Our Living Lord 

Christ’s Character, Attributes, and Works

 A Scriptural Self-Study 

“How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways. . . .”  Thus began a sonnet composed by Elizabeth Barrett to her future husband, Robert Browning.  In like manner and in even greater measure should we “count the ways” that we love, adore, revere, and magnify Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  He is worthy of all our heartfelt praise, humble adoration, sincere devotion, diligent service, and eternal glory!

Few of us realize how wonderful and glorious our loving Lord is!  Many tend to view Him superficially, merely noting the description of Him in Scripture and passing on to something else.  They become “dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11b) or “dull of reading” and simply do not think deeply about the exalted One revealed on the pages of the written Word.  They surely recognize that Jesus was called “Christ,” that He was the Son of God, and that He died for them on the cross.  But seldom do people take a long, careful, concentrated look at the identity of Jesus and how they are to respond to Him.

We must come to see, in an ever-increasing way, the wonders of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We must read and diligently study Scripture to see His exalted character and position of supremacy over heaven and earth.  We must examine the Bible with “great eagerness” (Acts 17:11) in our quest to learn more about Jesus–who He is, what qualities He possesses, what He has done, what He is doing, what He will do, and how we are to be related to Him.  Christ must be the primary focus of our interest and attention.  We must “fix our eyes on Jesus” and “consider Him” long and lovingly and carefully if we would be impressed with His glory (cf. Heb. 12:2,3).  We must come to understand that “He Himself” is to have “first place in everything” (Col. 1:18b).  As someone aptly remarked, “When all is said and done, all that really matters is Jesus!”

In the past we released a self-study book about the character and attributes of God the Father, entitled OUR GLORIOUS GOD.  The present volume takes a similar approach in examining the Son of God, Christ Jesus the Lord.  Jesus declared that “all should . . . honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.”  He continued, “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him” (John 5:23).  In this study, we wish to “honor” the Son by examining His character, attributes, names, and related descriptions of Him.  We also will notice the blessings we receive through Him and in Him, our relationship to Him (if we are true believers), and how we are to respond to Him.

The exercises are very simple.  Most consist simply of looking up the passages cited and filling in the appropriate word or phrase.  This is meant to focus our attention on a specific name, characteristic, blessing, or work of the Lord.  A measure of variation exists for the sake of interest.  Some may think that these exercises are too elementary.  We admit that they are simple but this simplicity has a value.  You will be able to focus more intently on the truth communicated by the term or words you supply as you fill in the blanks or respond to the question.  The more you center your attention on Jesus, the more impressed you will be of His wonders and greatness.  Consequently, you will be led step by step to see His desirability, attraction, and wonder.  The only reasonable response will be one of adoration, honor, trust, and praise!

The text used is The New American Standard Bible.  It is often considered to be the most accurate, literal and trustworthy translation available today.  While it is better to use this version, another basic and reliable translation may be employed for this study.  (Write for a free paperback copy of the NASB (New Testament) if you would like one for this study and also request informative literature on why this translation was chosen.)

This study may be used in the following ways:

(1) A group of Christians may use this on a weekly basis and they may discuss the characteristics of Christ that are discovered.

(2) Two or three believers may study the book at the kitchen table, then discuss their findings with each other.

(3)  A believer may profitably use this on his own, simply to discover more about the Lord Jesus whom he or she serves.

After covering a portion of the material, it would be fitting to spend a time in prayer and praise of the Lord Jesus, in view of His marvelous character and wondrous works.  Devote yourself anew to a life in which Christ is central and reigns supreme over all that you think (2 Cor. 10:5), say (Col. 3:17), and do (1 Cor. 10:31).  If you sincerely work your way through this study and apply what you learn to your own life, you will be able to say with Paul the apostle: “To me, to live is Christ . . . .Christ . . . is [my] life” (Phil. 1:21; Col. 3:4).

(1)  The Character of Christ

Scripture again and again refers to the characteristics of the Lord Jesus Christ.  One frequent way that the New Testament writers do this is to mention the quality, characteristic, or trait of Jesus, using this form of expression:  “The [term] of Jesus.”  Let us examine a number of these scriptures.  (Those who wish to study the given quality in detail may examine all of the references provided.  Those who simply wish to locate the given word may only want to read the first one cited.)

(1)  “The ____________ of our Lord Jesus” (Romans 16:20b).

(2)  “The ____________ of our Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:4; cf. 2 Peter 1:16b).

(3)  “The ____________ of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4; cf. 2 Cor. 3:18).

(4)  “The ____________ of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:14a).

(5)  “The ____________ and ____________ of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:1).

(6)  “The ____________ of Christ” (Eph. 4:13b).

(7)  “The ____________ of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:8b).

(8)  “The ____________ of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5b).

(9)  “The ____________ of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1b).

(10)  “The ____________ of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 21b; cf. 1 Cor. 7:25).

(11)  “The ____________ of the Lamb” (Rev. 6:16b).

• “The ____________ of His [God’s] Christ” (Rev. 12:10).

 

(2) Christ’s Character (Using Modifiers)

Another way that we can learn something about the Lord Jesus is to notice how references to Him employ modifiers.  These modifiers reveal more aspects of His perfect character.  Notice this in the following passages.  Simply fill in the blanks, then list the characteristics on the lines that follow the exercise.

