This is a series of studies I will be working through for a life group at RiverLife Fellowship, the life group is “Finding Treasure in The Word“. The study map on this blog and related studies are focused on Christ in us, our union with the Father, Son and The Holy Spirit, our relationship with all three and their relationship with us who believe in Him, living in the New Covenant and the finished work of the cross. They are created to go deep into full context and to aid in slowly digesting the word. There is much treasure to be found when you dig for it.
Meeting 01 – 3/15/22
Christ in You: The Mystery Revealed in the New Covenant – Overview
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The aim of this Bible study series is to turn reading Scripture into an exhilarating treasure hunt! In this opening meeting—an overview of where the journey will lead—you’ll be invited to move from a duty-bound, works-based approach to the joyful discovery of Jesus through the New Covenant of grace, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you as you dig deeper into the Word. You’ll explore the stunning truth of ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory,’ how the Holy Spirit unlocks all of Jesus’ riches within you the moment you believe (receiving the Holy Spirit and the finished work of the cross), the profound differences between Old Covenant law and New Covenant freedom (two distinct mindsets), God’s sovereign choice paired with our necessary faith response, and the breathtaking list of blessings you instantly receive upon believing. Get ready to shift from ‘have to’ to ‘get to’ as you spend time with Jesus in His Word!
Meeting 02 – 4/19/22
The New Covenant – Part 1
The Good News Revealed: Christ Took Our Punishment and the Shift from Sin-Conscious to God-Conscious
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This opening study in our New Covenant series recaps the big picture of our journey—focusing on the incredible mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” We contrast the Old Covenant (where sin brings punishment and we’re stuck in guilt and fear) with the New Covenant reality: Jesus fully took our punishment as the perfect propitiation, delivering us from God’s wrath and bringing us into grace, reconciliation, and a whole new mindset. Instead of being sin-conscious under the law, we’re invited into a joyful, God-conscious relationship filled with abundant life and peace as we trust in what Jesus has already done.
Meeting 03 – 5/17/22
The New Covenant – Part 2
Freedom in Christ: Forgiveness of Sin, Victory Over Its Power, and Walking in New Life
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Picking up from Part 1, this study dives deeper into the joyful shift from an Old Covenant mindset of law, guilt, and fear to the New Covenant’s reality of grace, relationship, and God-focused peace. We explore Philippians 2:12–13 with fresh encouragement—working out our salvation through reverent awe and humility, empowered by God Himself working in us. Celebrating Old Testament promises fulfilled in Christ, we unpack the incredible benefits: full forgiveness, death to sin’s dominion, a new heart indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and the freedom to walk in new life as we yield to Him rather than strive in our own strength. The focus lands on the incredible freedom Christ won for us: we’re no longer slaves to sin but raised to walk in newness of life, alive to God and empowered by His Spirit.
Meeting 04 – 6/21/22
The New Covenant – Part 3
Christ the Perfect Sacrifice: Our Superior High Priest and Eternal Redemption Through His Blood (Old Covenant Mind Set vs. New Covenant Mind Set)
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In this third session on the New Covenant, we recap how Jesus became our propitiation—taking our punishment on the cross and we dive deeper into Jesus as our eternal High Priest (superior to the old system), mediating a far better covenant with unbreakable promises. The heart of the study celebrates Christ’s once-for-all perfect sacrifice, whose blood secures eternal redemption and makes salvation available to everyone who believes.
Meeting 05 – 7/19/22
The New Covenant – Part 4
Christ’s Blood: Sealing the Glorious Covenant and Our Freedom in Him
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In this study, we celebrate how Jesus’ blood establishes the New Covenant, making it official and far more glorious than the old one. We explore the Lord’s Supper as a reminder of this blood-sealed agreement, feed on Christ as our true spiritual bread, and rejoice in the freedom believers now have—dead to sin’s mastery and alive in God’s grace. The teaching also clarifies that eternal life belongs only to those who believe and “belong to Christ,” contrasting the destiny of all who are “in Adam” with the victorious hope of those united to Jesus by faith.
