discipleship module 3-5.pdf

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Discipleship Training

Module 3 Module 4

Worship Warfare Leadership FormationCharacter Development II PreachingGifts of the Spirit SalvationDeliverance Works of MercyEvangelism II

Module 5 Supplemental Lessons

Team DynamicsMission Trip Information

114 Rock Road, Berne, New York 12023

(518) 872-0987; www.iamoutreach.org


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Discipleship TrainingTable of Contents

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Intimacy with God 1Character Development I 2Missiology 3Evangelism I 4

#Ministry Guidance 5World Religions 6Teaching 7Church Planting 8

$Worship Warfare 9Character Development II 10Gifts of the Spirit 11Deliverance 12Evangelism II 13

%Leadership Formation 14Preaching 15Salvation 16

Works of Mercy 17

&Team Dynamics 18Mission Trip Information 19

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' Intimacy with GodRevival ...a visitation from God

What to do after the Glory fallsBeing led by the Holy SpiritIntegrity in MinistryWhat to do after an upset in your ministrySubmission and RebellionSexual Sin


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ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are used for the books of the Bible:

OLD TESTAMENT

Gen. Genesis Eccles. EcclesiastesEx. Exodus Song Song of SolomonLev. Leviticus Isa. IsaiahNum. Numbers Jer. JeremiahDeut Deuteronomy Lam. LamentationsJosh. Joshua Ezek EzekielJudg Judges Dan. DanielRuth Ruth Hos. Hosea1 Sam. 1 Samuel Joel Joel2 Sam. 2 Samuel Amos Amos

1 Chron. 1 Chronicles Mic. Micah2 Chron. 2 Chronicles Nahum NahumEzra Ezra Hab HabakkukNeh. Nehemiah Zeph ZephaniahEsther Esther Hag. HaggaiJob Job Zech ZechariahPs. Psalms Mal. MalachiProv. Proverbs

NEW TESTAMENT

Mt. Matthew 1 Tim. 1 TimothyMk. Mark 2 Tim 2 TimothyLk. Luke Titus TitusJn. John Philem. PhilemonActs Acts of the Apostles Heb. HebrewsRom. Romans Jas. James1 Cor. 1 Corinthians 1 Pet. 1 Peter2 Cor. 2 Corinthians 2 Pet. 2 PeterGal. Galatians 1 Jn. 1 JohnEph. Ephesians 2 Jn. 2 JohnPhil. Philippians 3 Jn. 3 JohnCol. Colossians Jude Jude1 Thess. 1 Thessalonians Rev. Revelation2 Thess. 2 Thessalonians


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WORSHIP WARFARESection 9

Module 3

International Accelerated Missions

114 Rock RoadBerne, New York 12023 USA

Ph: (518) 872-0987Fax: (518) 872-2668


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WORSHIP WARFARE

The Ministry of Prayer

"Lord, teach us to pray!" - Luke 11: l"What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, butmen whom the Holy Ghost can use; men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow throughmethods, but through men. He does not anoint plans, but men - men of prayer." - E.M. Bounds

"Prayer is the strategical point which Satan watches. If he can succeed in causing us to neglect prayer, he haswon; for when communion between God and His people is broken, the true source of life and power is cut off."-Andrew Murray-

"Study universal holiness of life. Your whole usefulness depends on this, for your sermons last but an hour ortwo; your life preaches all the week. If Satan can only make a covetous minister a lover of praise, of pleasure, of goodeating, he has ruined your ministry. Give yourself to prayer, and get your texts, your thoughts, your words from God.Luther spent his best three hours in prayer." -Robert Murray McCheyne-

"It is not enough to spend our time for God; we must spend our time with God if we would have a ministry that isexceedingly efficient."

"If the crowds do not increase, pray more and have something for when they do come. But when the churchoverflows with people, and money is no longer a problem be as prayerful and humble as in the day of small things.We humans are a funny lot anyway. Some backslide because of the difficulties in the beginning; while other thrivespiritually through the testing days, and backslide over SUCCESS when they leave made the grade. Some preacherscan pray better through the bunghole of an empty meal-barrel than with a full stomach, a full gas tank, and a fat purse.But there is no excuse for defeat, either in lean years or in fat ones. The real reason for failure in a God-anointedministry is PRAYERLESSNESS. -W.T. Gaston-

"Prayer is the first thing, the second thing, the third thing necessary to a minister. Pray then, my dear brother;pray, pray, pray!" -Edward Payson-

"WE WILL GIVE OURSELVES CONTINUALLY TO PRAYER, AND TO THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD."-The Twelve Apostles- (Acts 6:4)

I. TYPES OF PRAYER

A. Fellowship and Communion with God

"Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ." I John 1:3b"True prayer, in its highest form and reach, is not only imperative but receptive, the whole nature going out

to God in adoration, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, intercession; but also opening all its channels forthe incoming of blessing. Communion becomes intercommunication ....or, as a simple Japanese convert put it,prayer is like the well where one bucket comes down while the other goes up and the full one that comes back...There is a quest higher than mere request - a search after knowledge of God and communication of Him. Inthis secret place, (Matt 6:6) devout souls learn what is meant by communion -- and communion is mutual.

"With most praying people, the fundamental if not the exhaustive conception of prayer is asking somewhat

of God. This is indeed a part, but surely it is not the whole, of prayer; and it may be doubtful whether morethan a beginning is made unless and until there be a disclosure of God to the soul. We read of our blessed LordHimself that at times he withdrew from all human companionship, for the purpose of secret communion withthe Father; as when he went out 'into the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.' Thesemidnight - all night interviews mark the great crises of his life on earth and it cannot be supposed that he spentall these hours in continuous supplication. Was it not rather like Gideon, on the plains of Jezreel, to spread outis whole being like fleece, to drink in the heavenly dew in the Father's Presence and in the strength of thiscelestial nectar confront new trials and temptations?"

IAM School of Missions pg. 9-1


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"Thus meditative prayer, like reflective reading of the Word of God, become a perpetual means andmedium of communion with God, and so, also, of Revelation of God, for communion not only leads, but itselfbecomes and is, revelation. -Arthur T. Pierson-

The prayer of communion is frequently stimulated by meditative reading, i.e., the quiet and prayerfulreading of the Word of God, and occasionally of a devotional book by the one who has deeply known the Lord.

It is not the quantity that is read, but the manner of reading, that yields us profit. Those who read fast, reapno more advantage, than a bee would by only skimming over the surface of the flower, instead of waiting topenetrate into it, and extract its sweets.

"When by an act of lively faith you are placed in the presence of God, read some truth wherein there is

substance; pause gently thereon, not to employ the reason, but merely to fix the mind; observing that theprincipal exercise should ever be the presence of God, and that the subject, therefore should rather serve to staythe mind, than exercise it in reasoning.

"When the senses are all recollected, and withdrawn from the circumference to the center "of the heart,"and the soul is sweetly and silently employed on the truths we have read, not in reasoning but in feedingthereon, and animating the will by affection, rather than fatiguing the understanding by study; when, I say, theaffections are in this state, (which, however difficult it may appear at first, ....it easily attainable,) we mustallow them sweetly to repose, and, as it were, swallow what they have tasted.

"For as a person may enjoy the flavor of the finest viands in mastication, yet receive no nourishment fromthem, if he does not cease the action and swallow the food; so when our affections are kindled, if we endeavorto stir them up yet more, we extinguish the flame, and the soul is deprived of its nourishment. We should,therefore, in a repose of love ....swallow the blessed food we have received." (Method of Prayer)-MadameGuyon-

B. Supplication and Intercession (by the same):

1. Souls are saved through prayer. Read (I John 5:16)2. Anointing on the ministry of the Word of God. (Eph. 6:17-20)3. The lives of Christians changed. (Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:12)4. Promotes Foreign Missions and Home Missions. (Matt. 9:36-38)

a. Pray for laborers to be thrust forth.b. Pray for laborers who have gone out.c. Pray for the outpouring of the Spirit on different fields.

5. Revivals (local, national, universal) in answer to prayer. (II Chr. 7:14)

II.

