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Advancing Life From Within

By Stephen R. Phinney

Based on the textbook:

IDENTITY MATTERS®

77 Truths for the Seven Areas of Life By Dr. Stephen R. Phinney

I THE WORKBOOK & CONFERENCE GUIDE

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My Beloved Daughter, Jessica (Kiwi)

It has been one of my greatest delights to see God advance you in the Truths of knowing who you are in Christ!

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THE HOLY WORD OF GOD

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Identity Matters®

Copyright © 1999, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 by IOM America. Author: Dr. Stephen R. Phinney

ISBN: 978-1-312-01216-5 Printed in the United States of America LuLu Press, Inc. IOM America P.O. Box 71 Sterling, Kansas 67579 (602) 292-2982 www.iomamerica.org ChristAsLife@iomamerica.org Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Phinney, Stephen Ray Identity Matters® Workbook & Conference Guide: Advancing Life From Within © 2014 Exchanging Life Publishing Cover Design: Inphinnety Designs Editing: Kathy Hill (Colorado Springs, CO)

Jane Phinney, Melissa Jaquez, Jess Phinney (Sterling, KS)

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My Deepest Appreciation: A special thank you goes out to numerous family members, friends, and colleagues. I will be forever grateful:

To my wife, Jane: “The lady who makes her home in my heart”. Her love and commitment to

me over the years has been a source of strength, stability, wisdom, insight, and character. Without her, I don’t think I would have ever grasped the reality of the power of the indwelling life of Christ and having a deep love for the Word of God. Thank you my beloved!

To my family: I am grateful to each member for allowing me to trip and stumble until the

indwelling Life of Christ became a reality!

To my dear mentor and friend Dr. Charles Solomon: I thank you for your dedication in devoting your life to the personal discoveries of the Exchanging Life of Christ. Each of the diagrams and written content within this workbook and conference guide was influenced by the Lord using you, your ministry, and product design. Thank you!

To Victorious Christian Living International: It is through my 10 years of service with this

organization that God revealed the practical elements of living out the Exchanged Life. It was through my daily responsibilities of designing and implementing diagrams for this ministry that became the basis of this project.

To my teachers and mentors: My heart will be forever grateful for Nick Harrison, Oswald

Chambers, Andrew Murray, David Needham, Jack Taylor, Stephen Olford, John Woodward, Bill Gillham, Ian Thomas, F.B. Meyer, Watchman Nee, Hannah Whitall Smith, Miles Stanford, Charles Trumbull, Mike Wells, Bob George, Randy Alcon, and Greg Burts.

To all of our trainees and students: I thank each of you for not only attending training events,

but presenting questions that challenge me to explore the Word of God for His answers and cause me to look deeper at the indwelling Life of Christ. And thank you to the donors, readers, and printers who God used to put this study into the hands of all those desiring to be workers, teachers, and Bridal members willing to live out the Exchanged Life.

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Section Page Preface (Exchanged Life Workers)…….……………..…………………….… 9 Conference Topics…………………………………..………………………….. 15 Exchanged Life Dictionary…………………..……..………………………….. 17 Note Page……………………………………………………………………….. 28

LESSONS:

INTRODUCTION: Discipleship In The Making……………….…………..… 29 Note Page…………………………………………..…………………………… 38

LESSON ONE: GODSHIP – Playing God……..…………..……………….... 39 Godship Action Page……….…………………….……………………………. 47 Note Page………………………………..…..………………..……………….. 48 LESSON TWO: REJECTION…………….………………….…………….….. 49 Rejection Action Page…..……………….…………………………………….. 57 Note Page…………….………………………………………………….….…... 58

LESSON THREE: EXTERNAL/INTERNAL….…………………….………... 59 External/Internal Action Page…….….……………………......……………... 65 Note Page…………..………………………....………………....…………….. 66 LESSON FOUR: PROBLEMS…………………………………….………..… 67 Problems Action Page…….………………………...................................... 74 Note Page ………….…………………………....……………………………… 74 LESSON FIVE: MY FLESH - GOD’S ENEMY………………….…………… 75 My Flesh Action Page ……………..………………………............................. 81 Note Page…………………..………….…………………………....…………... 82 LESSON SIX: REPENTANCE ………………………………………….….…. 83 The U-Turn of Repentance Action Page ……………..……………………… 89 Note Page…………………..………….…………………………....………….. 90 LESSON SEVEN: KNOWING WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST………………. 91 Identity Matters Action Page……………..………………………................. 103 Note Page…………………..………….…………………………....………….. 104 LESSON EIGHT: RIGHTEOUSNESS………..……………………………... 105 The Truest Things About Me Action Page ……………..………………….... 112 Phinney Poem………….……..………………………………………………… Note Page…………….…………………………....…………………………….

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LESSON NINE: EXTENDING FORGIVENESS…………….……………….. 115 Test of Forgiveness Action Page ……………..…………………………........ 126 Note Page…………………..………….…………………………....………….. 128

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LESSON TEN: SEEKING FORGIVENESS………………….……………… 129 Knowing How To Seek Forgiveness Action Page ………….……………..... 135 Note Page……………………………………………………………………….. 137-8

LESSON ELEVEN: REST, ABIDE, AND WALK………..…………..…….. 139 Rest, Abide, and Walk Action Page……………..……………………………. 147 Note Page ………….……………………………………….……....………….. 148 LESSON TWELVE: LOVE LIFE – GIVING LIFE TO OTHERS……..…..… 149 Note Page…………………………………..…………….…………………....... 155-6 APPENDIX………………………….………………………..…………..……… 157 Important Prayers…………………………..…………….……………………..

Extending Forgiveness Prayer Repentance Prayer

Identity Prayer Salvation Prayer

158 158 158 159 159

Important Scriptures…………………………………………………………… Faith

The Love of God Eternity

Praising His Holy Name Serving the Lord

Obedience The Fleshly Mind

Grace of God The Holy Spirit

Faithfulness The Bride of Christ

Being A Steward

160 160 161 162 163 165 166 168 169 171 174 177

Dr. Phinney’s Life Mission……………………………………………………... 179 Recommended Reading……………………………………………………….. 181 Note Pages……………………………………………………………………… 182-5

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Exchanged Life Workers

I am the kind of man who enjoys having a tool in my toolbox for all kinds of projects – not to say that I do “projects,” but it is certainly a goal. Tools have their true value when they are obviously used for their intended purpose. Just as you would not use a pair of pliers to hammer in a nail, you wouldn’t use an unbiblical “Christian counselor” to disciple a hurting soul with the Exchanged Life. Personally, I believe that a Truth-trained Exchanged Life preacher, teacher, or counselor is a choice tool in the Master Craftsman’s (God’s) toolbox.

Owning a library filled with Bibles and Exchanged Life books does not make one a dynamic Exchanged Life worker, any more than owning a $1,200 toolbox filled with $7,000 worth of great tools makes one a great mechanic. The goal and purpose of this writing project is to put at the disposal of the Exchanged Life worker inspiration, information, Scriptural insights, and resources. These will, when used through the indwelling power of Christ, enable the reader to minister meaningfully, purposefully, and deliberately regarding any of the seven areas of life.

This series is one of hope and renewal. It is aimed at equipping individuals and families to stand and walk free in completeness, in the indwelling life of Jesus Christ, by the miraculous mystery of the Holy Spirit within us. This is the key to renewal in the Church, as well. The Identity Truths Workbook and Conference Guide is offered to assist all indwelt Christians to be better equipped in communicating the Exchanged Life – from the beginner to the advanced believer.

As a teacher of the Word, I see human life being divided into seven primary areas: physical, spiritual, psychological, social, financial, marital, and parental. These areas address and apply to every person – past, present, and future. Effectual living has seven primary requirements, assuming one is indwelt by the life of Christ: Repentance (misusing the vessel of God), Identification in Christ (putting away old self), Disciplines (learning to walk), Obedience (accepting the ways of God), Fruit of the Spirit (manifestation of the indwelling life of Christ), Victory (walking out the Truth), and Vision (our calling). Relating these seven “requirements” within each of the seven areas of life produces a miraculous formula for living out the Exchanged Life.

The Exchanged Life Worker

When I use the term “exchanged life worker,” I am addressing each and every indwelt Christian who has a desire to learn more about how to allow the life of Christ to minister (or live) through their mortal being.

“And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another” (Romans 15:14).

God gave us the ability, through the life of Christ within us, to admonish (put in the mind) one another in order to assist our Groom in keeping each of His Bridal members on the same road. The question begging to be asked is, “What exactly are we to be putting into each other’s mind?” That is the question this series will continuously address.

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The commission to admonish one another does come with some restrictions and guidelines. For example: “And not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6). A worker who is brand new in faith should not be given spiritual responsibility for others. The person who has not grown through obedience to the Word is not one who has been given wisdom of competence to minister to others (Heb. 5:12-14). Also keep in mind that an indwelt Christian who is aged as a believer, but has walked after their flesh most of their Christian journey, is still to be classified as “new in their faith.” The reason for this is the wisdom of obedience has not settled into experience. The worker we should consider as a candidate for overseeing another soul, first, needs to be well-groomed in experiential knowledge of Truth. The life of a worker is to be characterized by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Does this mean a worker must be “perfect” in function and order? Absolutely not! It means that to be effective as an exchanged life worker, one must show a record of a consistent and lengthy ability to walk after the Spirit. This person needs historical genuineness, authenticity, and evidence of the overflow of Christ flowing through him/her. This is where we get the idea of a dynamic view of ministry being an overflow of one life into another. The obvious is a life that is not full, cannot function when overfilled – overflow, walking by the Spirit in obedience to God’s Truth. The evidence is seen in the believer’s day-to-day response to Christ within, to what the Holy Scriptures say, and certainly, the ability to withstand reproofs of life that come from the hand of God. After the many years of counseling and discipling God’s hurting souls, I have come to embrace one clear factor in determining a candidate’s measurement of grace in understanding the Exchanged Life – How does the believer respond to the reproofs of life? Is he/she willing to be involved in confessing, confronting, and/or forgiveness? Is he/she willing to do whatever is necessary for their healing, in order to make their life more at rest and peace? These seven “requirements” for victorious living need to be evidenced in the qualified worker in order to step into a life of overflow. This way, the worker will not minister to others because he/she “must” or “has to.” Each worker will minister because he is compelled to manifest the overflowing Life of Christ into another. In our present era of the post-modern church (everything is pointless), most minister to others because they are paid to, or minimally want something in return. What Christ Jesus is hunting for is urgency in the worker to minister because of what He said: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38). This is the most desired description of an Exchanged Life worker. The apostle Paul described a Christ as Life worker as “filled with knowledge.” The type of knowledge he is referencing here is not what he learned by the wisdom of men, in the institutions of men; but rather, from the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:2). In our post-modern times, we lead people to Christ, require them to pay a minimum of $80,000 for a degree in ministry, negotiate a salary, and then commission them to work. In the days of Jesus, He oftentimes would pick men of higher education, but then He would “dumb them down.” Why? So He could fill them with the purity of the knowledge of the mind of Christ. The Scripture quoted below is my life passage as an Exchanged Life worker. Please read it carefully:

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of

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the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, ‘THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.’ For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Cor. 2:1-14, emphasis added).