(1)  “This is My ____________ Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt. 3:17b; cf. 17:5b).

(2)  “The ____________ offspring shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35b).  “We have believed and have come to know that You are the ____________ One of God” (John 6:69; cf. Mark 1:24).

(3)  “. . . to see the ____________ One” (Acts 22:14; cf. Acts 7:52; 2 Tim. 4:8b).  “The ____________ and ___________ One” (Acts 3:14).

(4)  “Our ____________ God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13b).  “The ____________ Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20).

(5)  “. . . a ____________ and ____________ high priest” (Heb. 2:17).

(6)  “Our ____________ Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1a).

(7)  “Jesus Christ, the ____________ witness” (Rev. 1:5a).

(8)  “. . . the ____________ and __________ Witness” (Rev. 3:14b).

List these modifiers that tell us of Christ’s character and greatness:

(a)  _______________  (b)  _______________  (c)  ____________

(b)  _______________  (c)  _______________  (d)  ____________

(e)  _______________  (f)  _______________

 

(3)  Additional Attributes of our Lord

As one reads through Scripture with discernment, he will notice many additional references to Christ’s character.  All of these passages help to fill in our view of the Lord and give us a deeper comprehension of His divine attributes.  In the following exercise, read the passages, supply the missing words, then write the specific quality or attribute on the line in the left column.

(1) ____________  “The Lord is ____________” (2 Thess. 3:3a; cf. 2 Tim. 2:13a; Heb. 3:2a).

(2) ____________  “Christ the ____________ of God” (1 Cor.1:24; cf. Phil. 3:21b; Col. 1:29).

(3) ____________ (4)_____________  “. . . in whom [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of  ______________ and ________________” (Col. 2:3).

(5) ____________  “After looking around at them with _________, grieved at their hardness of heart” (Mark 3:5a).

(6) ____________  “. . . having ____________ His own who were in the world, He ____________ them to the end” (John 13:1b; cf. 15:12).

(7) ____________  “____________ I leave with you; My _______ I give to you” (John 14:27a; cf.  2 Thess. 3:16a).

(8) ____________  “. . . one who by the ____________ of the Lord is trustworthy” (1 Cor. 7:25b; cf. 2 Tim. 1:16a,18a).

(9) ____________  “Jesus Christ the ____________” (1 John 2:1b; cf. 1 John 2:29; 3:7b; Heb. 1:9a; Rev. 19:11b).

(10) ____________ (11)______________ “I am ____________ and ____________ in heart” (Matt. 11:29).

(12) ____________  “My ____________ is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9; cf. John 1:14b,16).

(13) ____________  “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His ____________” (Eph. 6:10).

(14) ____________  “I long for you all with the ____________ of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:8b).

(15) ____________  “. . . the ____________ of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5b).

(16) ____________  “We do not have a high priest who cannot  __________ with our weaknesses” (Heb. 4:15)

(17) ____________  “Christ also died for sins once for all, the ____________ for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18a)

(18) ____________  “. . . a Son, made ____________ forever” (Heb. 7:28b; cf. 5:9).

(19) ____________  “Moved with ____________, Jesus touched their eyes” (Matt. 20:34; cf. 14:14b; 9:36).

(20) ____________  “. . . He who is ____________” (Rev. 3:7b).

(21) ____________  “In Him there is _____ _______” (1 John 3:5b; cf. 1 Pet. 1:19; 2:22).

(22) ____________ (23) ____________ (24) ____________ “It was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, _____________, ____________, ____________from sinners and exalted above the heavens” (Heb. 7:26).

(25) ____________ (26) _____________ “Teacher, we know that You are ____________and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are ____________________ to any” (Matt. 22:16; Rev. 6:10).

(27) ____________  “. . . we beheld His ____________, glory as of the only begotten from the           Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14b; cf. Matt. 25:31a).

(28) ____________  “. . . Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and _________________” (Heb. 2:9).

(29) ____________  “. . . He is ____________” (1 John 3:3b).

(30) ____________  “He will be ____________” (Luke 1:32a).

(31) ____________  “Thou gavest Him ____________ over all mankind” (John 17:2a; cf. Matt. 28:18b).

(32) ____________  “Jesus Christ is the ____________ yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Heb. 13:8)

(33) ____________  “These things I have spoken to you, that My  ____________ may be in you, and that your _________ may be made full” (John 15:11; cf. 17:13).

(34) ____________  “. . . we were eyewitnesses of His ____________” (2 Peter 1:16b).

(4)  Names, Designations, and Metaphors for Christ

We may learn something about Jesus by noting the dozens of different terms or “names” used to designate Him.  Some have reference to His office or position; for example, “Christ” (Greek), “Messiah” (Hebrew), or “Anointed One” (English).  Others have reference to His relationship, such as “Son of God.”  Still others have his activities in view, such as Teacher, Rabbi, and Prophet.  Then there are ones that convey a certain imagery, such as Lamb, Light, and Shepherd.  All of these are significant since they reveal to us various facets of our Lord’s wondrous character and identity. In the following lengthy section, look up the passages and write in the appropriate term or terms.

(1)  “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name ____________, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21; cf. Luke 1:31).