Meeting 06 – 8/16/22
The New Covenant – Part 5
Mind Renewal: Transforming Ourselves by Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
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Building on the New Covenant’s foundation in Christ’s blood, this study explores the believer’s freedom from sin’s dominion while honestly acknowledging the ongoing pull of the flesh. We dive into Romans 6 and 12, learning to present our whole selves as living sacrifices and renew our minds daily by keeping our focus on Jesus—looking away from distractions, putting on God’s armor, casting cares on Him, and pressing forward. It’s a practical call to walk in new life, abide in Christ, and let the Spirit steadily shape us into His image.
Meeting 07 – 9/20/22
Holy Spirit Guarantee
Sealed as His Own: The Spirit as God’s Down Payment on Our Eternal Inheritance
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This study celebrates the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit to every believer. It shows how the moment we trust in Jesus, God seals us with His Spirit—marking us as His own and giving us a rock-solid guarantee of our future inheritance: eternal life with Him in heaven. We look at Scriptures that describe the Spirit as a “down payment,” poured out without limit in us because Christ lives in us, empowering us to do even greater works. The study also gently warns against grieving the Spirit through how we live and ties it all back to the beautiful truth of abiding in Christ because His Spirit lives in us.
Meeting 08 – 10/18/22
True Faith
Persevering in Belief: Our Measure of Faith, Christ’s Faithfulness, and Trusting in Him
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This study explores what true faith really looks like in everyday Christian life. It starts with a quick reminder of the amazing New Covenant blessings we receive simply by believing in Jesus, then encourages us to hold firmly to our faith and not drift away, drawing from Hebrews 10, the parable of the sower, and warnings about chasing trendy teachings. The heart of the study unpacks faith itself—clarifying that salvation is God’s free gift received through faith (not that faith is the gift), the measure of faith given to every person, our free choice to trust Christ, and the beautiful truth of both Christ’s perfect faithfulness and our personal faith in Him.
Meeting 09 – 11/15/22
Trials and Testing: How God Refines Our Faith and Reveals Its True Source in Christ
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In this study, we look at how God uses everyday problems and trials not to break us, but to strengthen and prove our faith—like fire refining gold. Drawing from Romans 5, James 1, 1 Peter 1, and other passages, we see how difficulties build patient endurance, mature character, and a joyful, confident hope in salvation. We also explore the beautiful truth of where faith really comes from: Jesus as its Author (sparked by hearing the Gospel) and Finisher (perfecting it as we grow in Him), with practical encouragement to hold fast, stand firm, and keep believing without drifting away.
Meeting 10 – 01/17/23
The Believer’s Union with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit – Part 1
With the Trinity: The Instantaneous Reality of Indwelling and Adoption at Salvation
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This study starts with a quick recap on how trials and testing refine our faith and build steadfast hope in Christ. From there, it dives into the amazing truth that the moment we believe, we enter a permanent union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—positionally “in Christ,” with the Holy Spirit indwelling us and adopting us as God’s own children. We look at the difference between this secure position at salvation and the daily choice to abide in close fellowship with Him for fruitfulness, unpacking Romans 8:1-16 verse by verse, along with supporting Scriptures and a helpful commentary on faith proven through fire.
Meeting 11 – 02/21/23
The Believer’s Union with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit – Part 2
The Anointing: The Holy Spirit’s Permanent Presence and Teaching in Us
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In Part 2 of our study on union and fellowship with the Trinity, we start with a quick recap of how believers are deeply united with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and how that living-water union helps us stand strong through any trial. Then we dive into 1 John 2, unpacking the “anointing” (the Holy Spirit) that every believer receives from Christ: He lives permanently in us, teaches us all things, helps us abide in Jesus, and assures us we truly belong to Him. It’s a beautiful reminder of the Spirit’s ongoing role in guiding and empowering our walk with God.