I consider the above passage to be the absolute key to all believers who have a desire to minister to others. For the sake of illustration, I want to write a paraphrase depicting the post-modern version of ministry we are faced with today. Post-Modern Incorrect View of 1 Corinthians 2:1-14:

When I came to minister to my counselees, I did so in superiority of speech and wisdom, proclaiming to you what I learned in school. For I determine to know as much as I can from my studies, even how to add Jesus Christ and Him crucified to my method. I counseled you in strength and confidence and in much stability, and my message and counseling were in persuasive words and methods of wisdom I learned in school, not by an uneducated view of laymen. And because of this, I implore you to grow in your faith; but trust your counseling process to me, since I am credentialed to help you psychologically. For I speak a wisdom among those who are mature and degreed to assist the hurting. As for the wisdom of God, He uses the positions of the world to assist in His children’s recovery progress. As for me, the good Lord revealed the root reasons for your troubles through a skill I learned as a qualified counselor. I have learned to search out your social history and the very depths of your mind through the methods I have learned. For how can I know your thoughts unless I ask the right questions and test you accordingly? Much like my walk with God, how can I know Him unless I memorize and study His Word. I have received degrees from the world and the Spirit of God, so that I can deliberate on the wisdom I gained in school and those taught me by the Bible, combining my degreed knowledge and Bible reflections.

It sounds like I am down on information and education. Actually, I am – at least when it comes to using it as a qualification to minister to others. Shame on us for implanting a covert and hidden sense for the need of educating Jesus within us once we become born-again! Nowhere in Scripture does God even hint at sending converts back into the world

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to be educated to counsel, teach, or preach to the souls of His hurting children – nowhere. Why has the Church gone emergent or Laodician? It is a very short walk in the park for that answer. “The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Ecc. 12:10-14, emphasis added). The totality of the world’s knowledge at the time of Christ, we are told, doubled by about AD 1750. It doubled again in 1900, again by 1950, again by 1960, and another by 1963. Upon the introduction of the information age (internet), I am told, it is presently immeasurable as to how much knowledge humanity is exposed to daily. What that means is knowledge has gone exponential (transcendently immeasurable). If our above passage is true, the more knowledge we take in, the sicker we and our society will become. Every ounce of knowledge requires a pound of actions. If a believer in Jesus Christ is to counsel/disciple, he must know the life of Christ from the inside out. A believer is to know Jesus as Savior and Lord in “thought.” But he is also to have experiential knowledge of embracing Christ’s life within, which will give the believer the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and manifestations of the works of God. Each believer must be willing to grow in that Truth! It is only as much as a believer knows God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as the Source of ALL power and wisdom, that he will be able to point others in the way, the Truth, and the life of Jesus, Himself. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). Since our goal is not to be degreed, qualified, or accepted by the standards and words of man or their institutions, what must a believer do to have this power? “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?” (Proverbs 22:17-21). First of all, a believer who has a desire to help others must accept the fact that unless a worker is born-again (received Jesus Christ into his mortal body through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), he has no ability or power to help others. Anyone who helps outside this requirement is simply putting a Band-Aid® on a victim who is bleeding to death. A person cannot have overflow unless he is filled. Secondly, workers must not only know what the Bible says, but also be able to apply truth to life situations. While it is valuable and critically important to know the theology of the Word, it is even more critical to know the application of Scriptural truth to daily living. Jesus Himself demonstrated this on many occasions, by lifting statements out of the Old Testament Law and prophecy to explain His own actions or to correct another’s wrong thinking. Not only did He do a refined job of this during His walk on earth, He uses the same technique and method in and through the believer, by making use of His overflowing Life and the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling each believer. Jesus often referred to this process as the “key of knowledge.” He was quick to correct the educated theologians of

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His day for their ivory-tower schooled arrogance, which led them to “know the truth” by book, but not by heart. "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you yourselves did not enter, and you hindered those who were entering" (Luke 11:52). So many post-modern churches, today, suffer with this acute dilemma: “Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).

Seven Points of Competence: 1. Must be indwelt by the life of Jesus Christ – born-again. 2. Demonstrates a lifestyle of obedience and victorious living. 3. Growing in the grace of the key of knowledge, by being teachable and correctable. 4. A true and honest listener who fears not correcting in Truth. 5. A believer of the power of faith and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. 6. Secure in one’s identity in Christ. 7. Confident in the authority of Christ and authoritive structure of the Church.

There is a massive difference between a “Christian Counselor,” a counselor who is a Christian, and a Christ as Life counselor. The Christian counselor, and most dangerous type, could define any worker who systematically, or not, applies biblical principles to their model. The second is the least threatening, because counselors who are Christian are not making claims to be “Christian” about their field of work. They are classically admitting to being a counselor who happens to have Jesus in their life. They give counsel that is humanistic in orientation, having been based in the presuppositions of secular models and teachings from a “Christian” school of thought, or not. The third, and truest, is the Christ as Life counselor – a believer who not only wants to make it known he is a born-again indwelt Christian, but also desires to have Christ in him doing the counseling through him. All can have a “pure” motive in helping others, but only one allows the Power (indwelt Christ) to do so. People helpers, who fail to embrace the Exchanging Life of Christ and/or don’t allow the great Counselor within to do the work through them, NOT only lead those they are assisting away from help, but away from Christ, Himself. To truly offer transformation in Christ, a helper in Christ must know the source of real life, the practical application of that life, and most importantly, who offers this life. A helper will be more effective by embracing and understanding how to use the Exchanging Life of Christ in its most practical way.

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Terms & Definitions

Introduction, Discipleship in the Making: Many self-proclaimed “Christians” put their entire Christian experience in the day of their Salvation. Once saved, they continue to function by making use of their own mind, will, and emotions. This weakness sets all indwelt Christians in a position of needing discipleship, thus needing a Christ as Life Discipleship method. Godship: A simple term to describe what the Word defines as the number one problem in life — mankind attempting to function as their own god in the lives of self, others, and even God. This includes suffering with divorce, suicide, eating problems, depression, or any other common problem with the self-life. Most of the time, it falls under the category of Godship -- finding ways to fix the fix that God has fixed on you to stop fixing life through self-effort. Our ministry has learned that the act of “playing God” helps us to identify the real problem in each of the lives to whom we reach out. We have also learned that the most common consequence of Godship is “rejection” (Gen. 3:5). Rejection is withholding love from self, others, and God. There are two types of rejection: overt and covert. Overt rejection is “obvious or known” rejection -- for example, I hate you! Covert rejection is “subtle or unknown” rejection -- for example, smiling on the outside while judging on the inside. Both of these forms of rejection are consequences of Godship applied, either by self or from others. Without question, we believe that rejection leads to individuals attempting to find life “externally” (Romans 15:7). External/Internal is an individual attempting to gain love, acceptance, and significance from external resources -- idolatry. Since Godship sets up “self-rule,” the individual works to turn negative externals into positive ones, by making use of self-effort. Problems are direct consequences of self-life efforts. God then uses these problems to bring the believer to the end of their own resources, or self-life, in order to create a dependence on Christ’s Life from within. We believe that suffering is the key component to learning obedience to Christ Jesus, who actually lives in the born-again believer. It is these problems that reveal the person’s flesh (Heb. 5:8). My Flesh exhibits patterns, reactions, and/or sinful actions that reveal (my) an individual’s self-life -- trash left behind by the old nature. These fleshly reactions lead the believer to Life (Christ) or death (flesh) decisions. If the believer continues to choose self-life decisions, we believe God will bring this person to the end of himself through consequences formed by their own flesh. This, without question, leads the person to repentance (Luke 9:23). Repentance is the process of confessing one’s sins, turning away from the self-life, and returning to a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ from the inside out. This cannot be done effectively unless the Holy Spirit brings revelation to specific areas of the flesh that rise up against Jesus Christ. Once true repentance has occurred, the indwelt Christian can begin to apply their identity in Christ to all of life’s situations and circumstances (Psalm 119:59). Identity Matters is an experiential embrace and understanding of the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension -- in daily living. This is what we call the Exchanged Life. When an individual has a born-again experience by faith, it means the Life of Christ comes and indwells the believer through the

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personhood of the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ Jesus). The reality of this transformation allows for a true exchange of our old nature, or Adamic history, for that of the Nature of God through Christ. In knowing this, we become partakers of all that is true about Christ through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Now the believer is in a position to appropriate their true identity in Christ and begin to live out that he is literally the righteousness of Christ (Galatians 2:20). Righteousness is an indwelt believer’s expression, function, and lifestyle of releasing the Life of Christ from within. Once a born-again believer begins to appropriate their position in Christ, their condition is soon to change, simply by watching the evidence of His Life being manifested through their mind, will, and emotions. This means that when life’s circumstances are put before him, he can choose to release the Life of Christ to do the doing through him. This is a perfect setup for learning how to extend forgiveness to others (2 Corinthians 5:21). Extending Forgiveness before God, in prayer, is forgiving anyone who has hurt you. Once an indwelt believer gets to this point, he is usually quick to release all anger and pain before God, extending forgiveness to those who initially hurt him, and in many cases, is ready to seek forgiveness from others whom he has hurt (Matt. 5:22-24). Seeking Forgiveness is the process of going to an individual whom you have offended by action or reaction, seeking their forgiveness, and restoring the relationship when possible. Once the believer has extended forgiveness before God on how he was hurt, he usually is released to go and seek the forgiveness for his part in the offense. It is in this process that we explain to the indwelt believer how to do this in detail. We find that when a believer reaches this stage of discipleship, he begins to rest, abide, and walk in the Spirit in the truest sense. Resting, Abiding, and Walking are the result of appropriating true forgiveness in all areas of life. It is living in the present, releasing the Life of Christ in you to be obedient to the Father through your mind, will, and emotions. When an indwelt believer gets to this point in growth, he is able to confront the self-centered view of life and to embrace the challenge of releasing the mind of Christ from within. Resting in Christ is a perfect place to be in showing the Love Life of Jesus (Matt. 11:28). Love Life is the pinnacle of the Christian Life. Once appropriating the above 11 steps, the indwelt believer begins to reveal the two primary commandments Christ spoke: love the Lord with your whole heart and secondly, love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 1:30-31). The result is when we obey, we have no condemnation. When we have no condemnation, we have confidence toward God. Then, whatever we ask through Christ, we receive (1 John 3:21-22).

