ScriptureStream: Recent Episodes

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Introduction

• Ephesians 6:4
• I John 3:1

He always prioritizes our souls.

• Genesis 13:2, 5-6 – God is okay with us being prosperous.
• I Kings 3:13
• Job 1:1
• II Thessalonians 3:7-10 – God exalts a good work ethic.
• Proverbs 17:17
• Matthew 10:16, 28, 39
• Revelation 2:10
• We need to make it clear to our children that their souls are what are most valuable.
• Matthew 16:26

He balances tough love and tender love.

• Genesis 6:12-13 – God destroyed the earth with a flood.
• Psalms 86:14-17 – God also showed compassionate love.
• Kids need to hear, “no” and it needs to be enforced.
• There are also times when kids make a mistake and need compassionate love.

He tells His children to be different.

• Exodus 19:5
• Leviticus 18:3 – Don’t walk like the Egyptians, Canaanites, or anyone else.
• Leviticus 19:2
• Leviticus 20:22
• Deuteronomy 18:9 – Don’t imitate the nations.
• Jeremiah 10:2
• I Peter 2:9-11 – We are sojourners here.
• Teach your kids to be different!
• II Corinthians 6:14-18

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Spiritual health is the most important thing.

• John 5:2-9
• John 5:13-15 – It doesn’t seem that Jesus is telling the man he was lame because of sin. Jesus is saying that if the man sins, something worse than lameness will befall him, namely hell.

I need to double-check if I am mistaken.

• John 5:10, 16
• The Jews thought that this was a sin, but the fact that Jesus commanded it shows it was not.

Don’t see a contradiction where there is harmony.

• John 5:17-18 – The Jews thought this was blasphemy, not understanding who Jesus was.
• John 5:19-24
• Jesus gives four lines of evidence to show He was the Christ:
  • John 5:30-36 – The testimony of John the Baptist (1) and His own works (2).
  • John 5:37-38 – God the Father bore witness of Jesus (possibly His baptism – Matthew 3:17) (3).
  • John 14:24
  • John 5:39-40 – The scriptures also testify of Jesus (4).
  • John 5:45-47
  • Luke 24:27
• How are you saved?
  • Ephesians 1:7
  • I Peter 3:21
  • James 2:24
  • Ephesians 2:8
  • Acts 3:19
  • Romans 10:10
  • Titus 3:5
  • All of these are true! It is wrong for us to try to drive wedges between them.

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Faith dispels fear (continued)

• Mark 4:37-41
• Fear and faith are incompatible (Mark 4:40).
• Fear assumes God does not care (Mark 4:38).
  • “Teacher, do you not care …”
• Fear assumes God can’t (or won’t) help me.
  • Sometimes we don’t feel worthy of God’s help.
  • We may project our own shortcomings on God.
• Fear assumes God cannot be at work in the storm like He is in the calm.
• God is with us in the storm.
  • Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:20; Acts 18:10; II Timothy 4:17
  • Hebrews 13:5-6
• God cares for us in the storm.
  • Christ’s compassion: John 11:33-38; Luke 7:13; 19:41-44. He cares at all times.
  • God wants us to trust in His care, rather than react to our own anxiety.
  • God’s care is an answer to anxiety: Matthew 6:30
• God brings good out of storms.
  • Philippians 4:6-7
• Fear tells us that God’s presence and care will mean no storms. The Bible teaches us that God works in storms to bring the good out of them.
  • Joseph – Genesis 50:20
  • Paul – Philippians 1:12
• We can learn and grow by enduring trials and hardships.
  • James 1:2-4
• Let go of fear.
• Be introspective. Why are you so afraid?
• Pray for help and healing. Philippians 4:6-7
• Evaluate past storms.

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Joshua 7

Joshua 7:1-15 – Defeated at Ai

• Joshua 7:1 – Achan violates the ban on plunder that God had put in place (see Joshua 6:17).
• Joshua 7:4-9 – Because of Achan’s sin, Israel loses a battle. Joshua went straight to God in prayer, which was the correct response.

Joshua 7:16-26 – Achan punished

• Achan “saw … coveted … took … concealed.” This is the way sin always works! Compare James 1:14-15.
• We must stop sin right at the beginning and not let it proceed.
• Joshua 7:22-25 – Achan’s punishment was swift and severe. See Deuteronomy 13:6-11.

Joshua 8

Joshua 8:1-8 – Instructions about Ai

• Joshua 8:2 – The firstfruits of the conquest were from Jericho and were dedicated to God. Thereafter, God allowed the people to plunder. Ultimately, God rules and can make commands as He wishes. (If only Achan had waited for one more battle, he could have had his plunder and still been acceptable to God! We must operate on God’s timetable.)

Joshua 8:9-29 – Defeat of Ai

• God instructs Joshua to set an ambush for Ai, utterly defeating them.

Joshua 8:30-35 – Altar and reading the law

Joshua 9

Joshua 9:1-27 – Gibeonite deception and covenant

• Joshua 9:14 – They did not consult God!

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Introduction

• Hebrews 11:32-34

God cares about each one of us.

• Judges 12:8-15 – Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon
• John 20:30-31; 21:25
• Jonah 4:11
• Genesis 1:16 – “… He made the stars also.”
• Luke 12:6-7 – God knows the number of hairs on your head. You are valuable to Him!
• God loves each one of us!

Humans repeat mistakes.

• Judges 2:16
• The judges may have been local leaders.
• The time periods of the judges may have overlapped.

There was a lot of peace.

• Oppression: 114 years
• Rest: 296 years
• Judges 3:30 – 80 years of peace. Some of the people living during this time may have known nothing other than peace!

The cycle of sin continued.

• Judges 10:1-5
• Ecclesiastes 1:4-9
• The cycle:
  • Sin: Judges 3:7
  • Oppression: Judges 3:8
  • Cries to God: Judges 3:9
  • Judge to deliver: Judges 3:9-10
  • Period of rest and peace: Judges 3:11
• God is a god of grace!
• What problem can God not help with?
• I John 4:14; 1:9

Strength comes through struggle.

• Judges 2:20-3:4 – God left these nations on purpose to test the Israelites.
• Judges 3:31 – Shamgar; more struggle, more fighting
• II Corinthians 12:7-9 – God allowed Paul to have a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.
• II Timothy 3:11; 4:14-18
• James 1:2-4

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Introduction

• I Peter 2:12

Put a positive, spiritual spin on life.

• Matthew 5:13-16
• Matthew 5:10-12 – Christians react to things differently.
• Acts 5:40-6:1
• How do I react when things happen?
• Philippians 1:12-14 – Paul had a positive outlook on his imprisonment.

Tell stories about your repentance.

• I Corinthians 13:6
• Galatians 1:23-24 – They glorified God because of Paul’s repentance.
• I Timothy 1:13-15 – Paul talked about himself as a way of talking about Christ.

Choose words that reflect your spiritual mindset.

• Titus 2:7-8 – Every time we communicate, it’s an opportunity to turn toward spiritual things.
• “I’m blessed.”
• “I’ll pray for you.”
• “It’s a good day God has made.”
• Acts 9:1; Romans 1:7 – Look at how Paul talked to Christians before and after his conversion.
• Our speech should reflect our faith.
• I Peter 4:11
• If we’re too afraid to mention God around non-spiritual people, who is influencing who? We are to be salt and light in the world.

Invite someone to Benchley.

• John 4:7-42 – This woman saved many just be inviting people to hear Jesus. Can we do that?

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Faith creates courage (continued)

• Terror: a state of intense fear
• Hebrews 11:30-40 – Through faith, these people had the courage to deal with all these troubles.
• Gideon goes from having no great faith and no courage to leading God’s people as one of the judges. Judges 6-8
• Gideon’s faith becomes stronger.
  • Obedience despite doubt. We may have doubts about our abilities and God’s plan for us. God uses us when we follow through.
  • God’s strength is in our weakness. God often uses the humble and unlikely to accomplish His purpose. Our weakness can become a platform for God’s strength and glory. Judges 7:20
  • Giving credit to God. Judges 7:13-15 (Gideon worshipped God.)
• The recounting of Gideon’s journey from fear to faith and the courage it instilled in him reminds us that:
  • God can work through our doubts and weaknesses.
  • When we submit to His will and trust in His strength, we can overcome obstacles.
  • Gideon shows us that God’s presence and power are with us, even in our moments of uncertainty.
• How does out faith grow our courage?
• How does our courage grow our faith?
• How does the world see our faith and the courage it brings us?
• John 15:13
• Hebrews 9:26 – How much faith and courage must this have taken for Christ to die willingly?
• II Peter 1:5

Faith dispels fear

• Fear
  • Torment: extreme pain
• Mark 4:40 – Fear and faith are incompatible.

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Joshua 5

• Joshua 5:1 – Kings’ hearts melted
  • They were terrified of the Israelites!
• Joshua 5:2-8 – Circumcision
  • It did not make military sense to do this at this time, but God put fear into their enemies and they did not attack.
  • Leviticus 12:3 – Circumcision was supposed to be an ongoing law, but it had not been followed.
  • Joshua trusted that God would protect them while the army healed.
• Joshua 5:9 – Gilgal
  • God is calling this out as a new beginning.
• Joshua 5:10 – Passover
  • See Exodus 12:6. It’s not clear that the Passover had been observed since they left Mt. Sinia. Going by Exodus 12:25, it’s possible that observance was not to begin until they entered Canaan.
• Joshua 5:11-12 – Manna ceased
  • The manna continued from Exodus 16 to Joshua 5. If you multiply it out, God provided at least 50 billion meals!
  • Now they would eat the produce of the land.
• Joshua 5:13-15 – Captain of the Lord’s host

Joshua 6 – Jericho

• Joshua 6:1-5 – God gave them Jericho, but they had to meet His conditions.
• Joshua 6:6-9 – Modern day Tell es-Sultan could be the site of ancient Jericho. It is one of the most excavated archaeological sites in the world.
• Joshua 6:15-21 – The walls of Jericho fall and the Israelites take the city.
• Joshua 6:22-27 – Rahab and her family are spared.
  • Joshua 6:27 – Joshua’s curse was fulfilled in I Kings 16:34 when Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt the city, losing his firstborn and youngest son in the process.

Applications

God can “give” something with conditions

• Hebrews 11:30
• Ephesians 2:8

God rewards faith wherever it is found.

• Matthew 21:31
• Rahab was in the lineage of both David and Jesus.
• Isaiah 42:3
• God is willing to forgive and help us grow.

No stronghold can resist God.

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Introduction

• Mark 12:31

This is the law!

• Romans 13:8 – This is not saying it is sinful to take out a loan. Instead, it is emphasizing the importance of loving each other.
• Galatians 5:13-14
• Hebrews 13:2-3 – Treat everyone as valuable.

Prove to be a neighbor.

• Luke 10:25-37 – Jesus gives the parable of the good Samaritan to show how to be a good neighbor. I need to be a neighbor. I Need to take initiative and do the right thing.
• Matthew 7:12 – Jesus calls us to a higher standard. We are to initiate kindness.
• Matthew 5:38-45 – Love everyone, even your enemies.

Get in the habit of thinking about what would help others.

• Jonah 3:10-4:2, 11
• Romans 15:1-3 – Seek to please your neighbor, not yourself.
• I Corinthians 10:24
• We must look to see the value in others – we are all souls!
• James 2:8

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Faith establishes trust

• John 11:40 (everyday life) – Jesus wants us to believe in extreme moments just like we do in the mundane, everyday moments.
• Matthew 17:20 (evidence)
• II Corinthians 5:6-8 (walk by faith)

Examples from scripture

• Noah – Genesis 6:14-7:6-20
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego – Daniel 3:11-26, 17
  • They trusted in God’s plan. They also trusted that if God chose not to deliver them from the furnace, He will still deliver them.

Examples: evidence in our lives

• Answered prayers
• Maturity in our lives through the scriptures (virtue, knowledge, self-control) and the evidence that God is working in our lives (II Timothy 1:7)
• Love for one another (add to godliness, brotherly kindness, love) – Matthew 22:37-40
• Death (ultimate trust in God’s promises) – II Corinthians 5:7-10

Faith creates courage

• Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
• Fear:
  • To have a reverential awe (God), to be afraid of
  • An unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger

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Joshua 3

• Joshua 3:3 – See Exodus 25:10, 22; 26:34. In Hebrews 9:2-5, 9 the previous tabernacle is compared with the greater tabernacle.
• Joshua 3:17 – The Israelites crossed on dry ground – it wasn’t even wet ground even though the water was just stopped in v16. Compare Exodus 14 when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. This time, the Israelites were the aggressors.

Joshua 4

Joshua 4:1-24 – The twelve-stone memorial

• Compare Exodus 12:23-27 when the Passover was instituted, as well as Exodus 13:13-14; Numbers 15:37-41; I Corinthians 11:23-24. God knows we need reminders!
• Joshua 4:18 – As soon as the priests left the riverbed, the water went back to its normal flood stage for this time of year.
• Joshua 4:19 – Compare Exodus 12:29-41. This was within five days of being exactly 40 years. One day we will reach our Gilgal in our Promised Land!
• Joshua 4:22 – They were to teach the children about this memorial. God put the responsibility on the Israelites to teach their own children these things.

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Introduction

• Psalms 37:1-7

The Bible gives us plenty of examples of those who had to wait

• Genesis 6:3; 7:23 – Noah
• Genesis 12:2, 4; 15:1-4; 21:5 – Abraham had to wait 25 years for Isaac.
• I Samuel 16:1, 12-13; II Samuel 5:4 – David had to wait to become king, possibly 15 years.
• The marshmallow experiment
  • Children who are able to wait and delay gratification historically have much better outcomes in life.

Waiting until marriage

• Hebrews 13:4 – Pre-marital sexual relations are sinful.
• II Samuel 11:2-4 – David’s sin with Bathsheba
• I Corinthians 7:1-5 – Sex within marriage is holy and commanded by God.
• God’s laws are good!
• James 1:14

Material possessions

• I Timothy 6:6-10
• Young people tend to want what their parents have now, even though it took their parents decades to achieve.
• Hebrews 11:24-26
• Philippians 3:17-20 – We must think of ourselves as citizens of heaven.

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Introduction

• II Corinthians 12:20-21

Stop looking for the perfect local church.

• Revelation 2:4-5, 8-11, 12-17 – Messages to the churches. They all had problems and difficulties.
• No local church will be perfect because it is composed of people and people have problems.
• Acts 14:21-23 – These new churches needed to grow.
• Every local church is a work in progress!
• If you find a perfect local church, don’t join it because you will make it imperfect.

Start perfecting yourself.

• Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-12, 15-16 – These are the things they needed to work on in Ephesus. The church is built up as each member grows.

What are some things I can do to make Benchley better?

• Romans 12:10-13
• “I wish the preaching were better.”
• “I wish the elders were more active.”
• “I wish people were more hospitable.”
• “I wish people made better comments in class.”
• Nehemiah 1:1; 2:17
• Pray before I criticize.
• Be active.
• Sincerely and humbly commit to making Benchley better.

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Faith establishes trust

• Trust: the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.
• Matthew 6:25-30 (worry)
• Matthew 14:28-31 (doubt)
• Mark 5:36 (fear) – God is so much bigger than anything we fear.
• John 11:40 (everyday life)
• Matthew 17:20 (evidence)
• II Corinthians 5:6-8 (walk by faith)
• I John 4:18
• I Timothy 6:17-19
• II Corinthians 1:9
• I Timothy 4:10

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Joshua 1

• Deuteronomy 34:5, 9

Joshua 1:1-9 – “the Lord spoke to Joshua”

• Joshua 1:2-4 – See Genesis 12:7. This promise will be fulfilled in the book of Joshua, but this plan started before Creation (I Corinthians 2:7).
• Joshua 1:5-9 – God repeatedly told Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” See Ephesians 6:10-11. We are also in a battle – a spiritual one.

Joshua 1:10-18 – Get ready to cross the Jordan River.

• Joshua 1:14 – This would take faith for the fighting men to leave their wives and children and go off to fight, but God would protect them.

Joshua 2

Joshua 2:1-24 – Rahab and the spies

• Joshua 2:10-11 – See Exodus 14-15. Exodus 15:14-16 tells of the terror that other people would have of them. See also Exodus 23:23, 27-30.
• See Matthew 1:5. Rahab ends up in the lineage of Jesus.
• See Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25. Rahab is commended for her faith in welcoming the spies and sending them out safely. She is not commended for lying.

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Introduction* “You’re in good hands.” * Isaiah 41:10

We are protected in God’s handsProtection from our enemies* Psalms 31:14-15; 138:7-8 * Hebrews 13:5-6 * (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Inseparable from His hands* John 10:29; Romans 8:37-39

We are made beautiful in God’s handsBeauty in Creation* Psalms 95:1-7; Genesis 1:2, 31; Ecclesiastes 3:11

Made beautiful by the potter* Isaiah 64:8 * Jeremiah 18:2-11; 19:1-6, 10-12 * I Corinthians 6:9-11

Being moldable clay* Stay pliable so God can form you to His purpose. * Psalm 51:1-12 – David did not try to hide his sin from God. He asked forgiveness and put his life in God’s hands. * I Peter 5:6

We are taken care of in God’s handsThe hand that provides* Job 12:7-15; Psalms 145:1-3, 14-17 * (Genesis 22:7-8, 13-14; Matthew 6)

Faith in God’s provisions* Poem: “Footprints in the Sand”

One night I dreamed I was walking

along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that

during the low periods of my life, when I was

suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,”You promised me

Lord, that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods

of my life there have only been

one set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,

“The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you.”

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Introduction

• Matthew 20:29-34
• Mark 10:46-52
• In that time, there was very little in the way of a social safety net for a blind man.
• Bartimaeus could possibly have heard that Jesus had previously been healed near this area.

He inquired … Have we lost our curiosity?

• God despises a lack of curiosity and knowledge.
• Hosea 4:6

He cried out … Have we lost our urgency?

• He called out to Jesus as “Son of David.”
• Luke 7:22 – The Messiah would be able to heal people. Jesus could do that!
  • [Note: Verses may have been quoted incorrectly here. The correct references are Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1. Thanks to Joel for the correction! -MRW]
• Bartimaeus sprang up and ran to Jesus.
• Luke 16:24
• Revelation 3:15-17
• II Corinthians 8:10-11 – We can fail if we are not persistent.

He followed Jesus … Have we lost our way?

• Mark 10:52 – Bartimaeus immediately followed Jesus.
• Matthew 13:4-23 – Have we gone back to being beggars after hearing the gospel? We must not go back to our old ways of living.
• Mark 10:46-52

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We can develop and strengthen our faith

• Luke 17:5 – The apostles said to the Lord, “increase our faith.”
• John 20:24-29 – Thomas believed with evidence. Jesus said those who believed without seeing were blessed.
• Christ expects our faith to grow
  • Matthew 16:8-12; Hebrews 5:12-14

Why study faith? Why build our faith?

• Faith is challenging because it is under attack in our age. Some view faith as opposed to fact and reality.
• It is important for new Christians to help them grow.
• It is important to those who grew up in the church. I’ve seen many that take their faith for granted.

Goals for this quarter

• Study examples of faith and make application.
• Use these lessons to strengthen our relationship with God.
  • John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6 – Two parts: belief and action
  • Hebrews 10:35-39
  • Jesus is looking for us to have faith. Will he find it? Luke 18:7-8; 17:11-19

Building our faith requires action

• II Peter 1:5 – This process to build our faith ends in love!
• Faith is active!
  • James 2:18-19, 20-24
  • Not just an intellectual assent to the promises laid out by God.
  • It is an embracing of those promises in their fully glory and detail, and the effect that has on our lives!
  • Faith is more than simple belief; it is an active trust in the future God has assured us. Hebrews 10:39
  • Faith is active and it should be active in our lives.

Faith establishes trust

• Trust: the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.
• Matthew 6:25-30 (worry)
• Matthew 14:28-31 (doubt)

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[Due to technical difficulties, the first few minutes of this lesson were not recorded. Sorry about that! -MRW]

Introduction* Where do we turn in times of trouble? + We should be turning to God. * We must put our trust in God. + II Chronicles 16:7 + II Kings 16; Isaiah 7 + If we look to ourselves rather than God, the outcome will not be good. + Isaiah 39; II Kings 20 – Hezekiah’s mistake + II Kings 17:3-6 – King Hoshea + It is foolish to look to man for protection. + Hardship builds character and trust in God.

Psalm 91* Psalm 91:1-2 – We should have an intimate relationship with God. * Psalms 91:3-4 – Compare Job’s hardships and challenges. * Psalms 91:5-6 – God will protect you whether you see it coming or not. * Psalms 91:7-8 – See Joshua 23:10. * Psalms 91:9-10 * Psalms 91:11-13 – See Luke 4:10-11. Satan uses this verse when tempting Christ. * Psalms 91:14-16 – God is not promising there will not be trouble, but that He will be with us when that trouble does come.

Applications* Trust in God’s protection. * Obedience to God is crucial to receiving God’s peace and protection. * God’s protection goes beyond the physical.

Conclusion* See II Kings 6:16-17. God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant so he could see God’s protection.

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Introduction

• I Peter 4:10-11

What do we mean when we say … ?

“Lord willing”

• James 4:13-15

“Pastor”

• Ephesians 4:11 – Only occurrence of the term in the Bible.
• The term refers to a shepherd or elder.
• I Peter 5:1-2
• Pastor and preacher are two different roles.

“Promised Land”

• Genesis 12:7
• Hebrews 11:9

“Lord’s Supper” / “Communion”

• I Corinthians 11:20-26
• I Corinthians 10:16

“The inspired writer …”

• II Timothy 3:16
• We usually mean that the writer was inspired by God.
• I Thessalonians 2:13
• I Corinthians 2:13

Jargon or insider language

“Gospel meeting”

“Go forward” and “invitation song”

• Acts 2:37
• James 5:16

“Local church” and “universal church”

• Ephesians 5:23

“liberal church”

• II Corinthians 9:13
• If it means generous, every church should be liberal.
• If it means loose with the scriptures, no church should be liberal.

“institutional” vs. “non-institutional”

• How is the church’s money to be used? Institutional churches take the position that the local church’s money can be used to fund orphan’s homes and missionary societies. Non-institutional churches take the position that these institutions should not be funded with money from the church, although individuals can certainly contribute to them as they wish.

“marriage, divorce, and remarriage” and “Scriptural marriage / divorce”

A number of cultural sayings come from the Bible:

• “wash my hands of this” – Matthew 27:21
• “writing on the wall” – Daniel 5
• “by the skin of your teeth” – Job 19:20
• “apple of my eye” – Deuteronomy 32:10
• “wolves in sheep’s clothing” – Matthew 7:15
• “go the extra mile” – Matthew 5:41
• “eye for an eye” – Exodus 21:24
• “fall from grace” – Galatians 5:4
• “forbidden fruit” – Genesis 3
• “spare the rod, spoil the child” – Proverbs 29:15
• “a little birdie told me” – Ecclesiastes 10:20

Some sayings sound like they’re in the Bible, but they’re not.

• “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
  • Ancient Babylonian or Hebrew proverb that was revived during the Victorian era.
• “God works in mysterious ways.”
  • Not an exact quote from the Bible. Compare Isaiah 55:9.
• “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
  • Compare II Thessalonians 3:11; I Timothy 5:13.
• “This too shall pass.”
  • From an English poem called “Deor’s Lament.”
• “God helps those who help themselves.”
  • From Aesop’s Fables: “Hercules and the Wagoner”
• “Good things come to those who wait.”
  • From a poem by Violet Fane in 1892. The original wording was “all things come to those who wait,” but it got changed over time.

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Introduction

• Ezra 7:6-10
• Ezra 9:3-4, 6-8 – Ezra was appalled at the sin of Israel and prays to God.
• Ezra 10:3-5

Spend time in the Bible.

• Psalms 119:161-168 – We should rejoice in our time in the Bible.
• Colossians 4:16
• I Thessalonians 2:13
• Luke 11:28
• If you want peace, stability, and wisdom in your house, spend time in the Bible!

Live the Bible.

• Matthew 7:15-27 – People can tell who you truly are by your actions. Beware of hypocrisy and empty lip service to God.
• There must be:
  • Forgiveness
  • Thankfulness
  • Handling criticism well
  • Prayer – Romans 12:12
• Ephesians 5:25
• Ephesians 6:4
• Genesis 12:11-13; 20:2; 26:6-7 – Isaac told the same lie as Abraham.
• I Kings 12:28; 15:25-26
• What bad habits are my kids picking up from me?

Plan with the Bible.

• Genesis 17:7-8; 18:19
• Deuteronomy 6:7
• Psalms 78:6-7
• II Timothy 2:2
• II Peter 3:18
• God wants us to grow.

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“Amen”

Origins

• Egyptian – amun
• Hebrew – amen
• Greek – amen

Use

• Old Testament – ceremonial
• New Testament – dual usage

Archaic

• What would we use today?
• Would it be appropriate?

How was it used?

Old Testament uses

• First uses – Numbers 5:22, trial of jealousy
• Next use – Deuteronomy 27, curses from Mt. Ebal
  • Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim
    • Curses for violating God’s commands
    • Blessings for obeying all His commands
• Common use in I Kings 1:36?
  • Speaking to King David
• David’s song of thanks
  • David’s song
  • People replied “amen” and praise the Lord
  • I Chronicles 16:8, 36
• Other uses
  • Twice in Nehemiah – Nehemiah 5:13; 8:6
  • Four times in Psalms – Psalms 41:13; 22:19; 89:52; 106:48
  • Twice in Jeremiah – Jeremiah 11:5; 28:6

New Testament uses

• Greek word “amen”
• Not exactly same in meanings
• “Verily” – 101 times
• “Amen” – 51 times
• Case in point
  • John 21:25 – Some have “amen” at the end. Most do not.
• Some uses
  • End of “Lord’s prayer”
    • Matthew 5:13
  • Added at end of great commission
    • Matthew 28:20
  • I Corinthians 14:16
  • The last word in the New Testament.

Conclusion

• No dedicated word
• No exclusive use
• Used as it was in Israelite worship
• From where does the meaning come?

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Matthew 27

• Matthew 27:1-5 – Judas tries to return the betrayal money, but the Jews refuse to take it back. This fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-13.
• Matthew 27:7-8 – This “field of blood” was a clear geographical fact that early readers of the gospels would have been able to check.
• Matthew 27:11-14 – Jesus did speak, but He did not answer to any charges, in fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7.
• Matthew 27:17-23 – Pilate tried to rally support for Jesus, but when he couldn’t, he bowed to pressure from the crowd and sent Jesus to be crucified.
• Matthew 27:26 – The fact that scourging is mentioned so lightly here indicates that this writing is inspired. A human author would have made much more of this.
• Matthew 27:35 – Like scourging in Matthew 27:26, crucifixion is almost treated as an aside here. The soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments fulfills the prophecy in Psalms 22:18. See John 3:14 where Jesus compares His own death to the bronze serpent.
• Matthew 27:38 – See Isaiah 53:9. Jesus being crucified with criminals and being buried in the tomb of a wealthy man were both prophesied.
• Matthew 27:39-44 – See Psalms 22:7-8. This prophecy is fulfilled almost word for word.
• Matthew 27:46 – See Psalms 22:1.

Matthew 28

• Matthew 28:1-10 – See I Corinthians 15:3-8 – This is a summation of the gospel:
  • Christ died.
  • He was buried.
  • He was raised.
  • He appeared to more than 500 people.
• Matthew 28:11-15 – This is one of many theories propounded to try to disprove the resurrection of Jesus.
• Matthew 28:16-20 – Jesus gave the great commission to the eleven disciples. Note Acts 8 where the disciples went everywhere spreading the gospel.

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Introduction

• What does it mean to be a man of faith?
• Faith is not an abstract concept – faith is an action.

What is faith?

