Job and His Suffering Part 1

What we can learn about suffering today.

A 4 part series:

B1 Job and his suffering—behind the scenes Job 1:1-

B2 Job and his suffering—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar respond Job 4:1-31:40

B3 Job and his suffering—Elihu responds Job 32:1-37:24

B4 Job and his suffering—God responds Job 38:1-42:17

Some questions answered

B1 Why do good people suffer?

B2 Why does God allow suffering?

B3 Why do friends abuse the victim?

B4 Why

B5 Why it is important to know the truth. Assumption can be dangerous.

A1 Job Part 1—behind the scenes Job 1:1-3:26

B1 Job is blessed. He is blessed spiritually and emotionally, with health, wealth, and wisdom. He is blessed with a good wife, many children, and many friends. He is blessed to know God, have fellowship with God, not physically, but spiritually. He understood about sin, judgment, punishment, and substitution (a sacrifice). He knew the King of the Universe!

C1 Treasure of salvation (deliverance from God’s wrath): Psalm 3:8 CSB Salvation belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people. Selah 

C2 Treasures of material wealth. God does not guarantee material wealth, but all believers can have spiritual wealth.

D1 Proverbs 10:22 NET The blessing from the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow to it. 

D2 Matthew 6:20 CSB "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.

C3 Treasures of having the fear of the Lord (salvation), wisdom, and knowledge: Isaiah 33:6 NLT In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure.

C4 Spiritual treasures from doing the will of God: 2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

C5 Treasures of assurance and the knowledge of Messiah: Colossians 2:2-3 WEL That their hearts may be comforted by being knit together in love and into the all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, into the full knowledge of the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ 3 In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

B2 The devil, satan, having access to heaven slanders Job and blasphemes God’s character by claiming that God has made Job secure and successful and that is the only reason that Job worships and serves God.

B3 Two times satan requests God to curse Job. God refuses but does allow satan to do so.

C1 satan did not have to afflict Job, instigate murder, theft, loss of possessions, etc. satan wanted to do this in his hate for God and for those who serve God.

D1 satan and his followers are liars and murders. Have you ever noted how many people believe the answer to a problem is murder. We see this in abortion to murders at work, at events, at school, at home, etc. John 8:44 NET You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

D2 An evil heart leads to evil thoughts which lead to evil actions: Matthew 15:19 WEL For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false witness, and blasphemies. 

D3 satan loves to oppose God’s work and God’s people: Zechariah 3:1 LEB And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Yahweh; and Satan was standing on his right to accuse him.

D4 satan loves to pretend he is god, so shows himself as angel of light, which is deceptive, seductive, and disastrous to anyone. This is why we must know God and His character traits well. His followers also will pretend to be real apostles. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

C2 Why did God allow satan the opportunity to hurt Job, kill his family, cause a loss of all his goods?

D1 God did not want this to happen. It was not His decreed will; it was His will.

D2 Evil

E1 Evil is the absence of good.

E2 Evil is a punishment. Adam was warned by God not to eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam did not believe God. Because of Adam’s sin, the world was cursed.

E3 Some evils that happen to us are from our bad choices.

E4 Some evils that happen to us are from another’s bad choices.

E5 Some evils that happen to us are from the curse on the universe, as hurricanes, earthquakes, mudslides, etc.

E6 Some evils are because satan hates anything good, so he wants to cause pain and affliction. You can see this very thing in abusers. It doesn’t make any difference what kind of abusers. The abusers may be a pastor (pastoral abuse), domestic abuse of all types, parental abuse, child abuse, etc. Note how narcissists, psychopaths, and others do evil. They are doing the evil that satan loves. If you are an abuser, pastor, spouse, parent, boss, leader, whatever, you are doing satan’s will, and you will go to hell to be tormented for eternity.

D3 God allowed it. Why?

E1 The universe is cursed. A promised time is coming when

F1 Revelation 21:3-5 CSB Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God's dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.  Then the one seated on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new." He also said, "Write, because these words are faithful and true.

F2 2 Peter 3:13 LEB But according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness resides.

F3 Revelation 22:3 NIV No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

E2 God is not a micro-manager as some Calvinists teach. WCF III 1. God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass...  Read the confession. Read it in context. God ordained whatever comes to pass including sending most humans to hell to roast and barbecue for eternity without ever having a chance to repent.

F1 Do words mean anything? Doesn’t God always tell the truth. God says this to the prophet: 1 Chronicles 21:10 NET Go, tell David, 'This is what the LORD says: "I am offering you three forms of judgment from which to choose. Pick one of them.

