The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV

by John MacArthur

  Christ prayed that all saints might have. John 17:21, 23.

  Described as

  Christ being in believers. Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:27.

  Believers being in Christ. 2 Cor. 12:2; 1 John 5:20.

  Includes union with the Father. John 17:21; 1 John 2:24.

  Is of God. 1 Cor. 1:30.

  Maintained by

  Faith. Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17.

  Abiding in Him. John 15:4, 7.

  His word abiding in us. John 15:7; 1 John 2:24; 2 John 9.

  Feeding on Him. John 6:56.

  Obeying Him. 1 John 3:24.

  The Holy Spirit witnesses. 1 John 3:24.

  The gift of the Holy Spirit is an evidence of. 1 John 4:13.

  Believers

  Have, in mind. 1 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5.

  Have, in spirit. 1 Cor. 6:17.

  Have, in love. Song 2:16; 7:10.

  Have, in sufferings. Phil. 3:10; 2 Tim. 2:12.

  Have, in His death. Rom. 6:3-8; Gal. 2:20.

  Have assurance of. John 14:20.

  Enjoy, in the Lord’s Supper. 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.

  Identified with Christ by. Matt. 25:40, 45; Acts 8:1; 9:4.

  Are complete through. Col. 2:10.

  Exhorted to maintain. John 15:4; Acts 11:23; Col. 2:7.

  Necessary to growth in grace. Eph. 4:15, 16; Col. 2:19.

  Necessary for fruitfulness. John 15:4, 5.

  Beneficial results of

  Righteousness imputed. 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9.

  Freedom from condemnation. Rom. 8:1.

  Freedom from dominion of sin. 1 John 3:6.

  Being created anew. 2 Cor. 5:17.

  The spirit alive to righteousness. Rom. 8:10.

  Confidence at His coming. 1 John 2:28.

  Abundant fruitfulness. John 15:5.

  Answers to prayer. John 15:7.

  They who have, ought to walk as He walked. 1 John 2:6.

  False teachers do not have. Col. 2:18, 19.

  Is indissoluble. Rom. 8:35.

  Punishment of those without. John 15:6.

  Illustrated by

  Vine and branches. John 15:1, 5.

  Foundation and building. 1 Cor. 3:10, 11; Eph. 2:20, 21; 1 Pet. 2:4-6.

  Body and members. 1 Cor. 12:12, 27; Eph. 5:30.

  Husband and wife. Eph. 5:25-32.

  The Church

  Nature of the Church

  Belongs to God. Matt. 16:18; Eph. 3:21; 1 Tim. 3:15.

  Purchased by the blood of Christ. Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25; Heb. 9:12.

  Displays the wisdom of God. Eph. 3:10.

  Elect. 1 Pet. 5:13.

  Glorious. Eph. 5:27.

  Clothed in righteousness. Rev. 19:8.

  Believers continually added to, by the Lord. Acts 2:27; 5:14; 11:24.

  Unity of. Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 10:17; 12:12; Gal. 3:28.

  Believers baptized into, by one Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:13.

  Ministers commanded to feed. Acts 20:28.

  Is edified by the Word. 1 Cor. 14:4, 13; Eph. 4:15, 16.

  The wicked persecute. Acts 8:1-3; 1 Thess. 2:14, 15.

  Not to be despised. 1 Cor. 11:22.

  Baptism

  As administered by John. Matt. 3:5-12; John 3:23; Acts 13:24; 19:4.

  Sanctioned by Christ’s submission to it. Matt. 3:13-15; Luke 3:21.

  Adopted by Christ. John 3:22; 4:1, 2.

  Appointed an ordinance of the Christian church. Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16.

  To be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matt. 28:19.

  Water, the outward and visible sign in. Acts 8:36; 10:47.

  Remission of sins, signified by. Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3, 4.

  Unity of the church effected by. 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27, 28.

  Confession of sin necessary to. Matt. 3:6.

  Repentance necessary to. Acts 2:38.

  Faith necessary to. Acts 8:37; 18:8.

  There is but one. Eph. 4:5.

