11-26-25 Sermon: Biblical Walking part 5

Sermon Outline: Biblical Walking and the Mechanics of the Christian Life

I. Introduction and Future Sermon Series Announcement

A. Direction of Future Studies

After the current series on "biblical walking," there will be two or three additional studies before moving into the "predesigned plan of God."

These studies will focus specifically on 1 John 1:9.

Analogy: The Auto Industry Recall: The decision to add these studies is like an auto industry recall. When enough questions or malfunctions (misunderstandings) are reported, it's time for a "recall" to address the issue directly.

This is prompted by questions received and observations from social media (Facebook posts) about doctrinal misunderstandings.

These upcoming studies are foundational and will integrate with the predesigned plan of God.

The current studies on "biblical walking" and the "faith-rest life" are also foundational and should not be glossed over.

An example from the pastor's own life regarding the faith-rest life will be shared later in the sermon.

B. Preview of the 1 John 1:9 Study

The series will address common misconceptions about confession.

Misconception 1: Confession is no longer necessary.

Some believe you just accept God's forgiveness once and that's it. This will be addressed.

Misconception 2: 1 John 1:9 is a "license to sin."

This is incorrect. Our true "license to sin" is our own volition and free will. We don't need special instructions to sin.

1 John 1:9 is not a license to sin, and this will be discussed in depth.

The study will answer the question: "If our sins are forgiven, why do we have to confess them?"

II. The Importance of 1 John 1:9 and Preparation for Study

A. The Function of 1 John 1:9

1 John 1:9 : "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, or faithful and just, to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

This verse ensures one half of the "power system" for the new creature in Christ: the filling of the Spirit.

It is impossible to please God or do anything for Him without the filling of the Spirit.

The only way to maintain the filling of the Spirit is to confess known sins.

Sin breaks our fellowship with God, but it does not cause a loss of salvation.

B. Call to Silent Prayer and Mental Focus

Before studying God's Word, it is important to cast all cares upon God.

We should clear our minds of problems, troubles, and the pressures of the holiday season to focus on God's Word.

Opening Prayer:

Thanking God for the opportunity to study His Word.

Asking the Holy Spirit to open hearts and quicken the Word to our lives.

Praying for growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Asking for God's blessing on the teaching.

Praying for empowerment to speak with authority and grace.

III. Review of Biblical Walking: The Greek Word Stoicheo

A. Focusing on a Key Term

Out of the five Greek words studied for "walking," the sermon will now focus on stoicheo (S-T-O-I-C-H-E-O) .

This word is often translated as "walking," but better translations are "following" or "follow."

This term is the most pertinent for executing the predesigned plan of God.

B. Definition and Meaning of Stoicheo

To march in step; to march in rank.

To walk in agreement with.

To function in a system.

To follow a leader from the ranks.

It connotes accuracy, preciseness, and doing the right thing in the right way.

It means not marching according to personal preferences, but in rank as members of the royal family of God.

It involves being in agreement with the Holy Spirit, functioning in a divinely designed system, and following our leader, the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Scriptural Context: Galatians 5:25

Galatians 5:25 : "If we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit as well."

Grammatical Note: "If we live by the Spirit" is a first-class condition (indicative mood), meaning it is a statement of fact ("since we live by the Spirit, and we do"). It is not a third-class condition (subjunctive mood), which would imply "maybe you will, maybe you won't."

All born-again believers are spiritually alive because of God the Holy Spirit.

The verse commands us to also stoicheo (walk, follow, march in step) by means of the Holy Spirit.

D. The New Creature and God's Perfect Plan

The concept of the "new creature" is essential for understanding how to operate in the plan of God.

Theological Problem: God's plan is perfect, but we are imperfect. How can imperfect people walk in a perfect plan?

Principle of Creation: For every species God creates (birds, reptiles, etc.), He provides everything that species needs to function and be sustained.

Application to Believers: We are "new creatures in Christ." We were not just saved to have our old life "cleaned up."

Common Christian Error: Many Christians view their life as a works program to clean up bad habits after salvation. They are often out of God's plan because they are not filled with the Spirit, and their good works (e.g., quitting alcoholism) do not count with God because they are not done in His power.

Morality is not the Christian life; spirituality is. Morality is a part of it, but the Christian life is much more.

As new creatures, God gave us a new system to operate in: The Power System.

1. Being filled with the Spirit.

2. Perception, metabolization, and application of Bible doctrine.

Stoicheo is crucial for this process: marching in step, aligning with the predesigned plan of God, and functioning within this divinely instituted system.

IV. The "Checkup from the Neck Up": A Practical Application

A. The Foundational Verse

2 Corinthians 13:5 : "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves, or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless instead, indeed, you fail the test."