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Terms & Definitions of the Exchanged Life

HUDSON TAYLOR father of the term: “Exchanged Life” "God has made me a new man! God has made me a new man!" “Do you know, I now think that this striving, longing, hoping for better days to come is not the true way to holiness, happiness or usefulness. It is better, no doubt, far better than being satisfied with poor attainments, but not the best way after all. I have been struck with a passage from a book... entitled Christ is All It says, ‘The Lord Jesus received is holiness begun; the Lord Jesus cherished is holiness advancing; the Lord Jesus counted upon as never absent would be holiness complete. He is most holy who has most of Christ within, and joys most fully in the finished work...’” “How then to have our faith increased? Only by thinking of all that Jesus is and all He is for us: His life, His death, His work, He Himself as revealed to us in the Word, to be the subject of our constant thoughts. Not a striving to have faith... but a looking off to the Faithful One seems all we need; a resting in the Loved One entirely, for time and eternity.” “... I looked to Jesus, and when I saw – oh, how joy flowed!” “It was resting in Jesus now, and letting Him do the work – which makes all the difference. Whenever he spoke in meetings after that, a new power seemed to flow from him, and in the practical things of life a new peace possessed him. Troubles did not worry him as before. He cast everything on God in a new way, and gave more time to prayer.” “It was the exchanged life that had come to me – the life that is indeed "No longer I"... It was a blessed reality ‘Christ liveth in me.’ And how great the difference! – instead of bondage, liberty; instead of failure, quiet victories within; instead of fear and weakness, a restful sense of sufficiency in Another.” -Hudson Taylor Excerpts from: Chapter 14 (The Exchanged Life) by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor. Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret. (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009). Book first published in 1932.

Terms Used in Sharing the Exchanged Life

Abiding Life

An indwelt Christian resting, trusting, and continually yielding to the Life of Christ living inside (Romans 6:13).

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Abundant Living

A lifestyle of walking after the indwelling Spirit of Christ through a consistent, yielding process within the mind, will, and emotions.

Acceptance in Christ

Complete and unmerited favor offered to those who are in Christ through the forgiveness of sins – past, present, and future. Acceptance is the fluid act of Grace demonstrated by Jesus Christ in relationship and position, as Bridal members of Christ (Ephesians 1:13).

Adamic Nature (Old Man, Old Nature, Sin Nature, Unregenerate Nature, Old Self)

This is the condition of Adam after he chose to sin and eat from the tree that God commanded him not to eat from, or touch. Before his “fall,” his nature/spirit was in complete harmony to his Father’s – God. After his “fall,” Adam’s spirit became separated from that of God’s, resulting in spiritual death and being replaced by old man, old nature, sin nature, unregenerate nature, old self, or Adamic nature.

Admonish

This is the action of correcting, rebuking, reproving, and warning believers of their wrong beliefs in order to bring them in line with Christ doing the living through them. Being admonished has the appearance of being negative, but is positive when used by Christ.

Appropriation

This is an active faith decision of taking what God says as Truth and bringing it into daily living. It is through appropriation that an indwelt believer begins to walk after the Spirit.

Baptism (Water, Spirit, and Fire)

Just as with the earth, three baptisms are offered to all of humanity. The earth’s water baptism was the flood, its Spirit baptism was the first coming of our Lord, and the earth’s fire baptism will be the burning of it stated in Revelation 8:7. For those who are unsaved and never become born-again, they will only go through one baptism – fire (Rev. 21:8). Although, many unsaved insert the water baptism as a ritual, rather than a testimony of their Salvation and being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. The born-again, indwelt Christian is strongly encouraged to be water baptized (testimony of Salvation) shortly after their Spirit baptism [receiving the Holy Spirit into their mortal bodies and being baptized into Christ] (Rom. 6:3). The indwelt Christian’s fire baptism (purification) entails the trials and sufferings while waiting to join their Savior and Husband in Heaven.

Birth (First and Second)

The first birth is physical and comes by way of being born of woman. The second birth offered to us is called, “born-again” (John 3:3). Being born-again is the experience of Salvation – being regenerated and connected back to God. This is accomplished by the “old man/nature” being crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20). The first birth places us “in Adam” and the second birth transfers us from being in Adam to that of being “in Christ” (Col. 3:3).

Blood (Christ and Of Man)

The blood of Christ is the washing element of our redemption/Salvation. It is in and through the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the Cross (by shedding His innocent blood)

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that we have redemption, forgiveness, and Salvation, which is made real to us by His everlasting Grace (Eph. 1:7). In order for blood to be redemptive and cleansing – it must be free of sin – as was the single case of Jesus. Man’s blood became defiled (filled with sin) as a result of the seed of Adam. It is through Christ, that all are made new (1 Cor. 15:22). Body (Of Man, Sin, and Christ)

“Born of woman” is the first form of body. It is by “being born of woman” that the “body of sin” is given to us through the defiled seed of man. This is what made us unsaved/unregenerate and gave us an “old man/nature.” This is also why our old self had to be crucified with Christ, so that the body of sin might be done away with – in order that we would no longer be slaves to sin (Rom. 6:6). As for Christ, He was born without sin in His body (1 John 3:9). This was possible because the seed placed in Mary came directly from God through the Holy Spirit. Sin travels through the seed – not the blood. Therefore, Christ could be born of a normal human woman without having sin pass into His body. Today, we know through science, that the mother’s blood never mixes with that of her baby. * * “Health & Pregnancy: Fetal Blood Flow,” WebMD – Medical Reference from Healthwise, Inc., eds. J. Pope, MD and L. A. Latson, MD, http://www.webmd.com/fetal-blood-flow (updated Oct. 11, 2011).

Bride (Of Christ and Man)

Human marriages are the physical representation of the marriage of the Lamb to the Bride of Christ – the indwelt believers (Rev. 19:7; 21:9; 22:17). Men are to represent Christ’s headship over the Church, as heads of the home in and through their marriages. Women are to reveal the practical workings of the Bride of Christ through their acts of service to their husbands, children, and community. Brokenness

Brokenness is a term frequently used to describe the state of mind that a believer is in shortly before they embrace the Truths of being brought to the end of their self-life. Brokenness communicates a loss of will and identity in one’s own self – resulting in a dependence on Christ from within for life and identity. Christ (Real and the Antichrist)

The Hebrew root for Christ is “Messias” and the most popular Greek meaning is “Messiah” – highest of all priests. Christ is not Jesus’ last name; rather, it is a statement of position, power, and privilege. Jesus Christ is the total deity (God position) within the Trinity as the Father’s Son. He is the manifestation of God in the flesh. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit by the direct orders of God, and born of the Virgin Mary. He is both true God and true man (John 1:1, 14, 18; 14:8-9; 1 Timothy 3:16). The Antichrist is Satan. He will come to project himself as the “true Christ” or Messiah. He will work to replicate the real, in order to deceive the people into following the fake – himself. Christ’s Life and Christ as Life

The life of Christ Jesus while on the earth was in the form of man, emptying Himself out as being equal to God (Phil. 2:6). After His resurrection, and then ascension, He gave to all those who accepted Him as Lord and Savior a special gift – His Life, by placing the Holy

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Spirit to indwell us (James 4:5). When we read about the life of Christ living within us (Gal. 2:20), be assured it is His actual Life, which is eternal Life. The term “Christ as Life” is used to explain believers walking after the Spirit, by allowing the Life of Christ to “do” the walking in and through them. Crucifixion and Co-crucifixion

Crucifixion is the form of death thrown upon Jesus in His appointed time of death. It is described as nailing a person’s hands and feet to a cross and allowing the natural processes occur to produce death – such as, suffocation. Romans 6:6 reveals a very powerful reality of freedom: “knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.” Galatians 2:20 also reveals a life alliterating reality: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Both passages reveal the fact that those of us, who have the indwelling life of Christ within us, experienced the believer’s co-crucifixion. What got crucified: the old-man, nature, Adamic nature, or old-self. Co-death, Burial, and Resurrection

The reality of true Salvation states that the believer has been baptized into Jesus, as an actual sharing in His death, burial, and resurrection. This is a Truth that takes the Spirit of life within the believer to understand and embrace (Rom. 6:3-7). People who are not born-again have no ability to understand the mystery of co-death, burial, and resurrection, as they are spiritually appraised/discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). Communion

This term is used to define the unity and unblocked fellowship with the Life of Christ from within. The word comes from “commune” or oneness, which is operative for any believer who walks after the Spirit and not after the flesh (self-life). Conscience

The conscience is the part of the mind that enables a person to discern the difference between “right” and “wrong.” It is either seared by the Adamic nature (the unregenerate spirit of an unsaved person), or once saved, it is generated by the indwelling life of Christ. Conscious and Subconscious

The term conscious is the part of the human brain that is awake, aware, intentional, informed, and conducts active thinking. The term subconscious is a modern word used to define the memories filed away by the mind as we sleep at night, or are purposely and/or unintentionally forgotten. The brain is designed by God to hold only a certain amount of data while awake. All “unnecessary” data/memories are filled either through time or sleep. This is why we can remember things from our past if we contemplate on them or dream about them. Cross (Christ and Man)

Cross is one of the most common words used in the world of Christianity and classically has two common references. First, it is the word used to define the form of death Jesus experienced. Secondly, it is used to define an indwelt believer’s description of their co-crucifixion with Christ and all the eternal benefits of understanding their identification with

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Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in their walk with Him. This Truth makes way for each indwelt believer to share in the experience of the Cross and actually, to have their own Cross to bear (Luke 14:27). Death

There are three forms of death: physical, spiritual, and eternal. But since all mankind is born spiritually dead, it is said that the participatory deaths are just two: physical and eternal, by way of the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). Those who become indwelt by Christ only experience one death – passing from this life to the eternal life. The Salvation experience is for that reason, to deliver the individual from experiencing eternal death. Die Daily

It is clearly noted in the Scriptures that all believers must die daily (1 Cor. 15:31). This “dying daily” is for the strict purpose of considering ourselves dead to sin and alive to and in Christ. The enemy throws sins before us by appealing to our flesh (trash left behind by the Adamic nature). The dying daily is the process of appropriating the Truth that we are dead to this mortal flesh. Discipleship

This term is used to describe the process of equipping an indwelt believer in Christ with the Truth and understanding of what it means to walk in and through the Holy Spirit as a believer. This is accomplished through the written Word and the Life of Christ (Internal Word) that lives and functions within the believer. Emotions and Feelings

Even though the Scriptures do not put much of an emphasis on “feelings,” our materials will use this term to define the human soul’s response and/or reaction to Truth and lies. Physiologically, emotions are the hormonal part of the human body which alarm, awaken, or celebrate what the mind chooses to believe. Eternal Life and Everlasting Life

Eternal life is the life of Christ – past, present, and future (Heb. 13:8). Jesus has always been and always will be. When indwelt believers receive Christ Jesus into their lives, they are placed into the Life of Christ (Eternal Life) – making us one with Him. Everlasting life is the life we receive from the point of our Salvation forward. It must be known, the believer is given a new past, present, and future due to being placed in Christ. Therefore, whatever is true about Christ becomes true for every Bridal member. Exchanged Life

This term was originally used by Hudson Taylor to define the exchange that takes place upon Salvation – we exchange our life for His. Many teachers of the Cross also use this term to explain an indwelt believer appropriating their co-death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. One of the most common Scriptures used in this exchange is Galatians 2:20, “Not I, but Christ.” All believers in Christ receive the exchanged life upon the moment of their Salvation.

