Decide Not To Allow Evil Desires To Control You.

**Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body** , that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Romans 6:12

6. Fill Yourself With Spiritual Songs.

**Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord**.

Ephesians 5:19

7. By Being In Church Services To Hear The Word of God.

**While Peter yet spake these words** , the Holy Ghost fell on all them **which heard the word**.

Acts 10:44

8. Change Your Friends And Join The Right Company.

Iron sharpeneth iron; **so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend**.

Proverbs 27:17

**My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not**.

Proverbs 1:10

9. Do Not Give Your Love And You Affection To Worldly Things.

**Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth**.

Colossians 3:2

**Love not the world, neither the things** **that are** **in the world**. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1John 2:15

10. Set Spiritual Goals And Pursue You Would Want To Achieve.

**One** **thing** **have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after** ; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: **but** **this** **one thing** **I do** , forgetting those things which are behind, and **reaching forth unto those things which are before** , **I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus**.

Philippians 3:13-14
Chapter 3

How To Strengthen Your Soul

Training Your Inner Man

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and **EXERCISE thyself** rather unto godliness (spirituality).

1Timothy 4:7

To "exercise" from the scriptural reference 1Timothy 4:7 is the Greek word "gumnazō" which means;

1. To train

2. To practice

The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the responsibility of exercising himself in spirituality and godly affairs was dependent on himself. Whether young Timothy was going to become a spiritual Christian, accomplish great things for God or do many wonderful exploits in the Kingdom of God was dependent on his level of spiritual exercise.

A Christian who is in the habit of exercising his Spirit daily receives strength in the inner man to be able to handle and overcome the pressures and influences of his Soul and Body.

To train is to;

1. To teach someone a particular skill

2. To educate in a particular direction

3. To aim at perfecting someone in a skill through various means

4. To discipline yourself or other in something

5. To be involved in a discipline to become or gain something

Every Christian must be trained in spiritual affairs. Remember it is your spirit that is new; the inner man must be taught and trained to cultivate new habits.

In the natural, babies, toddlers and children are trained in certain basic skills necessary for their development. Even in adulthood, one can be trained in acquiring different skills necessary in achieving perfection in different fields.

**Train up a child in the way he should go** : **and when he is old, he will not depart from it.**

Proverbs 22:6

When you train someone, the training is supposed to be a lifetime skill and development hence the Apostle Paul encourages the Ephesian church to train themselves in two major spiritual arrears.

1. To be strong in their personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To be strong in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, my brethren, (train your spirit to) **BE STRONG IN THE LORD, AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT** (the Holy Spirit).

Ephesians 6:10

Physical strength is of some importance but being spiritually strong is of utmost importance.

**For bodily exercise profiteth little** : **but godliness is profitable unto all things** , having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1Timothy 4:8

13 Effective Ways To Train Your Soul

1 **. By Reading And Understanding The Bible.**

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, CAUSED THE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE LAW: and THE PEOPLE STOOD IN THEIR PLACE. So **they read in the book in the law of God distinctly** , and **GAVE THE SENSE, and caused** **them** **to understand the reading**.

Nehemiah 8:7-8

The leaders brought establishment to the congregation and caused the souls of the people to behave in a particular was by the following methods;

a. By only reading only the Word of God to the congregation.

b. By causing the people to understand the Word of God.

c. By using various methods to cause the people to understand the readings.

d. They "gave the sense" of what they read. The term "gave the sense" is the Hebrew word "seh'-kel" which literally means they gave intelligent understanding and deeper insight to what they read from the Bible.

2. **By Making Conscious Effort To Thinking On The Right Things.**

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

3. **By Learning How To Become Fervent In Your Service To God.**

Not slothful in business; **FERVENT IN SPIRIT** ; serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11

As a Christian, to be fervent in spirit is to be described as;

• A hot Christian

• To be a Christian who is on fire for the Lord.

4. **By Learning To Serve The Lord With Zeal and Passion**.

But it is good to **BE ZEALOUSLY AFFECTED ALWAYS** in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Galatians 4:18

To be zealously affected is to be;

• To be full of zeal whiles serving the Lord.

• To allow yourself to be affected with the zeal of other strong Christians.

• To covet (earnestly) the zeal of other strong Christians to revive you.

• To have a strong desire to do good things for the Lord.

• To be moved with passion in serving the Lord.

5. **Learn To Develop A Deeper Spiritual Life.**

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

Psalm 42:7

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the best example of someone who developed a deeper Spiritual life right from the age of 12years. I believe we can follow after the examples of what Jesus did so that we too can develop a deeper spiritual life;

6. **By Training Yourself To Staying In Church And Being In Spiritual Environments For A Long Time.**

From the age of 12 years Jesus was willing to stay longer in church to learn, to know more, to understand and ask the pastors and teachers intelligent questions about God.

And it came to pass, **that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions**. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Luke 2:46-47

Jesus stayed in the temple for 3 day not bothering about food, where to sleep or the many things he had to do. He just decided to stay in the presence of God without consulting anybody or gaining the support of anyone else.

In our so called modern era, even parents are not willing to spend a little over 2 hours in church. Many are overly concerned about their time, their business and the so many other things that occupy them to the peril of their spiritual growth and development.

These days, it's almost impossible to get Christians to sit and even have a fruitful bible study for an hour not to even suggest 3 days or camp or retreat. Become like Jesus, let's follow His example to be willing to stay in church and develop a deeper Spiritual life.

You can attend all night meetings, camp meetings, conferences, and other programs aimed at teaching and expounding on the truths in the word of God.

You can also listen to and soak in preaching messages over and over and over again till you can actually preach and teach effectively that message. These are a few ways to develop a deeper spiritual life by staying in a spiritual atmosphere for a long time.

7. **By Being Actively Involved In The Father's Business.**

From the age of 12 years, Jesus Christ knew that God the Father had a job for him to do. He was able to understand that His life was a life of purpose; to be engaged in His Father's business.

And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? **Wist ye not that i must be about my father's business**?

Luke 2:49

We too can develop a deeper spiritual life by understanding that God who created us has a purpose for creating us. There is a greater purpose for our lives. Millions of Christians are oblivious of this truth. Many are just living their lives in ignorance, not knowing that there is a calling over their lives and a greater purpose for their lives.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Our Lord Jesus Christ knew that there was a purpose for His life even at the age of 12 years. You and I can also develop a deeper Christian life by getting ourselves in involved in the Father's business

What Is The Father's Business?

• Winning of the souls of men

• Building His church

• Being involved in the Work of God

The Father's business is rescuing the souls of men from destruction. It is the aim of our Heavenly Father that none should perish but that all should come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.

2 Peter 3:9

It is also the will of God and the current project the Lord is involved in now; the business of building His Church.

And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; AND THE GATES OF HADES SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.

Mathew 16:18

Jesus Christ is building His Church. The building of the church can be described as;

• The equipping, training and the development of ordinary Christians; for we are the church of Jesus Christ

• The conversion of souls and the gathering of Christians all over the world.

• The building of physical structures, buildings, auditoriums and places of worship where the people of God can gather to worship and serve the Father.

Now that you know and understand what the Father's business is, develop a deeper spiritual life by following the example set for us by Jesus Christ; join in the Father's business.

8. **By Learning To Walk In Obedience And In Submission To Our Leaders.**

Jesus Christ was obedient and subject to his earthly parents and caretakers, we can also be obedient to the Shepherds and pastors God has given us.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; AND HE WAS SUBJECT UNTO THEM.....

Luke 2:51

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Ephesians 6:1

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17

This is one of the several tests every growing Christian will undergo; the test of obedience and submission. Though Jesus Christ might have been filled with knowledge and wisdom, He was still subject and obedient to the caretakers God had given him.

Develop a deeper Christian life by relating to, subjecting yourself to and being obedient to the Spiritual Fathers and mothers God has given to you. It is for your own protection and benefit.

9. **By Increasing In The Wisdom of God And In The Wisdom of Men.**

And Jesus **advanced in wisdom** and stature, **and in favor with God and men**.

Luke 2:52

The word "wisdom" in the scripture above is the Greek word "Sophia" which means "spiritual wisdom".

The word "stature" in the above mentioned scripture is the Greek word "hēlikia" which means "maturity"; mental, physical and spiritual maturity.

We then understand that Jesus Christ developed a deeper spiritual life by increasing in spiritual wisdom, in spiritual maturity and doing things that would bring him favour with God and men.

• Get spiritual books that will increase your spiritual understanding on various subjects.

• Listen to preaching messages that will enhance your spiritual understanding and maturity.

• Study the word of God for yourself so that you will have deep roots in Christ causing you to become spiritually mature.

• Do things that will bring God's favour and the favour of men upon you.

10. **By Having A Relationship With The Holy Spirit.**

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, AND THE COMMUNION OF THE HOLY GHOST, be with you all. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The expression "communion of the Holy Spirit" means;

• The partnership of the Holy Spirit

• The participation of the Holy Spirit

• An interaction with the Holy Spirit

• The communication of the Holy Spirit

• The fellowship of the Holy Spirit

• The interaction of the Holy Spirit

• The contribution of the Holy Spirit

It is sad that to many Christians, the Holy Spirit is a mere theory and just a name that is part of the God head. When you have a genuine and a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, He becomes your partner and all the other meanings of what communion means. The Holy Spirit is a person who is and can be related with in so many different ways.

11. **By Learning To Overcome, Endure or Ignore Afflictions.**

**THAT NO MAN SHOULD BE MOVED** by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

1 Thessalonians 3:3

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, **UNMOVEABLE** , always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, **AND COULD NOT SHAKE IT** : for it was founded upon a rock

Luke 6:47-48

There are so many trials, troubles, afflictions, offenses, problems, difficulties and challenges that can shake the faith and stability of any Christian. These challenges are bound to happen to every Christian.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION.

2 Timothy 3:12

MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:19

Like my spiritual father Bishop Dag Heward-Mills says in his book "How You Can Become A Strong Christian", becoming a Christian does not exclude you from troubles , afflictions and the issues of this life.

Joining a church or becoming a member of a fellowship is not joining a group of angels, rather expect to be offended, expect many troubles and challenges as you decide to grow and develop a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul knew that bonds and afflictions awaited him in every city he was travelling to including Jerusalem only because he was a Christian, a preacher, and a servant of God.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying THAT BONDS AND AFFLICTIONS ABIDE ME. BUT NONE OF THESE THINGS MOVE ME, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:22-24

From today, decide to train yourself (the inner man) not to be moved by afflictions and challenging situations.

7 Practical Ways To Overcome Afflictions

i. Decide to abide and be planted in Jesus Christ no matter the adversary.

ii. Decide to abide and walking in love no matter what the challenges are.

iii. Decide to stay planted in the church or the fruitful ministry where God has placed you.

iv. Deal with offences immediately before they grow up to become bitterness in your heart which will destroy and eat you up.

v. Train yourself to always listen to the word of God which will strengthen you and build up your spirit.

vi. Train yourself to do what the word of God says you ought to do whether you agree with it or not.

vii. Always abound, go deeper and increase in your labour for the work of the Lord.

12. **By Following the Vision Of God For Your Life**.

Following the will of God for our lives should be something that every serious Christian should be eagerly concerned about. God may have other specific functions, duties and responsibilities for you to perform, hitherto your aim as a spiritual Christian must be to serve God. To serve God is to;

1. Become a servant of God.

2. Carry out a duty or a responsibility for God.

3. To work for God.

4. To act on behalf of God.

5. To be available for God's service.

6. To be engaged in the activities and services that God is engaged in.

7. To minister to God in various ways.

Hence, we understand that one of the ways to exercise our spirit (the inner man) is to train ourselves to discover the purpose of God for our lives and to actively serve God and His interest at all times.

It is not only the responsibility of a selected few Christians or the responsibility of priests in the church to serve God. Every believer is called to serve God all our life.

.....nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Luke 22:42

13. **By Becoming A Soldier Of Jesus Christ.**

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2 Timothy 2:4

Growing up as a Christian, I learnt from my father Bishop Dag Heward-Mills that there are 2 types of Christians and there are scriptures that apply to both categories of believers;

a. Everyday Christians or Civilian Christians

b. Christians who are considered as soldiers

A clear example of a scripture that apply to an everyday Christian husband or a Christian husband who is considered as civilian Christian is;

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:25

But for the Christian husband who is a Christian soldier or being trained to be a soldier for Christ has this scripture applying to him.

