MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY

THE BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Chronological Method of Bible Study

INTRODUCTION

1. It takes courage to keep walking with God when we make faith missteps.
   1. Abram had to learn the faith process (how to walk by faith).
   2. The believer is led solely by the spirit of God and not sense realm evidence.  
      1. Romans 8:14
      2. II Corinthians 4:18
2. God’s mindset is wealth.
   1. God desires for the believer to live a blessed life. (Scripture reference -  Proverbs 10:22)
   2. After salvation, God’s objective is to change the way we think. (Scripture reference - Isaiah 55:9)
   3. It’s time for the believer to take God at His word with courage and boldness. When there was darkness, God, Himself, boldly spoke light in Genesis 1:3.
   4. Numbers 23:19
      1. The word of God can change any situation.
      2. This is the badge of courage and confidence for the believer.

1.          I.  God worked through circumstances in Egypt to get Abram back to Canaan.
   1. St. Luke 12:15-21[Emphasis verse 21]
      1. Abram left Egypt rich but not towards God.
   2. Hebrews 13:5 KJV & AMP
      1. When we walk with God, we must have confidence that God will never leave us even when we make faith mistakes.
      2. When there are missteps, we can temporarily lose fellowship with God but not relationship.
   3. Hebrews 11:1-2 [Emphasis verse 2]
      1. Abram eventually obtained a good [faith] report. 
2.         II.    Consequences of Abram’s trip to Egypt (the world) for his source in a famine.
   1. Abram weakened his faith by going into Egypt consequently making it easier to repeat the same sin.
   2. Abram became a poor testimony.
      1. Abram’s worldliness gets into Lot.
      2. The king of Egypt misunderstands God as a result of Abram’s actions.
   3. In Egypt, Abram picks up Hagar.  Hagar becomes the source of the birth of Israel, a foreign nation. (Scripture reference – Genesis 16:3)
   4. Isaac retraced the steps of his father by going back to Egypt in the time of famine. (Scripture reference – Genesis 26)
3.       III. Genesis 13
   1. In Genesis 13:1-4, Abram is worshiping again at Bethel.
   2. In Genesis 13:5-13, arguments ensue between Abram and Lot’s servants over grazing rights.
      1. Every blessing or promotion comes with some persecutions and inconveniences.  (Scripture reference – St. Mark 10: 29-30

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

SUNDAY SERVICES

LIVING SUPERNATURALLY II

REVIEW

1. Three stages of sonship [depicted in the life of Jesus]
   1. Infancy (teknion) – symbolized by Jesus’ manger birth.
   2. Puberty (teknon) – symbolized by Jesus appearing in the temple at age 12.  (St. Luke 2:40, 42, 49)
   3. Maturity (huios) – meaning son placement lived out at Jesus’ water immersion in St. Matthew 3:16-17.

INTRODUCTION

1. Maturity is following the steps of Jesus.  (Scripture reference – I Peter 2:21)
   1. Maturity in Christ is a “winning” position.  There are no impossibilities for those who are in Christ.
   2. The objective of ministry is to “grow up” believers in Christ.
2. Everything God has for the believer is through an inheritance that is released through sonship.
   1. God created a specific plan for each of us in eternity past.
      1. Jeremiah 1:5
   2. Ephesians 2:10, KJV & AMP
      1. God finished our lives in the spirit realm before time.
      2. A revelation of the correct path will bisect God’s finished work.
      3. Also on the right path, we can bypass time, grief and pain.
3. Jesus is our example of the abundant life.
   1. After salvation, the believer was meant to embrace and enjoy life.
   2. Psalm 16:11
   3. St. John 10:10 KJV & AMP