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Experiential Living

Many speak Truths without living it in daily experience. Experiential living is a believer walking in and after the Spirit as a lifestyle. It is their experience to partake in the release of the mind of Christ within as their norm. Faith in Christ

Faith is often subjective and overused as an expression of the firmness of what someone believes. To have faith in Christ is much different (Rom. 4:14). For those who have faith in Christ separate themselves from all forms of faith (Rom. 3:22). Any faith that is not in Christ is classically bound by the Law and no justification exists for them. Those who believe in Christ Jesus are not only justified (just as if I never sinned), but they have a clear understanding and belief that what is in the eternal unseen world can be brought into their own lives through the indwelling faith of Christ from within (Gal. 2:16). Flesh and Fleshly Self-life

There are two primary forms of flesh: the human body, which is where sin houses itself (Rom. 7:17) and flesh or fleshly self-life, which is the trash left behind by the old nature. Indwelt Christians have had their flesh (selfish passions) crucified (Gal. 5:24). But since sin remains in our human flesh (not the old nature), we are positioned to reckon ourselves dead to it (Rom. 6:11). We are called by our Savior not to continue presenting our bodies to sin as if we are slaves to it, for it will produce unrighteousness (Rom. 6:13). Gifting vs. Personality

The pop culture of psychology has adopted the term “personality” to describe the differences between people. This word does not exist in the Bible -- there are no Hebrew or Greek words making use of this fable -- although, many culturally accepted translations are using this term. The description used in the Bible is “gifting” or “spiritual gifts.” All believers are given a minimum of one occupational gift and each believer is blessed with all of the manifestation gifts. Manifestation gifts are actual manifestations of the Holy Spirit within the believer upon the command of the Father and Christ Himself. Occupational gifts are for exactly that – an occupation. Each occupational gift is given at birth and made alive in Christ upon Salvation. Each gift carries traits the world has now defined as “personality types.” Grace

The unmerited favor of Christ without works is the easiest way to define Grace. Grace is the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life of the indwelt through the mind (Life) of Christ inside the believer. People who appropriate grace have manifestations of forgiveness, acceptance, favor, liberty in the Spirit, and peace in all circumstances. People NOT of grace use the Law to change internal and external behavior. Guilt (Real and False)

It is said that for indwelt believers, “guilt is the fuel of satanic condemnation.” Once saved, God no longer uses guilt to motivate His children – only conviction. Conviction is a gentle reminder of an action that is not of Christ Jesus; whereas, guilt involves punishment, fear, and condemnation. Unsaved people not only continue to live in guilt, but they are supposed to be living in guilt. God uses guilt as a condemning factor to press upon unbelievers in order for them to realize they will be condemned and go to Hell if they do

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not accept the life of Christ. Real guilt is pre-salvation and false guilt is a believer who does not embrace the grace of conviction. Heart

The Greek word “kar” and the Hebrew word “leb” are used to define the core of an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Heavenlies

The word “heavenlies” is a derivative of “heavens.” When this term is used within the exchanged life teachings, it is directly referring to the place where Christ is seated at the right hand of His Father (Col. 3:1). Holy Spirit and Spirit of Christ

The ministry of the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Christ) is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit regenerates the sinner upon belief and confession in Christ, and baptizes the believer into one body, of which Christ is the head. The Holy Spirit indwells, guides, instructs, fills, comforts, and empowers the believer for Godly and righteous living (Mark 13:11; John 14:26; 16:13; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, God's righteousness, and coming judgment (John 16:8-11). While I believe the Scriptures do not teach that certain gifts have ceased, they do indicate use of the gifts varies according to the need and movement of the Holy Spirit within each believer. We do NOT encourage the Body of Christ to focus upon the gifts, or their manifestations; but rather, the Giver. Instead, we teach and focus on the transformational life principles of the indwelling life of Christ – which emphasizes the more excellent way of love, as well as, zeal (John 13:15; 16:8; Titus 3:5; Eph. 1:22; 4:11-12; Romans 8:9-17; 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 3:16; 12:4-5, 11-13, 19; Galatians 5:25; Hebrews 4:1-4; 2 Cor. 12:12). Identification

This is one of the most common terms used to describe the exchanged life. Since behavior comes from identity, what one believes to be their identity (Christ or self) makes a significant impact on daily living. It is of utmost importance that the indwelt believer places their identity in the message of identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. In Christ

When the term “in Christ” is used, it should define the finality of the great exchange – “Not I, but Christ.” Upon Salvation, the old nature is crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20) and a new nature (that of Christ) is placed in the new believer. Upon this exchange, the indwelt Christian is placed in Christ and then hidden in God (Col. 3:3). Indwelling Life

This term references the indwelling life of Christ in the true born-again believer.

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Justification by Faith

This is probably one of the most difficult identity Truths to believe. Justification is a free gift of having our sins forgiven – past, present, and future – all at one time. Justification is often explained as “just as if I never sinned,” which is an accurate way to view this term. The only way this can be embraced by the believer is through faith, for human logic cannot accept the things of God. Law vs. Law of Spirit of Life

The Law given to us by God through Moses is for the strict purpose of revealing that no man can fulfill the Law. Therefore, it must be fulfilled by someone who can – Jesus Christ. The Law must stay in position and continue to place people under its condemnation, in order for them to be led to the Law of the Spirit of Life and become accountable to God (Rom. 3:19). As Rom. 8:1 states, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (emphasis added). But outside of Christ, condemnation is alive and well. The Law of the Spirit of Life is only found in Christ; this is why the new convert must be placed in Christ. In fact, the convert cannot be set free from the Law of sin and death unless this exchange takes place (Rom. 8:2). Lordship vs. Life

Lordship is not a biblical word, but it does refer to a release in the believer to count Jesus Christ as their Lord (owner). This is a critical doctrinal belief each indwelt believer must embrace. Without the appropriation of Christ being the owner of His Bride, the convert will continue to manage his life as if he owned himself – thus, fleshly behavior. If the believer does not move forward from personal lordship into the release of the Life of Christ, legalism will manifest. Mind, Will, and Emotions

These terms are used to define the trichotomy of man’s soul. The mind is what Christ renews by revealing the mind of Christ within the believer (1 Cor. 2:16). The will is what chooses to receive renewal. The emotions support what man believes to be or perceives as Truth. New Man, New Nature, and New Life

The new man / new nature / new life is the result of a regenerate spirit in Christ. This consists of a new Spirit – the Holy Spirit or Spirit of Christ – containing the literal mind of Christ (Col. 3:10; 2 Cor. 5:17). It is also known that our pre-saved condition houses a broken and dead spirit; this spirit is made new and alive through the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, and the two becoming one. Old Man, Old Nature, and Old Self

The old man / old nature / old self is the unregenerate spirit dead to Christ, which makes up the Adamic nature, which is in need of being crucified with Christ (the process of making it new and regenerate). This clearly describes unsaved persons and why they go to Hell if they do not receive new life upon Salvation (Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9).

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Perfection vs. Sinless Perfection

Perfection can only come from the One who is perfect – Jesus Christ. Once the convert receives Christ into their mortal being, the perfection of God is revealed through the Life of Christ housed within the convert, thus making the new man (spirit) perfect (Heb. 10:1; 11:40; 12:23). This makes one third (1/3) of man perfect, holy, and blameless; the other two thirds (2/3) [soul and body] are imperfect. The soul of man is what is sanctified, whereas the body remains in a dying state. This is why our body remains in the grave, for it houses the sin left behind by the Adamic nature. Once the believer dies a physical death, their perfect spirit and sanctified soul are joined with a new and perfect body on Heaven’s side. The false teaching of “sinless perfection” is a belief that once saved – the Spirit, soul, and body become perfect and cannot sin. Position vs. Condition

The term “position” references the indwelt believer’s new position in Christ by way of their new life/spirit seated at the right hand of God; place in the Bride of Christ; being a holy, child of God; and all the other identity statements given to us through Christ (Eph. 1). Condition is the soul’s reflection of the measurement of appropriated belief of what is true about the new convert. This is why the soul must be sanctified and renewed by the Spirit (Phil. 1:6; Heb. 5:12-14). Power of Sin

This is an unrighteous force and power within all humans, saved or not. This power of sin was birthed into each of us due to the consequences of a single sin Adam and Eve committed (1 Cor. 15:22). This sin is in us, but it is NOT us. Any convert who finds identity in this indwelling power of sin will appear and function as an unbeliever – one who is not saved (Rom. 7:20). Reckoning

The term “reckoning” is used frequently within the community of the Cross. It means to “calculate,” to sum up, or “to summarize.” When the term is used Scripturally, it becomes a mandate for all believers to consider and calculate what Christ said about us, as Truth (Col. 3:5). Regeneration and Regenerate

This is the process of Christ placing the Holy Spirit within the convert and making him new or regenerate – as in turning on the generator. Righteousness vs. Self-righteousness

True righteousness can only be found in the One who is Righteous – Jesus Christ. Once converts receives Christ into their lives, they become the Righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Self-righteousness is a fleshly and ungodly form of humans mustering up their own rightness before God and man (Rom. 10:3). Self and Self-life

Self is another term for “flesh” or “selfishness” – those who practice having their own way. An unsaved person lives in and functions out of an identity of selfishness/flesh. Unbelievers choose to be selfish, by walking after the flesh and continuing to perfect themselves by self-effort (Gal. 3:3).

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Self-Control vs. Christ Control

There are two forms of “self-control” – by flesh or by the indwelling Holy Spirit. In fact, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control. But this kind of control is Christ’s control through the Holy Spirit in the believer. One puts an emphasis on “self” control and the other is a result of walking in and after the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Sin, Sin Nature, and Sins

The most common definition of sin is “falling short of the mark.” This mark is the standard of the Law. Since no one can fulfill the Law except Christ, all who are not saved are in, of, and find their meaning and purpose in sin. This is clearly a result of being born with a “sin nature” (Adamic nature) and is why humans commit sins – deeds that don’t measure up to the standards [Law] of God (Rom. 3:23). Soul, Body and Spirit

This is the trichotomy of man. The mission of our Lord is to preserve the body, soul, and spirit of all believers through daily sanctification (1 Thess. 5:23). Subjective and Suffering

Subjecting oneself to the Life of Christ actually produces suffering (1 Pet. 2:21). It is through suffering that Christ Himself learned obedience (Heb. 5:8). Believers who typically avoid suffering are oftentimes disobedient to Christ. Surrender, Total Commitment, and Obedience

The Hebrew word for “surrender” is “charaph,” which means “to betroth.” Betroth is a marital term used to describe the engagement period of a marriage. When an indwelt believer surrenders their life to Christ, it is a willful agreement of acceptance of His invite to be the Bride of Christ. Total commitment is the action of the Bride to remain pure and true to their Husband – Jesus Christ. Obedience then becomes the result of the appropriation of the first two (Rev. 21:9). Trichotomy (God and Man)

The trichotomy of man is body, soul, and spirit; the trichotomy of God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Man was created in this image. Many theologians attempt to reduce man’s design into dichotomy – two parts of man (soul and body). Not only is this an insult to God’s design, but rubs in the face of all teachings hinging around 1 Thess. 5:23 and the message of co-death, burial, resurrection, and ascension (Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20). Truth

Truth in the Hebrew means “to betroth.” Remember that betroth is a marital term describing the engagement phase of marriage. To know Truth is to know and accept one’s engagement with Christ. When Christ said that He was the Truth – it literally translates out in the Hebrew as “He is the betrothed One.” Even though we are accustomed to believe that Truth is fact backed by the Holy Bible, it means much more to Christ. The Church is the Bride of Christ. We can find great comfort and security in whatever our Husband tells us is right and righteous – for you shall know the Christ, and Christ will set you free (John 8:32).