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:26

So we realise that the standards of enrolment to discipleship or to a higher level of spirituality is different for those who want to develop themselves to become soldiers for Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says to the Christian husband who wants to become a Christian soldier that he has to love and place his calling, his election and his enrolment to the office of a disciple first and foremost over and above the love of his wife, his father, mother, children, brethren, sisters and even his own life and comfort. These are different set of rules for the different types of Christians earlier mentioned.

8 Powerful Characteristics of A Christian Soldier

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2 Timothy 2:4

1. He understands that he is engaged in a spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6:12)

2. He frees himself from every worldly entanglement. (2Timothy2:4) e.g. debts, mortgages, desire to please others, the love for money, the pleasures of this world, the love for earthly riches, walking in deceit, etc.

3. His aim is to please Jesus Christ who has chosen and selected him to be a soldier. (2Timothy 2:4) (Mathew 25:21)

4. He learns how to fight and win wars from the spirit realm. (Ephesians 6:18)

5. He does not wage his fight against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). He knows the fight is against these 4 levels of demonic authority;

i. Principalities

ii. Powers

iii. Rulers of darkness of this world

iv. Spiritual wickedness in high places.

6. He is fully armed with all the various components of the Christian armour.

(Ephesians 6:13-18).

7. He is ready to pull down all the strong holds of the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

8. He is ready to walk in obedience as a soldier directed by the Holy Spirit and the word of God.

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:6
Chapter 4

How To Become A Spiritual Christian

The 4 Levels Of Spiritual Growth

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, **some fell by the way side** , and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. **And some fell on stony ground** , where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. **And some fell among thorns** , and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. **And other fell on good ground** , and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 4:3-8

1. Level 1 – Wayside Spirituality

2. Level 2 - Stony Ground Spirituality

3. Level 3- Thorny Spirituality

4. Level 4- Good Ground Spirituality

Level 1- Wayside Spirituality

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and UNDERSTANDETH IT NOT, **then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart**. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Mathew 13:19

This is an outstanding teaching from our Lord Jesus Christ. The art of sowing the seed of the Word of God is the art of feeding the spirit (the inner man). It is also considered as the art of becoming a spiritual Christian.

Now, remember that anyone who is born again is born of the Word of God. To be born again is to be born of the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, **by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.**

1 Peter 1:23

Hearing the Word of God and accepting Jesus Christ is the first step to your spiritual growth. God has also provided Pastors and Teachers in the body of Christ whose primary duty is to feed the children of God with knowledge and understanding.

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:15

Therefore the feeding ministry is the responsibility of the Pastor or the shepherd of the flock of God. Every pastor has to develop his feeding ministry.

Wayside spirituality can be described as the lowest type of spirituality where Christians who expose themselves to hearing the preaching or the teaching of the word of God do not understand it. Christians at this level of spiritual growth are the easiest to fall away because of their lack of understanding the ways of God.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and UNDERSTANDETH IT NOT, **then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart**. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Mathew 13:19

You must understand that every Christian starts their personal spiritual growth from this level and must be able to overcome the different obstacles at this level to progress to the next level of spiritual growth. Every honest and mature Christian will acknowledge that he or she starts from this lowest point of spirituality and gradually climbs up to the higher levels of spirituality.

It is the responsibility of the Pastor or the shepherd to make every new convert understand the reality of this growth process. Every new believer must be taught about the various levels and the obstacles they are likely to face at each level of their spiritual growth.

**For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth** : for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 2:7

5 Ways To Identify Christians At Level 1 Spirituality.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and UNDERSTANDETH IT NOT, **then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart**. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Mathew 13:19

That seeing they may see, and **not perceive** ; and hearing they may hear, and **not understand...**

Mark 4:12

1. Anyone who comes to church with the intention of hearing the Word of God.

2. Anyone who shows interest in listening to the Word of God.

3. Anyone who does not understand the Word of God being taught.

4 Anyone who does not understand the written Word of God.

5. Anyone who cannot perceive the wisdom in the Word of God.

7 Obstacles Likely To Face Christians At Level 1 Spirituality.

1. **Various Distractions.**

Christians at this level of spiritual growth are more like children; they are easily distracted especially when the Word of God is being taught. They have not developed the discipline required in being taught the Word of God without engaging with other activities.

Many at this level are actively with their phones, chatting with others nearby or even thinking about something totally unrelated to what is being taught. You can't keep sleeping with your boy- friend or girl-friend or continue to engage in activities that would distract you from Christ and still expect to grow spiritually. It doesn't work that way.

It is true that people have other things to do with their time but when it's time to receive the Word of God, all distractions must be put away.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21

2. **Communication Barrier.**

Understanding a subject comes about when communication is being engaged on common grounds. Misunderstandings often occur when what is being communicated is not clearly understood by those who are being communicated with. This usually could be as a result of the use of different dictions, grammar, or dialect.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

1Corinthians 2:1

For Christ sent me not to baptize, **but to preach the gospel** : **not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.**

1Corinthians 1:17

Apostle Paul was very careful when he mentioned that preaching the gospel must not be communicated with the "wisdom of words" or "excellency of speech" lest it loses its effectiveness. The term "wisdom of words" can be likened to "high diction", "high grammar" or communicating with words that are above what the simple person can understand.

3. **Lack of Understanding.**

Understanding is the ability to assimilate knowledge acquired. It is also the skill required to breakdown information received into practical everyday life thereby giving the recipient of that information broader spectrum of thinking and communication.

Christians who do not understand the Word of God is usually caused by two things;

a. **The type of Bible translation being used.**

I have encountered quite a number of people who cannot relate with or understand the King James Version of the Bible mostly because of the use the old English grammar.

I believe this obstacle can be over turned by obtaining newer versions of the Bible which has also not been compromised. Caution must be takes especially when recommending versions of the Holy Scriptures to Christian, many of these newer versions have been compromised.

Apostle Paul liked reading specific books and what he referred to as the "parchments" so much that he actually requested for it. I am sure; it was those specific books and parchments that gave him so much insight and understanding into the things of God. You should stick to particular Bibles that give you great spiritual insight.

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, **when thou comest, bring** **with thee** **, and the books,** **but** **especially the parchments.**

2Timothy 4:13

b. **Lack of meditation and further study of the scriptures.**

Understanding comes when one considers carefully what the Word of God practically means or what the Word of God is saying to him or her.

**Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things**.

2 Timothy 2:7

To consider is;

i. To spend time discovering the scriptures for yourself.

ii. To take interest in understanding what is being communicated.

iii. To use various tools to help you get a deeper meaning of what is being said.

Most Christians are not willing to invest the time, energy, resources and money needed to acquire the necessary tools to help them have a deeper understanding of the Word of God; hence the reason why many believers are shallow Christians. When you make efforts to understand the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help you.

c. **The absence of a Teaching Priest.**

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and **without a teaching priest** , and without law.

2Chronicles 15:3

Isn't it interesting to note the description of a particular type of priest called "a teaching priest"? Not all priests can be considered as "teaching priest". The ministry office of a teacher is a very important one.

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, **thirdly teachers** , after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets **?** **are** **all teachers?** Are all workers of miracles?

1Corinthians 12:28-29

The teaching priest is able to break down the Word of God in very simple and practical terms for every believer to clearly understand the message being delivered. A teaching priest is able to demystify all that seem to be mysterious in the Bible and is able to bring about an in-depth understanding of the things of God.

**Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine?** Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. **For precept** **must be** **upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little,** **and** **there a little**.

Isaiah 28:9-10

Philip the evangelist was also a teaching priest as demonstrated in Acts of the Apostles from his interaction with the Ethiopian Eunuch. Further on, Philip lead him to be born-again by preaching Jesus Christ to him starting from that same scripture the eunuch was reading.

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, **Understandest thou what thou readest?** And he said, **How can I, except some man should guide me**? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: in his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? **Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus**.

Acts 8:27-35

A church without a teaching priest means that the people will be excited when the word is preached but will lack the real transformation of their souls because they lack the practical understanding and implementation of the wisdom of the Word of God.

4. **Their Unwillingness To Let Go of Past Life To Embrace A New Life In Christ.**

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, **and went away grieved: for he had great possessions**.

Mark 10:21-22

Our Lord Jesus Christ doesn't lower the standards for anyone in the Kingdom of God. There is always a price to pay to move to the next level of spiritual growth. For this young man mentioned in the scripture above, great riches had him. For you, think of what will hold you back from obeying God.

This young man was interested in growing spiritually, he had actually believed and recognised Jesus Christ as the gateway to eternal life but yet wasn't willing to part with his some things so as to gain the next level of his spiritual life.

...but this one thing I do, **forgetting those things which are behind** , and reaching forth unto those things which are before...

Philippians 3:13

5. **The Love And Affection For Worldly Things.**

Marcus, Aristarchus, **Demas** , Lucas, my fellow labourers.

Philemon 1:24

For **Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world** , and is departed unto Thessalonica...

2Timothy 4:10

Brother Demas who was described as a fellow labourer together with Apostle Paul had totally abandoned Apostle Paul and his spiritual life and had travelled to Thessalonica only because he couldn't detach himself from his love for worldly things.

As you are reading this book, do you have one foot in Christ and the other in worldly things? If Demas, a servant of God abandoned his Christian faith to follow maybe a boy or a girl or something else in the world, then do not think you are too strong to resist the temptation.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1John 2:15

6. **The Lack Of Devotion And Commitment To The Things Of God.**

Then **they that gladly received his word** were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. **And they continued stedfastly** in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:41-42

From this illustration with the early church, we can understand how many ordinary Christians back then were able to grow and advance in their spiritual lives so quickly. The secrete was their continued steadfastness to;

i. The Teachings the Apostles taught them

ii. Attending fellowship meetings and church services

iii. Partaking in different church activities like "breaking of bread"

iv. Being part of Prayer meetings

If these activities were able to stabilize and transform new converts like Stephen, Philip and the others to grow in their spiritual development, then these same activities will strengthen any Christian at this level of spiritual growth.

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose **Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte (a convert) of Antioch** : Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. **And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.**

Acts 6:5-8

7. **Inability To Glean Practical Wisdom From The Word Of God.**

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is **profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness** : that the man of God **may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works**.

2Timothy 3:16-17

Many people listen to the Word of God, some even go further to read the Bible for themselves but cannot see how the scriptures can practically influence, affect or bring about the desired changes in their lives.

7 Ways You Can Benefit From The Bible

a. The Bible is the greatest motivational and inspiration tool for every Christian.

b. The Bible can teach you everything about life and godliness; it has practical teachings that concern every sphere of life.

c. The wisdom in the Bible when applied can reproof you; it can bring you convictions about different aspects of life.

d. The Bible can be used as a corrective tool for anyone. It can correct behaviours, attitudes, mind-sets, etc.

e. The wisdom from the Bible is also practical wisdom that can be used as an instruction manual to live a successful life on earth in gain acess to eternal life with God.

f. The wisdom gleaned from the Word of God can make you perfect in all aspects of life

g. The wisdom of the Bible is able to prepare you for the "good works" God has purposed for you to do.

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Level 2 – Stony Ground Spirituality

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; **who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.**

Mark 4:16-17

From the Wayside Spiritual level, we climb to the next level of spiritual development; the Stony Ground Spirituality- Level 2. Now Jesus Christ further-on describes this type of spirituality.

7 Ways To Identify Christians At Level 2- Stony Ground Spirituality

1. Christians who expose themselves to hearing the Word of God through preaching, teaching, bible study, devotionals, tapes, etc.

2. Christians whose immediate response to the Word of God is to receive it with gladness.

3. Christians who have no spiritual depth or root in themselves; no personal relationship with God.

4. Christians who are able to endure only for a short time.

5. Christians who have not been tested in their spiritual walk.

6. Christians who don't know how to respond to afflictions and persecutions.

7. Christians who fall off or decline in their spiritual development because of offenses.

This stage of spiritual growth is also a very crucial stage because this is the stage where a lot of believers backslide and some even abandon the Christian faith. This is the boat rocking stage of spiritual development.

At this level of spirituality, every Christian must be taught about the narrowness of the path that leads to eternal life and how only few people really make it at this stage.

Because **strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life** , **and few there be that find it.**

Mathew 7:14

This is the stage where believers ought to be taught how to be steadfast, how to be an unmovable Christian, the importance of walking in love and how not to be moved by afflictions, persecutions and offences. Many Christians cannot advance from this stage of spiritual development.