Meeting 12 – 03/21/23
The Finished Work of the Cross (what was finished? What was the work?) – Part 1
Paid in Full: Redemption from Sin and the New Covenant of Grace
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In Part 1 of “The Finished Work of the Cross”, we begin with a refreshing recap of our deep union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit the moment we believe—receiving the Holy Spirit fully as our seal and inheritance. Then we unpack Jesus’ triumphant cry, “It is finished” (Tetelestai—paid in full!), celebrating how He fully paid the penalty for our sin, redeemed us from the curse of the law, and brought in a brand-new way of being made right with God through faith alone. Along the way, we see Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the law, His role as our propitiation and atonement, and the amazing reality that believers are now raised and seated with Him in heavenly places.
Meeting 13 – 04/18/23
The Finished Work of the Cross (what was finished? What was the work?) – Part 2
Released from the Law: Righteousness by Faith in the New Covenant
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In Part 2 of “The Finished Work of the Cross,” we pick up where we left off, exploring what Jesus truly meant when He said “It is finished” on the cross. Beyond paying the full penalty for our sin, His work fulfilled the law completely, freeing believers from trying to earn righteousness through rules and regulations. Christ perfectly fulfilled the law, canceled the Old Covenant system of works, and established the New Covenant of grace—where righteousness comes by faith alone. Now we live under grace, made right with God simply by trusting in Christ. This study walks through key scriptures showing the shift to the New Covenant of faith and touches on the hope of resurrection and how believers upon Christ’s return will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and ends with a glimpse of the brand-new nature we receive in Him through faith.
Meeting 14 – 05/16/23
The Finished Work of the Cross (what was finished? What was the work?) – Part 3
Atonement: Righteousness by Faith Apart from the Law
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In Part 3 of “The Finished Work of the Cross,” the study explores the transition from the Old Covenant system of earning righteousness through law-keeping to the New Covenant reality of receiving righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. It clarifies that while Christ’s redemptive work fully satisfied the law’s demands, individuals must personally believe in Him to receive the free gift of forgiveness and escape condemnation. By examining concepts like propitiation and atonement, the lesson illustrates how Christ rescued believers from the curse of the law and “imputed” His own righteousness to them. Ultimately, the study shows that for the believer, the law is no longer a rigid tutor used for discipline, but has been replaced by a “law of Christ”—a life motivated by a loving desire to please the Savior.
Meeting 15 – 06/20/23
The Finished Work of the Cross (what was finished? What was the work?) – Part 4
Reconciliation: God’s Universal Provision Received Through Personal Faith
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In Part 4 of “The Finished Work of the Cross,” the study explores the “no condemnation” verdict for those who are “in Christ” through faith, building on the foundation of Romans 8:1. It examines the finished work of propitiation, atonement, and reconciliation, focusing on how God reconciled the world to Himself in 2 Corinthians 5:18–21. The material stresses that while Christ’s work is a universal provision for all humanity, this reconciliation is personally received only by believing in Jesus Christ. By aggregating several theological commentaries, the study clarifies the distinction between Christ’s sufficient sacrifice for the world and the necessity of individual faith to receive its benefits. Finally, it explores the believer’s new nature, detailing the transition from being a slave to sin to becoming a new creation and a child of God.
Meeting 16 – 07/18/23
The New Nature You “Received” When You Believed in Christ – Part 1
New Birth: Reborn, Washed, and Made Right Through Faith
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Recapping the foundational truth that believers are “in Christ” and “belong to Christ” through faith alone—receiving righteousness, forgiveness, and the broken power of sin—this study defines the believer’s new nature as a complete replacement of the old: regenerated and born again from above (John 1:12-13; 3:3-6), spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified, and set apart as a child of God in union with the Triune God. Key passages contrast the old nature (works of the flesh, darkness) with the new (washed, justified, walking in the Spirit, light from the Lord), emphasizing that this divine, supernatural birth occurs the moment one believes, with phrases like “in Christ” and “belong to Christ” as essential markers of identity.
Meeting 17 – 08/15/23
The New Nature You “Received” When You Believed in Christ – Part 2
Spiritual Circumcision: Crucified with Christ and One Spirit with Him
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Continuing directly from Part 1, this study recaps the believer’s regeneration, righteousness, and union with the Triune God at salvation, then delves into the transformative work of spiritual circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12), where the sinful nature is cut away and the old self crucified with Christ (Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 2:20). Believers are called to reckon themselves dead to sin but alive to God, with their spirit made complete and one with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17; Colossians 2:9-10). Supporting passages and commentary stress the Holy Spirit’s baptizing work into Christ’s death and resurrection, empowering a new life while noting the ongoing need for mind and body renewal until glorification.
