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@Livingwater Study 1B THE SECRET OF TRUE HAPPINESS (Scripture Portion: Psalm 1) THE SECRET OF THE HAPPY MAN ’ S HAPPINESS Is there a secret? Yes! It is clearly stated, first negatively and then positively , in verses 1 and 2. It is a four-fold secret: 1. Repentance.This is implied in verse 1 2. Faith.This is indicated in verse 2. 3. Obedience. “His delight is in the law of the Lord”; therefore he is a man of obedience, and faith plus obedience brings true happiness. Trust and obey, For there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey. 4. Communion.Verse 2 tells us this 3 . THE SOLEMN PATH AND PROSPECT OF THE UNHAPPY MAN Unbelievers are described as the wicked (verses 1, 4, 5), sinners (verses 1 and 5), and mockers (verse 1). Notice that: 1. The path, the position and the prospect of the unbeliever is quite different from that of the believer (verse 4). 2. The unbeliever is like “chaff” – no life, no vitality, no fruitfulness, no security, no stabilit...

@Livingwater Study 1A THE SECRET OF TRUE HAPPINESS Psalm 1 forms an introduction to the whole psalter. It shows us the secret of true happiness – and who does not want to learn that secret? There is an idea abroad that God does not want us to be happy. This, of course, is the Devil’s lie, though unfortunately even some Christians half believe it. But God wants us to be happy. Let's consider this. 1 . GOD ’ S PICTURE OF THE HAPPY MAN If we ask, What is the blessed, or happy, man like? verse 3 tells us. “He is like……”, and then follows a seven-fold description of the godly man, the believer, the Christian. We introduce these characteristics by the seven key-words so helpfully suggested by the late Dr W. Graham Scroggie. 1. Vitality: “a tree……” This denotes life, and the happy man, the true Christian, has received a new life (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1), a divine life (2 Peter 1:4). 2. Security: “a tree planted……” This suggests a carefully chosen tree, cared f...

@Livingwater Study 10B GIVING HIM THE FOREMOST PLACE Key Verse: ““…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:18) But though it is His right to occupy the foremost place in human experience, He does not always do so He is not always free to exercise His right. For example: in our life very often self is first –- look up Luke 9:59 and 61; notice the words ““first let me””! and compare 3 John 9. Sometimes another life is first –- look up Matthew 10:38; sometimes personal ambition, pleasure or possessions come first –- look up Luke 18:23. How true it is that: The better often is the foe That keeps us from God’’s best! 2. The Lord Jesus may be PRESENT in our life, yet not PRE-EMINENT If you are a Christian He is truly present –- but is He pre-eminent? It is true to say that He is present in our national, political, commercial and religious life, but He is not by any means pre-eminent. The same may be true in your life or mine. “”If He is not Lord of all, t...

@Livingwater Study 10A GIVING HIM THE FOREMOST PLACE Key Verse: ““…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:18) The day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will have the supremacy, when He will be Lord and when ““at the name of Jesus every knee should bow”” (Philippians 2:10). What a glorious prospect this is for Him –- and for us! But though the prophetic application of these words is important, there is an equally important personal application. The word ““supremacy”” means ““occupying the foremost place””, and here we are not thinking of the supremacy of one doctrine over another, one creed over another or one denomination over another, but of one personality over another. The one personality is the Lord Jesus Christ and the other is you –- or me; so when we speak of the supremacy of Christ we mean Christ occupying the foremost place in our life. Does He? Is He first in our life, home, business, friendships, pleasures……? See the warning of 3 John 9. 1...

@Livingwater Study 9B FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Key Verse: ““And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) Notice the characteristics of a Spirit - filled Christian 1. The first characteristic of the Spirit-filled life is power and effectiveness in witnessing. The primary purpose of the infilling of the Holy Spirit is to make us effective witnesses. Read Acts 13:44-52, and notice how mightily God’’s Spirit-filled servants witnessed for Him The first characteristic of a Spirit-filled Christian, then, is that he is a witnessing Christian –- look up Acts 1:8. 2. The second characteristic of the Spirit-filled life is discernment, a Spirit-taught understanding of God’’s plan and programme. This is brought out clearly in this portion of scripture in two ways: 1. In verses 46-47, Paul and Barnabas explained that the gospel was first given to the Jews, and then, when rejected by them, it was given to the Gentiles. Thus, they understood God’’s dispensa...