**That no man should be moved by these afflictions** : for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

1Thessalonians 3:3

7 Things That Cause Christians To Backslide At Level 2- Stony Ground Spirituality

1. **Having No Spiritual Roots And Having No Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ**.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. **If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.** If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 15:4-7

The source of every Christian's spiritual strength is his personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit and with the Word of God. Your bond to Jesus Christ is your safety and the assurance of you abiding in Christ. These deep connections are what we refer to as deep roots in the life of every Christian.

Every new convert and every believer must be taught how to develop deep roots. For further study on how to develop deep roots, please refer to the earlier chapters.

2. **Lack Of Endurance Causes A Christians To Backslide**.

Endurance is the ability to withstand pain, rejection, difficulties, challenges and various oppositions encountered. Endurance is the ability to experience and survive pain, hardships, and many difficulties. It can also be described as the ability to be tolerant and last long in any situation.

Our Lord Jesus Christ in describing Christians who are at this stage of spiritual development said these believers only "endure but for a time". This tells us that God expects every believer to develop the ability to last long and go through different experiences and still remain faithful and connected to God through Jesus Christ.

**When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee**.

Isaiah 43:2

My father Bishop Dag Heward- Mills is always declaring this statement "there are several rivers you must cross". The Prophet Isaiah from the scripture above also indicates the different situations a Christian will experience.

1. Situations described as "Waters" aimed to frighten you or weaken your faith.

2. Situations described as "Rivers" aimed at "drowning" you.

3. Situations described as "Fires" aimed at "burning and consuming" you.

I don't know what pressures or fires you are going through but God does not expect you to quit, give up or give in. It is part of our Christian walk to go through many experiences and our Heavenly father assures us of His presence with us even through all these difficult experiences.

**Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God**.

Acts 14:22

I remember several experiences that I have personally gone through, I think the most painful one was when my wife and I lost our baby on the mission field not forgetting many other enduring and painful experiences we have gone through.

It was a devastating experience which really tore me and brought me to my knees. I have never cried in my adult life like that but by the grace of God through the comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit we were able to go through that experience. If you haven't gone through any waters, rivers or fires expect them and deepen your roots in the Lord and I believe the Lord will strengthen you.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, LONGSUFFERING, gentleness, goodness, faith...

Galatians 5:22

Longsuffering is the Greek word "makrothumia" which can be translated as;

• Forbearance

• Fortitude

• Patience

Don't allow your experiences, challenges or difficulties to move you away from your relationship with Jesus Christ and your spiritual growth. Apostle Paul concludes his letters to the Galatian church by telling them about his own marks he bears in his body because of his quest to achieve a higher level of spirituality and obedience in Jesus Christ;

From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Galatians 6:17

3. **Afflictions Can Cause A Christian To Backslide.**

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when AFFLICTION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH FOR THE WORD'S SAKE, immediately they are offended.

Mark 4:17

It is amazing to note that an affliction also happens to Christians because of the effect the Word of God has on us. An affliction is the Greek word "thlipsis" which can be defined as;

• Pressures

• Anguish

• Burden

• Tribulation

• Troubles

• Persecutions

A Christian whose aim is to grow up spiritually will certainly be faced with a lot of pressures to conform to the standards of this world, to give up on Christ or to give in to the pleasures of this world.

And **be not conformed to this world** : but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

Christians and new converts must be taught about the reality of various types of afflictions that will happen. The knowledge of this truth with causes us to be mentally prepared to overcome each trial.

**There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man** : but God is faithful, **who will not allow you to be tempted above that ye are able** ; but will with the temptation also **make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear** **it**.

1Corinthians 10:13

4. **Persecutions Can Cause A Christian To Backslide**.

Persecution as a Christian talks about being intentionally afflicted because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and your stance for the will of God. To be persecuted is to suffer all sorts of wrong doings, accusations, slander, lies, troubles, envy, despisement, hatred, etc. just because of your faith, your beliefs and your stance for the will of God through Jesus Christ.

Remember the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord. **If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you** ; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

John 15:20

Being persecuted is part and parcel of our Christian life, so expect to be ill spoken of because of your faith, expect to be accused, expect to be regarded as a thief, expect to be hated and expect to experience all kinds of evils done to you. Because of such persecutions, Jesus Christ implores Christians to become wise as serpents.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: **be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves**.

Mathew 10:16

These persecutions may come in various forms and no one must be moved be swayed from Christ because of these persecutions, rather we must be wise and the best use of the time we have left to carry out the will of God.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Live and conduct your life as a wise Christian, don't expose yourself to obvious persecutions by misconduct or misuse of the gifts and grace of God upon your life.

All things are lawful for me, **but all things are not expedient** (necessary): all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not** (encourage other Christians).

1 Corinthians 10:23

As Christians, we have every right to live a successful and fruitful life, to show off all the blessings of God in our lives. This may not be necessary because overdoing this exposes the Christian to an onslaught of persecutions from the world and this also weakens the faith of immature and carnal Christians.

5. **Various Testing's Can Cause A Christian To Backslide.**

My brethren, count it all joy when ye **fall into divers temptations** (testing's); knowing this, that **the trying of your faith** worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:2-4

The Bible promises us that there will be a time of temptation for every Christian. There will be times that you will fall into various temptations as you embark on your spiritual journey. Be assured that similar to how gold is purified by fire, so various tests is aimed at purifying us as Christians.

7 Common Tests of Every Christian

i. The test to prove if you are serving God or mammon (the god of money).

ii. The test to prove whether you are rich towards God or you will be rich towards yourself.

iii. The test to prove whether you will use your gifts for God or for the world.

iv. The test of marriage.

v. The test of walking in obedience to the Word of God as a Christian.

vi. The test of faithfulness and loyalty.

vii. The test of your love for the Lord, whether you would serve God or not.

6. **Offences Can Cause A Christian To Backslide.**

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, **immediately they are offended**.

Mark 4:16-17

Many Christians are offended when the wisdom of the Word of God corrects their way of life, attitudes or a negative character. No one wants their lives to be under constant scrutiny and therefore when the word of God is delving deep into our secret and private lives, mostly our immediate response is rejection, offence, condemnation, judgement and putting up a wall of defence.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, **piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit** , **and of the joints and marrow** , and is a **discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart**.

Hebrews 4:12

Remember that the Word of God is able to perform certain tasks in our lives, it is able to;

1. Pierce through and address issues affecting the spirit and issues affecting the soul.

2. It is sharp sword able to cut through and separate "the joints and the marrows" of our lives and address issues.

3. It is able to address the different issues that people are thinking about.

4. The Bible is able to showcase the intentions of the hearts of people and address them.

A Christian, who is not willing to adhere to the teachings of the word of God, will truly be offended anytime the Word of God is being taught. Some Christians think they are wiser than God and chose to remain in Christ but do and conduct their lives, businesses, etc. in their own ways fit unto themselves.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and **lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes** : fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7

The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy, a pastor to reprove the behaviour of certain Christians, rebuke the actions of certain individuals and encourage others with all longsuffering and with teachings.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; **reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.**

2 Timothy 4:2

No one is too big to live by and conduct themselves as children of God in the wisdom of the word of God. From today decided that you will receive the rebukes, corrections teachings and corrections from the Word of God humbly and with a positive attitude. Decide that you will remain small in your own eyes, align and subject yourself and your decisions to the wisdom of the Word of God.

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Level 3 - Thorny Spirituality

And these are they which are sown among thorns; **such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.**

Mark 4:18-19

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, **when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection**.

Luke 8:14

12 Ways To Identify Christians At Level 3- Thorny Level Spirituality

1. Christians who are shallow hearers of the word of God.

2. Christians who are concerned about what this world cares about.

3. Christians who have the desire to become fruitful and profitable but are impeded and held back from progressing.

4. These are Christians who are so deep indebted to the world to the extent that they barley survive without the world.

5. Christians who are deceived that gain is godliness and whose heart is after money, riches and wealth rather than God.

6. Christians who have very strong desires for other things that are not evil per se but aren't helpful to their spiritual growth and development.

7. Christians who have a strong desire to enjoy the pleasures of this world.

8. Christians whose main aim is not to serve God but to be rich in this world.

9. Christians who cannot move from their current level of spirituality to the next level of their spiritual growth.

10. Christians who want to live their lives according to the standards of this world.

11. Christians who want to serve God and Money at the same time.

12. Christians who are held back because of their deep entanglements in this world.

A Christian cannot serve God and money at the same time.

**No man can serve two masters** : for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. **Ye cannot serve God and mammon**.

Mathew 6:24

At this level of spiritual growth and development, a Christian has to make an honest personal decision as to where his or her heart belongs. Every genuine Christian gets to this point of their spiritual development and has to make a clear and a genuine decision whether to follow after God and the things of God sincerely in your heart or to serve money and other things in the heart.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE; **whether the gods which your fathers served** that were on the other side of the flood, **or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell** : but as **for me and my house, we will serve the LORD**.

Joshua 24:15

Every genuine Christian has to make this choice in his or her heart. Many believers speak of their service to God but in their way of life and in their actions, God or anything to practically do with God is very far from their interest.

The Prophet Isaiah speaks of this occurrence and brings to light this reality.

Wherefore the Lord said, **forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me** , BUT HAVE REMOVED THEIR HEART FAR FROM ME, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.

Isaiah 29:13

This is the stage where many Christians backslide in their heart and in relation to their fervency and their love for God. It is at this stage that your love for God can grow cold or can grow hot. It is at this stage that your heart is tested whether you will walk in the perfect will of God for your life or you will follow your love for this world.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Mathew 24:12

7 Obstacles Likely To Face The Christians At The Level 3 Stage -Thorny Spirituality

1. Indecisiveness of the heart to truly serve God or to serve Money.

2. Being a shallow Christian in the understanding of the Word of God.

3. Not being detached from the cares this world.

4. Being deceived by the quest, vision and desire to obtain riches.

5. The love for the pleasures of this world.

6. The strong desire of other things that are not evil necessarily but also not the will of God.

7. Impediments to fruitfulness.

Level 4 – Good Ground Spirituality

But he that received seed into the good ground is **he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty**.

Mathew 13:23

And these are they which are sown on good ground; **such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.**

Mark 4:20

Remember, your level of spirituality is dependent on you; you are responsible for your own spiritual growth. I believe it is and should be the aim of every serious Christian to climb from the lowest level of spiritual growth- Level 1 to the highest spiritual growth- Level 4.

12 Ways To Identify Christians At Level 4- Good Ground Spirituality

1. These are Christians who expose themselves to listening to of the Word of God.

2. These are Christians who make every effort to understand the Word of God being taught.

3. These are Christians who use various materials such as devotionals, books, bible study, etc. to help them further understand the Word of God.

4. These Christians who not only hear the word but receive the Word of God being taught.

5. These are Christians who when they receive the Word of God, admit to the truth of the Word of God.

6. These are Christians who put aside their own ideas, feelings and way of thinking to accept the truth of the Word of God as final authority in their life.

7. These are Christians who delight themselves in being doers of the Word of God not just hearers.

8. These are Christians who as a result of hearing, understanding and receiving the Word of God involve themselves in activities that lead to bearing fruits.

9. These are Christians whose main aim is to bear fruits spiritually.

10. These are Christians whose depth of understanding of the Word of God leads them to produce results in their lives.

11. Christians who are able to overcome various challenges, hardships and the different temptations that is able to hinder them from bearing fruits to actually bearing excellent results.

12. Christians who produce different results according to their different levels of insights and understanding at Level 4 spirituality.

3 Excellent Outcomes of Christians At Level 4 – Good Ground Spirituality

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; **which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty**.

Mathew 13:23

a. Ability to produce 30% excellence because of the seed sown in them.

b. Ability to produce 60% excellence because of the seed sown in them.

c. Ability to produce 100% excellence because of the seed sown in them.

12 Reasons Why There Are Different Results Produced By Spiritual Christians

1. The differences in the hearing ability of Christians.

**A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels**.

Proverbs 1:5

i. One person hears and increases in learning whiles another hears to forget.

ii. One Christian hears, understands and listens to wise counsels whiles does otherwise.

2. The different levels at which Christians make themselves available to hear, to understand and to receive the word of God.

**My son, attend (make yourself available) to my words** ; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

Proverbs 4:20

i. Some Christians only make themselves available to hear for an hour every Sunday.

ii. Others are so filled with worldly ideas and thoughts so much that there is no place for the word of God in their lives.

3. The different levels at which Christians have understanding in the word of God.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and **understandeth it not** , then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.

Mathew 13:19

4. The different levels at which Christians received the Word of God.

**My son, if thou wilt receive my words** , and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 2:1

i. Some receive the Word of God half-heartedly.

ii. Others receive only certain portions of the Word of God.

iii. Others receive the Word of God with murmurings and criticisms.