1.          I.  God is concerned with developing us beyond Christ-like.
   1. Acts 11:22-26[Emphasis verse 26]
      1. Christianity is not defined by or subject to our private interpretation. (Scripture reference – II Peter 1:20)
      2. Christianity has already been set in the word of God.
2. I Peter 4:12-16
   1. The world used the term Christian to describe followers of Christ.
   2. In other words, we have adopted a term the world called us.
3. Acts 26:28-32[Emphasis verse 28]
4. Colossians 1:24-27[Emphasis verse 27]
   1. To be the body of Christ means Christ must reside in us.
   2. The King lives in us.
   3.         II.  Christianity anywhere should be identifiable everywhere.
      1. What do we think Christianity is? Christianity is not the “great opinion”.
         1. Christianity should be identifiable in any place in the world.  A rose is acknowledged as a rose regardless of the region.  The same holds true for a dog.  A dog is easily recognized as a dog based on its characteristics.
         2. Romans 8:14
         3. Romans 8:19 KJV & AMP
            1. The world is waiting for believers to take their rightful position as sons.
            2. What’s in the father is also in the son.  In other words, a DNA test will prove with certainty that the son is an extension of his father.
5. I Peter 2:21
   1. Followers of Christ, follow in His steps.  In other words, Jesus is our example of what Christ is like.
   2. Example – model, pattern, copy, duplication, exact replica, demonstration
   3. The pattern is supposed to be identical to the prototype (Jesus).
6. Believer’s have Jesus’ DNA
   1. II Corinthians 10:5
   2. I John 4:4
   3. St. John 7:38
   4.       III.   Believers are not just Christ-like; we are extensions of Christ.
      1. Micah 4:9-13[Emphasis verse 9]
         1. The King lives in the believer.  (verse 9)
         2. The King in us elevates us to know our real purpose and destiny.
         3. Our lifestyle changes because the King resides in us.
         4. The royal DNA in us will not allow us to remain the same.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY

THE BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Chronological Method of Bible Study

INTRODUCTION

1. For believers, the objective is to be led by the spirit of God and not the deceitfulness of riches, thereby we win every time.
   1. Ephesians 6:10-16
   2. I John 5:4
2. Through the patriarch Abraham, we are able to regain the faith necessary to speak the Word which releases power to bring us back to God’s original plan for man.  (Scripture reference – Genesis 1:26-28)
3. Hebrews 11:1-2[Emphasis verse 2]
   1. Through all his faith fallacies, Abram eventually obtained a good report.
   2. Obtain defined is a non-automatic retention or possession of that which God has provided for each of His children from the spiritual realm regardless of how things appear in the natural realm.

REVIEW

1. Abraham did not start where he ended which implies our faith development is progressive.
   1. The calling of Abraham – Genesis 11:31-12:4; Joshua 24:3
   2. The commission of Abraham – Genesis 12:1-3; Zechariah 8:13
   3. The caution of Abram – Genesis 11:31-32
   4. Abram’s caravan
      1. After Terah dies, Abram moves and arrives in Canaan (his promised land).
      2. Abram sets up camp in Sichem and builds God an altar. (Genesis 12:6-7)
      3. The second altar that Abram builds for God he calls Beth-el (the House of God).  After leaving Egypt, he names the place of the altar El-Bethel (God of the House).
   5. Abram moves from walking with God by revelation to walking by a famine (natural reasoning). (Genesis 12:10)
      1. The famine dictated that Abram enter Egypt.  (Genesis 12:11-20)
2. Abram turns to Egypt as his source.
   1. Isaiah 31:1-3
      1. Any source other than the Lord is the believer’s Egypt.
   2. Proverbs 3:5-6
      1. Acknowledging God is to follow the voice of God; to be governed by God’s decisions.
   3. St. Matthew 6:31-33
      1. Thoughts become ours when we take them (say or agree with them).  (verse 31)
      2. Our faith connects us to that which God finished in eternity past. (verse 32)
      3. God adds natural things to us when we comply with His system. (verse 33)

