Lecture Notes: Testing and Knowing Yourself

Introduction

• Focus on eschatology in the book, especially end-time prophecies.
• Today's lesson: Testing and Knowing Yourself.
  • Definitions: test vs. testing, know vs. knowing.
  • Main topics: establishing your mind, making ready your fruit, knowing your enemy.
• Upcoming sessions will focus on the book of Revelations.

Rules for the Session

• Keep mics muted unless speaking.
• Use the room feature to raise hands for questions.
• Questions must be on topic, with a 60-second limit.
• Recordings are being made for live teachings.

Key Scripture and Themes

• James 1:15: Lust leads to sin, sin leads to death.
  • Discussion on lust: positive vs. negative desires.
  • Lust can lead to idolatry and take focus away from the divine.
• 1 John 2:16: Lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life are worldly.
  • Examples of lust: money, drugs, alcohol, fornication, selfish desires.

Concepts and Definitions

• Lust: Violent movement or force; desire, impulse, spirit.
• Conceive: To gather, trap, or capture.
  • Lust, when conceived, leads to sin and ultimately death.

First Fruits

• James 1:16-18: First fruits concept.
  • Israel as the first fruit; new believers as a kind of first fruit.
  • Discussion on giving the Father your best.
  • Importance of stewardship and maturity.
• Grapes in Scripture:
  • Various types: first fruits, wild grapes, sour grapes.
  • Symbolism in prophecy and teachings.

Establishing the Heart

• James 5:7-9: Patience and establishment of heart.
  • Do not grumble; focus on spiritual growth and readiness.

Testing and Trials

• Importance of being tested to reveal obedience and maturity.
• 1 John 3 & Daniel 12: Sin as transgression of the law.
  • Testing purges and purifies for wisdom.
• James 1:12-14: Temptation and desire.
  • Personal desires can lure and entice away from righteousness.

Knowing Your Enemy

• Wisdom of Solomon 2:24: Envy of the devil brought death.
• Jubilees 1:20: Prayer to resist the spirit of Belial.
• Zechariah 3:1 & Revelation 12:10: The accuser stands against believers.

Final Thoughts

• Examine and test yourself regularly.
• Focus on walking in spiritual truths and maintaining strong faith.
• Be aware of spiritual adversaries and maintain vigilance.
• The importance of humility, patience, and endurance in preparing for end times.