  Administered to

  Individuals. Acts 8:38; 9:18.

  Households. Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Cor. 1:16.

  Only to professing believers. Acts 2:38; Matt. 3:6; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36, 37; 10:47, 48.

  Administered by immersing the whole body of the person in water. Matt. 3:16; Acts 8:38, 39.

  Emblematic of the influences of the Holy Spirit. Matt. 3:11; Titus 3:5.

  Typified. 1 Cor. 10:2; 1 Pet. 3:20, 21.

  Church Discipline

  Ministers authorized to establish. Matt. 16:19; 18:18.

  Consists in

  Maintaining sound doctrine. 1 Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:13.

  Ordering its affairs. 1 Cor. 11:34; Titus 1:5.

  Rebuking offenders. 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2.

  Removing obstinate offenders. 1 Cor. 5:3-5, 13; 1 Tim. 1:20.

  Should be submitted to. Heb. 13:17.

  Is for edification. 2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10.

  Decency and order, the objects of. 1 Cor. 14:40.

  Exercise, in a spirit of charity. 2 Cor. 2:6-8.

  Prohibits women preaching. 1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12.

  Church Leaders

  Divinely called and protected. Matt. 28:19; Acts 13:2, 4; 2 Cor. 3:5, 6; Heb. 5:4.

  Have authority from God. 2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10.

  Described as

  Ambassadors for Christ. 2 Cor. 5:20.

  The bondservants of Christ’s people. 2 Cor. 4:5.

  Defenders of the faith. Phil. 1:7.

  Servants of Christ. 1 Cor. 4:1.

  Stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4:1.

  Necessity for. Matt. 9:37, 38; Rom. 10:14.

  Excellency of. Rom. 10:15.

  Labors of, vain, without God’s blessing. 1 Cor. 3:7; 15:10.

  Should be

  Pure. 1 Tim. 3:9.

  Holy. Titus 1:8.

  Humble. Acts 20:19.

  Patient. 2 Cor. 6:4; 2 Tim. 2:24.

  Blameless. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7.

  Willing. 1 Pet. 5:2.

  Unselfish. 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:6.

  Impartial. 1 Tim. 5:21.

  Gentle. 1 Thess. 2:7; 2 Tim. 2:24.

  Devoted. Acts 20:24; Phil. 1:20, 21.

  Strong in grace. 2 Tim. 2:1.

  Self-denying. 1 Cor. 9:27.

  Sober, just, and self-controlled. Titus 1:8.

  Hospitable. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8.

  Able to teach. 1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:24.

  Studious, meditative, and prayerful. Eph. 3:14; Phil. 1:4; 1 Tim. 4:13, 15.

  Diligent in ruling their own families. 1 Tim. 3:4, 12.

  Affectionate to their people. Phil. 1:7; 1 Thess. 2:8, 11.

  Examples to the flock. Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3.

  Should not be

  Lords over God’s heritage. 1 Pet. 5:3.

  Greedy for money. Acts 20:33; 1 Tim. 3:3, 8; 1 Pet. 5:2.

  Quarrelsome. 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7.

  Crafty. 2 Cor. 4:2.

  Men-pleasers. Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4.

  Easily dispirited. 2 Cor. 4:8, 9; 6:10.

  Entangled by cares. Luke 9:60; 2 Tim. 2:4.

  Given to wine. 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7.

  Are responsible to

  Avoid giving unnecessary offense. 1 Cor. 10:32, 33; 2 Cor. 6:3

  Make full proof of their ministry. 2 Tim. 4:5.

  Preach the gospel to all. Mark 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:17; 9:16; 10:33.

  Feed the church. John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2.

  Build up the church. 2 Cor. 12:19; Eph. 4:12.

  Have concern for their people. Luke 22:32; Acts 14:22; Col. 1:9; Heb. 13:17.

  Teach. 2 Tim. 2:2.

  Exhort. Titus 1:9; 2:15.

  Rebuke. Titus 1:13; 2:15.

  Comfort. 2 Cor. 1:4-6.

  Convince opponents of truth. Titus 1:9.