Meeting 18 – 10/17/23
The New Nature You “Received” When You Believed in Christ – Part 3
Union: One Spirit with the Lord and the Indwelling Holy Spirit
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Continuing the exploration of the believer’s new nature received at salvation, this study recaps the spiritual circumcision that removes the old sinful nature and replaces it with Christ in us. It delves deeply into the profound union with Christ, highlighting 1 Corinthians 6:17’s description of being “joined” (kollaó—glued) as one spirit with the Lord, the believer’s body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20), and the call to present bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). Key passages like Romans 8:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, and others illustrate the Spirit’s witness, the mind of Christ, spiritual discernment, and the desire for Christ’s life to overflow from spirit to soul and body, enabling believers to walk spiritually.
Meeting 19 – 11/13/23
Now That We Have This New Nature, What Are We To Do With It? – Part 1
The Process of Salvation: Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
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Building on prior studies of union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, this teaching shifts from receiving God’s gifts to actively living out the new nature in Christ. It begins with a comprehensive list of biblical commands for believers—being vigilant, walking in light and love, renewing the mind, presenting bodies as living sacrifices, and pursuing rest—then explores the process of salvation: justification as a completed, positional righteousness by faith; sanctification as both an accomplished fact at salvation and an ongoing, progressive transformation into Christ’s image through the Holy Spirit; and glorification as the future hope of resurrected, immortal bodies.
Meeting 20 – 12/19/23
Now That We Have This New Nature, What Are We To Do With It? – Part 2
Humility: The Foundation for Surrender, Submission, and Rest in the Spirit
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This study continues the exploration of what believers are to do with the new nature received in Christ, beginning with a recap of justification, sanctification, and glorification. It presents a comprehensive list of scriptural commands for Christian living and identifies humility as the foundational attitude for victory. Drawing from passages like 1 Peter 5:5-7, James 4:6-7, 2 Peter 1:5-9, Galatians 5:22-23, and Hebrews 4, the teaching explains how humility enables submission to God, dependence on the Holy Spirit to produce fruit and virtues, and entrance into His rest—resolving the paradox of diligent effort and trusting surrender through full reliance on the Lord.
Meeting 21 – 01/16/24
Now That We Have This New Nature, What Are We To Do With It? – Part 3
Discipline: Submitting to the Father’s Loving Training and Correction
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In Part 3 of “Now That We Have This New Nature,” the study explores how believers are to walk out their new life in Christ by humbly submitting to the Lord’s teaching, correction, and discipline. Building on prior discussions of humility, adding virtues to faith (2 Peter 1:5-9), and the fruit of the Spirit, the lesson dives into Hebrews 12:1-14, explaining that God’s “chastening” is loving child-training, not punishment, designed to produce holiness and conformity to Christ’s image. Trials are permitted (not caused) by God for our growth, while Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. The study contrasts submitting to God (which enables us to resist the devil) with the dangers of indifference, and closes by pointing to the rest and joy found in yielding to Christ’s easy yoke. The session ends with plans to continue into spiritual discernment and resisting deception.
Meeting 22 – 02/20/24
Now That We Have This New Nature, What Are We To Do With It? – Part 4
Divine Discipline: Overcoming Lukewarmness Through Discernment and Vigilance
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In this fourth part of the series on living out the believer’s new nature, the study recaps the call to submit to the Lord’s loving correction and discipline, then issues a strong warning against lukewarmness and indifference drawn from Revelation 3:14–22. Emphasizing that God disciplines those He loves to produce holiness and rest for our souls, the teaching shifts to practical safeguards: cultivating Holy Spirit-led spiritual discernment to distinguish truth from deception, and maintaining sober-mindedness, watchfulness, vigilance, and firm standing in the faith to resist drifting or being tossed by false teaching in a deceptive world.