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Works (Christ and Man)

There are only two kinds of works stated in the Holy Scriptures – self and that of Christ. Works of man produces sin unto death; whereas works of Christ through the believer produces Life and Life Abundantly (Rom. 6:16; John 10:10). Worship

The act of worship is the indwelt Christian’s willingness to join in on the fellowship happening between the Holy Spirit from within and Christ Himself. Jesus Christ is clear about how He jealously desires the Spirit that He has made to dwell within us (James 4:5). All Bridal members of Christ are given the gift of partaking in this divine, holy fellowship and intimacy that exists between God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is what it means to share in His holiness (Heb. 12:10). Worthy (Christ and Man)

The term “worthy” means to inherit what one deserves due to His worth. The only being of eternity that deserves this kind of label is that of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When converts shout out, “Worthy are You, Lord,” they are saying there is none other that has deserving worth. Yield and Yielded

The term “yielded” literally means, “generated.” To yield is to open the passageway of generation. If we understand the significance of being born-again, we will know that the unsaved person has an unregenerate spirit before God. Once a person becomes saved, their spirit is re-generated. Yielding is critical for this process. An individual cannot become yielded (generated) until this happens.

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Discipleship in the Making

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77 Truths for the 7 Areas of Life Seeing the big picture is necessary in order to understand the small details. The chart below will give an overview of the content of the textbook (77 Truths for the Seven Areas of Life by Dr. Stephen Phinney). This workbook was designed to highlight the textbook. List five of the topics (listed in the chart below) you consider yourself to be most needy in learning:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Now list the five top topics you consider yourself strong in presenting to others:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

NOTES:

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The Exchanged Life

This term was originally used by Hudson Taylor to define the exchange that takes place upon Salvation; we exchange our life for His. Many teachers of the Cross also use this term to explain an indwelt believer appropriating their co-death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. One of the most common Scriptures used in this exchange is Galatians 2:20, “Not I, but Christ.” Truth being said, all believers in Christ receive the exchanged life upon the moment of their Salvation.

Please describe what you have heard, or have been taught, about the meaning of the Exchanged Life.

Generational Gospel The goal, or it should be the goal, for all indwelt Christians, is to train and equip others in discipling a fresh generation of believers. Why would this be important?

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What Is Discipleship? Please describe what you have been taught about the meaning of discipleship.

Components of Discipleship

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Look up 2 Timothy 3:16 and write it out.

Why are sound doctrines so important in discipling others?

Why do you believe most “Christians” struggle with being corrected?

List four of the most important instructions you can give a hurting disciple.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Profile of Man

After reviewing the diagram below (Profile of Man), which pathway would you say you are on right now?

In your own words, please describe an “unsaved emergent Laodician.”

How can you discern between a “true Christian, but walking after the flesh” versus an unsaved person?

Law versus Grace

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Carefully review the diagram below and place a check in the appropriate box that best describes your daily living.

Without using the definitions in the diagram, in your own words, describe each of the following categories according to your understanding.

Category Always Often At Times Doesn’t Apply

Permissive

Neglectful

Controlling

Victorious

Category Description

Permissive

Neglectful

Controlling

Victorious

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Task Versus Relationship

Carefully review the diagram below and place a check in the appropriate box that best describes your daily living.

In reviewing the diagram below, which category would be the toughest “Christian” to motivate in the discipleship process – and why?

Where Are You?

Look up and read Exodus 11-12 & Joshua 1:

Yes, I read the these passages

Category Always Often At Times Doesn’t Apply

People Pleasing

Lazy Christian

Doing Christian

Active Christian

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After carefully reviewing each column in the diagram below, are you in Egypt, the Wilderness, or in Canaan?

________________________________

Please make a summary statement of the following.

Egypt

Red Sea

Wilderness

Jordon

Canaan

Notes:

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Godship: Playing God

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Please list the key words in the purpose statement above.

Why do you believe it would be important to uncover the ways you “play God” in the lives of others?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Start making a list of sins you commit that question the sovereignty of God.

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What is Godship, in your own terms?

Whose idea was it to be like God? _________________________________

What actions of Godship do you see in Gen. 3:6-7?

Which of these eight expressions of Godship are most common in your life?

Do you see these actions as sin? __________________________________

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Why is it God’s right to perform all these actions?

How much of life does God control? ______________________________

Summarize Job 12:13-25.

Why is it foolish for us to try to play God in our lives or someone else’s life?

How do you know when you are exercising Godship?

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What things have you decided are good based on your own benefit, without considering what God says?

Summarize John 7:24.

How do God’s values differ from society’s values?

How does Proverbs 16:25 apply to you?

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Are you in a relationship where there is a conflict? With whom? What is the conflict?

Explain how you have been judging this person(s).

State how you have attempted to change this person(s).

Study Matthew 7:1-5 and state the key Truths in this passage.

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In the Garden of Eden, did God make fruit of the trees for Adam and Eve’s enjoyment? ___________________ What boundaries did He put on them?

What did God say would happen if they went outside this boundary?

Did God put a boundary on what was good? ______________ Why or why not?

Do you agree that crossing the boundaries of God is deciding for yourself what is good and evil? ________ Do you see this as Godship? _______

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What is the difference between Godship and Christ as Life living?

Study Gal. 5:16-23 and state what these verses mean in light of this study.

Explain the role Jesus desires to function in regarding releasing the fruit of the Spirit in your daily living.

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GODSHIP ACTION PAGE

ACTION DONE

1. Pray before you go any further with this action page.

2. Go back to the “Standard Setting” diagram and list your most common expressions of Godship.

3. Go to “God’s Prerogatives” diagram and pray aloud each item. Example: “Lord, I agree that it is You alone who has the prerogative to determine standards and conduct for mankind.”

4. In reference to diagram G-103, list out the ways that you decide what is good and evil.

5. Now list all relationships in which you have conflict and the ways that you tend to control these individuals.

6. List each and every way that you step outside the boundaries of God.

7. Go to God in prayer and admit the following:

Admit your sin of trying to play God

Confess your “standard” expressions

Confess the list of ways in which you attempt to decide what is “good” and “evil”

Confess the ways you attempt to control people

Confess the ways you step outside of the boundaries of God

Accept His forgiveness for you and then spend some time praising Him for your healing

Study these verses: Gen. 2:17; 3:6; 18:25; 22:1-12; Ex. 20:1-17; Psalms 94:1; 135:5-6; Isa. 42:8; John 4:23; Acts 17:24, 31; Rom. 11:33-34; 12:17-19; Gal. 5:22-23.

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Rejection: Withholding Love

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Please list the key words in the purpose statement above.

Why is rejection the most common consequence of Godship?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

What do you think of the idea of “growing into inviting rejection into our lives and learning to turn the other cheek?”

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Study Gen. 4:1-16 and then make a summary statement.

Share a time when you were severely rejected.

How did you think, feel, and react?

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List three ways you were overtly rejected growing up.

List three ways you were covertly rejected growing up.

Human rejection is withholding love and relationship. List those whom you, today, reject in such a manner?

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A person who is rejected usually has inward and outward reactions. The above diagram is a list of the inward reactions. Look down the list and write down the ones that apply to you.

Estimate a percentage of your day that you are controlled by your thoughts or feelings of rejection. ______________%

Look up John 12:25 and then answer this question. If you love your life, are you more or less likely to experience rejection from God and man? How?

If you are controlled by those thoughts and feelings, is it because you love your life? ____

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Thoughts and feelings of rejection believed to be true, sooner or later, are brought to the surface. The above diagram shows the reactions toward others when you are being controlled by those thoughts and feelings. People living in rejection as a lifestyle may even reject those who have not rejected them. It creates as vicious pattern of rejection. Keep in mind that all of these reactions are a form of revenge and Godship.

Look up Hebrews 12:15 and then summarize the verse in your own words.

Look down the list and write down the ones that apply to you.

Review Matthew 5:11-12, 39-42 and answer: What is to be our attitude toward those who reject us?

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God loves us and proved it by sending Jesus. He is not rejecting us; yet at times, we think He is joining in on the rejection of others. The above diagram shows us how a person reacting to rejection ultimately ends up rejecting God and the church for the rejection of others. People actually reject God when He doesn’t measure up to their standards. This is why we call it Godship.

Review 1 John 4:20-21 and answer this question. How has your relationship with God been affected by your negative feelings toward another person who has rejected you?

Look up Isaiah 65:2 and state what God is saying about a “rebellious people.”

Note: People who reject God as a lifestyle need to double-check their Salvation and/or their beliefs about a loving God. Rejecting God comes from setting standards on God – again, Godship. All indwelt Christians need to ask themselves why they reject the One who gives hope, deliverance, and forgiveness - the very things for which they blame others.

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When we are rejected, we have a choice. We can choose to allow the rejection to control us or choose to believe what God says about us. The above diagram explains how to break the rejection cycle, by choosing to believe: our True identity in Christ and identity really does matter. The truest things about us are what God says about us. No rejecters can change who we are in Christ, no matter what they do to us or say about us. The reactions in the past three diagrams are from believing what other people say or do. If rejecters can have that much power over us, how much more can God have in our lives if we believe Him?

The last time you were rejected, which choice did you make – 2A or 2B? ___________

Look up Ephesians 1:3-8 and mark “agree,” “disagree,” or “doesn’t apply.”

Agree Disagree Doesn’t Apply

What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about how God sees you?

What speaks louder to you, the voice of your rejecter or the voice of God? _________

Study Acts 7:54-60 and state where Stephen put his focus:_______________________

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REJECTION ACTION PAGE

ACTION DONE

1. Pray before you go any further with this action page.

2. Write out a statement as to your thoughts and feelings about the rejection cycle.

3. List the items on diagram R-103 that apply to you.

4. List the items on diagram R-104 that express how you tend to reject others.

5. List the items on diagram R-105 that reveals how you tend to reject God.

6. Take all three lists, bring them before God, and repent for: believing what others and self say is true vs. God; how you reject others; and finally, how you tend to reject God. Accept His forgiveness and release Him to use the rejection to grow you in Christ.

Study these verses: Gen. 4:1-16; Job 40:1, 4-8; Jonah 1:6-15; John 12:25; 13:34-35; Rom. 9:20-21; 12:17; Eph. 1:3-8; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9.

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External/Internal: Finding Life

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One of the most common deceptions for indwelt Christians is seeking to find life in people, places, or things. We, believers, are “earthly minded,” which is of little value to the goals and aspirations God has for us. Being busy and serving the Lord is the primary proof that “self-effort Christians” use to “think” they are yielded. This is why our Lord will actually allow selfish believers to achieve external goals, in order for them to experience a lack of satisfaction. Once this happens, they can be led to go to God for satisfaction in Christ Jesus.