• What does faith mean to you?
  • Belief
  • Confidence
  • Acceptance
  • Trust
  • Obedience
  • Conviction
  • Submission
  • Certainty
  • Action
  • Loyalty
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
• Hebrews 11:1-3
  • Substance – essential nature
  • Evidence – an outward sign; indication
  • Understanding – to grasp the meaning of
    • What is spiritual understanding?
      • We are familiar with and have knowledge of the priorities of God.
      • We have deeply thought about what God wants, what He loves.
      • We acknowledge how God has been active in our own lives.
      • We have immersed ourselves in His scriptures so that we grasp the deeper and subtler truths in them.
    • Our spiritual understanding translates to practical things as well.
      • We are able to discern good from evil, even when they are not apparent.
      • We learn how to build others up, to put others first, and to treat them as we would have them treat us.
      • This is faith maturing and as time goes by, as we mature, our faith grows deeper.
      • We can develop and strengthen our Faith.

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God does not expect us to believe blindly

• Jesus feeds 5,000 with loaves and fishes.
• Jesus heals the man let down through the roof.
• Can you communicate your faith to others?

The importance of compassion

• Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34 – Jesus had compassion on the crowd.
• Mark 1:40-41 – Jesus had compassion on the leper.
• Matthew 20:32-34 – Jesus heals the blind men.
• Luke 7:11-15
• John 11
• Matthew 23:37
• If I’m going to be like Jesus, I must develop compassion, even when I am tired or frustrated.

Bring your faith

• Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 – We must know that Jesus hears and cares.

Let it be done for you according to your faith

• Matthew 8:5-13 – Jesus heals the centurion’s servant.
• Matthew 9:27-31 – Jesus heals the blind men.
• James 1:5-8 – Ask without doubting.
• What can God not do through me because I don’t trust Him?
• Mark 9:23-24 – “I belief! Help my unbelief!”

Don’t let others deter your faith

• Luke 18:35-43
• Mark 5:21-43

Hatred is powerfully toxic

• Luke 22:47-54 – No one was turned from their hatred, even by seeing Jesus miraculously heal a man.
• James 3:13-18 – Warning against bitterness and selfish ambition.
• Matthew 5:43-48
• Romans 12:14-21 – Overcome evil with good.

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Matthew 26

• There are three groups of people that stand out in this chapter:
  • Jewish leaders – showed great hatred
  • Apostles – notice how Jesus dealt with them despite their problems
  • Women – These are the ones who Jesus elevated for their actions.
• Matthew 26:2 – See Matthew 16:21-23.
• Matthew 26:3-5 – The Jews actively conspired to kill Jesus. Compare Matthew 27:18; Acts 2:36.
• Matthew 26:7-13 – This was a wildly expensive ointment (see parallel passage John 12:3-8) – possibly equivalent to a year’s wages.

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Introduction

• Proverbs 1:1-7 – Proverbs is to help us receive and understand wisdom from God. Part of that is humility.

There are various types of proverbs.

Contrast

• Proverbs 13:1, 20, 3

Comparison

• Proverbs 26:1, 11

Straight-forward advice

• Proverbs 18:13 – Compare John 7:51.

Extended

• Proverbs 24:30-34

Why aren’t these wise sayings ALWAYS true?

These are general truths with exceptions.

• Ecclesiastes 9:11
• Proverbs 10:4 – Compare James 5:4.
• Proverbs 19:9

Some passages may pertain to promises unique to Old Covenant Israel.

• Deuteronomy 28:1-4, 15
• Proverbs 30:1; 31:1 – Some proverbs were written by other men (not Solomon).
• Proverbs 12:21 – See II Timothy 3:12; 4:8

Different circumstances call for different applications of wisdom.

• Proverbs 26:4-5 – There are times when you may or may not want to answer a fool.
• Proverbs 18:22; 21:9 – Is marriage good or not? Generally it is a great blessing, but there are cases where it is a bad relationship.

Dave’s faves

• Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath”
• Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain”
• Proverbs 16:32 – “He who is slow to anger is better than the might”
• Proverbs 18:17 – “The first to plead his case seems right …”

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I’m saved! Now what?

• Exodus 3:12; 4:22-23 – God wanted Israel to serve Him.
• Ephesians 2:10 – We are created for good works.
• Titus 2:14
• I Peter 2:9
• Romans 11:22-24

Ephesians 4: “lay aside the old self … put on the new self”

• Ephesians 4:22-32 – instructions for the new self
• I Peter 1:15-16

Romans 6: “walk in newness of life … our old self was crucified with Him”

• Romans 6:4-7, 11-13 – We should be instruments of righteousness.

Colossians 3: “laid aside the old self … put on the new self”

• Colossians 3:1-11 – God is showing us how to think about this. We are a new person!
• Galatians 2:20 – Our old self should be dead.
• Galatians 3:26-28 – Paul went from being a Hebrew of the Hebrews to saying there is neither Jew nor Greek. This is the new Paul.

Change your identity.

• Ephesians 5:8-10; 4:23
• Romans 6:2, 11 – Think of yourself as dead to sin.
• Colossians 3:2

Beware of who/ what is influencing you.

• Ephesians 4:17
• Proverbs 13:20
• II Chronicles 24:1-2, 17-18 – Jehoiada was a good influence on Joash while he was alive.

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Introduction

• Mark 9:33-37
• Mark 10:13-16
• Psalms 78:1-4

Worship

… should always come from the heart.

• Psalms 95:1-11 – We should worship joyfully because of who God is and what He has done.
• Matthew 15:8

… involves participation.

• Encourage your children to pay attention and participate in whatever way they can in the worship service.

… is not time to play.

• John 4:23-24
• Sometimes with little ones, you’re just trying to survive, but don’t just give up and don’t let bad habits form.

Praying

• Kids are often great at praying!
• Matthew 6:5-13
• Acts 12:12
• I Peter 3:12

Preaching

• Deuteronomy 31:10-13 – The Israelites were to listen to God’s word, including the kids.
• Joshua 8:33-35 – The entire law was read to everyone, including the children.
• Ezekiel 33:31

Singing

• Colossians 3:16
• This is something kids can do!

Giving

• I Corinthians 16:1

Lord’s Supper

• I Corinthians 11:23-26
• Matthew 26:29
• This is a memorial that also helps us teach our children.

Conclusion

• Make sure the main focus is on God, not people.

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[Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to make a recording of this lesson. Sorry about that! -MRW]

Matthew 25* Matthew 25:1-13 – Parable of the ten virgins + Be ready because you do not know when the bridegroom (possibly the destruction of Jerusalem based on the context from Matthew 24) will come. + Being ready means doing the master’s will, so that you will be in the right position when the time comes. * Matthew 25:14-30 – Parable of the talents + Matthew 25:15 – The master was wise and gave to each according to what he knew their abilities were. Even the man with the least ability was given something. See James 4:14-17. They did not know when the master would return. + Matthew 25:16-17 – Two men immediately started using the money to make a profit. + Matthew 25:25-26 – The man who did nothing was called worthless and lazy. The man said he was afraid and did not act. * Matthew 25:31-46 – Judgment + See II Corinthians 5:10. They were going to be judged based on their deeds. Don’t overlook opportunities to help people.

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Daily disciples

• Acts 16:5
• Acts 17:11
• I Corinthians 15:31
• II Corinthians 11:28
• James 2:15-16
• Ephesians 2:10; 4:1; 5:1, 15 – “Walk”
• Ephesians 6:24

Jesus is always there for us.

• Colossians 1:16-17 – Jesus is holding everything together.
• Hebrews 1:3
• Philippians 2:5-8
• Hebrews 9:22
• Romans 5:6
• Romans 6:3-6
• Hebrews 7:23-25
• Jesus cares care of both our spiritual and physical parts.

Are we always there for Him?

• He wants EVERYTHING (Matthew 5:46-48)
• He wants priority in our relationships (Matthew 10:34-37)
• He wants our speech (Matthew 12:33-37)
• He wants our actions (Matthew 12:46-50)
• He wants our hearts (Matthew 15:16-20)
• He wants our very lives (Matthew 16:24-27)

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Be baptized, continued

• Galatians 3:27
• Colossians 2:9-12 – The parallels between circumcision and baptism. Be careful not to stretch these parallels too far!
• I Peter 3:21
• What is the proper method for baptism?
  • Strong: “to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet).”
  • Zodhiates: “Immerse, submerge for a religious purpose, to overwhelm, saturate”
  • Mounce: “The verb baptize literally means ‘to put or go under water.’”
  • Vine describes the word’s use outside of the Bible: It “was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another.”
  • John 3:23
  • Mark 1:9-10
  • Acts 8:38
• Since we don’t read about pouring or sprinkling in the New Testament, how did they get started?
  • 251 – First recorded case of pouring was on Novation. He was too sick to be immersed, so they put pillows around him on a couch and drenched him in water. This was called “clinic baptism.” It was decided that if the sick person got healthier they should be immersed.
  • 257 – Baptism by sprinkling for adults was first used as an exception for those on sick beds, but it caused great dispute.
  • 753 – Sprinkling for those on sick beds officially accepted.
  • 1311 – Baptism by sprinkling accepted as the universal standard instead of immersion for all, not just the sick. (Council of Ravenna)
  • Source: https://www.bible.ca/cath-new-doctrines.htm
• Is the water special or holy?
  • No. The act of baptism saves us, not because of any power found in the water itself, but because God said to be baptized. It is an act of obedience.
• Isn’t baptism an outward sign of an inward grace (an outward show of the fact that one’s sins have already been forgiven)?
  • No.
    • That is nowhere taught, exemplified, or implied in the Bible.
    • It contradicts the passages about baptism.
    • It does not fit the Greek.
• Why did Paul say, “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (I Corinthians 1:17)?
  • Keep this in its context.
  • Harmonize this with other clear passages.
  • Recognize their “not … but” method of emphasis.
    • I John 3:18
    • John 6:27
    • I Peter 3:3-4

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Perseverance of the saints* Also known as “once saved, always saved” or “impossibility of apostasy.”

“The elect are not only redeemed by Christ and renewed by the Spirit, but also kept in faith by the almighty power of God. All those who are spiritually united to Christ through regeneration are eternally secure in Him. Nothing can separate them from the eternal and unchangeable love of God. They have been predestined to eternal glory and are therefore assured of heaven.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 64

“Many who profess to believe fall away, but they do not fall from grace, for they were never in grace. True believers do fall into temptations, and they do commit grievous sins, but these sins do not cause them to lose their salvation or separate them from Christ.” – Steele, Thomas, & Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 64-65

As the Westminster Confession of Faith states, saved people “can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.” – as cited in Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 65

• Romans 8:29-30
  • foreknew ➡ predestined ➡ called ➡ justified ➡ glorified

“We have seen before the ironclad chain of divine work in Romans 8:30 … What is evident from this verse is that those who are effectually called into the hope of salvation will indeed persevere to the end and be glorified. There are no dropouts in this sequence. These are promises of God rooted in unconditional election in the first place and in the sovereign, converting, preserving grace that we have seen before. The links in this chain are unbreakable, because God’s saving word is infallible and his new covenant commitments are irrevocable.” – John Piper, Five Points, p. 65-66

• • Calvinists misinterpret these verses. Who is predestined here? It’s not individual people but a category of people – those who have decided to obey God.

| According to Calvinism | According to the Bible | | --- | --- | | “According to Romans 8:29-30, God predetermined that certain individuals would be conformed to the likeness of His Son, be called, justified, and glorified.” - gotquestions.org | “God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-35) “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16) |

• Romans 11:16-24 – Jews were removed from the metaphorical tree because of unbelief. Gentiles can be grafted in if they are faithful, but can also be removed just like the Jews if they fall away.
• Galatians 3:26-27
• Colossians 1:2, 13, 21-22 – Paul is writing to Christians.
  • Colossians 2:5 – They were stable in their faith.
  • Colossians 1:23 – Notice the word “if”!
• I Timothy 1:19-20; 4:1
• Hebrews 3-4
  • Hebrews 3:1 – This is written to Christians
  • Hebrews 3:5-6 – “if indeed we hold fast …”
  • Hebrews 3:7-11
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 – Don’t fall away!
  • Hebrews 3:15-19 – They were guilty of unbelief. He is drawing a parallel between heaven and Canaan.
  • Hebrews 4:1-11

Conclusion* Don’t let this false doctrine make you thing you can disobey God and still go to heaven.

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Matthew 24

• What is “the end” in Matthew 24:14?
  • Signs of the end (Matthew 24:4-14)
    • Wars and rumors of wars
    • Nation rise up against nation
    • Famines and earthquakes
    • Delivered to tribulation, death, hated by all nations
    • False prophets arise and mislead
    • Lawlessness increased
    • Sun and moon darkened
    • Stars will fall from the sky
    • Heavenly bodies will be shaken
    • Then … “the end will come” (Matthew 24:29)
• How to interpret the language of Matthew 24
  • Context
  • Pronouns
  • Figurative or literal language
  • Where and when
• Preceding context – Matthew 21
  • Matthew 21:23 – Jesus is speaking to Jews in the temple.
• Preceding context – Matthew 23
  • Matthew 23:34-36 – Jesus is still speaking to Jews. Bad things would happen to them because they had done bad things. These things would happen in their generations (Matthew 23:35).
• Immediate context – Matthew 24
  • Matthew 24:32-35 – Jesus is still speaking to Jews. Things would happen in the time of that generation (Matthew 24:34).
• Outline of the chapter
  • Matthew 24:1-4 – Disciples’ questions
  • Matthew 24:4-44 – Jesus’ answer
  • Matthew 24:45-25:30 – Three parables
    • Matthew 24:45-41 – Evil servant
    • Matthew 25:1-13 – Ten virgins
    • Matthew 25:14-30 – Talents
• Matthew 24:2 – “These things” are the temple buildings in verse 1.
• Matthew 24:3 – The KJV here has “end of the world” but the NASB and a number of other translations have “end of the age.” When the Romans destroyed the temple and Jerusalem, the Jewish “age” or “system” as depicted in the Old Testament ceased to exist.
• Matthew 24:4-14 – Events leading up to “the end.”
• Matthew 24:15-16 – See Daniel 9:24-27.
• Matthew 24:29-33 – Compare similar language in other places:
  • Isaiah 13:9-10 – Isaiah 13:1 shows that this was talking about Babylon.
  • Isaiah 34:4-6
  • Amos 8:9-10, 13-14
  • Ezekiel 32:6-8, 1-2

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Limited atonement (or particular redemption)* The idea that when Jesus died, He died only to save those who God had already decided would be saved.

“God the Father decreed the salvation of an elect people, Christ died with the intention of redeeming those people through their union with Him and accomplished that task, and without fail the Holy Spirit brings that accomplished work to fruition in the life of the elect at the time and in the manner determined by God.” – James White, Debating Calvinism, p. 170

“Christ’s redeeming work was definite in design and accomplishment – that it was intended to render complete satisfaction for certain specified sinners, and that it actually secured salvation for these individuals and for no one else … Redemption, therefore, was designed to bring to pass God’s purpose for election.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 39-40

“Christ’s saving work was limited in that it was designed to save some and not others, but it was not limited in value, for it was of infinite worth and would have secured salvation for everyone if this had been God’s intention.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 40

• Proof texts used by Calvinists
  • John 17

“So clear was the particularity of His work of redemption that in His High Priestly prayer the Lord says, ‘I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours’ (John 17:9).” – James White, Debating Calvinism, p. 177

“Jesus, in His High Priestly Prayer, prays not for the world, but for those given to Him by the Father. In fulfillment of the Father’s charge, Jesus had accomplished the work the Father had sent Him to do—to make God known to His people and to give them eternal life.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 47

• • • Jesus was specifically praying for His apostles here.

“Isaiah prophesied, ‘He was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people’ (Isaiah 53:8). The angel told Joseph, ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins’ (Matthew 1:21). Jesus explained, ‘The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Matthew 20:28). ‘I am the good shepherd,’ he preached. ‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep’ (John 10:11, emphasis added in all cited verses).” – Phillips, What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace?, p. 54

• Where in the Bible do we read that the “elect” is a closed group that you cannot get into?

Counter-texts* John 3:14-16 – Whoever believes will be saved. The condition was pre-selected – not the people. * Acts 10:43 – “everyone who believes” * Hebrews 5:9 – “all those who obey Him” * John 1:29 * I Timothy 2:6 * Titus 2:11 * Hebrews 2:9 * I John 2:1-2 * Matthew 7:21 * Mark 16:16 * John 3:16 * Acts 10:43 * Hebrews 5:9 * II Peter 3:9

Irresistible grace

“Just as Christ had the power and authority to raise Lazarus to life without obtaining his ‘permission’ to do so, He is able to raise His elect to spiritual life with just as certain a result.” – James White, Debating Calvinism, p. 197

“Simply stated, this doctrine asserts that the Holy Spirit never fails to bring to salvation those sinners whom He personally calls to Christ. He inevitably applies salvation to every sinner whom He intends to save, and it is His intention to save all the elect.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 52

“Therefore, just as unconditional election describes the grace of the Father and limited atonement describes the grace of the Son, irresistible grace presents the grace of the Holy Spirit.” – Phillips, What’s so Great About the Doctrines of Grace?, p. 70

Counter-texts* Acts 7:51 – “resisting the Holy Spirit”?

“The doctrine of irresistible grace does not mean that every influence of the Holy Spirit cannot be resisted. It means that the Holy Spirit, whenever he chooses, can overcome all resistance and make his influence irresistible.” – John Piper, Five Points, p. 22

• Matthew 11:28 – “all who are weary …”?
• John 7:37
• Why preach to all? (Matthew 11:28; John 7:37)
  • Calvinists claim there are two calls:
    • There’s an outward, “general call of the gospel” that goes to everyone and “often … falls on unreceptive ears.” – John Piper, Five Points, p. 22
    • But there’s a second, inward call: “the Holy Spirit, in order to bring God’s elect to salvation, extends to them a special inward call in addition to the outward call contained in the gospel message … The inward change wrought in the elect sinner enables him to understand and believe spiritual truth … the renewed sinner freely and willingly turns to Christ as Lord and Savior … the special inward call of the Spirit never fails to result in the conversion of those to whom it is made … The grace which the Holy Spirit extends to the elect cannot be thwarted or refused; it never fails to bring them to true faith in Christ.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 53-54
  • Two calls in I Corinthians 1:23-24? No. There is just the call of the gospel. Romans 1:16
• Acts 13:48 – “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed”
  • When did they start to believe?
  • Is their appointment why they believed?
  • How did they believe?
  • See Romans 10:17. This is how you develop faith.
  • John 3:15-16 – Belief led to eternal life.
• Acts 16:14 – Was Lydia’s heart opened supernaturally?
  • Lydia heard Paul’s inspired words, through which the Lord opened her heart, and she was baptized. In other words, could it be that the Lord opened her heart through the inspired words of Paul? (Compare Acts 2:37; I Thessalonians 2:13.)
  • See I Timothy 2:4. The very fact that God wants ALL to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, but only SOME do, proves that God is not irresistibly causing it.
  • See also II Peter 3:9.

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Sincere love and worship of God

• Deuteronomy 6:5
• Malachi 1:6
• Genesis 8:20-21 – Noah
• Genesis 12:7-8 – Abraham
• Psalms 145:1-5, 21 – David
• Daniel 6:10 – Daniel
• II Chronicles 30:21-27 – This is the kind of culture we want at Benchley – rejoicing in worship!
• Romans 12:12
• James 5:13

Genuine Bible study

• Psalms 119:97-104
• John 14:15, 21-24; 15:14; 14:26 – You cannot separate God and His word.
• Matthew 28:18-20
• Mark 8:38
• I John 5:3
• Mark 7:8-9, 6-7 – They say good things, but their heart is far away.
• What does that mean at Benchley?
  • We are studying to really see what the Bible says. Acts 10:1, 24
  • We should never substitute the repetition of doctrine for genuine Bible study. Go back to the source!

Absolute humility

• Ephesians 4:1-6
• Mark 2:15-17
• John 9:13-16, 24-25 – The Pharisees thought they understood the Sabbath day.
• Prideful people think they know everything.
• Acts 17:11

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Be baptized

• Greek baptize = dip, immerse
• Many baptized in Acts:
  • 3,000 in Acts 2:41
  • Acts 8:12 – numerous men and women
  • The Ethiopian man in Acts 8:38
  • Lydia and her household in Acts 16:15
  • The Philippian jailer in Acts 16:33
  • And more!
• Mark 16:15-16 – Belief is a prerequisite for baptism.
• John 3:35 – See I Peter 1:22-25
• Acts 2:36-38 – People must repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Compare the language in Matthew 26:28. Arguments have been made about the word “for” but the underlying Greek word eis always points forward.
• Acts 11:13-14; 10:47-48
• Acts 22:16 – Compare Acts 9:3-4, 8-9. Saul believed at this point but still needed to have his sins forgiven.
• Romans 6:1-4

• I Corinthians 12:12-13

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Matthew 23

• Compare Matthew 5:20; 6:1-5; 7:3-5, 12, 15. Jesus makes similar points here.
• Matthew 23:5-12 – Warnings against pride.
• Matthew 23:13 – See Isaiah 5:8, 13, 18, 20, 21, 22. Jesus was speaking like a prophet here, which would have surely caught their ear. It is easy to discourage others with our behavior, especially new Christians or non-Christians.
• Matthew 23:16-22 – All of these examples of oaths go back to God’s authority. Misusing God’s name in this way is essentially taking the Lord’s name in vain.
• Matthew 23:23-24 – Don’t focus so much on the details that you lose sight of the bigger picture.

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Repent

It’s more than just being sorry.

• II Corinthians 7:8-11
• Just because someone upsets you doesn’t mean they are in the wrong.
• Matthew 27:3-5 – Judas felt remorse, but he did not repent in the true sense. Hanging himself was the worst response he could have had.
• Acts 9:1-20

It’s a change of mind that leads to a change of life.

• Acts 26:19-20
• Hebrews 6:1 – Repentance from “dead works”
• Matthew 12:41
• Jonah 3:4-10 – The people of Ninevah sincerely repented.
• We can’t just say, “That’s the way I am.” We must all humble ourselves and repent!

It’s not just a one-time thing.

• Acts 17:30-31
• Acts 8:13-24 – Do people who are already Christians still need to repent? Yes! Simon was told to repent of his sin.
• Romans 1:7; 6:3
• Romans 2:1-6 – Continue to repent! Don’t judge others for failing to repent and fail to do so yourself.
• Revelation 2:5, 16, 22; 3:3, 19 – Christians in various churches told to repent
• Our humility should be growing and maturing over time.

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Introduction* II Timothy 2:15

John Calvin (1509-1564)* Jacobus Arminius and his followers argued against Calvin’s teaching. The five points of Calvinism were a distillation of the arguments that Calvin and his followers made against the Arminians.

Total depravity (or total inability)

“Adam’s offspring are born with sinful natures, they do not have the ability to choose spiritual good over evil.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 18-19

“Our sinful corruption is so deep and so strong as to make us slaves of sin and morally unable to overcome our own rebellion and blindness. This inability to save ourselves from ourselves is total. We are utterly dependent on God’s grace to overcome our rebellion, give us eyes to see, and effectively draw us to the Savior.” – John Piper, Five Points, p.11

“Ephesians 2:1 says that we Christians were all once ‘dead in trespasses and sins.’ The point of deadness is that we were incapable of any spiritual life with God.” – John Piper, Five Points, p. 19

• Ephesians 2:1-5 – This verse is just saying that people were dead in their sins, not that they couldn’t do anything about it or that their guilt came from Adam.
• Acts 8:4-17

| Calvinists | Bible | | --- | --- | | “the once dead sinner is drawn to Christ by the inward, supernatural call of the Spirit” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 53 | “they believed Philip preaching the good news” (Acts 8:12) and later “they were receiving the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17) |

Unconditional election

“Election refers to God’s choosing whom to save. It is unconditional in that there is no condition man must meet before God chooses to save him. Man is dead in trespasses and sins. So there is no condition he can meet before God chooses to save him from his deadness.” – John Piper, Five Points, p. 50

“But faith is not a condition for election. Just the reverse. Election is a condition for faith.” – John Piper, Five points, p. 50

Concerning Romans 9:10-13: “God’s choice was not based upon any foreseen merit residing in those whom He chose, now was it based on any foreseen good works performed by them … Election was based on the sovereign, distinguishing mercy of almighty God. It was not man’s will, but God’s will, that determined which sinners would be shown mercy and saved.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 32, 35

• Romans 9:10-13 – This passage is not talking about salvation at all – it is talking about God choosing a particular branch of the family for Christ to come from.
• In any investigation, you have to stand firm on what is known.
• Any time we’re studying the Bible, we need to let the plain passages help us figure out the difficult passages.
• I Peter 1:17-19 – God is an impartial judge, judging according to our works.

| Calvinists | Bible | | --- | --- | | “It is unconditional in that there is no condition man must meet before God chooses to save him.” – John Piper, Five Points, p. 50 | “impartially judges according to each one’s work” (I Peter 1:17) |

• Acts 10:34-35
• I Timothy 2:3-4 – God desires al men to be saved.
• II Peter 3:9 – God wants all to come to repentance.

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Matthew 22

Matthew 22:1-14

• In this parable, the slaves who did the inviting were the apostles and those who were invited first were the Jews. The wedding feast represented reconciliation with God (salvation). Others who were invited later were the Gentiles.
• This parable may also be prophesying of the persecution of the apostles and the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 22:6-7).
• Matthew 22:11-13 – We must be properly prepared to enter God’s kingdom. This shows God’s great anger when we sin.

Matthew 22:15-22 – Jesus is questioned about paying the poll tax

• Matthew 22:16 – Disciples are learners who are committed to a teacher. Jesus was surely not impressed with their flowery speech here.

Matthew 22:23-33 – The Sadducees question Jesus about marriage and the afterlife

• Jesus refused to directly answer hypothetical questions. Be careful and avoid answering them if people ask them of you.
• Matthew 22:32 – Jesus made a point from the tense of the verb!
• We will continue to live when we die on earth, but we will not still be married to our spouse. That is an earthly relationship.

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Introduction

• Matthew 22:37

I Thessalonians 5:15 – Be nice.

• Do not repay evil for evil.
• Matthew 5:38-42
• It’s okay to get help!
• Be nice even to the unpopular kids.
• Matthew 5:43
• Seek good for others. Help their souls.

James 4:4 – Be different.

• Don’t be a friend of the world. Be different from the world.
• James 4:1-3
• Romans 12:2 – Our job is to be transformed.
• I Peter 2:21 – We are trying to walk in Jesus’ steps.
• Philippians 3:17

Colossians 3:23 – Have a good attitude.

• Colossians 3:22-24
• Even slaves should work with good attitudes.
• We must decide to have a good attitude.
• Proverbs 17:22

John 6:27 – Feed your soul.

• Spiritual food is even more important than physical food.
• John 6:35, 45 – Spiritual teaching is spiritual food.

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Introduction* Genesis 6:14 * Genesis 7:12 * Genesis 7:11; 8:13-18 – They were on the ark a year and ten days.

Scared!* Genesis 7:11, 18-24 – God’s power was on full display.

Marine fossils are also found high in the Himalayas, the world’s tallest mountain range, reaching up to 29,029 feet (8,848 m) above sea level.3 For example, fossil ammonites (coiled marine cephalopods) are found in limestone beds in the Himalayas of Nepal. All geologists agree that ocean waters must have buried these marine fossils in these limestone beds. So how did these marine limestone beds get high up in the Himalayas? – answersingenesis.org

• God is great and I am small.
• Amos 4:13
• Revelation 20:11-15
• There were people in Noah’s day who flaunted their sin before God until they died. There are people today who are doing the same until judgment comes.

Sad* Genesis 5:28-32 – Noah’s father died five years before the flood, but it’s possible Noah had siblings that died in the flood. * Genesis 6:5-8 – It is a tragedy that so many died in the flood, but what was worse was that they had turned their backs on God. * I Peter 3:20 * Genesis 6:3, 6 * We would probably grieve for those who were not on the ark.