This verse is the basis for the phrase "checkup from the neck up," which means constant self-evaluation.

The phrase was originally learned in a sales context to maintain a good attitude, but is now applied spiritually.

B. Personal Illustration: The Mechanics of the Faith-Rest Life

The pastor shares a personal example to show the ongoing, practical application of these principles.

Situation: The pastor is on call for work the next day. He learned that non-emergency cases were scheduled for his on-call day, which can be disruptive.

Step 1: The Sinful Reaction.

He became aggravated and developed a bad attitude.

He started complaining.

He began to have negative thoughts that he recognized were not from God.

Step 2: The Spiritual "Checkup" and Rebound.

Immediate Evaluation: He felt the agitation and immediately evaluated his thoughts.

Confession (1 John 1:9): He confessed the sin of having a bad attitude and the sin of complaining.

Note on Confession: You don't have to commit a "crazy sin" to need confession. A bad attitude is sin, just like guilt, fear, and anxiety.

Trusting God's Word: He knew, by faith in God's Word, that he was back in fellowship, regardless of his feelings. The key is to rebound and keep moving, not worrying about feelings.

Step 3: The Faith-Rest Drill and Doctrinal Rationalization.

Personal Insight: The pastor realized he often skips the first step of the faith-rest drill (claiming a specific promise) and moves directly to doctrinal rationales.

Rationalization Process: He began to think doctrinally.

"God is in control of my life."

"Anything that happens to me, God is either ordaining it or allowing it."

"My attitude must reflect the fact that God is in control." (Falling back on the sovereignty of God).

Nature of Doctrinal Rationale: It doesn't mean you have to quote specific scriptures to yourself. It means your reasoning process becomes biblical and your thoughts align with the Word of God.

Step 4: Resisting the Flesh and Aftershocks.

He had to fight the desire to "stew" on his anger and feelings of injustice ("how dare they?").

This is how you stop the "emotional complex of sins" and "arrogance complex of sins."

Analogy: Earthquake Aftershocks: After rebounding, you may not feel perfectly happy immediately. There can be "aftershocks."

You must have confidence in God's Word: "He is faithful and just to forgive." You are forgiven, so there is no need for guilt or dwelling on the failure.

Step 5: Recovery and Renewing the Mind.

There is a difference between rebound (confession) and recovery (changing your thinking).

Recovery is the application of Romans 12:2: "be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

This is why having doctrine in your soul is critical. The Holy Spirit brings it to remembrance, giving you the material to renew your mind with when you can't open a Bible.

Without doctrine in your soul, you have nothing to fall back on in times of pressure.

Conclusion of the Illustration:

Eventually, after a little time spent renewing his mind, the negative feelings were gone.

The Word of God cleansed him, giving him a new attitude and perspective.

He does not condemn himself for the failure ("How could you blow it like that?"). We all fail easily and often.

The Problem: We are taught about success but not how to fail. We must learn to fail forward: confess, name it, cite it, pick up the pieces, and move on.

C. Final Exhortation

This process of "walking" is the "checkup from the neck up."

2 Corinthians 13:5: "Test yourselves... Examine yourselves constantly."

This becomes a habit. As you practice it, you become very sensitive to how everything in life compares to the Word of God, and you recognize the need for it immediately.

V. Responding to Spiritual Attacks and Failures

A. Personal Illustration: The speaker recounts having a great day at work, which was then unexpectedly disrupted, "rubbed me the wrong way."

B. Doctrinal Principle: This illustrates a biblical warning.

Scripture Reference: (Implicitly referencing 1 Corinthians 10:12 ) "beware unless you think you stand you fall."

C. Application: At any moment, we can be subject to an attack from the enemy or our own sin nature.

Key Point: It is not important to spend time evaluating the source of the attack (enemy vs. sin nature).

The Priority: The crucial action is to "get back in fellowship" if you have gotten out of fellowship.

Focus on the Solution: "It's not about who did it or how it happened, it's what you do about it that's the important thing." We must examine ourselves.

VI. Review: The Precedent of Christ's Humanity

A. The Role of Divine Omnipotence in Christ's Human Victory

B. Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:15

Quote: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet he was without sin."

Doctrinal Point: The humanity of Jesus Christ never lost the filling of the Spirit.

Application for Believers: We will have times of sin and falling short. We must not let this remove us from God's plan. God has made a provision for our failure (rebound).

C. Principle: Christ's victory over sin was not because He was God and couldn't sin. He had victory as a man by relying on God's power.

He stayed in the pre-designed plan of God (PDPG).

He used the power God makes available in the PDPG.

D. Our Precedent for Walking in the PDPG: The humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Definition: "Walking" is the operational mode for living in the PDPG.

This walk is grounded in Christ's work on the cross and the Spirit's sustaining power.