1.          I.   Abram leaves Egypt rich but not towards God.
   1. Genesis 13:1-4
      1. Our missteps toward God impact everyone that we are connected with.  (verse 1)
      2. Abram returned back to the last place He heard from God.  (verses 3-4)
   2. St. Luke 12:15-21[Emphasis verse 21]
      1. Covetousness is a strong desire to possess something that belongs to another.
      2. Abram’s faith missteps were the result of the food he coveted in Egypt.
      3. God reserves the right to add to our life the things we need when we need it.
      4. The balance for believers is to lay up heavenly treasures and earthly (natural) treasures.
      5. Things are to satisfy the natural side of man. Only God can satisfy or fulfill the spiritual side of man. (verse 21)
   3. Abram grieves God and as a consequence God becomes silent.
      1. Grieve – to hurt, to bring pain, displease, sometimes vexed
      2. This is grief or pain associated with the missteps that take us from the presence of God.
      3. Grief on God’s behalf is a reminder of Adam’s missteps.  This is not grief by way of not knowing or surprise.
      4. God has always desired to lead man inwardly.
      5. God is grieved when man is led by any other circumstance other than His voice.
         1. Adam and God communicated by an inward voice when Adam named over 300,000 species.  (Scripture reference – Genesis 2:19)
         2. The voice of God is the manner in which believer’s are to be led.
         3. The grief of God validated in the scriptures
            1. Psalm 78:40
            2. Psalm 95:10
            3. St. Mark 3:1-5
   4. Abram weakened his faith by going into Egypt consequently making it easier to repeat the same sin.
      1. Exposure to certain sins makes it easier to repeat the same sin.
      2. Our deliverance or victory is in the word of God.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

SUNDAY SERVICES

LIVING SUPERNATURALLY II

REVIEW

1. Three stages of sonship [depicted in the life of Jesus]
   1. Infancy (teknion) – symbolized by Jesus’ manger birth.
   2. Puberty (teknon) – symbolized by Jesus appearing in the temple at age 12.  (St. Luke 2:40, 42, 49)
   3. Maturity (huios) – meaning son placement lived out at Jesus’ water immersion in St. Matthew 3:16-17.

FOUNDATIONAL TEXT

1. Hebrews 12:1-9
   1. The opposite of true sonship is a bastard mentality.
   2. After salvation, we are legitimately born of God; however, our actions or thoughts that are contrary to God bastardize the relationship.
   3. Defining God’s methods of correction
      1. Chastening is to train, to teach, to instruct, to cause one to learn; to train with words (not accidents, sickness or disasters)
      2. Scourge is to instruct coupled with pain or pressure
      3. Rebuke is to convict, to refute, to find fault with
   4. God corrects us in our spirit.

1.          I.   The significance of names
   1. Genesis 17:1-7
      1. God allows all natural possibilities to be exhausted to display His power.
      2. Abram meant exalted father, not literally but as a term of respect.
      3. Abram’s name is changed to Abraham meaning respected; exalted father of nations or multitudes.
   2. Genesis 17:15-19
      1. Sarai means chief governor or leader in a masculine form which limits her ability to reproduce.
      2. Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah [the feminine form] meaning princess of many nations.
      3. A name will either bind us or lose us.
   3. Genesis 32:24-30
      1. Jacob’s name means trickster, supplanter, liar, and deceiver.
      2. Jacob’s name is changed to Israel meaning divine master.
      3. God refers to Jacob as both Jacob and Israel.  In other words, with every name change there is a part of us that must be overcome.
   4. St. Luke 1:57-64
      1. The power of God is released in the right name.
      2. The mother knew God was using this child to do something different from the father, consequently naming the child John.
      3. Zacharius’ mouth was opened immediately when he agreed with God’s name for the child.
2.         II.            Christianity has been reduced to what we think (our opinion).
   1. Colossians 1:24-27 [Emphasis verse 27]
      1. Now that Jesus has been resurrected, the mystery is Christ is now in us.  We are more than a Jesus look-a-like; we are extensions of Jesus.
      2. We are not just Christians; we are the same substance of who God is in heaven in the earth.  We have the same DNA as God.  (Scripture reference – Psalm 82)
      3. Believers have settled for the wrong name.  If we have the wrong name, we are probably calling the wrong destiny.   In our name is our identity.
      4. Christian means Christ-like.  What is Christ-like or what does Christ-like, can only be answered by our opinion or what we think.
      5. The Bible defines who God is and consequently who we are.
      6. We will never possess all the Father has for us if we do not know who we are.
   2. When one is born again, God is concerned with developing us more than Christ-likeness.  Initially we were in His image and after His likeness.  He never called us Christians.
      1. I Peter 4:12-16
         1. The world (Romans) used the term Christian to describe followers of Christ.
         2. In other words, we have adopted a term the world called us.
         3. Acts 26:28-32 [Emphasis verse 28]
         4. Acts 11:22-26 [Emphasis verse 26]
   3. The power of God is in our representation as followers, not our opinion.
      1. Opinion – a personal view; an attitude or an appraisal; a belief or judgment that rest in grounds insufficient to produce absolute certainty
      2. A rose is known by its distinct characteristics.  A dog is a dog because of its characteristics.
      3. Christians should be identifiable by the same common characteristics defined by the Bible.
      4. The KKK, homosexuals, and the NRA all espouses Christianity. Christianity, as an opinion, does not make you a son or follower of God.
      5. How can we save the world if our version of Christianity is so varying?
   4. A revelation of God carries the power of God.
      1. I Kings 18:21
      2. St. John 14:6
      3. St. Matthew 22: 41-46