THE POTENTIALITIES OF PRAYER

1. God will grant great and mighty things in answer to prayer. (Jer. 33:3)2. Ask anything in Jesus' -- it will be done. (Jn. 15:7; 14:14)3. Ask according to His will -- shall be answered. (I Jn. 5:14,15)4. Provides anything that will glorify God. (Jn. 14:13)

III. HOW TO PRAY

A. Come into His conscious presence. (Ps. 100:2; 16:1 l; 46:10)

"Be sure that you do not utter a word of prayer until you have really come into the presence of God and knowthat you are talking to Him ...Whenever you kneel in prayer, be absolutely sure before you utter a syllable of

prayer that you have actually come into the presence of God and really speaking to him. Oh, it is a wondroussecret." -R.A. Torrey

"First of all in prayer take more time to be still before God without saying one word. What is, in prayer,the important thing? That I catch the ear of Him to whom I speak. We are not ready to offer out petition untilwe are fully conscious of having secured the attention of God. You tell me you know all that. Yes, you know it;but you need to have your heart filled by the Holy Spirit with the holy consciousness that the everlasting,almighty God is indeed come very near you .... When we bow in the humble, silent acknowledgment of God'sglory and nearness, we begin to pray there will be the very blessing that we often get only at the end." -AndrewMurray(The Master's Indwelling)



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The Secret of Entrance into His Presence

Heb. 10:19,22 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the (Holy Place) the Holiest by the blood of Jesus...Let us draw near." Cf. Heb. 4:14-16; I John 1:9,7

"BELOVED CHRISTIAN! The BLOOD of JESUS! The blood of the lamb! Oh, think what it means. God gave itfor your redemption. God accepted it when His Son entered heaven and presented it on your behalf. God has it forever in His sight as the fruit, the infinitely well-pleasing proof, of His Son's obedience unto death. God points you toit and asks you to believe in the divine satisfaction it gives to Him, in its omnipotent energy, in its everlastingsufficiency. Oh, will you not this day believe that that blood gives you, sinful and feeble as you are, liberty,

confidence, boldness to draw nigh, to enter the very Holiest? Yes, believe it, that the blood and the blood alone,brings you into the very PRESENCE, into the living and abiding fellowship of the everlasting God ...Which is nowgreater in your sight: your sin or the blood of Jesus? There can be but one answer. Then draw nigh, and enter in, intothe Holiest of ALL. As your sin has hitherto kept you back, let the blood now bring you nigh ...Understand how theFather's heart longs that His children draw near to Him boldly. He gave the blood of His Son to secure it. Let us honorGod, and honor the blood, by entering the Holiest with great, great boldness." -Andrew Murray- (The Holiest of All)

"When we draw near to God we should give up any and every thought that we have any acceptability before Godin ourselves, and we must realize that we are miserable sinners, but W e must also believe that every sin of ours hasbeen atoned for by the shed blood of Jesus." -R.A. Torrey- (The Power of Prayer)

1. Focus your thought upon His Presence Repeat slowly and thoughtfully the first three petitions of the Lord's prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to make eachof them very real to your heart before you go on to the next. Particularly linger long after saying from your heart,

"OUR FATHER". Is He your Father through the blood of Jesus? Rejoice in the wonder of the fact, and give Godthanks for it.

2. Tarry before your Eternal Heavenly Father in thanksgiving Thank Him as your Father for your temporal good, for every mercy, and for all things. Consider in thisconnection Eph. 5:20; I Thess. 5:18; Rom. 8:28.

3. Meditate upon the Father and Son’s great love for youRead or repeat (meditatively) from memory John 3:16, Isaiah 53 and Gal. 2:20

4. Meditatively read a chapter of the New Testament each day Do this no matter whether you have prepared a sermon or several lessons in the Bible on the same day. Thisreading is the other side of petition. It is God's side. It is God's opportunity to speak to your heart if you readslowly and in prayerful dependence upon the Holy Spirit for fight. Follow carefully Madam Guyon's counselhere. This kind of reading is the HEARING SIDE of prayer.

5. Invite the Holy Spirit, the Teacher from on high, to instruct you a. Invite Him to counsel you in the way the Father would have you go.(Rom. 8:14)b. Invite Him to reprove you. (John 8:12; 16-18)c. Invite Him to comfort you. (John 14:16-19)d. Invite Him to give you some new revelation of the wondrous nature of the Father and the Son. (John 16:14,15)

6. Reflect upon the wonder of the indwelling of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Read often or better memorize John 14:17, 21, 23 and Eph. 3:17. The last verse is especially helpful. If you willbelieve the fact that He is in you, you will have the delectable joy that He dwelleth in you! Think, walk, act,speak in the light of that glorious fact.

7. Adore your Lord Read and meditate upon the great doxologies of the Bible. An important one is Rom. 11:33-36. Seealso Rev. 5:l-5; Jude 24, 25; Heb. 13:20,21; I Tim. 6:13-16; 1:17. Read these aloud or silently beforeand unto the Lord as you worship Him. Stop at each phrase to meditate and adore before you go to

the next unless the Scripture has become already a part of the flow of your incense of love offeringunto the Lord.



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8. Then… please learn to be utterly silent to the Lord.It is not enough that you do not vocalize audibly your thought of prayer and adoration. He yearns foryou to be silent in the deepest recesses of your being, until every request, every fleshly yearning,every desire but for HIMSELF...H-I-M-S-E-L-F! has faded into oblivion, and he becomes (then)ALL AND ALL, as you continue to wait breathlessly in wonder, awe and love before Him. (S. of S3:4)

"Get before Him until you care for nothing but His will. Get before Him until everything andperson fade in comparison; till your heart is full of yon lovely man. 'Draw nigh to God and He willdraw nigh to you." So near that you will have no room or wish for anything before Him. Then you

will want only that which is pleasing to Him, and so will receive answers to prayer." -Sister Abigail-

Eph 2:18 "For through Him we both have access in one Spirit unto the Father."In the Greek the word "access" is the equivalent to our word "introduction". It is the work of the Holy Spirit tointroduce you to God in the Throne Room of prayer.

When you feel least like praying, and the heavens seem as brass, then you need the most to draw nigh toGod. (James 4:8 - "Draw night to God, and He WILL draw nigh to you.") Don't give up, but look away to theblood of Jesus; be quiet in your soul, and count upon the Spirit of God who dwells within you to lead you to theFather. He will manifest Him to you, and give you confidence to approach the Father in confidence. Eph. 6:18;Rom. 8:26-27.

"We need God the Father to pray to; we need Jesus Christ the Son to pray through (I Tim. 2:5; and we needthe Holy Spirit to pray in." . A. Torey-

B. Pray Earnestly. - James 5:16

Jer. 29:13 "...find Me when ye shall search for me with all your heart."Luke 22:44 "...being in agony he prayed more earnestly (literally, more stretched-out-wily; and his sweat

was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."Rom. 15:30 "beseech you ...strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" (Greek-sunagonizo, to

contend, to strive, or wrestle, fight.)There is a "rest of faith" when we come into God's presence like a little child and quietly and trustfully ask

Him for the thing desired, and go away very quietly and calmly and reckon it done.Yet sometimes when we pray, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against satanic forces. It is easy

then to be discouraged. Should we give up? No! Fight through on your knees. A soul may be at stake, a victoryfor God may be lost. Col.4:12,13 "laboring fervently (agonizing in prayer) ...for you in prayer."

Do you know what it means to labor in prayer; to toil with painful earnestness in supplication to God? Wepray too easily, and too often with little heart, and earnestness. Such prayer so often counts little with God.

How can we stir ourselves to earnest, intense prayer?

It is not by pounding on a chair and shouting and screaming. This may be worse than thoughtless,apathetic praying.

It is by yielding to and depending upon the Spirit of God to pray through us, (Rom. 8:26,27) "withgroaning which cannot be uttered." Look to God to send the anointing of His Spirit upon you to stir your heartto true prayer and earnestness.

C. Pray with Others. Matt. 18:19,20; Acts 4:21-23; I Cor.14:15,16

"If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything ...it shall be done for them of my Father which is inHeaven." Matt 18:19.

There is more power in united prayer than in individual prayer. To agree (symphonize, Greek) in prayer, IJohn 1:7 must be true.



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D. Pray in the name of Jesus.

"Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shallask anything in my name, that will I do." John 14:13-16; 16:23,24,26.

"IN MY NAME --repeated six times over. Our Lord knew how slow our hearts would be to take it in ...His namis our only ...all sufficient plea. The power of prayer and the answer depend on the right use of the Name."

What is a person's name? ...When I mention or hear a name, it calls up before me the whole man, what Iknow of him, and also the impression he has made on me. The name of a king includes his honor, his power,his kingdom. His name is the symbol of his power. And so each name of God embodies and represents some

part of the glory of the Unseen One. And the Name of Christ is the expression of all He has done and all He isand lives to do as our Mediator." -Andrew Murray (With Christ in ...School of Prayer)

"He ...became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exaltedHim, and given Him a name which is above every name." (Phil.2:8,9) "All power is given unto me in heavenand in earth." (Matt. 28:18)--JESUS

"To ask something in some other person's name ...means simply this, that you ask the thing that you askfrom the person of whom you ask it, on the ground of some claim that the person in whose name you ask it hasupon the one from whom you ask it." -R. A. Torrey-

The above is illustrated in the life of Dr. Wilburt Chapman. In a time of real sorrow it was necessary forhim to make a trip into the far west. One of his elders, a banker, came to see him, and as he was taking his leavehe slipped a bit of paper into his hand. When Dr. Chapman looked at it, he found it to be a check made out inhis name and signed by the banker, but where there should have been figures it was blank. "Do you mean youare giving me a signed blank check to be filled out as I please? " he asked the banker. "Yes, the banker replied;

I did not know how much you might need, and I want you to draw any amount that will meet your wants.""To pray in the name of Jesus Christ is to recognize that we have no claims on God whatever, that God owes

us nothing whatever, that we deserve nothing of God; but, believing what God Himself tells us about Jesus Christ'sclaims upon God ...Here is where many a person fails of getting an answer to prayer. They ask things of God on theground of some claim they fancy they themselves have on God. They fancy because they are such good Christians,so consistent in their lives, and so active in their service, that God is under obligation to grant their prayers."