E. Scripture Reference: Hebrews 9:13-14

Quote: "for if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without blemish to god cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living god."

Word Study: "the blood of Christ": This refers to the completed, atoning work of Christ on the cross—His substitutionary spiritual death—not any "magic" in the physical blood.

Attribution: Mentions that Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin) has excellent studies on this topic available on his app.

F. Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:2-3

Quote: "Looking only at Jesus... the originator or the pioneer... and the perfecter of our faith, who for the joy... set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame... and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such hostility by sinners against himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Greek Word Study: "Looking unto Jesus": The Greek is more emphatic, meaning "looking only at Jesus."

Doctrinal Point: This is "Occupation with Christ," the ultimate problem-solving device.

Application: During life's problems, struggles, and pressures (like the holiday season), we must "zone in on looking only at Jesus."

Warning: If we take our eyes off Jesus and look at our circumstances, we will grow weary and lose heart.

Analogy: The giants in the Promised Land. We were never meant to defeat them in our own power.

G. Doctrine of the Hypostatic Union (Brief Mention)

Jesus was not half-man and half-God. He was 100% God and 100% man (impeccable man and complete deity).

This was the first-ever demonstration of God's power fully carried out by a member of the human race.

Our Model: We do not look to Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Abraham for our model of power. We look to the Lord Jesus Christ's pattern of being sustained by the Spirit.

H. The Second Greatest Demonstration of Power

This occurs when Church-Age believers operate in the same power as Christ.

This power enables endurance of anything in life.

Application: By utilizing problem-solving devices, being filled with the Spirit, and applying Bible doctrine, we have the ability to endure and overcome any "giants" that come our way.

VII. The Reality of Sin in the Believer's Life

A. New Section Begins: Picking up from the previous study.

B. Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:8-10

Quote: "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so that he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us."

C. Doctrinal Points:

1. Church-Age believers possess an old sin nature after salvation and therefore continue to sin.

2. Claims of sinless perfection are deception and a lie.

3. Key Point: The pattern of sinfulness/carnality depends on the ratio of "time spent in the cosmic system versus time spent walking in the pre-designed plan of God."

VIII. Three Patterns of Sin in a Believer's Life

1. Frequent Sinning

Cause: Spending too much time in the cosmic system.

Cosmic System Breakdown:

Cosmic One: Often leads to overt sins (e.g., immorality, drunkenness).

Cosmic Two: The worse of the two systems. Involves pride, arrogance, judging, gossiping, maligning.

Comparison: It is much easier to recover from overt sins (Cosmic One).

Illustration: Someone who gets drunk wakes up with a hangover. It's a clear sin, and they can confess it and get back into fellowship.

The Danger of Cosmic Two: It is rooted in pride, arrogance, and negative volition toward Bible doctrine. People in Cosmic Two are less likely to desire fellowship or may be self-deceived.

Illustration: The Pharisee in the temple ("thank you God that I am not like other men").

Personal Testimony: The speaker notes that his personal area of weakness tends to be Cosmic Two, specifically "crusader arrogance" (a "freedom fighter" mentality).

Remedy: "Walk by means of the Spirit." This means exiting the cosmic system and entering the system that sets us free (the PDPG).

Critique of Mysticism: People often want a "magic" solution (anointing with oil, waving a wand) because the true solution sounds "too easy."

The True Way: "If we walk in the spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

The key is not behavior modification but changing systems. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Observation: The majority of born-again believers are in the frequent sinning category. This includes moral sins and "good" sins from the sin nature.

Attribution: Refers to "moral degeneracy" as a term used by Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin).

2. Occasional Sinning

Description: This occurs during life in the PDPG while actively perceiving, metabolizing, and applying Bible doctrine.

Cause: The believer still retains an "area of weakness."

Solution: Overcoming the area of weakness occurs as you remain in the plan of God.

3. Sporadic Sinning

Description: This is characteristic of a spiritual adult who has gained victory over frequent and occasional sinning. They are no longer a slave to their area of weakness.

Key Point: Even the most mature believer will still have sporadic sinning. The sin nature is with us until death.

Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:8

Quote: "if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us."

Illustration: The person who contacted Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin) claiming they hadn't sinned in 10 years and didn't know what to do during the moment of silent prayer (rebound).

IX. The Provision for Sin: The Two Natures

A. Scripture Reference: 1 John 1:10

Quote: "if we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar. And his word, his doctrine, is not in us."

Conclusion: The frequency of sin (frequent, occasional, sporadic) depends on how we walk and in which system we are walking.

B. Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:9

Quote: "No one who has been born of God practices sin, because his seed remains in him, and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of God."

C. Introduction to Categorical Teaching:

Methodology: The Bible should be taught using the ICE method.

Attribution: Acronym from R.B. Thieme Jr., explained by Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin).