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

SUNDAY SERVICES

LIVING SUPERNATURALLY II

REVIEW

1. Three stages of sonship [depicted in the life of Jesus]
   1. Infancy (teknion) – symbolized by Jesus’ manger birth.
      1. At the infancy stage, we are not mature enough to handle the Father’s possessions though in relationship.
      2. Trust is a part of growth.
      3. Mature sons are not easily offended.  Immaturity is congruent with offense.
      4. As we mature,  we should expect to encounter more satanic attacks and conflicts.
   2. Puberty (teknon) – symbolized by Jesus appearing in the temple at age 12.  (St. Luke 2:40, 42, 49).
      1. This stage is identified by accountability to a spiritual leader (father).
      2. Sons become more responsible and accountable to God.
      3. In other words, God can count on us to do what He has called us to do (whether we feel like it or not).
   3. Maturity (huios) – meaning son placement lived out at Jesus’ water immersion in St. Matthew 3:16-17.
      1. God can trust us only when we become mature.
      2. God can only trust us to the degree others (people) can trust us.
      3. The family unit (home) is a good barometer of the level of one’s maturity.

FOUNDATIONAL TEXT

1. Hebrews 12:1-9
   1. A bastard is one whose thoughts are contrary to the thoughts of God.
   2. Jesus endured the cross because He was a faithful mature son that the Father could trust. (verse 2)
   3. Maturity keeps us grounded even in suffering.