"Time and time again Satan has said to me that I have dared to ask something of God that seemed verylarge, 'Oh, don't dare to ask so great a thing as that. You are not worthy of anything so great as that,' and I havereplied, "I know that I am not worthy of anything at all, but Jesus Christ is worthy of that and I am asking noton the ground of my claims upon God, but on the ground of His." And sometimes as I think of how preciousthe name of Jesus Christ is to God, how He delights to honor the name of His Son, I grow very bold and askGod for great things ...Do you realize that we honor the name of Christ by asking great things in that name? Doyou realize that we dishonor that name by not daring to ask great things in that name? Oh, have faith in thepower of Jesus' name, and dare to ask great things in His name." -R. A. Torrey-

E. Command in the name of Jesus.

Acts 16:18 "I command thee in the name of Jesus to come out of her." Isa. 45:11 "And concerning the work ofMy hands command ye me." (command the thing and not God) Mark 11:22,23 Have faith in God. For verily Isay unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, 'be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; and shallnot doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith (note-not prayeth) shall come to pass:he shall have whatsoever he saith."

1. Examples: Peter, Acts 3:6 "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."Paul, Acts 14:10 "Paul ...Perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, 'Stand

upright on thy feet' And he leaped and walked."Jesus, Mark 11:14 "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever." cf-John 14:12, He that believeth on Me, the

works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: because I go unto My Father."In recent years a lawyer asked one of our Pentecostal ministers who was preaching on John 14:13, "Do

you mean to tell us that Jesus gave us the power of attorney to do business in His name?" The preacheranswered, "I am only a layman when it comes to law, but you are a lawyer...you tell us. Did Jesus give usthe power of attorney?" The lawyer answered, "If language means anything, then Christ gave to HisChurch the power of attorney." The preacher asked a second question, "What is the value of this power ofattorney?" And he received this answer, "It all depends on how much there is back of the name."



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"THE MEASURE OF THE ABILITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is the MEASURE of theVALUE of HIS NAME. All that Christ was in His pre-incarnate state, that name is. All that Christ was andis has been invested in His name, and He has given us the unqualified use of His name." -EvangelistHarvey McAlister

2. The proper use of the name of the Lord Jesus "What is it to do a thing in the name of another? It is to come with the power and authority of that

other, as his representative and substitute. We know how such a use of another's name always supposes acommunity of interest. No one would give another the free use of his name without first being assured that

his honor and interest were as safe with that other as with himself...The free use of the name of another isalways the token of great confidence, of close union ...0ur power in using that Name, whether with God, ormen, or devil, depends on the measure of our spiritual life-union. (Jn. 15:7...They HAVE THESPIRITUAL POWER to avail themselves of the Name of Jesus just to the extent to which they yieldthemselves to live only for the interests and the work of the Master. The use of the Name always supposesthe surrender of our interests to Him whom we represent."...When the Name of Jesus has become thepower that rules my life, its power in prayer with God will be seen, too... When it (the Scripture) says,(Col. 3:17) 'Do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus,' we see how this is the counterpart of the other, 'Ask all'To do all and to ask all in His Name, these go together ...It is not to the lips but to the life God looks to seewhat the Name is to us ...Lord! teach me what it is to pray in Thy Name. Teach me so to live and ask, towalk and speak, so to do all in the Name of Jesus, that my prayer cannot be anything else but in the blessedName too." -Andrew Murray- (With Christ in the School of Prayer)

IV. CONDITIONS OF EFFECTUAL PRAYER (Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:1,2)

A. Keep all of His commandments

I John 3:22 "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments..." Jn. 15:7"He demands that we shall listen to His Word before He listens to our prayers. If we have a sharp ear for

God's commandments, then God will have a sharp ear for our petitions; but if we turn a deaf ear to one ofGod's commandments, God will turn a deaf ear to every one of our petitions. If we do the things that God bidsus to do; then God will do the things that we ask Him to do: but if we do not pay close attention to God's Word,God will pay no attention whatever to our prayers. To put it all in a single sentence: If we wish God to answerour prayers, we must study God's Word diligently each day, to find out what the will of God is, and do that willevery time we find it."

"Here we touch upon one of the commonest reasons why prayers are not answered: those who pray areneglecting the study of the Word of God, or they are not studying it for the particular purpose of finding outwhat God's will is for them, or else they are not doing that will every time they find it" -R. A. Torrey- (ThePower of Prayer)

APPLY THYSELF WHOLLY TO THE WORD AND THE WORD WHOLLY TO THYSELF -Anon-Warning to preachers!

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall becalled the least in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:19

"G. C. Morgan comments on the above verse as follows, "Notice carefully 'break' and 'teach'. You neverfind a man teaching that any commandment of God is unimportant, but that behind his teaching is the fact thathe himself is breaking that commandment ...the issue of that man is that he is to be least in the kingdom...losing the honors and the rewards.(commentary- Matthew)

John 15:7 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be doneunto you."

"It is not enough to get Christ's words in us: His words must 'abide' in us, that is 'stay' in us and there isonly one possible way in which Christ's words can stay in us, and that is by our diligently obeying them. (Jn.15:10) So you can go right straight through your Bible and you will find that every promise of God to answerour prayers is made to those who diligently study His Word in order that they may know His will, and whoalways obey His will every time they find it. Are you greatly perplexed as to why God does not give you thethings you ask? There is no mystery at all about it; you are not studying God's Word to find out His will foryou, or else you are not doing it every time you find it ...there is some particular thing you are not doing thatyou know God wishes you to do, and there is not the slightestreason why you should expect God to answer your prayers." -R.A. Torrey-



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B. "Do the things that are pleasing in His sight." (I Jn. 3:22; Heb. 11:5 R.V. (mg)

This is a higher plan than outward obedience to the ten commandments. THE CONTROLLING purpose ofyour life: To please Jesus.

"This may sound very simple. And it is. Yet there is no sentence that has a more sharply cutting razor edgethan just that sentence. It does not mean simply to leave out what is wrong and put in what is right. That isreally a rather low standard of living for a true Christian ...This is really climbing up to Jesus' level when Hewas down here on the earth. With a touch of deepening awe one recalls our Lord Jesus' words: 'I do always thethings that are pleasing to Him' (The Father). 'To please Jesus' - use it as a touch-stone, a testing-stone, for a

day. Apply it to personal apparel, habit of life, conversation, daily duties ...It is really keeping in warm touchwith your Friend. It's keeping the window panes of your life clean so the sun can shine in clear and warm." -S.D. Gordon-

"I would rather be on praying ground, rather be in such a relation to God that He can and will answer myprayers, than to have the combined wealth of a hundred Rockefellers." -R.A. Torrey

C. Let him ask in faith. -James 1:6,7-

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive." Matt. 21:22, cf-Mark 11:24R.V.

We can expect God to answer the very thing we ask Him to give us. Nominal Christians exercise little orno faith because they add to every prayer, "If it be thy will."

If you know God's will through a diligent searching of His Word, and by the confirmation of His Spirit to

your heart, you may pray in certainty that your prayer will be answered.We do not need to doubt that it is God's will to give us wisdom. Jas. 1:5, nor healing. Jas. 1:15, Psalm

103:3, Acts 2:4, 38,39.God's promises are sure! IICor. 1:20. If you plead a clear promise of God you need not put "ifs" in your

prayer. If you persist you may have to pay a price of fresh obedience for the answer.

How may we pray in faith1. Ask according to His revealed will. I Jn 5:14,15; Jn. 15:7 Study His word to know His promises and His

will.2. Look to the Spirit of God to assure you of His will where the Scriptures do not clearly indicate His will.

