Sanctification
is
spiritually
defined
as
a
transformational
process
of
being
freed
from
sin,
made
holy,
and
being
set
apart
(from
the
world)
for
God’s
special
use
and
purpose.
However,
it
is
impossible
for
us
to
do
this
on
our
own,
and
requires
spiritual
intervention
by
the
Holy
Spirit
to
transform
a
willing
heart.
As
such,
this
lesson
is
about
signs
we
can
look
for
that reveal the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus
said
“
And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
Jesus
said
“When
He,
the
Spirit
of
truth,
has
come,
He
will
guide
you
into
all
truth;
for
He
will
not
speak
on
His
own
authority,
but
whatever
He
hears
He
will
speak;
and
He
will
tell
you
things
to
come.
He
will
glorify
Me,
for
He
will
take
of
what
is
Mine
and
declare
it
to
you.
All
things
that
the
Father
has
are
Mine.
Therefore
I
said
that
He
will
take
of
Mine
and declare it to you.” John 16:13-15
God
provides
a
helper
for
each
of
us
who
are
called
out
of
darkness
and
into
His
light:
the
Holy
Spirit.
The
Holy
Spirit
is
the third person of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If
you
are
reading
this
text,
your
life
has
been
(or
is
being)
touched
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
Those
who
are
in
absolute
darkness
repel
against
anything
associated
with
God,
and
will
seek
to
avoid
Him
at
any
cost—including
reading
content
such
as
this.
The
reason…Satan
does
not
want
to
relinquish
his
property.
However,
because
you
continue
to
read
means the Holy Spirit is working in your life.
The Holy Spirit:
Is our helper.
Abides with us.
Is the Spirit of truth.
Dwells in us.
Guides us into all truth.
Speaks what He hears.
Tells us of things to come.
Glorifies Jesus through us.
Helps us in our weaknesses.
Prays for us.
Gives us spiritual gifts.
Is a guarantee of salvation.
Because
we
lack
spiritual
awareness
and
because
of
our
shortcomings,
the
Holy
Spirit
intercedes
(prays,
petitions)
for
us—with groanings (moans indicative of grief, suffering)—according to God’s will.
“The
Spirit
also
helps
in
our
weaknesses.
For
we
do
not
know
what
we
should
pray
for
as
we
ought,
but
the
Spirit
Himself
makes
intercession
for
us
with
groanings
which
cannot
be
uttered.
Now
He
who
searches
the
hearts
knows
what
the
mind
of
the
Spirit
is,
because
He
makes
intercession
for
the
saints
according
to
the
will
of
God.”
Romans
8:26-27
When
we
fully
evaluate
where
we
are
in
Christ
and
where
we
should
be…it
becomes
more
evident
why
the
Holy
Spirit
prays
for
us
with
unutterable
(indescribable,
inexpressible)
groanings.
As
such,
it
is
important
to
turn
away
from
sin,
and obey His guidance in all areas of your life.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30
“Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been
freely
given
to
us
by
God.
These
things
we
also
speak,
not
in
words
which
man’s
wisdom
teaches
but
which
the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
We
were
once
influenced
by
the
spirit
of
the
world
(Satan),
but
we
have
received
God’s
Holy
Spirit—that
we
may
know
what
God
has
given
us.
But
what’s
more,
the
Holy
Spirit
teaches
us
God’s
wisdom—which
contrasts
with
the
delusional darkness of man’s earthly wisdom.
But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
The Holy Spirit continually works to cleanse us from within—so that we reflect Jesus.
“For
we
ourselves
were
also
once
foolish,
disobedient,
deceived,
serving
various
lusts
and
pleasures,
living
in
malice
and
envy,
hateful
and
hating
one
another.
But
when
the
kindness
and
the
love
of
God
our
Savior
toward
man
appeared,
not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior,
that
having
been
justified
by
His
grace
we
should
become
heirs
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal
life.”
Titus
3:3-7
“But
the
fruit
of
the
Spirit
is
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
self-control.
Against
such
there
is
no
law.
And
those
who
are
Christ’s
have
crucified
the
flesh
with
its
passions
and
desires.