(2)  “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name ____________,’ which translated means, ‘God with us'” (Matt. 1:23).

(3)  “Where is He who has been born _________  ____  ______ _________?” (Matt. 2:2a).

(4)  “Out of you shall come forth a ____________, who will shepherd My people Israel” (Matt. 2:6b).

(5)  “He shall be called a ____________” (Matt. 2:23b).

(6)  “Behold, My ____________ who I have chosen; My ____________ in whom My soul is well-pleased” (Matt. 12:18; cf. 3:17; Rom. 15:8).

(7)  “Lord, have mercy on us, _______ ___ ________!” (Matt. 20:30b; cf. 9:27b; 12:23b).

(8)  “One is your ____________, that is, Christ” (Matt. 23:10b).

(9)  “Is not this the ____________, the _______ ____ __________, and ____________ of James and Joses, and Judas, and Simon?” (Mark 6:3a).

(10)  “Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the ____________ from on high shall visit us” (Luke 1:78).

(11)  “Today in the city of David there has been born for you a ____________, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11; cf. John 4:42b).

(12)  “Is this not __________  ________?” (Luke 4:22b).

(13)  “In the beginning was the __________, and the __________ was with God, and the __________ was ___________”  (John 1:1).

(14)  “Behold, the __________  ___ ________ who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29; cf. v. 36; Rev. 7:17a).

(15)  “____________ (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” (John 1:38b).

(16)  “We have found the ____________ (which translated means Christ)” (John 1:41b).

(17)  “Nathanael answered Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the ________  ___  _______; You are the ________  ___ __________”  (John 1:49; cf. 12:13b).

(18)  “. . . the angels of God ascending and descending on the ________  ___  ________” (John 1:51b).

(19)  “He who has the bride is the ____________” (John 3:29).

(20)  “This is of a truth the ____________ who is to come into the world” (John 6:14b; cf. 4:19b; 7:40b; Luke 24:19).

(21)  “You call Me ____________ and Lord; and you are right; for so I am” (John 13:13).

(22)  “Behold, the ____________!” (John 19:5b).

(23)  “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My ____________ and my ____________!” (John 20:28; cf. Acts 10:36; Rom. 10:12; Heb. 1:8b).

(24)  “These have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the ____________, the __________  ___  ________” (John 20:31).

(25)  “. . . the ____________ of life” (Acts 3:15).

(26)  “The ____________ will come from Zion” (Rom. 11:26).

(27)  “There shall come the ____________ of Jesse”  (Rom. 15:12).

(28)  “. . . the _________  ___  ________” (1 Cor. 2:8).

(29)  “No man can lay a ______________ other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).

(30)  “Christ our ____________ also has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7).

(31)  “The __________  __________ became a life-giving spirit” (1 Cor. 15:45b).

(32)  “The __________  __________ is from heaven (1 Cor. 15:47b).

(33)  “I betrothed you to one ____________, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin” (2 Cor. 11:2b).

(34)  “He [God] put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as ____________ over _____  _________ to the church [community]” (Eph. 1:22b; cf. 5:23)

(35)  “Christ Jesus Himself being the _________ _______” (Eph. 2:20).

(36)  “. . . the ______________ of all creation” (Col. 1:15; cf. 1:18).

(37)  “Christ in you, the __________  ___ ____________”  (Col. 1:27b).

(38)  “Christ, who is our __________” (Col. 3:4).

(39)  “The Lord, the righteous ____________” (2 Tim. 4:8b; cf. Acts 10:43).

(40)  “[God] . . . to perfect the __________ of their _____________ through sufferings” (Heb. 2:10).

(41)  “Consider Jesus, the ____________ and __________  _____________ of our confession” (Heb. 3:1).

(42)  “Jesus has become the ____________ of a better covenant” (Heb. 7:22).

(43)  “. . . a ____________ in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, not man” (Heb. 8:2).

(44)  “He is also the ____________ of a better covenant”  (Heb. 8:6; cf. 12:24a).

(45)  “. . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the ____________ and ____________ of faith” (Heb. 12:2a).

(46)  “Behold I lay in Zion a __________  __________, a  __________  __________  ________” (1 Pet. 2:6b).

(47)  “. . . a __________ of stumbling and a ___________ of offense” (1 Pet. 2:8; cf. Rom. 9:33; Acts 4:11; Matt. 21:42).

(48)  “. . . you have returned to the ____________ and ____________ of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25b; cf. Heb. 13:20a; 1 Pet. 5:4; Matt. 26:31b).

(49)  “If anyone sins, we have an ____________ with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

(50)  “Deny our only ____________ and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4b; cf. 2 Pet. 2:1).

(51)  “I am the __________ and the __________, and the ____________ One” (Rev. 1:17b-18a).

(52)  “The ________, the faithful and true ____________, the ____________ of the creation of God” (Rev. 3:14b; cf. 1:5a).

(53)  “. . . the __________ that is from the tribe of Judah, the __________ of __________” (Rev. 5:5).

(54)  “. . . the Lamb will overcome them, because He is __________ of __________ and __________ of __________” (Rev. 17:14b; cf. 19:16).

(55)  “. . . He who sat upon it is called ____________ and __________” (Rev. 19:11b).

(56)  “. . . His name is called the _________ of _______” (Rev. 19:13b).