Rom.8:26,27 Gal. 5:16.3. Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God. Rom. 10:17.4. Faith comes by living in Love to all. Gal. 5:6 - Faith which worketh by love." cf-Rom. 13:10

D. Importunity (an expression of faith - persistence of hanging on in faith) Luke 11:5-13 cf-Luke 18:1-8;Matt. 15:21-28.

V. THE CAUSE OF THE SIN OF PRAYERLESSNESS (I Sam. 12:23)

"Prayer will make you cease from sinning or sinning will make you cease from praying." -Anon-"God must discover to us how the lack of prayer is the indication of unfaithfulness to our consecration vow, that

God should have all our heart and life. We must see that this restraining prayer, with the excuses we make for it, isgreater sin than we have thought; for what does it mean? That we have little taste or relish for fellowship with God;that our faith rests more on our own work and efforts than on the power of God; that we have little sense of theheavenly blessing God waits to shower down; that we are not ready to sacrifice the ease and confidence of the flesh

for persevering waiting on God; that the spirituality of our life, and our abiding in Christ, is altogether too feeble tomake us prevail in prayer. When the pressure of work for Christ is allowed to be the excuse for our not finding timeto seek and secure His own presence and power in it, as our chief need, it surely proves that there is no right sense ofour absolute dependence upon God, no deep apprehension of the Divine supernatural work of God in which we areonly His instruments, no true entrance into the heavenly, altogether other worldly character of our incision and aims,no full surrender to and delight in Christ Jesus Himself" From -The Ministry of Prayer- Andrew Murray-



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WORSHIP WARFARE

Worship

Preparing Worshipers for War

“May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double edged sword in their hands to inflict vengeance on thenations and punishment on the peoples, to bind kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out thesentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the Lord.” (Ps. 149:6-9)

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers ofthis dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the whole armor ofGod.” (Eph. 6:12)

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives somuch as to shrink from death.” (Rev. 2:11)

“Suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is ablewith ten thousand to oppose the one coming against with twenty thousand?” (Lk. 14:31)

I. THE CALL TO WORSHIP

Parallel (side by side) to the tremendous (great or mighty) revival of wholehearted worship in theChurch is a rapid spreading and increase of new religions and pseudo (false)-scientific superstitions.No longer content with the gods of rationalism (of thinking or logic) and materialism (love ofpossessions), our culture is turning to occult gods with the promise of power and spiritual knowledge.As in Elijah's day, God's true worshippers are facing a showdown with the powers of darkness. Wemust not just delight in the worship of God; we must prepare for serious conflict with unseen forces,for Satan's strategy is to divert (turn) worship from God to himself. The issue is not "will we worship?"but "whom will we worship?

In this lesson we will learn what are the prerequisites (required conditions) for going to battle and what are ourweapons for warfare. The future of families, cities, and nations are at stake.

• God calling His people to activated worship! (Ps.149:1-50)• An angel proclaiming the eternal gospel to all the nations: "Worship God! (Rev.14:6)

II. THE CALL TO WAR

• God calling activated worshipers to war! (Ps.149:6-9)

• The same trumpets that called Israel to worship called them to war. (Num.10:7-10)

• It is a struggle. There will be losses. (Eph.6:12)

• Are we interested observers or dedicated warriors?

• God-centered warfare. (II Chron. 20:21,22) They sang God's praise; God defeated their enemies. First,submit to God, then, resist the devil. (Jas. 4:7)

• Worship is enthroning Christ; warfare is dethroning principalities.

•

The presence of God (the ark) and Warfare. (Num.10:35; 14:44.)

III. THE CONQUERABLE ENEMY

• The reality of Satan.

• Satan is evil to the core. By nature, he is a murderer, a thief, and a destroyer. (Jn.10:10) Satan is a vicious(wicked or brutal) liar and a relentless (ruthless) accuser. (Jn. 8:44; Rev. 12:10)

• Cannot ignore our adversary. He can devour us. Need to be alert and self-controlled. (I Pet. 5:8)

• We must not be presumptuous in warfare. (Jude 1:9)



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A. The vulnerability (weakness) of Satan.• Satan is a created being, not co-equal with God. -- Satan's kingdom is built on pride, jealousy, threats,

competition, backbiting, lies, etc. It cannot stand.

• They overcame him. (Rev. 12:11)

• Kings and nobles (satanic governors) in chains. (Ps. 149:8-9)

• Hell's gates cannot hold back God's Church. (Mt. 16:18)

IV. PREREQUISITES (NEEDED CONDITIONS) FOR WARFARE

A. "Are you a worshiper?" (Ps. 149:6-9)

B. "Have you chosen to live by the cross?" (Rev.12:11) This is not a weapon; this is a prerequisite.• Are you house-conscious (aware ); career conscious, or fearful? Become God-conscious.(Deut. 20:1-10)

• Christ over all. We must decide whether to protect our lives or invest them. (Mt. 10: 37-39)

C. "Do you have wisdom?" (Lk.14:31) Time to fight, time to refrain (hold off). Need to establish victory insmaller spheres, before we take on larger spheres.

D. Submission, humility and peace should precede (come before) warfare. (1 Pet. 5:5-9)

V. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN EFFECTIVE WEAPONS, WHICH WE MUST LEARN TO USE

A. The Blood—Legislative (legal) truth.• Not some magical incantation (a spell or curse)

• The proof of Christ's finished work. Faith in its meaning is necessary.

• The worshiper's guarantee of access. (Heb.10:19-22)

• Means of disarming Satanic powers and authorities. (Col. 2:15)

• The testimony of God's evaluation (testing) of man. The sinner has worth!

• Blood measures value. The blood of Christ represents the highest price that could be paid for anything! (1 Pet.1:18)

• Purchase price of all creation. (Col 1:15-20)

B. Our Testimony of God's Truth -- Executive Action• Testimony is not just speaking words; it is confession based on conviction. (The Greek word for testimony,

“marturion”, has to do with personal experience. It requires a subjective encounter with God's objectiveeternal truth.)

• Conviction = Belief + Experience. (Jn. 4:39-42; I Jn. l :1-2)

• Matters are established by two or more witnesses. (Mt. 18:16)

• The Church is called to declare. (I Pet. 2:9)

• We testify in praise, in witnessing, in preaching, in declarative prayer.

• Those who testify are hated by Satan. (Rev. 1:9; 6:9; 17:6)

• To be effective in warfare, the Church must increase in her testimony.

C. The Name of Jesus• In the nature of Jesus, (Jn. 17:6) "Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the

nature of Jesus in our hearts." Frangipane

• In the authority of Jesus. (Mt. 18:18-19; Phil. 2: 9-11)

• In the presence of Jesus. (Mt 18:19; 2 Chron 20: 8-9)

The name of Jesus requires special agreement. The Greek word for agree is “sumphoneo”, from which we



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VI. OTHER IMPORTANT OPERATIONS OF WARFARE

• Fasting: Loosens the bonds of wickedness. (Isa. 58:6)

• Intercession: God releases awesome power when satisfied with incense. (Rev. 8:3-5)

• Forgiveness: Binding and loosing connected with forgiveness. Forgiveness releases us from Satan's legalrights. (Mt. 18:35)

• Angels: Our heavenly allies. (Ps. 34:7; Ex. 14:19)

• Breaking curses: (See Blessing or Curse by Derek Prince, Chosen Books.)

VII. AM I PREPARED?

• Is there anything I secretly treasure above God Himself?

• Am I confident in the power of the blood? The name of Jesus?

• Am I willing to limit my warfare to areas of true testimony and conviction (belief or opinion)?

• Do I live for myself or for God?

• Am I subject to regular guilt and condemnation (feeling of disapproval)?

• Has my heart become cold or hardened?

• Do I tend to view things from a perspective (viewpoint or opinion) of faith or suspicion (distrust)?

• Is God's presence real to me?

• Do I regularly pray together with others in spiritual agreement?

• Am I embarrassed (shy or ashamed) to boldly praise God?

VIII. CONFESSION

I submit myself to God -- spirit, soul, and body. I stand with a thankful heart, cleansed from guilt andcondemnation by the blood of Jesus, purchased by God for His service.

I consciously (knowingly) choose to live for God and not for myself I renounce (give up or reject) anyidentification with fear, doubt, and selfishness. I stand against the lies of the devil and choose to believe God's Word.I resolve (decide or settle) to fill my heart, my mind and my lips with God's truth. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Pulling Down Strongholds

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish(tear down) strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension (deception or lie) that sets itself up against the

knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punishevery act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor.10:4-6)

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacksand overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.”(Lk 11:21-22)

I. LEARNING ABOUT STRONGHOLDS

In the previous lesson, we learned that worshippers are destined to engage in spiritual war andovercome the adversary (enemy). We learned that we have been given powerful weapons in the Name ofJesus, the Blood of Jesus and the Word of our testimony. Worshipping Warriors have crucified affections,are confident in redemption, and make courageous declarations (statements) in the name of Jesus!

Now let's discover how to recognize strongholds and demolish them!

• Strongholds are arguments, pretentions, and thoughts. They are to be demolished (to tear down, smash,destroy, and to bring to naught!). (2 Cor. 10:4-6)

• Capturing renegade (rebellious; wild) thoughts is a major part of warfare. How much of our thinking isopposed to God's truth? More than we would like to admit.

• A pretension is an unsupported claim, a false show or simply make-believe.

• Bible teaching and counseling are aspects of warfare in that they are God's tools to transform (change) us bytransforming our thinking. Rom. 12:2.

• A stronghold is defensive. Its purpose is to keep the enemy out. (Lk. 11:21-22)

IAM School of Missions 9-10


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• Examples of Strongholds: Fear, unbelief, pride, impurity, unforgiveness, lust, greed, anger, ignorance hard- heartedness, condemnation, specific falsehoods, racial pride, hopelessness, bitterness, murder, pleasure

oriented or seeking, men-pleasing, etc. (Examples of the names of evil spirits: Rev. 9:11; Mk. 5:9.)

• The deep-seated nature of strongholds: We deny our guilt, excuse ourselves, and justify our disobedience. Thetruth is that we have chosen to believe what is false.