If
we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
The Holy Spirit also gives each one gifts—which are intended to provide benefit to others.
“But
the
manifestation
of
the
Spirit
is
given
to
each
one
for
the
profit
of
all:
for
to
one
is
given
the
word
of
wisdom
through
the
Spirit,
to
another
the
word
of
knowledge
through
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
faith
by
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
gifts
of
healings
by
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
the
working
of
miracles,
to
another
prophecy,
to
another
discerning
of
spirits,
to
another
different
kinds
of
tongues,
to
another
the
interpretation
of
tongues.
But
one
and
the
same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Signs the Holy Spirit is Guiding Us into Truth and Changing Us on the Inside
Listed
below
are
various
influencers
the
Holy
Spirit
will
use
to
illuminate
what’s
going
on
inside
us
and
what’s
going
on
around us—all with the intent of:
•
Changing the deepest desires of our heart and soul.
•
Making
us
less
like
ourselves
and
more
like
JesusSanctification:
setting
us
apart
from
the
world,
and
making
us
holy
for God’s purpose and use.
•
Placing His laws upon our minds and writing them upon our hearts.
Personally reflect upon the influencers below and identify each that is applicable to you.
You have a spiritual “internal” perspective of what’s on the “inside” as you discover:
•
Peace, joy and love.
•
The emptiness and vanity of your past life.
•
Things that you once thought were important changes.
•
When you sin you feel bad on the inside.
•
The devastating consequences of sin.
•
Sin is a lie.
•
God’s desire for you to completely trust in Him and turn towards Him.
You have a different “external” perspective. As the light of Jesus dissipates darkness, you are able to increasingly see:
•
Empty souls who are confused, lost, unaware of their condition, and are vainly seeking fulfillment in their life.
•
The influence of Satan’s deceptional lies.
•
An increasing desire and willingness to:
o
Forgive others.
o
Share God’s truths.
o
Be with like-minded Christians.
You have a different perspective of eternity, God and the Bible.
•
You have a growing assurance that you are a child of God and His possession.
•
You have an increasing urge to know more about God.
•
When you read or hear scripture from the Bible:
o
It speaks to your heart.
o
You experience a new and different perspective of God’s word.
o
You increasingly realize the Bible is filled with absolute truths.
You
are
able
to
identify
changes
in
the
words
you
speak;
your
behavior;
and
your
prayer
life:
what
you
pray
for
and
how
often you pray. Plus you recognize these changes are not because of your own efforts.
You are able to hear / recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
You experience trials and tribulations with a different perception that is founded upon hope, belief, faith and trust.
Trials and Tribulations
Every Christian will experience trials; some in various parts of the world also experience tribulations.
A
trial
is
comprised
of
a
test
of
our
faith,
patience
and
stamina
as
we
experience
negative
situations
in
life.
Trials
may
involve
struggles
with
family
and
business
relationships,
a
temporary
sickness,
constraining
circumstances
or
“walls”
that
hinders
our
progress,
financial
hardship,
a
job
loss,
an
accident,
and
so
forth.
In
addition,
the
length
of
trials
can
vary
from
short
to
long,
have
a
beginning
and
an
end,
may
have
an
effect
upon
our
emotions,
may
cause
undesired
physical responses such as stress, and may have varying degrees of difficulty to persevere.
“My
brethren,
count
it
all
joy
when
you
fall
into
various
trials,
knowing
that
the
testing
of
your
faith
produces
patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
“In
this
you
greatly
rejoice,
though
now
for
a
little
while,
if
need
be,
you
have
been
grieved
by
various
trials,
that
the
genuineness
of
your
faith,
being
much
more
precious
than
gold
that
perishes,
though
it
is
tested
by
fire,
may
be
found
to
praise,
honor,
and
glory
at
the
revelation
of
Jesus
Christ,
whom
having
not
seen
you
love.
Though
now
you
do
not
see
Him,
yet
believing,
you
rejoice
with
joy
inexpressible
and
full
of
glory,
receiving
the
end
of
your
faith—the
salvation
of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9
However,
a
tribulation
is
much
worse
than
a
trial
because
it
comprises
severe
hardship,
adversity,
distress,
and
even
death—due to oppression and persecution—because of a faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus
said,
“These
things
I
have
spoken
to
you,
that
in
Me
you
may
have
peace.