Validated* Hebrews 11:7 – By building the ark and obeying God, Noah condemned the world. * Noah had to live in the sinful world for 600 years! * II Peter 2:5-9 – Noah was a preacher of righteousness. * II Peter 3:3-9 * Matthew 24:38-39 – They were all just living life until the flood came.

Grateful* Genesis 6:13-14, 17; 7:1 * Genesis 6:9 – Unlike the rest of the world, Noah was trying to walk with God. * Genesis 8:18 * II Timothy 3:12; 4:14, 18

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Believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and Christ, the son of God

• Mark 16:15-16

One must sincerely believe (not just know the facts).

• Acts 8
• Acts 17:11-12 – They were examining the scriptures daily.
• Romans 10:9-10 – “Believe in your heart”
• Acts 2:14-16, 21-38 – Peter convinced them and they developed sincere belief.

One must believe in Jesus.

• Mark 1:1; 16:15
• John 20:30-31 – He is “the Christ, the Son of God.”
• Acts 9:22
• Acts 17:1-4 – Paul reasoned with them, explaining and giving evidence.
• Acts 18:28 – “Jesus was the Christ”

One must not only believe the truth about Jesus, but be willing to confess it.

• Romans 10:8-10
• Other types of confessions:
  • Romans 14:10-12
  • James 5:16
  • I John 1:9 – confession of sins
• Matthew 26:63
• Acts 2:36
• I John 4:15
• John 12:42-43 – These people refused to confess Jesus out of fear.
• This is not a one-time thing. It is a way of life.
• Matthew 10:6, 27-33
• Mark 8:38

Repent

• Acts 2:37-38

It’s more than just being sorry

• II Corinthians 7:8-10

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Matthew 21

• Matthew 21:5 – This is quoted from Zechariah 9:9. See Psalms 24:7-10. The picture is of the Lord coming into His city as a king.
  • Isaiah 61:1-2 – Jesus read this scripture in Luke 4:18-19 and applied it to Himself.
  • Isaiah 62:4, 1, 10 – Zion was downtrodden but would rejoice.
• Matthew 21:9 – See Psalms 118:19-24. Compare Luke 19:37-38. The occasion was the Passover festival.
• Matthew 21:15-16 – See Luke 19:39. The quote is from Psalms 8:2. Compare Matthew 18:3; 19:13-14 regarding children.
• Matthew 21:12-13 – Jesus drives out the people who had turned the temple into a market. The traders were using the arrangement for sacrifices God had set up under the Law of Moses to take advantage of others.
• Matthew 21:19-22 – This was the season for figs produced from old growth. Jesus is making the comparison to the Jews who should have believed in Him but did not. The “old growth” was not bearing fruit as it should.

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Introduction

• Read God’s word every day!
• If you rush past the ruler to get to the rules, you may not assess them correctly. The Bible is a Jesus book!

Nehemiah

• Overview
  • Laments the sins of the people – Nehemiah 1:3-7
  • Travels far to go and help them – Nehemiah 2:4-11
  • Teaches repentance and renewal – Nehemiah 2:13-18
  • Motivates them to work together – Nehemiah 3
  • Stands against outside opposition – Nehemiah 4:8-16
  • Calls for unity, peace, and love – Nehemiah 5:1-13
  • Faces threat of death by enemies – Nehemiah 6:1-10
  • Finishes the work he sets out to do – Nehemiah 6:15-16
  • Becomes a leader for years to come – Nehemiah 5:14
  • Calls for continual faithfulness – Nehemiah 10:28-39
• Would you have listened to Nehemiah?
• Nehemiah was a shadow of a great leader: Jesus

Jesus

• Overview
  • Laments the sins of the people
  • Travels far to go and help them – Philippians 2
  • Teaches repentance and renewal
  • Motivates them to work together
  • Stands against outside opposition
  • Calls for unity, peace, and love
  • Faces threat of death by enemies
  • Finishes the work he sets out to do – Hebrews 12
  • Becomes a leader for years to come
  • Calls for continual faithfulness
• Is His passion enough for you? Or do you have to wait until it is your own idea?
• Will you allow Jesus to call you to repent? To demand change?
• Can He pull you into communal service, to church involvement?
• Is He worth overcoming external and internal pressures to quit?
• Is past involvement enough? Or can He call you in for more?

A call to service

• Elders – I Timothy 3:10, 1
• Deacons
• Teachers
• Evangelists
• Hosts
• Givers
• Workers
• Encouragers
• Romans 12:1-8 – Don’t wait to feel the call. Hear the call!
• Ephesians 4:11-16
• When you get lazy and lethargic, you get mean and blame others. This doesn’t happen if you use your hands for good.

Conclusion

• Matthew 16:24
• Are you a 90 or a 52?

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Introduction

• Why are you here right now?
• Ephesians 1:3-8; 4:1 – You can not walk any stronger than your understanding of how worthy your walk is.
• I Corinthians 1:2-9 – The church in Corinth had a lot of problems, but Paul started by reminding them about Jesus.
• God provides our fuel!

Colossians 1

Colossians 1:1-8 – “because of the HOPE”

• “faith in Christ” – Colossians 1:4
• “love for saints” – Colossians 1:4
• “bearing fruit” – Colossians 1:6
• I Peter 1:3-7 – We should be rejoicing in our faith!
• Romans 5:1-5
• Hebrews 6:19-20 – Hope anchors our soul.

Colossians 1:9-12 – “filled with the KNOWLEDGE”

• “walk … worthy” – Colossians 1:10
• “please God in all” – Colossians 1:11
• “steadfast and patient” – Colossians 1:11
• Colossians 1:26-27

Colossians 1:13-22

• Jesus is …
  • Rescuer – Colossians 1:13
  • Redeemer – Colossians 1:14
  • Eternal God – Colossians 1:15
  • Creator – Colossians 1:15
  • Sustainer – Colossians 1:17
  • Head of the body – Colossians 1:18
  • Risen from the dead – Colossians 1:18
  • Peacemaker – Colossians 1:20
  • Reconciler – Colossians 1:22

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Colossians 2

• Colossians 2:1-3
• Colossians 2:10-15 – Notice the repeating phrases “in Him,” “with Him,” and “through Him.”
• Colossians 2:4 – Watch out for slight distortions in the scriptures. It’s possible to be wrong by being either too loose or too tight with the scripture.

Philosophical reasoning (Colossians 2:8)

• Man’s logic
• I Corinthians 1:18-21, 23-25 – God will thwart the “wisdom” of the world.
• I Corinthians 6:18
• The result of philosophy is that we end up doing what we think is right.

Mystical spiritualism (Colossians 2:18-19)

• Galatians 1:6-9 – If it was not taught by Jesus, it is not the truth.

Sectarian legalism (Colossians 2:16-17)

• Or, “we decide”
• If we become a thing and try to decide who’s in or out, we are going beyond Jesus.
• Matthew 15:1-6

Extreme conservatism (Colossians 2:20-23)

• Conservatism for the sake of conservatism is not the gospel.
• Just saying “no” to everything doesn’t make you more holy.

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Introduction

• Acts 2

Colossians 3

• Colossians 3:1-4
  • Think and live for Christ and Heaven’s glory.
  • Keep buried the life that was exposed to Satan.
  • Anticipate His return and the glory that is to come.
• If Jesus is real to you, the main way people will see that is in your relationships with other people.

Relationships

Matthew 5:13-48

• Be a good influence (Matthew 5:13-16)
  • You cannot out-worship a bad attitude.
• Do not mistreat believers (Matthew 5:21-26)
• Do not lust for another (Matthew 5:27-30)
  • Loving others properly can help with lust.
• Do not divorce your spouse (Matthew 5:31-32)
• Be a person of integrity (Matthew 5:33-37)
• Do not return evil for evil (Matthew 5:38-42)
• Love even your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)

Ephesians 4:1-3

Colossians 3:5-4:6

• Avoid sexual immorality (Colossians 3:3-7)
  • A sin against God and others
• Treat Christians properly (Colossians 3:8-16)
  • Not with anger and meanness
  • But with compassion and love
  • Encouraging with thankfulness
    • Ephesians 4:29
• Honor your family (Colossians 3:18-21)
  • Loving them and the Lord
• Respect authority roles (Colossians 3:22-4:1)
  • Loving them and the Lord
• Influence people everywhere (Colossians 4:2-6)
  • With wisdom and grace

Matthew 7:13-14, 12

• The context here is the golden rule!
• Treat others well!

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Introduction

• The theme of this series is to learn about Jesus first, then learn about yourself.
• Read your Bible every day! This practice will change you. It will change your perspective and erase your biases.
• Luke 24:44-47
• Don’t walk past the Ruler to get to the rules!
• When we are studying the Bible, question one should be, “What can I learn about Jesus?”
• How far back can you go in the Bible and find Jesus?
  • Genesis 1:26 – “Let us make man …”
  • Genesis 1:1-5 – “God” in verse one is referencing Jesus. See John 1:1-9. Jesus is order in the chaos. He is light.
• How far forward can you go in the Bible and find Jesus?
  • Revelation 21:1-4

David

• I Samuel 16:1

Who is this story really about?

• Preselected by God to be king
• Previously given miraculous powers
• Disregarded by the leaders
  • I Samuel 17:28
• Facing a foe no one could defeat
  • I Samuel 17:23-24
• With the whole nation on the line
  • I Samuel 17:8-9
• Fights unlike the enemy and wins
• Leads the army of God to victory
  • I Samuel 17:50-52
• Is exalted to king over the people

Jesus is my David

• Who are you in this narrative?
  • I Samuel 17:23-24, 51-54 – The people had confidence because of this victory!
  • Ephesians 6:10-20 – All of these things are Jesus.

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The story of Job

• Holy and blameless
  • Job 1:1-5
• Blessed and secure
• Targeted by Satan
  • Job 1:8-12
• Suffered great loss
  • Job 1:13-19
  • Job 2:4
  • Job 3:1-3
• Cried out to God
  • Job 1:20-21
  • Job 13:15 – Compare Isaiah 53
  • Job 19:25-26
• Restored after trials
  • Job 42:10-17
• Intercessor for everyone
  • Job 42:7-9 – Job prayed for his friends

This is also the story of Jesus

• Holy and blameless
  • Philippians 2:5-7
  • Revelation 12:1-6
• Intercessor for everyone
  • Hebrews 2:17
  • What does it mean to you that Jesus went through all this for you?
  • Hebrews 7:23-27
  • Romans 8:31-34

Who are you in the book of Job?

• We are Job’s friends, who Job had to pray for when it was all over.

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Matthew 20

Matthew 20:1-16 – Laborers in the vineyard

• Matthew 20:1 – See Matthew 12:24-26. Satan also has a kingdom. God (Jesus) is the ruler of the kingdom of God. Compare also Luke 17:20-21. When you see “kingdom” in the Bible, think “ruler.”
• See Romans 9:14-16. God told the Jews it was His decision to whom He would be merciful. Both Jews and Gentiles would be acceptable to God in the end. God had a covenant with the Jews, who were then upset that Gentiles were also being blessed.

Matthew 20:17-19 – Jesus foretells His death again

• Jesus clearly states that the Jews will condemn Him to death.

Matthew 20:20-28

• The mother of James and John clearly did not understand the type of kingdom Jesus was setting up.

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Introduction

• Thomas Campbell: “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” (1800s Restoration Movement)
• Do you have a “book, chapter, verse” faith?

“Book, chapter, and verse”

• Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3
• The original documents were not divided into chapters and verses. Chapters weren’t added until about 1227 A.D., with verses added in 1555 A.D.
• Chapters and verses aided cross-reference and public reading, which helped knowledge of the Bible to expand during the Reformation.
• II Timothy 3:14-17
• Luke 4:17-19
• Luke 20:27-39 – Jesus used the scriptures to correct their misunderstanding.
• Acts 4:5-11
• Acts 15 – The dispute about circumcision went back to Amos.
• Acts 17:10-12 – Those in Berea searched the scriptures to confirm Paul’s teaching.
• Although the phrase “book, chapter, and verse” is not in the Bible, the concept is present throughout the scriptures.

Where is the authority of your faith?

• Colossians 3:17
• II John 1:9-11 – Don’t go beyond the scriptures. We must have proof for what we practice from the Bible.
• I Corinthians 4:6
• I Peter 4:11 – Speak as the oracles of God – minimize yourself and magnify God.
• I Corinthians 2:4-5; 1:18

Establish the pattern of sound words

• II Timothy 1:13-14
• Hebrews 8:5-6
• Everything we do must follow the pattern set forth in the Bible.

Growing in the knowledge of the truth

• II Peter 3:18
• I Peter 2:2
• Romans 10:17
• If you can find book, chapter, and verse for what you are doing, you know you are on solid ground.
• John 8:31-32
• John 20:30-31
• Matthew 15:7-9

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Introduction

• Proverbs 23:4-5
• All these physical possessions are temporary.
• Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
• Materialism: “focusing on immediate, physical treasures and neglecting eternal, spiritual treasures”

What makes me feel secure?

• Psalms 52:6-9 – The unrighteous would not make God his strength.
• Does your security come from your relationship with God?
• Proverbs 11:28
• Judges 7:2 – God reduced the size of Gideon’s army to provoke faith in God.
• Jeremiah 9:23-24
• Nothing we can do compares to anything God can do.
• I Timothy 6:17-19
• We must retrain our brains. The most important thing is our fellowship with God.

Am I jealous?

• II Corinthians 12:20-21
• I Corinthians 3:3-4
• Acts 5:12-18
• Acts 13:42-45 – The Jews were jealous of the crowds the apostles were drawing.
• James 3:13-18 – We want this wisdom that comes from above.
• Proverbs 27:4

Where does my time go?

• Luke 8:14 – Materialism robs us of spiritual treasure by redirecting our time and resources.
• Luke 12:13-21 – Wealth is not necessarily wrong, but don’t neglect God.
• How many minutes do you spend focusing on spiritual things?

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Learning the truth about salvation

Don’t follow man-made, invented doctrine.

• Mark 7:1-3 – Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for teaching as doctrine the traditions of men.
• How do we avoid this problem? Go back to book, chapter, and verse.
• Galatians 1:6-9
• Much of Bible study is our attitude – having a humility to carefully consider the scriptures.

Don’t go back and pick things out of the Old Covenant.

• Matthew 5:17 – Jesus fulfilled the law and prophets.
• Hebrews 8:6-13; 10:9 – Jesus brought the Old Covenant to its rightful conclusion. Everyone is now accountable to God under the New Covenant.
• Romans 10:1-4
• Romans 15:4

Don’t just believe what your family believes.

• Matthew 10:32-39

Don’t just go along with the “experts.”

• Who are the experts?
• Matthew 16:6, 12 – Jesus warned about the experts of the day.
• Matthew 23:1-15

Don’t just do whatever is acceptable to modern society.

• Romans 2:16
• John 12:48

Don’t expect the Holy Spirit to miraculously move us or inform us of truths not revealed in the Bible.

• John 16:13 – Jesus was speaking only to the apostles here.
• I Thessalonians 2:13

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Matthew 19

Matthew 19:1-12 – Marriage and divorce

• Jesus went all the way back to Genesis, to the law before the Law of Moses.
• See Proverbs 17:9. Here is one thing that can separate intimate friends – gossip about a spouse.
• See Acts 2:47. God also adds people to the church. Just like we should not drive a wedge between married people, we should not drive a wedge between a man and God.
• Matthew 19:10 – We must be careful not to try to make rules we think are better than God’s rules.

Matthew 19:13-15 – Jesus and little children

• See Mark 10:16. Jesus blessed the children.

Matthew 19:16-26 – The rich young ruler

• God will require that we do some things we don’t want to do. Jesus told the man a hard thing because Jesus loved him and that’s what the man needed to hear. The man grieved because he knew how much he did not want to do what Jesus told him.
• Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10) had a similar story to the rich young ruler, yet with a very different outcome.
• What would it look like for me to do what Jesus asked of the rich young ruler?

Matthew 19:27-30

• The disciples certainly had their faults, but in a short time, they had come a long way.

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Introduction

• Romans 8:28-32 – God pulled out all the stops to bless us!

The help of fellow Christians

• James 5:15-16
• Romans 15:14 – Christians help admonish each other.
• Galatians 6:1
• I Thessalonians 5:11
• I John 4:11
• We must be good at both giving help and receiving it.

The Bible as a guide for our lives

• Romans 15:4
• II Timothy 3:14-15; 1:5; 3:16-17 – Timothy was evidently listening and understanding what his mother and grandmother were reading to him.
• The Bible is not just opinions – it is authoritative.

The troubles that mature us

• Hebrews 10:32-34
• Romans 5:3-4
• Matthew 5:10-12
• I Peter 1:7 – How do you find out if a Christian is really a Christian? Test him by fire.
• Revelation 2:8-10 – Be faithful even if it requires your life!
• God has not promised to take away our troubles, but H will give us what we need to get through them.

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Introduction

• Isaiah 13:11
• Deuteronomy 12:8, 1, 4

What is presumption?

• Proverbs 21:24 – “Pride” can be translated as “presumptuous.”
• Exodus 21:12-14 – To purposely cause a death is different in God’s eyes.
• Numbers 15:22-31 – God’s laws about accidental versus willful sin.
• Deuteronomy 1:43-46 – The Israelites acted presumptuously.
• I Timothy 1:12-14
• Pridefully and deliberately choosing to sin.

Honesty: I need to recognize it in my own life.

• I Corinthians 10:1-13
• We are supposed to learn from the examples in the Bible. The Israelites knew it was wrong to worship idols. Why did they do it? It appealed to their lusts.
• Psalms 19:12-13
• Acts 7:51-58 – Steven was trying to get them to be honest with themselves.

Humility: I need to get over myself and honor God’s word.

• Proverbs 11:2
• Deuteronomy 17:9-13
• Nehemiah 9:9-10, 16, 29
• James 1:21
• Hebrews 10:26-31
• Will I humble myself enough to obey God or will I just do what I want to do?

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John 3:16

• John 3:16 – What does “believes” mean? Does that exclude other obligations, like repentance and baptism? Could this be a synecdoche?
• John 3:14-15 is a synecdoche.
• John 12:32-33

What’s the evidence of synecdoche?

Context

• Numbers 21:4-9 – The bronze serpent
• People had to respond to be saved by the serpent.
• John 3:14-21

Harmony

• Mark 16:15-16
• Acts 3:19
• Romans 10:9-10
• James 2:14, 26, 19

Pattern

• Acts 2:44, 41 – They had done much more than just believe.
• Acts 16:29-34 – Belief included baptism here.
• Acts 18:8
• I Corinthians 1:14

Conclusion

• My suggestion is that John 3:16 is another instance of this sort of language (synecdoche), where “believes” is simply a shortened way of referring to everything that comes from that belief and is involved in salvation.

Learning the truth about Jesus

• Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus sent the disciples everywhere to teach.
• Teaching in the book of Acts
  • Acts 2:14, 42
  • Acts 4:1, 17, 33
  • Acts 5:20, 25, 42
  • Acts 6:7-10
  • Acts 7:51-53
  • Acts 8:3
  • This was a spiritual revolution founded on information.
• Romans 1:16; 10:17 – The power of salvation was in the word of God.
• Acts 17:2, 11
• Don’t just go with your conscience.
  • Acts 23:1; 26:9-11

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Matthew 18

• Matthew 18:1-5
  • See Mark 10:32-45.
  • I Peter 5:2-5 – Elders are to lead with humility and service.
  • James 4:1-3
  • Matthew 18:5 – Compare Mark 9:37.
• Matthew 18:6-10 – It is critical to Jesus that children be protected. Harming them or their faith must be avoided at all costs.
• Matthew 18:11-14 – Rejoicing over the lost sheep. Sheep can be infuriating to tend and they are easily led astray. We can be very much like them, yet God shows His love for us.
• Matthew 18:15-17 – Jesus shows the simple but difficult process of trying to save a brother in sin.

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I Peter: A letter about “the true grace of God”

• I Peter 5:12
• No contradiction:
  • I Peter 1:17 – judged according to works
  • I Peter 1:18-19 – redeemed with the blood of Christ
• Acts 2:37-38

The example of Jericho: Joshua 6

• Joshua 6:1-5 – God gave them the city.
• Joshua 6:20 – The people took the city.
• No contradiction:
  • Joshua 6:2 – “I have given Jericho into your hand”
  • Joshua 6:20 – “they took the city”
• Deuteronomy 9:6

• Hebrews 11:30 – “By faith …”
• Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith …”

The example of Naaman: II Kings 5

• II Kings 5:1-4, 10-14
• God can choose His own methods to achieve what He wants to achieve. God sets the rules!

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Truth over tradition – “Now there was a man of the Pharisees …”

• John 3:1
• The Pharisees were a conservative reaction to the encroaching Greek culture. The group likely started about 150 B.C. They were thought of as protectors of Judaism and had significant popular support.
• Acts 5:34-40
• Matthew 12:1-14 – The Pharisees clung to their perspective on the Law of Moses, not the Law of Moses itself. They had put guardrails around the law and were defending the guardrails instead of the Law itself.
• Matthew 15:1-9 – We must be careful about “teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.” God to the Bible and teach only that!

We don’t just need small changes

“You must be born again.”

• John 3:2-5
• Romans 6:3-4
• I Peter 1:22-25
• John 3:19
• Matthew 23:33

Dare to seek the truth

“this man came to Jesus by night”

• John 3:2 – This simple admission was much more than most Jews would admit.
• John 3:14-15
• John 9:22; 12:42
• John 7:40-44, 32, 45-52 – Nicodemus tries to gently stand up for Jesus.
• John 19:38-42 – Nicodemus comes to help bury Jesus’ body.
• Acts 17:11 – The Bible commends those who think for themselves.

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Matthew 17

• Matthew 17:1 – Luke gives the time here as eight days (Luke 8:28), which skeptics count as a contradiction. However, the two authors just count days differently (exclusively vs. inclusively). To Jews, a partial day was counted as a whole day. Note here that Jesus had to exert some effort and go quite a way to get away from the crowds.
• Matthew 17:2-9 – Jesus is transfigured. See also II Peter 1:16-18; Luke 9:28-36. Other accounts tell us that Peter, James, and John fell asleep while Moses and Elijah were speaking with Jesus. Peter seemed to think of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah as equals. For a Jew, this was a great compliment, but it was still a complete misunderstanding of the power and authority of Jesus. God quickly corrects Peter’s misunderstanding, indicating that Jesus occupies a much higher place. Afterwards, Jesus comforted Peter. In verse 9, Jesus again references his own resurrection.
• Matthew 17:10-13 – This is a reference to Malachi 4:5-6. Elijah had already come in the sense of John the Baptist. See Luke 1:17.
• Matthew 17:14-20 – Jesus showed compassion on the boy. In verse 17, Jesus was possibly rebuking the meager faith of the disciples. He seemed exasperated about their lack of spiritual progress and lamenting that he didn’t have long with them.

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Study the word

• Read, context, harmony, translations

Preach the word

Apply the word

Further tips on preaching

• How do I choose a topic?
• Keep in concise.
• Control your nerves by doing all your preparing ahead of time.
• Truth first, delivery second.
• Use illustrations, stats, anecdotes, etc. wisely.
• Application
• Practice
• Try to avoid a “Concordance Lesson.”
• Make your notes easy to read at a glance.
• Be nervous but natural.

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You can’t rush the rain

• Spiritual maturity
• Developing into a Bible student / teacher
• Becoming a shepherd
• Loving your family

Patience develops in the heart

We have plenty of good examples

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Matthew 16

Matthew 16:1-4

• See Isaiah 48:1; 50:10
• They said they wanted a sign from Jesus, but they refused to acknowledge what He had already shown them. This was hypocrisy.
• Compare Matthew 12:38-41.

Matthew 16:5-12

• The disciples were focused on physical things and missed Jesus’ point completely. Jesus was warning about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
• Compare Galatians 5:7-9.

Matthew 16:13-20

• Jesus did not set in place any order of succession for the apostles, nor for a pope.
• See Matthew 18:1-4; 14:22, 33.
• John 6:66-69; 11:27 – People were recognizing that Jesus was the Christ.
• Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:33
• Matthew 7:24
• I Corinthians 3:11
• Ephesians 2:20
• Jesus is the chief cornerstone. The apostles were part of the foundation. Jesus was not building His church on Peter. Jesus Himself was the cornerstone.

Matthew 16:21-28

• If Jesus had bowed to Satan at any point, His entire mission on earth would be lost. Jesus was going to complete His mission, no matter the physical consequences.

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Introduction

• Genesis 3:19
• Psalms 90:1-4, 10, 12
• Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 – The reason it is better to go to a house of mourning is because it reminds us of our own death.

Death humbles us.

• Psalms 39:4-7 – David was a famous king, but he also died.
• Acts 2:29
• Ecclesiastes 9:4
• No amount of wealth and power can save us from death.
• Job 7:6; 9:25-26
• Psalms 49:1, 10-12
• Ecclesiastes 8:8
• James 4:13-17

Death prompts us to take action NOW.

• Job 16:22
• Hebrews 9:27 – We die once and then the judgment.
• II Samuel 18:33
• Ecclesiastes 9:10-11 – Work and do well NOW.
• Is there something I need to stop procrastinating about?
• I Corinthians 15:53

Death focuses us.

• Luke 12:16-21 (II Thessalonians 3:10) – It is okay (and required) that you make a living, but don’t lose focus on God.
• I Timothy 6:7

Death causes us to turn to God’s promises for comfort.

• I Thessalonians 4:13-18
• I Peter 1:24-25

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Introduction

• Matthew 22:37

Talk about God all the time.

• Deuteronomy 6:5-6
• Spiritual discussions should be something that happen all the time. A spiritual view should be our default perspective on the news of the day.
• Hebrews 13:15
• Deuteronomy 6:10-13 – God warned Israel not to be distracted with blessings.
• Philippians 2:21
• Ephesians 5:23; 6:4 – Men, lead your family spiritually!

Think of ourselves as slaves.

• Luke 17:7
• Romans 6:16, 22
• The self-esteem movement has caused narcissism. We shouldn’t build ourselves or others up artificially.

Teach kids to respect authority.

• II Corinthians 5:10
• Hebrews 12:7-12
• Matthew 25:41, 46
• We can give our kids a tremendous boost by teaching them discipline and respect for authority because one day they will stand before God.
• Romans 1:29

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Introduction

• Romans 1:16

Overview of salvation: Romans

• Condemnation (Romans 1-3) – All of us are guilty of sin and justly condemned by God.
• Christ (Romans 4-5) – Thankfully, we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Choice (Romans 6-8) – We must choose to die to sin, a system of perfect law-keeping, and the flesh.
• Children (Romans 9-11) – ALL people can be children of God, whether Jews or Gentiles.
• Conduct (Romans 12-16) – Given God’s love, His people ought to conduct themselves accordingly.

Condemnation (Romans 1-3)

• Romans 1:18
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 1:7
• Romans 8:1
• Romans 1:20-32 – Something bigger than me exists! Giving approval to sin is just as bad as sinning.
• Romans 2:1-3 – If you know to do better, but do not do better, you are guilty.
• A sin is a sin, no matter who you are!

Christ (Romans 4-5)

• Romans 5:1
• By ourselves, there is nothing we can do to fix sin. God’s grace saves us if we meet His conditions.
• Romans 5:9
• Romans 3:24 – Salvation is a gift.
• This should bring humility on our part.
• Romans 5:1-2, 12 – All men are guilty because all sinned.
• Romans 4:3 – Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness. Even he did not earn salvation.
  • James 2:21-24
  • Hebrews 11:8
  • Romans 5:9

Choice (Romans 6-8)

• Romans 6:1-2
• Romans 6:12-13, 4-5 – We should be a new person!
• Romans 6:11 – We must be dead to sin.
• Romans 6:17

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Matthew 15

Matthew 15:1-9 – Pharisees and tradition

• In areas where God has given us liberty, we must be careful how we express our opinions and not force them on others. Don’t teach as doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). See Matthew 6:25, 27, 31.