1.          I.    True maturity is a decision
   1. I Corinthians 12:18
      1. God can only “set” us in the Body based on our maturity.
      2. Can we be trusted with the anointing and the accompanied level of position and influence?
   2. Galatians 4:1-2
      1. We cannot inherit the riches of the Father when we are immature.
      2. The more of the world we let go, is a sign of maturity.
      3. The level of our maturity is demonstrated in the quality of our decisions.
      4. There is nothing stronger in the universe than a man’s decision.
         1. A man opting to violate his daughter or son is a decision.
         2. A mother involving her son or daughter in her relationships is a decision.
         3. Divorce is a decision.
         4. Commitment and faithfulness to our calling is a decision.
2.         II.            Christianity is not options or opinions
   1. Observations
      1. Some believe a Christian can be one who follows God even when their opinion deviates from the Bible.
      2. Some believe Christianity is the ability to have options or opinions contrary to the word of God.
      3. Becoming a mature “Christian” means we are no longer subjugated to our opinion.
      4. For example, same sex marriages and homosexuality claim the banner of Christianity.  Additionally, the traditional family has been redefined in the name of Christianity.
      5. In other words, differing views and opinions have evolved into what some believe Christ “to be like”.
      6. We can only describe what Christ is like or what Christ likes only if  we know Him; and we know Christ through His word not our opinion.
      7. A follower of Christ divorces his “own” opinion.
   2. The semantics of Christianity
      1. Colossians 1:24-27 [Emphasis verse 27]
         1. Believers are not just Christ-like, but Christ resides in the believer.
         2. God’s expectation of His followers is to reflect the Christ that is in us.
         3. Christ in us is much greater than being Christ-like.
      2. I Peter 4:12-16
         1. On the part of the world, Jesus is evil spoken of in several categories including Christianity.
         2. By coining the term Christian, the world is at the very least saying we remind them of Jesus.
      3. Acts 26:28-32
         1. Agrippa used the term Christian.
         2. Paul does not call himself a Christian.
      4. Acts 11:22-26 [Emphasis verse 26]
         1. God does not call the disciples Christians. (verse 26)
         2. The description of Jesus is in His word
   3. Christianity has become another word for opinion.
      1. Opinion – a personal view; an attitude or an appraisal; a belief or judgment that rest in grounds insufficient to produce absolute certainty
      2. The absolute objective truth of Jesus is in the word of God.
         1. St. John 14:6
         2. “I am the way” does not leave any room for an opinion.
         3. Who can be delivered when the name of Jesus is diluted to fit our opinion of who and what Christ is like?
         4. How can we save the world when all the world’s impurities have been imported into the Church?
   4. “Christianity” is a recognizable lifestyle.
      1. There should be one definition and one picture of a mature Christian just as there is one brand of McDonald’s and Church’s Chicken [that’s recognizable].
      2. Christ in the believer is an extension of who Christ is, therefore, signs and miracles follow the believer; this is what causes transformation, deliverance, and change.
      3. Mature believers are formed in the image and likeness of God; that which is found only in the word of God.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY

THE BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Chronological Method of Bible Study

INTRODUCTION

1. St. Matthew 11:28-29
   1. The ways of God must be learned.
   2. The believer will experience unrest unless lead and directed by the spirit of God.
   3. Believers are never to be lead by the circumstances or situations; instead, believers are lead by the spirit (voice) of God. (Scripture reference – St. Matthew 4:1)
2. Galatians 3:26-29
   1. The study of Abraham is vital so that we are able to understand the promise and consequently our entitlements of the promise.
   2. Abraham is the pivotal point through whom God connects us to this promise.
3. St. John 10:9
   1. The and…after salvation points to the inheritance received through Abraham.  Saved and…

1.          I.  Abram turns to Egypt as his source
   1. Isaiah 31:1-3
      1. Don’t allow our circumstances to lead us to Egypt (the world).
      2. The world is not the believer’s source.  God is the source for believers.
   2. Proverbs 3:5-6
      1. God will direct our steps [in the world].
   3. St. Matthew 6:31-33
2.         II.            Perils of turning to Egypt [without being lead by the spirit of God]
   1. Genesis 12:10-20
      1. Egypt is a type of the world.
      2. Abram is pulled to the world (Egypt) because of the circumstances (a famine).  (verses 10-11)
      3. God has a Word that will disconnect us from the natural realm and connect us to the spiritual realm.
      4. Abram attempts to make his own way by offering his wife [as his sister] to the Pharaoh.  (verses 12-16)
      5. God had already pronounced Abram blessed in Genesis 12:1-3.  Accordingly, the blessing was still functioning and profiting Abram even through his growing pains. (verse 16)
      6. While we are growing, our wrong decisions can affect others.  (verses 17-20)
   2. Genesis 13:1-5
      1. Lot witnessed all Abram’s “faith mistakes and blunders” in Genesis 12.
      2. As proclaimed believers, we must be mindful of those impacted by our decisions [to go to Egypt] that may not have the blessing [of grace] on their lives.  In other words, believers must be responsible.
      3. Abram escaped Egypt with riches; unfortunately, his wife and Lot did not come out without damage.
      4. To grow spiritually, we must assess whether our choices and decisions will damage or tarnish our testimony and witness.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY

THE BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Chronological Method of Bible Study