In
the
world
you
will
have
tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus
said,
“If
the
world
hates
you,
you
know
that
it
hated
Me
before
it
hated
you.
If
you
were
of
the
world,
the
world
would
love
its
own.
Yet
because
you
are
not
of
the
world,
but
I
chose
you
out
of
the
world,
therefore
the
world
hates
you.
Remember
the
word
that
I
said
to
you,
‘A
servant
is
not
greater
than
his
master.’
If
they
persecuted
Me,
they
will
also persecute you.” John 15:18-20
The Holy Spirit
“But
the
anointing
which
you
have
received
from
Him
abides
in
you,
and
you
do
not
need
that
anyone
teach
you;
but
as
the
same
anointing
teaches
you
concerning
all
things,
and
is
true,
and
is
not
a
lie,
and
just
as
it
has
taught
you,
you
will
abide in Him.” 1 John 2:27
“Now
He
who
establishes
us
with
you
in
Christ
and
has
anointed
us
is
God,
who
also
has
sealed
us
and
given
us
the
Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“In
Him
you
also
trusted,
after
you
heard
the
word
of
truth,
the
gospel
of
your
salvation;
in
whom
also,
having
believed,
you
were
sealed
with
the
Holy
Spirit
of
promise,
who
is
the
guarantee
of
our
inheritance
until
the
redemption
of
the
purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
“Giving
thanks
to
the
Father
who
has
qualified
us
to
be
partakers
of
the
inheritance
of
the
saints
in
the
light.
He
has
delivered
us
from
the
power
of
darkness
and
conveyed
us
into
the
kingdom
of
the
Son
of
His
love,
in
whom
we
have
redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14
But
God
has
revealed
them
to
us
through
His
Spirit.
For
the
Spirit
searches
all
things,
yes,
the
deep
things
of
God.
For
what
man
knows
the
things
of
a
man
except
the
spirit
of
the
man
which
is
in
him?
Even
so
no
one
knows
the
things
of
God
except
the
Spirit
of
God.
Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been
freely
given
to
us
by
God.
“These
things
we
also
speak,
not
in
words
which
man’s
wisdom
teaches
but
which
the
Holy
Spirit
teaches,
comparing
spiritual
things
with
spiritual.
But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned.
But
he
who
is
spiritual
judges
all
things,
yet
he
himself
is
rightly
judged
by
no
one.
For
‘who
has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Heavenly
Father,
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ
I
pray.
Holy
Spirit,
thank
you
for
Your
truth,
patience
and
perseverance.
Continue
to
change
me
from
within
so
that
I
increasingly
reflect
Jesus
and
His
righteousness.
Jesus…my
Savior
and
Lord…I give you my heart, my life and all that I am…for You alone are worthy.
Jesus said,
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
God Bless You!
Harold D. Thomas
Can you think of someone who could benefit from reading this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!
Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Signs
God
is
Calling
You
Out
of
Darkness
and
Into
His
Light.”
All
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided.
Questions
Identify at least 3 reasons why we need the Holy Spirit.
Which of the 3 reasons you identified above is the most important to you and why?
Identify at least 3 outcomes one may experience as a result of a trial or tribulation.
Identify at least 3 spiritual changes you have experienced since accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
Has your perception of yourself changed? If yes, explain.
Has your perception of the world changed? If yes, explain.
How does a Christian perceive trials and tribulations?
Review
each
of
the
various
internal
and
external
influencers
(below)
that
are
used
by
the
Holy
Spirit
to
guide
us
into
truth
and
change
us
from
within.
Identify
each
one
that
is
relevant
to
you.
Explain
and/or
discuss
if
you
are
in
a
Christian group setting
You have a different “internal” spiritual perspective as you discover:
•
An increase of peace, joy and love.
•
The emptiness and vanity of your past life.
•
Things you once thought were important changes.
•
When you sin you feel bad on the inside.
•
The devastating consequences of sin.
•
Sin is a lie.