  Wage a good warfare. 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:3; 4:7.

  Should preach

  Christ only. Acts 8:5, 35; 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:5.

  Repentance and faith. Acts 20:21.


  As spokesmen of God. 1 Pet. 4:11.

  Everywhere. Mark 16:20; Acts 8:4.

  Not with enticing words of man’s wisdom. 1 Cor. 1:17; 2:1, 4.

  Without deceitfulness. 2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2; 1 Thess. 2:3, 5.

  Fully and boldly. Matt. 10:27, 28; Acts 5:20; 20:20, 27; Rom. 3:12; 15:19; 1 Thess. 2:8.

  With care and faithfulness. Acts 6:4; 2 Cor. 1:18, 19; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:2; Phil. 1:15-17.

  Without charge, if possible. 1 Cor. 9:18; 1 Thess. 2:9.

  When faithful

  Approve themselves as God’s ministers. 2 Cor. 6:4.

  Thank God for His gifts to their people. 1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; 1 Thess. 3:9.

  Glory in their people. 2 Cor. 7:4.

  Rejoice in the faith and holiness of their people. 1 Thess. 3:6-9.

  Commend themselves to people’s consciences. 2 Cor. 4:2.

  Are rewarded. Matt. 24:47; 1 Cor. 3:14; 9:17-18; 1 Pet. 5:4.

  False

  Described. Titus 1:10, 11.

  Deal treacherously with their people. John 10:12.

  Delude men. Matt. 15:14.

  Seek gain. 2 Pet. 2:3.

  Shall be punished. Matt. 24:48-51.

  Flock responsible to

  Regard them as God’s messengers. 1 Cor. 4:1; Gal. 4:14.

  Not to despise them. Luke 10:16; 1 Tim. 4:12.

  Follow their holy example. 1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; Heb. 13:7.

  Respect them. Phil. 2:29; 1 Thess. 5:13; 1 Tim. 5:17.

  Love them. 2 Cor. 8:7; 1 Thess. 3:6.

  Pray for them. Rom. 15:30; 2 Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:19; Heb. 13:18.

  Obey them. 1 Cor. 16:16; Heb. 13:17.

  Give them joy. 2 Cor. 1:14; 2:3.

  Help and support them. Rom. 16:2; 1 Cor. 9:7-11; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:3.

  Pray for the increase of. Matt. 9:38.

  Faithful, exemplified by

  The eleven disciples. Matt. 28:16-19.

  The seventy. Luke 10:1, 17.

  Matthias. Acts 1:26.

  Philip. Acts 8:5.

  Barnabas. Acts 11:23.

  Simeon, etc. Acts 13:1.

  Paul. Acts 28:31.

  Tychicus. Eph. 6:21.

  Timothy. Phil. 2:22.

  Epaphroditus. Phil. 2:24.

  Archippus. Col. 4:17.

  Titus. Titus 1:5.

  Divisions in the Church

  Are forbidden. 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 11:18; 12:24, 25.

  Are contrary to the

  Unity of Christ. 1 Cor. 1:13; 12:13.

  Desire of Christ. John 17:21-23.

  Purpose of Christ. John 10:16.

  Spirit of the church. 1 Cor. 11:16.

  Are proof of a carnal spirit. 1 Cor. 3:3.

  Believers should avoid those who cause. Rom. 16:17.

  Evil of, illustrated. Matt. 12:25.

  Excellency and Glory of the Church

  Derived from Christ. Luke 2:34.

  Consist in its

  Being the temple of God. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; Eph. 2:21, 22.

  Being the body of Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23.

  Being the bride of Christ. Rev. 19:7, 8; 21:2.

  Members being righteous. Rev. 19:8.

  Sanctification. Eph. 5:26, 27.

  Fellowship of Believers

  God’s will. Matt. 18:20; John 17:20, 21.

  Occurs

  With God. 1 John 1:3.

  With believers in heaven. Heb. 12:22-24.

  With each other. Gal. 2:9; 1 John 1:3, 7.