(57)  “I am the __________ and the ____________, the __________ and the __________, the __________ and the _________” (Rev. 22:13).

(58)  “I am the __________ and the ____________ of David, the bright __________  __________” (Rev. 22:16b). 

 

(5)  Witnesses to Christ’s Character and Identity

We come to know the identity and character of our Lord Jesus not simply through the testimony of one or two speakers or writers, but through many different ones scattered upon the pages of the New Testament (and the Old Covenant writings as well).  In the following exercise, identify the speaker or writer of the statement, and place his or her name or identification on the blank at the left.

(1) ____________  “Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1).

(2) ____________  “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:2).

(3) ____________  “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt. 3:17).

(4) ____________  “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16).

(5) ____________  “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matt. 21:9).

(6) ____________  “Have nothing to do with that righteous  man” (Matt. 27:19).

(7) ____________  “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matt. 27:54).

(8) ____________  “Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).

(9) ____________  “I know who You are–the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24).

(10) ____________  “What do I have to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” (Mk 5:7).

(11) ____________  “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:37).

(12) ____________  “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. . . . The holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:32,35).

(13) ____________  “There has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

(14) ____________  “I find no guilt in this man” (Luke 23:4).

(15) ____________  “This man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41).

(16) ____________  “Certainly this man was innocent” (Luke 23:47b).

(17) ____________  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

(18) ____________  “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

(19) ____________  “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).

(20) ____________  “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45).

(21) ____________  “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

(22) ____________  “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).

(23) ____________  “We have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

(24) ____________  “Never did a man speak the way this man speaks” (John 7:46).

(25) ____________  “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing” (John 9:33).

(26) ____________  “I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27).

(27) ____________  “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

(28) ____________  “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior” (Acts 5:31a).

(29) ____________  “I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).

(30) ____________  “He is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20).

(31) ____________  “Our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1).

(32) ____________, ____________, ____________  “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing” (Rev. 5:12)

 

(6)  Christ’s Relationship to God the Father

Our own identity is established and understood in our relationship with God.  The same is true of Christ Jesus.  We can more fully understand Christ the Son as we see how He was and is related to God the Father.  Notice certain terms used of Christ that connect Him to the Father.

(1)  “. . . the only begotten God [or Son] who is in the __________ of the Father, He has __________ Him” (John 1:18b).

(2)  “[The Son] was calling God His own Father, making Himself __________ with God” (John 5:18b).

(3)  “I and the Father are __________” (John 10:30).

(4)  “He who has seen Me [the Son] has seen the ____________”  (John 14:9b).

(5)  “Do you not believe that ________ am in the ____________, and the ____________ is in Me?” (John 14:10a; cf. v. 11a).

(6)  “. . . the glory of Christ, who is the ____________ of God” (2 Cor. 4:4b).

(7)  “He [Christ] existed in the __________ of God” (Phil. 2:6).

(8)  “He is the ___________ of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15a).

(9)  “In Him [Christ] all the ____________ of __________ dwells in bodily form” (Col. 2:9).

(10)  “He [Christ] is the ____________ of His [God’s] __________ and the exact ______________ of His nature” (Heb. 1:3).

 

(7)  The Superlative Savior!

The writers of Scripture were enraptured with the worth and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Sometimes they employed superlatives in order to emphasize the greatness of Christ and His character.  Notice the following examples.

(1) “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with ____________ power and glory” (Mark 13:26).

(2) “The grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, ____________ to the many” (Romans 5:15).

(3) “The ______________ riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8).

(4) “. . . to know the love of Christ which _____________  ____________” (Eph. 3:19).

(5)  “. . . the presence of the Lord and from the ________ of His power” (2 Thess. 1:9b).

(6) “The grace of our Lord was more than ______________” (1 Tim. 1:14a).

(7) “Jesus Christ might demonstrate His ______________ patience” (1 Tim. 1:16b).

(8) “. . . the appearing of our _________ God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13).

 

(8)  Spiritual Blessings Through Christ

As we more clearly see how crucial Christ is to our own spiritual and eternal welfare, we will be led to glorify Him.  Notice some of the spiritual blessings offered and granted to us “through” the Lord Jesus.

(1)  “Through Him ____________ of ________ is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38b; cf. 10:43).

(2)  “Through Him everyone who believes is ____________ from  _____   __________” (Acts 13:39a).

(3)  “We have ____________ with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

(4)  “Through whom [Christ] also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this __________ in which we stand” (Rom. 5:2a).

(5)  “We shall be __________ from the wrath of God through Him” (Rom. 5:9b).

(6)  “Our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the ______________” (Rom. 5:11b; cf. 2 Cor. 5:18).

(7)  “Those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will __________ in ________ through the One, Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:17b).

(8)  “Grace might reign through righteousness to ____________  __________ through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:21b).

(9)  “In all these things we overwhelmingly ____________ through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

(10)  “Thanks be to God who gives us the ____________ through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

(11)  “Our ___________ is abundant through Christ” (2 Cor. 1:5).

(12)  “He [God] predestined us to ____________ as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself” (Eph. 1:5).

(13)  “Through Him [Christ] we both have our __________ in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18).

(14)  “Having been filled with the __________  of _____________ which comes through Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:11a).