I - Isagogics: Historical background of a verse (who, why, when).

C - Categorical: Comparing scripture with scripture to build doctrines, not taking verses out of context.

E - Exegesis: Going back to the original languages (Greek/Hebrew).

Example: The word stoicheo (walk) means more than just walk; it means "follow in step, march in rank, follow a leader."

D. The Battle of the Two Natures

Reason for Sin: We have a sin nature.

God's Provision at Salvation: A new nature is given.

The Result: A battle now exists between the old nature (old man) and the new nature (new man).

E. The New Spiritual Species

The Empowering Event: At salvation, God creates a new spiritual species. This is what enables a spiritual walk.

Before Salvation: An unbeliever has no ability to please God, no matter how moral or "good" they are (e.g., Mother Teresa).

After Salvation: We now have a new nature that can please God and have fellowship with Him.

The Struggle: There is another part of us that cannot please God.

Scripture Reference: (Implicitly Romans 7 ) Paul's struggle: "wretched man that I am, who will save me from this body of this death."

Paul recognized this internal battle between two natures ("the things that I want to do I don't do").

Goal of the Study: To learn how to operate as this new creature in the PDPG.

F. Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:15

Quote: "For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but what? a new creation."

G. Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:10

Quote: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

Key Phrase Analysis:

"created in Christ": The speaker has this circled in his notes. This ties to our union with Christ.

Cross-Reference: Ephesians 1:6: "accepted or favored in the beloved." This also speaks to our union with Christ.

"so that we would walk in them": The speaker has this underlined in his notes.

H. Connecting to Salvation by Grace

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:8-9

Quote: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast."

Principle: Anything we do in our own power leads to us taking the credit for it.

X. The New Creation and the Pre-Designed Plan of God (PDPG)

A. Introduction: God's Plan and Blessings

No flesh will glory in God's sight; we cannot please God on our own.

Ephesians 2:10 (referenced): "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them."

The Pre-Designed Plan of God (PDPG):

This study will cover the three stages of spiritual adulthood to understand how to receive our "escrow of blessings."

Logical Deduction: If God has a plan, He wants us to know what it is.

God is not out to trick us or lead us astray.

We can lead ourselves astray and be "tossed to and fro... by every wind of doctrine."

This is why the Bible says, "be no more children." We need to grow up.

Escrow Blessings:

These are distinct from logistical grace (God providing for basic needs), which even out-of-fellowship believers receive.

These are special blessings that few believers receive because they require something from the believer.

Logical Deduction: God prepared these blessings for us, so He must want us to have them.

As disciples, we must learn to operate in God's system and make necessary adjustments so that God's justice is free to bless us.

B. The New Creation vs. The Old Nature

The old things of the sin nature and spiritual death have lost their power.

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation."

"The old things have passed away" - This means they have lost their power, not that they are gone.

"Behold, new things have come."

The Christian Life is a New Life:

It is not about cleaning up the old life or "doing better."

Christianity is not a self-help program, counseling, or therapy.

We must learn about the new creation we are and the "new things" that operate within it.

The Power of the Sin Nature:

Question: Does the sin nature still have power?

Answer: Yes, when believers allow it by how they "walk."

Walking in the cosmic system feeds the old sin nature.

Walking in the pre-designed plan of God feeds the new nature.

The Importance of "Walking":

The Bible emphasizes "walking" because it requires continuous action and movement.

We are either moving forward in God's plan or moving backward; there is no neutral ground.

There are only two systems: the cosmic system and the pre-designed plan of God.

Personal Illustration: The speaker getting aggravated and upset earlier in the day.

This was a momentary exit from the PDPG, a step backward.

The solution was to use rebound and start moving forward again into the PDPG.

We will all have moments where we exit the plan of God into cosmic one (occasional sinning) or cosmic two (frequent/sporadic sinning).

The system you spend the most time in will determine your spiritual direction.

Analogy: The two dogs. The one you feed is the one that will be stronger.

The physical body needs physical energy and exercise.

The new creature needs spiritual energy and spiritual exercise.

The nature you feed the most will be the strongest.

God has set believers free from the sin nature by providing a plan (the PDPG) to live in.

C. The New Wineskins: Capacity for Divine Power

Review of 2 Corinthians 5:17:

The "new things" that have come begin with divine omnipotence, include invisible assets, and center in the PDPG.

Attribution: Mention of Pastor Joe teaching on "invisible assets," which aligns with this topic.

The Victory Over the Sin Nature:

Walking in the PDPG is the victory God has given us over the sin nature.

God intended to give believers supernatural power never before given to any member of the human race.

We have 100% availability of divine power.

Analogy: The Wineskins

Scripture Reference: Mark 2:22

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins... and the wine is lost and the skins as well. But one puts new wine into fresh wineskins."