Matthew 15:10-20 – What goes in the mouth vs. what comes out of the heart

• Matthew 15:11 – This is a not-but passage. It is possible to defile yourself by consuming certain things like alcohol or drugs, but that is not the most important thing. The more important thing is our motivation – where our heart is.

Matthew 15:21-28 – The Canaanite woman

• This woman sought Jesus out and showed great faith in Jesus. She ignored cultural norms to address Jesus. She even argued with Jesus, but did so in a humble manner.

Matthew 15:29-31 – Jesus heals the crowds

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Introduction

• Joshua 22:16, 21-24, 27, 29-30

Take God’s word seriously

• Deuteronomy 12:5-6, 13-14
• God had strict laws concerning His place of worship.
• How seriously do we take God’s word today?
• The Bible must be taken in its entirety.
• God still expects us to worship Him as He has commanded today.

Address error immediately

• Joshua 22:12-14
• In issues with our brothers and sisters
  • Matthew 18:15-17 – Go talk to the person you have a problem with!
• Within the church
  • Ezekiel 22:29-31 – Address the problem out of love.

Handle confrontation correctly

• Joshua 22:22-29
• Don’t get defensive
  • James 1:19
• Don’t be prideful
  • Proverbs 9:8-9
• Thank the one who comes to you

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Introduction

• II Corinthians 1:8-10

“But God” has authority over the wicked

• As seen in Jacob’s life
  • Genesis 31:5-9
• As seen in Joseph’s life
  • Genesis 50:20; 39:20-21 – God took “bad” things and brought good from them.
  • Acts 7:9-10
• As seen in David’s life
  • Psalms 31:1-5
  • I Samuel 23:14
• As seen in Christ’s life
  • Acts 13:28-30 – God raised Jesus from the dead, giving us hope of heaven.
  • God is ultimately in control, no matter what we try to do.

“But God” has authority over temptations

• Temptation and sin – James 1:12-16; Matthew 26:41
  • It’s hard to fall into temptation if you are looking to God.
• God’s aid in our temptation – I Corinthians 10:13
  • God is faithful.
  • God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability.
  • God will provide a way of escape.

“But God” has authority over all nations

• Against the Assyrian army
  • Isaiah 17:12-14
• Government under the authority of God
  • Romans 13:1-6

“But God” has authority over death

• Psalms 49:13-15; I Corinthians 15:19
• Authority to suspend death – Philippians 2:27
• Authority to raise the dead – I Corinthians 15:51-57

God’s Love and Power (song)

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What is encouragement?

• To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.

What is exhortation?

• Language intended to incite and encourage.

Barnabas

• Acts 4:36-37 – Barnabas was called a “son of encouragement”
• Tabitha / Dorcas – Acts 9:36
• God told Moses in Deuteronomy 3:28 to command Joshua and encourage him.
• I Thessalonians 3:2
• Romans 12:6-8

Barnabas’ character traits – can we use these to develop similar traits in ourselves?

Barnabas encouraged not only through his words but through his actions – Acts 4:37

• He doesn’t just applaud what others are doing. He made the sacrifice himself.
• Showing a true commitment to the Lord is an encouragement to others.

We have to truly care about people the way Barnabas did.

• People see the encouragement of God’s love through us.
• “See” the people around you. Listen to them. Look for opportunities to help and encourage.
• What does that look like for us?
• It is difficult sometimes because they are uncomfortable asking or don’t want to be “pushy” or offend someone by trying to help.
• Remember that even the small things we do can be an encouragement. Remember Dorcas (Acts 9:39).

Barnabas was a man of integrity. He was trusted enough that the disciples listened to him and allowed Saul to join them (Acts 9:27-28).

• He had been leading a life that was an example to others.

Barnabas encouraged others by giving the right people opportunities, even though it may have meant the glory wasn’t his. He put others first. He was a man of humility.

• Acts 11:19-26

Barnabas encouraged others by always believing in people (Acts 9:27).

• Barnabas believed in Paul and that Jesus can change even the worst of us!
• Acts 9:28-29
• John Mark (Acts 15:36-40)
  • Must have made an impact – II Timothy 4:11

Encouragement means taking risks when standing by others.

• Believing in people sometimes means getting out of our comfort zone.
• Encouragement may mean reminding people we believe in them and that God has a plan for them.

What does Barnabas teach us about encouragement?

• True commitment – lead by example
• Care about people – inside and outside the congregation
• Humility – put other people first
• Integrity – be someone who can be trusted
• Believe in people – look for the good in people
• Take risks – get out of your comfort zone with people

What does encouragement look like in 2025?

• Lead by example, don’t just exhort. It is encouraging to see people overcoming problems. It helps us be encouraged that Christ’s power is there for me as well and I can also overcome through Christ.

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Matthew 14

Matthew 14:1-12 – Herod Antipas and John

• Matthew 14:1-5 – Herod feared John the Baptist. He had beheaded John and was afraid that he had come back from the dead. John was killed for telling the truth about Herod’s adultery.
  • Herod the Great (Matthew 2:1, 3, 7, 12-13, 15-16, 19; Luke 1:5)
    • Named “Procurator of Judea” after murder of Julius Caesar
    • Mark Antony gave him title “king of the Jews”
    • Rise to power was due to his connection with Mark Antony and Cleopatra
    • Killed two of his ten wives, three of his sins, a brother-in-law, and grandfather of one of his wives
    • Augustus said, “I’d rather be Herod’s hog than his son.”
    • The family of Herod
      • Philip – married Herodias, his niece
      • Philip the Tetrarch – married Salome, his niece
      • Herodias – married two uncles
      • Aristobulus – married Salome
      • Drucilla – left husband to marry Festus, Roman governor
      • Antipas – killed John, married Herodias
      • Salome – married to her uncle and cousin
      • Bernice – married uncle Calchis, lived with her brother
      • Agrippa II – lived with his sister
• Matthew 14:13-21 – Feeding five thousand
  • Matthew 14:13 – The crowd was determined to follow Jesus as best they could.
  • Matthew 14:15 – The disciples had their priorities wrong. The need for spiritual food was much greater than that of physical food.
  • Matthew 14:17 – The disciples still did not have confidence in Jesus’ abilities.
  • Matthew 14:21 – There were 5,000 men. Adding women and children, this is like 10-15,000 people or more.

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• I Thessalonians 4:13
• Acts 14:15
• Genesis 1 – God created all and it was good. Man was God’s most glorious work.
• II Corinthians 5:17 – God has a new creation – the saved relationship.
• II Samuel 7:12-13
• Acts 9:15
• Ephesians 3:4-13 – Paul was to preach to all.
• Ephesians 6:12 – Heavenly places means “high places” here – rulers and authorities.
• Ezekiel 20:24
• I Corinthians 1:2 – God has no recorded His name in the church.
• Ephesians 4:25; 5:16, 22; Acts 4 – God tells us how we should live our lives.
• Romans 2:2, 21 – Paul warned them against hypocritical rebuke.
• Men have tried and failed to improve on the local church arrangement that God set in order. The church is not God’s most glorious work.

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Stones in the Bible

• Genesis 28:18-29 – Stone as a pillow
• Genesis 29:10
• Genesis 31:45-49
• Genesis 35:10, 14-15
• Exodus 7:19
• Exodus 8:26 – Stoning as punishment
• Exodus 17:4
• Exodus 17:6 – Moses told to strike the rock to bring water
• Numbers 20:10-13
• Numbers 20:6-9
• Exodus 17:11-13 – Moses sits on a stone with his hands supported during the battle
• Exodus 20:25 – Altar made of stone, but no tools allowed
• Exodus 21:18
• Exodus 24:12
• Exodus 28:9-12 – Stones on the shoulders of the priests with names of the tribes engraved
• Exodus 31:18
• Exodus 32:19
• Deuteronomy 5:22
• Deuteronomy 9:9-11
• Exodus 34:1
• Exodus 34:28
• Deuteronomy 10:1-4
• Joshua 4:5 – Stones set up in memorial of the crossing of the Jordan river
• Joshua 3:16-17u
• Joshua 24:24-27, 29 – The stone as a witness
• Judges 20:15-16
• I Samuel 7:7, 12-13 – A stone set up and named Ebenezer
• I Kings 5:14-16 – 80,000 stonecutters used to build the temple
• I Kings 6:7
• I Kings 7:9
• I Chronicles 22:14-15
• II Chronicles 2:1
• I Smauel 17:26, 45, 49 – David was armed with only stones.
• Punishment by stoning
  • Leviticus 20:2; 24:14, 16
  • Numbers 14:10
  • Numbers 15:35 – Stoning ordered for breaking the Sabbath
  • Leviticus 26:1 – For making idols
  • Deuteronomy 13:10
  • Deuteronomy 17:5
  • Numbers 35:23
  • Deuteronomy 21:18-21 – For being a rebellious child
  • Deuteronomy 22:21, 24 – For sexual immorality
  • Luke 20:3-6
  • John 8:4-5, 7 – Jesus prevents a woman from being stoned
  • John 8:11
  • John 10:30-33
  • Acts 14:4-6
  • Acts 7:54-60 – The stoning of Steven
  • II Corinthians 11:22-27 – The stoning of Paul
• Psalms 118:22 – The cornerstone
• Isaiah 28:16
• Matthew 21:42-43 – Jesus is the cornerstone
• Acts 4:8-12
• Ephesians 2:19-22
• I Peter 2:4-9 – Jesus is the cornerstone. We are living stones.

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Matthew 13

• Matthew 13:10-17 – See Matthew 3:12. Through Jesus’ words, he is separating the wheat from the chaff.
• Matthew 13:34-35 – Compare Matthew 13:11. This is a quote from Psalms 78:2-7.
• Matthew 13:9 – The one who has ears better listen!
• Matthew 13:3-9 – Parable of the sower
  • Just because you don’t identify with one of the three bad types of soil doesn’t mean you are fertile soil.
• Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43 – Parable of the tares
  • There may be good reason for God to allow evil to persist in the world. Removing all evil would cause more suffering than allowing it to remain for a while.
• Matthew 13:47-50 – Parable of the dragnet
  • What happens to the good fish? Be careful not to take the parable further than Jesus intended.
  • Avoid becoming a bad fish!
• Matthew 13:31-32 – Parable of the mustard seed
  • The kingdom was not going to have a big start, but it would grow larger than all other kingdoms.
• Matthew 13:33 – Parable of the leaven
  • The kingdom is going to start in one place and permeate the world.
• Matthew 13:44 – Parable of the treasure in the field
• Matthew 13:45-46 – Parable of the pearl of great price
  • The kingdom of heaven is worth everything!

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Matthew 12Matthew 12:1-7 – Sabbath questions* Compare Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5. * Sabbath still binding? + Colossians 2:16-17 – Sabbath is not still binding today. + Romans 7:7-12 * Be careful about saying Jesus encouraged disciples to sin. * Be careful about being wedded to traditions. Matthew 15:2-6 * Matthew 12:3, 5 - “Have you not read?” is an important passage lost on many. Jesus was appealing to scripture rather than Pharisaical tradition. * Matthew 12:5 – The priests were violating the tradition of the Pharisees, but not the law. Jesus said they were innocent. * Matthew 12:6-7 – See Hosea 6:5-6.

Matthew 12:8-21 – Lord of the SabbathMatthew 12:22-29 – Two kingdoms* If Jesus cast out demons by the power of Satan (Matthew 12:24), that raised the question of how the disciples of the Pharisees cast them out (Matthew 12:26). * Matthew 12:25 – “Kingdom” here means “rule.” It is not always interchangeable with “church.”

Matthew 12:30-32 – Unpardonable sin* Can this be committed today?

“Blaspheming the Spirit occurs when the apostles’ Spirit-inspired words are rejected. If the gospel of grace revealed by the Holy Spirit through the apostles is refused, there is no other means of salvation. When men repudiate the apostolic word, they blaspheme the Spirit and put themselves beyond the reach of forgiveness (Acts 7:51; 13:45-46). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, then, is not a particular word, set of words, or acts – it is a hardened heart that closes the mind and shuts out God. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit isn’t God refusing to forgive, but man refusing to be forgiven.” – Ken Chumbley, Commentary on Matthew, p. 224

Matthew 12:33-37 – Words reveal character* Not a warning about our everyday language. * Strong language (vipers / snakes) used in pointing out error regarding language against Christ. * The words spoken about Jesus reveal one’s character. * The critical words of Pharisees (you cast out demons because you have one) revealed an evil heart. Same true today?

Matthew 12:38-45 – Historical evidence Best evidence for historical reality of Jonah and the fish: + Jesus believed it had occurred. * Best evidence for historical reality of the resurrection and appearances of Jesus: + Jesus believed it would* occur. * Liar? Lunatic? Lord?

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Introduction* Colossians 2:18 * Acts 23:8 * Angels are different than humans. + Mark 12:25 + Luke 16:22

Jesus was God on Earth (Luke 1:26-38)* Philippians 2:7-8

Jesus accepted worship (without sinning)* Matthew 14:33 * Acts 10:25-26 – Peter refused to accept worship. * Acts 12:21-23 – Herod accepted worship and was struck dead.

Jesus forgave sins while He was on earth.* Mark 2:5-12 – Jesus could heal physical problems and forgive sins.

Jesus worked miracles by His own power. Acts 2:22-24 * Hebrews 1:1-2 – Jesus had full power at the time of creation. This phrasing just shows how Jesus and God the Father worked together. * John 1:1 * Luke 10:1, 17 * John 2:11 – Jesus showed His own* glory. * Acts 3:6, 16 * John 20:30-31

Jesus is the Savior (Luke 2:8-14)* Mark 16:15-16 * John 3:5 * Acts 5:18; 8:26, 35; 10:22, 48 * Angels said Jesus was the Savior and helped that message to spread.

Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1-8)* Matthew 28:11-5 – The soldiers participated in a cover-up.

Justin Martyr (c. 165 AD):

“A godless and lawless heresy had sprung from one Jesus, a Galilean deceiver, whom we crucified, but his disciples stole him by night from the tomb where he was laid when unfastened from the cross, and now deceive men by asserting that he has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven.”

Tertullian (c. 160-225 AD):

“The grave was found empty of all but the clothes of the buried one. But, nevertheless, the leaders of the Jews, whom it nearly concerned both to spread abroad a lie, and keep back a people tributary and submissive to them from the faith, gave it out that the body of Christ had been stolen by his followers.”

The historian Josephus (c. 37-100 AD):

“And when Pilate had condemned him to the cross, upon his impeachment by the principal man among us, those who had loved him from the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive on the third day, the divine prophets having spoken these and thousands of other wonderful things about him.”

• I Corinthians 15:3-8
• Acts 25:19

Jesus will come again (Acts 1:9-11)* Matthew 16:27 * II Thessalonians 1:7-8

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Introduction

• Proverbs 19:17
• There are many ways that we might give.

Giving helps others.

• Deuteronomy 24:19-22 – The Israelites were to leave some of the harvest for the poor and needy.
• Luke 10:29, 36-37 – Giving is part of a greater effort to love our neighbor.
• II Corinthians 8:12-15, 10

Giving helps me.

• Ephesians 4:28
• Are you a spender or a saver? Spenders usually give more easily. Less so for savers.
• I Timothy 6:18
• It does us good to give!
• II Corinthians 9:7 – Even secular science shows that we don’t receive the good effects if we give grudgingly.
• Ephesians 2:10
• God did not create us to sit around and be selfish!
• People in Alcoholics Anonymous double their chances of success when they help others.

Giving makes us more like God.

• John 3:16
• I John 3:16-18
• Luke 6:35
• II Corinthians 8:9 – Jesus gave up heaven to come and save us.
• If Christ did that for us, what can we give up for our brethren?

Giving to local churches is a glorious work.

• I Corinthians 16:1-4
• Philippians 4:18

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Galatians 5Galatians 5:1-6 – “you are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” Galatians 5:1 – The yoke of slavery here is the Law of Moses. * Galatians 5:4 – It is* possible to fall from grace. Calvinists believe that it is not possible to fall from grace. See Galatians 3:26. * The Calvinist possession is stated as:

“Many who profess to believe fall away, but they do not fall from grace, for they were never in grace. True believers do fall into temptations, and they do commit grievous sins, but these sins do not cause them to lose their salvation or separate them from Christ.” – Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, pp. 64-65

“As the Westminster Confession of Faith states, saved people “can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.” – as cited in Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, p. 65

Galatians 5:7-12 – Beware of this erroneous influence! Things had been good, but now they had been turned by a bad influence. * Galatians 5:9 – Compare I Corinthians 5:6-7. * Galatians 5:11 – Paul had* taken a firm stand against circumcision, shown by how he had been persecuted by the Jews. * Galatians 5:12 – Compare the use of the word “mutilating” or “emasculating” in John 18:10.

Galatians 5:13-18 – “walk by the spirit”* Galatians 5:13 – See Romans 6:1-2. We should not attempt to abuse the grace and forgiveness of God. See Jude 1:4. * Galatians 5:14 – See Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37. * Galatians 5:15 – Don’t fight and bicker with each other. * Galatians 5:16 – What does “spirit” mean here? The capitalization is a decision by the translators. It could be the Holy Spirit or the spiritual nature of man. We are deciding to either follow God or go our own way.

Galatians 5:19-26 – Deeds of the flesh vs. fruit of the spirit* Galatians 5:23 – This could be an understatement for effect.

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Matthew 11

• Matthew 11:1-5
  • John clearly already knew who Jesus was, having baptized him. But why did he send his disciples to ask this?
    • Possibly, John’s faith was shaken, having been put in prison.
    • He could have sent the disciples for their own benefit to reinforce their faith.
  • See Isaiah 35:5-10. Note the context. This is referencing the coming of the kingdom of God. Jesus gave them an answer that required them to think.
• Matthew 11:6 – People in Jesus’ hometown took offense at Him.
  • John 6:54-56
  • John 16:1 – Jesus’ disciples would be persecuted.
  • Jesus was offensive to those for whom He did not:
    • Meet their expectations
    • Bring peace on earth
• Matthew 11:7-11 – John the Baptist also offended them. See Malachi 3:1-5.
• Matthew 11:12 – Compare Mark 10:35. Some people thought Jesus’ kingdom was one that would rule by force. This could also be saying that to be in the kingdom took effort (Luke 16:16). This could also mean that the kingdom of heaven was advancing and those who wanted to be in it were seizing it.
  • “take it by force” – See Matthew 12:29; John 6:15
• Matthew 11:13-14 – See Colossians 4:6; Jude 1:22-23. If the listener does not accept the message, it is possible they would have refused it no matter how it was presented.
• Matthew 11:20-24 – Those who had seen more would have more required of them (Luke 12:47-48). God has blessed us greatly and He expects a lot out of us.
• Matthew 11:25-26 – The gospel is for the ordinary man.
• Matthew 11:28-30 – See Jeremiah 6:16.

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Introduction

• There are Christians all over the world worshiping God today!

The Philippines

• The population is 106 million people, but the country is only 120,000 square miles. A third the population of the US, but only a thirtieth of the land. Population density is much higher.
• Our work
  • There 2 weeks
  • 16 congregations
  • About 22 sermons – all translated except 1
  • 9 Q & A sessions
  • One radio program
  • One debate / discussion – 7th Day Adventist
  • Countless Bible studies with preachers
  • Lindsay
    • 5 ladies’ classes
    • 5 children’s classes

Things you will learn if you go on these trips:

• Realize your Bible knowledge is lacking.
• You must get out of your comfort zone.
• The perspective you will gain.

Mexico

Nicaragua

Peru

Chile

Challenges in Central / South America

• The mentality that men are too good or too macho for spirituality.
• The definition of marriage.

Involvement

• Already involved
• If you would like to go sometime
• Balikbayan boxes
• Individual financial help
• Ongoing Bible studies via Zoom

Luke 5

• Luke 5:8 – Peter realized his condition!

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Galatians 4, continued

Galatians 4:12-20 – “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?”

• Galatians 4:13 – Whatever this illness was, it gave Paul the occasion to preach to them the first time. See Philippians 1:12. We need to adjust to God’s plan. Remember the lesson of Jonah.

Galatians 4:21-31 – Allegory of Abraham’s two sons

• Galatians 4:21 – See Genesis 12:1-3; 13:16; 15:1-6; 16:1-11, 15-16. After ten years, Sarai decided to use Hagar, which was not God’s plan. See Genesis 17:1-5, 15-21; 18:10-15; 21:1-5, 9-15. Abraham had been waiting 25 years for Isaac. Ishmael was already 14 years old!
• Galatians 4:23 – Isaac was not a natural birth – both Abraham and Sarah were well past child-bearing age. God did the same thing with Gideon in Judges 7:2. He made it clear that it happened purely because God promised it.

• Galatians 4:25 – See Hebrews 12:18.
• Galatians 4:27 – The quote is from Isaiah 54:1.
• Galatians 4:28 – We are only children of God because of God fulfilling His promise. We can’t do it on our own!
• Galatians 4:29 – See Genesis 21:9.

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God’s communication through history

At first, He just talked directly to people.

• Genesis 1:28; 2:16; 4:6; 6:13; 9:1; 12:1

Sometimes, God would use vision or a dream.

• Genesis 15:1; 20:3, 6; 41:25, 28
• I Samuel 3:1

Sometimes, God would manifest Himself in some form and appear to people.

• Genesis 18:1-2, 22-33 – Abraham was even able to have a conversation with God.
• Job 13:22 – Job wished for this kind of dialog!
• Exodus 3:2-4 – Moses and the burning bush.
• Exodus 19:18-19; 31:18
• Exodus 33:11 – God spoke to Moses face-to-face.

God brought punishments or blessings on some people.

• Amos 4:6-8 – You should have noticed the punishments! This doesn’t mean any bad things is a sign from God.

Creation itself teaches us about God.

• Psalm 19:1-2

Many times, God used prophets.

• II Kings 20:1-7
• Nehemiah 9:30
• II Peter 1:21

God’s FINAL communication

• Hebrews 1:1-2
• Mark 1:22; 9:2-7; 16:15 – Jesus’ teaching was different. His messengers carried the message to the world.

Practical takeaways

• We need to get good at reading and understanding the Bible. John 12:48-50
• Defend the Scripture!
  • Hebrews 2:1-4 -This is God’s law from now on for everyone!
  • Deuteronomy 13:1-5
• On a very personal level, don’t rebel against the Bible when it hits you where it hurts.
  • Acts 2:37

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[Unfortunately, the microphone died for a couple of minutes in the middle of this lessons, I have removed the dead time from the recording. -MRW]

Matthew 10Matthew 10:1-4 – The twelve apostles* Jesus gave them authority to work miracles. This did not make them immune to sin. It did not keep Peter from denying Christ. It did not keep Judas from betraying Christ. * In describing these men, Matthew calls himself out as a tax collector.

Matthew 10:5-6 – Apostles sent to the Jews* Why did Jesus direct them to only go to the Jews? + Matthew 15:24-28 – Jesus healed the lady’s daughter even though she was a Gentile. + Acts 1:8 + Romans 1:16 – To the Jews first and also to the Greek. The gospel is for everyone! + Romans 2:9-10 – There would also be tribulation to all who dismissed the gospel. + Ephesians 2:11-12 – The Gentiles were formerly outside the camp. + Romans 15:8-12 – These are Old Testament passages. Gentiles were in the plan from the beginning. + Romans 11:28 – God loved Abraham and because of that, the gospel came to the Jews first. + Romans 4:16-17 – Abraham is considered by God to be the father of all who follow in his footsteps of faith. + Romans 11:11-12 – The gospel went to the Jews first and they were the first to reject it. Then it went to the Gentiles and it made the Jews jealous. + Luke 4:42-43 – Jesus only had so much time and He chose the most appropriate places to go. + Acts 13:46 – Paul said it was necessary that the Jews received the gospel first.

Matthew 10:7-8 – The message of the apostles* The “kingdom of heaven” implies a ruler. Those in the kingdom subject themselves to the ruler. * Matthew 7:21 – Those who do the will of God can enter the kingdom. * Mark 12:32-34 * Daniel 7:27 * The king of heaven is coming, so you must repent and get in line! * John 18:36 – Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world. * Mark 9:1 – The kingdom of heaven was coming in their lifetime. * Mark 1:15 * Mark 15:43 – Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the kingdom of God. * Daniel 2:44

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Galatians 3, continued:

Galatians 3:15-29 – “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed”

• Galatians 3:19 – Moses was the mediator between God and Israel at Sinai.
• Galatians 3:20 – The promise is superior to the Law of Moses in that no mediator is involved. God has promised and will do what He said.
• Galatians 3:22 – See Romans 3:23. All have sinned!
• Galatians 3:25 – We do still have laws to obey under Christ, but it is a completely different sort of system.
• Galatians 3:27 – We cannot be in Christ without being baptized. We are baptized into that relationship.
• Galatians 3:28 – We can all have this blessing of salvation!

Galatians 4

Galatians 4:1-11 – Sons, not slaves

• Galatians 4:4 – God decided precisely when the best time was to bring Jesus into the world. Verses 3 and 4 parallel verses 1 and 2.
• Galatians 4:6 – See Romans 8:15-16. What does “spirit” mean here? See Mark 14:36 for the other use of “Abba! Father!”
• Galatians 4:10 – This may be a reference to elements of the Law of Moses. See Colossians 2:16-17.
• Galatians 4:11 - Now that they had something better, why would they want to go back?

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Introduction

• I Corinthians 14:26

God deserves worship!

• I Chronicles 28:9
• Proverbs 3:19
• Psalms 139:14 – My existence depends on God and David recognized that.
• Psalms 95:1-6
• Revelation 4:11
• Luke 19:36-40 – Spontaneous worship broke out because Jesus deserved it.

Our kids need to be here!

• Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-16 – Jesus loves children! He did not treat them as pests, but as precious souls.

Do some practice outside of church.

• Exodus 12:23-27 – God set up a memorial that He knew future children would ask about.

Teach them to participate as much as possible.

• II Timothy 3:14-15
• Don’t underestimate kids!

Our brethren and visitors need us here!

• Hebrews 10:23-25 – We have an obligation to motivate each other.
• Acts 11:23-26; 15:36-41; 18:23, 27
• When we get together, we strengthen each other.
• I Corinthians 14:26
• Romans 1:9
• Don’t think about what you can get out of worship. Think about what you can do for others.