(15)  “. . . through Him [Christ] to ____________ all things to Himself” (Col. 1:20a).

(16)  “God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining ____________ through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9).

(17)  “God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might __________ through Him” (1 John 4:9b).

 

(9)  Spiritual Blessings in Union with Christ

Not only are God’s blessings given through Christ, but they are granted to those who are in union with Him.  The phrases, “in Christ,” “in whom,” and “in Him,” are found repeatedly in the New Covenant writings and some of these connect spiritual gifts directly to the state of being “in” the Lord.  Those who believe “into” Christ Jesus (cf. 1 Tim. 1:16; John 3:16) and are “baptized into Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27) are introduced into a whole realm of blessings and benefits which are found only “in” Christ Jesus the Savior.  Paul summed it up well in writing, “God . . . has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3).

In the following exercise fill in the omitted words in order to see how dependent we are upon Christ for all spiritual blessings.  (Additional verse are cited for those who wish to examine them.)

(1)  “He who abides in Me, and I in him, he __________ much __________” (John 15:5b).

(2) “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be

________ ______ ________” (John 15:7).

(3) “There is therefore now ____ _______________ for those who are in Christ Jesus”(Rom. 8:1).

(4) “The __________ of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

(5) “_____________ in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2).

(6) “The ____________ of God which was given us in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:4; cf. Eph. 1:6; 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:9b; 2:1).

(7) “In everything you were ____________ in Him” (1 Cor. 1:5).

(8) “In any man is in Christ, he is a _________ ______________” (2 Cor. 5:17; cf. Eph. 2:10)

(9) “We might become the ______________ of God in Him [Christ]” (2 Cor. 5:21).

(10) “. . . our ____________ which we have in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 2:4).

(11) “You are all __________ of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26).

(12) “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have ____________ yourselves ______           ________” (Gal. 3:27).

(13)”You [believers] are all __________ in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

(14) “He [God] ____________ us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).

(15) “In Him [Christ] we have ____________ through His blood, the ________________ of our trespasses” (Eph. 1:7; cf. Col. 1:13b-14; Romans 3:24).

(16) “You were sealed in Him [Christ] with the  __________ ____________ of promise” (Eph. 1:13b; cf. Gal. 3:14).

(17) “Now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been __________ ________ by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).

(18) “In whom [Christ] you also are being built together into a ____________ of ______ in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:22).

(19) “The Gentiles are __________ ________ and __________ __________ of the body, and __________ ____________ of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6)

(20)”Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have ____________ and ____________ __________through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:11b-12).

(21) “. . . in Him [Christ] you have been made ____________” (Col. 2:10a; cf. 1:28b).

(22)”In Him [Christ] you were also ______________ with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ” (Col. 2:11)

(23)”They also may obtain the _____________ which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2:10b).

(24)”The God of all grace, who called you to His ____________ ________ in Christ” (1 Peter  5:10b; cf. 2 Tim. 2:10b).

(25) “___________ be to you all who are in Christ” (1 Peter 5:14b; cf. John 16:33a).

(26) “Abide in Him [Christ], so that when He appears, we may have _______________ and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming” (1 John 2:28).

(27) “God has given us ____________ ________, and this ________ is in His Son” (1 John 5:11b; cf. Romans 6:23, 11; 2 Tim. 1:1b).

 

(10)  What the Lord Has Done, is Doing, and Will Do

We can learn something further about our Lord Jesus Christ by noting what He has done for us in the past, what He is presently doing for us, and what He will do for us in the future.  Obviously, this alone could be a major study, thus we will examine only several of Christ’s works.

(1)  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you __________” (Matt. 11:28).

(2)  “Him who __________ us” (Rom. 8:37).

(3)  “It was for freedom that Christ ________ _____ ________” (Gal. 5:1).

(4)  “Christ may __________ in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17a).

(5)  “Christ will _________ on you” (Eph. 5:14).

(6)  “Jesus, who __________ us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10b).

(7)  “May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may ____________ your _________ unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thess. 3:12-13).

(8)  “The Lord is faithful, and He will ____________ and ____________ you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3; cf.1 Tim. 1:12).

(9)  “He is able to __________ what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12b).

(10)  “The Lord ________ ______ ______, and ____________ me” (2 Tim. 4:17a).

(11)  “The Lord will ____________ me from every evil deed, and will ________ ______ _________ to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:18a).

(12)  “By one offering He has ____________ for all time those who are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14a).

(13)  “Jesus also, that He might ____________ the people through His own blood” (Heb. 13:12a).

(14)  “He [Jesus] who was born of God __________ him and the evil one does not touch him” (1 John 5:18b).

(15)  “To Him who ________ us, and ____________ us from our sins by His blood” (Rev. 1:5b).

(11)  The Father and the Son

One of the amazing truths that we discover on the pages of Scripture is that the Son has many of the same attributes and works as the Father.  In the present exercise notice several of these parallels.  First, read the passage on the left for the Father, then read the passage on the right for the Son, Christ Jesus.  Then write in the middle how the Father and the Son are united on the passages.