Physical Meaning: New, fermenting wine expands and would burst old, brittle wineskins.

Spiritual Analogy:

God did not give us a way to clean up our old life at salvation.

God's power could not be contained in our old life (the old wineskin).

God had to give us a new capacity, a "new spiritual species," a new spirit (the new wineskin) that is perfect and able to contain His power.

There is a part of every believer that cannot sin; this is the part that is saved and goes to heaven.

D. Impeccability: Christ's and the Believer's

Christ's Impeccability:

Resulted from the virgin conception and virgin birth; He was conceived and born without an old sin nature (OSN).

This equals impeccability (without sin).

He remained under divine power, which allowed 100% availability of divine power at all times.

A perfect, sinless status is required for full divine power availability.

The Believer's Positional Impeccability:

Key Doctrinal Point: "God's solution for believers is the creation of a new spiritual species so believers could be made impeccable positionally in the realm designed for the pre-designed plan of God." (This point is repeated for emphasis).

Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:9

"No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin [continually], because he has been born of God."

This refers to the new spiritual species, the new creature within us that cannot sin.

Operating in the New Spiritual Species:

We must learn how to operate in this new nature. This will be a long-term study ("months on this topic").

The only place of sinless perfection for the believer is within the pre-designed plan of God.

When we operate in the PDPG, we are operating in impeccability and perfection.

When we step out of the PDPG (which we will, unlike Jesus), we lose the filling of the Spirit.

Jesus did not need rebound (a problem-solving device) because He never sinned.

We do need rebound.

The old sin nature is the "secret agent" the devil uses against us.

The First Giant:

The first major challenge every believer faces is the reality that they still sin and fall short.

Trying to "clean up your life" or stop bad habits in your own strength leads to failure.

Many new Christians get discouraged by repeated setbacks and conclude, "I can't live the Christian life."

The error is trying to live the Christian life in the power of the old nature.

Understanding this truth is freeing and essential for moving forward in the PDPG.

E. The Believer's Duality and God's Solution

Scripture Reference: Romans 7:17

"But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me."

The Apostle Paul, many years after his salvation (perhaps 28 years), recognized this duality.

He realized it was not his new nature sinning, but the indwelling sin nature.

This struggle is described in Romans 7, culminating in "O wretched man that I am! Who will save me from the body of this death? Thank God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Doctrine of No Condemnation:

Paul's realization leads to the conclusion in Romans 8:1 .

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Textual Criticism Note: Any phrases after "in Christ Jesus" (e.g., "who do not walk according to the flesh...") are not in the original Greek manuscripts.

Believers will never be judged for their sins; they have already been paid for.

The Problem with Sin for the Believer:

The problem is not condemnation, but that sin breaks fellowship with God.

When out of fellowship, we cannot accomplish the "good works" God prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Even if we do things that seem good, they don't count with God because they are not done in His power (i.e., while filled with the Spirit).

To do the works God created for us, we must be filled with the Spirit and walking in the PDPG.

F. Living by Faith in the Finished Work of Christ

Scripture Reference: Galatians 2:20

"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."

The Application of Faith:

Facing challenges and fighting giants must always go back to the foundation of salvation and the gospel.

Paul's confidence was based on living "by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Personal Application: When the speaker sinned today, there was no cause for self-condemnation or guilt because of what Christ did.

We must trust that Christ's work on the cross was acceptable to God (the doctrine of propitiation).

Our feelings may deceive us, but we must fall back on the Word of God.

Feeling guilty or condemned is a form of blasphemy against the finished work of Christ, implying it wasn't sufficient.

The correct response to sin is to rebound and keep moving forward in fellowship.

The Nature of Faith:

The Christian life is lived "by faith."

Faith is a non-meritorious system of perception.

How we receive Christ (by faith) is how we walk in Him (by faith).

Faith emphasizes the object (God and His Word), not the subject (the believer).

This system ensures that "no one will boast," and all glory goes to God.

This relates to Ephesians 1:6, "the glory of His grace," which is put on display in our lives.

G. Conclusion: The Path to Divine Power

Operational sin proceeds from the old sin nature (OSN), not the new nature.

We are not impeccable in the same way Christ was in the hypostatic union. Our OSN continues to function after salvation.

Summary Point: The only place of perfection for believers is the pre-designed plan of God.

Key Takeaway: "When walking therein [in the PDPG], we operate in perfect righteousness and in the perfect plan, and perfect power is therefore made available." This is the only way to have God's power available to us.

XI. Walking in Newness of Life

A. The Believer's Place of Perfection

The only place of perfection for a believer is the pre-designed plan of God.

When walking in God's plan, we operate in:

Perfect righteousness.

The perfect plan.