•
God’s desire for you to completely trust in Him and turn towards Him.
You
have
a
different
“external”
perspective.
As
the
light
of
Jesus
dissipates
darkness,
you
are
able
to
increasingly see:
•
Empty souls who are confused, lost, unaware of their condition, and are vainly seeking fulfillment in their life.
•
The influence of Satan’s deceptional lies.
•
An increasing desire and willingness to forgive others, share God’s truths, and be with Christians.
You have a different perspective of eternity, God and the Bible.
•
You have a growing assurance that you are a child of God and His possession.
•
You have an increasing urge to know more about God.
•
When you read or hear scripture from the Bible:
o
It speaks to your heart.
o
You experience a new and different perspective of God’s word.
o
You increasingly realize the Bible is filled with absolute truths.
You
are
able
to
identify
changes
in
the
words
you
speak;
your
behavior;
and
your
prayer
life:
what
you
pray
for
and how often you pray. Plus you recognize these changes are not because of your own efforts.
You are able to hear / recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
You experience trials and tribulations with a different perception and understandin
g.
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The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
Sanctification
is
spiritually
defined
as
a
transformational
process
of
being
freed
from
sin,
made
holy,
and
being
set
apart
(from
the
world)
for
God’s
special
use
and
purpose.
However,
it
is
impossible
for
us
to
do
this
on
our
own,
and
requires
spiritual
intervention
by
the
Holy
Spirit
to
transform
a
willing
heart.
As
such,
this
lesson
is
about
signs
we
can
look
for
that
reveal
the
workings
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
Jesus
said
“
And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17
Jesus
said
“When
He,
the
Spirit
of
truth,
has
come,
He
will
guide
you
into
all
truth;
for
He
will
not
speak
on
His
own
authority,
but
whatever
He
hears
He
will
speak;
and
He
will
tell
you
things
to
come.
He
will
glorify
Me,
for
He
will
take
of
what
is
Mine
and
declare
it
to
you.
All
things
that
the
Father
has
are
Mine.
Therefore
I
said
that
He
will
take
of
Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-15
God
provides
a
helper
for
each
of
us
who
are
called
out
of
darkness
and
into
His
light:
the
Holy
Spirit.
The
Holy
Spirit
is
the
third
person
of
the
Trinity:
Father,
Son
and
Holy
Spirit.
If
you
are
reading
this
text,
your
life
has
been
(or
is
being)
touched
by
the
Holy
Spirit.
Those
who
are
in
absolute
darkness
repel
against
anything
associated
with
God,
and
will
seek
to
avoid
Him
at
any
cost—including
reading
content
such
as
this.
The
reason…Satan
does
not
want
to
relinquish
his
property.
However,
because
you
continue
to
read means the Holy Spirit is working in your life.
The Holy Spirit:
Is our helper.
Abides with us.
Is the Spirit of truth.
Dwells in us.
Guides us into all truth.
Speaks what He hears.
Tells us of things to come.
Glorifies Jesus through us.
Prays for us.
Gives us spiritual gifts.
Is a guarantee of salvation.
Helps us in our weaknesses.
Because
we
lack
spiritual
awareness
and
because
of
our
shortcomings,
the
Holy
Spirit
intercedes
(prays,
petitions)
for
us—with
groanings
(moans
indicative
of
grief,
suffering)—according to God’s will.
“The
Spirit
also
helps
in
our
weaknesses.
For
we
do
not
know
what
we
should
pray
for
as
we
ought,
but
the
Spirit
Himself
makes
intercession
for
us
with
groanings
which
cannot
be
uttered.
Now
He
who
searches
the
hearts
knows
what
the
mind
of
the
Spirit
is,
because
He
makes
intercession
for
the
saints
according
to
the
will
of
God.”
Romans 8:26-27
When
we
fully
evaluate
where
we
are
in
Christ
and
where
we
should
be…it
becomes
more
evident
why
the
Holy
Spirit
prays
for
us
with
unutterable
(indescribable,
inexpressible)
groanings.
As
such,
it
is
important
to
turn
away
from
sin,
and
obey
His
guidance
in
all
areas
of
your
life.