• Removing the high places. (1 Kings 2:2-3; 12:2; 2 Kings 12:2-3; 15:3-4,34-35; 18:3-4). There were kingswho did many good things, but made their peace with the stronghold. Hezekiah and Josiah, on the otherhand, removed the high places, smashing the sacred stones. (2 Kings 18:3-4, 23:1-25)

II. DISARMING THE ADVERSARY (ENEMY)

• Meditation and Declaration: (Col. 3:16-17)

• Repentance: Turning from attitudes and thoughts that are contrary to God's truth. We must cancel everyalliance (agreement or pact) we have with these falsehoods. (Ezra 14:6)

• Resisting: Must be more determined than our adversary. (Jas. 4:7; Josh. 17:12)

• Doing good: Manifesting (showing; giving appearance of) the opposite spirit. e.g. Generosity in the face ofgreed and selfishness, kindness in the face of meanness, humility in the face of pride, etc. (Rom. 12: 20-21)

III. INCREASING SPHERES (REALMS OR AREAS) OF WAR

• (See definition of Stronghold.) Imagine six or seven concentric circles. The inside circles have to do with

individuals and families; the outer circles have to do with cities and nations. (2 Cor. 10:13-16)• Wisdom is faithfully pulling down strongholds in our assigned field. Then we graduate to a new sphere of

warfare. (e.g. The life of David: First the bear & the lion, then Goliath, then Saul, then Judah, thenIsrael, then nations.) (Lk 14:31)

• Presumption (daring boldness or forwardness) is when we attack the external and ignore the internal.(Acts 19:13-16)

• Picture of light rain on a pond. Each drop is sending out ripples until the whole pond is affected.

• The Three Battlegrounds: the mind, the church, and the heavenlies. (Francis Frangipane)

IV. WARFARE IN THE LIFE OF GIDEON

A. Israel, like America, dominated (ruled;overcome) by enemies as a result of idolatry. (Judges 6:1-10)

• Satan is not opposed to worship; he is only opposed to the worship of God. He jealously cravesthe praise that belongs only to God, the Creator. And he promises rewards to those who worship him.We must not underestimate (dismiss; minimize) the temptation to bow before other gods. It was one ofJesus' major temptations. (Lk. 4:5-8)

• The first two of the Ten Commandments forbid worshipping other gods and idols. (Ex. 20:1-6)

• A major problem among Christians is the mixture of worship: trying to worship God and other gods.1. You worship whatever motivates you to make sacrifices.2. You need to carefully examine your heart in this area.

• The rise and fall of nations is not tied to some inevitable historical cycle; it is tied to true and false worship.Therefore, confronting false worship and preserving true worship is paramount (of great importance) to thewelfare of a nation.

• A nation's culture is simply the outworking of what that nation worships. [Compare cult (obsessive devotion)

and culture.]• Idolatry often poses itself as a cultural or scientific phenomenon (occurrence; happening) rather than a

religion. It may also use Christian terminology (use of words).

B. Gideon confronts strongholds in himself. It must begin here! (Judg. 6:11-24)

C. Gideon pulls down strongholds in his family. (Judg. 6: 25-32)

D. Gideon delivers Israel from the Midianites. (Judg. 6: 33-7:25)



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V. FILLING THE CONQUERED TERRITORIES

• Take what was an altar for Satan, and make it an altar for God. (Judg. 6:25-26)

• Fill the void with God. (Lk 11:24-25) e.g. Replace the lie with the truth, rebellion with submission, disorderwith order, pride with humility, contention with peace, unforgiveness with forgiveness, independence withaccountability, etc.

• Join with others in honest fellowship and intercession to keep your life free.

• Be watchful over your life, your family, your city, etc. (1 Pet. 5:8)

VI. SPECIFIC STEPS

• Prayer for discernment (insight). Where is my assigned field where I can exercise divine authority? Bespecific. What are the strongholds (demonically-inspired thought patterns)in my field? Be specific.

• Repudiate (deny; cancel) your agreement with Satan's falsehoods. Let God's truth demolish those arguments.

• Ask the Lord Jesus to be in you (or in that sphere) the opposite of the spirit you are opposing. (e.g. peace inplace of greed; purity in place of uncleanness.)

• At the place of false worship, erect an altar for true worship. Glorify God!

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lords'. I Samuel 17:47

Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today ...The Lord will fight for you: you needonly to be still. Exodus 14:13,14

Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God isthe one who goes with you fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:3,4

Save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you... I will be with you. Judges 6:15,16.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Out on the full armor of God so that you can take yourstand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10,11.As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir whowere invading Judah and they were defeated. II Chronicles 20:22

I. THE JEHOSHAPHAT STRATEGY (II CHRONICLES 20)

Once we discover that there is a battle, then we must learn that the battle belongs to the Lord. Unless you have beenoverwhelmed by your own inability to significantly affect the world around you, you are probably not ready for thebattle. Inspired human zeal will not carry the day. But discovering God's unique plan in each situation and followinghis lead will bring victory. Sometimes this involves vigorous action; at other times, God would have us be still in theface of our enemy. Regardless, we must learn to recognize our helplessness and His power. Thus will the Lord beglorified. Discovering the Jehoshaphat Strategy will help us know God's specific plan for the specific battle.

A. Evaluation. vs. l,2. Know specifically what you are up against. We need insight and discernment.

B. Prayer. vs.3,4.

• Prayed from God's perspective. vs. 6.

• Reviewed pertinent history. vs. 7.

• Prayed according to God's promises. vs. 8.

• Prayed in the presence. vs. 9.

• Prayed in the Name. vs. 8,9.

• Called their enemies by name. vs. 10.

• Acknowledged their helplessness. vs. 12

C. Waiting and listening. vs. 13-17. Listen for specific instructions.



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D. Faith. vs. 18-20

• Worship reveals faith. Rom. 4:20; I Peter 1:7

• Action reveals faith. James 2:22

E. Praise. vs. 21

F. Victory. vs. 22-25. Taking the spoils. (See Mt. 12:29).

G. Celebration. vs. 27-29. (See Ps. 126).

II. MINISTRY IN THE HEAVENS /VICTORY ON EARTH

• Ex. 17:3-13 -- Joshua on the battlefield; Moses on the hill. "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israeliteswere winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amelekites were winning."

• Without lifted hands on the hill, we will not see the Joshuas prevail on the battlefields. This suggests aninterdependency between the worship intercessors and the various other ministries in the Church. It alsosuggests the interdependency between the disciplines of worship and warfare in our own individual lives.

III. REVIEW OF GOD-CENTERED WARFARE

A. Be God-conscious, not enemy-conscious. Deut. 20:3,4.

B. God fights for us, when we worship Him. When we get concerned about His benefit, He gets concerned withours. II Chron. 20:22.

C. Submit to God first, then resist the devil. Jas. 4:7.

D. Choose the Cross. Choose to lay down your life for God's will. Rev. 12:11.

E. Prepare for warfare with submission, humility and peace. I Pet. 5:5-9.

F. Identify strongholds and find God's plan for victory through prayer and listening.

G. Know your weapons: the Blood, the Name and the Word of your testimony.

H. Use your God-given weapons with courage and wisdom.

I. Fill the conquered places with God's truth.

IV. PRAYER

Lord Jesus, fill our hearts and lips with unending praise and testimony of your greatness. Grant us wisdom in

warfare. As we grow in our obedience, cause us to extend Your Kingdom's influence and authority into

increasing spheres of our lives, our families, and our churches, our cities and our nation. May Your kingdomcome and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Now we sincerely ask that you

• gird us with the belt of your truth and reality,• cover us with the breastplate of your righteousness,

• make us ready to go out with the shoes of the gospel,

• equip us with the shield of faith,

• protect our minds with the helmet of your salvation,

• arm us with Your powerful Word, and

• call us to watchful prayer.

Rise up O Lord, in our generation and be exalted over all your enemies. For thine is the kingdom, thepower and the glory forever. Amen.



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Musicians' Session (optional lesson, excellent for worship leaders)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Psalm 100:4Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Col. 3:16b

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet ...with the harp and lyre ...with tambourine and dancing ...with the stringsand flute ...with the clash of cymbals ...with resounding cymbals. Ps. 150:3-5

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied

by trumpeters, cymbals and other instrument, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: "He is good; hislove endures forever." Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform theirservice be-cause of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of the Lord. II Chron. 5:13,14

I. INTRODUCTION

The "New Reformation," as Jack Hayford calls the renewal of praise and worship in the Church, has some excitingimplications for the church musician. What are the goals of worship music in the church? How can we becomeeffective in glorifying God musically?

II. WORSHIP LEADING

A. The purpose of leading worship is to help the congregation offer pleasing sacrifices unto God. Worship is forGod's sake. Remember: God is the audience -- not the congregation!

B. Song service vs. worship. We are worship leaders, not simply "song leaders." Worship involvesprogression from one point to another. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise."True worship will bring us into God's life-changing presence, where healing and deliverance shouldhappen very naturally. As we give ourselves to God in worship, he will give the gifts of His Spirit to us(See II Kings 3:15; I Sam. 16:23; Is. 30:32).