God the Father (1 John 3:24) ______________________________

Christ the Son (Ephesians 3:17) ____________________________

God the Father (Hebrews 13:20) ___________________________

Christ the Son (Ephesians 2: 14, 15, 17) _____________________

God the Father (John 3:36) ______________________________

Christ the Son (Revelation 6:16-17) ________________________

God the Father (Romans 12:1  ) ____________________________

Christ the Son (Jude 21) _________________________________

God the Father (Romans 3:24) ____________________________

Christ the Son (Acts 15:11) ______________________________

God the Father (1 Peter 5:10) _____________________________

Christ the Son (1 Timothy 1:12) ___________________________

God the Father (2 Corinthians 1:9) _________________________

Christ the Son (John 5: 25, 28, 29; 6:44) ____________________

God the Father (1 Timothy 4:10)  __________________________

Christ the Son (1 John 4:14) ______________________________

God the Father (1 John 3:1) _______________________________

Christ the Son (Galatians 2:20) ____________________________

God the Father (Acts 27:23) ______________________________

Christ the Son (1 Corinthians 3:23) _________________________

(This section is mainly taken from a longer study entitled, The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, United with God the Father.)

(12)  Christ’s “I Am” Statements

The Gospel of John is unique in giving us a number of Christ’s “I am” statements.  Here the Lord manifested something more of His glory and greatness.  He not only gave what we need, but He was personally, in Himself, what we need!  In the following exercise, supply the missing words then write a short statement explaining the meaning of Jesus’ claim and what it should signify to you personally.

(1)  “I am _______ __________ _____ _________; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35; cf. v. 48).

“I am _______ __________ ___________ that came down out of heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he shall live forever” (John 6:51a).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

(2)  “I am ______ __________ ____ _____ __________; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“While I am in the world, I am _____ ___________ ____ _____ ____________” (John 9:5; cf. 12:46).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

(3)  “I am _____ _______ ____ _____ _________” (John 10:7b).

“I am _____ _______; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

(4)  “I am ______ ________ _____________; the ______ ___________ lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

“I am ______ ________ _____________; and I know My own, and My own know Me” (John 10:14).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

(5)  “I am _____ _________________ and _____ ___________; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

(6)  “I am the __________, and the __________, and the ________; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

(7)  “I am ______ ________ _________, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

“I am ______ ________, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

MEANING: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

 

(13)  Our Relationship to Christ

Our eternal salvation depends on our relationship to the Lord Jesus.  Unbelievers are those who are “separate from Christ” (Eph. 2:12), while obedient believers are those who are united to Him and are living in Him.  One who is thus in Christ has a special relationship to Him that is expressed in a number of ways in Scripture.  Notice several of these ways in the following scriptures.

(1)  “Whoever does the will of God, he is My __________ and ___________ and __________” (Mark 3:35; cf. Matt. 12:50; Luke 8:21).

(2)  “If you abide in My word, then you are truly ____________ of Mine” (John 8:31b; cf. Luke 14:27; Acts 9:1).

(3)  “You are My ____________, if you do what I command you” (John 15:14).

(4)  “. . .all the more, ____________ in the Lord” (Acts 5:14).

(5)  “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Thy __________ at Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13b).

(6)  “He might be the first-born among many ___________” (Romans 8:29; cf. Heb. 2:11b,17).

(7)  “He who was called while free, is Christ’s ____________” (1 Cor. 7:22; cf. Eph. 6:6).

(8)  “We are a ______________ of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 2:15).

(9)  “We are ______________ for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20).

(10)  “You __________ to Christ” (Gal. 3:29; cf. 5:24; Rom. 14:8).

(11)  “. . . ______________ of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:1; cf. 1 Tim. 4:6b).

(12) “Suffer hardship with me, as a good ____________ of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:3).

(14)  How Should We Respond to Christ?

Since Christ Jesus is the Son of God revealed in such exalted language (as we have discovered), we must respond to Him in a way that corresponds to His exalted position.  The song says it well: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!”  Indeed, we do owe the Lord Jesus everything we are and everything we have!  Jesus is “all” (Col. 3:11), and He deserves ALL!  Our response to Him is described in various ways, using a variety of terminology.

In the following exercise, fill in the omitted words in the passages, then think of appropriate terms that denote the response called for in the verses.  Place the response to Christ on the blank on the left.  (Some terms may be used more than once.)

Response                                  Scripture_____________

 

______________  (1)  “If you __________ me, you will ___________ My commandments” (John 14:15).

______________  (2)  “____________ in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4a).

______________  (3)  “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the __________ of the Lord, knowing that your __________ is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58; cf. Col. 3:23).

______________  (4)  “We have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be ____________ to Him” (2 Cor. 5:9; cf. Eph. 5:10; Col. 1:10).

______________  (5)  “. . . knowing the __________ of the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:11; cf. Eph. 5:21; Col. 3:22).

______________  (6)  “They who live should not longer ________ for themselves, but for _______ who died” (2 Cor. 5:15).

______________  (7)  “They first ________ _______________ to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5).

______________  (8)  “. . . being administered by us for the __________ of the Lord Himself” (2      Cor. 8:19; cf. v. 23).

______________  (9)  “We are taking every thought captive to the ____________ of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5; cf. 1 Peter 1:2).