  In public and social worship. Acts 1:14; Heb. 10:25.

  In the Lord’s Supper. 1 Cor. 10:17.

  In prayer for each other. 2 Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:18.

  In exhortation. Col. 3:16; Heb. 10:25.

  In mutual comfort and edification. 1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11.

  In mutual sympathy and kindness. Rom. 12:15; Eph. 4:32.

  In mutual love and concern. 1 Cor. 12:26, 27.

  In mutual submission. Eph. 5:21.

  In mutual sharing of life. Philem. 6.

  The delight of. Rom. 15:32.

  Exhortation to. Eph. 4:1-3.

  Opposed to communion with the wicked. 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Eph. 5:11.

  Exemplified by

  The apostles. Acts 1:14.

  The local church. Acts 2:42; 5:12.

  Paul. Acts 20:36-38.

  Lord’s Supper

  Prefigured. Ex. 12:21-28; 1 Cor. 5:7, 8.

  Instituted. Matt. 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:23.

  Purpose and character of. Matt. 26:27; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:24, 26.

  Qualifications to partake of. 1 Cor. 5:7, 8; 10:21; 11:28, 31.

  Was continually observed by the early church. Acts 2:42; 20:7.

  Unworthy partakers of

  Are guilty of the body and blood of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:27.

  Do not discern the Lord’s body. 1 Cor. 11:29.

  Are visited with judgments. 1 Cor. 11:30.

  Missions

  Commanded. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 10:2; Rom. 10:14, 15.

  Is according to the purpose of God. Luke 24:46, 47; Acts 13:2; Gal. 1:15, 16; Col. 1:25-27.

  Christ engaged in. Matt. 4:17, 23; 11:1; Mark 1:38, 39; Luke 8:1.

  Apostles constrained to engage in. Mark 3:14; 6:7; Luke 10:1-11; Acts 4:19, 20; Rom. 1:13-15; 1 Cor. 9:16.

  Excellency of. Rom. 10:15.

  Requirements for

  Wisdom and meekness. Matt. 10:16.

  Aid others engaged in. Rom. 16:1, 2; 2 Cor 11:9; 3 John 5-8.

  Harmony of effort. Gal. 2:9.

  Worldly concerns should not delay. Luke 9:59-62.

  Success of

  To be prayed for. Eph. 6:18, 19; Col. 4:3.

  A cause of joy and praise. Acts 11:18; 15:3; 21:19, 20.

  People should not limit. Mark 16:15; 1 Cor. 16:9; Rev. 14:6.

  Exemplified by

  The Seventy. Luke 10:1, 17.

  The apostles. Mark 6:12; Acts 13:2-5.

  Philip. Acts 8:5.

  Paul, etc. Acts 13:2-4.

  Silas. Acts 15:40, 41.

  Timothy. Acts 16:3.

  Noah. 2 Pet. 2:5.

  Titles and Names of the Church

  Body of Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:24.

  Bride of Christ. Rev. 21:9.

  Church of the firstborn. Heb. 12:23.

  Church of God. Acts 20:28.

  Church of the Living God. 1 Tim. 3:15.

  Dwelling place of God. Eph. 2:22.

  Family in heaven and earth. Eph. 3:15.

  Flock of God. 1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

  Fold of Christ. John 10:16.

  Golden lampstand. Rev. 1:20.

  God’s building. 1 Cor. 3:9.

  God’s field. 1 Cor. 3:9.

  House of Christ. Heb. 3:6.

  House of God. 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 10:21.

  Household of God. Eph. 2:19.

  Lamb’s wife. Rev. 19:7; 21:9.

  Pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Tim. 3:15.

  Spiritual house. 1 Pet. 2:5.

  Temple of God. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17.

  Temple of the living God. 2 Cor. 6:16.

  Angels

  Nature of Holy Angels

  Created by God and Christ. Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:16.

  Worship God and Christ. Neh. 9:6; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:6.

  Are ministering spirits. 1 Kin. 19:5; 104:4; Luke 16:22; Acts 12:7-11; 27:23; Heb. 1:7, 14.