@Livingwater Study 9A FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Key Verse: ““And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52) There is no greater need in the life of a Christian than that there should be a full understanding of the New Testament teaching about the Spirit-filled life. Because this subject is so neglected and so little understood many Christians are living on a very low level of Christian experience. Their lives are powerless, defeated and joyless and their service is ineffective and productive of little real fruit. For the same reason many of our churches are struggling, and the forces of darkness seem to be gaining ground on every hand. The greatest need of every Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and in this study we will consider some vital aspects of this important truth. life: Notice that our key -verse tells us several important things about the Spirit - filled life: 1. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a very definite exper...

@Livingwater Study 8B WHAT WENT WRONG? Key Verse: “”You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”” (Galatians 5:7) What hindered you? Was it persecution , misunderstanding or opposition? Then you need to take heed to John 16:32. Many people have accepted Christ and have then had to face the misunderstanding and opposition of loved ones and friends, and the test has been so severe that later they have become discouraged and have “given everything up”. But, “it is hard to be a Christian”, and our Lord expressly told us that it would be so – – look up Matthew 5:11-12. The Lord Jesus was threatened with stones (John 8:59); they put a crown of thorns upon His head (John 19:1-3); they mocked Him (Luke 23:33-37); then they crucified Him (John 19:16). Is it not a privilege to suffer with Him? –- look up Philippians 1:29, and compare Acts 5:41 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-30. What hindered you? Was it some severe trial or sorrow? Then you need to take...

@Livingwater Study 8A WHAT WENT WRONG? Key Verse: “”You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”” (Galatians 5:7) What a wonderful thing it is when someone is converted! A truly converted person is born again (1 Peter 1:23); saved (Romans 10:9); justified (Romans 5:1); and is made a partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Do you recall the day of your conversion, or if you do not remember the day, are you sure you have been converted? But it is inexpressibly sad when one who has been truly converted turns back (Acts 7:39); backslides (Proverbs 14:14); becomes lukewarm (Revelation 3:16); loses his first love (Revelation 2:4). What a tragedy – to be out-and-out for Christ, a soul-winner, an earnest worker, and then to turn away from the Lord! There were those in the Galatian Church in AD 56 (when Paul wrote his letter), who had been turned aside by false teachers who had succeeded in getting them into bondage again to the Law. The though...

@Livingwater Study 7B THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS Key Verse: ““For I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”” (Galatians 6:17) This descriptive passage of scripture explains the marks on Paul’s body –- the brand-marks of the Lord Jesus. Do they not put us to shame? Most of us want to be popular Christians, and we know little of suffering for Christ’s sake. Let us remember those in many lands today who are suffering much at the hands of men and who are, for their Lord’’s sake, bearing in their body the marks of the Lord Jesus. And let us pray that should we ever be called upon to suffer shame for His name we may be given grace to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). 2 . THE SPIRITUAL APPLICATION OF THE APOSTLE’ ’ S STATEMENT The description of Paul’s suffering does not apply to many of us, but there is a spiritual application which applies to all who name the name of Christ. Just as those physical marks branded Paul as one of Christ’s slaves, as His property, as...

@Livingwater Study 7A THE MARKS OF THE LORD JESUS Key Verse: ““For I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”” (Galatians 6:17) The apostle Paul wore a badge that marked him out as being a true servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. He bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Is there anything about us that marks us out as belonging to Christ and identifies us with Him? The word “”I”” is emphatic in the Greek. Paul said, ““I bear in my body the marks of Jesus.”” Was he boasting? No, but in this letter Paul was vindicating his ministry. Many of the Jewish teachers had subverted these Galatian Christians into believing that he was not truly an apostle because he had not known the Lord Jesus in the days of His flesh. So Paul compared himself with these judaising teachers and he asked, ““Have they the marks of the Lord Jesus upon them? No –- but I have!”” What is the proof of our attachment to Christ? Is it the words we speak? No, not primarily. There should be some distinctive marks about...