5. The different levels at which Christians accept to walk in the truth of the Word of God.

**Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts (word) diligently**.

Psalm 119:4

6. The different levels at which Christians yield themselves to the Holy Spirit.

Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, **but yield yourselves unto the LORD** .....

2 Chronicles 30:8

7. The different levels at which Christians are willing to engage themselves in activities that brings about fruitfulness.

..... **that he might know how much every man had gained by trading**.

Luke 19:15

8. The different levels at which Christians are willing to allow themselves to be pruned.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: **and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit**.

John 15:2

9. Mediocrity.

Mediocrity is belittling one's self, second- rating and looking down on one's self which adversely affects a person's ability to produce excellent results. Many who suffer from mediocrity could have achieved more and excellent results but are impeded from doing so by their lack of self-belief.

And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. **And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.**

2 Kings 13:18-19

10. Lack of diligence.

Diligence is the relentless effort to achieve excellence in any given task. Thus diligence is able to make a Christian to achieve outstanding results.

**Seest thou a man diligent in his business**? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 22:29

11. Lack of faithfulness.

Faithfulness is the ability to stay loyal, trustworthy and committed to the task, duty or responsibility given you.

**A faithful man shall abound with blessings** : but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 28:20

12. Inability to follow the voice of God at each level of spiritual growth.

And it shall come to pass **, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day,** that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth

Deuteronomy 28:1

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Chapter 5
Your Soul Is Your Responsibility

Heaven Or Hell- Where Will Your Soul Be?

Our Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples about a true story which teaches us about the reality of Heaven and Hell and how the soul of man can be condemned to Hell or be saved into eternal life.

One interesting factor about this parable which is different from all the other parables is that; in this parable Jesus Christ makes mention of a specific name of person in this parable, who he was and the kind of people he interacted with. This further-on reassures us about the truth of this parable.

There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell HE lift up HIS EYES, BEING IN TORMENTS, AND SEETH Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And HE CRIED and SAID, Father Abraham, have mercy on ME, and send Lazarus, that HE may dip THE TIP OF HIS FINGER in water, and COOL MY TONGUE; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, REMEMBER THAT thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and THOU ART TORMENTED. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. THEN HE SAID, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. AND HE SAID, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Luke 16:19-31

14 Descriptions of the Soul In Hell.

1. After life on earth, your soul is carried by either angels or demons to either Heaven or Hell.

2. In Hell your soul will be in everlasting pain and anguish.

3. In Heaven your soul will be in everlasting joy.

4. In Hell, you will have all your senses working.

5. In Hell you will cry because your soul will be in torment.

6. In Hell you have your sense of communication working, you can speak.

7. In Hell, you cannot negotiate your way out no matter how rich you were on earth.

8. In Hell there will be no mercy on your soul.

9. In Hell your power or authority to dominate, rule or send people around is taken from you.

10. In Hell your soul will thirst for a drop of water from the tip of a finger.

11. In Hell your tongue will not be cool, it will extremely hot.

12. In Hell, you will be tormented with flames of fire.

13. In Heaven, you are comforted, in Hell you are tormented.

14. In Hell, you are completely cut off from life and communication on earth.

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Chapter 6

The Instruments of Real Change

**A New heart** also will I give you, and **a new Spirit will I put within you** : and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. **And I will put my Spirit within you** , and **cause you (the soul) to walk in my statutes** , and ye **shall keep my judgments, and do** **them**.

Ezekiel 36:26-27

Remember that once you are born-again, once you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Lord, you receive two things;

1. A New Spirit

2. An ability to transform your Soul

The Soul is the centre of all human emotions, attitudes, intellect, etc. The Soul of an individual can be renewed and made to walk in the new life of a Christian being pleasing unto God; keeping and practicing the Word of God.

This transformation of the Soul is accomplished by the use of two main instruments of change;

1. The Power of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Word of God.

These are the main instruments that bring about a real change and transformation in the life of any person who is yielded to God. You will be changed into another person by the Spirit of God who lives inside you if you are a genuine Christian.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, **he is** **a new creature** : old things are passed away; **behold all things are become new.**

2Corinthians 5:17

There are millions of examples of individuals who were completely changed by the Holy Spirit of God.

King Saul of ancient history was an ordinary young Israeli from the tribe of Benjamine who was completely changed when he had an encounter with the Spirit of God through the prophet Samuel.

And the Spirit of the LORD **will come upon thee** , and thou shalt prophesy with them, and **shalt be turned into another man**. And it came to pass, when all that knew him before-time saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, **What** **is** **this** **that** **is come unto the son of Kish?** **Is** **Saul also among the prophets?**

1Samuel 10:6, 11

The Apostle Paul, once a murderer and a person who's main agenda was to harm and cause injuries to other people also testified of this amazing grace.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: **and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God** , who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

According to **the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust**. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, **who hath enabled me** , for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. **Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious** : but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1Timothy 1:11-14

If there is no real change in the life of a truly born-again Christian, then it's as a result of five things just to mention a few;

1. Absence of a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

2. Resistance to the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit.

3. Lack of understanding of the Word of God.

4. Unwillingness to be separated from Sin and the love of the World.

5. An unwilling heart and a disobedient heart.
Chapter 7

What Is Your Vision As Christian?

You Must Have A Vision To Become Like Jesus Christ

One of the aims of Salvation in Christ Jesus is the supernatural ability of every Christian to become like Jesus Christ. It is the will of God for you to become like Jesus Christ.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate **to be** **conformed to the image of His Son** , that He might **be the firstborn among many brethren**.

Romans 8:29

The question then is, "How could sinful men like you and I ever be transformed to become like the sinless Son of God?" This transformation is possible only by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside every truly born-again Christian.

Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; **for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.**

John 14:17

How then is the Holy Spirit going to help you and me to become like Jesus Christ? The scripture below tells us that the Holy Spirit living inside every Christian gives us "power" to change.

BUT YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, after that the Holy Ghost **is come upon you** ....

Acts 1:8

The word "power" in this scripture is the Greek word "dumanis" which is translated as;

• Inherent power

• Strength from within

• Miraculous power

• Ability

• Force

There is a power that is at work in you as a Christian and it is your responsibility to nurture that grace and the power of God that is at work in you. This is the same power that can transform you and me to gradually to become like Jesus Christ.

This is the glorious hope we have as Christians; the opportunity to be continuously changed and become better people by the help of the Holy Spirit. This is the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives every genuine Christian the hope of a glorious life here on earth and eternal life after life on earth.

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY.

Colossians 1:27

It is therefore the responsibility of every Christian to get to know the Holy Spirit personally and feed his spirit (the inner man) with the Word of God.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, WHICH IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Acts 20:32

We must yield ourselves continuously to the Holy Spirit by fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us (the inner man) the strength, the will and the ability to control the desires and actions of the soul and body.

**For it is God** (the Holy Spirit) **which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.**

Philippians 2:13

Jesus Christ the Ultimate Example for Every Believer to Follow

It is and must be the most appropriate vision for every Christian to become like Jesus Christ. It's your decision to make, our Heavenly Father has given us the power of choice, to make and take decisions on our own; to decide whether to serve Him or not, to choose the life with God or death with the devil.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Deuteronomy 30:19

As a Christian, you must decide to allow your character, your attitude and your entire human personality; your soul to be transformed and changed into the image of Jesus Christ. It is possible and that is why the scripture below emphasises on the phrase "are changed into". It is an on-going process of transformation and every Christian must be aware of this reality.

But we all (Christians), with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, **are (being) changed into the same image** from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18

We as Christians must desire to be like Jesus and we must follow servants or ministers of Christ who also have the same aim to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ himself.

**Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith** ; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

The Apostle Paul admonished the believers to follow him only as he followed Jesus Christ and this must be the aim and goal of every true minister and servant of God.

**Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ**.

1Corinthians 11:1

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Chapter 8

How The Holy Spirit Can Transform Your Soul

1. Yield Yourself Daily unto God.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: **but yield yourselves unto God** , as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Romans 6:13

To yield is the Greek word "paristano" which means;

a. Give presently to something

b. Bring something before someone

c. Provide something in the present

d. Allow yourself to be influenced by something

You cannot be a good Christian without the Holy Spirit, this I have heard several times from my father in ministry, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. The Holy Spirit of God is the greatest person a Christian can know and yield himself to.

It is therefore the responsibility of the Christian to keep himself saved and alive unto God by the power of the Holy Spirit through a daily fellowship with the Spirit of God.

**Now unto Him** (the Holy Spirit) that **is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence** of his glory with exceeding joy.

Jude 1:24

Secondly, it should also be the aim of the Christian to get to know the Holy Spirit personally and to allow the Holy Spirit to fill and influence his or her soul.

**That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection (the Holy Spirit),** and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.

Philippians 3:10

Once you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit, He strengthens your Spirit (the inner man) and gives you the ability to control your Soul. A Christian can control his or her soul only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

**I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me**.

Philippians 4:13

5 Practical Ways You Can Yield Yourself Unto God

i. Become a Christian who reads to the Word of God every day.

Till I come, **give attendance to reading** , to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Timothy 4:13

ii. Become a Christian who listens to the Word of God every day.

Therefore whosoever **heareth these sayings of mine** , and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Mathew 7:24

iii. Become a Christian who practices the Word of God.

But be ye **doers of the word, and not hearers only** , deceiving your own selves.

James 1:22

iv. Become a Christian who meditates and understands the Word of God.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; **but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,** that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

v. Become a Christian who is sensitive to the daily guidance of Holy Spirit in your life.

And the LORD **shall guide thee continually** , and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Isaiah 58:11

We have to grow up to know the Holy Spirit, who He is and how He operates. For one to become sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we have to perceive His presence, we have to understand His word, we have to see what He's doing, and we have to listen to Him when He speaks to us and we have to remember who He is and how He operates as Jesus Christ taught us.

2. Yield The Members of Your Body As Instruments of Righteousness unto God.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but **yield** yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and **your members** **as** **instruments of righteousness unto God.**

Romans 6:13

The word "members" is the Greek word "melos" which is interpreted as "the parts of the human body". By scriptural interpretation, every Christian has the responsibility to submit the different aspects of his humanity to the will of God.

What the Word of God is teaching every Christian is that we must surrender all the different faculties of the expressions of our Souls to the righteousness of God. We must yield our eyes, our hears, our mouths, our minds, our hands, our legs, our sexual organs, and every aspect of our human being.

As a Christian you must surrender your mind and your thoughts to think on the right things.

Finally, brethren, **whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things** **are** **honest, whatsoever things** **are** **just, whatsoever things** **are** **pure, whatsoever things** **are** **lovely, whatsoever things** **are** **of good report** ; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things.**

Philippians 4:8

3. Be Being Filled With The Holy Spirit Every day.

.....but **be being** (continuously) **filled with the Spirit** ;

Ephesians 5:18

I want every reader to understand that getting to know the Holy Spirit personally is not optional for the Christian. Without the Holy Spirit a Christian cannot do anything; you cannot be effective as a Christian or be able to live a successful Christian life.

This statement is confirmed in Acts Chapter 19 where the Apostle Paul meets certain disciples and diligently enquired of them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed?

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: **and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, have you received the holy ghost since you believed**? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. **and when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied**. And all the men were about twelve.

Acts 19:1-7

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you receive power and the inherent ability to do so many things including the ability to control your desires, feelings, emotions and every exhibitions of your soul.

**For as many as are led by the Spirit of God** , they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:14

Transforming your Soul by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you proves that you are really born-again. Can you be controlled by the Word of God? Or you would rather choose to put the Word of God aside and ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit to do whatever you like.

12 Practical Ways You Can Be Continuously Filled With the Holy Spirit

A. By speaking and confessing the revealed Word of God daily.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; **speaking to yourselves in psalms** and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:18-21

B. By listening to spiritual songs and anointed Christian music.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and **hymns and spiritual songs,** singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:18-21

C. By singing with your understanding and making melody in your heart to the Lord Jesus.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, **singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord** ; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:18-21

D. By always being grateful and thankful unto God for all things whether big or small.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; **giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father** in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:18-21

E. By submitting to one another because of the Fear of God.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; **Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God**.