INTRODUCTION

1. St. John 10:10, KJV & AMP
   1. The enemy has a specific assignment for every believer’s life.
   2. Satan has an “order” (strategy, plot, plan) to steal, kill, and destroy the plan of God for our lives.
2. The Kingdom of God is learned behavior.
   1. St. Matthew 11:28-29
      1. God desires to rest our minds from always calculating our way to receiving by revelation.
      2. Revelation is the ability to “pick up” what God is thinking.
   2. Romans 4:13-17 [Emphasis verse 17]
      1. The ways of God are learned; therefore, everyone in the Body of Christ is growing into what God has called them [by faith].
      2. God can call us “something” through faith that we have not yet developed into.
      3. For example, God called Abraham a father at a time he had no offspring.
      4. God allows us to grow into that which He has called little by little to customize “the fit” so that we are able to properly maintain it.  (Exodus 23:29-30)

1.          I.            Abram is growing in spiritual matters.
   1. The calling of Abraham – Genesis 11:31-12:4; Joshua 24:3
   2. The commission of Abraham – Genesis 12:1-3; Zechariah 8:13
   3. The caution of Abram – Genesis 11:31-32
      1. Abram settles in Haran with his father Terah.
      2. While walking with God, we must go the distance (arrive at our promised land) with God.
      3. The last stop between us and our promised land is a desert.  In other words, God has not deserted us in the desert.
   4. Abram’s caravan
      1. After Terah dies, Abram moves and arrives in Canaan (his promised land).
      2. Abram sets up camp in Sichem and build God an altar – a place to convene, communicate, and commune with God; a place to receive revelation from God.  (Genesis 12:6-7)
      3. After Abram obeys the voice of God. God appears to Abram and adds to His promise.  (Genesis 12:7)
      4. The second altar that Abram builds for God, he calls the place Beth-el (the House of God).  After leaving Egypt, he names the place of the altar El-Bethel (God of the House).
2.         II.            Abram is still growing.
   1. Abram moves from walking with God by revelation to walking by a famine (natural reasoning). (Genesis 12:10)
   2. The enemy’s order to derail Abram was to introduce a famine.
   3. The famine dictated to Abram to enter Egypt.  (Genesis 12:11-20)
   4. This is the first mention of Egypt which carries a type of the world.
   5. Abram is still learning that God is his source.
      1. Isaiah 31:1-3 – Believers look to God for direction not the world or the world’s system.
      2. Proverbs 3:5-6
      3. St. Matthew 6:31-33 – When we obey and trust God, God will add to our lives.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

SUNDAY SERVICES

LIVING SUPERNATURALLY II

OPENING OBSERVATIONS

1. God is a purposeful God.  There is a specific purpose and destiny for our lives after salvation.
2. Salvation begins a process or position in Christ that causes us to have victory in life.

REVIEW

1. Three stages of sonship depicted in the life of Jesus
   1. Infancy (teknion) – symbolized by Jesus’ manger birth; and circumcision on the 8^th day. As an infant, we are in the family of God but without power or authority.
   2. Puberty (teknon) – symbolized by Jesus appearing in the temple at age 12.  (St. Luke 2:40, 42, 49). This stage is identified by accountability to a spiritual leader (father).
   3. Maturity (huios) – meaning son placement lived out at Jesus’ water immersion in St. Matthew 3:16-17.  The enemy fights the maturation of sons because this is the stage where the Body of Christ demonstrates its power.

FOUNDATIONAL TEXT

1. Hebrews 12:1-9
   1. Bastards thinking do not align with the mind of God.
   2. A true son solely relies on the Bible to receive the thoughts of God.
   3. Sonship becomes an identifier.  It’s a brand of thinking.
   4. Immaturity is a mindset.