@Livingwater Study 6B THE CONQUEST OF WORRY Key Verse: ““Who are you that you fear mortal men……that you live in constant terror every day……because of the wrath of the oppressor?”” (Isaiah 51:12-13) 2 . WHY IS IT FOOLISH FOR A CHRISTIAN TO WORRY? It is foolish to worry when we consider that the thing we are worrying about may never happen. But supposing it does happen? What then? It is still foolish, for the following reasons: 1. It is foolish because we gain absolutely nothing by worrying. Can you think of any possible gain? Of course, if in the goodness of God we have sought and found deliverance from worry, we are qualified to help others to seek and find similar deliverance, but apart from this reflex benefit there is absolutely no direct value in worrying at all. 2. It is foolish because if we have worried we are less ready to meet the experiences of life when they do come. We are less fortified to meet the crises of life if worry has already exhausted us, for it dissipates...

@Livingwater Study 6A THE CONQUEST OF WORRY Key Verse: ““Who are you that you fear mortal men……that you live in constant terror every day……because of the wrath of the oppressor?”” (Isaiah 51:12-13) This study is a very simple one, but its aim is to deliver a death-blow at this terrible “oppressor” called Worry. A modern writer has entitled his best-selling book, ““How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”” –- and we might well take that for the title of this present Bible study. But do we need such a study? Yes, for most of us worry either about something that happened yesterday, something that is almost certainly going to happen today, or something that may or may not happen tomorrow –- and yet it is still perfectly true that – – ““If we worry we do not trust; if we trust we do not worry””. With our Bible open before us, let us emphasise two main truths: it is both sinful and foolish for a Christian to worry. 1 . WHY IS IT SINFUL FOR A CHRISTIAN TO WORRY? 1. It is sinful because ...

@Livingwater Study 5B WHY, WHEN AND HOW TO PRAY Key Verse: ““…they should always pray and not give up.”” (Luke 18:1) If a bad man (and the unjust judge was that) will yield to the entreaty of a poor widow, how much more will God yield to the earnest prayers of His people! 2 . WHEN should we pray ? The answer is, ““Always!”” which means at all times and in all circumstances. See how the apostle Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. When should we pray? 1. At regular stated times. We do many things daily by habit, and we should form the habit of prayer –- look up Psalm 55:17, and compare Daniel 6:10. 2. When the Holy Spirit urges us. Have we not all had this experience? – look up Romans 8:26-27. As surely as we go into the place of prayer so surely is the Holy Spirit present to guide us in our praying. It is wonderful to be thus guided by Him to pray for someone for whom previously we had no thought of praying, and afterwards to discover that our prayer was th...

@Livingwater Study 5A WHY, WHEN AND HOW TO PRAY Key Verse: ““…they should always pray and not give up.”” (Luke 18:1) Nothing is more important in the life of the Christian than that there should be a right understanding of, and a regular engaging in, the privilege of prayer. Prayer means contact with, communion with and fellowship with God. It is not simply asking God for things, though it does include that. Our Lord related the parable in Luke 18:1-8 in order to stress the great importance of prayer. He said, “”they should always pray…”…” This, of course, is a comprehensive word; it is the privilege of all to pray, and in this chapter 18 of Luke’’s Gospel we are given five examples: a praying widow (verse 3); a praying Pharisee (verse 10); a praying publican (verse 13); a praying ruler (verse 18); and a praying beggar (verse 38). 1 . WHY should we pray? There are many answers to this question, but let us confine our answer to the suggestion that arises out of the word ““should””...

@Livingwater Study 4B THE WONDER OF THE WORD Key Verse: ““For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”” (Hebrews 4:12) 2 . It is LIVING in its NATURE It is spoken of as being “”quick””, or literally, “”living”” or ““full of life””. How did this Book become a living book? A comparison of Genesis 1:26 and 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us. Just as God breathed into man the breath of life and man became a living soul, so He has breathed into this Book so that it has become a living book. The word “”inspiration”” in 2 Timothy 3:16 literally means ““God-breathed””. In what way is the Word of God living? 1. It is living in itself. Compare John 6:63 with Proverbs 6:22. 2. It is life-giving, that is, it imparts life. Compare James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23. Seeds do not appear to contain life, any more than Bibles do! But seeds do contain life –- an...