F2 From a real offer choice that was spurned: Proverbs 1:29-31 NET Because they hated moral knowledge, and did not choose to fear the LORD, they did not comply with my advice, they spurned all my rebuke. Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel.

E3 Sometimes we can look back at a bad choice we made, even after praying for God to help us to not make a wrong choice.

F1 There may have been warning signs that we ignored.

F2 The warning signs were new and unknown to us, so we didn’t recognize them. This is a good reason to be aware.

G1 Warning signs of Abuse

G2 Warning Signs of Subtle Abuse and Manipulation

G3 Some abusers are very subtle. They want to deceive. If one has any gut feeling that all is not good, they should leave the relationship.

G4 Identifying the More Subtle Signs of an Abusive Relationship 

G5 The actions of love, real love as defined by God. How do WE measure? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends...

B4 We must know that Job did not give up the faith. Quite a number of people leave Christianity over abuse, thinking that God could have prevented this. Why didn’t God do this for you or me? I don’t know. But, I do know that if we have a commitment to God, persecution will not cause us to permanently give up the faith.

B5 Please read Job chapter 3, for it shows the utter, total personal experience of spiritual, emotional, and physical pain. His words have been repeated many times throughout history, though most would not recognize.

B6 Pain is real. If you are suffering, find someone who will really listen without interruption, offering unasked advice, and someone who is protective of your character.

B7 Hebrews 10:25 LEB not abandoning our meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging each other, and by so much more as you see the day drawing near. 

B8 Romans 12:15 NET Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

B9 James 1:19 CSB My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

B10 Proverbs 18:13 GW Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.

B11 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NET Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Thoughts on Discipling Christian Life What It Is Part 2

B2 Why it is

C1 What we live in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds reflects what we really believe.

C2 We may say we believe something, but how we act, talk, do business, etc. reveals our true motivations and beliefs.

C3 We need a renewed mind, then study, fellowship, and application.

C4 Christians are in the Kingdom of God. This is where Jesus reigns. It is not on earth, yet. Today the enemy’s kingdom prevails. God is King of the Universe (and beyond). Believers are those who believe and are loyal to The King.

D1 King Jesus and His kingdom

E1 This was offered to Israel during Jesus’s 3+ years of ministry, but Israel rejected it. They only wanted a physical kingdom, if He did what they wanted—overthrow the Romans, give them plenty of food, let them define religion, and be the powers behind the throne. Jesus did not do this. His kingdom is a kingdom based on spiritual relationship to Him.

F1 John 6:15 MKJV Therefore when Jesus perceived that they would come and take Him by force, that they might make Him a king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain alone by Himself.

F2 Luke 19:14 MKJV But his citizens hated him. And they sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this one to reign over us.

F3 John 19:15 MKJV But they cried out, Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him! Pilate said to them, Shall I crucify your king? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

E2 The heart of Christians: Colossians 1:13-14 MKJV For He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins.

E3 Some characteristics: Galatians 5:22-26  WEL But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be longing for empty praise, irritating one another, and envying one another.

E4 A Kingdom of peace:

F1 Between nations: Isaiah 2:2-4 NIV In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

F2 Between animals, etc.: Isaiah 11:6-9 NIV The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra's den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

E5 The leadership style is different: Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

D2 The devil’s

E1 1 John 5:19 WEL We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in wickedness.

E2 The characteristics of satan’s kingdom: 1 John 2:15-17 NKJV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

E3 satan blinds instead of gives sight: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NKJV But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

E4 More characteristics of his kingdom: Galatians 5:16-21  WEL I say, “Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you cannot do the things that you want to. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sin, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

E4 The Bible foretells the last days attitude: 1 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

E5 His leadership style is control: 3 John 1:9-11 GW I wrote a letter to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, won't accept us. 10 For this reason, when I come I will bring up what he's doing. He's not satisfied with saying malicious things about us. He also refuses to accept the believers we send as guests. He even tries to stop others who want to accept them and attempts to throw those people out of the congregation. 11 Dear friend, never imitate evil, but imitate good. The person who does good is from God. The person who does evil has never seen God.

D3 The contrast between God’s kingdom and satan’s

F1 Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others

F2 Matthew 12:26-28 NKJV If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

F3 Acts 26:17-18 NIV I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

F4 Romans 14:17 NIV For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

B3 Are you living a Christian life, the Kingdom of God??