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Bible miracles

• Without Bible miracles …
  • The Bible is just another book
  • The God of the Bible is only a god
  • Jesus is merely a man
  • Christianity is just another religious system
• Psalms 77:14 – “You are the God who performs miracles”
• Exodus 34:10 – “Then God said … Before all your people I will perform miracles … it is a fearful thing that I am going to perform with you”
• Miracles in Luke’s gospel
  • Luke 1:26-38 – Christ’s virgin conception and birth
  • Luke 4:28-30 – Passed through crowd unseen
  • Luke 4:33-37 – Man with demon
  • Luke 4:38-39 – Peter’s mother-in-law
  • Luke 5:4-7 – Draught of fish
  • Luke 5:12-14 – Leprous man
  • Luke 5:17-26 – Man with palsy
  • Luke 6:6-11 – Man with withered hand
  • Luke 7:1-10 – Healing centurion’s servant
  • Luke 7:11-18 – Raising widow’s son
  • Luke 8:22-25 – Calmed a storm
  • Luke 8:26-36 – Demons entering swine
  • Luke 8:40-56 – Jairus’ daughter
  • Luke 8:43-48 – Woman with issue of blood
  • Luke 9:37-43 – Child with demon
  • Luke 9:11-17 – Feeding 5,000
  • Luke 11:14-15 – Man with demon
  • Luke 13:10-17 – Healing woman with infirmity
  • Luke 14:1-6 – Healing man with dropsy
  • Luke 17:11-19 – Healing 10 lepers
  • Luke 18:35-43 – Blind Bartimaeus
  • Luke 22:50-51 – Malchus, high priest’s servant
  • Luke 24:1-12 – Resurrection of Christ
• Miracles in Acts
  • Acts 1:9 – Ascension to heaven
  • Acts 2:1-4 – Speaking in tongues
  • Acts 2:43 – Many done by apostles
  • Acts 3:7-11 – Lame man at temple
  • Acts 4:31 – Earthquake
  • Acts 5:5-10 – Ananias and Sapphira
  • Acts 5:12 – Signs and wonders
  • Acts 5:12-16 – Healing
  • Acts 5:19 – Prison doors opened
  • Acts 6:8 – Those done by Stephen
  • Acts 8:6, 7, 13 – By Philip in Samaria
  • Acts 9:3-9 – Appearance to Saul
  • Acts 9:17-19 – Saul’s blindness healed
  • Acts 9:32-35 – Aeneas
  • Acts 9:39-42 – Dorcas
  • Acts 10 – Visions seen by Cornelius, Peter
  • Acts 12:10 – Prison gate opened
  • Acts 13:11-12 – Elymus
  • Acts 14:3-4 – In Iconium
  • Acts 14:8-18 – Lystra
  • Acts 16:18 – Woman with evil spirit
  • Acts 16:26 – Earthquake, prisoners released
  • Acts 19:11-12 – In Ephesus
  • Acts 20:8-12 – In Troas
  • Acts 28:3-9 – In Melita
• Reliability of Luke in Acts
  • Specific names
    • 95 different people, 62 of which aren’t mentioned by any other New Testament writer and 27 are nonbelievers, mostly civil or military officials.
  • Specific titles
    • Titles of notable persons didn’t remain constant over time.
    • Luke always uses the correct title at the correct point in history.
  • Specific places
    • In Acts, he accurately mentions 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 Mediterranean islands.
  • Specific events
    • Acts 11:27-30; 18:2 – Drought throughout all the world, expulsion of Jews from Rome.
  • Luke never made a mistake!
• Sir William Mitchell Ramsey (1851-1939)
  • Raised an atheist
  • Trained as an archaeologist, set out to prove Bible, especially Acts, was fraudulent by traveling areas covered by Paul’s preaching tours looking for mistakes Luke made.
  • At conclusion of his travels, he wrote The Bearing of Recent Discovery on the Trustworthiness of the New Testament.
  • Ramsey’s conclusion:
    • “Luke is an historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy … this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.”
• John Warwick Montgomery
  • History and Christianity
  • “The only way we can known whether an event can occur is to see whether is has occurred. The problem of ‘miracles’ then must be solved in the realm of historical investigation, not in the realm of philosophical speculation.”
• 6 alleged trips to the moon
  • 6 manned landings July 20, 1969 – December 14, 1972
  • 12 men walked on the moon
  • Did these alleged events actually occur?
  • What historical evidence (written, audio, video material) is there?
• I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek
  • “Now why would Luke be so accurate with trivial details like wind directions, water depths, peculiar town names, but not be accurate when it comes to important events like miracles? In light of the fact that Luke has proven accurate with so many trivial details, it is nothing but pure anti-supernatural bias to say he’s not telling the truth about the miracles he records.”

Matthew 9

Matthew 9:1-8 – Healing a paralyzed man

• Matthew 9:2 – Jesus’ first priority was to forgive sins – not physical healing!
• Matthew 9:4 – They completely overlooked the fact that Jesus could read their minds!

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Do I delight in God’s word?

• Psalms 1:1-6 – Notice the contrast between verses one and two.
• What if we have a problem in our marriage?
  • Luke 17:4
  • I Corinthians 6:7-8
• We can either listen to the world or listen to God.
• I Samuel 16:1, 12; 21:10; Psalms 56:1-4, 10-13 – David was surrounded by the Philistines, but he trusted God and found peace in God’s word.
• Is God’s word my happy place?
• Psalms 19:7-10

Do I mourn for sin?

• Psalms 14:1; Romans 3:9-10 (quotes Psalms 14)
• Romans 1:18
• Amos 6:1-6 – They did not grieve over the sin of the nation.
• Ezekiel 9:4 – Those who grieved over sin were saved.
• Ezra 10:6 – Ezra mourned the unfaithfulness of the exiles.
• I Corinthians 5:1 – They were arrogant about sin!
• II Corinthians 12:21 – We should look back on our sin with fondness.
• Psalms 119:136 – Have you ever cried because of sin?
• Psalms 32:1-5 – It feels good to be forgiven of our sin!
• Psalms 51:12
• Acts 2:46-47, 41 – They were rejoicing after baptism!
• Acts 8:34-38 – The Ethiopian rejoiced!
• Acts 16:34, 33 – The Philippian jailer rejoiced!
• We need to care about sin!

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Introduction

• Acts 1:1-8

These are inspired, authoritative books.

• I Corinthians 2:13
• Acts 8:18 – The apostles could bestow spiritual gifts on others.
• Galatians 1:1
• The New Testament was written by:

• II Peter 1:13-21 – Peter wanted them to remember these things after he was gone.
• This is the word of God they were passing on!
• II Peter 3:1-3, 15-16 – Peter was referencing Paul’s writings as authoritative.
• We must also respect these words as authoritative.
• Colossians 4:16

They are full of practical instructions.

• John 20:30-31
• Romans 1:5 – These books were written so that people would obey.
• Romans 12:9-14 – These are practical instructions.
• James 1:22-27 – Be “doers of the word.”
• We need to be reading the Bible for the right reasons.
• Luke 7:24-26; 3:10-14 – John’s instructions were simple and practical.
• Let us not alienate the average person trying to understand the Bible by overcomplicating the language we use to talk about it.

Christians 2,000 years ago were struggling with the same problems we face today.

• I John 2:15-17
• III John 1:9 - Diotrephes was lifted up with pride and wanted to rule.
• Jude 1:3-4 – People were trying to turn God’s grace into a license to sin.
• Every generation faces the same sins. They may be dressed up a little differently, but the underlying temptations and sins are the same.
• This is timeless wisdom!
• Ecclesiastes 1:9-10; 12:13-14

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Galatians 3

Galatians 3:1-5 – “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”

• Galatians 3:2 – The word “rejoice” here could refer to several different things:
  • Holy Spirit
  • The gospel (by metonymy)
  • Salvation that comes from the gospel
• Galatians 3:5 – They had been given forgiveness – were they now going to try and be saved by their own effort under the Law of Moses?

Galatians 3:6-14 – “it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham”

• Galatians 3:6 – Three times this is said about Abraham:
  • Genesis 15:6
  • Romans 4:18-22
  • Genesis 22 – Referenced in James 2:21-24.
• Galatians 3:7 – Confess and faithfully submit to God. This is how to be a true son of Abraham.
• Galatians 3:8 – See Genesis 12:1-7. These are the three promises to Abraham.
• Galatians 3:9 – When I have faith like Abraham, I will also be blessed.
• Galatians 3:10 – See Deuteronomy 27:1, 26. The Law was never intended as a way of justification.
• Galatians 3:12 – See Leviticus 18:4-5. If you try to live by the Law, you must perform it flawlessly. No one except Jesus ever has!
• Galatians 3:13 – No one performed the Law of Moses perfectly and thus, all were cursed (Galatians 3:10). This is quoting Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus was innocent of our sins but was the blameless sacrifice for us. Jesus died physically so that we could live spiritually.

Galatians 3:15-19 – “Now the promises were given to Abraham and to his seed”

• Galatians 3:17 – The Law of Moses did not invalidate the promises to Abraham that predated it.
• Galatians 3:18 – Salvation is through God’s promise to Abraham, which was before the Law of Moses.
• Galatians 3:16 – See Genesis 22:18. God was talking about one seed in particular – Christ.

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Review of the Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 8

Matthew 8:1-4 – Jesus heals a leper

• Matthew 8:2 – This shows Jesus’ sympathy. He was willing to help.
• Matthew 8:3 – See Acts 4:16. Jesus’ miracles were undeniable.
• Parallel passages: Mark 1:40-44; Luke 5:12-16.

Matthew 8:5-13 – Jesus and the centurion

• Matthew 8:10, 13 – The centurion showed great faith and acted on it.
• Matthew 8:8 – See Proverbs 29:23. We need to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus.
• Matthew 8:13 – See John 20:30-31 regarding the purpose of these miracles.

Matthew 8:14-15 – Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law

• Matthew 8:14 – This conflicts with the Catholic idea of Peter acting as the first pope since popes are to be celibate. Clearly Peter was married since he had a mother-in-law.

Matthew 8:16-18 – Jesus heals those who were demon-possessed

Matthew 8:19-22 – Jesus warns about troubles brought about by following Him

• If the teacher has earthly difficultie4s, following Him may lead to your own difficulties.
• Matthew 8:22 – We must be careful to not let the cares of the world crowd out spiritual things. These sayings may have been hard on purpose to test those in the audience that would eventually become apostles.

Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus calms the storm

• The disciples should have known they would survive since they were with Jesus

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Matthew 7

Matthew 7:1-6 – Judging

• If judging here is the same as being critical, explain:
  • John 7:24 – “judge righteous judgment”
  • “hypocrite, dogs, swine”
    • Some people don’t appreciate truth. We must make a judgment in this regard.
  • Your criticism of my criticism
    • “You shouldn’t judge.” “Are you judging me?”
  • John 10:26 – “you are not of my sheep”
    • Side note: This verse would have taken place during what we now call Hannukah.

Matthew 7:7-12 – Prayer

• Matthew 7:7-8 – “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” are all action words.
• If we are guaranteed a “yes” answer to all prayer, explain:
  • “Ask in my name” – John 14:13-14; 16:23
  • I Corinthians 12:7-8

Matthew 7:13-14 – Narrow way the only way

• If there are many acceptable ways to choose from, explain:
  • John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth and the life.”

Matthew 7:15-23 – False teachers

• Prophets sometimes were foretellers and sometimes “forthtellers” who simply brought the message of God.
• If we should never call men/women false teachers, explain:
  • I John 4:1-6

Matthew 7:24-27 – Hearing vs. doing

• If “doing” on our part is excluded as a “work,” explain:
  • Verbs in the text
  • James 2:14-26
  • Hebrews 11

Matthew 7:28-29 – Conclusion

• If acceptable teaching is entertaining, theater, joke / story-telling, explain:
  • Galatians 1:10 – “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people?”

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Introduction* Genesis 29:18-20

Hebrews 11* Hebrews 11:1-6 * Hebrews 11:7 – Noah’s faith in God caused him to build the ark. * Hebrews 11:8-10 – Abraham had faith enough to move. See Genesis 12:1. It didn’t matter where God was leading him on earth. He was looking forward to heaven. * Hebrews 11:13-16 * Choosing what to focus on is a life-changing strategy.

Paul in prison.* Philippians 4:10-13 – Paul had learned to be content. * Philippians 4:8 – Dwell on the good things! * “Sometimes it just depends on us.”

• Philippians 1:3-5, 12-14 – Paul was constantly thinking about spiritual things.
• The example of Joni Tada.

You see what you’re looking for.* James 1:2 – This is a deliberate decision. * Hebrews 12:2-3 – Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him. * If I’m looking for something positive, I’ll find it.

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Introduction

• Genesis 1:11-12
• Hosea 8:7 – “They show the wind and reap the whirlwind.”
  • Hosea 8:1 – They had sinned against God.
  • Hosea 8:12
  • Hosea 10:12 – God pleaded with them to be righteous.

Give it time.

• Matthew 7:16
• Job 4:8-9 – Eliphaz understood sowing and reaping only halfway. Sometimes it is not an immediate effect. If we sow righteousness, we may not reap the rewards until after this life is over.
• James 5:7-8

Invest in your relationships.

• Romans 2:5-11 – We may be able to hide evil in this world, but we will eventually reap what we’ve sown.
• Ephesians 5:33 – Roles in marriage defined. We cannot sow selfishness and bitterness in our marriage and not reap a bitter marriage.
• Colossians 3:19
• Ephesians 6:1 – Disrespect damages any relationship.
• Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 29:15 – We cannot sow child-centeredness and reap God-centeredness.

Sow good things!

• Galatians 6:7-10 – Christians should help each other.
• II Corinthians 9:6-11 – Giving cheerfully will be rewarded.

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Galatians 2

Galatians 2:1-5 – Titus and circumcision

• Galatians 2:1 – It’s not entirely clear exactly where this fourteen-year interval fits chronologically. This visit in Jerusalem may be the same one mentioned in Acts 15.
• Galatians 2:2 – God told him to go. Compare Acts 15:3.
• Galatians 2:3-5 – Paul took a stand on principle to sow that circumcision was not necessary. (See Genesis 17 for the start of circumcision. In Leviticus 12:3, it was incorporated into the Law of Moses.) Compare Galatians 5:1-3. It is not a sin to be circumcised (notice Acts 16:1 – Timothy was circumcised to allow him to fit in with the Jews he would be preaching to), but it cannot be done as an act of worship.

Galatians 2:6-10 – The right hand of fellowship

• Galatians 2:9 – If this matches up with Acts 15, this must be referring to James the brother of Jesus because James the apostle had already been beheaded in Acts 12.
• Galatians 2:10 – Paul had already delivered aid to needy saints and would do so again. Paul also taught all people, regardless of wealth. He did not shy away from teaching the poor, the wealthy, or the powerful.

Galatians 2:11-14 – Opposing Peter

• Galatians 2:11 – Paul opposing an apostle to his face was a big deal! See Acts 10:28.
• Galatians 2:12-13 – This was a tremendous amount of peer pressure. It was so difficult for these Jews to break away from the old ways.
• Galatians 2:14 – Paul’s quoted words to Peter begin here. Various translations end the quote at different places (verse 14, 16, or 21).
• Galatians 2:16 – No one would be justified by the Law of Moses. What we need is a system of forgiveness, which is the Law of Christ (Romans 3:23-25; 4:4-8).
• Galatians 2:17-18 – See Galatians 5:4. If you try to go back to the Law of Moses, you make yourself a sinner again.
• Galatians 2:20 – See Galatians 6:6.
• Galatians 2:21 – If it were possible to obey the law correctly, Jesus would not have needed to die.

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Matthew 6

Matthew 6:1-18 – “so that they may be honored by men”

• Compare Matthew 5:13-16. The motive is important here – glorifying God versus being noticed by men.
• Don’t show off, but serve God sincerely and discretely, maintaining focus on God and His reward.
• Matthew 6:16-18 – See Leviticus 16:29; Acts 13:2-3. Fasting is mentioned under the New Covenant, but not commanded. In those days, they spent a large portion of time preparing food. Taking that time instead to pray or worship would be a considerable change in time usage for them.

Matthew 6:19-24 – “You cannot serve God and wealth”

• Matthew 6:19-20 – This is a not-but statement. It is not a sin to have a bank account. But it is more important to concentrate on spiritual things. See Matthew 5:11-12. Don’t worry too much about this life. See also Hebrews 10:34.

Matthew 6:25-34 – “Do not worry.”

• Jesus is not negating the many other passages about work ethic, but God doesn’t want us to be overly concerned about this life. See Luke 12:16-21.

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Introduction

• Romans 1:15
• II Timothy 2:2

“All of us have become guilty of sin.”

• Acts 2:22-25, 36-37
• Acts 3:14-15
• Acts 4:11
• Acts 7:51-53
• Acts 26:18
• Isaiah 59:2
• II Thessalonians 1:8-9
• Whoever we are talking to will find out at some point that they are guilty of sin. We are just trying to make sure they find out early enough to do something about it.
• Most people would admin they are not perfect.
• We must have a good attitude when we speak to others. Speak to them in love!
• It may help to use the word “us.”
  • Acts 22:4-5, 20; 26:9-11
  • I Timothy 1:15 – Paul called himself the “foremost sinner.”
  • Ephesians 2:1-3

“Jesus died so we can be forgiven!”

• Ephesians 1:7
• Colossians 1:13-14
• Jesus alone is the savior. Not a church or a pastor. The church doesn’t save – the church is composed of the saved.

• Acts 8:3 – The gospel spread!
• I Corinthians 15:1-4 – This is the basis for our faith.

“We have to follow God’s instructions to receive this gift!”

• II Thessalonians 1:8
• Both of these are true!
  • Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 7:21
  • Romans 4:5; James 2:24
  • Titus 3:5; II Corinthians 5:10
• Paul to the Romans
  • Romans 1:16 – Gospel!
  • Romans 3:24 – Grace!
  • Romans 5:1 – Faith!
  • Romans 5:9 – Blood!
  • Romand 6:3-4 – Baptism!
  • Romans 10:9-10 – Believe and confess!
• Useful analogies to salvation:
  • What makes a car move? The gas pedal? The engine? All are involved.
  • Think about a college scholarship. The money is a gift, but conditions must be met.

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Introduction* Exodus 23:2

“Marriages end and kids misbehave.”* Esther 1:10-12, 19-21 – The king’s wife made him mad, so he got rid of her. * Temporary marriage license + Professor and author Stephanie Coontz put it this way: “In modern society, people are reluctant to enter marriages unless they know they can get out … That’s probably solved already by the availability of no-fault divorce.”

“The culture so quickly says, oh it’s over, it’s not going to work. We live in a consumer society. If something doesn’t work, you chunk it away and get a new one. And that has been translated into relationships … It’s a very pervasive myth today, that a marriage only works if you’re compatible. And couples come up against difficulties, disagreements, conflict, and they think, ‘We’re not compatible’ and so they separate. But actually, with a few very simple tools, they can work through these disagreements.”

• Matthew 19:3-9
• Ephesians 5:22-6:4
• God’s standard has not changed!

“It doesn’t hurt to look.”* Matthew 5:27-28 * Job 31:1 * What is so dangerous about pornography is that so many people don’t think it’s wrong. * Galatians 5:16-26 * I Thessalonians 4:1-8

“Just do what’s best for you.” Genesis 3:6 – The first sin was all about what Eve thought was good for her. * II Peter 2:3 * The first thing society does to make sin acceptable is change how things are worded. + “Strong woman finds unlikely advisor, learns to stand up for herself.” * The New Moral Code (Source: Bama OmniPoll, August 2015, Good Faith*, p.58)

| “Do you agree with the following statements?” | Percentage of U.S. adults | | --- | --- | | The best way to find yourself is by looking within yourself. | 91% | | People should not criticize someone else’s life choices. | 89% | | To be fulfilled in life, you should pursue the things you desire most. | 86% | | The highest goal of life is to enjoy it as much as possible. | 84% | | People can believe whatever they want, as long as those beliefs don’t affect society. | 79% | | Any kind of sexual expression between two consenting adults is acceptable. | 69% |

• Titus 2:11-15
• Luke 9:23

Conclusion We must live by the Word of God, not the immoral ideas people have … even if everybody’s doing it*.

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Galatians 1

Galatians 1:1-5 – Jesus and the Father sent me.

• Paul immediately points out that Jesus and God the Father had sent him.
• He was writing to the churches in Galatia. There is some debate about which region of Galatia this is (northern or southern), but it seems likely to be the southern region. This area includes a number of places that Paul visited on his missionary journeys.

Galatians 1:6-10 – Don’t desert God for a different gospel!

• Galatians 1:6 – They were deserting God by deserting the gospel. See Galatians 5:6-8, 2. You can’t add circumcision to the gospel. That perverts the gospel!
• Galatians 1:8 – Paul says “we,” including himself in the warning. This directly contradicts the teaching the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which teaches that the angel Moroni gave Joseph Smith a new revelation.
• Galatians 1:10 – The word “still” here implies that Paul was previously trying to please man.

Galatians 1:11-24 – Paul’s conversion, independence, and early travels.

• Galatians 1:12 – Paul wasn’t trained by the other apostles. He received direct revelation. See Acts 9:1-2, 13-14. Paul used to operate under authority from Jewish leaders. See Paul’s conversion in Acts 9:3-6, 15-20.
• Galatians 1:13-14 – Paul fully admits that he was wrong. His honesty is admirable.
• Galatians 1:17 – We have little information about Paul’s time in Arabia. Much has been made of it in commentaries, but we simply don’t know.
• Galatians 1:18-19 – Paul had no contact with the apostles until years after his conversion. James the brother of Jesus was not one of the twelve apostles and actually didn’t believe Jesus was the Christ early on. This passage could simply be saying that Paul didn’t see the apostles or James.

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Matthew 5

• Matthew 5:3 – This is talking about people in abject poverty that are looking for something. Those that are spiritually poor are looking for God. They are the ones who will allow Jesus to rule in their hearts.
• Matthew 5:4 – Those who are looking for something in their lives are miserable until they find God.
• Matthew 5:5 – The definition of meekness is strength under control. Those who are meek allow Jesus to lead. They will inherit the earth in a figurative sense. They were looking for the kingdom of heaven.
• Matthew 5:6 – If we really hunger and thirst for righteousness, we can be satisfied.
• Matthew 5:7 – Those who are merciful will receive mercy in the end.
• Matthew 5:8 – “Pure in heart” can mean pure of motive. People who serve God with a pure heart serve God for His approval, not man’s.
• Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are those who teach others how to have peace with God. The phrase “called sons of God” is a figure of speech. It refers to what they are in a higher sense.
• Matthew 5:10-12 – Christians will be persecuted.
• Compare David in Psalm 51 to these attributes.

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Philippians 3, continued:

Philippians 3:12-21 – Press on toward Heaven!

• Philippians 3:14 – Heaven is the prize to which God is calling us.
• Philippians 3:15-16 – No Christian should ever become complacent. We must continue pressing on.
• Philippians 3:17 – The word “observe” here just means to keep your eye on someone in a positive way.
• Philippians 3:19 – Those who are concentrating only on earthly things will meet destruction.
• Philippians 3:20 – If we get to a point where we are not eager to go to Heaven, something is wrong!
• Philippians 3:21 – Jesus will transform our bodies when it is time to go to Heaven.

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:1-9 – Peace and joy

• Philippians 4:3
  • The phrase “true companion” is taken by some as evidence that Paul was married, but we have no evidence of that from other scriptures. Paul only refers to himself as unmarried in other places.
  • The “book of life” may or may not be some sort of actual book, but it is referenced by Moses (Exodus 32:32) and a number of other passages in the Bible.
• Philippians 4:4 – Paul was writing from prison to tell others to rejoice!
• Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious” doesn’t mean that nothing bad will happen. Troubles will still come, but Christians have a peace that comes from God.

Philippians 4:10-23 – Paul’s contentment and their fellowship

• Philippians 4:11 – Paul learned to be content.
• Philippians 4:18 – Epaphroditus apparently carried the money to Paul. Paul was grateful for the money, but more than that, he was grateful that the Philippians were in a spiritual state such that they wanted to send him support.
• Philippians 4:22 – This seems to indicate that Paul was in prison in Rome. See Philippians 1:12.

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Introduction* Hosea 4:6 – The people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. * II Chronicles 36:11-16 – Under Zedekiah, the people rejected God and His prophets.

“I remind you that God wrote a Book; and He only wrote one. I wonder what we’ll say to Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ if He asks us, “Did you read My Book? I mean one time in your entire life did you read My whole Book?” – Woodrow Kroll, August 2009

• II Timothy 3:15-17

There will be a lot of “Oh, wow I get it” moments.* II Chronicles 34:14-21, 31, 27 – The Israelites rediscover the book of the law and realize they hadn’t been obeying it. Josiah decides to make things right with God.

You’ll feel better about the way you’re spending your time.* Matthew 6:19-21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” * Time is the number one issue people cite when asked why they don’t read the Bible more. * It takes about 75 hours to read the entire Bible. That is about 17 minutes a day for five days a week. * Ezra 7:10

You’ll start thinking and talking about spiritual things more.* Psalms 1:1-6 * We start feeling guilt about sins we suddenly become aware of. * We start praying more. * Spiritual disciplines and risk behaviors among U.S. adults: + Researchers called it the “Power of 4” (reading the Bible at least 4 days a week) - Getting drunk = 57% lower odds - Sex outside marriage = 68% lower odds - Pornography = 61% lower odds - Gambling = 74% lower odds - Sharing faith with others = 228% higher odds - Discipling others = 231% higher odds - Memorizing scripture = 407% higher odds * Hebrews 4:12

You’ll feel better about life.* Philippians 4:8-9 – It’s hard to complain about my life after seeing the conditions Paul was in when he wrote this. * “Bible-engaged Americans are more likely than any other group in America to have a hopeful perspective.”

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[Note: These notes have been ordered according to the verses in the text, which does not precisely match the order in which the lesson was presented. - MRW]

Matthew 4Matthew 4:1-11 – Temptation of Jesus* Some compare Jesus going into the wilderness to Israel’s wandering the wilderness. Unlike Israel, Jesus prevailed in the wilderness. * Matthew 4:10 – Note that this is in direct conflict with any idea of worshipping Mary. * Matthew 4:8-11 – In a sense, Jesus was tempted to worship Satan. + I Corinthians 10:13 – God always provides a way of escape from temptation. + Psalms 119:11 + James 1:14-15 + I John 2:15-17 – Do not love the world. + Galatians 6:7-8 – A man reaps what he sows. + Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.“

Matthew 4:12-17 – Jesus begins His Galilean ministry* Matthew 4:12-13 – See John 4:43. Being from Nazareth was a mark against someone at the time. To be called a Nazarene was derogatory. It was a small and insignificant town. This was another one of many reasons that people were prejudiced against Jesus. * Matthew 4:15-16 – See Isaiah 42:7; Psalms 107:10-15; Luke 2:32.

Matthew 4:18-21 – Four fishermen and four disciples* Matthew 4:19 – See Luke 18:28-30. They left all that they had to follow Jesus.

Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals a multitude* See Acts 10:36-39. Peter would later use much of what is in this chapter in his preaching.

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Introduction

What are the signs we may be struggling?

• Are we withdrawn from God?
• Are we allowing the world to influence us?
• Do we have confidence in our salvation?
• Do we feel guilty and ashamed?
• Are we fearful, afraid of God’s punishment?
• Are we withdrawn from God, too ashamed or afraid to talk to Him in prayer?
• Do we just feel totally unworthy, and we feel like God isn’t there for us?

Deuteronomy 28

• Deuteronomy 28:1, 14, 15 – If the Israelites did not obey, God would curse them.
• Deuteronomy 28:16-68 – List of curses God would bring upon them.

Deuteronomy 30

• Deuteronomy 30:1-3 – If they would obey, God would again bless them.
• Deuteronomy 30:10, 11-14 – God’s ways are mysterious sometimes … but what God desires and our responsibilities are not a mystery. God wants us to love, honor, and obey Him. If we do, we are blessed. If we don’t, we are cursed. It is as simple as that. It is easy to understand.
• I Corinthians 10:13

Paul’s perspective of God

• I Timothy 1:15-16

Parable of the prodigal son

The younger brother (Luke 15:11-19)

• The younger son feels guilty and ashamed.
• He was withdrawn from his father, either too ashamed or just afraid to talk to him.
• The prodigal son felt totally unworthy.
• He has repented and returned but he doesn’t know if his father will be there for him.

The response of the older brother (Luke 15:25-30)

• Galatians 5:14-15
• Philippians 2:3-5

The response of the father (Luke 15:20-24)

• Overjoyed, celebrates
• Loving and forgiving
• Luke 15:32 – “your brother was dead and is not alive again, was lost and is now found”

Are we withdrawn from God?

Humble ourselves and repent.

• I Peter 5:6-7
• Acts 3:19
• Matthew 6:33

Talk to Him, approach Him in prayer!

• I Thessalonians 5:16-17
• Romans 12:12
• Ephesians 6:18

Are we allowing the world to influence us?

Choose God’s word to direct our lives.

• I John 2:15
• Matthew 7:18
• James 4:7-8, 10

Read and study God’s word.

• II Timothy 3:16
• John 14:15

Do we have confidence in our salvation?

We have a promise.