What person, place, or thing do you find significance in? ________________________

Write out your personal definition of “idolatry.”

Write out your personal definition of “adultery.”

What similarities do you see? _____________________________________________

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The above diagram is a picture of a person’s life. Central to this life is a crown showing self-rule and personal ownership of one’s life. The Word is clear that life cannot be found in people, places, or things. When believers attempt to do so, they will direct their worship toward those items considered to be motivating them. The arrows pointed inward are a pictorial of the believer attempting to draw life from that source, thus being deceived into thinking that fulfillment can be found in that particular idol. Self-rule is an attempt to make the external things positive (+), in order to overcome the big negative (-) on the outside. The result is failure and disappointment, which results in an action of Godship.

List the areas you have attempted to find fulfillment in over the past 5 years.

List from these areas, what you consider to be the positives and negatives in your life?

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

Look up Luke 12:15 and state where Jesus says life is found. _____________________

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All of the items noted in diagram E/I-101 can be worthwhile activities. The problem is that the focus is still on external fulfillment and self is still ruling. Just as “busy” as the diagram looks, the same becomes true for the believer. All of this busyness can overtake the person’s life. Many are encouraged to “get busy” serving the Lord by the Church – family, friends, counselors, pastors, etc. This does not make it right; in fact, it makes them just as wrong as the believer who is falling for such deception. Satan wants us to focus on the externals because that is where he lives - for he is the “god” of the external world. Thus, practicing externals to find fulfillment actually fulfills the enemy’s goal – do to be.

Do you believe “doing good things” will gain the favor of God? ____________________

Review Luke 10:38-42 and explain the rebuke Martha received from Jesus.

Can “Christian service” become an idol? ____________ If so, when?

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One way Christians play god (Godship) is trying to solve problems without tapping into Christ within them, or for the unsaved – calling out to God. Most believers act like nonbelievers by turning to worldly ways of coping, rather than turning to Christ living within them. People want to be god of their own lives and live independently of God. Satan will for certain provide fascinating diversions to keep a person from experiencing intimacy with Christ internally. As for the unsaved – the enemy will keep them distracted from reaching out to a Savior, Jesus Christ. We must take up Jesus’ example and look to the Father for everything.

Look at this diagram and list which actions apply to you.

Why do you suppose that believers won’t consider Christ in them, first?

Look up Jeremiah 2:13 and list the two sins you see.

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This diagram illustrates that an indwelt Christian’s fulfillment is based internally on the very life of Christ – who literally lives in the believer. The fruit of the Spirit has completely surrounded all elements of life. As the Lord rules from within, every aspect of life is an outlet for the world to see the Life of Christ being released through the believer into the external. “Doing to be” has been replaced by “BEING in Christ.” Now, this believer is a human “being” (resting in Christ) and not a human “doing” (trying to please Christ, self, or others). “Being” is resting in God and precedes doing.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Many put the emphasis on “I can do all things” and forget or neglect the “through Him.” The key to the victorious indwelling Christian life is the through Christ. As the believer abides, Christ produces the “doing,” which is the fruit of the Spirit. Once this happens, the focus will become “giving” instead of “getting.” This, in turn, will accomplish Christ’s goal of equipping the Saints for the work of service (Eph. 4:12) – resulting in Christ ruling on the inside and the believer living in victory, even while experiencing negative in the external area of life.

Carefully review all the diagrams and write a summary statement of this lesson.

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EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL ACTION PAGE

ACTION DONE

1. Pray before you go any further with this action page.

2. Make a list of all the externals noted in diagram E/I-100 in which you tend to find fulfillment.

3. Now make a list of all the noted externals by placing them in two columns – negative (problem areas) and positive (not a problem).

4. List the items on diagram E/I-101 by which you tend to stay busy, in order to distract you from the release of Christ in you.

5. Take all three lists, bring them before God, and repent for attempting to find fulfillment or significance in each of these items. Accept His forgiveness for such acts of idolatry, and ask for the sweet release of the Life of Christ in and through you, by means of the representation of the Holy Spirit.

6. For the next 10 days, meditate on these identity statements:

† God does not honor or support self-effort

† Christ desires to work through me

† There is no life in external people, places, or things

† Christ can live through me in spite of the external

† Looking internally to Christ is the way, Truth, and life

† The fruits of the Spirit are the manifestations of Christ

† Fruit is a result – not an action to practice

† Releasing Christ to wear the crown is life

† Studying the Word is essential to growth in Christ

Study these verses: Eccl. 1:14; 2:1-11; Jer. 2:13; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Gal. 5:22-23; Col. 3:1-4.

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Problems: Why Problems?

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Many, if not most, body members of Christ find it difficult to “consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).

By intently studying this lesson, we should discover the following benefits:

1. Help in understanding God’s purpose in problems. 2. Learn what to do when overwhelmed by problems and not looking to Christ within. 3. Understand the need to die to self on a daily basis. 4. Have an opportunity to work through the process of freedom. 5. Learn what to do when someone tries to prevent me from coming to the end. 6. Learn how to embrace problems, in order to release thanksgiving.

Clearly, and honestly, describe the most difficult problem you are faced with today.

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Our first diagram shows two separate truths: the first shows how an unbeliever (unsaved) is led to Salvation and the second, shows the pathway for a ‘worldly” indwelt Christian who needs to be brought to the end of self. The left wedge reveals the elements used to actually accomplish these goals: the world, the flesh, and Satan, himself. Notice how the wedge closes in on the individual the closer he gets to the Cross. This is to produce the death of self. The wedge on the right has a narrow gate by the Cross and opens up as time passes. This symbolizes the growth in Christ of the believer. The more a believer walks in the Spirit – the easier and freer life becomes, spiritually that is.

Study Luke 15:11-32 and state what appealed to the prodigal son that started out easy? How did it get hard and lead to death? What hard thing did the son have to do that led to life?

Describe a problem you had that started out appealing or easy and ended in misery and death.

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This diagram clearly reveals the truths contained in Romans 8:28 – God uses all that happens to us to bring about His eternal purposes. He uses both desirable things and difficult things to bring us to the end of the self-life. Christ’s life within us is the wonderful result of us dying to our self-life.

Look up Romans 8:28-29 and answer the questions.

1. What does God say is the good that He predestined for us?

2. How have you denied what would be good for you?

3. Who’s good is guaranteed?

Look up 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 and answer the questions.

1. How are your problems being used to bring you to death?

2. How can Christ’s life within you be seen as you walk through this process?

3. What area of your self-life (Godship) does God want to bring to death?

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God, through Christ, allows WHAT we go through; we choose HOW we go through it. Detours can be set by each of us, as well by those who love us (or don’t, for that matter). We can set up our own detours in an attempt to avoid the inevitable, being brought to the Cross. Every situation, even by our foolish choice, God has the power and prerogative to use them to draw us to Christ within or if not saved, to the Cross for the first time – Salvation. These detours, or escape routes, may look good to the self-life, but the greater value is what the Lord wants to accomplish. As my old friend says – “Don’t try to fix the fix that God has fixed on you to fix you from fixing self, others, and God.”

After reviewing James 1:2-4, how are we told to consider trials? What do trials produce in us?

List the common methods (detours) you use to get out of trials and difficult circumstances.

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The above diagram communicates how to move a person to Christ as Life actions concerning a problem. Problems can cause us to become bitter or better. This requires us to go against our fears and instead, choose to trust God. When we turn our focus away from the circumstances and focus our mind on the Christ mind within us, victory is sure to come. Seeing God’s purpose is more important than solving the situation that rubs against us. God is sovereign, so it would behoove us to stop arguing and allow Him to reign in and through us. Trusting in His sovereign plan requires us not to base our decisions on feelings, but on the reliable character of our loving Father. Does seeing God, thanking God, trusting and obeying Him lead to success and fulfillment? No. They lead us to the Cross - either for surrender (as indwelt believers) or for those unsaved – for Salvation.

Carefully study Philippians 3:8-11 and answer the question: What would it take to bring me to the point where I could say with Paul, “I count all things to be lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ” (vs 8)?

Now look up Jeremiah 29:11-12. According to this passage, why can you trust and thank God?

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The Lord tells us in Matthew 5:37: "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil.” Victorious living is based upon choices. Above all, God knows that people who are of the “yes” are easily managed and grown. He also knows that people of the “no” can be disciplined and brought back to a “yes” decision through the downward process involved in brokenness, or being brought to the end of themselves. But people who are indecisive and won’t respond with a “yes” or “no” fall into a category that Christ Himself calls evil. The more “yes’s” a believer makes, the further he walks into a lifestyle of RIGHTEOUSNESS. The more “no’s” made, the further he walks into a lifestyle of UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. The KEY is to repent, accept your consequences, make a “yes” decision, and continue on the pathway of the “yes” until a new lifestyle is formed.

As a believer, when looking at the entirety of your lifestyle, do you make more “yes” decisions, “no” decisions, or tend to fall into indecisiveness? ______________________

Look up Matthew 5:39-42 and summarize what Christ is asking the believer to do with difficult problems, people, and circumstances.

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PROBLEMS ACTION PAGE

ACTION DONE

1. Pray before you go any further with this action page.

2. Make a list of all the “PROBLEMS” in your life that come to mind.

3. Write a summary statement regarding diagram PP-101.

4. Now write a summary statement for PP-102 and PP-103.

5. Make a list of each and every item that comes to mind, which you are able to thank God for – PP-104.

6. Write out a detailed explanation for PP-105.

Study these verses: Prov. 14:12; Matt. 7:13-14; 11:28-30; 16:24-26; John 5:24; 10:1; Rom. 8:1-4, 12-13, 28-29; 2 Cor. 4:8-11; Gal. 2:20; 6:7-8; Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:8; 1 Thess. 5:18; James 1:2-4, 13-15.

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My Flesh: God’s Enemy

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Making life or death decisions are a critical part of a believer understanding the self-life and more importantly, their identity in Christ. This lesson will show the following crucial points of starting the exchange.

1. The destructive patterns of making decisions based on the self-life. 2. Explanation of the seven areas of life. 3. Show the consequences of walking a “living death.” 4. Reveal how to test your motives to see if you are walking after the flesh or the

Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. 5. The steps how to break the pattern of making decisions based on the self-life.

Look up Proverbs 14:12 and write out the verse in your own words.

What is the primary principle of Matthew 16:25?

What is your favorite sin to commit? _______________________________________

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This diagram shows that all decisions will reap life or death, depending upon whether the indwelt Christian chooses Christ from within or their own way. It also points out that the seven areas of life will lead to problems, needs, and questions forcing a decision. Decisions are made either through me being me (self-life) or through releasing the mind of Christ to make the decision (by making use of our mind, will, and emotions). Each decision is either a life or death, depending on how it is made (Deut. 30:19-20). Many make the decision based on their own fleshly thoughts, while giving no opportunity to allow Christ to do so – this is why they experience “living death.”

After studying Deut. 30:19-20, answer these questions. What is God’s desire for you? Is He interested in every decision you make? Why or why not?