C1 In thoughts, desires, words, and deeds

C2 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 WEL Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what does righteousness have in common with unrighteousness? What fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15 What harmony does Christ have with Satan? What does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What does the Temple of God have in agreement with idols? For you are the Temple of the Living God, just as God has said, “I will live in them and walk in them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 “So then come out from among them. Be separate,” says the Lord, “and do not touch [what is] unclean, then I will accept you, 18 “And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.

C3 Psalms 111:10 GW The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God's guiding principles. His praise continues forever.

Thoughts on Discipling Christian Life What It Is Part 1

B1 What it is

C1 God’s way of thinking

C2 God’s way of living

C3 God’s desire for creation, especially humans

C4 Titus 2:12 WEL Teaching us that by refusing ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live in this present world with self-restraint, righteously, and pleasingly to God.

C5 There are only 2 worldviews. Compare Proverbs 7-9 between the woman named folly and the one named wisdom. This is one article that teaches that contrast The Two Women: Madam Folly and Dame Wisdom (Proverbs 7-9)

D1 God’s view

E1 Some basic Scriptures

F1 We leave the old view to live the new: 2 Corinthians 5:17 WEB Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

F2 We need to be conformed. To His death has the idea of we die too. We die to the old life, desires, actions, motivations, goals, etc. Philippians 3:10 WEB that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death.

F3 This is the fruit of the new worldview. If everyone alive had this fruit, this would be the culture and actions of the whole world. Sadly, we know what the whole world lives like. Galatians 5:22-26 WEB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

F4 Real love, as God defines, would be the norm. The following list is the love of the Christian worldview. We don’t see this much, because Christians are most likely ignorant. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8a Love never ends,

F5 God’s worldview has His people doing good works, as He defines them. Ephesians 2:10 WEB For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

F6 The New man and woman have put off the old worldview to follow these rules: Colossians 3:9-11 WEB Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

F7 God’s worldview has us reading, studying, and applying the teaching of the New Testament. 1 Peter 2:2 WEB as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,

F8 God’s worldview has us praying that God’s will be done, not any other will. Luke 11:2 WEB He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

F9 God’s worldview has priorities. If faced with a terrifying choice of family or God, the new worldview takes comfort in their new family. Luke 18:29-30 WEB He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God’s sake, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life.”

E2 A few links

F1 Essential Christian Worldview

F2 The Christian Worldview is Supported by Evidence

F3 Seven Questions that Define a Christian Worldview

F4 What Is a Christian Worldview

D2 Not God’s view would be the opposite. This is the world we live in today. We see wars, conflicts, lies, deceit, theft, arguments, hate, name-calling, abuse, etc. This is not God’s way of life.

D3 The contrast between God’s worldview and any other worldview. In this passage, flesh refers to any other worldview and spirit refers to God’s worldview. This is pretty consistent in the New Testament. It doesn’t usually refer to the human flesh which God created. Context helps us to understand.

E1 The worldview labeled as flesh: Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sin, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

E2 The worldview labeled as spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 WEL But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Thoughts on Discipling Part 3 Doctrine Part N

E12 Transcendence

F1 Definition: beyond what we can conceive. He is greater and higher, with greater power and being than we can understand. It also deals with not being known and unknowable. But, God reaches out and reveals Himself in many ways.

F2 Unknown and beyond our comprehension

G1 Higher

H1 2 Chronicles 2:6 NLT But who can really build him a worthy home? Not even the highest heavens can contain him! So who am I to consider building a Temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices to him?

H2 Job 37:23 NIV The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

G2 Unknown

H1 Amos 3:7 NLT Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.

H2 John 15:15 NLT I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

F3 Without God’s revealing Himself, we could not know Him or about Him. God revealing Himself

G1 Through creation: Romans 1:18-20 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

G2 Through revelation

H1 Directly: Deuteronomy 5:24 NIV And you said, "The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them.

H2 Indirectly: Daniel 2:28 NIV but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these.

G3 Through Jesus: John 17:25-26 NIV Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

G4 Through provision: Acts 14:17 NIV Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.

F3 Even though He is transcendent, He is also immanent or close to all:

G1 Isaiah 57:15 NIV For this is what the high and exalted One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

G2 Luke 19:10 NIV For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

E13 Uniqueness

F1 Definition: He is the only being who is God.

F2 He is the one and only.

F3 He is perfect in all His attributes. We have attributes as love, mercy, knowledge, etc. but only God has the highest amount possible, is perfect, is complete, and lacking nothing.

F3 Some verses:

G1 Isaiah 40:25 NIV To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

G2 Exodus 8:10 NIV "Tomorrow," Pharaoh said. Moses replied, "It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God.