“And
do
not
grieve
the
Holy
Spirit
of
God,
by
whom
you
were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30
“Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been
freely
given
to
us
by
God.
These
things
we
also
speak,
not
in
words
which
man’s
wisdom
teaches
but
which
the
Holy
Spirit
teaches,
comparing
spiritual
things
with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
We
were
once
influenced
by
the
spirit
of
the
world
(Satan),
but
we
have
received
God’s
Holy
Spirit—that
we
may
know
what
God
has
given
us.
But
what’s
more,
the
Holy
Spirit
teaches
us
God’s
wisdom—which
contrasts
with
the
delusional darkness of man’s earthly wisdom.
But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned.”
1
Corinthians 2:14
The
Holy
Spirit
continually
works
to
cleanse
us
from
within—so that we reflect Jesus.
“For
we
ourselves
were
also
once
foolish,
disobedient,
deceived,
serving
various
lusts
and
pleasures,
living
in
malice
and
envy,
hateful
and
hating
one
another.
But
when
the
kindness
and
the
love
of
God
our
Savior
toward
man
appeared,
not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior,
that
having
been
justified
by
His
grace
we
should
become
heirs
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7
“But
the
fruit
of
the
Spirit
is
love,
joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
self-control.
Against
such
there
is
no
law.
And
those
who
are
Christ’s
have
crucified
the
flesh
with
its
passions
and
desires.
If
we
live
in
the
Spirit,
let
us
also
walk
in
the
Spirit.”
Galatians 5:22-25
The
Holy
Spirit
also
gives
each
one
gifts—which
are
intended to provide benefit to others.
“But
the
manifestation
of
the
Spirit
is
given
to
each
one
for
the
profit
of
all:
for
to
one
is
given
the
word
of
wisdom
through
the
Spirit,
to
another
the
word
of
knowledge
through
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
faith
by
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
gifts
of
healings
by
the
same
Spirit,
to
another
the
working
of
miracles,
to
another
prophecy,
to
another
discerning
of
spirits,
to
another
different
kinds
of
tongues,
to
another
the
interpretation
of
tongues.
But
one
and
the
same
Spirit
works
all
these
things,
distributing
to
each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Signs
the
Holy
Spirit
is
Guiding
Us
into
Truth
and
Changing Us on the Inside
Listed
below
are
various
influencers
the
Holy
Spirit
will
use
to
illuminate
what’s
going
on
inside
us
and
what’s
going
on
around us—all with the intent of:
•
Changing the deepest desires of our heart and soul.
•
Making
us
less
like
ourselves
and
more
like
JesusSanctification:
setting
us
apart
from
the
world,
and making us holy for God’s purpose and use.
•
Placing
His
laws
upon
our
minds
and
writing
them
upon our hearts.
Personally
reflect
upon
the
influencers
below
and
identify
each that is applicable to you.
You
have
a
spiritual
“internal”
perspective
of
what’s
on
the
“inside” as you discover:
•
Peace, joy and love.
•
The emptiness and vanity of your past life.
•
Things that you once thought were important changes.
•
When you sin you feel bad on the inside.
•
The devastating consequences of sin.
•
Sin is a lie.
•
God’s
desire
for
you
to
completely
trust
in
Him
and
turn towards Him.
You
have
a
different
“external”
perspective.
As
the
light
of
Jesus
dissipates
darkness,
you
are
able
to
increasingly
see:
•
Empty
souls
who
are
confused,
lost,
unaware
of
their
condition, and are vainly seeking fulfillment in their life.
•
The influence of Satan’s deceptional lies.
•
An increasing desire and willingness to:
o
Forgive others.
o
Share God’s truths.
o
Be with like-minded Christians.
You
have
a
different
perspective
of
eternity,
God
and
the
Bible.
•
You
have
a
growing
assurance
that
you
are
a
child
of
God and His possession.
•
You have an increasing urge to know more about God.
•
When you read or hear scripture from the Bible:
o
It speaks to your heart.
o
You
experience
a
new
and
different
perspective
of
God’s word.
o
You
increasingly
realize
the
Bible
is
filled
with
absolute truths.