  Communicate the will of God and Christ. Dan. 8:16, 17; 9:21-23; 10:11; 12:6, 7; Matt. 2:13, 20; Luke 1:19, 28; Acts 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Rev. 1:1.

  Obey the will of God. Ps. 103:20; Matt. 6:10.

  Execute the purposes of God. Num. 22:22; Ps. 103:21; Matt. 13:39-42; 28:2; John 5:4; Rev. 5:2.

  Execute the judgments of God. 2 Sam. 24:16; 2 Kin. 19:35; Ps. 35:5, 6; Acts 12:23; Rev. 16:1.

  Celebrate the praises of God. Job 38:7; Ps. 148:2; Is. 6:3; Luke 2:13, 14; Rev. 5:11, 12; 7:11, 12.

  The law given by the ministration of. Acts 7:53; Heb. 2:2.

  Announced

  The conception of Christ. Matt. 1:20, 21; L
uke 1:31.

  The birth of Christ. Luke 2:10-12.

  The resurrection of Christ. Matt. 28:5-7; Luke 24:23.

  The ascension and second coming of Christ. Acts 1:11.

  The conception of John the Baptist. Luke 1:13, 36.

  Minister to Christ. Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 1:51.

  Are subject to Christ. Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16; 2:10; 1 Pet. 3:22.

  Shall execute the purposes of Christ. Matt. 13:41; 24:31.

  Shall attend Christ at His second coming. Matt. 16:27; 25:31; Mark 8:38; 2 Thess. 1:7.

  Know and delight in the gospel of Christ. Eph. 3:9-10; 1 Tim. 3:16; 1 Pet. 1:12.

  Ministration of, obtained by prayer. Matt. 26:53; Acts 12:5, 7.

  Rejoice over every repentant sinner. Luke 15:7, 10.

  Have charge over the children of God. Ps. 34:7; 91:11, 12; Dan. 6:22; Matt. 18:10.

  Are of different orders. Is. 6:2; Rom. 8:38; 1 Cor. 15:24; Col. 1:16; 1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Pet. 3:22; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7.

  Are not to be worshiped. Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:9.

  Are examples of meekness. 2 Pet. 2:11; Jude 9.

  Are wise. 2 Sam. 14:20.

  Are mighty. Ps. 103:20.

  Are holy. Matt. 25:31.

  Are innumerable. Job 25:3; Heb. 12:22.

  Some are elect. 1 Tim. 5:21.

  Satan, a Fallen Angel

  Sinned against God. 2 Pet. 2:4; 1 John 3:8.

  Cast out of heaven and down to hell Luke 10:18; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6.

  The author of the Fall. Gen. 3:1, 6, 14, 24.

  Tempted Christ. Matt. 4:3-10.

  Perverts the Scripture. Ps. 91:11, 12; Matt. 4:6.

  Opposes God’s work. Zech. 3:1; Matt. 13:19; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Thess. 2:18.

  Works lying wonders. 2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 16:14.

  Assumes the form of an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14.

  The wicked

  Are the children of. Matt. 13:38; Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:10.

  Turn aside after. 1 Tim. 5:15.

  Do the lusts of. John 8:44.

  Possessed by. Luke 22:3; Acts 5:3; Eph. 2:2.

  Blinded by. 2 Cor. 4:4.

  Deceived by. 1 Kin. 22:21, 22; Rev. 20:7, 8.

  Ensnared by. 1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26.

  Troubled by. 1 Sam. 16:14.

  Punished, together with. Matt. 25:41.

  Believers

  Afflicted by, only as God permits. Job 1:12; 2:4-7.

  Tempted by. 1 Chr. 21:1; 1 Thess. 3:5.

  Sifted by. Luke 22:31.

  Should resist. James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9.

  Should be armed against. Eph. 6:11-16.

  Should be watchful against. 2 Cor. 2:11.

  Overcome. Rom. 16:20; 1 John 2:13; Rev. 12:10, 11.

  Triumph over, by Christ

  Predicted. Gen. 3:15.

  In resisting temptations. Matt. 4:11.