G3 1 Timothy 1:17 NIV Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

C2 God’s beliefs

(A few theology books that I align with are BIBLE DOCTRINES Beliefs That Matter by MARK G. CAMBRON, D.D. and Study of Theology from Grace Bible Church Gillette, WY, Torrey's Topical Textbook (look up a topic and the Bible verses are on popup), The Topical Concordance,  Great Doctrines of the Bible By Rev. William Evans, etc . I cannot vouch for the websites or books perfectly. I have found them helpful. There are others online for sale or free use. As always, be a Berean: Acts 17:11 NLT And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth).

D1 On Himself (What the Bible teaches about God)

D2 Angelology (What the Bible teaches about angels)

D3 Bibliology (What is taught about the Bible)

D4 Christology (What the Bible teaches about Jesus)

D5 Creation (What the Bible teaches about creation/origins)

D6 Ecclesiology (What the Bible teaches about the church)

D7 Eschatology (What the Bible teaches about the future)

D8 Evangelism (What the Bible teaches about preaching the Gospel)

D9 Hamartiology (What the Bible teaches about sin)

D10 Anthropology (What the Bible teaches about humans)

D11 Pneumology (What the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit)

D12 Soteriology (What the Bible teaches about salvation)

B2 Why it is

C1 Doctrine is important because

D1 Christianity has truths.

D2 We must know these truths

D3 We must be taught these truths

D4 It gives us identity

C2 Some basics (Source)

D1 Our faith is based on a specific message

D2 Gospel is a sacred trust given to us

D3 What we believe affects what we do

D4 We must ascertain truth in a world of falsehood

D5 The end of sound doctrine is life

D6 It encourages believers

B3 Do you believe it?

B4 Do you live it?

B5 Do you teach it?

A Few Thoughts on Spiritual Warfare

God’s way of alertness, knowledge, truth, and action versus the other way of passivity, experiences, feelings, etc.

Ephesians 6:10-18 WEL

10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the highest spiritual forces, powers, rulers of darkness of the world, and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies.

13 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and after doing everything possible to still stand.

14 Therefore, stand having truth fastened around your loins and having the breastplate of righteousness on,

15 And your feet shod, prepared by the Gospel of peace.

16 Most importantly taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts from the wicked.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

18 In every situation be praying in the spirit with all prayer and earnest requests, and be alert in the same with persistence and earnest requests for all saints.

B1 There is no victory without God’s grace: 2 Corinthians 1:21 NLT It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ...

B2 Know and study the truth. This includes

C1 Facts and abilities about ourself

D1 The source of sin of any type is me. We have to look in the mirror and realize that. Deception is common to us, so we must study the truth.

D2 Pride is easy; humility hard. We must face the truth.

C2 Doctrine

D1 God’s character and traits

D2 God’s views on Himself (theology proper) and other teaching

C3 Worldview—God’s versus any other

C4 Bible Interpretation

C5 What deception is and how to avoid it

C6 Knowing the truth, studying the truth, gives victory: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 GNB The weapons we use in our fight are not the world's weapons but God's powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments; 5 we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.

B3 Know the weapons of the enemy.

C1 Essentially, these are the character traits opposite of God’s.

C2 God’s desires versus the enemy’s desires

D1 God want us to be alert; the devil not alert.

E1 1 Peter 5:8 GNB Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

E2 We have to be alert to fight a spiritual fight: 2 Corinthians 6:7 NLT We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.

D2 God wants us to enjoy, but He does not want us to follow fleshly desires; the devil does want us to:

E1 1 Peter 2:11-12 NLT Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

E2 Galatians 5:17 NLT The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

C3 Methods of deception

D1 Lies (of any type for only a few are presented here. Often, we hear what we want to hear, instead of seeing if it is true).

E1 Something is good and pleasant when it is not

E2 Something is safe when it is not

E3 No one will know

E4 Everyone one does it

E5 Bad advice as

F1 Follow your heart

F2 This is your only opportunity

F3 You will lose your opportunity

F4 I don’t see anything wrong with it: 2 Corinthians 10:12 NLT Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

F5 God love us anyway

E6 Quoting some incorrectly on purpose or even ignorantly. (See this article: Scripture Twisting Methods of the Cults).

E7 Pretend that God is withholding something for your pleasure as “He does not want you to enjoy what others enjoy.”

F1 Genesis 3:4-5 GNB The snake replied, "That's not true; you will not die. 5 God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad.