• Colossians 1:13-14
• I Peter 1:3-5

Conclusion

• We can have confidence in our salvation!

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Introduction

• How do you think about what your life consists of?
• Colossians 1:10-12, 21-23
• Colossians 2:5-7
  • Colossians 2:6 – “walk” = “lead your life”
• Colossians 3:1-4, 5-11, 12-17

Following Christ is not a part of life. It is a way of life.

• Colossians 3:18-4:6 – How various groups of people should behave to follow Christ.
• Colossians 3:17

Appreciation for my salvation is shown in the way I live.

• Colossians 1:9-12 – Following Christ should transform our lives.
• Colossians 3:1-10
• Ephesians 4:1 – Walk worthy of your calling.
• Romans 6:1
• II Peter 1:8-11

I can do everyday things in a spiritual way, or a godless way.

• Colossians 3:23-25

Always look for doors for the gospel and use them.

How not to measure spirituality.

• Colossians 2:10-14 – We can’t think we can earn salvation.
• Colossians 2:16-20
• Simply knowing the Bible is not enough.

Instead, look for ways to advance the cause of Christ.

• Colossians 4:2-4
• Philippians 1:12-18

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IntroductionI have made the comment in class here before that the longer I live on this earth, the more I think that the purpose of life here is to beat the pride out of man.

We know that God detests pride. The pride of life is one of the three great temptations listed in the Bible. (1 John 2:16).

Let’s dig into this a little this morning and remind ourselves what God thinks about pride, think about all the ways that pride shows up in our lives, and then look at how we can get it out of our lives. I welcome your comments and questions!

What God thinks about prideFrom SolomonSolomon warned about the dangers of pride. Proverbs 16:18-19

It is better to be humble, even if that means you most associate with the lowly people of the world.

Regarding MosesMoses was very meek, but God clearly respected him for this, going so far as to speak to him plainly. Numbers 12:3-8

Moses’ meekness as a leader was a tremendous blessing to him and not a weakness as many in the world today would say.

Jesus’ exampleJesus Himself was humble and lowly in heart, despite His great power and deity. Matthew 11:28-30

Paul’s warning to TimothyIn Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul warns Timothy of various types of people he should be wary of. II Timothy 3:2-5

Those who are proud are listed among the people that should be avoided. Several of the categories that Paul lists here (lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, and arrogant) are all symptoms of the underlying disease – pride.

Jesus’ parableJesus tells a parable of the two men praying, showing God’s perspective on the two men and their prayers. Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee was not humble. Jesus’ judgment on the matter is that whoever exalts himself will be humbled (either now or at judgment). Whoever humbles himself will be exalted. How much better to be humble now and be exalted at judgment!

Act out of humilityGod tells us to be humble and count others as more significant. People are more willing to follow a humble leader and will be humble themselves when doing so. Jesus is the ultimate example of this. Jesus is deity, yet He humbled Himself coming in the likeness of a man and humbled Himself to God’s will, dying a terrible death on the cross for our sins. Philippians 2:3-11

Be subject to authority and each otherGod instructs us to be subject to our elders and to each other. Ultimately, we must humble ourselves before Him. I Peter 5:5-7

How does pride manifest itself in our lives?Pride can be a very deceptive thing. Even when we think we have rid ourselves of it in one area of our lives, it can pop up somewhere else. Let’s take a few minutes thinking about how pride might show up in our lives. When you really start thinking about it, you might be prideful in more ways than you realize!

Here are a few ways:

• By doing what we want to do and not considering God or others.
  • This is the definition of pride and selfishness – thinking that the rest of the world revolves around us.
• By bragging about our own accomplishments.
  • What have we done that God has not given us the ability to do?
• By refusing to do work that “is beneath us”
  • Jesus washing the feet of his disciples should rid us of this notion!
• By looking down on others for whatever reason.
  • We may think it’s a good reason, but that’s still not a good reason!
• By not serving others.
  • Serving others is loving others!
• By not being generous with our time, money, and resources.
  • Why did God give us these things in the first place? Was it not so that we could obey His commands to love our neighbor?
• By allowing sin to creep in, thinking that we know how to handle it. Or, worse, being proud of it!
  • I Corinthians 5:2 – The Corinthians should have dealt with the sin in their midst instead of being proud of tolerating it.

Sneaky ways that pride shows up:Aside from the more directly prideful things we talked about, there are a number of “sneaky” ways that pride can show up in our lives. We may not recognize them as pride, so we don’t take the necessary steps to address the problem.

• Anxiety
  • This is one that I have had trouble with in the past – being anxious about a job or money or schedules or any number of things.
  • We will cover this more below, but we must cast our cares on God. To be anxious is to look inward for the answer when we should be looking to God.
  • Psalms 37:25
  • Being anxious can cause us to turn inward and not love God and our neighbor as we should.
  • If you are anxious about something, do what you can to remedy the issue, and give the rest to God. If you need help, reach out to your brethren. This room is filled with people who would love to help, many of which have probably been there themselves!
• Depression or nostalgia
  • This can be very tricky. This way of thinking is very centered around me. It is not centered around God or others.
  • By looking too much at things of the past, we overlook ways to serve God and others now.
  • It is certainly good to remember the good times that God has given us. It is not good to only look to the past.
  • Depression is the inverse of anxiety. Anxiety is being too concerned about the future. Depression is being too concerned with the past, thinking about what bad things have happened before.
• Overeating / poor diet
  • What I want to eat is more important than what is good for my body and my health.
  • God gave us our bodies and they are incredible blessings. It is important that we treat them well and try to keep them functioning properly so that we can serve God.
  • Side note: Your palate and your appetite are a little like your conscience. They are a guide but can be trained wrong. Your body adapts over time to what you eat. I used to avoid vegetables also, but after learning this, managed to gradually change my diet.
• Greed
  • Greed tells us that MY money and things are the most important.
  • Again, this is a view that looks inward, rather than upward to God.
  • Hebrews 13:5-6
• Being late
  • Considering your own time more important than the time of others who may be waiting for you.
  • It’s not a big deal if it happens occasionally. If it’s a chronic problem, it could be a sign of pride in how you manage your time.
  • Why is it that you are always late? What are you doing with your time? Is it as important as you think it is?
• Driving recklessly
  • I want to drive how I want to drive!
  • Putting others in danger is not showing love for our neighbor.
  • If someone saw how you were driving, then saw you pull into the church parking lot, would they be surprised?

How to get pride out of our livesThis is a life-long pursuit! It’s not like we can just conquer pride once and live happily ever after. If only that were true!

Love God first. Love your neighbor. The rest will fall into place.Matthew 22:34-40

God has made this so simple for us. Just love God and love our neighbor. Let the rest fall out of that. Easy, right?!

Trust God to provide.Part of the way pride can sneak into our lives is the idea that I need to watch out for myself and get what is mine. If I don’t, I will lose out or be destitute. Certainly, we must work to provide for ourselves and our family, but this can go too far in the sense that we don’t trust God to provide. This leads to anxiety.

Matthew 6:25-34

Someone I heard once gave the analogy that life on earth is like a boardgame. When we die, the pieces all go back in the box. Why are we so worried about the pieces?

Ironically, our anxiety and pride about what we do have might be preventing God from blessing us even more!

Remember to look to God for direction – not ourselves.Jeremiah 10:23

We must look upward for our direction in life, not to ourselves. God’s direction is perfect and unwavering. Ours may waver constantly and rarely be correct!

Look for ways to serve others.Galatians 6:2-10

If we are looking to serve others, we are putting our heart in the right place. We both encourage others and help inoculate ourselves against pride.

Remember our common struggleRomans 3:21-23

Remember that we are all in the same boat - we have all sinned and are all trying to have a good relationship with God. Once we truly understand this, it should be difficult to be lifted up with pride.

Try to see things from God’s perspectiveRemember that we are only seeing things from our own perspective. Try to think about what God’s perspective is on a situation.

It is easy to point out other people’s problems. But we must get the logs out of our own eyes first. Maybe then we’ll see that we were the ones with the problems in the first place. We may even need the help of the person we had been looking down on.

ConclusionLet us take a fresh perspective on pride, find where it lurks in our lives, and root it out so that we might be acceptable to God.

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Matthew 3

• Matthew 3:1 – John was not a Baptist. John was a baptizer.
  • See Luke 1:36. Elizabeth was a blood relative, but not technically a cousin.
• Matthew 3:2
  • Repentance does not primarily mean, “change the way you are living” but “change the way you are thinking.” See Matthew 3:8 – “bear fruit consistent with repentance.”
  • “kingdom of heaven”: See definitions in Colossians 1:13; Revelation 17:18; Luke 1:32-33; Matthew 12:26-28; Luke 17:20-21. The kingdom of heaven is the domain of God – the people over whose hearts He reigns. Church and kingdom both refer to the same group of people, but the words are not synonymous.
  • “at hand” – See Mark 9:1. The kingdom would come within some of their lifetimes.
• Matthew 3:3 – See Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6. There are about 100 quotes and allusions from the Old Testament in Matthew.
• Matthew 3:4 – John had unusual looks and diet.
• Matthew 3:6 – See Matthew 3:13. John baptized where there was much water, making it convenient to immerse people.
• Matthew 3:7-9 – John’s audience: the Pharisees and Sadducees.
• Matthew 3:10-12 – “Clearing the threshing floor” may be a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem. See Acts 1:4-5.
• Matthew 3:16 – We don’t currently know precisely where Jesus was baptized. Jesus was baptized as an example of obedience to God. He had no sin to be forgiven of. Note that there are not three Gods. There are three who are God.

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Introduction

• Scriptures that refer to worship with music in the New Testament:
  • Acts 16:25
  • Romans 15:9
  • I Corinthians 14:15
  • Ephesians 5:19
  • Colossians 3:16
  • Hebrews 2:12
  • Hebrews 13:15
  • James 5:13

Why don’t we add instruments to that?

• The simple answer is: because God does not authorize us to do so.

God didn’t say NOT to.

God didn’t say NOT to … carry the ark on an ox cart.

• Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15; 7:6-9 – God’s specifications for the ark.
• I Chronicles 13:7-12; 15:2, 2, 12-15
• God’s instructions:
  • Poles
  • Kohathites
  • Shoulders

God didn’t say NOT to … appoint a priest from Judah.

• Numbers 13:10; Hebrews 7:11-14; 8:4

God didn’t say NOT to … offer strange fire.

• Leviticus 10:1-2

God didn’t say NOT to … preach circumcision.

• Acts 15:5-6, 24

Instruments are just aids, like pitch pipes or song books.

• Mark 16:15 – “Go”: how?
• II Timothy 2:2 – “Teach”
• I Corinthians 16:1-2 – “collection … put aside and save”
• Psalms 150:1-6 – Instruments were regarded as worship under the Old Covenant.

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The Greek word psallo includes instruments.

Look in Greek dictionaries

• Vine’s: “in the NT, ‘to sing a hymn, sing praise’”
• Thayer’s Lexicon: “in the NT to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song.”
• Vincent’s Word Studies in the NT: “The verb, however, is used in the New Testament of singing praise generally.”
• The word changed over time to mean singing in the time of the New Testament.
• Words change meaning over time!

Look in reliable English translations

The elders decided to have instruments. So if it’s wrong, they bear the guilt.

• Titus 1:9; I Timothy 5:19-20 – Elders can make mistakes and should be rebuked when they do.

Harps are used in Heaven.

• Revelation 5:8; 14:2; 15:2; 18:21-22
• The first challenge is to even prove these are literal harps.
• Second, why stop with the harps?
• Events in Heaven aren’t instructions for Christians on earth.
  • Matthew 22:30

We should use our God-given talents to worship Him.

• Is there any limit to this?
• God wants us to follow His instructions in worship.
  • John 4:24; Matthew 15:9
  • Genesis 4:2-5; Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17 – Abel followed God’s instructions. Cain did not.
  • Leviticus 10:1-2

Instruments were used for Old Covenant worship.

• That’s right!
  • Numbers 10:10; II Chronicles 29:25-28
  • These were commanded by God at that time.
• But we follow the New Covenant, not the Old Covenant.
  • Hebrews 8:7-8, 13
  • Acts 15
  • Galatians 5:1-3

Conclusion

• No one can argue that we should use instruments because they are clearly authorized as acceptable worship in the New Covenant.

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Philippians 2, continued:

Philippians 2:9-18 – Jesus Christ is Lord; be children of God

• Philippians 2:10 – See Isaiah 45:23.
• Philippians 2:13 – See I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 4:12

Philippians 2:19-24 – Timothy

• Philippians 2:19 – Paul loved the brethren. He loved hearing good news about them.

Philippians 2:25-30 – Epaphroditus

• Philippians 2:25 – “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier”: this is quite a commendation! See Philippians 4:14-18. Evidently they had sent Epaphroditus to bring money to Paul.

Philippians 3

Philippians 3:1-11 – What Paul gave up to gain Christ

• Philippians 3:2 – “Mutilation” here is a different word for circumcision.
• Philippians 3:3 – See Romans 2:28-29. Physical vs. spiritual Jews:

• Philippians 3:5 – Paul had Jewish lineage of the tribe of Benjamin.
• Philippians 3:8 – Whatever we have to give up to follow Christ is worth it!

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The story of Jesus

• Luke 2:1-7
• Matthew 2:5-6
• Matthew 1:18-25 – the birth of Jesus
• Luke 2:8-20 – Shepherds are visited by an angel and go to visit Jesus.
  • Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus would bring peace
  • Philippians 4:7
  • John 14:27
  • Colossians 1:20 – Jesus made peace between man and God.
  • Romans 5:21
  • Luke 2:17 – The word of Jesus birth spread quickly.
• Many now teach that men are born in sin.
  • If that were true, Jesus was born in sin. But Jesus knew no sin, thus the premise is false.
  • Some hold to the doctrine of the immaculate conception, which teaches that Jesu was born without sin because Mary had no sin. This, in the eyes of those who believe it, makes it possible to pray to Mary since she has no sin.
• Luke 2:21-24 – See Leviticus 12:6-8. If Mary had to make a sin offering for herself, that indicates she had sin.
• Matthew 2:1-8 – The magi evidently came a while after Jesus was born. Despite songs like “We Three Kings,” there is no evidence that the wise men were kings.
• Matthew 2:9-12 – The magi fell down and worshipped Jesus – not Mary.
• Matthew 2:13-18 – Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with Jesus. Herod discovers that he has been tricked and kills all the children two years old and under. All of this is according to prophecy.
• Luke 2:41-54 – Twelve years later, Jesus and his family return to Nazareth.

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Philippians 1, continued

Philippians 1:1-11 – “I have you in my heart”

• Philippians 1:10 – The “day of Christ” is probably referring to the judgment. See Philippians 1:6; 2:16.

Philippians 1:12-20 – “Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice”

• Philippians 1:12-13 – Paul’s imprisonment gave him the opportunity to speak to the guards. It also emboldened other people to keep preaching the gospel. Paul’s positive attitude set the tone for others.
• Philippians 1:19 – The “Spirit of Jesus Christ” is probably the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 1:21-30 – “to live is Christ and to die is gain”

• Paul is not dreaming about the luxuries of life.
• Two different philosophies:

• Philippians 1:24 – If I continue to live …
  • Will sinners stand a better chance of knowing Jesus?
  • Will brethren be better off?
  • Will my spouse benefit from my companionship?
  • Will my kids be strengthened in the faith?
• Philippians 1:27 – See Ephesians 4:1
• Philippians 1:29-30 – See II Timothy 3:12.

Philippians 2

Philippians 2:1-8 – Be united, and be humble like Christ.

• Philippians 2:7 – This passage has been used for centuries to argue that Jesus did not use attributes of deity.
  • But that cannot mean He emptied Himself of the attributes of Deity.
    • Jesus was justified in accepting worship (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38)
    • Jesus forgave sins (Mark 2:3-12; Luke 7:48)
    • Jesus performed miracles by His own power (Luke 2:11; John 5:21)
  • Just as Jesus humbled Himself, if we are to be His disciples, we should humble ourselves.

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Introduction

• Galatians 4:3

Pentecost was the first time the FULL gospel was preached.

• Luke 24:36-53 – Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until they would receive power from on high.
• Deuteronomy 16:16 – The Jews were to assemble to observe the feast.
• Acts 2:9-11 – People from all nations were gathered to hear the gospel.
• Acts 2:1-13, 23
• Acts 2:38-41
• Jesus had already preached much of the good news, but on this day the full picture was finally put together.

We can all be part of this.

• Acts 2:39 – “all who are far off” may be referring to Gentiles
• Ephesians 2:11-13

It was not popular them; it is not popular now.

• Acts 2:41; 4:4 – This was a good number of people, but still just a fraction of the total number gathered.
• Acts 13:45; 14:2; 17:13; 18:6; 19:9

This is it. There’s nothing else coming. No updates needed.

• Galatians 1:6-9

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“Fulfilling relationships”

• Luke 20:19-26
• Matthew 10:34-37 – Family relationships are not the top priority.
• I Peter 2:21

“Major accomplishments”

• Daniel 4:27-31 – Nebuchadnezzar had many major accomplishments yet God took them from him because of his pride.

“Enjoyable experiences”

• Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 – Solomon tried everything and didn’t find fulfillment.

So, what’s the answer?

• Matthew 22:36-40
• Philippians 3:8, 14
• Luke 6:40
• To lead a Biblically successful life, I need to set aside certain things.

Questions

• What am I doing with my life?
• Is this the way my life should be going?
• In 100 years (when my soul is somewhere), will I regret not adjusting the course of my life?
• Matthew 25:34

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Matthew 1

Matthew 1:1-17 – Genealogies

• Importance, use of genealogies
  • Ezra 2:59-63 – There were serious consequences if you could not be found in the genealogies.
  • Nehemiah 7:63-65
• Matthew’s genealogy
  • Began his gospel with
  • Began with Jesus the Messiah, the son of David (II Samuel 7) the son of Abraham (Genesis 12)
  • Matthew arranged his genealogy into three clearly defined groups of 14 each (Matthew 1:17)
    • Why?
      • Abraham to David – Patriarchs
        • Rise of nation (14 including David)
      • David to Jeconiah – Kings
        • Downfall of nation (14 beginning with Solomon and counting Jeconiah)
      • Jeconiah to Christ – Citizens
• Luke’s genealogy
  • Not until chapter 3
  • Began with, “the son of Joseph, the son of Eli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi”
  • Not arranged in any particular order
• The Messiah
  • Messiah means “anointed”
    • Greek form “Messias”: used only twice – John 1:41; 4:25
    • Hebrew form: used only twice – Daniel 9:25, 26
  • Jesus claimed to be the Messiah (Christ) in Mark 14:61-64
  • What evidence was there that these Messianic claims were valid?
    • The character of Matthew and Jesus
      • “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham” - Matthew 1:1
    • Where did Matthew (and other Jews) get this genealogy?
      • Eusebius (“father of church history”) says the writing of Matthew occurred about twelve years after the death of Christ. Some scholars believe that this would place the writing of Matthew as early as AD 40-45 and as late as AD 55. (See When Were the Gospels Written)
  • Matthew gives Christ’s legal succession through Joseph.
  • Luke traces his biological succession through Mary.
  • Either way, you want to examine His genealogy. It ties Jesus legally and biologically to the Old Testament Messianic promises.
  • If Matthew’s and Luke’s genealogy are faulty, Jesus’ claims to be the Messiah are bogus.

Note on abortion

• According to Dr. Luke, the Bible makes no distinction between …

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Introduction

• Proverbs 23:23
• Objective – truth that exists independently of individual perspectives, emotions, or biases.
• Subjective – based on my individual experience, and not to be universally applied.
• John 8:44

Truth is inescapable

• Acts 17:16-21, 30-33 – Did their rejection mean that what Paul said wasn’t true? No!
• Some things are universally true.
• Some people believe people can choose to be cats.
• If you try to say there is no objective truth, you are making a statement about objective truth and are inconsistent with yourself.

Humans often have a flawed perception of truth, but that doesn’t mean truth doesn’t exist.

I may be opposed to the truth.

• II Timothy 3:7-9, 1-6

I may be mistaken.

• Hebrews 5:11-14
• Dan Barker tried to argue that since all Christians don’t agree, God may not exist. But all atheists don’t agree either!

I may be sincerely mistaken.

• Acts 26:9

I may be deceived.

• II John 1:7
• Matthew 7:15-18
• I John 4:1
• If I am deceived, I need to become more discerning.

Truth exists, even in the moral and spiritual realm.

• John 14:6 – Is this objective or subjective?
• John 17:17 – Is God’s word only true sometimes? No!
• John 8:31-32
• John 12:48 – God’s word will judge us.
• Romans 1:28-31, 18, 25
• Romans 2:5-8 – “the truth”

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Introduction

• People often name Philippians as their favorite book of the Bible, mainly because it speaks so much about joy.
• Paul visited Philippi during his second missionary journey.
• Acts 16:6-15 – Paul arrives in Philippi after receiving the “Macedonian call” and immediately has success teaching the gospel, teaching Lydia and others.
• Acts 16:16-18 – Paul encounters a girl with an unclean spirit, which Paul casts out of the girl.
• Acts 16:19-24 – Paul and Silas are thrown in prison on false charges by the men who were using the girl for fortune-telling.
• Acts 16:25-30 – Paul and Silas were praying and singing when God released their bonds. The Philippian jailer asked what to do to be saved. He evidently knew enough to ask the question.
• Acts 16:31-34 – The Philippian jailer is baptized, along with his entire family.
• Acts 16:35-40 – Paul and Silas were released and escorted out of the city. Paul evidently wanted to make the point that they had done nothing wrong with regard to the gospel. He may have also been trying to make life easier for the disciples he was leaving behind.

Paul’s contact with the Philippians

• Second journey (Acts 16) – 50-53 AD
• Third journey (Acts 20:6) – 54-57 AD
• Letter from prison (Rome, Acts 28) – 61-63 AD

Philippians 1

• Philippians 1:1 – “Saints” just meant “holy ones” and was a common term for Christians. It did not have the special connotations that some apply to the term today.
  • New Testament terms for local church leaders
    • Presbuteros: translated as elder or presbyter
    • Episkopos: translated as overseer or bishop
    • Poimen: translated as pastor or shepherd
    • How do we know these words all refer to the same men? The words are used interchangeably in Acts 20:17, 28; I Peter 5:1-2.

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What does scripture say?

• What is a wise man?
  • Context is everything
  • In New Testament, Greek “Magos”
  • Can mean magician, astronomer, scientist, doctor, etc.
  • True meaning usually derived from text
  • Acts 13:6 – Bar-Jesus (Elymas)
• Hebrew “Chakam”
  • Wise men – 124 times
  • Cunning – 10 times
  • Unwise – 2 times
  • Wiser – 2 times
  • Subtle (shrewd) – 1 time
  • Not the same as sorcerer (Kashaph) or magician (chartom)

Wise men in Old Testament

• Pharaohs had wise men AND sorcerers
  • Genesis 41:8
  • Exodus 7:11
• Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men – Daniel 2:2
  • Magicians – occult knowledge
  • Sorcerers
  • Conjurers – astrologers
  • Chaldeans – smartest people in the land (compare Bohemian)
• There were men who were wise
  • Their virtues were extolled
  • Deuteronomy 1:13-15
  • Proverbs 13:20; 29:8

Wisdom in the New Testament

• Compared to foolish – Matthew 7:24-27
• Their wisdom compared to God’s majesty – Romans 1:20-23
• Wisdom desirable for a Christian – Romans 16:19; Ephesians 5:15
• But not in one’s own eyes – Romans 11:25
• Not in the wisdom of this world – I Corinthians 1:20

What about the magi?

• Translations divided between “magi” and “wise men”
  • Transliteration versus translation
  • Selection of “wise men” over other possibilities
  • Dodging the issue by transliteration
    • Similar to “baptism”
• What happened
  • Matthew 2:1-12
    • Matthew 2:6 – This is a quote from Micah 5:2.
  • Took place “… after Jesus was born in Bethlehem …”
    • Not the night of His birth
    • Wise men from “the East”
      • Likely Persia (Iran)
      • One-way trip of 800-900 miles
      • Daniel 9:24-27
        • Written in Persia
        • Timeline given
      • Balaam’s prophecy? Numbers 24:17
    • Were they Jews?
      • Many had remained after the captivity
      • At the time, outnumbered Jews in Judea
      • “His star” was their signal of the event
  • Went to Jerusalem
    • Began inquiring whereabouts of Jesus
    • Stated intent to worship Him
    • Herod’s trouble
    • Scribes and priests understood prophecy of Micah
    • Herod got the timing of Jesus’ birth from appearance of star
    • Herod’s lie – intent to worship
    • Wise men go, find, give, worship
      • Star indicated where Jesus was
      • They rejoiced
      • Three gifts or gifts of three things?
        • Gold
          • Valuable, could fund journey to Egypt
          • Representative of royalty, divinity
        • Frankincense
          • Sap from the Boswellia tree – Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, South Africa, India
          • Also valuable in trade
          • Used in offerings (see Leviticus 2:1-2 – grain offerings)
          • Exodus 30:34 – Kept in the testimony of the tabernacle
          • Symbolic of Jesus as high priest?
        • Myrrh
          • Sap of Commiphora tree
          • Purification ritual – Esther 2:12
          • Anointing tabernacle, high priests, kings
          • Bitter taste – Mark 15:23
          • Embalming – John 19:39-40
      • Aided in Jesus’ escape
    • How did they know not to go back to Herod?
    • Herod’s subsequence action – Matthew 2:16-18

What can we say about the wise men?

• Read, understood, believed God’s word
• Sought Jesus – despite great effort involved
• Saw Him as God – to be humbly worshipped
• Saw Him as valuable – opened their treasures to Him
• In conflict of commands – Herod and God
• Chose to obey God

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Introduction

• I Peter 1:3, 6
• I Peter 4:8

You are all one in Christ Jesus

• I Peter 3:8
• I Peter 2:12, 13
• I Peter 3:1, 9, 14
• I Peter 4:4; 3:8; 4:8 – If we have Christ in common, we can get along!
• II Peter 1:1
• Christ is what we have in common.
• Acts 11:19-20, 21, 26, 29
• Galatians 3:28-29
• Matthew 13:53-58 – Jesus was not popular with the people He grew up with in His hometown – His own demographic, physically speaking.
• Acts 2:9-11, 46-47 – Despite being from all different countries and cultures, those people were unified spiritually.

Serving one another

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – We all benefit from fellowship.
• Galatians 6:1 – Help your brother!
• James 5:19-20
• Ephesians 4:1-3
• Philippians 1:27; 2:2-4; 3:17; 4:2-3
• I Peter 4:8-11
• Hebrews 10:24 – “Take careful note of each other’s spiritual welfare.”

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Deuteronomy 32

• Deuteronomy 32:1-47 – The song of Moses.
  • See Deuteronomy 31:1-19 – This song was a warning of future events.
  • Note that the decision always belonged to the people. God was laying out the paths before them, but it was theirs to choose.
  • God is just. When we sin, it is our decision.
    • Romans 7:7-12
    • If there is not law, there is no sin. But we cannot blame God and His laws for our own sin. God’s laws are for our good. The problem is sin!
  • Deuteronomy 32:15 – “Jeshurun” is a poetic, ironic reference to Israel, meaning “upright one.”
  • Deuteronomy 32:21 – See Romans 10:19.
  • Deuteronomy 32:44-47 – Obey God or face the consequences!
• Deuteronomy 32:48-52 – Moses will die on Mt. Nebo.