Meeting 23 – 04/16/24
Living in the Light as Children of Light – Part 1
Children of Light: Receiving Christ’s True Light and Letting it Shine by the Spirit’s Power
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This Part 1 study begins with a brief recap of God’s loving discipline and the call to reject lukewarmness by putting on the armor of light. It then establishes Christ’s supremacy as the True Bread from heaven and the one True Light who came into the world He created. Through Scripture and commentary, the study carefully shows how His light shines upon all humanity but is received only through faith in Him, transferring believers from darkness into His marvelous light at salvation. Because the Holy Spirit now indwells every believer, Christ — the True Light — lives in us, enabling us to walk in the light, live as children of light, and let His light shine through us into a dark world.
Meeting 24 – 05/21/24
Living in the Light as Children of Light – Part 2
Daily and Intentional Renewal: Putting Off Darkness, Putting on Christ and the Armor of Light
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In this continuation of “Living in the Light as Children of Light,” believers are reminded that Christ, the true Light, now dwells in us as His temple, transferring us from darkness into His kingdom of love, joy, and warmth. The study explores how to daily and intentionally walk in this light by being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, denying self, putting off works of darkness, and putting on the armor of light and the Lord Jesus Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 5, Romans 13, James 4, and other passages, it emphasizes humble submission to God, resistance to the enemy, and the Spirit’s enabling power to partake in the divine nature and shine Christ’s light into a dark world.
Meeting 25 – 07/16/24
Living in the Light as Children of Light – Part 3
Salt and Light: How Believers Stay Salty, Shiny, and Impactful in a Dark World
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In this third part of the series on walking and living in the light, the study recaps the call to daily intentionality—putting off darkness, putting on the armor of light, and clothing ourselves with Christ—while diving deeper into Jesus’ command for believers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). It explores how to remain “salty and shiny” by refusing conformity to the world, embracing the cost of discipleship, holding fast to the Word of Life, and shining brightly as children of God in a crooked generation, all made possible through being born again by faith in Christ.
Meeting 26 – 08/20/24
Beware of False Light, False Teachers, and False Prophets – Part 1
Deception: When Darkness Masquerades as Light
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This Bible study launches a new series by recapping the believer’s call to shine as salt and light in a dark world (Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 2:15-16), then issues a solemn warning against “false light” that can deceive even sincere people. Focusing on Luke 11:33-36 and Matthew 6:22-23, it explores Jesus’ teaching that the eye is the lamp of the body—healthy eyes fill us with true light, while unhealthy ones allow darkness to flood in. Drawing from commentaries (Expositor’s, Believer’s Bible, Got Questions), the study highlights the peril of self-deception, worldly wisdom masquerading as illumination, and Satan’s tactics: lying, blinding minds (2 Corinthians 4:4), and disguising himself and his servants as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; John 8:44). Believers are urged to pursue spiritual discernment to ensure the light within them is genuinely from Christ.
Meeting 27 – 09/17/24
Beware of False Light, False Teachers, and False Prophets – Part 2
Discernment: Testing Spirits and Guarding Against Deception
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This Bible study (Part 2 in the series) recaps biblical warnings about false light and deceptive teachers who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13-15), then explores key Scriptures on discernment: the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-43), testing the spirits (1 John 4:1-6), and the Spirit of Truth who guides believers (John 14-16). Drawing on commentaries from Vine’s, BibleRef, and Ray Stedman, it emphasizes the spiritual battle behind false teachings and the need to know God’s Word intimately—like a bank teller spotting counterfeits—to instantly recognize error. The study concludes with practical advice on Bible translations, cautioning against single-author paraphrases that may introduce bias, and recommending word-for-word versions for deeper study, preparing for Part 3’s examples of deceptive teachings.