Ephesians 5:18-21

F. By praying in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues often.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, **praying in the Holy Ghost** , Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:20-21

G. By keeping ourselves always in the love of God.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, **Keep yourselves in the love of God** , looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:20-21

H. By listening to preaching messages and anointed sermons.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: **the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.**

John 6:63

**And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me** , and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

Ezekiel 2:2

While Peter yet spake these words, **the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.**

Acts 10:44

I. By consciously waiting upon the Lord.

But they that **wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength (soul)** ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

There are so many ways to wait on the Lord.

i. You can go to a park all by yourself and spend time with the Lord there.

ii. You can also be in your room at home and there, you can have a quality time with the Lord.

iii. You can go on a retreat by yourself.

iv. You can set aside time to fast and pray.

v. You can wait on the Lord through your quiet time

vi. You can wait on the Lord by watching anointed preaching videos, etc.

J. By receiving the laying on of Hands of an anointed minister of God.

And **when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them** ; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 19:6

And Joshua the son of Nun **was full of the Spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him** : and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Deuteronomy 34:9

K. You can be filled with the Holy Spirit through spending time in prayer often.

And **when they had prayed** , the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and **they were all filled with the Holy Ghost** , and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:31

L. By being obedient to the Word of God; not having your own opinion.

**He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them** , he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, **and will manifest myself to him**.

John 14:21

Two practical ways to express your love for the lord Jesus Christ;

i. Be filled with the Word of God; allow the word of God to dwell in you richly.

Let the **word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom** ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

ii. Being a doer and a practitioner of the Word of God.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

James 1:22

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4. By Fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit Every-day.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and **the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all**. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The Holy Spirit is a person with whom we can fellowship with, the word communion from the scripture reference above is the Greek word "koinonia" which is translated as;

i. Partnership

ii. Participation

iii. Sharing together

iv. Contribution

v. Fellowship

vii. Interaction

viii. Relationship

viii. Communication

7 Practical Ways Your Soul Can Fellowship with The Holy Spirit

1. Through Praying and Singing with our understanding.

Prayer is fellowshipping with God our heavenly father and as Christians, we can fellowship with our spirit (the inner man) and we can also fellowship with our soul (our understanding). Fellowshipping with our understanding can be done in two ways;

• Praying to God with a language you understand.

• Singing to God through a language you understand.

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, **and I will pray with the understanding** also: I will sing with the spirit, and **I will sing with the understanding** also.

1 Corinthians 14:15

Instead of making your soul happy by getting drunk as most people do, as a Christian the alternative is speak to yourself in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs and make melodies in your hearts unto the Lord.

And **be not drunk with wine** , wherein is excess; **but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord**.

Ephesians 5:18-19

2. Delighting yourself in the Lord.

**Delight thyself (your soul)** also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 37:4

Then **shalt thou delight thyself (your soul) in the LORD** ; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth...

Isaiah 58:14

Delight yourself in the Lord means do what makes you happy in the Lord. The question then is what makes you happy in the Lord?

Will it be going to church often, or spending time with other Christian friends and families? Could it be spending time alone with God, or reading Christian novels and literature? Whatever makes you happy in the Lord and brings you into a better relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is a delight and you must constantly engage yourself it such activities.

Simply put; make yourself happy in the Lord! As you do that, you allow your soul to engage and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. There are several benefits of making yourself happy in the Lord;

• The desires of your hear will be met

• The Lord is able to cause you to be in the high places of the earth

• The Lord is able to feed you with prosperity and fruitfulness

• You experience God is a more personal way

3. By doing whatsoever The Holy Spirit tells you to do.

As human beings, we have the power of choice to do or not to do. As the word of God promises us, there are great rewards in obedience and choosing to do what God has told you to do.

Remember, we can train ourselves to obey or disobey God that ability is from the soul, and that is why we will account to God for the actions and decisions of our soul. By training ourselves to doing the will and the word of God, we are also choosing to walk and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

This I say then, **(train yourself to) walk in the Spirit** , and ye(your soul) shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh(body).

Galatians 5:16

The blessing is in the doing and putting to practice what God tells us to do, not just hearing Him speak.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, **but a doer of the work** , this man shall be blessed in his deed.

James 1:25

4. By meditating on the Word of God.

The law of the LORD is perfect, CONVERTING THE SOUL: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 19:7

By spending time with the word of God and exposing ourselves to the preaching and teaching of the word of God, our soul is converted and changed gradually into the image of Christ. We need to fellowship with the Holy Spirit so He can help us understand the word of God better so as to convert and change our souls.

5. By learning to speak the truth in your heart.

LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, **and speaketh the truth in his heart**.

Psalm 15:1-2

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, **a lying tongue** , and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16-19

**But speaking the truth in love** , may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Ephesians 4:15

All these scriptures above have one thing in common; the importance of speaking the truth. Who can fellowship or have a relationship with the Holy Spirit; he that walks uprightly so also speaks the truth in his heart.

This is an area that we all struggle with; being sincere, honest and able to live a life of truth. Many of us try and many of us do fail in our effort to live a life of sincerity.

As the scripture in Proverbs 6:16-19 states, the Lord hates dishonesty, a lying tongue and a false witness who speaks lies. This is a serious matter and we as Christians must be conscious of this reality if we are to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Truth.

We must learn to walk in truth and speak the truth in love being conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit who is with us and who lives in us. Remember, our Lord Jesus Christ states emphatically that Satan is the father of lies and anyone who walks in dishonestly and speaks lies has the devil as his father.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, **and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him**. When he **speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.**

John 8:44

Remember, the ability and willingness to speaking the truth is the choice that the soul of a person makes. It's your responsibility to either speak the truth or not and the repercussions is that you can lose your salvation because of your choice to walk in dishonesty and lies.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, **and all liars** , shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelations 21:8

6. By living a righteous and holy life.

LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, **and worketh righteousness** , and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Psalm 15:1-2

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, **Be ye holy; for I am holy**.

1 Peter 1:15-16

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, **and having on the breastplate of righteousness.**

Ephesians 6:14

Righteousness and Holiness is a defence for the Christian, righteousness is living a life that is pleasing to God. Righteousness can be described as the expression of your love for God. When you love someone, you would want to do things that please the person, if we say we love God then we must relate with Him by living a life to please Him. We must show by our way of life that God really lives in us and that we are truly born again.

**Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them**.

Mathew 7:20

7. By walking in Love, being patient and having understanding towards one another.

**And walk in love** , as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.

Ephesians 5:2

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. **And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and** **all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains** , **but have not love, I am nothing**. **And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing**. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; Rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8:13 (American Standard Version)

Love, the God-kind of love is the greatest ability and give the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon every Christian. Because we have received a new heart and a new spirit which has the ability to walk in the fullness of love, we have to allow ourselves to actually demonstrate and walk in love as the scriptures indicate.

Walking in love means walking with God, for God the Holy Spirit is love and we as children of God, must learn and practice to walk in love. This demonstrates that we are really born again and have a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Beloved, **let us love one another** : for love is of God; and **every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God**. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1 John 4:7-8

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Chapter 9

16 Characteristics of A Dead Soul

Because that, when **they knew God** , **they glorified** **him** **not as God, neither were thankful** ; **but became vain in their imaginations** , and **their foolish heart was darkened**. Professing themselves to be wise, **they became fools** , And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore **God also gave them up to uncleanness** through the lusts of their own hearts, **to dishonour** their own bodies between themselves: **Who changed the truth of God into a lie** , and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause **God gave them up unto vile affections** : for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as **they did not like to retain God in** **their** **knowledge** , **God gave them over to a reprobate mind** , **to do those things which are not convenient** ; **Being filled with all unrighteousness** , fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, **haters of God** , **despiteful,** **proud, boasters, inventors of evil things** , disobedient to parents, **Without understanding** , covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: **Who knowing the judgment of God** , that **they which commit such things are worthy of death** , not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 1:21-32

This is where a lot of Christians have lost it. Many Christians have allowed their minds and their intellect to be heavenly influenced by the demonic ideas of this world contrary to the doctrines of Christ and the teachings of the Word of God.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times **some shall depart from the faith,** **giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils** ; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; **having their conscience seared with a hot iron** ; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1Timothy 4:1-3

Many Christians have not controlled what they feed their minds with. As a Christian you must be very cautious and very particular as to what you read and the ideas you expose yourself to. Some of these superfluous ideas may even sound godly and wise but they are doctrines of devils and traps of the enemy.

As a Christian, you must yield your mind to the righteousness of God for your own safety, for the preservation of your Soul and for the sake of those who listen to you. A Christian who does not yield his mind only to the righteousness of God but allows all kinds of ideologies, philosophies and strange ideas to sink deep down into his heart will have these results.

16 Characteristics Of A Dead Soul

1. The Conscience of a dead Soul is not yielded unto God and is insensitive to the voice, the leadership and the direction of the Holy Spirit.

....having **their conscience seared with a hot iron.**

1Timothy 4:2

2. A dead Soul does not acknowledge the glory of God neither is it grateful to God.

..... **they glorified** **him** **not as God, neither were thankful** .....

Romans 1:21

3. The Imaginations of a dead Soul becomes vain, immoral and leads to uselessness.

....but **became vain in their imaginations**

Romans 1:21

4. The mind-set of a dead Soul only turns unto foolish things, foolish ideas and foolish practices.

Professing them-selves to be wise, **they became fools**.

Romans 1:22

5. The dead Soul becomes foolish and darkened.

.... **and their foolish heart was darkened**

Romans 1:21

6. God gives up on such people to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts.

Wherefore **God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts**

Romans 1:24

7. God gives up people who are unwilling to yield Souls unto Him to do dishonourable things.

....to dishonour their own bodies...

Romans 1:24

8. Dead minds are given unto vile affections or improper affections.

For this cause **God gave them up unto vile affections** ...

Romans 1:26

9. Such unyielding minds make the Soul reprobate, worthless, rejected and disapproved before God.

**God gave them over to a reprobate mind** .....

Romans 1:28

10. Such minds cause the Soul to do things which are not convenient.

.... **to do those things which are not convenient.**

Romans 1:28

11. An unyielded mind fills the Soul with all forms of unrighteousness.

Being **filled with all unrighteousness** ...

Romans 1:29

12. A dead Soul is not yielded to God and causes a person to become hater of God.

Backbiters, **haters of God** ....

Romans 1:30

13. An unyielded mind causes a person to become proud and despiteful.

....haters of God, **despiteful, proud** ....

Romans 1:30

14. A dead Soul becomes an inventor of evil things.

....inventors of evil things...

Romans 1:30

15. A dead Soul does not want to retain God in their knowledge.

And even as they **did not like to retain God in** **their** **knowledge** ....

Romans 1:28

16. A person with an unyielded mind will face the judgment of God.

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death.

Romans 1:32

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Chapter 10

25 Things God Requires Of You As A Christian

Have you ever wondered or asked yourself "what exactly does God require of me?", "what does God want me to do in this life?" or better still "what is the purpose of God for my life?"

I have often asked myself these and many similar questions. If you have ever asked yourself these questions or similar questions, then be rest assured that you are not alone. Interestingly enough, the answers to these and many more questions are clearly outlined in the Holy Scriptures.

**He hath showed thee** , O man, **what** **is** **good; and what doth the LORD require of thee** , but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

### 25 Practical Things That God Requires From You As A Christian!

1. To do what is right and just in the sight of God.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, **but to do justly** , and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

2. To love mercy by being a merciful person.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, **and to love mercy** , and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

3. To walk humbly with your God.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; **and what doth the LORD require of thee** , but to do justly, and to love mercy, **and to walk humbly with thy God**?

Micah 6:8

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, **God resisteth the proud** , but giveth grace unto the humble.

James 4:6

4. To serve God with your whole life.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, THAT THEY MAY SERVE ME.

Exodus 8:1

5. To love God with all your heart (the center of your being).

And Jesus answered him, **the first of all the commandments** **is** , Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt **love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength** : this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:29-30

6. To love God with all your Soul.

And Jesus answered him, **the first of all the commandments** **is** , Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt **love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength** : this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:29-30

7. To love God with all your mind (your intelligence).

And Jesus answered him, **the first of all the commandments** **is** , Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt **love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength** : this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:29-30

8. To love God with all your strength.

And Jesus answered him, **the first of all the commandments** **is** , Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt **love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength** : this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:29-30

9. To be a careful listener of the voice of God and to do what will of God.

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt **hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD** thy God, **to observe** **and** **to do** all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.

Deuteronomy 28:1

10. To serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness heart.

Because thou servedst not the **LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart** , for the abundance of all things.....

Deuteronomy 28:47

11. To become a willing and an obedient Christian to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

If ye **be willing and obedient** , ye shall eat the good of the land.