Perfect power is made available.

B. Scripture Reference: Romans 6:4

"Therefore, we have been buried with him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life."

The "baptism" mentioned here is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, not water baptism.

The key phrase is "so we too may walk in newness of life."

God's desire is for us to walk in this newness of life.

C. Defining "Newness of Life":

It is not religious moralism.

Secular people and unbelievers can be moral.

Principle: Anything that an unbeliever can do is not the spiritual life.

D. Christ as the Prototype:

Jesus is the prototype of the brand new life God has given us.

He was the first and only member of the human race to walk in newness of life perfectly.

We are to concentrate on Jesus, who developed a system of walking and momentum that extended into the Church Age.

"Walking" becomes analogous to executing God's plan for your life.

E. Contrast with Old Testament Saints:

They did not have the pre-designed plan of God.

They did not have a new nature that could live in that plan.

They could not live in a plan that required a perfect creature and perfect power.

Old Testament saints had the "ritual plan of God," which were rituals that spoke of Christ's realities but were not the realized Church Age reality.

F. Prerequisites for the "New Walk":

Understanding key doctrines is essential for the newness of the believer's walk. Without this understanding, the walk will not be new. These doctrines include:

The baptism of the Spirit.

The new spiritual species.

The royal priesthood.

The indwelling Trinity.

Our invisible assets.

The availability of divine omnipotence.

We can have this fantastic newness of life if we choose to operate in it.

XII. The Substance of Our New Life in Christ

A. Scripture Reference: Colossians 2:13-17:

v. 13 : "and when you were dead in your wrongdoings, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings,"

v. 14: "having canceled the certificate of debt, consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us, and has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."

v. 15: "When he had disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through him."

v. 16: "Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day,"

v. 17: "things which are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."

B. Exposition of Colossians 2:13-17:

Spiritual death preceded salvation, which led to regeneration and total forgiveness.

All sins (past, present, and future) have been forgiven.

Counter-argument: To those who say future sins are not forgiven, it's noted that when Jesus was on the cross, all of our sins were in the future.

The "certificate of debt" refers to the Law; it has been canceled.

"Rulers and authorities" refers to Satan and the fallen angels.

"Therefore let no one judge you."

We no longer have the "shadow" (Old Testament rituals); we have the "substance," which is Christ.

C. Conclusion on Walking:

Walking in the newness of life is what it's all about.

This walk carries greater power and dynamics than in any other dispensation.

XIII. The Model for Our Walk

A. Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:6:

"The one who says that he remains in him, or abides in him..."

This verse points back to the humanity of Jesus Christ as our model for living in the pre-designed plan of God.

"Abiding in him" has to do with the pre-designed plan of God.

How did Jesus walk?

Under the power of God the Holy Spirit.

In the pre-designed plan of God.

Using the problem-solving devices.

Application: We are instructed to walk in the same way.

XIV. Concluding Remarks and Q&A

A. Future Study

The topic of "spiritual walking" will be continued next week.

These studies are essential and important, even if they seem repetitious. It is important to master these principles.

B. Question from "Jim" regarding Morality:

Initial Understanding : Morality is an evidence of salvation; a moral life is considered an authentic part of salvation, not as works for salvation, but as something that goes hand-in-hand with faith in Christ.

Clarification on the Sermon's Point:

The sermon addresses Christians who think they are pleasing God simply by doing certain moral things.

If an act is not done in God's power, it is not pleasing to God; it is just human morality.

Isaiah 64:6 (paraphrased): "our righteousness is like filthy rags to God."

The sermon distinguishes between two types of morality:

1. Works-based morality: "I'm going to do good work for God and please him."

2. Faith-based morality: An outcome of a transformed heart and faith in Christ.

Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin) Analogy:

Spirituality is higher than morality.

Spirituality includes morality.

This doesn't mean believers should "live like hell."

The Problem with "Pet Lists":

Many people have a list of "dos" and "don'ts" and believe that by following this list, they are pleasing to God.

God's view: "No way. That's absolutely false. You're not pleasing to me."

The Correct Order: When we start operating in the plan God has for us, morality will naturally follow.

XV. Morality vs. Spirituality (Q&A Continued)

A. Morality without Spirituality is Self-Worship

Anyone can be moral to be liked or appreciated by others.

Morality without spirituality is self-worship, like the Pharisee in the parable.

True spirituality inherently produces morality.

Morality without spirituality is an attempt to tell God, "I don't need you."

When you have spirituality, you demonstrate it through your morality because you have a spiritual life to live.

B. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

The Pharisee was moral and wanted God to know about it.

One man (the tax collector) went home justified, while the other (the Pharisee) did not.

The tax collector knew he was wrong and prayed for forgiveness, and he "got spiritual."