1.          I.            The significance of names
   1. Names connect and determine destinies. Our name connects us to our identity in God.
      1. Nicknames rob us of our destiny and identity in God.
      2. Names and group associations such as fraternities and sororities can become identity thieves.
      3. For example, David knew who God had called him to be; consequently, he was fearless in the face of Goliath.
      4. Abram underwent a name change to Abraham meaning respected; exalted father of nations or multitudes.
         1. Genesis 17:5-7
            1. Abram later becomes something he was not born into.
            2. The right name connects us to the right destiny.
      5. Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah meaning princess of many nations.
         1. Genesis 17:15-19
            1. Sarai means chief governor or leader but in a masculine form.
            2. The masculine form of Sarai limited her ability to reproduce.
      6. Jacob’s name is changed to Israel meaning divine master.
         1. Genesis 32:24-30
            1. A blessing is equivalent to a name change.
            2. Jacob’s name means trickster, supplanter, liar, and deceiver.
      7. Elisabeth and Zacharius’ child is named John.
         1. St. Luke 1:57-64
            1. The family of Zacharias and Elisabeth wanted to follow custom and name the child after his father.
            2. The mother knew God was using this child to do something different from the father, consequently naming the child John.
            3. Zacharias’ mouth was opened immediately when he agreed with God’s name for the child.
            4. John would not follow in his father’s steps.  This was not his destiny.
2.         II.            Deciphering the great mystery of Christ in us
   1. Colossians 1:24-27
      1. The responsibility of a father’s care is rendered once the father’s DNA is proven to be in the child.
      2. Christ in us is much greater than being Christ-like.
      3. The great mystery of the ages is this – that as believers we are more than merely Christ-like but we have the fullness of who God is on the inside of us.
         1. I John 4:17
         2. Psalm 82 – Christ formed in us will cause us to reproduce what is in the Father.
         3. Ephesians 6 – When we put on the whole armor of God and pull down the face plate, the enemy can’t distinguish us from God.
      4. The Church is suffering from an identity crisis.
         1. Defining Christ-like or Christians is subject to man’s interpretation.
         2. The blood of Jesus forms the “likeness” (characteristics) of Jesus in us.
         3.  It’s the blood, not someone’s interpretation of what Christ is like that determines who we are and what we are capable of achieving.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY

THE BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Chronological Method of Bible Study

The Importance of the Word of God

1. Treasure the Word
   1. St. Luke 6:45
      1. Good things are connected to the [God] words that proceed from our mouth.
      2. To confess the Word, the Word must first be deposited in our heart.
   2. St. Matthew 12:34-35
      1. Treasure – things that are in a treasury; collected treasures; a place where precious things are collected.
      2. The word of God that is securely deposited in our heart becomes the treasury by which we make withdrawals.
   3. St. Matthew 13:52
      1. Things come forth out of our treasure (heart).
      2. The Word is deposited as words but come forth as new things.
2. Change is in the word of God
   1. I Corinthians 1:25-28
      1. Using the word of God will cause us to see the things we have been calling.
      2. God’s word contains a substance for things that do not yet exist.
      3. Word “things” will attack natural things which already exists.  (Scripture reference – St. Mark 11:23)
   2. II Corinthians 4:18
      1. How do we classify things that we cannot see? These are things that are not natural or cannot be perceived by the senses.  These are Word “things” (spiritual things).
      2. Word things can change any temporary situation. So if it can be changed, why worry?
3. Things of the spirit must be learned and developed
   1. I Corinthians 12:1
      1. Although intellectual, naturally, we can be ignorant to spiritual matters because they are not understood naturally.
      2. For example, change is in the word of God.  However, if we don’t understand how the word of God works, it will not produce change, consequently cheating us from an abundant life.
   2. St. Matthew 11:28-30
      1. The ways of God (how the Word works) must be learned because it is not natural.
      2. Learning spiritual matters is progressive and developmental.
4.          I.            Stages in Abraham’s spiritual development
   1. The calling of Abraham – Genesis 11:31-12:4, Joshua 24:3
   2. The conversion of Abraham – Genesis 12-24; Acts 7:2
      1. Initially, Abraham did not have a good faith report.  He had to learn the Kingdom of Heaven operations.
      2. Hebrews 11:1-2
      3. Even the patriarchs had to develop their faith. In other words, faith is developmental.
   3. The commission of Abraham
      1. Genesis 12:1-3
         1. The blessing is a return back to Genesis 1:26-28.
         2. Zechariah 8:13
         3. The blessing removes the curse (the failures of the past).
         4. God uses Abraham as the patriarch to His formula for success.
      2. St. Matthew 1:1
         1. In Abraham, all the families of the earth would be blessed through two men.
         2. Through David, Israel was blessed.  Through Jesus, the world was blessed.
   4. Steps in Abraham’s faith voyage
      1. Abram stops in Haran with his father Terah, but that was still not his promised land (Canaan) although he had come a long way. (Genesis 11:31-32).  As believers, we sometimes will come a long way (make progress) and still stop.
      2. Before Abram could get to his promised land (destiny), he had to go through a desert.  On the other side of the desert is our wealthy place.
      3. After Terah dies, Abram moves on.  To get to our destiny, we may have to leave some people behind.
      4. Abram was not a Jew but became the father of the Jewish nation.  The word of God transcends our nativity.
      5. God adds to the promise He made to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3.  (Genesis 12:7).  God will show us more when we obey His instructions.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries

LIVING SUPERNATURALLY II

East Location

March 17, 2013

The Son of Abraham, the Son of David, and the Son of God II

(The Significance of Names)

REVIEW

1. Three stages of sonship depicted in the life of Jesus
   1. Infancy (teknion) – symbolized by Jesus’ manger birth; and circumcision on the 8^th day.
   2. Puberty (teknon) – symbolized by Jesus appearing in the temple at age 12.  (St. Luke 2:40, 42, 49).
   3. Maturity (huios) – meaning son placement lived out at Jesus’ water immersion in St. Matthew 3:16-17.

FOUNDATIONAL TEXT

1. Hebrews 12:1-9
   1. Bastards are still in the family of God but have not embraced God’s way of thinking.
   2. Maturity is important because God as the Father of spirits cannot lead and direct immature spirits (sons).

OBSERVATIONS

1. Names give rise to our destiny.
2. Names are titles in which inheritance are passed on.
3. Names present identity.
4. The family of God name gives the believer a certain identity.
5. Through our spiritual family comes our divine inheritance.
6. In our natural family are limitations and restrictions.

1.          I.            The significance of names
   1. Genesis 17:5-7
      1. Abram later becomes something he was not born into.
      2. This means a believer may have been naturally born poor but born again to become rich; born sick but born again into healing.  In other words, God is powerful enough to reverse any curse we were born under.
      3. The right name connects us to the right destiny.
      4. Abram meant exalted father as a term of respect.
      5. Abram’s name is changed to Abraham meaning respected; exalted father of nations or multitudes.
      6. The name of Abraham includes all the promises (inheritances) of God that God intended to get to him.
   2. Genesis 17:15-19
      1. Sarai means chief governor or leader in a masculine form which limits her ability to reproduce.
      2. Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah meaning princess of many nations.
   3. Genesis 32:24-30
      1. Jacob wrestles with “an angel” because he knew he was entitled to the blessing of Abraham.
      2. Jacob’s name means trickster, supplanter, liar, and deceiver.
      3. Jacob’s name is changed to Israel meaning divine master.
      4. When our name is changed, what we used to wrestle with, we now conquer in God.
      5. When God speaks of Israel, He speaks of His children.  God has given us an anointing through His spirit to divinely master all human imperfections.
      6. God is calling us Israel – those who have through His power divinely mastered all of life’s difficulties.
   4. St. Luke 1:57-64
      1. The family of Zacharius and Elisabeth wanted to follow custom and name the child after his father.
      2. The mother knew God was using this child to do something different from the father, consequently naming the child John.
      3. Zacharius’ mouth was opened immediately when he agreed with God’s name for the child.  This implies that God can trust what comes out of the mouth of mature sons.
      4. John would not follow in his father’s step.  This was not his destiny.
      5. Only God can define our destiny which may not be the destiny of our natural family or something our natural family can understand.

© 2013 George Matthews Ministries