______________ (10)  “He who __________, let him __________ in the Lord” (2 Cor. 10:17; cf. 1 Cor. 1:31).

______________ (11)  “. . . to Christ I might present you as a __________ virgin” (2 Cor. 11:2-3).

______________ (12)  “Concerning this I ______________ the Lord three times” (2 Cor. 12:8).

______________ (13)  “I have been ____________ with Christ”(Gal. 2:20).

______________ (14)  “____________ and making ____________ with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

______________ (15)  “. . . the church is ___________ to Christ” (Eph. 5:24a).

______________ (16)  “Grace be with all those who __________ our Lord Jesus Christ with a __________ incorruptible” (Eph. 6:24).

______________ (17)  “. . . most of the brethren, ____________ in the Lord” (Phil. 1:14a).

______________ (18)  “For to me, to __________ is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

______________ (19)  “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of ____________ Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have __________________ ________ of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8).

______________ (20)  “We heard of your __________ in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:4; cf. Phile. 5; Gal. 2:16).

______________ (21)  “. . . it is the Lord Christ whom you ____________” (Col. 3:24b).

______________ (22)  “You also became ______________ of us and of the Lord” (1 Thess. 1:6a).

______________ (23)  “I ____________ Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Tim. 1:12a).

______________ (24)  “Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who _____________ Him (Heb. 9:28).

______________ (25)  “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to ________ in His steps (1 Peter 2:21; cf. John 8:12; 12:26).

 ______________ (26)  “____________ Christ as Lord in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15a).

______________ (27)  “Our ______________ is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3b).

______________ (28)  “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to __________ in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

 

(15)  Following Jesus Your Example

Not only does Jesus our Lord command us to add spiritual fruit to our lives, but He also gives us a perfect example of how these qualities are to be exercised in life.  Educators will acknowledge that this is an excellent form of teaching and learning.  We also notice in Scripture that God the Father demonstrates some of the qualities that He requires of us (cf. Matt. 5:48; Luke 6:35-36; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Eph. 5:1).

This principle of following the example of Jesus is mentioned several places in Scripture.  “The one who says he abides in Him,” writes John, “ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6).  We are to live the same quality of life, demonstrating the same spiritual characteristics, as Jesus our Lord did.  Paul wrote that certain believers “became imitators . . . of the Lord . . . so that [they] became an example” (1 Thess. 1:6-7).  Jesus also stated the principle that when one accompanies a teacher to learn and practice his teachings, he will tend to become like that teacher: “Everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40b).  As we are trained by Jesus, obeying His commands and following His example, we will increasingly become like Him in life and character.

Notice in this exercise how we are to be like Jesus in various ways:

(1)  “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your ____________, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your __________; just as the Son of Man did not come to be __________, but to __________, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:26-28).

(2)  “If I then, the Lord and Teacher, _________ your ________, ´you also± ought to __________ one another’s ________.  For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:14-15).

(3)  “This is My commandment, that you _________ one another, just as I have __________ you” (John 15:12).

(4)  “They are not of the __________, even as I am not of the __________” (John 17:14b,16).

(5)  “Let each of us ____________ his neighbor for his good, to his edification.  For even Christ did not __________ Himself” (Romans 15:2-3a).

(6)  “__________ one another, just as Christ also ____________ us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).

(7)  “Walk in __________, just as Christ also __________ you” (Eph. 5:2).

(8)  “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with ____________ of mind . . . . Have this ___________ in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus . . . . And being found in appearance as a man, He ____________ Himself” (Phil. 2:3a, 5, 8a).

(9)  “Just as the Lord ____________ you, so also should you” (Col. 3:13b).

(10)  “Christ also ____________ for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21b).

(11)  “Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him ____________ himself, just as He is ______” (1 John 3:3).

(12)  “We know love by this, that He _________  ________ His ______ for us; and we ought to ________ ________ our _________ for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).

 

(16 )  Incidents that Reveal Christ’s Character

We have noticed many passages which actually state the qualities or characteristics of Christ Jesus the Lord.  This is not the only way to learn of Him.  We can also examine various incidents in His life, seeing how He acted and reacted in them.  We look through the action or behavior to Jesus’ character that caused or is revealed in the action or behavior.  Read through the incidents listed below and write what quality you see in them.  Suggested qualities are listed after the exercise. 

• Cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-22 with v. 17) ___________________________________________________

(2)  Giving the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7 with 7:28-29) ______________________________________________________

(3)  Stilling the storm (Matt. 8:24-27) ______________________________________________________

(4)  Healing of the paralytic (Matt. 9:2-8 with vv. 4, 8) ______________________________________________________

(5)  Healing the multitudes (Matt. 9:35-38 with v. 36) ______________________________________________________

(6)  Invitation to the weary (Matt. 11:28-30) ______________________________________________________

(7)  Feeding of the five thousand (Matt. 14:14-21 with v. 14) ______________________________________________________

(8)  Walking on the water (Matt. 14:22-23) ______________________________________________________

(9)  The question of poll-tax to Caesar (Matt. 22:15-22) ______________________________________________________

(10) Denunciation of the Pharisees (Matt. 23:13-33) ______________________________________________________

(11) Washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:3-17) ______________________________________________________

(12) Contact with the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50 with v. 48) ______________________________________________________

(13) Healing of the man with withered hand (Mark 3:1-6 with v. 5) ______________________________________________________