The Pharisee believed his morality demonstrated his spirituality.

The core issue is the state of the heart. God looks at the heart.

The Pharisee's heart was in himself (self-worship).

The tax collector's heart was in fellowship with Christ, asking for mercy ("Be merciful to me").

The tax collector knew he was morally wrong but understood that if he became spiritual, he would eventually become moral.

The Pharisee wrongly believed, "I am spiritual because I'm moral." God does not justify this mindset.

The correct sequence is: become spiritual, then you become moral.

As you learn doctrine (that God forgives your sins), you can become both moral and spiritual.

C. Religion, Works, and Faith

Religion often teaches that doing works makes one a moral person.

Christ taught it's not about works, because He did the work. It's about our heart and having faith.

When one is in a state of "spiritual awareness," good things proceed from that.

Quote: "Out of the heart flows the issues of life."

XVI. Sin, Fellowship, and Divine Discipline (Q&A Continued)

A. The Importance of Fellowship

While Christ finished the work of sin, we still have an "old self."

If we are not in fellowship, we go down a "spiral hill constantly sinning."

Being out of fellowship does not mean we go to hell, but it does mean we will not receive what God has to offer in His plan.

B. Sowing, Reaping, and Divine Discipline

This topic will be covered later, including the "seven laws of the harvest."

Living in sin will eventually produce divine discipline.

Unbelievers do not experience divine discipline, which is why they can seem to "get away with anything" and have great lives.

God only disciplines His own children.

XVII. The Analogy of the Wineskins (Q&A Continued)

A. Jesus as the New Wine and New Wineskin

Jesus was the "new wine" in a "new wineskin." He never had the problem of mixing old and new.

Believers are the ones who have the problem of having "new wine" (the spiritual life) and an "old wineskin" (the old self/sin nature).

God says we have this problem, but He doesn't.

The spiritual life requires the new wine to be in a new wineskin.

B. The New Creature and the New Wine

The "new creature" has the "new wine" and must use a "new wineskin."

Spirituality only lives in the new creature.

God's declaration "It is finished" means nothing unfinished goes into heaven.

The part of us that is saved is perfect.

The part of us that God loves is "Jesus in you."

Because we are a new creation ("new wine skin"), God puts the "new wine" (the Spirit) in us.

You cannot put new wine in an old wineskin; it doesn't work and God will not accept it.

Believers who try to live the Christian life in their own power are like wineskins that burst; they "end up exploding."

C. Teaching on the "Zoe Life"

Attribution: Mention of listening to "fast Bob" (Robert McLaughlin) on the wineskin analogy and the "Zoe Life" (life more abundantly).

The analogy makes sense: new wine for new wineskins, old wine for old wineskins. They must be separate.

1 John 1:9 is the mechanism to handle this. Using "new wine in my old wineskin" doesn't work.

1 John 1:9 reminds us that God only accepts perfection and sees everything through His Son.

We must live in the new wine and new wineskin.

D. The New Rules for the New Person

Christianity has a new set of rules for a new person, not the old one. The old one has no power.

Scripture Reference: Galatians 2:20 (paraphrased): "I've been crucified with Christ, so it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. If I live now, I live by faith in the Son of... God."

The Word of God reminds you that the "new one," the "new God that you have in you," never sins.

This is exciting because even when "I failed," I can go back to my "new God" and be accepted.

This concept of being born again will be a recurring theme.

XVIII. Rebound and Recovery (Q&A Continued)

A. Question: If you rebound but don't recover, can you still go forward in God's plan?

Clarification: Recovery is defined as renewing your mind.

If you don't recover, you will constantly go back to the same sin.

Recovery means changing your mind (repentance) to not do it again.

B. Scenario: Confessing the sin of stealing.

You confess: "Father, I confess the sin of stealing." You believe you are forgiven and back in fellowship.

If you don't "recover" (change your mind), you haven't truly humbled yourself to accept God's forgiveness. This leads to guilt.

Question: Do the other problem-solving devices stop working if you are stuck in guilt?

The problem-solving device for this is Faith-Rest.

Everything flows from taking God at His word.

C. The Process of Doctrine: Perception, Metabolization, Application

You can fail at any step:

1. Perceive: Some don't perceive the doctrine.

2. Metabolize: Some don't mix the doctrine with faith.

3. Apply: Some don't apply it under pressure.

If you confess a sin (like stealing) and are still carrying guilt ("woe is me"), that guilt is another sin.

Attribution: Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin) calls this "chain sinning," like lighting one cigarette after another.

Personal Application: If feeling guilty, confess the sin of guilt.

The "rationale part" (thinking) must go hand-in-hand with rebound. This is the recovery part—changing your thinking.

If it's a single act of immorality, you rebound and you're back. If it's a pattern, recovery is crucial.