Isaiah 1:19

12. To fulfil the Will of God for your life.

Not every-one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; **but he that doeth the will of my Father** which is in heaven.

Mathew 7:21

13. To seek FIRST the Kingdom of God; make the Kingdom of God your first vision.

But **seek ye first** the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mathew 6:33

14. To arise and build the temple of our God.

Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore **we his servants will arise and build** ..................And they said, Let us **rise up and build**. **So they strengthened their hands for** **this** **good** **work** **.**

Nehemiah 2:21; 20

15. To learn how to walk in forgiveness.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:26

16. To be separated from the world and the love of this world.

Wherefore **come out from among them** , **and be ye separate** , saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

2Corinthians 6:17

**Love not the world, neither the things** **that are** **in the world**. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1John 2:15

17. To let the Word of God dwell in you richly; in all its wisdom.

**Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom** ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

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18. To purge yourself from your old ways to become a vessel God can use.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. **If a man therefore purge himself** from these, **he shall be a vessel unto honour** , sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and **prepared unto every good work**.

2 Timothy 2:20-21

19. To become a qualified Christian Worker in the sight of God through studies.

**Study** to **show thyself approved unto God** , **a workman** that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Timothy 2:15

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, **and the books,** **but** **especially the parchments.**

2 Timothy 4:13

20. To become a good and faithful Christian.

His Lord said unto him, **Well done,** **thou** **good and faithful servant** : thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:21

21. To give yourself wholly to the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

**Go ye therefore, and teach all nations** , baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; **Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you** : and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mathew 28:19-20

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. **He saith unto him, Feed my lambs**. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. **He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.**

John 21:15-16

Meditate upon these things; **give thyself wholly to them** ; that thy profiting may appear to all.

1Timothy 4:15

22. To become a good example of a Christian.

Let no man despise thy youth; **but be thou an example of the believers** , in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1Timothy 4:12

23. To be fervent and full of zeal whiles serving the Lord.

Not slothful in business; **fervent in spirit; serving the Lord**.

Romans 12:11

But **it is** **good to be zealously affected always** in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Galatians 4:18

24. To be a faithful Christian even unto death.

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: **be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.**

Revelations 2:10

25. Build up treasurers for yourself in Heaven.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: **But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven** , where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Mathew 6:19-21

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### Section 3

### CONSTRAINING YOUR BODY
Chapter 1

Your Body Is Still The Same When You Are Born Again;

### You Must Learn To Control It!

God the creator of the universe and the creator of all things created every living creature and gave to it its own body so it can live, function and be able to survive on earth; its natural habitat. As discussed in the earlier chapters, Man is a Spirit; he has a Soul and lives in a Body given to him by God. When you become a born again Christian, your Spirit is anew, you Soul is to be renewed into the image of Jesus Christ but your Body remains the same.

This is a clear understanding that every Christian must have! God created the earth which is the natural habitat for man and all living things, and to live and function on earth, every living creature needs an earthly body as indicated by the Scriptures.

....there is **a natural body** , and there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:44

**As** **is** **the earthy, such** **are** **they (mankind) also that are earthy** : and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

1Corinthians 15:48

Our human body is also referred to as;

1. A natural body

2. An earthly body

This natural body must to be controlled just the same way as the natural things on earth are to be controlled. A controlled and well maintained soccer field is very different from an uncontrolled and an unmaintained soccer field though they are all considered as soccer fields.

A Christian who has learnt how to maintain and control his natural body is very different from a Christian who hasn't.

But **I keep under my body, and bring** **it** **into subjection** : lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1Corinthians 9:27

It is interesting to note that the Apostle Paul understood this earthly reality: that no matter how anointed he was or no matter how strong his spirit was, he still needed to;

1. Keep his body under

2. Bring his body into subjection.

These are very strong adjectives describing what the Apostle Paul intended to do to his natural body. Most Christians refuse to accept this reality that our natural body needs to be put under a strong leash.

You are responsible for the actions and activities of your natural body; how it behaves and what it does! You cannot blame God or the devil for the activities of your natural body. This is why it is so crucial for every Christian to understand how this natural body functions.

Understanding your body is for the safety of your own Soul. Apostle Paul further on acknowledges in his letters to the Romans that there was no good thing his flesh had to offer him if his aim was to accomplish the good things God had purposed for him to do.

**For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing** : for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 7:18

As a Christian, if you allow your body to do whatever it likes, you would be very surprised how your body would lead you to fall totally from the grace of God.

### 10 Major Things That Will Happen To You When You Don't Control Your Body As A Christian.

1. You Can Easily Fall From Grace Of God.

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, **if they shall fall away** , to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 6:4 -6

2. It Will Nearly Be Impossible For You To Be Saved Again Once You Fall Away.

**For** **it is** **impossible** for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, **if they shall fall away** , **to renew them again unto repentance** ; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 6:4 -6

The word "impossible" as used in the scripture above is the Greek word "adunatos" which is literally translated as;

i. Weakly possible

ii. Nearly impossible

iii. Passively impossible

3. You Become A Christian Who Is Cast Away And Rejected By God.

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, **I myself should be a castaway**.

1Corinthians 9:27

The phrase "castaway" is the Greek word "adokimos" which is translated as;

i. Unapproved

ii. Rejected

iii. Worthless

iv. Reprobate

v. Of no use

4. God Will Allow You To Meet Your Untimely Death So That Your Spirit Will Be Saved.

It is reported commonly that there is fornication (premarital sex) among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1Corinthians 5:1-5

Upon further study, the phrase "the destruction" as used in the Scripture above is the Greek word "olethros" which denotes "punishment by death". If that is the only way to save your Soul from Hell, then God will allow you to meet your untimely death if you cannot control your appetite for premarital sex as a Christian.

5. You Can Lose Your Salvation And Be Cast Into Hell Because Of Adultery.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, that whosoever **looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery** (extra marital sex) **with her already in his heart**. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: **for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not** **that** **thy whole body should be cast into hell.**

Mathew 5:27-29

6. You Will Easily Fulfil The Desires Of Your Body And The Desires Of Your Mind.

..... **fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind** ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:3

Christians who do not control the desires of their body and the desires of their minds will eventually lose their Salvation and become children of the devil. Ask yourself, what are some of the things your body desires that is not the will of God? Or what are some of the wild things you imagine when alone? Be practical and stop yourself!

7. You Will Lust After Evil Things And Be Destroyed By God.

Now these things were our examples, to the intent **we should not lust after evil things** , as they also lusted. **Neither be ye idolaters** , as were some of them; as it is written, the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. **Neither let us commit fornication** , as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. **Neither let us tempt Christ,** as some of them also tempted **and were destroyed** of serpents. **Neither murmur ye** , as some of them also murmured, **and were destroyed** of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1Corinthians 10:6-11

From this passage of Scripture, if you don't control yourself you will practice the following evil things;

i. Idolatry (worshipping created things instead of God the creator)

ii. Fornication (pre-marital sex).

iii. Tempting Jesus Christ (misusing the grace of God).

iv. Murmuring (to grumble) against God or His servants.

8. You Will Develop and Give Yourself To Vile Affections.

For this cause God gave them **up unto vile affections** : for even their **women did change the natural use into that which is against nature** : And likewise **also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly** , and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Romans 1:26-27

If you are a Christian reading this book, do not ignore or downplay the effects of what your body can do when it is uncontrolled and undisciplined.

Wherefore let **him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall**.

1Corithians 10:12

You can easily develop and give yourself to what the Scriptures call "vile affections". Vile affections are disgraceful desires, dishonourable desires, shameful desires, unnatural passions, etc. In Romans 1:26-27, the Scriptures lists a few amongst many.

i. Lesbianism

ii. Homosexuality, etc.

9. You Will Clearly Manifest What The Scriptures Calls " **The Works Of The Flesh** ".

Now **the works of the flesh are manifest** , which are these; **adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like** : of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

10. You Will Be Unequally Yoked With An Unbeliever.

**Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers** : for what fellowship hath righteousness with **unrighteousness**? And what communion hath light with **darkness**? And what concord hath Christ with **Belial**? **Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel**? And what agreement hath the temple of God **with idols**? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. **Wherefore come out from among them** , and be ye separate, saith the Lord, **and touch not the unclean** **thing** ; and I will receive you,

2Corinthians 6:14-17

A Christian sister who cannot control her desires will watch herself fall in-love helplessly with an unbeliever if she doesn't control the feelings and desires of her body. The Scriptures clearly gives certain descriptions to unbelievers;

i. Darkness (one without light of God)

ii. Belial (Satan)

iii. An infidel (one without Christ)

iv. Unrighteousness

v. Temple of idols

vi. An Unclean thing

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Chapter 2

32 Facts About Your Body You Should Know As A Christian

The Body serves as an earthly house which provides a temporal home arrangement for the Soul and the Spirit. This housing of the Soul and the Spirit is a temporal arrangement because man is alive on earth only for a few years.

For we know that if **OUR EARTHLY HOUSE** (body) of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:1

1. Every Christian must learn to practically control your Body.

But **I keep under my body** , and **bring it into subjection** : lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 9:27

2. The Body of a Christian is the temple of God; it must be honoured and kept well.

What? Know ye not that **your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost** which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: **therefore glorify God in your body** , and in your spirit, **which are God's**.

1Corinthians 6:19-20

3. The Spirit of a Christian can be trained to dominate the flesh and its desires.

.... **but if ye through the Spirit do mortify** (dominate and put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Romans 8:13

4. Your body is to be sacrifice unto God, as a holy and an acceptable offering unto God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God **, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God** , which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1

There are several things Christians can offer to God; offerings, gifts, prayers, etc. including the body of the Christian. From the above Scripture, a Christian MUST present his body the same way he presents living sacrifices unto God. How does one do that? The answer is simple; we must always be ready and willing to use our body to do activities in the service of God.

5. The desires of the flesh are very different to the desires of your Spirit.

As Christians, we must understand this reality clearly and make a good decision to invest in our Spirit (the inner man).

**For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit**. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6

6. As a Christian, you must understand that your body is subject to many sins.

O wretched man that I am! **who shall deliver me from the body of this death**?

Romans 7:24

7. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, a Christian can kill the desires of his Body.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: **but if ye through the Spirit** do **mortify** the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Romans 8:13

The word "mortify" is the Greek word "thanatoo" which is literally translated as;

i. To kill

ii. To put to death

8. As a Christian, you must understand that your Body is for the Lord and not for fornication or for various sexual pleasures.

.... **Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord** ; and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthians 6:13

9. As a Christian, the only Sin that affects and destroys your own body is committing fornication.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; **but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body**.

1 Corinthians 6:18

10. The Lord Jesus Christ will change our natural earthly body into His glorious body at His coming.

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: **Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body** , according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 3:19-20

11. The body of a Christian can be controlled.

...If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and **able also to bridle (tame) the whole body**.

James 3:2

12. The tongue which is a part of the body can destroy your whole life and send you to Hell.

**And the tongue is a fire** , a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and **setteth on fire the course of nature** ; **and it is set on fire of hell**.

James 3:6

13. The body of a Christian is subject to the healing power of Jesus Christ.

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: **by whose stripes ye were healed**.

1 Peter 2:24

14. The body; parts of the body and the organs of the body can be brought back to life by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, **he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (bring back to life) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.**

Romans 8:11

15. The power of the Holy Spirit can influence the body of a Christian; it can make you prophesy, give you dreams and give you a vision for your life.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, **I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:** and your sons and your daughters **shall prophesy** , and your young men shall see **visions, and your old men shall dream dreams**.

Acts 2:17

16. The body of a Christian can be sick and full of diseases if yielded to uncleanliness and all forms of sins.

I speak after the manner of men because of **the infirmity of your flesh** : **for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity** ; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Romans 6:19

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17. Any Christian who lives his life fulfilling the desires of his flesh will be condemned.

For to **be carnally minded** (fleshly minded) is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

18. A Christian whose aim is to live to please the desires of his flesh cannot please God.

**So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God**.

Romans 8:8

19. A Christian must make conscious efforts to avoid of the activities that expose him to fulfilling the lusts of his flesh.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, **and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.**

Romans 13:14

20. As a Christian, your body can be delivered unto Satan for the destruction of its lusts and desires so that your spirit will be saved in the day of the Lord.

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ to **deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.**

1 Corinthians 5:3-5

21. A married Christian is expected to have trouble in the flesh.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. **Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh** : but I spare you.