State a decision you need to make in one of the seven areas of life.

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe the “normal” process you go through in making a decision.

Study John 6:38. How can you know what God’s will is regarding decisions? ________

______________________________________________________________________

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This diagram reveals the cause and process of death brought about through the self-life being in control of the indwelt believer. This individual focuses on himself (the self-life), which produces a downward spiral - the path leading away from the will of Christ within him (the believer). It shows the natural conclusion of believers who choose death decisions – a consistent choosing of self-life. The self-life starts with commendations, producing an occupation with self. Self-occupation is a lifestyle of self-pleasing ultimately leading to self-condemnation, due to the guilt of the believer’s selfishness. If you confront this individual, he usually becomes defensive and filled with self-pity. This happens shortly before he self-destructs. God uses this process to bring him to the end of self.

Look up Matthew 16:25. Have you been seeking your own way as a lifestyle? Have your decisions reflected this mindset? Explain.

According to James 3:16, how might your selfish ambition lead to every evil thing?

Where would you place yourself on the downward spiral? _______________________

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This illustration helps us understand how it is possible for Christ’s Life to be manifested in us, as believers. This diagram shows that after the downward spiral takes us into the denial of self (coming to the end of oneself), it picks us up on the brokenness of daily dying to ourselves, and we watch the release of the Spirit from within who does the living. This process cannot happen until there is repentance, which takes place in that dark place. Repentance grants us the freedom to look inward to the Life of Christ for daily cross-bearing. This puts our focus and expectations on and from God – not self. Once this occurs, ministry is certain to be born from within. Outreach is a result of this brokenness process, not something to practice.

Study Acts 16:22-31. How does our diagram illustrate this passage? _________________

Study Luke 9:23. Explain what denying yourself looks like.

How do you see yourself ministering to others? __________________________________

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This illustration helps us understand the means of determining if motives are of the Spirit of Life from within or of walking after the flesh. Motives are crucial in our walk. It’s not so much what we do, but who is doing it – Christ or the flesh. It is possible to do a good thing without Christ conducting the doing through us. People look at our actions, whereas God looks at “the who” in the doing.

Do you have doubts that your decisions are based on Christ in you? _________________

Look up Galatians 5:16-21. Are your decisions or actions found in this list? ____________

Do you feel angry, frustrated, fearful, or discontent in most of your decisions? __________ What do these feelings show you?

If you acknowledge that your life belongs to God, how would this affect your decisions?

Look up each verse on this diagram. Did you do this? _________________________

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MY FLESH ACTION PAGE

ACTION DONE

1. Pray before you go any further with this action page.

2. Make a list of all decisions, coming to mind, you know lead to self-life results.

3. Now make a list of all the decisions that produced a release of Christ Life from within.

4. In your own words, write out a summary statement of the downward spiral.

5. Look up all the verses listed in the downward spiral diagram.

6. Write a summary statement regarding the upward spiral of the Christ’s Life diagram.

7. Look up all the verses listed in the upward spiral diagram.

Study these verses: Gen. 3:11-13; Deut. 30:19-20; Psalm 50:23; 62:5; 119:11; Isaiah 53:6; Jonah 4:8; Hosea 10:13; Matt. 16:24; 28:19-20; Luke 9:23; John 15:16; Rom. 8:1, 5-8, 28; 13:1; 15:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:15; 10:17-18; Gal. 5:1, 16-21; 6:7-8; Phil. 2:3-4; 3:19; 1 Tim. 6:6; Heb. 13:17; James 3:16; 1 John 4:11-12.

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Repentance: Natural Man/Spiritual Man

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This teaching can and should be used to evaluate the spiritual status of a person. The lesson will point disciples to areas they have chosen to sin. When disciples of Jesus are confused about living a victorious life, understanding the power of the Cross becomes critical in their discovery of victory. God has asked us to consider our ways and turn our feet toward His testimonies. Look up Psalm 119:59 and re-write it in your own words.

Look up James 1:13-15. Pick out the key principles in this passage and write them out.

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This diagram illustrates the utter hopelessness of the person who is not born-again (unsaved). The spirit is dead and dominated by sin. This causes the mind, will, emotions, and body to be enslaved to sin. This is the natural state into which we are all born - we are ALL born into sin. The natural man cannot understand spiritual things and must walk in and after the flesh. The natural man is not only IN the flesh because he is in Adam; but his identity is sin, and therefore, is obligated to walk after it. Note: God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are on the OUTSIDE of man. This puts the natural man in a desperate need for life that only Christ can give through Salvation. No matter how well-adjusted or nice the person might be – death still reigns, because there is no real life or relationship with Christ. Read Ephesians 2:1-3. Where is God in this illustration of man? ____________________

Do you believe you are an indwelt Christian? ____________ If so, how did you become a believer? Do you ever have any doubts that you are a true indwelt Christian?

Look up Ephesians 4:17-19. How would you describe your heart regarding the things of God?

If you are unclear as to your Salvation, see the Appendix – Important Prayers.

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This is an illustration of a person who has accepted Jesus Christ and is walking after the Spirit. Please note that the “old self” or “old man” have been removed and placed on the Cross with Christ Jesus (Gal. 2:20). It is no longer the individual living life, but Christ living it through him. Satan can only influence the person through external temptation; whereas, in the first illustration – he ruled from within, as well as externally. The Spiritual Man has the very nature of Christ living in him. This gives him a new identity - an identity that will clean the conscious mind and ultimately renew the trash the old man left behind in the deep recesses of the mind. The hand that blocks Satan from influencing the mind is a direct act of the will to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). Temptation can still come from the devil; however, sin’s power is broken and this person is no longer a slave to the devil’s sin (Romans 6:14).The body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). The Holy Spirit, who is in this person, is freely controlling every part of this person: mind, will, emotions, and body (Gal. 5; 16-17). Look up Romans 8:11. According to this verse, where is Christ now? What did He offer our mortal bodies?

Read Romans 6:6, 14. Where is the “old self?” What happened to sin’s power?

Does this diagram accurately describe your walk with Christ today? ____If not, why not?

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This diagram clearly shows us how the spiritual man can make sinful choices and function as if he were still unsaved. We call this spiritual man functioning carnally (fleshly). Notice the hand is gone and the believer is allowing the external influences of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Christ is still in the believer – wanting to influence, but the believer has chosen to allow temptation to fill his conscious mind with sins. Even though the identity of Christ is readily available, the person is re-focused on their old identity – that of sin. These sins continue to fill the mind, both consciously and subconsciously. In order for the person to enjoy internal fellowship with Christ again – repentance is in order. Repentance helps the person move from functioning carnally to spiritually, walking after and in the indwelling Holy Spirit. Keep in mind that nothing has changed in the person’s position in Christ; but conditionally, sin begins to take over once again. Read James 1:13-15. How do you presently handle temptation?

Does Satan tempt through appealing to your mind, will, or emotions? ______________ Look up 1 John 2:15. How are your thoughts and emotions being influenced by the devil and the world? List the things in the world that he uses.

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The above diagram is one of the most critical in our study on Identity Matters – illustrating repentance and the Spirit causing a U-turn in the believer. Repentance starts with a person considering their own way, which requires an honest appraisal. [The following diagram on the next page will offer a step-by-step outline.] Repentance is not just feeling sorry (2 Cor. 7:8-10). It is a complete alteration of the basic motivation and direction for the believer’s life. Note the arrow of My Way leading to an Honest Appraisal, which starts the renewal of mind (Luke 15:17). Once the mind is renewed by the mind of Christ from within, the will makes the choice to believe Christ’s renewal (Luke 15:18). As with all choices, the feelings will automatically follow and support the choice of the will (Luke 15:19). Conduct (or change of behavior) will follow the mind, will, and emotions, as they line up with the Spirit’s conviction (Luke 15:20). Confession and restitution are the results of the exchange of the believer’s own way with that of God’s way (Luke 15:21). [Restitution is detailed in a future lesson on Extending and Seeking Forgiveness of others.] Carefully review Psalm 119:59. What two steps do you see in this passage?

List the ways you think you have been living according to your own way.

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HONEST APPRAISAL leads to as clear a statement as possible for us to make about “WHAT IS.” That is, what the TRUTH is about our own purpose, motives, methods, and patterns – without the varnish of self-protection, without enhancing or guarding our reputation, and without using devious means to maintain personal objectives. One difficulty encountered is that of avoiding procrastination. Honest appraisal must be undertaken in obedience to Christ within, without waiting for the feelings to line up. Honesty requires facing the Truth. The purpose of HONEST APPRAISAL is to bring about in ourselves a heart of cooperation in-line with the Holy Spirit, by whom change of MIND, change of WILL, and change of feelings may follow.

Go to the Lord, ask Him to reveal any and all ways you have been choosing to walk after the flesh – “my own way.” Write down what He says below.

Now take the list and confess them before God as choices of sin, embrace His forgiveness, state before Him you are willing to follow the list outlined in the “Turning” section on the diagram, and then begin doing so. Once you have completed this, study these verses: Luke 15:11-24; Rom. 6:6, 12-13; 7:22-24; 8:9; 13:14; ; 1 Cor. 2:14; 3:3; 6:15; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 2:1; 4:17-19; Col. 3:9-10; Titus 3:3.

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Identity Matters: Knowing Who You Are In Christ

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If there is anything in which indwelt believers should praise God, it should be our new-found identity in Christ. This lesson could be used to lead someone to Christ for Salvation, or simply to lead them to the Cross for appropriation of identification in Christ. Most believers wander around in Christianity - like the children of God in the wilderness – not experiencing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in and through them. When we walk after the flesh, it becomes our most critical moment of understanding who we are in Him. Most of the time, it is a simple case of the believer just not knowing the Truth.

Our old life is gone, but our condition does not always line up with this truth. The believer seems to fall back on the trash left behind by the “old nature” and thus, produces fruit unto death. Meaning and purpose in life flow from identity. By faith in Jesus Christ, God has transferred us into Christ very life – eternal life. Our purpose is to demonstrate, or live out, the very life of Christ by having an intimate, obedient, dependent, love relationship with Him.

Look up 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Write a summary statement covering all the key principles you discover in this passage.

Look up Galatians 2:20. What does this verse communicate to you?

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In this diagram, we explain the unsaved fallen nature of man as a spiritual, psychological, physical being, and introduce the significance of the formation of the self-life. Please note the following:

1. Every person is born into sin through the Adamic nature – fallen man. 2. All humans are born with a body, soul (mind, will, and emotions) and a spirit. 3. Due to being born into sin, the spirit of man is dead (detached) to God. We call

this the un-regenerate man (the spirit is not generated or empowered with life). Like a broken generator that should power a building, man has no power source to live life.

4. Every person IS a spirit, HAS a soul, and LIVES IN a body. 5. Meaning and purpose for life flows from the spirit of man – dead or alive. This is

how the self-life is formed. 6. God designed man to be born dead, in order that each human would seek to

experience life and fulfilment from His Son. [In the above illustration, Christ is on the outside of man.]