Deuteronomy 33

• Deuteronomy 33:1-5 – Moses begins to bless the people.
• Deuteronomy 33:6-25 – Blessings for each tribe
  • Deuteronomy 33:6 – Reuben
  • Deuteronomy 33:7 – Judah
  • Deuteronomy 33:8-11 – Levi
    • It is not clear exactly what the Urim and Thummim were. Apparently, they were some sort of small token. See Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8. They were somehow used to determine the will of God.
  • Deuteronomy 33:12 – Benjamin
  • Deuteronomy 33:13-17 – Joseph
  • Deuteronomy 33:18-19 – Zebulun and Issachar
  • Deuteronomy 33:20-21 – Gad
  • Deuteronomy 33:22 – Dan
  • Deuteronomy 33:23 – Naphtali
  • Deuteronomy 33:24-25 – Asher
  • Note: Where is Simeon?
• Deuteronomy 33:26-29 – Conclusion of blessings

Deuteronomy 34

• Deuteronomy 34:1-12 – The death of Moses
  • Deuteronomy 34:1-8 – God shows Moses the land of Canaan then Moses dies and God buries him.
  • Deuteronomy 34:9-12 – Joshua takes over as leader of Israel.

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Introduction

• I Corinthians 1:1-3

Love them.

• I Corinthians 1:4 – These people were troublesome for Paul, but he was thankful for them.
• I Corinthians 4:14-15
• I Corinthians 10:14 – He loved them!
• I Corinthians 15:58
• I Corinthians 16:23-24
• The simple fact that he was writing to them shows his love for the Corinthians.
• There is nothing in the Bible that says you must have a relationship with someone before you can helm them spiritually. Paul spoke to complete strangers constantly.

Tell them what’s right and wrong.

• Paul was clear with the Corinthians:
  • I Corinthians 1:10-11 – divisions among them
  • I Corinthians 3:1 – men of flesh … infants in Christ
  • I Corinthians 4:7 – arrogant, as though I were not coming to you
  • I Corinthians 5:1 – immorality among you
  • I Corinthians 6:8 – you yourselves wrong and defraud
  • I Corinthians 9:11 – is it too much if we reap material things from you
  • I Corinthians 11:20 – when you meet … it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper
  • I Corinthians 15:12 – you say there is no resurrection of the dead
• I Corinthians 7:1-2, 10 – Paul got pretty personal!
• Imagine a doctor that won’t tell the patient what the problem is.

Minimize yourself and magnify God.

• I Corinthians 1:12-15 – Paul tried to minimize himself.
• I Corinthians 3:5
• I Corinthians 4:1-4 – Paul describes himself as a servant. We must all stand before God.
• I Corinthians 9:12, 15, 19-23

Be a good example.

• I Corinthians 4:16-17
  • We should not be seeking glory.
  • We already are examples.
• I Corinthians 11:1
• I Corinthians 8:13 – Paul would forego a liberty to prevent a brother from stumbling.
• I Corinthians 9:26-27
• We may not realize how much people are watching us.

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Jethro, continued:

Other possible encounters

• Numbers 10:29 – Hobab
  • Same as Jethro?
  • Judges 4:11 – same Hobab? Same lineage?
• We know some of his family went with Israel
  • Settled in the promised land
  • Used by God to liberate Israel from oppression
  • Judges 4 – Jael versus Sisera

Jethro’s legacy

• We can learn from his character
  • Hospitable
  • Polite and gracious
  • Constructive criticism
  • Willing to trust
  • Willing to release Moses
  • Wise use of resources
    • Daughters as shepherds
    • Wise counsel on delegation
    • Selectivity of those right for the task
    • Making God the final authority

Prayer

• Difficult to put into one lesson – why?
• How much is it mentioned?
  • 334 times
  • Believe (all its forms) – 328 times
  • Obey (all its forms) – 222 times
  • Repentance – 74 times
• Who prayed?

Prayer is a requirement

• Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6) – pray:
  • To praise God (Matthew 6:9)
  • For God’s will to be done (Matthew 6:10)
  • For physical provision (Matthew 6:11)
  • For forgiveness – both giving and receiving (Matthew 6:12)
  • For deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13)
• Also pray:
  • For our leaders – spiritual and political (Hebrews 13:17; I Timothy 2:1, 2)
  • To live a peaceful life (I Timothy 2:2)
  • For gospel preachers (II Thessalonians 3:1, 2)
  • To open opportunities for the gospel (Colossians 4:3)
  • For other Christians and for the church (John 17:17-21)
  • For the sick (James 5:14-15)
  • For sinning brethren (I John 5:16)
  • In thanksgiving (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Some remarkable prayers in scripture

• Luke 18:13 – short but effective
• Numbers 6:24-26 – scripted by God
• II Kings 20:3 – Asks God to remember his thoughts and deeds
• I Kings 8:23-53 – long, but thoughtful and to the point
• Jonah 2:1-10 – prayer with immediate results
• Daniel 9:4-19 – begging forgiveness for his nation
• I King 18:36-37 – calls God to open people’s eyes
• I Kings 3:5-10 – asks God’s help to lead

Who prayed?

• Men everywhere – I Timothy 2:8
• Women gathered by a river – Acts 16:13
• Epaphras – Colossians 4:2
• Jabez – I Chronicles 4:9-10
• The tax collector – Luke 18:10-14
• Hannah – I Samuel 1:10-11; 2:1-10
• Jesus – 25 accounts in the gospels

Subject of this series

• The little-known or lesser known
• Does prayer fit this description for you?

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Deuteronomy 29

• Deuteronomy 29:1 – Renewing the covenant
• Deuteronomy 29:2-9 – Reviewing the past 40 years
  • Deuteronomy 29:4 – See Deuteronomy 30:19. The people were able to make moral decisions. God was trying hard to get them to make the right decision.
  • Deuteronomy 29:5-6 – God provided manna from Exodus 16 – Joshua 5:12.
• Deuteronomy 29:10-18 – “enter into the covenant”
• Deuteronomy 29:19-29 – The aftermath of Israel’s fall.
  • Deuteronomy 29:23 – See Genesis 19:24. Sodom and Gomorrah were an example for centuries to come, but God destroyed other cities as well (Hebrews 11:8).
  • Deuteronomy 29:29 – The secret things belong to God.

Deuteronomy 30

• Captivity (Jews taken to Assyria and Babylon)
• Restoration (Jews allowed to return and rebuild)
• Deuteronomy 30:1, 2, 6, 10, 14 – God always wanted people who sincerely obeyed.
• Deuteronomy 30:11-14 – They had the law. It was not far from them.
• Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – God lays out their choice. “… so choose life …”

Deuteronomy 31

• Deuteronomy 31:1-8 – Joshua will succeed Moses.
  • Life of Moses
    • 1st 40 years
      • Raised as an Egyptian
      • Exodus 2:11; Acts 7:23
    • 2nd 40 years
      • Shepherd in Midian
      • Exodus 2:15; 7:7; Acts 7:29-30
    • 3rd 40 years
      • Leader of Israel
      • Deuteronomy 34:7
• Deuteronomy 31:9-13 – Read the law every seven years.
• Deuteronomy 31:14-30 – Moses will die, Joshua will lead. Israel will sin.

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Matthew 26-28

• Matthew 26:1-5 – A plot is underway to kill Jesus.
• Matthew 26:26-29 – Jesus eats the Passover and institutes the Lord’s Supper with his apostles.
• Matthew 26:59-68 – They bring up false changes on Jesus and treat Him roughly.
• Matthew 27:1-2 – Jesus delivered to Pilate. They Jews sought capital punishment.
• Matthew 27:11-14, 18 – Jesus did not speak to defend Himself.
• Matthew 27:22-26 – Pilate tries to make himself innocent of Jesus’ death.
• Matthew 27:45-46 – Was Jesus really forsaken on the cross?
  • See Luke 23:46 – This would indicate that Jesus was still in fellowship with God the Father.
  • John 8:29; 16:32 – Jesus is always in fellowship with God the Father.
  • Hebrews 7:26
  • Hebrews 9:14 – Jesus was perfect and without blemish.
  • I Peter 1:18-19
  • I Peter 2:24 – Jesus was an offering for our sins.
  • Psalms 22:1 – Jesus is quoting this and expressing the same sentiment as David. He was in great distress, but still trusted in God.
• Matthew 27:50-54 – A number of miracles occur at Jesus’ death: darkness for three hours, an earthquake, dead were raised, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. See Hebrews 9:6-14, 24-28. Jesus’ sacrifice was so powerful it only needed to be offered once for all time (Hebrews 10:10-14). Now all of us have access to the most holy place (Hebrews 10:19-20).
• Matthew 27:62-66 – Jesus’ tomb is secured.
• Matthew 28:1-7 – Jesus was raised!

What Jesus’ death means to me.

I am loved!

• Revelation 1:5

I can leave my past behind.

• Romans 6:6

My future is different.

• Galatians 2:20

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Introduction

• Ephesians 6:1-4

Stay focused on the bigger picture.

• Hebrews 11:8-10
• God’s people have always been those who can look past present troubles and see the end goal.

Be proactive instead of reactive.

• Joshua 1:6-9
• John 16:1-4 – Jesus told his apostles what to expect once He left.
• The whole Bible is preparing us for the future.

Address the root issues, not just the symptoms of the moment.

• Hebrews 10:25; 3:12
• Luke 12:13-15 – Jesus saw that the root issue was greed.
• I Peter 2:11-12

Keep feelings in their proper place.

• Proverbs 28:26 – It is possible for us to lead ourselves astray.
• Psalms 119:105 – God’s word is the source of truth.

Make them do good things, even when they don’t feel like it.

• Genesis 22:1-12 – Abraham surely didn’t feel like sacrificing Isaac.
• Luke 17:4
• Luke 18:9, 14 – Some today might say the Pharisee was living his truth, but Jesus said he was wrong.

Teach the value of truth over feelings.

• Genesis 37:3-35 – Jacob was deceived – his feelings were false.
• Proverbs 3:5,1, 6-7 – We must mold our heart to fit God’s commands.
• Psalms 19:14
• James 1:2
• You can change your feelings to fit God’s truth.

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Who was Jethro?

• After Sarah died
  • Abraham takes Keturah as wife
  • Keturah bears him sons
  • One son was Midian
• Midianites settled “to the east” (Genesis 25:6)
• Joseph’s brothers sold him to Midianites (Genesis 47)
• Joined Moabites in hiring Balaam (Numbers 22)
• Fell into idolatry with Moabites (Numbers 25)

Names attributed to Jethro

• Jethro – Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1-12
• Reuel – Exodus 2:18; Numbers 10:29
• Hobab – Numbers 10:29; Judges 4:11
• Putiel – Exodus 6:25
• Heber – Judges 4, 5 (Jael’s husband)

Jethro the priest

• Exodus 2:16 – “… the priest of Midian …”
  • No mention of idols
  • No mention of what kind of priest
  • On the other hand, Melchizedek is identified with God (Genesis 14:18)
• What kind of priest?
  • Tradition
    • Idolatrous priest, won over to God through the miracles done for Israel in the Exodus (Talmud)
    • Priest of God (secular historians)
      • First to teach Moses of God
      • The originator of monotheism among Israelites via Moses
    • Depends on who traditions you choose
    • Brings us to the problems with following traditions
  • Scriptural indications
    • Simple and straightforward
    • Called a priest of Midian with no mention of idolatry
      • Midianites were into idolatry – Numbers 25
      • So were Israelites – Exodus 32
    • His words praise only God – Exodus 18

Jethro (and his aliases) in scripture

• First found in Exodus 2:15-22
  • Moses about age 40
  • Flees Egypt, winds up at Midianite wel
  • The Jethro family encounter
• In Exodus 3, first called Jethro
  • Identified a father-in-law to Moses, priest of Midian (Exodus 3:1)
  • Again in next chapter, as Moses asks his leave (Exodus 4:18)
• Not seen again until chapter 18
  • Sends word that he is visiting

Jethro’s visit to the encampment (Exodus 18:1-12)

• Greeted outside the camp
• Taken into the camp
  • Hears recount of the Exodus from Egypt
  • Rejoices over God’s lovingkindness over Israel
  • Blesses God
  • Makes sacrifices to God
  • Dines with Aaron and elders of Israel

Jethro organizes Moses (Exodus 18:13-27)

• Jethro observes a day in the life of Moses
  • Sunup to sundown
  • Counsels Moses
    • Too much for one man
    • Set priorities
    • Delegated actions
    • Gives qualifications
    • Stipulates God’s approval
  • Moses follows through
• Jethro takes his leave

Other possible encounters

• Numbers 10:29 – Hobab
  • Same as Jethro?
  • Judges 4:11 – same Hobab? Same lineage?

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Introduction

• II John 1:9
• We want to simply look at the Bible and do what it says.

Local churches are authorized to provide for the preaching of the gospel.

• Acts 11:21-23 – “they sent Barnabas”
• Acts 13:1-3 – “teachers … they sent them”
• Acts 14:26-28 – “commended … they began to report”
• Acts 15:1-3 – “sent on their way by the church”
• I Corinthians 9:1-18 – “get their living from the gospel”
• I Corinthians 14 – “for edification”
• II Corinthians 11:7-9 – “I robbed other churches”
• Philippians 1:3-5; 4:14-18 – “participation in the gospel”
• I Thessalonians 1:6-10 – “sounded forth from you”
• In the New Testament, churches sent money directly to the preacher. There was no “sponsoring church” arrangement.
• In the early days of the church, the pattern from the New Testament was followed. Over time, a hierarchy developed in some local churches, which eventually led to the Catholic organization, with one Pope over all Catholic churches.

Local churches are authorized to provide for needy Christians.

• Acts 2:44-45
• Acts 4:32-35
• Acts 6:1-3
• Acts 11:27-30
• Romans 15:25-27
• I Corinthians 16:1-3
• II Corinthians 8:3-4, 14
• II Corinthians 9:1
• I Timothy 5:16, 5 – “widows indeed”

Local churches are authorized to provide for worship and edification.

• The local church is a group designed for mutual encouragement as we serve God together.
• I Corinthians 14:3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 17, 26, 31
• Lord’s Supper – I Corinthians 11:26
• Studying / preaching – I Corinthians 14:26
• Giving – I Corinthians 16:1-2
• Praying – Acts 12:5
• Singing – I Corinthians 14:26
• Assembling – Hebrews 10:24-25

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Introduction

• Matthew 22:37
• Proverbs 23:7
• Matthew 12:34
• Romans 12:2
• I Corinthians 2:14-3:4 – They were not spiritually minded and that was the root of their issues.
• Galatians 5:16
• Matthew 16:23 – Peter had a mind problem.
• Acts 8:21
• When things are going wrong, we need to look on the inside.

Let God’s word does its work.

• Acts 28:24
• We must have an attitude that will let God’s word filter into our hearts.
• Acts 2:37
• Hebrews 3:7-8, 10, 12, 15; 4:6-7, 11

Trust in the God of Heaven.

• God is in control, even though bad things happen on earth.
• Hebrews 12:3
• Hebrews 13:5-6
• Do we trust in our health, finances, or something else?
• Philippians 4:6-7

Store of treasures in Heaven.

• Matthew 6:19
• Building up treasure in Heaven puts my heart in the right place.
• Philippians 3:18-20
• Colossians 3:5, 1-4
• Example: Bark beetle killing pine trees from the inside.

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Deuteronomy 25

• Deuteronomy 25:1-19 – Miscellaneous laws
  • Deuteronomy 25:4 – See I Corinthians 9:9; I Timothy 5:17-18. This law has a broader application.
  • Deuteronomy 25:3 – The Pharisees were “making fences inside God’s fences” and being stricter than this law required. This was also wrong.

Deuteronomy 26

• Deuteronomy 26:1-11 – Praising God with the first produce from the land.
• Deuteronomy 26:12-15 – Tithe and prayer.
• Deuteronomy 26:16-19 – Obey God and be His people.
  • Moses is completing his second speech to the people.

Deuteronomy 27

• Deuteronomy 27:1-8 – Write the Law and build an altar on Mount Ebal.
  • Deuteronomy 27:4 – See Joshua 8:30-35. What might be an altar was found near Mt. Ebal, along with a small, folded lead tablet containing a curse written in Paleo-Hebrew (see Deuteronomy 27:14-26). Sound tests were done at the location prescribed by God in the 1800s and it was found that if the Israelites were arranged on the hills as God specified, they would be able to easily hear Joshua reading the law.
• Deuteronomy 27:9-10 – “This day you have become a people for the Lord your God.”
• Deuteronomy 27:11-26 – Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal

Deuteronomy 28

• Deuteronomy 28:1-14 – “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you.”
• Deuteronomy 28:15-68 – “All these curses will come upon you and overtake you.”
  • Deuteronomy 28:47-48 – They would be cursed if they did not serve with joy.

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Significance

• Descriptive?
  • “From Dan to Beersheba”
    • Meaning the entire length of Israel
    • Judges 20:1; I Samuel 3:20; II Samuel 24:2, 15
  • Reference from united kingdom
• Relevance to northern kingdom?
  • Dan on northern frontier
  • Bethel on southern frontier
  • Same idea
• Opposites of Dan and Bethel
  • Topographically opposite
  • Geographically opposite
  • Spiritually opposite

Bethel

• First excavated in 1927
• Continuous digs to 1960
• One find posited to be Abram’s altar
• Canaanite tombs, houses, olive presses
• Canaanite temple
• Fortified around 1750 BC – Luz
• City gates were found in pieces
• Destroyed early 12th century BC
• New settlement built after destruction
• Skip to later – captured by Vespasian in 69 AD
• Crusades
  • Crusaders took it in 12th century AD and built churches there
• The name means, “House of God”
• Today it is the village of Beitin
• First seen in scripture in Genesis 12
• Lies in the very rocky terrain of Israel’s central ridge
  • Jacob’s vision – Genesis 28:10-22
    • He used a stone as a pillow for his sleep.
    • After the vision, he consecrated the stone – poured oil on its top
    • Named it “God’s House” or Bethel
  • “Mansion over the hilltop”
• Jacob flees to Bethel – Genesis 34-35
• Canaanites had a king there
  • Defeated by Joshua and sons of Israel
  • Ceded to Benjamin
• Border town
  • Between Ephraim and Benjamin
  • Between Israel and Judah after split
• During conquest, Benjamites failure
  • Didn’t drive out Jebusites
  • House of Joseph went up against Bethel
  • The Lord was with them – Judges 1:21-22
• Later (Judges 20-21)
  • Bethel center of ops – Israel versus Benjamin
  • Place of council in aftermath
• Deborah judged Israel (Judges 4:5)
  • From under a palm tree
  • Between Ramah and Bethel
• Samuel – circuit judge (I Samuel 7:15-17)
  • Four-town circuit
  • Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah, Ramah
• Saul’s encounter after being anointed by Samuel

Dan

• Near headwaters of Jordan
• Occupied more than 6,000 years ago
  • Abandoned about that time
  • Rebuilt 1,000 years later
• Free-standing mud brick arches
  • Oldest ever found
  • Called Abraham’s gate
• Conquered by Tuthmosis III in 15th century BC
• Tel Dan Stele – 9th century BC
  • Stele heralded initial conquest
    • Assyrian Tiglath-Pileser III
    • Included “David King of Israel”
    • Other Historical info confirming scripture
  • Digs confirm idolatrous practices
• Little mention prior to Jeroboam’s rule
  • Abram defeated forces of Sodom and Gomorrah there
  • Descriptive “north-to-south” statements
  • Center of northern migration of tribe of Dan
• Danites impatience – spies go north (Judges 18)
  • Find Laish
  • Take small force
  • Seize Levite and the idols of Micha
  • Capture Laish, named it Dan

Jeroboam

• Jeroboam’s concern
  • Life, power – I Kings 12:26-33
  • Made two golden calves
  • Places them in Bethel and Dan
  • Designated a feast
  • Posted priests
  • Made sacrifice
  • Prophecy of Josiah’s reforms – I Kings 13

The abominable calves

• Major subject of idolatrous worship
• Multiple regional cultures used calves, bulls
  • Egypt – where Israel spent 400 years
  • Crete – where Philistines frequented
  • Persia – to the east
  • Anatolea – to the north
  • India – farther east

Some lessons

• Don’t hang our hat on a town’s reputation
• Don’t compromise faith for life or power
• Don’t have a “when in Rome” attitude

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Introduction

• II Timothy 1:16-18 – Onesiphorus is only mentioned in three verses.
• III John 1:12 – Demetrius only gets a commendation in one verse, but it’s a good one!

“He often refreshed me.”

• Contrast II Timothy 1:15 – These men turned away from Paul in Asia.
• Am I refreshing or am I something else?
• I Corinthians 16:17-18
• Philemon 1:4-7, 20-21
• Proverbs 6:19
• II Corinthians 12:20
• Let us be refreshing and give people comfort and hope.

“Was not ashamed of my chains”

• II Timothy 4:6 – Paul had no expectation of release.
• Nero blamed the great fire in Rome (AD 64) on Christians and took that opportunity to persecute Christians. History tells us that Paul was executed in the days of Nero. It was certainly not safe to associate with Christians in those days, especially high profile ones like Paul.
• Romans 1:15-16
• Onesiphorus was not ashamed!
• Am I ashamed of Christ, His Word, or His people?
• Luke 9:26
• Psalms 119:46
• I Peter 4:12-19

“He eagerly searched for me and found me … and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.”

• Do I only help people when it’s convenient?
• Romans 12:10-13

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Deuteronomy 23

• Deuteronomy 23:1-8 – Those excluded from the assembly of the Lord
  • It is not entirely clear what is meant by “assembly” here. Possibly, they were to be excluded from the nation of Israel.
• Deuteronomy 23:9-25 – More miscellaneous laws
  • Deuteronomy 23:15 – Slaves could find refuge in Israel.
  • Deuteronomy 23:19 – Interest on lended money cannot be charged to fellow Israelites.
  • Deuteronomy 23:24-25 – Travelers were allowed to take from the land on their way through, but not harvest.

Deuteronomy 24

• Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – Divorce and remarriage
  • God set up laws even around things that were not supposed to happen in the first place. Compare Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Perhaps this was a contingency plan to limit the damage once the wrong path had been chosen. See Matthew 19:3-9. Matthew 13:8 would lend support to the idea that this was a contingency plan. See also Matthew 5:31-32.
• Deuteronomy 24:5-22 – Miscellaneous laws
  • Deuteronomy 24:7 – Human trafficking was a capital offense!
  • Deuteronomy 24:16 – Everyone shall answer for his own deeds.

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Last week

• Onesimus
  • Runaway slave
  • Converted by Paul
  • Sent back
• Slavery in 1st Century Rome
  • How one came into slavery
  • Where slaves were employed
  • Laws protecting slave owners, not slaves
  • Treatment of slaves

Treatment of slaves under Rome

• Fair treatment was economically sound
  • Hard work often came with an allowance (peculium)
  • Some allowed to marry
  • Some made wills
  • Some held property
  • Some became close to household members

Celebrity slaves – gladiators

• Usually POWs or convicted criminals
• Physically fit
• Sent to special school
  • Trained by ex-gladiator trainers
  • Learned combat plus protocol
• Did not always die in the fight
  • Fighting a good fight was prerequisite for living
• Some became well-known celebrities
• Could be granted freedom

Paths to freedom

• Process called manumissions – several types
  • Most common – magistrate ceremony
  • Master’s will
  • Declared free by master – apply for citizenship
  • Slave women
    • Marrying their masters
    • Allowed children to be born free
  • Least common – buying one’s own freedom
• Some who gained freedom also did very well.
  • Eurysaces: a freed slave who opened a baking operation that made him rich.
• Although being a slave in Rome made life difficult, it was not always a hopeless situation.

Slavery and the Bible

• Old Testament
  • Curse upon Canaan (Genesis 9:25-27)
    • Was the “curse of Canaan” upheld in perpetuity by God?
    • Who were/are the descendants of Canaan and how many generations bore the curse, if it was to be borne?
    • Does God condemn people because of the sins of their ancestors? Ezekiel 18
  • Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers
    • Did God approve or was this part of God’s plan?
    • Did God condone the act?
  • Slaves held by Israelites
  • Law of Moses – Exodus 21-23
    • Treatment of slaves
      • Protects the slaves
      • Not the owners
      • Slaves to be freed after seven years
    • Taking of slaves
      • Allowed
      • Not allowed
  • God stated His distaste for his people being slaves – they were His.
    • Hosea 2:23; I Peter 2:10; I Corinthians 7:21

Did God approve of slavery?

• Did not approve of divorce – stated so
  • Malachi 2:16
  • Mark 10:2-12 (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9) – “From the beginning”
• Where it starts
  • Exodus 21:16 – To forcibly take a slave = death
  • Appears forced slavery not allowed
  • Not restriction as to nationality or religion
• Fact of slavery
  • We know that God did not condone forcibly taking one into slavery at the time the law was given.
  • He did not want an Israelite to be a slave beyond Jubilee every. Why? Leviticus 25:55
  • God approved of slavery as punishment – Exodus 22:2-4

Caleb

• The familiar account
  • From Numbers 13 and 14
    • Spies chosen – one from each tribe (Numbers 13:2)
    • Caleb chosen from Judah (Numbers 13:4)
    • Contention upon their return (Numbers 13:25-33)
    • Caleb quiets their murmuring (Numbers 13:30)
    • Israel’s rebellion (Numbers 14:1-10)
    • Caleb and Joshua tear their clothes (Numbers 14:6-9)
    • Threat of stoning
    • Glory of the Lord fills the tent of meeting (Numbers 14:10)
    • God condemns Israel (Numbers 14:11-12)
    • Moses contends for Israel (Numbers 14:13-19)
    • God relents, passes judgment (Numbers 14:15-38)
• What follows
  • God’s promises
    • Joshua and Caleb survive (Numbers 32:10-12)
    • Caleb now arbiter of Judah’s inheritance (Numbers 34:16-19)
    • More on why this has come to pass (Deuteronomy 1:34-39)
      • Promise of land to Caleb
      • Note who will possess the land
      • Instructions concerning Joshua – encourage him
• Taking the land
  • Conquests of southern and northern Canaan
  • Conquests east of Jordan
  • Dividing the land (Joshua 14:5)
  • Caleb’s request of Joshua fulfilled (Joshua 14:6-15)
  • He’s got it, now he has to take it
• Taking possession
  • Starts in Joshua 15
    • Caleb takes Kiriath-arba
    • Drives out sons of Anak (remember Numbers 13:33?)
    • Offered his daughter to one who took Kiriath-sepher
    • Othniel wins the prize
• Passing it on
  • Caleb gives Othniel his daughter
    • She convinces Othniel to ask for land from Caleb
    • He agrees, she makes the request
    • Obtains Negev and its upper and lower springs
    • Stays in the family
    • Othniel becomes the first judge over Israel
• Takeaways
  • Caleb had faith in God and His promises
    • Expressed that faith
    • Stood for God when dangerous to do so
    • Continued in his faith
      • Patience for 40 years to enter promised land
      • Patience for 45 years to receive his inheritance
  • God rewarded Caleb’s faithfulness
    • Fulfilled His promise to Caleb
    • Added to that promise – became father-in-law to the first judge of Israel

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Introduction

• Luke 16:14-17
• Matthew 23:23
• Mark 7:9, 13

Brief overview of Jesus’ history with the Pharisees

• Luke 7:30
• Luke 11:37, 45
• Luke 12:1
• Luke 14:1-6 – Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath
• Luke 15:1-32 – The joy of sinners who repent.

The Pharisees were lovers of money

• Luke 16:14

The Pharisees heard all these things

• Luke 11:54 – They heard, but not with righteous intent.
• James 1:21
• Luke 23:35

The Pharisees were exalting themselves – Luke 16:15

• God is the one who justifies. The Pharisees wanted to justify themselves in other people’s eyes.
• Luke 10:29
• Matthew 23:35
• Proverbs 21:2
• Luke 7:36

Conclusion

• Do not be complacent. Do not be proud or disdainful of others.
• We must have a right attitude toward money and possessions.
• Cultivate a humble godly attitude towards ourselves and encourage that in others.