You
are
able
to
identify
changes
in
the
words
you
speak;
your
behavior;
and
your
prayer
life:
what
you
pray
for
and
how
often
you
pray.
Plus
you
recognize
these
changes
are not because of your own efforts.
You are able to hear / recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
You
experience
trials
and
tribulations
with
a
different
perception
that
is
founded
upon
hope,
belief,
faith
and
trust.
Trials and Tribulations
Every
Christian
will
experience
trials;
some
in
various
parts of the world also experience tribulations.
A
trial
is
comprised
of
a
test
of
our
faith,
patience
and
stamina
as
we
experience
negative
situations
in
life.
Trials
may
involve
struggles
with
family
and
business
relationships,
a
temporary
sickness,
constraining
circumstances
or
“walls”
that
hinders
our
progress,
financial
hardship,
a
job
loss,
an
accident,
and
so
forth.
In
addition,
the
length
of
trials
can
vary
from
short
to
long,
have
a
beginning
and
an
end,
may
have
an
effect
upon
our
emotions,
may
cause
undesired
physical
responses
such
as
stress,
and
may
have
varying
degrees
of
difficulty
to persevere.
“My
brethren,
count
it
all
joy
when
you
fall
into
various
trials,
knowing
that
the
testing
of
your
faith
produces
patience.
But
let
patience
have
its
perfect
work,
that
you
may
be
perfect
and
complete,
lacking
nothing.”
James
1:2-4
“In
this
you
greatly
rejoice,
though
now
for
a
little
while,
if
need
be,
you
have
been
grieved
by
various
trials,
that
the
genuineness
of
your
faith,
being
much
more
precious
than
gold
that
perishes,
though
it
is
tested
by
fire,
may
be
found
to
praise,
honor,
and
glory
at
the
revelation
of
Jesus
Christ,
whom
having
not
seen
you
love.
Though
now
you
do
not
see
Him,
yet
believing,
you
rejoice
with
joy
inexpressible
and
full
of
glory,
receiving
the
end
of
your
faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9
However,
a
tribulation
is
much
worse
than
a
trial
because
it
comprises
severe
hardship,
adversity,
distress,
and
even
death—due
to
oppression
and
persecution—because
of
a
faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus
said,
“These
things
I
have
spoken
to
you,
that
in
Me
you
may
have
peace.
In
the
world
you
will
have
tribulation;
but
be
of
good
cheer,
I
have
overcome
the
world.” John 16:33
Jesus
said,
“If
the
world
hates
you,
you
know
that
it
hated
Me
before
it
hated
you.
If
you
were
of
the
world,
the
world
would
love
its
own.
Yet
because
you
are
not
of
the
world,
but
I
chose
you
out
of
the
world,
therefore
the
world
hates
you.
Remember
the
word
that
I
said
to
you,
‘A
servant
is
not
greater
than
his
master.’
If
they
persecuted
Me,
they
will also persecute you.” John 15:18-20
The Holy Spirit
“But
the
anointing
which
you
have
received
from
Him
abides
in
you,
and
you
do
not
need
that
anyone
teach
you;
but
as
the
same
anointing
teaches
you
concerning
all
things,
and
is
true,
and
is
not
a
lie,
and
just
as
it
has
taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:27
“Now
He
who
establishes
us
with
you
in
Christ
and
has
anointed
us
is
God,
who
also
has
sealed
us
and
given
us
the
Spirit
in
our
hearts
as
a
guarantee.”
2
Corinthians
1:21-22
“In
Him
you
also
trusted,
after
you
heard
the
word
of
truth,
the
gospel
of
your
salvation;
in
whom
also,
having
believed,
you
were
sealed
with
the
Holy
Spirit
of
promise,
who
is
the
guarantee
of
our
inheritance
until
the
redemption
of
the
purchased
possession,
to
the
praise
of
His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
“Giving
thanks
to
the
Father
who
has
qualified
us
to
be
partakers
of
the
inheritance
of
the
saints
in
the
light.
He
has
delivered
us
from
the
power
of
darkness
and
conveyed
us
into
the
kingdom
of
the
Son
of
His
love,
in
whom
we
have
redemption
through
His
blood,
the
forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14
But
God
has
revealed
them
to
us
through
His
Spirit.