1 Corinthians 7:28

The phrase "trouble in the flesh" as used in the scripture above is the Greek word "thlipsis" which is translated as;

i. A Feeling of pressure

ii. Affliction

iii. Anguish

iv. Burdened

v. Persecution

vi. Tribulation

vii. Trouble

22. The life of Jesus Christ can be manifested in body of every Christian.

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, **that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.**

2 Corinthians 4:11

The life that was in Jesus Christ whiles he was on earth was the God-kind of life which is also called "zōē". This God-kind of life made Jesus Christ immune to sicknesses, diseases, depressions, and all the negative attitudes of humans. You and I can also have this "zōē" life manifested in our body by the power of the Holy Spirit.

23. You can clean yourself from every filthy thing your body has been engaged in as a Christian.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved (Christians), **let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh** and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1

How Does A Christian Cleanse Himself From All The Filthiness Of His Flesh?

i. Genuinely acknowledge your sins before God.

If **we say that we have no sin** , we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1John 1:8

ii. Confess the sins before God.

**If we confess (make mention) our sins** , he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

iii. Humble yourself and ask God for mercy and forgiveness.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, **God be merciful to me a sinner**. **I tell you, this man went down to his house justified** rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 18:13-14

iv. Ask God to Recreate your heart, Renew your spirit, Restore your salvation and Uphold you with the Holy Spirit.

**Create in me a clean heart** , O God; and **Renew a right spirit within me**. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. **Restore unto** me the joy of thy salvation; and **Uphold me** **with thy** **free spirit**.

Psalm 51:10-12

24. As a Christian, you must not to be involved in quarrels, fights, contentions or any other form of physical engagements; fight your battles in the spirit not with your body.

**For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh** ....

2 Corinthians 10:3

25. God is able to use the sufferings of our flesh to keep us humble.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, **there was given to me a thorn in the flesh** , the messenger of Satan **to buffet me** , **lest I should be exalted above measure.**

2 Corinthians 12:7

26. As a Christian, the ONLY way you will be able to overcome the desires of your flesh is to be conscious of your walk with God in the spirit.

This I say then, **Walk in the Spirit** , and **ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh**.

Galatians 5:16

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, **Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew** **it** **not**.

Genesis 28:16

Become conscious that God is with you everywhere you are and at all times so that the fear of God will be with you. The Lord was with Jacob all the time Jacob was alone yet Jacob was unaware. Become conscious of the presence of the Lord with you at all times.

Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly told us (every Christian) that He would be with us always as the Scriptures indicate.

....and, lo, **I am with you always,** **even** **unto the end of the world**. Amen.

Mathew 28:20

27. A Christian who has no control over his body will be overcomed by the Works of the Flesh.

Now the **works of the flesh** are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21

28. A Christian who is overly concerned about physical appearances to the neglect of his spirit will reap only corruption.

**For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption** ; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Galatians 6:8

29. Every Christian is a representative of the body of Jesus Christ.

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Ephesians 5:30

30. As a Christian, you must never have confidence in your body.

Having confidence in your body as a Christian will lead you to backslide or even fall way from the Christian faith.

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, **and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.**

Philippians 3:3

31. As a Christian, you must allow your body to suffer the denial of certain things so that can cease from Sin.

**Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin**.

1 Peter 4:1

32. As a Christian, you must not allow their body to go after "strange flesh".

Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, **and going after strange flesh** , are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire

Jude 1:7

Going after "strange flesh" as described in the scriptures above can be described as going after;

i. Strange appetites

ii. Strange desires

iii. Strange passions

iv. Strange idols

v. Strange sexual desires

Allowing your body to be bi-sexual, having sexual relations with animals, practicing homosexuality, lesbianism, and desiring things that are against the course of nature is "going after strange flesh". It may seem like the new thing going on but beware of the judgement and punishment of God for those practicing such acts.

Fornication is having sexual intercourse before marriage. It can also be defined as having multiple sexual partners as an unmarried man or woman.

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Chapter 3

The Weapons That Satan Uses Against You!

**No weapon that is formed against** thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 54:17

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: **for we are not ignorant of his devices**.

2Corinthians 2:11

As a Christian, you MUST be aware of the various weapons, devices and strategies that Satan will use to take advantage of the weakness of your flesh. From the scripture above, the Bible uses the phraseology "his devices", which means that Satan has designed his own special tools, special weapons, special techniques, and several devices aimed to accomplish different results.

The word "devices" as used in the scripture above is the Greek word "noēma" which is literally translated as;

a. Perceptions

b. Mind-sets

c. Thoughts

d. Devices

From these translations, we can clearly perceive that Satan's personal arsenals aimed against Christians are not just physical ammunitions like guns, knives, bombs, etc. per say. It is therefore in the interest of every Christian to see and recognise when these subtle weapons are unleashed and through whom these deadly arsenals are unleashed.

As a Christian, you must bear in mind that regardless of what weapon is unleashed against you, it is aimed at accomplishing these specific goals among many;

i. To steal from you.

The thief cometh not, **but for to steal** , and to kill, and to destroy....

John 10:10

ii. To kill you eventually.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, **and to kill** , and to destroy.....

John 10:10

iii. To destroy your life and whatever God has given you.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, **and to destroy** .....

John 10:10

iv. To wear-out Christians.

Satan's aim is to stress you and frustrate you.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, **and shall wear out the saints of the most High** ...

Daniel 7:25

### 20 Deadly Weapons Satan Uses Against Christians

1. The weapon of **Evil Suggestions** from a friend or a loved one close to you.

Then said **his wife unto him** , **Dost thou still retain thine integrity**? **Curse God, and die.** But he said unto her, thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Job 2:9-10

2. The weapon of hearing **Evil Reports or An Evil News** aimed at demoralising you and taking away your confidence.

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, **we are not able to go up against the people** ; **for they** **are** **stronger than we**. **AND THEY BROUGHT UP AN EVIL REPORT** of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

Numbers 13:30-32

3. The weapons of **Imaginations and Ideas** that are against the knowledge of God.

...Casting down imaginations, and every high thing (ideas) that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God...

2 Corinthians 10:4

4. The weapon of **a Person whose heart fabricates wicked thoughts, ideas and plans**.

**An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations** (thoughts and intentions), feet that be swift in running to mischief.

Proverbs 6:18

5. The weapon of **a Person with flattery words of deception**.

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, **from the stranger** **which** **flattereth with her words**. For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, and beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, passing through the street near her corner; **and he went the way to her house**. In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: and, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, **and subtle of heart**. She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, **and lieth in wait at every corner**. **So she caught him, and kissed him**. I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

Proverbs 7:5-18

6. The weapons of **Contentions, strife and quarrels**.

**For where envying and strife** **is** **, there** **is** **confusion and every evil work.**

James 3:16

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling (contentious) woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:9

7. The weapon of **an ungodly counsel.**

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: **but the way of the ungodly** shall perish.

Psalm 1:6

8. The weapon of **Blindness**.

Blindness is not only of the eyes, but your mind can also be blinded through your unbelief and through your ignorance.

**But their minds were blinded** : for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which vail is done.

2Corinthians 3:14

In whom the god of this world **hath blinded the minds** of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2Corinthians 4:4

9. The weapon of **Corrupting the mind through deception**.

Many Christians cannot perceive when they are being deceived. Deception can be carried out unawares. Satan deceived Eve and can deceive you and me when we are not aware of the various deception devices and tactics available.

But I fear, lest by any means, **as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty** , so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2Corinthians 11:3

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32

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10. The weapons of **Common temptations**.

There hath **no temptation** taken you but such as is **common** to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with **the temptation** also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1Corinthians 10:13

11. The weapon of **Pride.**

When **pride cometh** , then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

**Pride** goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

**A man's pride** shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Proverbs 29:23

12. The weapon of **Lies and Depection.**

He **that worketh deceit** shall not dwell within my house: he that **telleth lies** shall not tarry in my sight.

Psalm 101:7

13. The weapon of using various **Snares.**

Surely he shall deliver thee from **the snare** **of the fowler**...

Psalm 91:3

A snare can be described as;

i. A trap.

ii. A scheme for tricking a person into danger.

iii. A design for catching a person into a difficulty situation.

iv. An program of action aimed at entangling people.

14. The weapon of various **Pestilences.**

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from **the noisome pestilence**.

Psalm 91:3

A noisome pestilence can be described as;

i. A rushing calamity

ii. An impending danger

iii. An oncoming disaster

15. The weapon called the" terror by night".

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.....

Psalm 91:5

The "terror by night" is an expression describing every form of evil that occurs only in the night. The fear of armed robbery, the fear of demonic attacks, the fear of strange diseases that attacks people in the night, etc.

16. The weapon called "the arrow that flieth by day".

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day...

Psalm 91:5

There are wicked arrows from Satan that are designed to cause havoc and bring harm to people during the day. Various things that occur during the day causing death, weakness, stress, sickness, confusion, depression and every evil work can be considered as "an arrow that flies by day".

17. The demon called "pestilence walking in darkness".

Nor **for the pestilence** **that** **walketh in darkness** ...

Psalm 91:6

A pestilence can be described as;

i. A calamity

ii. A danger

iii. A disaster

iv. A misfortune

v. A sickness

These demons are fully operational only in darkness. They are wicked and evil spirits that attach themselves to anyone to bring havoc to families, children, etc. These demons can fill people and influence them to do all sorts of wickedness in darkness.

They are also the perpetrators of certain strange diseases. Various families are surprised when from no-where loved ones are attacked with death, stroke, and heart-attacks or loved ones are diagnosed with certain sicknesses and diseases overnight.

18. The weapon called "the destruction that wasteth at noonday".

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; **nor** **for the destruction** **that** **wasteth at noonday.**

Psalm 91:6

This is a specialised weapon designed to only detonate at noon during the day. It's timed specifically to go off at noon bringing all sorts of wastes and various destructions.

19. The weapon of a demonic spirit called Legion "a captain of thousands".

**A thousand** shall fall at thy side.....

Psalm 91:7

These are captains of demons who command a demonic troop in the multitude of thousands. They are head demons occupying countries, regions, territories and locations; once the head demon attacks a person or the head of a group of people; the whole troop of a thousand also attack those people. In today's world you can clearly see hatred demonstrated by specific cultures and nationalities against specific people.

The mad man of Gadara is a clear example of a person with such a demonic influx of a legion (six thousand).

And when he (Jesus) was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs **a man with an unclean spirit** who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, what have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most-high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, what is thy name? **And he (demonic spirit) answered, saying, my name** **is** **Legion: for we are many**. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of **the country**.

Mark 5:2-10

The word "Legion" is of Latin origin which is a description that was given to Roman regiment of six thousand plus.

20. The weapon of demonic spirits called "a captain of ten thousand".

A thousand shall fall at thy side, **and ten thousand** at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Psalm 91:7

This demonic spirit leads ten thousands of demons to attack whole cultures, nationalities and similar people. A clear example in history is the unfortunate incidence of the Holocaust where Adolf Hitler, the Chancellor of Germany launched an all-out wipe-out campaign called the "Final Solution" against the Jewish people living in Germany between 1933-1942.

Satan wisely used this weapon of "the captain of ten thousands" to attack the Chancellor of Germany Adolf Hitler and used him to cause the death of thousands of Jews in Germany.

We can learn from history that this weapon is usually designed for and unleashed on leaders of nations, leaders of cultures, leaders of movements, leaders of organisations, etc. and many influential personalities. It is specially made to bring about havoc to thousands of people.

This is the same weapon Satan unleashed on the nation of Uganda from April 1994 to July 1994 which sadly caused the Rwandan genocide. This weapon was used to massacre and slaughter thousands of people called "Tutsis" by their fellow country-men known as the "Hutus".

Not forgetting the evil practice of Apartheid in South Africa from 1948 to 1991. Apartheid is the system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination against a particular race or people aimed at dehumanising, colonising and taking the rights and privileges of the oppressed. It was launched by a political party; the Afikaner National Party which saw them win the general election in1948 in South Africa.

Again in May 2008, 2015 and 2016, Satan unleashed this deadly weapon again in South Africa against immigrants called "Xenophobia". Xenophobia simply put is the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers; it is embodied is strong discriminatory attitudes and behaviour, and often culminates in violence, deaths, thefts, looting and destructions of properties, abuse of all types and exhibitions of hatred.

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Chapter 4

### 10 Excellent Ways You Can Have Victory Over The Flesh

O wretched man that I am! **Who shall deliver me from this body of death**?

Romans 7:24

A man who doesn't know God or have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is only doomed to be "wretched" in this life and in the life after death. A Christian who is only concerned about pleasing his body and achieving his carnal achievements in this world would also meet the same fate of "wretchedness" in this life and in the life after death.