7. All humans will build their lives upon their identity. In this case, it is the old nature – fallen man. The old nature is owned and empowered by Satan. This is why unsaved people go to Hell if Christ does not come to indwell them.

8. Fallen man has no other choice but to build and expand their identity upon their dead state: seek gods, a darkened mind, choices of sin, emotions damaged by their fallen state, and attempts to find identity in how their body looks.

9. The primary place of identity formation is in the mind, will, and emotions. 10. The person can associate with Christ and His teachings, but until the spirit is

generated by Christ indwelling him – it is all for NOT.

Do you think of yourself as a body? Examples: I am fat, I am in great shape, I am beautiful, etc. If so, explain.

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Do you spend a lot of time, money, or energy to improve your body or appearance? This could include clothes, exercise, diets, surgery, etc. If so, explain.

Do you think of your intellect (what you think) as who you are? Example: I am smart, I am decisive, I am stupid, I am a deep thinker, or maybe even, I am slow and ignorant. If so, explain.

Do you spend large amounts of time trying to figure things out - think situations or circumstances through? If so, explain.

Do you define yourself by what you are feeling? Example: I feel happy, so I have joy. I feel guilty, so I must be guilty. If so, explain.

Do your emotions or how you are feeling determine whether or not you are having a good day? If so, explain.

If you could believe your true identity was spiritual through the indwelling mind of Christ, how would that change your daily routine and behavior? Explain.

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In the previous diagram (ID-100), we learned about the model of fallen man. The above illustration gives us understanding as to how all persons became sinners – through their descent from Adam. Sin travels through the seed of man, NOT the blood. This why there was NO sin found in Jesus’ mortal body, for He had been conceived through the seed of God by way of the Holy Spirit. Man is born with sin and in sin, due to the seed of Adam becoming corrupt after The Fall. Therefore, all mankind is born dead to God and alive to the enemy – Satan. This is why people go to Hell if they don’t receive Christ. Note the following:

1. This line diagram can be used to lead others to Christ. 2. We are all born “IN” Adam and received his nature and consequences. 3. The dash line next to the pathway line to Hell is illustrative of our grandparents dating back

to Adam – seed to seed. 4. Being in Adam means: receiving spiritual death, receiving his nature to sin, and having the

identity of a sinner. 5. By birth, we are related spiritually and physically to Adam and under the sentence of death

spiritually, psychologically and physically. 6. All are on their way to Hell and go past eternal life (Life of Christ), unless they are

transferred over into the Life of Christ through Salvation.

Look up Romans 5:12. What did you learn from this passage?

Study Romans 3:23; 6:23. What did you learn about sin?

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Did you know that people do NOT choose Christ, but rather Christ chooses them (John 15:16). This is an impossible thought to embrace without the power of the Holy Spirit revealing it to the person. As stated before, all are born in Adam and doomed to Hell. In this illustration, we see that the pathway is interrupted by Christ introducing Himself to the candidate of Christ. Colossians 1:13-14 tells us: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” This action of being transferred is the greatest act of exchange in all eternity. We are not only put in the Life of Christ, but He puts our Adamic nature to death through co-crucifixion with Him (Gal. 2:20). Once the transference is complete (born-again), we are given a brand new past, present, and future - that of Jesus’ past, present, and future. This is why it is possible and a reality to be crucified, buried, resurrected, and raised with Him. Note the following:

1. Christ chooses us, but we respond to His touch. 2. Christ’s Life and heritage is the believer’s by spiritual re-birth (1 Cor. 15:22). 3. Jesus did not come to make bad people good, but to make dead people alive. 4. Christ’s Life is eternal and never changes - past, present, and future (Heb. 13:8). 5. The chosen believer is actually removed from being “in Adam” and placed “into

Christ” for eternity – the key word is “transferred.” 6. In the Greek, the word “transferred” emphasizes removal – permanently taken out.

God removed us from Adam and graft us into Christ’s very life. 7. Once transferred from Adam into Christ, “Everything is new about the believer.” 8. The only thing that carries over with our bodies is the sin, or trash - the Adamic

heritage left behind. That, too, will be renewed upon our physical death. 9. The flesh (trash left behind) resides in our mortal bodies, but God has use for it.

By choosing righteousness from within, against the desires of the flesh, the believer experiences the power of the Cross (Phil. 2:12).

10. The believer’s eternal life began when he was graft into Christ’s Life. Being born-again IN Christ means: receiving the Holy Spirit (His Life), being sanctified by His Life, and functioning in and through the identity of Jesus.

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Study Romans 5:12, 17-19. What does the natural man receive because of Adam’s sin?

What does the believer receive because of Christ’s obedience?

Look up Romans 10:9-10. Does man have to end up in spiritual death? Why, or why not?

Study 1 Corinthians 1:30. Whose work was it to move you from the old path to the new, which is eternal life?

Read Colossians 1:13. How did you get into Christ, if you are truly a born-again believer? Whose life do you have now?

If you have become born-again, write out your story of being transferred.

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This illustration further explains the position of the believer’s identity in Christ. As depicted, the Romans 6:6 passage speaks of the “old self” being crucified with Jesus. The diagram goes on to reveal that the indwelt believer is buried and raised with Him. The most significant principle being revealed here is the believer’s position – seated at the right hand of God in Christ. When behavior comes from position and not condition, victory is sure to be experienced. There are three ways converts can view life: “hanging on the Cross” (poor me), sitting in the tomb (darkness and despair), and seated at the right hand of God (seeing all of life from God’s perspective). Many teach this passage as if it is something to come, once we go to Heaven. The Truth being said: it is a position the indwelt believer is given upon the moment of Salvation.

List the primary principles of Truth you see being conveyed in this illustration.

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This diagram has become the clearest and most used in explaining what it looks like to walk in and after the Holy Spirit. It all starts with Christ placing Himself at the very core of the believer. Our Lord purified, redeemed, and perfected one third (1/3) of our being. Jesus, through representation of the Holy Spirit, is able to live and function in righteousness in and through the believer. Walking after the flesh is choosing to believe that our thoughts, feelings, and appearance define who we are. In our next diagram, ID-105, we will see the details of a believer walking after their flesh. We will discover it truly is possible to walk after and in the Spirit, by choosing to believe the renewal of MIND that Christ provides, as He flows from the Spirit and into the human mind. Once that happens, the WILL then chooses to process the thoughts of Christ as Truth. Since the EMOTIONS always support what the will decides, excitement of renewal flows into the BODY. This is how we get Christ as Life behavior.

Look up Ephesians 1:13 and state what Truth(s) is/are being revealed.

Read Romans 12:1-2 and write down what Paul is telling us about the mind.

Look up 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and state what must happen to every believer.

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All the things God says are true about us, and come from the Life and mind of Christ from within. Unless we use our mind, will, and emotions to “allow” or release the Spirit, we end up living off of our own thoughts, choosing our own way, having defiled emotions, and fulfilling the desires that are embedded in our body. What Paul said to the Romans (in chapter 7), left them with a deep understanding and clarity about what is really going on within us when we do things we really don’t want to do.

“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good” (Romans 7:15-16).

What does Paul mean by, “I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good” for the person doing what they hate?

The simple fact is: when we put our hand up in resistance (by not allowing the Spirit of Life to renew our minds), we begin doing the things that we “hate.” These things we do not want to do, are seeds of sin leftover from the Adamic nature that was crucified with Christ on the Cross.

“So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not” (Romans 7:17-18).

The doctrines of identity within this passage are critical for the indwelt believer to embrace. Paul is actually telling us that he isn’t the one doing the things that he hates, but sin that is housed in his mortal body (flesh). He is revealing a clear understanding of his identity (who he really is), as well as the nature of sin dwelling within his body. He is separating himself from his sin in the most literal way possible. God has revealed to him that there is nothing good in his flesh – trash left behind by the old nature. Even though it sounds like Paul

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refuses to take responsibility for his choosing sin, he is actually confessing one of the most profound Truths of identity – I am not my sin.

Fill in the blanks of the following passage.

“I find then the principle that ____________ is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the ________ of God in the___________ man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my ________ and making me a ________________ of the law of sin which is ________ my members” (Romans 7:21-23, NASB).

The law of sin (in our mortal bodies) constantly pushes up through the body into our emotions, forces into our will, and ultimately, wages war against the law of our mortal minds. By resisting the Holy Spirit (who resides in our spirit), we thus agree that the law of sin has more power than that of Christ within. This is why it is such a horrific sin to submit to the law of sin and death over the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

To be able to say that the reality of two-thirds of our earthly triune is mastered by sin, is actually the principle which leads us to being thankful to and through Jesus Christ for understanding the identity war within the true believer.

Fill in the blanks of the following passage.

“Thanks be to God ________________ Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my ____________ am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of ___________” (Romans 7:25, NASB).

Once the hand of resistance goes up between the Spirit and the mind of man, the human mind will default to inferiority, insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, worries, doubts, fears, which are quick to dump into the mortal body as “selfish behavior.”

List out the beliefs of your own mind that do not agree with the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus – for example: inferiority, insecurity, fears, etc.

Look up Romans 8:1-4. What are the answers stated in this passage?

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It is the believer’s choice to walk after the flesh or to live in their true identity in Christ! Notice the differences between the soul and body walking after the flesh and the free flowing Life of Christ by those who choose to walk in and after the Spirit. Walking after the flesh is choosing to believe that our thoughts, feelings, and appearance define who we are – behavior flows from identity. On the other hand, walking in and after the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus is choosing to believe God’s indwelling Word (Life of Christ) to direct the soul and body in living righteousness. Changes need to take place in the mind and then, in the choosing. Then, they will affect the body.

Look up Romans 8:5-6. What do these verses say about the importance of what we set our minds upon?

Read John 8:32. How does the believer change from walking after the flesh to walking in and after the Spirit? Where is your focus now?

What is more true – Christ in you, or your feelings? ____________________________

Are you ready to choose to believe what God’s says is true about you? _______ If so, follow the guidelines in the Identity Matters Action list (next page).

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IDENTITY MATTERS ACTION PAGE

ACTION DONE

1. Pray before you go any further with this action page.

2. Write out a statement about how your emotions determine whether or not you are having a good day.

3. Write out a summary statement how your life experience would change if you lived according to Christ’s Life within you. Also, write out what He says is true about you vs. what your flesh continues to say.

4. In your own words, answer these questions: What did you learn about yourself, what does it mean to be “IN” Adam, what did you learn about sin, are you a sinner or a saint, and what does it mean to be “IN” Christ?

5. Re-write Galatians 2:20, replacing the “I” with your name.

6. Write a summary statement why what Christ says about you will affect your soul and body.

7. Pray the “Self-Life Prayer” in the appendix section of this workbook.

Study these verses: Prov. 3:7-8; John 5:24; 8:32; 10:28; Rom. 5:12; 6:6; 10:13; 12:1; 1 Cor. 1:30; 6:13; 9:27; 2 Cor. 4:10; 5:17-2; Gal. 2:20; 5:1; Eph. 1:4, 6; 4:17-18; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 1:13; 2:10; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12; 13:8; 1 John 5:13; Rev. 3:20.

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