C. The "flow of the Spirit" is a key concept in the skill of worship leading. Be careful of abrupt, unnaturalchanges. Work on developing a "flow" in regard to the "feel" of the songs, the theme of the songs, and thesongs' keys. Various patterns are helpful:

• thanksgiving, praise, and worship

• psalms (celebration), hymns (adoration), and spiritual songs (revelation).

D. Transitions between songs are most important.

The worship leader should practice with the worship team the beginnings and endings of songs, and how to"fill" in between songs so that there is an atmosphere of worship created. (For more about accompanyingworship, see paragraphs 1-3 in Section C under The Worship Team.)

E. The skillful use of songs.

Songs are to the worship leader what colors are to the artist. Since being a good worship leader requires aknowledge of songs, be listening for how various songs (new and old) are used and what they can accomplish.

Every worship leader and church should make a comprehensive list of the songs and hymns that he can usesuccessfully. List them by categories (i.e. thanksgiving praise and worship) and by keys. This will help youbuild medleys and create a flow in your worship times.



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F. Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Don't get in a rut with just one song form. The New Testament suggests three primary song forms. The hymn,which usually involves a chorus and multiple verses, is the most theological and historical. It also has thelongest life span of the three. In contrast, the psalm is a more personal, contemporary, and testimonial. Thespiritual song, which is sometimes called "free worship," "open worship," or "the song of the Lord," is a lessstructured song form. Probably the Gregorian chant is a codification of early spiritual songs.These three song forms will help us worship the God "who was, who is and is to come" (Rev. 4:8).

G. Planned vs. spontaneous choice of songs and keys.

• The greater the number of instruments, the greater the need for a definite "worship program."

• The more experienced the worship team, the less need for a definite program.

• Remember, God can speak to you five days before the service, as well as during the service. "Spirit-led" isnot synonymous with "spontaneous."

H. Worship and liturgy.

Begin to see the worship service as a worship event from beginning to end. Employ responsive readings,testimonies, drama, solo music. instrumental music, choir music, communion, preaching, teaching, exhortationetc. as tools to help the congregation come into the presence of God. Work with your church'sleadership in developing a continuity in the service. The free flow of the gifts of the Spirit is helped by a

"moderator" who could be a pastor, worship leader, or another church leader with sensitivity and maturity.

I. Worship leaders and church leadership.

It is essential to have harmony between the worship leader and the governing body of the congregation. Inpublic worship, it is very important to learn how to "pass the baton" between the pastor (or moderator ofthe meeting) and the worship leader. Each should have a deep appreciation for the other's function and anunderstanding of his own limitations. Although it takes time to develop honest communication and mutualrespect between pastoral leadership and worship leadership, the dividends are phenomenal! For there

--in unity -- the Lord commands the blessing (Ps. 133: 3)!

III. THE WORSHIP TEAM

A. The worship team is made up of all those who assist the congregation in offering pleasing worship to God.

This would include:• the worship leader or leaders,

• the instrumentalists, which usually includes one key instrumentalist,

• the singers, which may include a choir and a select ensemble, and

• a music secretary, who can keep up with overheads, etc. (See paragraph E under Worship Leadingabout making a comprehensive list of usable songs.)

We usually think of the instrumentalists and singers as a performing group. Begin to think of them as anaccompanying group. Think of the congregation as the choir.

B. The Instrumentalists.

Most likely, your "worship band" will either be built around a piano or guitar (or possibly organ). This becomes the "key instrument." The "key instrumentalist" is generally responsible for getting the cues fromthe worship leader for key changes, tempo changes, etc. and communicating them to the rest of the band.He will also direct the transitions between songs, etc.

C. Tips for Key Instrumentalists.

• Modulations (going to a new key) help create musical excitement. You can modulate within a song orbetween songs. Modulating is easy if you learn to use the "pivot chord."



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• "Pivot chords" for going to a new key.

Simplest way: Go to the V7 chord of the new key. Ex.: If you are going to the key of D from the key ofC, A7 would be your pivot chord (A7 is the V7 chord in the key of D).

Better way: Precede the V7 chord with the IV (or ii7) chord of the new key over the Vin the bass.Ex.: If you are going to the key of D from the key of C, play a G/A (or em7/A). Then A7.

• Chord progressions for accompanying spiritual songs. "Filling" between songs and accompanying freeworship are not some mysterious gifts that fall out of heaven only to be discovered by a select few. It is askill that can be learned. Begin by simply arpeggiating the tonic chord in a worshipful manner. Occasionallyadd passing notes. Then try these progressions.a) IV, I, IV, I. Key of F = F, Bb, F, Bb, F.b) I, vi7, I, vi7, I. Key of F = F, dm7, F, dm7, F. c) I, ii7 (add 11th), I (1st inversion), IV (add 2), V7sus4, I.Key of F = F, gm7 (add C), F/A, Bb (add C), Csus (add F, no E), F.

Now venture out. Do with your fingers what you hear in the Spirit. Don't get complicatedthough. Create a flow that stimulates worship rather than forcing the singers into an

unnatural direction.

• For further help with keyboard training, guitar training and basic music theory, contact:

a. Piano-by-Ear Institute (404-391-0606) for information on David Lawrence’s home training course,

b. Worship International (205-639-0639) for Steve Bowersox’s The Worship Musician’s Theory Book.

c. WholeHearted Music (205-661-9777) for Praise & Worship for Small Groups with RandyRothwell and Lenny LeBlanc. Begin leading worship immediately as you are learning worshipguitar.

d. Also see section C under Practical Considerations.

D. Clear communication between the worship leader and the key instrumentalist is vital. Signals should beestablished to know when to modulate, when to end the song, when to repeat the chorus, what kind oftransition between songs is coming up, etc. Planning the worship program will cover much of this, but thesesignals are necessary for flexibility in the live service, if transition between songs is coming up, etc. Planning

the worship program will cover much of this, but these signals are necessary for flexibility in the live service.

E. Worship singers may consist of a smaller ensemble of key singers, as well as a larger choir. It is helpful for theworship leader to have this smaller group to insure that the basic song, harmony and answering parts arecommunicated to the congregation. The larger choir gives breadth of sound; the ensemble gives definition ofsound.

F. Regular rehearsals (practice sessions) are necessary for the worship team to learn to minister in the Spirittogether as a group. Be learning new songs; work on transitions; learn to play in the following keys; C, D, Eb,F, G, A and Bb. Then add Ab and E

In practicing, think about how to clear the path of obstacles (Is. 62:10) so that the congregation can easily enter in.

Many times, it is a lack of preparation that creates a lack of participation.

G. Individual Practicing:

Practice making your instrument serve the Spirit of God within you. Spend time worshipping God with yourinstrument. This is a discipline just like practicing etudes and scales. (Historically, classical music trainingincluded training in improvisation. Or unplanned playing). If you are a keyboard player, listen for those chordsand combinations that create an atmosphere of worship. “Worship piano” is different that “gospel piano.”



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H. Qualifications of Worship Musicians.

All worship musicians should be of sound moral and spiritual character and should aspire to excellence inmusicality. They should not be proud, but teachable, cooperative, and responsible. They should not be in it tomake a name for themselves, but to serve. The qualifications for deacons apply to church musicians (I Tim. 3:8ff). They should be involved not just because they are musicians, but because they are consecrated musicians,having devoted themselves to musical ministry unto the Lord. (See The Consecration of Worship Musicians.)

IV. CONGREGATIONAL SONGWRITING

A. Start with a seed: This may be a musical phrase or a verbal phrase or theme. Always be listening: when youread, when you pray, during preaching and teaching, etc. There may be a song in there somewhere.

B. Matching: Match the musical phrase with a thought, or the thought with a musical idea. A good song is goingto involve the marriage of powerful lyrics with complimenting melody and chords. Ask yourself, “Is themelody saying what the words are?”

C. Lyrics: A congregational song won’t allow you to get too poetic or too clever. Steer clear of overusedrhymes, such as "love" and "above" or "sing" and "king." Don't be too wordy.Congregational songs are designed primarily for participation; presentational songs, for listening. Keepasking yourself, "Will the congregation naturally sing this? Do the words speak for the hearts of the people?"

D. Melody: Sing it like you would naturally say it. Don't accent musically where there is no verbal accent. Askyourself, "Is there musical interest in the melody, or is it the same old thing? Is the range within reach of acongregation? (Maximum congregational range is an octave and a third starting at Bb below middle C.) Is themelody too tricky for a congregation to learn it?"

E. Collaboration: If you tend to get great musical ideas, but draw a blank when it comes to words (or viceversa), pray for a collaborator. Bring finished thoughts, either musical or verbal, into the collaboration.Then be willing to adjust them all.

F. De-snagging songs.: When you're finished with the song, comb through it and see if there is a snag. Oneweak phrase can subvert an otherwise great song. Be willing to rewrite.