Meeting 28 – 11/19/24
Beware of False Light, False Teachers, and False Prophets – Part 3
False Teachers: Exposing Universalist Deceptions and Scriptural Twists
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This Bible study (Part 3 in a series) recaps key principles for discernment, including the parable of the wheat and tares, testing the spirits (1 John 4:1-6), and rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). It then examines real-world examples of “false light” and deceptive teachings, focusing heavily on universalism—the erroneous idea that all humanity is automatically saved or included in Christ. Through side-by-side comparisons of standard translations (ESV, NKJV, etc.) with heavily altered paraphrases from Francois du Toit’s Mirror Bible (e.g., John 1:11-12, 3:3, 3:17-18; Romans 3:23-26), the study highlights how Scriptures are twisted to deny the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation, sonship, and escape from condemnation. Additional examples include quotes promoting inclusion without repentance, warning believers to reject such ideologies and cling to contextual biblical truth. There is also an in-depth homework section for deeper study.
Meeting 29 – 12/17/24
Belonging to Christ: Believers are Heavenly Citizens, Sons, and Heirs
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This Bible study explores the transformative reality of belonging to Christ through faith, showing how it is equivalent to being “in Christ.” Beginning with a recap of “in Adam” versus “in Christ” and rejecting universalism, it examines key Scriptures (Romans 8, Galatians 3, Ephesians 1, and others) to reveal that believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit as God’s own, adopted as sons and daughters, made spiritual heirs of Abraham’s promise, and granted heavenly citizenship. The study emphasizes the spiritual inheritance of righteousness, the indwelling Holy Spirit, eternal life, and intimate fellowship with God—both now and forever—while calling believers to live in this new identity.
Meeting 30 – 01/21/25
The Triune God
Trinity: One God in Three Persons – Eternal Union and the Believer’s Inclusion Through Faith
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This foundational study begins with a recap of the believer’s new identity and inheritance in Christ, then examines the unified work of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in creation (Genesis 1, John 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1), with the Spirit hovering to bring order and life. It affirms God’s oneness (Deuteronomy 6:4 and others) while clearly presenting three distinct persons, explores the Word becoming flesh in the incarnation, and traces the shift from Christ being “with” disciples to the Holy Spirit indwelling believers after Jesus’ ascension (John 14–16). The study culminates in the believer’s profound union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 14:20, 17:21–23; 1 Corinthians 6:17; 1 John 4:13), revealing how faith brings us into the same divine fellowship shared eternally among the Godhead.
Meeting 31 – 02/18/25
Walking in Fullness of Life and Power Through Christ – Part 1
Holy Spirit Power: Resurrection Life and Receiving Christ’s Gifts Through Faith
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In this foundational Part 1 study, we recap the believer’s profound union with the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—before diving deeper into the Holy Spirit’s resurrection power indwelling every believer from the moment of faith. Drawing from Ephesians, Romans, Colossians, and 2 Peter, we explore how God makes us alive in vital union with Christ, fills us with divine fullness, grants all things for life and godliness, and invites us to partake in the divine nature. The study culminates in celebrating Christ’s lavish gifts received through faith—His enduring peace, complete joy, glory, love, the Holy Spirit as guarantee, and abundant eternal life—empowering victorious living beyond natural limits, with homework reinforcing our intimate relationship and indwelling presence.
Meeting 32 – 03/18/25
Walking in Fullness of Life and Power Through Christ – Part 2
Holy Spirit Power: Indwelling Resurrection Power and Clothing Yourself with Christ
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In this Part 2 study, we recap the believer’s full access to the Holy Spirit’s resurrection power—the same power that raised Christ—enabling us to live in union with Him and partake in the divine nature through intentional choice. Building on Christ’s gifts of joy, peace, abundant eternal life, and the Helper who works within us, we explore practical steps to walk out this new life: yielding to the Spirit without resistance, removing “dirty clothes” of darkness, and intentionally “clothing ourselves” with the Lord Jesus Christ, the armor of light, the new nature, humility, mercy, and power from on high (drawing from Romans 13, Galatians 3, Ephesians 4 & 6, Colossians 3, and more). This leads to eternal “further clothing” in immortality, preparing us for a deeper dive into renewing the mind and putting on the new nature in the next session.