D. God's Forgiveness vs. Our Memory

Scripture Reference (paraphrased): "As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

Scripture Reference (paraphrased): God says, "I will remember their sins no more."

Application: If God won't remember them, we shouldn't either.

It is hard to do. The problem is often the emotion we attach to the sin, which makes us feel unforgiven.

Example: You steal, God forgives you, but then you dwell on it: "Wow, why did I do that? I shouldn't have done that." The emotion attached to the sin makes you doubt forgiveness.

XIX. The Role of Feelings and Faith (Q&A Continued)

A. Feelings are Inconsequential to Forgiveness

We commit sins we love and don't feel bad about, and sins we do feel bad about.

A future series on 1 John 1:9 will teach that how you feel about your sin is inconsequential.

What matters is what God has done about the sin.

The point of getting back into fellowship is to move on in God's plan.

B. All Sins are Equal to God

One sin is not bigger than another in God's eyes.

Mankind deems sins differently (e.g., murder is worse than stealing).

In the commandments, God sees them all the same. One may have more temporal repercussions, but the sin is the same.

It's never about how you feel; you must dive deeper into faith.

You must rely on the doctrine that God said He will forgive you.

If you confess but still feel guilty, something is stopping your faith from truly believing you are forgiven.

C. The Shield of Faith

Scripture Reference (paraphrased): The "shield of faith... will quench all of the fiery darts of the evil one."

Temptations are a struggle because our emotions were "dying to go there."

If you are stuck in your emotions, you will feel like your sins are never forgiven.

Application: You need to tell your emotions they have no say in the matter or "cite the emotion" (e.g., enjoyment in doing wrong).

XX. The Mechanics of Salvation and Confession (Q&A Continued)

A. Sneak Peek into the 1 John 1:9 Study

Analogy to Salvation:

Concept of Efficacious Grace : We didn't have enough faith to get saved on our own.

We had positive volition, heard the gospel, believed it, and the Holy Spirit made that faith effective for salvation.

Scripture Reference: John 1:12 (paraphrased): "For as many as received him, to them he gave the power to become sons of God." First they received, then they got the power.

If you believe in Jesus Christ plus an action (raising a hand, walking an aisle, getting baptized), that faith is not made effective for salvation because you are adding a work.

Analogy to 1 John 1:9:

If you are confessing your sin and adding anything with the confession, you are not forgiven and not brought back into fellowship.

B. The Heart in Confession

Question: Can 1 John 1:9 become repetitive, said without heart?

Christ knows the heart. You must truly be "in the place of the heart" to cite 1 John 1:9.

Example of insincere confession: "God forgive me, I'm going to go get him," and then they go kill the person. This is pre-planned sin.

This highlights the importance of the upcoming study on sin.

XXI. The Critical Importance of Understanding Sin (Q&A Continued)

A. The Foundation for Spiritual Growth

If you do not understand sin, you will never grow up spiritually.

You must understand the distinction between the new creature that never sins and the old creature that always sins.

Without this distinction, you will have a "hell of a problem," always going back and forth.

It's like putting new wine in old wineskins—it will bust and never make sense. You become like a "schizophrenic person."

B. Forgetting the Past and Pressing On

Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:13 (paraphrased): The Apostle Paul says, "There's one thing I do. Forgetting those things that are behind me, I press on towards the mark."

"Forgetting those things" is for you. It's about separating the old man from the new man.

Attribution: Mention that "Pesach" was very good on this issue.

C. Future Study Plans

The study on sin will be extensive, lasting for months, possibly into the spring of next year. "We're not running a marathon."

A future desired topic is the Personal Ascension of Destiny, another problem-solving device. It was planned for this year, but "God had other plans."

D. The Lifelong Process of Growth

A teacher must be able to explain the new nature and old nature to help others grow.

The teacher is also trying to master it for himself.

Attribution: Pastor Bob (Robert McLaughlin) said, "we never arrive as Christians."

You are either constantly moving forward or constantly moving backward.

Quip: "The arrival is when you sinned."

XXII. Closing Remarks and Prayer

A. Final Illustration on Morality vs. Spirituality

Every woman likes a moral man.

But God knows all the sins in your head. If your wife knew them, "she would be divorcing you a long time ago."

This is why you need spirituality, because God forgives those hidden sins.

Correction from audience member: "I like a godly man," not just a moral man.

B. Closing Prayer (by David)

Thanking God for the truths being learned that change lives.

Thanking God for the teacher (Jim) explaining the new and old natures.

Acknowledging the beauty of knowing you have a nature that loves God and a nature that loves sin.

The part God loves is the one we must live out of, but we must also understand the part that sins and needs forgiveness.

Prayer for a safe ride home and to return to learn more.

Closing in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Holiday wishes for the next day.