G. Test flight: Try out a finished song in a congregation or small group. See if it flies. If it doesn't, refine thesong or start over (or keep it as is for your personal enjoyment). Don't think every song you write will be awinner. It may just be an exercise for you.

V. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE WORSHIP SERVICE

A. The Use of Overhead Transparencies and the Copyright Law: Every song is someone's property. Unless asong is designated "Public Domain," you need to get permission from the copyright owner before you canreprint it in any form. If you sing the song, but don't reprint it in any way, you don't have to get permission.

• The use of overhead transparencies is becoming very popular in worship services, and in some places isreplacing the use of hymnals. It is important that the churches which use overheads contact the copyrightholders or administrators of the songs they are using. Look for the copyright information to find who holds it.

(e.g., 1988 Integrity's Hosanna! Music.)

• CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc.) in Portland, Oregon (1-800-234-2446) provides an invaluableservice to churches who use overhead transparencies or slides. By paying an annual licensing fee (whichvaries according to the size of the church), the church gets legal permission for the non-commercial use ofthe songs from hundreds of different publishers. The money you pay is divided between the publisher and thesongwriter, just as royalties from hymnal sales are.



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B. The Sound System: For good advice on the kind of equipment you may need and how to make it serve theflow of worship, you may be interested in contacting Curt Taiple at Sound check Resources. (1471 ColgateDr., St. Charles, MO 63303-3647 ; 314-946-4360)

C. For further help in many of these matters of worship, you may want to subscribe to The Psalmist Magazine(9820 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63126. 314-842-6161). This is an excellent resource for the worshipmusician. They carry video tapes for learning to play the piano and guitar in free worship.

VI. THE CONSECRATION OF WORSHIP MUSICIANS

It is vital (important) for the sake of worshipping churches, that church musicians move beyond talent and intoworship. Skillful, consecrated ( set apart; holy), anointed musicians are coming forth. They are taking the time toconnect their musical craft with the power of God, like David did (1 Sam. 16:23). They are prophesying on theirinstruments and lives are being changed (1 Sam. 10:5-6).

Devote yourself as a musician to God for his unique purposes for you. Anointing follows consecration ( holiness).God's glory was revealed when consecrated musicians ministered before God in His temple. (2 Chron. 5:11-14)

Be encouraged with the high calling you have as a worship musician. Be determined as David was: "My heart issteadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul" (Ps. 57:7).Copyright 1992 Gerrit Gustafson; FAX (205) 660-1154



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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT II

Section 10

Module 3

International Accelerated Missions114 Rock RoadBerne, New York 12023 USA

Ph: (518) 872-0987

Fax: (518) 872-2668


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The Fruit of the Spirit – Part 1

I. INTRODUCTION

A. The Two Parts To The Fruit Of The Spirit1. Outward good works that build the Kingdom2. The inward good work to make us like God

B. To Bear Fruit We Must Meet The Biblical Conditions1. Be found in union with Christ2. Choose the ways of God

C. The Inward Fruit Of The Spirit Is Built Step By StepD. The Sharp Contrast Between The Works Of The Flesh And The Fruit Of The SpiritE. Fruitbearing To Be A Continuous Process Throughout One's Lifetime

II. LOVE

A. Misunderstandings About LoveB. The Four Types of Love

1. Eros2. Storge3. Philia4. Agape

C. Only A Christian Can Have Agape Love D. 1 Corinthians 13 [The 'Love' Chapter] E. The Need For Love1. Orphanages2. The underlying problem in the world F. Desire To Show More Love G. How To Love More

1. Ask2. Make a decision to love3. Receive more love (1 Jn. 4:19)

a. John 17b. The Father - Gardenc. Isaiah 49:15,16; Jeremiah 29:11

III. JOY

A. The World's DefinitionB. The Biblical PictureC. The Holy Spirit Uses The Word Of God To Build A Permanent Joy Within UsD. Joy Is A Permanent FruitE. Paradoxically, Godly Joy Is There Even During Suffering And SorrowF. Godly Or Ungodly SorrowG. The Great Strength Of Joy

1. For running the race (Heb. 12:1)2. The joy of the Lord is my strength

H. Loss Of Strength From Not Rejoicing1. Psalm 68:1-4

2. Deuteronomy 28:47ff3. Joel 1:12

I. The Strength Of Joy Under Pressures



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J. The Strength Of Joy Under Persecution1. Matthew 5:10-122. Luke 6:22,233. Acts 5:41

K. How To Rejoice1. Psalm 68:3 "Let the righteous be glad" (sameach) - to express joy2. Psalm 40:16 "Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You" (sis or sus) - to go higher and higher

in joy.3. 1 Chronicles 15:25 "David ...went to bring up the ark ...with joy" (simchah) - mirth

4. Psalm 68:3 "Let them rejoice before God" (alai) - to dance, leap5. Psalm 81:1 "make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob (rua) - to shout loudly6. Psalm 149:2 "Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King" (gil or gul) - pirouette7. Lk.10:21 "Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit" (agalliao) - to leap much for joy

IV. PEACE

A. The World's Definition Of PeaceB. The Biblical DefinitionC. Our Peace Comes Through JesusD. Sin Robs Us Of PeaceE. There Is An Active Quality To God's PeaceF. The Power Of Peace For Sanctification

G. The Power Of Peace Sanctifies Us In A Peaceful Way1. Romans 2:42. Psalm 23:33. 2 Corinthians 2:1-3



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The Fruit of the Spirit – Part 1

I. INTRODUCTION

A. The Two Parts To The Fruit Of The Spirit

1. Outward good works that build the Kingdom The term "fruit of the Spirit" is used in two ways in Scripture. In one sense, the Bible directs the believer tobe a continuously productive person. The psalmist said the righteous "shall be like a tree planted by therivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever hedoes shall prosper." (Psalm 1:3). Psalm 92:12-14 declares, "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, heshall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in thecourts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age..." Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches.He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5).Paul informed us that we are joined "... to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit toGod." (Romans 7:4)

2. The inward good work to make us like GodThe second use of the term "fruit of the Spirit" is the way Paul used it in Galatians 5:22,23. "The fruit ofthe Spirit is love, joy, peace longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol..."These traits do not describe the work which the Holy Spirit does outwardly through the believer to further

the Kingdom of God; but they describe the work of the Holy Spirit on the inside of a person to transformhim into the likeness of God. He becomes a purer, larger channel through which the Holy Spirit can thenproduce the outward works which build the Kingdom.

It is all the fruit of the Holy Spirit's work. What the fruit of the Spirit is in the inward sense and howwe are to bear it outwardly are the subjects of our study in these next three units.

B. To Bear Fruit We Must Meet The Biblical Conditions

1. Be found in union with ChristJohn 15:1-8 is an excellent summary of the Biblical prerequisites for fruit bearing. Union with Christ isabsolutely essential to bearing the fruit of the Spirit. By the sovereign grace of God, we are engrafted intoChrist and given His life. With His life we are also given power to work and produce fruit. The work of theSpirit, beginning with regeneration of the individual in the heart, radiates out to all his activities.

2. Choose the ways of God As believers, we are called to consciously exercise our wills in our service for God, in response to the workof the Spirit within us. There will be innumerable moments in life when we must choose whether to yieldto the Spirit's gentle direction or to go our own ways. Each time we yield to God on some point, webecome more like Him. Gradually our whole being, personalities and lives become more in harmony withGod.

There are three uses of the term "salvation" in the Bible. One refers to the on-going process ofHoly-Spirit cleansing. This is done by bringing our character and life-styles out of darkness and sin, intothe ways of God (Greek = "soteria"). This happens after the salvation or rebirth of our spirits and beforeour final, complete and eternal salvation in heaven.

It is throughout this on-going, cleansing salvation (building the inward fruit of the Spirit) that we mustchoose to continue yielding to the Lord. The Bible says "...work out your own salvation with fear andtrembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians2:12,13). God makes us will to do the right thing and then works that good thing in us or through us.However, between these two we have a moment of decision, when we must either yield our will to God orgo our own way. One author stated well the source of the fruit when he said, "Fruit is not something whichcan be superimposed by an external means. It is not to be confused with good habits which a parent formsin his child, it is not something like the conformity to authority which a serviceman soon learns (and seemsto resent all his life). Fruit is the result of a work performed in man's being by an immediate operation ofGod, and there is no other way to get fruit." (J. W. Sanderson, p.28)



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C. The Inward Fruit Of The Spirit Is Built Step By Step

The transforming of our soul and life to be like our heavenly Father's takes a lifetime of the Spirit's work. Eachtime the Holy Spirit brings us to a moment of decision and we choose the ways of the Lord, rather than theways of the world, we are strengthened spiritually. Each time we do what the Lord wants, it makes it easier todo right the next time also. [We all know that the reverse is also true: to choose the desires of one's flesh ratherthan the right ways of the Lord becomes easier each time also, if there is no repentance.]

As it becomes a regular practice during those moments of testing to choose the right way, the Lord's way,in area after area of our life, our godly "character" (Greek= "dokime"), is formed (Romans 5:4). The Greek

word "dokime" literally means "something that has been approved after testing". In other words, somethingapproved of God has been formed in us each time we choose for Him. And so character is built through eachtest.