F2 1 John 2:16 NIV For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

D2 Addictions—Sin is the greatest addiction:

E1 Romans 8:8-9 NLT That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

E2 John 8:34 NLT Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.

E3 Romans 6:16 NLT Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.

E4 2 Peter 2:19 NLT They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.

C4 Assuming: Luke 12:45 NLT But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?

C5 Not paying attention: Luke 21:34 NLT "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware,

C6 Following a false leader, especially those who present themselves as great men/women of God or even Messiah: Luke 21:8 NLT He replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them.

C7 Following blind, ignorant leaders: Isaiah 56:10 NLT For the leaders of my people—the LORD's watchmen, his shepherds—are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming.

C8 Following leaders who do not teach truth: Jeremiah 5:4 NLT Then I said, "But what can we expect from the poor? They are ignorant. They don't know the ways of the LORD. They don't understand God's laws.

C9 Following leaders who are hypocrites: Romans 2:21-22 NLT Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?

C10 Following teachers who teach that the only law for a Christian is to love others. God does have rules for believers today: Romans 13:12-13 NLT The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

C11 Drifting into errors of a passive mind: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 NLT So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

C12 Ignoring warnings: Deuteronomy 29:19 NLT Those who hear the warnings of this curse should not congratulate themselves, thinking, 'I am safe, even though I am following the desires of my own stubborn heart.' This would lead to utter ruin!

C13 Associating with people who claim to be Christians but their lives are not Christian:

E1 1 Corinthians 5:11 NLT I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people.

E2 1 Corinthians 6:10 NLT or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

C14 Having false priorities: Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.

B4 Know those against who oppose God, for they do not want the best for you. They want to neutralize or destroy you.

B5 Ephesians 6:10-18 WEL

10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

C1 Without God’s help, we will fail. It is God’s grace that gives us insight, wisdom, strength to do what is right.

D1 Hebrews 13:8-9 NLT Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them. [Emphasis is mine]

D2 2 Timothy 2:1 NLT Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.

C2 Jesus is our strength. He has proven Himself. John 16:33 NLT I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.

C1 We must have the whole armor.

C2 This is armor God has given us, so it is the best. He gives these things in wisdom and love.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the highest spiritual forces, powers, rulers of darkness of the world, and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies.

C1 Worldly war is not allowed. It is the spiritual war that we fight.

C2 It is a war against lies, sin, pride, etc.

C3 It is a war between God’s worldview and the worldview that is not God’s.

13 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and after doing everything possible to still stand.

C1 Even if it looks like we are failing, we must stand.

C2 Look how many times we have been tempted to give up, but God gives us the strength to continue. His grace might be our brothers and sister to encourage us.

D1 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NLT So encourage each other with these words.

D2 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

D3 2 Timothy 4:2 NLT Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

D4 1 Peter 5:12 NLT I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

14 Therefore, stand having truth fastened around your loins and having the breastplate of righteousness on,

C1 Truth

D1 John 8:32 NLT And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

D2 John 14:6 NLT Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

D3 Psalm 25:5 NLT Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

D4 John 17:17 NLT Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

C2 Righteousness

D1 This is living in alignment with God’s standards.

D2 Philippians 3:9 NLT and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

D3 Hebrews 11:7 NLT It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

D4 2 Peter 3:13 NLT But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness.

15 And your feet shod, prepared by the Gospel of peace.

C1 This is the Gospel. We must know it, know why (to defend its truths), and believe God’s Gospel.

C2 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 NLT It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

16 Most importantly taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts from the wicked.

C1 Shield of faith

D1 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

D2 Hebrews 6:17-18 NLT God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

C2 Fiery darts of the wicked. These are to destroy and cause pain. Things as discouragement, memories of past failures, temptations, etc.

D1 Proverbs 25:18 NLT Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

D2 Psalm 64:3-6 NLT They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent, attacking suddenly and fearlessly. They encourage each other to do evil and plan how to set their traps in secret. "Who will ever notice?" they ask. As they plot their crimes, they say, "We have devised the perfect plan!" Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

C1 Helmet of salvation

D1 Romans 5:2-3 NLT Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

D2 Galatians 5:5 NLT But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us.

D3 1 Peter 1:3 NLT All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.

D4 Romans 13:11 NLT This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

C2 Sword of Spirit: Hebrews 4:12 NLT For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

18 In every situation be praying in the spirit with all prayer and earnest requests, and be alert in the same with persistence and earnest requests for all saints.

C1 Be alert

C2 Be persistent

1 Corinthians 1:3 NLT May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.