Chapter # 12 Paragraph # 2 Study # 9
April 14, 2009
Lincolnton, N.C.
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<582> Thesis:   The "grace/faith-function" of "ruling" is the ability to counter the attempts of the wilful to subvert the spiritual health of the body. Introduction:   So far in our studies of Paul's emphasis upon the function of grace-gifts, we have seen a double focus: there is a focus upon the origins (prophecy) and content (teaching, exhorting) of Truth; and there is a focus upon the actual practice of that content so that it is demonstrated to be Truth (ministry, giving). The Truth is true whether any man practices it, or not, but it is not perceived as Truth, nor does it have any significant impact upon unbelievers, when it is not practiced by those who claim to have "believed" it. Unapplied "Truth" is simply disbelieved "Truth" and unbelievers are emboldened in their rejection of the Truth by the unbelief of believers. Thus, Paul insists upon a level of serious pursuit by everyone in regard to whichever "grace/faith-function" they have been given. This evening we are going to consider the "grace/faith-function" identified by the text as "ruling" (AV) or "leading" (NASB).