(14) Jesus approached Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44) ______________________________________________________

(15) Standing before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14) ______________________________________________________

(16) Arrest in the garden (John 18:8-9) ______________________________________________________

(17) The death of Lazarus (John 11:33-37 with vv. 35,36) ______________________________________________________

(18) Giving of the “Great Commission” (Matt. 28:19-20 with v.18) ______________________________________________________

 

Suggested Qualities (may be used more than once):

• Wisdom
• Power
• Authority
• Grace or mercy
• Zeal
• Forgiveness
• Compassion
• Boldness
• Humility
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Loyalty
• Sympathy
• Love 

(17)  Christ’s Divine Attributes

As we examine very carefully the character of Christ, we are impressed with the divine attributes that He possessed.  In this exercise, read the scriptures provided and match them with the appropriate attribute on the bottom.  Simply write the answer in the space provided.

(1) ____________________  Matthew 11:27; Colossians 2:3

 

(2) ____________________   Matthew 18:20

 

(3) ____________________  Matthew 28:18

 

(4) ____________________  Mark 1:24; Luke 1:35; John 6:69; Acts 3:14

 

(5) ____________________  John 1:1; Colossians 1:17

 

(6) ____________________  John 1:14,17

 

(7) ____________________  John 10:11

 

(8) ____________________  John 15:9; Ephesians 3:18; 1 John 3:16

 

(9) ____________________  1 Corinthians 1:24

 

(10) ___________________  1 Corinthians 1:24,30; Colossians 2:3

 

(11) ___________________  Ephesians 4:21; John 1:17; 14:6

 

(12) ___________________  2 Thessalonians 3:3

 

(13) ___________________  1 Timothy 1:16

 

(14) ___________________  2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 2:1

 

(15) ___________________  Hebrews 1:11; 13:8

 

(16) ___________________  Hebrews 2:17; Jude 21

 

(17) ___________________  2 Peter 1:16

 

(18) ___________________  Revelation 19:11

• Faithfulness
• Holiness
• Justice
• Love
• Patience
• Truth, Truthfulness
• Eternality
• Goodness
• Grace
• Power
• Authority
• Majesty
• Omnipresence (ever present)
• Omniscience (all knowledge)
• Righteousness
• Mercy
• Unchangeability
• Wisdom

Thought Questions

The following questions and suggestions should help you to further explore this study of our Lord Jesus.

(1)  Examine the various lists of fruit, qualities, and virtues that we are to have in our life, and determine which qualities were in our Lord’s life.

(a) Consider these passages:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

2 Timothy 2:22

2 Corinthians 6:6-7

Titus 2:2-8

Galatians 5:22-23

James 3:17

Ephesians 4:24-5:2

1 Peter 3:8-9

Colossians 3:12-17

2 Peter 1:5-7

1 Timothy 6:11

(b) Which of these qualities did Jesus manifest?

• (1) _______________________________________________
• (2) _______________________________________________
• (3) _______________________________________________
• (4) _______________________________________________
• (5) _______________________________________________
• (6) _______________________________________________
• (7) _______________________________________________
• (8) _______________________________________________
• (9) _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________

(2)  Discover an incident in the life of Jesus that reveals each of these qualities.

(3)  How should the character of Jesus affect each of these areas in your own life:

[1] Use of time: __________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[2] Use of money: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

[3] Use of possessions: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

[4] Relationship to friends: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

[5] Conduct on the job: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

[6] Clothes you wear: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

[7] Relationship to your family: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

 

(4)  Read (or sing) these songs:

• “Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me”
• “Jesus, Rose of Sharon”
• “I Shall Be Like Him”
• “I Would Be Like Jesus”
• “More Like the Master”
• “O to Be Like Thee!”
• “Where He Leads I’ll Follow”

Pray that you will henceforth sing these songs with sincerity and earnestness, and with a heart that longs to be more like Jesus your Lord.

(5)  Make a study on verses that speak of conformity to Christ’s image and likeness.  Determine whether the verse is speaking of a present conformity, a future conformity at the resurrection, or both.  Pray that even now you may be more conformed to your Lord.  Suggested verses:

• Romans 8:29
• 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
• Philippians 3:20-21
• 1 John 3:2-3

(6)  Read 1 Peter 2:2-8.  Peter says that Jesus has “precious value” to those who “believe” (v. 7).  Now that you have seen more of Christ’s peerless character, in what way do you look upon Him as having “precious value”? ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

 

(7)  Take the characteristics or qualities possessed by our Lord, and study each one more thoroughly.  Check the English definition, the Greek definition (use a Bible dictionary or Greek lexicon), and look up additional verses.  If this is a quality that should be in your life, determine how you can develop it by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(8)  If you have worked your way through Our Glorious God (the self-study on God’s character and attributes), take some time to compare the attributes of God the Father with those of Christ Jesus the Son.  Make a chart that will show how the attributes are possessed by both the Father and the Son. 

Conclusion

Hopefully this self-study on the attributes, character, and works of the Lord Jesus has been edifying to you.  You have examined numerous scriptures which have revealed Jesus in all of His wonder and glory.  If the exercises have accomplished their purpose, you have grown in your faith (Romans 10:17), love (1 John 4:19), fear (2 Cor. 5:11), and admiration of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.