To be "wretched" is the Greek word "talaiporos" which can be described as a state of;

i. Wantonness

ii. Emptiness

iii. Enslavement

iv. Being miserable

The writer of the letters to the Romans from the above mentioned scripture further-on makes an interesting enquiry " **Who shall deliver me from this body of death?** " Many more people are asking this same question everyday of their lives "How can I quit drugs? How can I stop fornicating? How can I stop having extra marital affairs? How can I control my body? How can I free myself from this ungodly relationship? How can I quit this thing that I am involved with which is gradually destroying me and my family? How can I be free from this particular Sin?" etc.

As a Christian, never underestimate the influence that your body can have on you if not controlled. This is one of the reasons why our Lord Jesus Christ said "it was expedient for Him to go" because He was going to send us a strengthener by the name of the Comforter who is the Holy Spirit.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; **it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you**.

John 16:7

Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly stated the importance of every Christian receiving the Comforter from the scripture above. The Comforter was sent specifically to every believer.

Who then is this Comforter? What is the role of the Comforter in my life as a Christian? Why is it so important for Jesus Christ to leave so that the Comforter would come? What will this Comforter do for me as a Christian when He comes to me? (smashwords link to my book)

The Comforter whom our Lord Jesus Christ referred to in the gospel of John 16verses 7 is the Holy Spirit of God as clearly stated by the scripture below.

**But the Comforter,** **which is** **the Holy Ghost** , whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

So then why is the Holy Spirit so important in my life as a Christian? And how can the Holy Spirit help me to overcome the difficulties in controlling my body?

As a Christian you must clearly understand that there are several ways we receive the Holy Spirit.

i. The Holy Spirit comes upon you. (Mighty power or anointing)

ii. The Holy Spirit dwells inside you. (Being full of the Holy Spirit)

iii. The Holy Spirit being with you. (Abiding presence) etc.

10 Powerful Ways The Holy Spirit Gives You Victory Your Flesh

1. By Introducing You To His Mighty Power Called The Anointing.

A lot of people are burdened and destroyed by the activities of their flesh. Many are held bondage to bad habits over the years. Others are willing to put a stop to such bad deeds but even medical science cannot help them. The evil desires of your flesh can become such a burden and a heavy yoke on you that it will only take the mighty power of the Holy Spirit to set you free.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that **his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder** , and **his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.**

Isaiah 10:27

If you are in a predicament like that, or you know someone in a similar situation, introduce them to an anointed servant of God or take them to a church service where the power of God is present to heal them.

**And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching** , that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: **and the power of the Lord was** **present** **to heal them**.

Luke 5:17

2. By Strengthening You With His Power In Your Inner-Man.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, **to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man** ...

Ephesians 3:16

**But ye shall receive power** , **after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you** ....

Acts 1:8

Once the Holy Spirit comes upon you as a Christian, He becomes one with your spirit, thereby giving you the strength and ability to control your soul and your body from within you. The word "power" is the Greek word "dunamis" which is translated as;

i. A literal force.

ii. A miraculous power.

iii. An ability

iv. Strength

v. A source of energy that can be recharged.

It is His ability in us that is able to give us the strength to resist temptations and say no to the desires of our flesh. This is the reason why every Christian must be filled with the Holy Spirit; this is what we call "being filled with the Holy Spirit". The Scriptures indicate that Christians have the ability to overcome the world and its desires because of the Greater One who lives in us.

Ye are of God, little children, **and have overcome them** : because **greater is he that is in you** , than he that is in the world.

1John 4:4

A Christian who is not full of the Holy Spirit cannot overcome the desires of his flesh and his mind. For more information on how to be filled with the Holy Spirit, kindly download my free e-book 21 Functions Of The Holy Spirit In The Life Of Every Believer.

3. By Teaching You Practical Ways To Overcome Your Flesh.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, **he shall teach you all things** , and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

Isn't it interesting to note that the Holy Spirit is also a very real and practical teacher? He doesn't only rely on His Power to set you free, nor does He only rely on His strength within you to help you overcome the evil desires of your flesh, He practically teaches us and guides us in various ways to overcome our flesh. Hallelujah!

.....but **through knowledge shall the just be delivered**.

Proverbs 11:9

**I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go** : **I will guide thee with mine eye.**

Psalm 32:8

4. By Strengthening You Every-time You Appear Before God.

**They go from strength to strength** ; **every one of them** **in Zion appeareth before God**.

Psalm 84:7

Every church service you attend gives you strength. Once you appear before God whether through prayer time, special meetings, church services, camp meetings, all night services and similar activities though your body may be tired, your inner man is renewed.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2Corinthians 4:16

**Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together** , as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

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5. Coming Near To God Gives You Strength And Victory Over Your Flesh.

Keep silence before me, O islands; **and let the people renew** **their** **strength: let them come near;** then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.

Isaiah 41:1

6. By Consciously Putting on Your Garments of Strength.

**Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments** , O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Isaiah 52:1

What are the different garments and what are the different clothes a Christian must wear to give him victory over his flesh?

i. The Clothes of Righteousness And Holiness.

**For he put on righteousness as a breastplate** , and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Isaiah 59:17

ii. The Helmet of Salvation.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, **and an helmet of salvation upon his head** ; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Isaiah 59:17

The helmet of Salvation is the consciousness that you are saved and redeemed from unrighteousness and all forms of uncleanliness.

iii. The Garment of Vengeance.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head **; and he put on the garments of vengeance** **for** **clothing** , and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Isaiah 59:17

Vengeance as used in the scripture above is the ability to abhor sin and look down angrily on all forms of unrighteousness.

iv. The Garment of Being A Zealous Christian.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, **and was clad with zeal as a cloke**.

Isaiah 59:17

But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

Galatians 4:18

v. The Garment of Praise.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, **the garment of praise** for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3

vi. The Garment of Light.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: **let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light**.

Romans 13:12

Every Christian must put away the works of darkness which is ignorance and rather put on the armour of light which is the armour of knowledge. As a Christian you must know who you are in Christ Jesus and know the will of God for your life.

vii. The Garment of Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Romans 13:14

Putting on the garment of Jesus Christ means putting on the knowledge of who Jesus Christ is, what he came to accomplish and how you can live a life pleasing unto God through Jesus Christ.

viii. The Garment of Always Speaking The Truth.

Stand therefore, **having your loins girt about with truth** , and having on the breastplate of righteousness...

Ephesians 6:14

ix. The Garment of Praying All Sorts of Prayer.

**Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit** , and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints....

Ephesians 6:18

x. The Garments of Your Shoes- The Readiness To Preach The Gospel.

**And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace** ...

Ephesians 6:15

7. By Developing The Habit of Waiting on God.

He giveth power to the faint; **and to** **them that have** **no might he increaseth strength**. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: **But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew** **their** **strength** ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

8. By Helping You To Develop A Deeper Relationship With God.

And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, **and my God shall be my strength**.

Isaiah 49:5

9. By Providing You With Wisdom and Knowledge.

**And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times,** **and** **strength of salvation** : the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Isaiah 33:6

The wisdom and knowledge that the Word of God provides is able to give stability and strength to every Christian.

10. By Deciding To Be Strong In The Lord.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:10

.... **but the people that do know their God shall be strong** , and do exploits.

Daniel 11:32

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Chapter 5

### 10 Important Christian Practices You Must Develop

Meditate upon **these things** ; **give thyself wholly to them** ; that thy profiting may appear to all.

1Timothy 4:15

As a Christian, there are certain practical things you must be actively involved in and give yourself to. These activities will strengthen you so you can overcome your flesh and its desires. These activities will also make you a fruitful and a profitable Christian.

1. **Give Yourself Wholly To Godliness And Spirituality.**

Godliness in this verse of scripture means holiness and spiritual practices.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and **exercise thyself** **rather** **unto godliness**.

1Timothy 4:7

2. **Give Yourself To Reading And Godly Knowledge.**

Till I come, **give attendance to reading** , to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Timothy 4:13

3. **Give Yourself To Exhortations**.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, **to exhortation** , to doctrine.

1Timothy 4:13

Exhortations are encouraging and uplifting words usually you would be exhorted and spiritually edified when you listen to anointed preaching messages. Being a faithful church member means giving yourself to being exhorted.

4. **Give Yourself To The Study Of Doctrines In The Word Of God.**

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again **the foundation of repentance from dead works** , **and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.**

Hebrews 6:1

Doctrines are statues, principles and judgements in the Word of God. As a Christian, you must understand the various teachings in the Word of God. There are 6 basic doctrines every Christian must know, understand and be able to teach others confidently;

i. The doctrine of repentance from dead works.

ii. The doctrine of faith towards God.

iii. The doctrine of the various baptisms.

iv. The doctrine of laying on of the hands.

v. The doctrine of resurrection of the dead.

vi. The doctrine of eternity and eternal judgement.

5. **You Must Study The Word Of God To Show Yourself As An Approved Christian.**

**Study to shew thyself approved unto God** , a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Timothy 2:15

6. **Like Epaphras, You Must Give Yourself To Labouring In Prayers.**

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, **always labouring fervently for you in prayers** that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Colossians 4:12

7. **Like Nehemiah, You Must Rise Up And Build The House Of God.**

Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; **therefore we his servants will arise and build** ...

Nehemiah 2:20

8. **Like Ezra, You Must Give Yourself To Being A Doer And A Teacher Of The Word Of God.**

**For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do** **it** **, and to teach** in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra 7:10

**For when for the time ye ought to be teachers,** ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Hebrews 5:12

9. **You Must Decide To Set Your Love And Affection On God And The Things Of God.**

**Because he hath set his love upon me** , therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Psalm 91:14-16

**Set your affection on things above** , not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:2

10. **You Must Give Yourself To The Leadership And Guidance Of The Holy Spirit.**

And it shall come to pass, **if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD** thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

Deuteronomy 28:1

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5 Powerful Steps To Overcome Your Flesh

1. Separate Yourself From People Who Entice You into doing Wrong things.

My son, **if sinners entice thee, consent thou not**. If they say, **Come with us** , let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause, let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit. We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: **My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path**.

Proverbs 1:10-15

2. Do Not Allow Yourself To Be Persuaded, Forced, Influenced Or Wrongly Led By The Fair Speeches Or Convincing Methods Of People.

**With her much fair speech she caused him to yield** , **with the flattering of her lips she forced him**. **He goeth after her straightway** , as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it _is_ for his life. Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. **Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths**. **For she hath cast down many wounded** : **yea, many strong** **men** **have been slain by her.** **Her house** **is** **the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death**.

Proverbs 7:21-27

3. Do Not Involve Yourself in Sexual Activities As An Unmarried Christian.

**Give not thy strength unto women** , nor thy ways to that **which destroyeth kings**.

Proverbs 31:3

4. Do Not Get Yourself Involved in Drinking Wine Or Strong Drinks.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, **it is** **not for kings to drink wine** ; **nor for princes strong drink**. **Lest they drink, and forget the law** , and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. **Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish** , and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Proverbs 31:4-7

5. Do Not Give Yourself To The Works Of The Flesh.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now **the works of the flesh are manifest, which are** **these** ; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:16-20

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###

Thank you for reading my book. To me, it is a ministry that the Lord has given me to write and share with the world what He has taught and shared with me personally and through my fathers in ministry. If you enjoyed reading this book, share it with as many people as possible and kindly take a moment to leave me a review at your favourite retailer.

Thanks a million!

D K Okine: Author

Reaching out to millions of souls worldwide!
About the Author

David K Okine is currently a missionary and a powerful minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. D K Okine has been used by the Lord to be a great blessing to millions of souls worldwide through his books, outreaches and personal encounters.

D K Okine is currently a pastor at the Loyalty House International\- Durban, South Africa which is part of the Lighthouse Chapel International denomination of churches world-wide.

Many notable miracles have accompanied D K Okine's meetings. These phenomenal miracles include various healings; a special note to mention the healing of a woman with an issue of blood, and many fantastic miracles.

D K Okine is a proud protégé of Bishop Dag Heward- Mills who is the founder of the Lighthouse Chapel International denomination of churches worldwide. LCI denomination of churches currently has over 3000 churches in 72 countries spreading across the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, Australia, etc.

D K Okine currently lives in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa with his lovely wife Ezer.

Other Titles By D K Okine

I Went To Hell

21 Functions Of The Holy Spirit In The Life Of Every Christian

The Greatest Expression of Your Love for God

What Must I Do To Have Eternal Life?

Go Ye And Preach The Gospel To All Nations

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