Meeting 33 – 04/18/25
Walking in Fullness of Life and Power Through Christ – Part 3
Holy Spirit Power: Renewing the Mind and Putting on the New Nature
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In this third part of “Walking in Fullness of Life and Power Through Christ,” the study recaps Christ’s gifts through faith (peace, joy, love, Holy Spirit, divine nature) and being “properly dressed” temporally and eternally, then explores Ephesians 4:22-25’s exhortation to put off the corrupt old self, renew the mind via the Spirit, and put on the righteous new self as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). It reconciles the present-tense practical command with past-tense positional realities (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:9-11; Galatians 5:24), highlighting Spirit-led mortification of sin (Romans 8:13) over fleshly effort, with deeper Greek insights (e.g., “put off” as apotithemi), commentaries on daily choice amid lingering influences, practical examples like speaking truth instead of falsehood, a table comparing key scriptures’ tenses and aspects, and a conclusion affirming holistic transformation. Homework encourages rereading Ephesians 4:17-32, Romans 6, and Colossians 3 to connect renewal with daily living.
Meeting 34 – 05/20/25
Walking in Fullness of Life and Power Through Christ – Part 4
Weapons of Warfare: Spiritual Power for Obedience and Confronting False Teachings
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In this fourth part of “Walking in Fullness of Life and Power Through Christ,” the study recaps putting off the old self and on the new (Ephesians 4:17-32), emphasizing intentional focus through scriptures like Hebrews 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:1-2, before diving into 2 Corinthians 10:4-6’s spiritual weapons (Word of God, prayer, faith, Gospel, fruit of the Spirit) for demolishing strongholds and ensuring obedience to Christ amid false teachings. It explores Paul’s patient authority in confronting troublemakers influenced by Roman culture’s rhetoric, pluralism, Stoicism, and Epicureanism—likely “super-apostles” or Judaizers—while tying to Romans 8:13’s Spirit-led mortification of sin and 2 Corinthians 2:5-11’s forgiveness. Deeper notes preview old vs. new nature, with homework listing “put off/put on” behaviors (e.g., falsehood for truthfulness) and 2 Peter 1:5-8’s diligent character development for transformation into Christ’s image.
Meeting 35 – 08/19/25
Abiding in the Vine – Part 1
The Anointing: How the Holy Spirit Teaches Us to Remain in Him
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In this introductory part of “Abiding in the Vine,” the study recaps prior topics like old vs. new nature and shifts to 1 John 2:20-28, revealing the “anointing” as the Holy Spirit—received from Christ, abiding in believers, teaching truth amid false doctrines, and guiding how to remain in fellowship with Him. It explores connections to walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), allowing His leading (Romans 8:14), partaking in divine nature through promises (2 Peter 1:3-4), and discerning God’s gifts (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), forming a progression for overcoming fleshly desires via free-will abiding. Deeper insights include 1 John’s audience context, detailed Holy Spirit roles from John 14-16 (e.g., Helper, Advocate, Teacher), and functions like convicting, guiding, and glorifying Christ. Homework focuses on John 14-16 and 1 John 1-3 for personal reflection on abiding.
Meeting 36 – 09/16/25
Abiding in the Vine – Part 2
The True Vine: Fruitfulness, Pruning, and the Danger of Withering
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In this second part of “Abiding in the Vine,” the study recaps the Holy Spirit’s anointing as an abiding teacher (1 John 2:20-28) and affirms believers receive the Spirit upon faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 3:2 et al.), tying to permanent indwelling. It explores John 15:1-17’s allegory, with Jesus as the True Vine and the Father as nurturing Vinedresser who “lifts up” unfruitful branches and prunes fruitful ones for growth, emphasizing “abide” (menō) as ongoing relational dwelling through Scripture immersion, prayer, mind renewal, and Spirit reliance. Benefits include bearing much fruit, joy, and answered prayers, while consequences involve withering from self-reliance or worldly entanglements, potentially leading to lost rewards but not salvation for true believers. Interpretations favor viewing unfruitful branches as disciplined believers; homework encourages meditating on John 15 and Spirit-reception verses, with a deeper reconciliation of Acts 19’s transitional events against epistles’ immediate sealing.