D. The Sharp Contrast Between The Works Of The Flesh And The Fruit Of Spirit

The works or deeds of the flesh are outlined in Galatians 5:19-21, followed by the fruit of the Spirit in verses22,23. The word "but" in verse 22 which -introduces the subject of the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizes the sharpcontrast with the works of the flesh. The same word is used in Matthew 7:17, which reads, "Even so, everygood tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit". The works of the flesh consistent with the moralcharacter of the unregenerate person show that human nature is desperately wicked. The battle between theuncleansed parts of our soul and bodily appetites and the work of the Holy Spirit is enormous. No wonder evena strong Christian sometimes sins. Even the apostles Paul (Romans 7:14-23) and John (I John I:8) admitted that

they still sinned. The key is that they always repented and turned back to Jesus (Romans 7:24,25; 1 John 1:9).One thing a Christian must not do is dwell on and be depressed about his sins and imperfections after he hasrepented. Such is unbelief. He must trust the cleaning power of Jesus' shed blood and the forgiveness of God.

E. Fruitbearing To Be A Continuous Process Throughout One's Lifetime

There is no fruitbearing "season" in the Spirit. The process is to be continuous throughout one's life. In Psalm92:12-14 we read, "The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruitin old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing". Life in the Spirit is the progressive manifestation in ourconduct, even to old age, of the new life given to us by the Spirit.

Even in his old age, Paul told how he was still imperfect compared to the perfection and righteousness Godwanted in him. He said, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may layhold of that [state of perfection] for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." (Philippians 3:12) [In Christwe are already perfect in God's sight.]

II. LOVE

A. Misunderstandings About Love

Love is grossly misunderstood, both within the Church and in the world. In the Church love is often reduced tosweetened sentimentality. The world often equates the word love with unbridled or lawless sexual desires andpractices, along with sentimentalism.

B. The Four Types Of Love

1. Eros [It should be noted that "eros" is not used in the Bible, but rather was a Greek word used in thetime of Jesus] There are four Greek words for love: eros, storge, philia, and agape (see Unit 1-1-B).Simply put, eros is sexual love given by God and stimulated by passion for one's mate. The word"eroticism" is related to eros. Eroticism refers to evil sexual excitement or a predisposition to bewrongly interested in sexual matters.

2. StorgeStorge is the kind of warm, " belonging to each other" love that family members have for oneanother.



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3. PhiliaPhilia relates to friendship, closeness and liking someone. An example is the love between David and

Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1). The Apostle Paul expanded on the concept of this word in Romans 12:10 whichreads, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love ..."

Philia is such an important part of our whole understanding of love that it is used in its various formsmore than 94 times in the Bible. The strength of delighting or liking someone is so strong that it can healmarriages that are in trouble, parent-child relationships, congregations where there is fighting, etc. Whensomeone knows your heart is set upon him, that you delight in him and his company, it is hard for him tobe angry or disapproving of you. Philia has tremendous power to heal relationships. It makes the sacrificial

part of love much easier.I remember a time when my marriage was becoming strained. There seemed to be an aloofness

developing between my wife and I. We repented to each other and forgave each other, but the estrangementkept growing worse. When I asked the Lord what to do, He whispered in my heart, "Ask for philia love". Ittook a moment to remember what philia love was, but soon I was on my knees imploring the Lord to giveme new philia love for my wife.

As the next days went by, she saw the delight I had in her. That restraint and distance began to meltaway. Within a few weeks, our relationship was flowing beautifully again.

The gift of philia love was there for us by simply asking. God, who is love and who works His goodfruit in us, simply gave it. It is there for any who need it. Yet it must be guarded and valued. Several timessince then the same strains started to develop again between me and my wife. I have to continue to developmy philia love for her and work at it, guarding it in prayer. But the results are well worth the effort.

If you have lost this dimension of love, repent and ask the Lord to build it again. If you have it, ask the

Holy Spirit to keep watch and to warn you if you should ever begin to lose it.4. Agape

Agape, however, is the word used most in the New Testament when Paul referred to love as the fruit of theSpirit. Agape is a sacrificial love. It gives even when it gets nothing in return.

C. Only A Christian Can Have Agape Love

By nature, man does not possess agape love. The unregenerate or unsaved man is deeply selfish (Jeremiah17:9; Psalm 14:2,3). Being born spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, alienated from God and without theHoly Spirit, he cannot possess or attain agape. It can only come to one who is born from above through faith inChrist Jesus.

Agape is not the result of a code of ethics. This special love cannot be attained by practicing certain uniqueprinciples. Neither can agape be obtained through some form of mystical meditation. Agape is put in the heartby God when a person sees the great sacrificial love of Jesus Christ for him. In Romans 5:5 Paul wrote, "Nowhope does not disappoint, because the love (agape) of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spiritwho was given to us." In Ephesians he prayed that believers, being rooted and grounded (i.e. established) inagape, may be able to fully grasp the all-encompassing agape of Christ (Ephesians 3:17-19). Later, inEphesians 5, he instructed believers to live a life of agape and cited the agape of Christ as the motivating forceto accomplish this. (See also 2 Corinthians 5:14)

D. 1 Corinthians 13 [The 'Love' Chapter]

Perhaps the best commentary on this fruit of the Spirit is I Corinthians 13. The first three verses confront uswith the absolute necessity for agape. Paul had prefaced this chapter by calling agape something ofextraordinary quality or character--a "more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31). He emphasized this by means

of comparison. First he compared agape to communication skills (verse 1). The Corinthians were fascinatedwith rhetoric and eloquence. Paul told them that the most sophisticated oratory without agape is meaningless.He then utilized their knowledge of heathen religious practices by his reference to a resounding gong and aclanging cymbal. [It is said that the loud gong and the clanging cymbal was characteristic of heathen worshipespecially of the Greeks of that time.] Note that Paul did not discount eloquence. He said that without agape themost eloquent speech is nothing more than confusing, discordant noise.



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He then compared agape to three of the supernatural gifts or manifestations of the Spirit alreadybrought forth in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (1 Corinthians 13:2):

1. Prophecy, i.e. prediction and direct proclamation from the Holy Spirit for the edification of the Church;2. Word of Knowledge, i.e. knowing something one has no other way of knowing, except by special revelation of

the Spirit;3. Miracles, i.e. being able, by the Holy Spirit, to do something that is impossible to do by natural means.

Paul pointed out that these gifts, as great as they are, without agape render one worthless or useless.

The final comparison in this section concerns action. Though one would give all his possessions tothe poor and give his body to be burned, without agape he would gain nothing. Simply put, outwardactions without agape are without profit. Yet at times some unbelievers appear to make great sacrifices.Why? What profitless motives prompt some unbelievers to give? Some reasons might be: for display toothers; to avoid being annoyed with a beggar's importunity; for political reasons; or for recognition. Forsome unregenerate people there are deep reasons stemming from childhood. For them, their self-worth,self-acceptance and acceptance by others, along with the quieting of their conscience are all factorsmotivating the sacrifice. Yet these are all self-seeking motives. It is not the pure sacrifice of agape love.

On the other hand, there is profit in agape-motivated actions. They are dome in the name of the LordJesus, in obedience to His Word and result in peace and contentment. They are also a means of spiritualgrowth, a testimony to the Word and have eternal value.

Modern non-biblical philosophy emphasizes the emotional side of love. Love is considered to befeeling first, then action. According to such a philosophy love just happens, rather than starting with a

conscious act of the will.In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it appears that Paul guarded against the danger of reducing agape to

sentimentalism by giving us the biblical picture of agape. This section opposes the modern concepts oflove. The Bible clearly teaches that love must be exhibited in action. In these verses Paul's statementsgive no qualifications of feelings or a desire to do them. Agape is exhibited through actions, not feeling! Let us

briefly outline some of the manifestations of agape (verse 4-7):1. Agape "suffers long". This means that one is patient under pressure. He is willing to remain loving even while

those around him are continually unloving.2. Agape "is kind". That is, be willing to do or say extra, unrequired things which show love.3. Agape "does not envy". It rejoices in the strengths and accomplishments of others, even though it is greater than

one's own strengths and accomplishments. Agape seeks and is happy for the success of others.4. Agape "does not parade itself' . It does not brag or boast. It does not seek the admiration or applause of others. It

is not anxious to impress others, nor is it conceited.5. Agape "is not puffed up". It is not proud or inflated with the ideas of its own achievements. Agape does not

consider itself higher than it really is (Romans 12:3).6. Agape "does not behave rudely". The believer is not to act in an unbecoming manner that interrupts or makes

things difficult for another. Agape tries to make circumstances easier and more pleasant for others.7. Agape "does not seek its own". The central focus and first concern is for others, not oneself. In a society driven by

a self-seeking spirit, this is not easily received.8. Agape "is not provoked". It is not easily irritated. It is not quick tempered. It forgives irritations rather than reacts

to them. The Christian must learn to handle irritations bi

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