@Livingwater Study 4A THE WONDER OF THE WORD Key Verse: ““For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”” (Hebrews 4:12) Of all the inspired titles that the Holy Spirit uses concerning the Bible perhaps the most precious is ““the word of God”” –- compare Ephesians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:23; Hebrews 4:12. But does our key verse refer to the Bible (the written Word) or to the Lord Jesus Himself (the incarnate Word)? Look up John 1:1. Some Bible students believe that the reference here is to Christ, the incarnate Word, and verse 13 would seem to support this view. On the other hand, many other students of the Word, with equal conviction, feel that the reference here is to the written Word. We suggest that both views are right. The two Words are inseparable, for the only revelation we have of the incarnate Word is in the written Word, and the ...

@Livingwater Study 3B DOING WHATEVER HE SAYS Key Verse: ““Do whatever he tells you.”” (John 2:5) 2 . Consider the fact that all that the Lord says to us has a three- fold relationship . In that it touches God, it is for His glory; in that it touches me, it is for my good; and in that it touches others, it is for their good. 1. When the Lord Jesus said, ““Fill……draw……take…”…” (verses 7 and 8), it was for His glory. Verse 11 tells us this, and we can be sure that whenever He speaks to us about something in our life, something He wants us to be, to do or to say, it is always for His glory. In other words, to listen to what He says and to render Him full obedience will always glorify Him. 2. When the Lord Jesus said, “Fill……draw……take…”…” (verses 7 and 8), it was for their (the servants’’) good. How do we know? Because in verse 9 we are told that while the governor and the guests did not know about the miracle, the servants did. Is it not most likely that having seen the miracle th...

@Livingwater Study 3A DOING WHATEVER HE SAYS Key Verse: ““Do whatever he tells you.”” (John 2:5) In our key verse we have the golden rule of a happy and useful Christian life. Do we want to know His joy, peace and blessing upon our service? Do we want our life to be well-pleasing to Him in all things? Do we want our prayers to be answered? Are we seeking fresh and enlarged fields of service –- and do we need guidance? Then we must do what He says. If we can live in obedience to this golden rule we shall always be filled with the glory of His presence, power and blessing. Read John 2:1-11, and notice what a remarkable claim Mary makes for the Lord Jesus –- ““Whatever He says, however contrary it may seem to your ideas, do it!”” How can she be so confident? Because He was, and is, unique. He is the Son of God. 1 . Consider the fact that He does speak to us today He speaks to us just as He spoke to the servants 2000 years ago (verses 7 and 8). But how does He speak? 1. He speaks to...

@Livingwater Study 2B BELONGING TO THE KING OF KINGS Key Verse: “We are yours, O David! We are with you…”…” ” (1 Chronicles 12: 18) 2. He needs men fully trained and equipped for warfare Read verses 2, 8 and 38. Do not imagine that to be a Christian is an easy-going business! The kind of soldiers our Lord wants is indicated by these verses: “…“…armed with bows……who could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows……men of might……men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains……men that could keep rank……with a perfect heart.” The warfare in which we are engaged is a stern one, and our Enemy is very powerful (Ephesians 6:12). If we are to be of any use in waging this great spiritual warfare we must be trained, disciplined and properly equipped, and know not only how to put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), but how to use the t...

@Livingwater Study 2A BELONGING TO THE KING OF KINGS Key Verse: “We are yours, O David! We are with you…”…” ” (1 Chronicles 12: 18) In this chapter David is brought before us as a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, ““great David’’s greater Son””. David was God’’s appointed and anointed king, but only a few accepted him as such, for the majority were on the side of Saul. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the rightful King. God has appointed and anointed Him ““and gave him the name that is above every name”” (Philippians 2:9) –- but only a few accept Him as such; the vast majority reject Him. Our Lord is now rejected And by the world disowned; By the many still neglected, And by the few enthroned. During his rejection David needed men who not only believed in him secretly but who would come out boldly and be his followers, and this is what our King needs today. In this study we shall see the kind of men and women our Lord needs. What are the characteristics of those who belong to the King an...