For
the
Spirit
searches
all
things,
yes,
the
deep
things
of
God.
For
what
man
knows
the
things
of
a
man
except
the
spirit
of
the
man
which
is
in
him?
Even
so
no
one
knows
the
things
of
God
except
the
Spirit
of
God.
Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been
freely
given
to
us
by
God.
“These
things
we
also
speak,
not
in
words
which
man’s
wisdom
teaches
but
which
the
Holy
Spirit
teaches,
comparing
spiritual
things
with
spiritual.
But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned.
But
he
who
is
spiritual
judges
all
things,
yet
he
himself
is
rightly
judged
by
no
one.
For
‘who
has
known
the
mind
of
the
Lord
that
he
may
instruct
Him?’
But
we
have
the
mind
of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Heavenly
Father,
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ
I
pray.
Holy
Spirit,
thank
you
for
Your
truth,
patience
and
perseverance.
Continue
to
change
me
from
within
so
that
I
increasingly
reflect
Jesus
and
His
righteousness.
Jesus…my
Savior
and
Lord…I
give
you
my
heart,
my
life
and all that I am…for You alone are worthy.
Jesus
said,
“I
am
with
you
always,
even
to
the
end
of
the
age.” Matthew 28:20
God Bless You!
Harold D. Thomas
Can
you
think
of
someone
who
could
benefit
from
reading
this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!
Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Signs
God
is
Calling
You
Out
of
Darkness and Into His Light.”
All
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers are provided.
Questions
Identify at least 3 reasons why we need the Holy Spirit.
Which
of
the
3
reasons
you
identified
above
is
the
most
important to you and why?
Identify
at
least
3
outcomes
one
may
experience
as
a
result of a trial or tribulation.
Identify
at
least
3
spiritual
changes
you
have
experienced
since accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
Has your perception of yourself changed? If yes, explain.
Has
your
perception
of
the
world
changed?
If
yes,
explain.
How does a Christian perceive trials and tribulations?
Review
each
of
the
various
internal
and
external
influencers
(below)
that
are
used
by
the
Holy
Spirit
to
guide
us
into
truth
and
change
us
from
within.
Identify
each
one
that
is
relevant
to
you.
Explain
and/or
discuss
if
you are in a Christian group setting
You
have
a
different
“internal”
spiritual
perspective
as
you discover:
•
An increase of peace, joy and love.
•
The emptiness and vanity of your past life.
•
Things you once thought were important changes.
•
When you sin you feel bad on the inside.
•
The devastating consequences of sin.
•
Sin is a lie.
•
God’s
desire
for
you
to
completely
trust
in
Him
and
turn
towards Him.
You
have
a
different
“external”
perspective.
As
the
light
of
Jesus
dissipates
darkness,
you
are
able
to
increasingly see:
•
Empty
souls
who
are
confused,
lost,
unaware
of
their
condition, and are vainly seeking fulfillment in their life.
•
The influence of Satan’s deceptional lies.
•
An
increasing
desire
and
willingness
to
forgive
others,
share God’s truths, and be with Christians.
You
have
a
different
perspective
of
eternity,
God
and
the Bible.
•
You
have
a
growing
assurance
that
you
are
a
child
of
God and His possession.
•
You have an increasing urge to know more about God.
•
When you read or hear scripture from the Bible:
o
It speaks to your heart.
o
You
experience
a
new
and
different
perspective
of
God’s word.
o
You
increasingly
realize
the
Bible
is
filled
with
absolute truths.
You
are
able
to
identify
changes
in
the
words
you
speak;
your
behavior;
and
your
prayer
life:
what
you
pray
for
and
how
often
you
pray.
Plus
you
recognize
these changes are not because of your own efforts.
You
are
able
to
hear
/
recognize
the
Holy
Spirit’s
guidance.
You
experience
trials
and
tribulations
with
a
different
perception and understanding.
You
may
download
a
PD
F
version
of
the
questions
by
clicking on this button.
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share
this
lesson
with
those
who
need
to
know
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