Meeting 37 – 09/16/25
Abiding in the Vine – Part 3
Abiding in Christ Through Dying to Self: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
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In this third part of “Abiding in the Vine,” the study recaps the reception of the Holy Spirit upon belief and the John 15 allegory emphasizing ongoing relationship with Christ for fruitfulness. It explores how dying to self facilitates abiding by clearing fleshly entanglements (Galatians 5:24), drawing from Romans 8:1-5,13 to highlight Spirit-empowered living over self-reliance for abundant life. Addressing the tension between legalistic “hard work” and relational surrender, it dives into key “dying to self” passages (e.g., Luke 9:23; John 12:24-25; Galatians 2:20), includes commentary and a Spurgeon devotional on focusing on Christ amid spiritual warfare, and warns against extremes like hyper-grace or legalism. Deeper sections expand on practical meanings, implementation without legalism, and ties to John 15’s pruning for mutual abiding and fruit. Homework encourages rereading John 15 alongside dying to self verses, prefixed by Romans 8:13, to see connections.
Meeting 38 – 01/20/26
Abiding in the Vine – Part 4
Beyond Rules: Spirit-Empowered Surrender and Deeper Union with Christ – Deeper Abiding
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In this fourth part of “Abiding in the Vine,” the study explores the necessity of dying to self to maintain a life-giving connection with Christ, specifically contrasting futile, flesh-powered rule-keeping with Spirit-led obedience. By examining Colossians 2-3, Romans 8:13, and 2 Peter 1:5-7, the text illustrates that “mortifying” sin is not a matter of human willpower, but a spiritual battle won through yielding to the Holy Spirit. A central theme is the “weed” analogy: just as entanglements can choke a plant, sinful desires act as weeds that block the flow of life from the Vine, leading to spiritual dryness and fruitlessness. Ultimately, the study highlights the divine-human cooperation found in Philippians 2:12-13, encouraging believers to replace legalistic self-effort with a faith-fueled diligence that allows the Spirit to produce lasting fruit and deeper union with the True Vine.
Meeting 39 – 02/17/26
Intimacy with Christ Through Deeper Abiding – Part 1
Drawing Near: The Path to Deeper Fellowship
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In this first part of our series on Intimacy with Christ Through Deeper Abiding, we revisit the joy of Spirit-led living over self-effort and dive into James 4:7–10 (in the full context of vv. 1–10). Starting with the invitation “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” we honestly wrestle with how this invitation fits alongside our unbreakable union with Christ—already seated with Him and indwelt by His Spirit. The answer lies in experiencing deeper fellowship through humble repentance, intentional surrender, and daily abiding in the True Vine. James gives us a beautiful roadmap to restored closeness with God, all empowered by the Holy Spirit, showing that true intimacy flows naturally when we choose to draw near. James also warns against double-mindedness, reminding us that loving both God and the world hinders our abiding in Christ.
I have all the above studies saved down into one combined PDF booklet with bookmarks that is up-to-date with the latest study noted above which you can download here:
Finding Treasure in The Word – Meeting 01 – 39 as of 02-01-26
The Bible translations, thought for thought and paraphrase Bibles I use for deep studies:
Word for word translations: AMP, AMPC, ESV, KJV, NASB.
Thought for thought translations:
NKJV which is word for word that leans towards thought for thought.
NLT which is thought for thought that leans towards paraphrase.
The NLT is my favorite for general study and devotional reading and for deeper studies I am digging into: KJV Bible (Hebrew, Greek, English) Keyed to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, AMP, AMPC & ESV.
I have placed two very handy Bible translation charts that will help you quickly see which category Bible translations fall under.
Here is a handy table that shows the Bible versions I use for study at a quick glance:
| Category | Translations I Use | Usage |
| Word-for-Word | AMP, AMPC, ESV, KJV, NASB | Primary for deep study; high accuracy to original texts. |
| Thought-for-Thought | NKJV (leans from word-for-word) NLT (leans toward paraphrase) | NKJV for readable accuracy; NLT for devotional/general reading. |
| Paraphrase | (None primarily) | Generally avoid for study due to added interpretation. |
Check out my RECOMMENDED RESOURCES FOR BIBLE STUDY page for more in-depth Bible study tools and references for help with deep-dive Bible study. There is much treasure to be found in the Word of God, but you have to dig to find it.
Christ in You (Good News) Study Map 