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Introduction

Thank God for the book of Daniel! Let the liberals and skeptics be ashamed and hang their heads in disgrace for their attacks upon it. - Homer Hailey

• Daniel 9:23; 10:11, 19 – Daniel was “highly esteemed.”
• Time period covered
  • Daniel 1:1 – 605 BC
  • Daniel 1:21 – 536 BC
  • The book covers about 70 years.
  • The word “year” occurs nine times in twelve chapters. An accident?
    • Historical accuracy of Daniel
    • Insight into the consistent character of Daniel

Why is Daniel so highly esteemed by God?* The 80+ year life of Daniel tells us.

The chronological order of the book of Daniel* Daniel 1-4 – Captivity and first interpretations of dreams and visions (605-602 BC) * 50 years of silence * Daniel 7 – Vision of the four beasts (553 BC) * Daniel 8 – Vision of the ram and male goat (551 BC) * Daniel 5 – Belshazzar’s feast – conquest of Babylon (539 BC) * Daniel 9 – Vision of the seventy weeks (539/538 BC) * Daniel 6 – Daniel in the lion’s den (539/538 BC) * Daniel 10-12 – Daniel’s prayer and visions (536 BC)

The life of DanielDaniel 1:1 – third year of Jehoiakim (605 BC) – 18 years old* Daniel 1:1, 21 * Had convictions and refused to compromise them – Daniel 1:3-13 * Courteous and respectful – Daniel 1:8, 12 * Good reputation with all – Daniel 1:20

Daniel 2:1 – second year of Nebuchadnezzar (602 BC) – 21 years old* Daniel 2:1 * Interprets dreams: five kingdoms + Babylon + Medes-Persians + Greeks + Romans + God’s * Sought wisdom from God – Daniel 2:19-23 * Gave God glory, we humble – Daniel 2:19-23 * Caused king to glorify God – Daniel 2:47-48

| 605 BC | 549 BC | 547 BC | 536 BC | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Daniel 2:36-37 | Daniel 7:4 | Babylon (626-539 BC) | | Daniel 2:39 | Daniel 7:5 | Daniel 8:3, 4, 20 | Daniel 11:1-2 | Media-Persia (539-330 BC) | | Daniel 2:39 | Daniel 7:6 | Greece (330-63 BC) | | Alexander the Great | | Daniel 11:5 | Egypt (323 BC) | | Daniel 11:6 | Syria (204 BC) | | Daniel 8:23-25 | Daniel 11:21-35 | Antiochus Epiphanes (175 BC) | | Daniel 11:32-35 | Maccabees (168 BC) | | Daniel 2:40 | Daniel 7:7-8, 23-27 | Daniel 11:36-45 | Rome (27 BC) |

• Daniel’s first prophecy of Media-Persia: 605 BC
  • Media-Persia ascended to prominence: 539 BC
  • 605-539 = 66 years prior to fulfillment
• Daniel’s first prophecy of Greece: 605 BC
  • Greece ascended to prominence: 330 BC
  • 605-330 = 275 years prior to fulfillment
• Daniel’s prophecy of Alexander the Great: 547 BC
  • Alexander the Great rose to power: 330 BC
  • 547-330 = 217 years prior to fulfillment
• Daniel’s first prophecy of Rome: 605 BC
  • Rome ascended to prominence: 27 BC
  • 605-27 = 578 years prior to fulfillment

Daniel 3-4 – second year of Nebuchadnezzar (602 BC) – 21 years old* Friends refuse to bow down to image – Daniel 3 * Order to interpret kings (Nebuchadnezzar’s) dream – Daniel 4:1-18 * Spoke boldly to king: warning, advice – Daniel 4:19-27 * Nebuchadnezzar turned to animal – Daniel 4:28-33 * Caused king to glorify God – Daniel 4:34-36

50 years of silenceDaniel 7:1 – first year of Belshazzar (549 BC) – 74 years oldDaniel 8:1 – third year of Belshazzar (547 BC) – 76 years old* Daniel 7:1; 8:1 * Vision of four kingdoms + “I desired to know” – Daniel 7:19 * Continued curiosity + “I kept looking” – Daniel 7:9 * Visions of oncoming kingdoms + “I sought to understand” – Daniel 8:15

Daniel 5 – first year of Darius (539 BC) – 84 years old* Daniel 9:1-2 * Observing in “the books” * Speaks plainly to Belshazzar – Daniel 5:22-23 * Foretells end of Babylonian kingdom; sees its fall – Daniel 5:13-31

Daniel 9 and 6 – first year of Darius (539 BC) – 84 years old* Continues his study of scriptures – Daniel 9:1 * Prays for sins of his people – Daniel 9:2-19 * Held in high esteem by God – Daniel 9:23 * Refused to pray to king, prayed without ceasing to God – Daniel 6:1-15 * Lived life above reproach – Daniel 6:4 * Put God’s will above man’s – Daniel 6:13 * Thrown into lion’s den – Daniel 6:16-28 * Trusted God – Daniel 6:23 * Caused Darius to glorify God – Daniel 6:24-28

Daniel 10-12 – third year of Cyrus (536 BC) – 87 years old* Daniel 10:1; 11:1 * Held in high esteem by God – Daniel 10:11, 19 * Set his heart to understand, humbled himself – Daniel 10:12

| Daniel 1:1 – third year of Jehoiakim | 605 BC | 18 years old | | --- | --- | --- | | Daniel 2-4 – second year of Nebuchadnezzar | 602 BC | 21 years old | | 50 years of silence | | Daniel 7:1 – first year of Belshazzar | 552 BC | 71 years old | | Daniel 8:1 – third year of Belshazzar | 550 BC | 73 years old | | Daniel 5:31; 9:1-2; 6 – first year of Darius | 539 BC | 84 years old | | Daniel 10-12 – third year of Darius | 536 BC | 87 years old |

• All of these age groups are represented in the Benchley congregation. Compare our character to Daniel’s at the comparable stage of life.

Thank God for the book of Daniel! Let the liberals and skeptics be ashamed and hang their heads in disgrace for their attacks upon it. - Homer Hailey

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Introduction

• Mark 9:14-29 – Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit.

“How long has this been happening to him?”

• Jesus is asking a question He already knows the answer to.
• Luke 6:6-8
• John 4:16-18
• For the benefit of the crowd.
  • John 20:30-31
  • Luke 9:43
• To show his compassion.
  • John 11:32-39 – Jesus showed compassion for Lazarus.

“If you can do anything”

• This situation caused the father to evaluate his own faith.
  • Mark 6:1-6
  • Matthew 8:5-10
  • Would Jesus marvel at your faith?
• How strong is YOUR faith?

“Why could we not cast it out?”

• Mark 9:28-29
• Matthew 17:19-20
• Lack of faith is a common problem … how do we fix it?
  • Luke 17:5
  • Prayer
  • Through God’s word
    • Romans 10:17
• Things we may lose faith in
  • Faith in God hearing / answering our prayers
    • I John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7-11
  • Faith in the existence of God
    • Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1-4
  • Faith in God providing for us.
    • Matthew 6:25-34
  • Faith in the forgiveness of sins.
    • Psalms 103:8-13

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Highlights from previous lesson about Abigail and David

• David sends men ahead to ask Nabal for some help.
• They’re snubbed, David and lineage insulted.
• David determined to avenge the insult via mass capital punishment.
• Abigail finds out and intercedes, David relents
• Abigail tells Nabal the next day and he goes catatonic – dies 10 days later
• David takes Abigail as his wife

Discussion

• Don’t procrastinate
• Be honest and don’t hide things from husband, wife, family member, etc.
• Don’t seek vengeance, leave it to God – Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30
• Could David’s throne have been destroyed by his transgression just as Saul’s throne had been?
  • Saul’s reaction to sin
  • David’s reaction to sin
• It is good and right for a woman to be decisive
• Courage is facing real fear rather than running from it
• You can respond to a fool without dishonesty or manipulation
• Speaking diplomatically can work better than being brash
  • You can do so respectfully rather than patronizingly
• Abigail did not rely on her beauty to bail herself out
  • Got on her knees and put her face in the dirt
• Her gentle, humble, respectful honesty dissuaded a young, brash warrior from an ill-conceived fight
• When action was the right thing to do, she disregarded the danger
  • Could have just run off
  • Could have thrown Nabal under the bus
• Her mainstay appeal was God’s righteousness
• You can do right no matter your marital or familial situation
• A woman can function properly and righteously in any situation
• Her beauty is mentioned, but it does not play into any real part of the situation

Onesimus

• Philemon 1:1-25
• What we know:
  • Has Roman (Latin) name – maybe given that name as a slave
  • Philemon’s slave – who’s run away
  • Maybe took something from Philemon or owes him (Philemon 1:18-19)
  • Was converted in Rome by Paul
  • Was Paul’s valued helper
• As for Paul:
  • Makes no excuses for Onesimus – realizes he did wrong
  • All things must be made right
  • What to do is up to Philemon
  • Onesimus is now much more than a slave
    • Had become useless to Philemon
    • His usefulness is by proxy now
  • Paul defers from his authority to Philemon’s heart

What are the implications of Paul’s letter?

• Converted slave – new kind of servitude
  • Service to Christ is better when unhindered
    • I Corinthians 7:21
  • At the same time, not impossible or wrong
  • Slavery was very much a fact of life in Rome during the first century

How did one become a slave under Roman law?

• Being captured during warfare and sold
• Being captured by pirates and sold
• Selling oneself into servitude to pay a debt
• Being born into slavery

Once a slave, what was the job?

• Found in every endeavor – household, government, business
• Domestic help was the most common
  • Educated slaves taught children
  • Some were cooks – specialty
  • Even hairdressers
• Some took civic positions (just as Jews in Babylon)
  • Librarians
  • Government Administrators

At the other end of the scale

• Some did hard manual labor
  • Jobs around large estates (senatorial class)
  • Ag work
  • Mine workers – high “turnover”
  • Construction workers – like Israelites in Egypt
• The most unfortunate were pressed into work as prostitutes
  • Both male and female

Roman law enforce slavery – favored the owner over the slave

• Masters – life and death
• Runaway – harsh punishments
• Assault or kill master
  • Often, death
  • Also, deaths of associated slaves

How were they treated?

• Made economic sense – treat fairly
• Many gained allowances (peculium)
• Marrying
• Even made wills
• Property holders
• Some became close to master’s family members
• Cicero and Tiro – personal secretary
  • Cicero’s brother: “I am truly thankful for what you have done with regard to Tiro, in judging his former status to be below what he deserved and preferring us to have him as a friend rather than a slave.”

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Introduction

• John 13:1
• “His own” – compare Matthew 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14
• Jesus is referring to the apostles in this context.
  • John 13:2, 6, 23
  • John 21:20-24
  • John 14:5, 8, 22
  • John 15:16, 27
  • John 17:6, 12, 18

Jesus is preparing the apostles for their work (John 13-17)

• John 13:20 – They would be representatives for Jesus.
• John 14:16-18 – The apostles would not be left alone.
• John 15:3-5 – They needed to abide in Jesus.
• John 15:16
• John 15:26-27 – The Holy Spirit would come and be a helper and advocate for them.
• John 16:4-15 – The apostles had a big task, but they would have help.
• I Corinthians 2:11-13

Listen to their words!

• Acts 1:1-9
• Acts 2:1-4, 36-41 – The first people were baptized.
• I Thessalonians 2:13

Don’t try to apply Jesus’ promises about the Holy Spirit to us today.

• If you strongly believe that the Holy Spirit will guide you or speak to you, it is possible you will misinterpret events and attribute them to the Holy Spirit.

The Bible doesn’t tell us to expect direct guidance like that.

• Ephesians 3:4
• Acts 2:38 – The gift of the Holy Spirit was salvation.
• Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16 – Is this work of the Holy Spirit different from the word?

Beware of other influences.

• II Thessalonians 2:11
• Could you be deceiving yourself? Could it be Satan’s deception?

The Holy Spirit is not going to contradict Himself in Scripture.

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Deuteronomy 21

• Deuteronomy 21:1-9 – Unsolved murders
  • The people of the nearest town were to sacrifice an animal and swear that they had nothing to do with the murder.
  • There was a communal sense of responsibility. If they did not handle the situation properly, they would be guilty before God.
• Deuteronomy 21:10-14 – Marrying a captured woman.
  • God did not allow sexual assault ever, even in war. If a man wanted to marry a captured woman, he could do so after a waiting period, but it was a full marriage. He could not assault her or sell her.
• Deuteronomy 21:15-17 – Protecting the firstborn in polygamy.
  • Why did God allow polygamy when He did not approve it? It’s not clear.
• Deuteronomy 21:18-21 – Stoning a rebellious son.
  • Rebellious sons were to be brought before the elders and stoned!
• Deuteronomy 21:22-23 – Bury the executed.
  • See Galatians 3:13, which references this in relation to Jesus on the cross.

Deuteronomy 22

• Deuteronomy 22:1-12 – Miscellaneous laws
  • Lost and found laws – love your neighbor!
  • Deuteronomy 22:5 – Cross-dressing prohibited.
• Deuteronomy 22:13-21 – Laws against false accusations and fornication.
  • God had protections in place for women against false accusations.
• Deuteronomy 22:22-30 – Situations involving extra-marital relations.

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Introduction

• Luke 24:45-47
• Luke 15:7-10
• Acts 20:21
• Matthew 12:41
• Jonah 3 – These people repented!

Repentance is not a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

• I John 1:8 – We are not perfect people.
• Acts 8:13, 22 – Simon was already baptized, but needed to repent again.
• Romans 1:7; 6:3; 2:1-6 – Baptized people can develop an arrogant heart that won’t repent.
• II Corinthians 1:1; 7:8-9 – Paul was trying to motivate these Christians to repent.
• Repentance is a practice we repeat for the rest of our lives.
• Revelation 2:5, 16, 22; 3:3, 19
• We can’t leave sin in our lives. We must root out all sin. Don’t be deluded into thinking a little sin is still okay.

I need to get rid of my excuses.

• John 8:11
• Luke 22:32
• Don’t be satisfied with what is wrong in your life.
  • Acts 17:30-31
• I Corinthians 6:9-11
• We need to be like the ones we read about in the Bible that were courageous enough to repent and do better.

It’s time to grow.

• Luke 19:8
• Luke 3:8-14 – Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.
• We need to be specific with God about what my sin is and what I need to do differently.
• Act today!

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Source material

• Why God Gave Man the Bible by Gene Taylor

God has a purpose for everything that He does.

• Isaiah 55:8-11

To tell man he is lost.

• Luke 9:25
• If someone has sin and they don’t know it, they can’t fix it.
• I John 3:4; 5:17
• Romans 14:23
• James 4:17
• Micah 6:8
• We must spend time in God’s word to know what sin is.
• Genesis 1:27
• Genesis 3:23-24
• God gives us the information we need. He is just.

To assure man that God desires for all to be saved.

• I Timothy 2:3-4
• II Peter 3:9 – God doesn’t want anyone to perish! God is patient.
• John 17:17
• Romans 1:16
• II Timothy 3:16-17
• II Peter 1:3
• John 3:16-17
• Romans 5:8
• Matthew 16:18-19
• Acts 2:47

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Deuteronomy 18

• Deuteronomy 18:1-8 – Levite portion
  • The Levites would be supported by a portion of the offerings. This worked great as long as the people did what they were commanded.
• Deuteronomy 18:9-19 – Who should Israel listen to?
  • They were to stay far away from witchcraft and sorcery.
  • Israel was to listen to the prophets to come.
  • See John 1:21. This is a reference to the Prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15.
  • John 7:40-43
  • Acts 3:19-26 – All the prophets looked forward to the coming of Jesus.
  • Moses’ words have now come true in Jesus.
  • Acts 7:35-53 – Stephen compares the Jews rejection of Moses to their rejection of Jesus.
  • Hebrews 1:1; 2:1-4
• Deuteronomy 18:20-22 – The test of a prophet.

Deuteronomy 19

• Deuteronomy 19:1-13 – Cities of refuge
  • God clearly considers motive. There is a difference between murder and manslaughter.
  • Numbers 9:10-13.
  • Note that these are matters of the heart. The Law of Moses was not merely a physical law. The heart mattered.
• Deuteronomy 19:14-21 – Miscellaneous laws relating to honesty.
  • Quotes from America’s founding fathers:
    • “Public virtue cannot exist in a Nation without private Virtue.” – John Adams
    • “Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government” and “Human rights can only be assured among a virtuous people.” – George Washington
    • “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” – Benjamin Franklin
    • “To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical [imaginary] idea.” – James Madison
    • “No government can continue good but under the control of the people; and … their minds are to be informed by education what is right and what wrong; to be encouraged in habits of virtue and to be deterred from those of vice …” – Thomas Jefferson
    • “Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. He therefore is the truest friend of the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue.” – Samuel Adams
    • “A vitiated [impure] state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom.” – Patrick Henry

Deuteronomy 20

• “When you go out to battle …”
• Deuteronomy 20:5-9 – Reasons for men to be excused from battle.
• Deuteronomy 20:18 – They were going to battle to prevent the spread of idolatry.

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Introduction

• Job 1:12; 2:6-10
• Job 17:1 – Job was broken by what he’d gone through.
• How do we keep from getting overwhelmed when things pile up in our lives?
• Job 7:20
• Job 14:1 – Job had lost perspective.

This is temporary. God is going to fix all this.

• God does not owe us an explanation for anything. He has told us what we need to know.
• James 4:5
• James 5:10
• Hebrews 11:10

God is in control, even when I don’t understand everything.

• Job was ignorant of what was going on behind the scenes.
• Job 13:3, 15, 20 – Job wanted to argue his case before God.
• Job 23:3
• Job 1:20-22
• Job 42:3
• It is okay if I don’t understand everything.

I should blame Satan, not myself or God.

• Job 1:1
• Luke 13:1-3 – Sometimes bad things just happen.
• Be careful about assigning things to God.
• Job 1:22 – Job never blamed God.

Nothing on earth is worse than Hell, or better than Heaven.

• Matthew 25:34, 41

I need to spend time with mature Christians.

• Job 22:33; 8:6; 11:14 – Job’s friends had terrible advice.
• We need to spend time with people who will give good advice.
• Acts 2:46; 12:12 – Early Christians came together.
• Seek out mature Christians who can help.

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Jesus was always the plan.

• Genesis 3:15
• What Jesus did was a deathblow to Satan’s plans.
• Hebrews 2:14
• I John 3:8
• This was in God’s mind even before Creation.
  • I Corinthians 2:6-9
  • Ephesians 1:4
  • II Timothy 1:9-10
• I Peter 1:18-21

Jesus came to save us.

• Mark 1:14-17, 21-28 – Jesus was teaching people to turn to God.
• Mark 2:15-17 – Are you spiritually sick? Come to the great physician.
• All of this was just so that we that are not good enough can come and be saved.
• Luke 19:10
• Jesus doesn’t care if other people have bad attitudes about you. He came to save us.
• Titus 3:5
• Matthew 11:28-30

He demands absolute submission.

• Matthew 28:18-20
• Matthew 19:16-26 – Nothing can be left undone with Jesus.
• If Jesus went right to our sore spot, what would He say?
• The grace of God allows us to overcome all our weaknesses.

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Introduction

• “If I Were the Devil” by Paul Harvey, 1965

Questions

1. What is the difference between gender and sex as it refers to the attributes or characteristics of a person?
   1. Jennifer Sey and XX-XY Athletics
2. How does Genesis 2 and Matthew 19 differentiate between gender and sex?
   1. Genesis 2:7, 22-24; Matthew 19:4-6
   2. It does not differentiate. There is no difference between sex and gender.
3. What are some of the differences between man and woman from Genesis 4, 3, 21 and I Samuel 1?
   1. Genesis 4:1-2, 17, 25; 3:16, 20; 21:7
   2. I Samuel 1:23
   3. Only women can bear children. It takes a man to start the process.
4. From the previous verses do gender and sex correspond?
   1. They are the same!
5. How can these verses be used in the discussion of gender and sex? (Psalms 139:14-15; Genesis 1:26-28, 31; Isaiah 44:2, 24)
6. What can the previous verses strengthen?
7. How was the “gender” determined from Genesis 17:12-14 and Leviticus 12:2, 3, 5?
   1. By specific physical characteristics.
8. Is it difficult to understand God’s position on the differences between male and female from I Corinthians 111:14-15 and Deuteronomy 22:5?
9. From I Corinthians 6:19-20 what is a major issue that’s missing in the discussion of gender and sex?
   1. We are not our own. We belong to God!
10. What is the difference between the terms gender and sex as it refers to the attributes or characteristics of a person?

1. There is no difference.

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Questions about marriage, divorce, and remarriage

What should happen in an unlawful marriage?

• Luke 16:18
• I Corinthians 6:9
• They must divorce and repent of their adultery.
• “But marriage itself is holy. No one should be told to divorce.”
  • Ezra 9-10 – Unlawful marriages were broken up.
  • Mark 6:17-18

Are divorced people still “married in God’s eyes”?

• I know of no passage that uses or implies that wording or concept. Sometimes we might say that because we’re trying to communicate the fact that God doesn’t approve.
• Luke 16:18
• Romans 7:2-3 – This is clearer language: “bound by law,” “joined.”
• Mark 10:11-12
• Matthew 19:9

What about marriages and divorces before one was ever a Christian?

• God’s laws are for everyone, Christians and non-Christians.
• I Corinthians 6:9-11 – Adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God.
  • “such were some of you” – some of the Corinthians had evidently gotten out of adulterous situations
• If God’s laws do not apply to non-Christians, why are people told to repent before they are baptized (Acts 2:38)?
• And why would you even get baptized and become a Christian, if prior to that you have no sin and therefore no need of salvation?

Does forgiveness change the situation?

• Acts 2:38; 8:22; 26:20
• If I steal a car …
  • Then I pray for forgiveness …
  • Can I keep the car?
  • No – it is still a sin for me to have it.
• If I take an unlawful wife …
  • Then I pray for forgiveness …
  • Can I keep the wife?
  • No – it is still a sin for me to have her.

Does I Corinthians 7:15 give another exception to God’s marriage law?

• “bondage”: “enslaved” (ESV, LSB) or “servitude” (YLT)
• There is no permission for remarriage here.

Does I Corinthians 7:27-28 give another exception?

• I Corinthians 7:25-28 – Paul was saying that because of the current situation, it was not a good time to get married.
• What does “released” mean? It can’t mean, “divorced for any reason” because that would contradict I Corinthians 7:10-11 and many other verses.
• “Released” may be better translated “free.”

Can the innocent party divorce years after the divorce?

• A man divorces his wife (not for fornication).
• Years later, he remarriages.
• Can the first wife now divorce him for fornication and remarry with God’s approval (Matthew 19:9)?
• No. You can’t divorce someone you’re not married to.

Conclusion

• Nothing is GREATER than fellowship with God; nothing lasts LONGER than Heaven.

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Introduction

• Mark 6:17-19
• This can be a very emotional topic!
• John 12:48
• I Corinthians 6:9-10 – Fornication and adultery can keep us out of heaven!
• If you work hard enough, you will find someone who agrees with you on any topic. But we must follow God’s word.

Seven scriptures about marriage

Genesis 2:18-22, 24

• The Bible doesn’t always use the word “married” to refer to marriage. If often uses a descriptive phrase.
  • Deuteronomy 24:2; 7:3
  • Ezekiel 16:8
  • I Corinthians 7:2
  • Romans 7:3
• In Hebrew and Greek, there are no separate words for “husband” or “wife.” Context must indicate whether it is “man” or “husband.”
  • Old Testament Hebrew:
    • is man or husband
    • issa woman or wife
  • New Testament Greek
    • aner man or husband
    • gyne woman or wife
  • issa – Genesis 2:22-3:2
  • aner – John 4:16-18
• Words can refer figuratively to the past or future.
  • Figure of speech: prolepsis
    • Luke 2:11 – Jesus was not yet the Savior.
    • Deuteronomy 22:23-24
  • Figure of speech: adjournment
    • Exodus 7:10, 12 – Aaron’s staff was now a serpent.
    • John 9:17
    • II Samuel 11:26 – Uriah was not still technically her husband.
    • II Samuel 12:10
    • Mark 6:17-19 – Herodias was not still technically the wife of Philip.

Romans 7:1-4

• Paul’s main point is how a change of law works. He uses marriage as an illustration of this.
• In Romans 7:2-3, the law under consideration is God’s law. The marriage and the bond are two different things. The woman is bound to one man and married to another, making her an adulteress.

I Corinthians 7:39

• “Only in the Lord” – in harmony with God’s marriage laws.
• “bound” – not free to marry another

Mark 10:11-12

• Marriage law is the same for men and women.

Luke 16:18

• Divorcing a spouse and marrying another causes one to commit adultery.

Matthew 19:9

• If the divorce is due to sexual immorality, the innocent party is free to remarry. The guilty party is not free to remarry.

Matthew 5:32

• Divorcing a spouse except for sexual immorality “causes her” to commit adultery by putting the spouse in a difficult situation.

Conclusion

• Sin and Satan are the problems here, not God or His laws.

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Deuteronomy 15

• Deuteronomy 15:1-11 – Remission of debts every seven years.
  • God instituted various ways to help the poor and keep them from getting trapped in a destitute state.
  • God demanded generosity toward the poor.
• Deuteronomy 15:12-18 – When a fellow Hebrew hits rock bottom
  • How to handle slaves (for debt or other reasons)
• Deuteronomy 15:19-23 – Firstborn males belong to God.

Deuteronomy 16

• Deuteronomy 16:1-8 – Feast of Passover and unleavened bread.
  • Exodus 11:1, 4-7 – The tenth plague – death of the firstborn.
  • Exodus 12:5-7, 12-13 – The Passover feast instituted.
  • There are some parallels with Jesus’ death:

• Deuteronomy 16:9-12 – Feast of Weeks (Harvest, Firstfruits, “Pentecost”)
  • Seven weeks after the start of the harvest. It was seven weeks plus one day, so fifty days. Pentecost comes from a word meaning “fifty.”
• Deuteronomy 16:13-15 – Feast of Booths / Tabernacles (Ingathering)
  • See Leviticus 23:33-36.

Deuteronomy 17

• Deuteronomy 17:1 – Blemished sacrifices
• Deuteronomy 17:2-7 – Anyone serves other Gods, stone them.
  • If you see someone serving an idol, take care of it!
• Deuteronomy 17:8-13 – Difficult legal disputes.
• Deuteronomy 17:14-20 – Rules for future kings
  • God didn’t want them to have a king, but knew it would happen and provided laws for it anyway.
  • The king himself was supposed to write a copy of the law.

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Overview

• Without God, all is vanity.
• The book compares values with ultimate value.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

• There is a time for everything. Discerning the proper time for things is part of wisdom.
• Ecclesiastes 3:11 – God has put eternity into our hearts.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

• See Isaiah 55:8. We only see a small part of the whole picture.
• We must be careful how we speak, especially to God.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

• Wealth is not fulfilling. The more you have, the more you want.

Ecclesiastes 7:5-6

• Listen to the wise. You will never grow listening to people who only tell you what you want to hear. We should seek people who will be honest with us and humble ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

• Be careful what you say and don’t respond too quickly because you have probably said the same or worse yourself.

Ecclesiastes 10:20

• Be careful what you say about others. Guard your thoughts to help control your speech.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

• Work hard. Work because of how God has blessed you.

Ecclesiastes 10:18

• Don’t be lazy!

Ecclesiastes 12:13

• Fear God and keep His commandments.

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Deuteronomy 12

• Deuteronomy 12:1-4 – Don’t worship like that.
  • They were effectively cheating on God with false idols.
• Deuteronomy 12:5-32 – The place which the Lord your God will choose.
  • The tabernacle was the place God chose for certain types of worship. (Exodus 40:17)
  • The tabernacle traveled with them in their wandering, even after they crossed into Canaan.
  • See II Chronicles 7:11. The temple built by Solomon replaced the tabernacle.
  • They were to worship in the place that God chose. It was important to God that they worshiped in the right way. It is still important to God that we worship in the right way today.
  • Deuteronomy 12:17-19 – Do not forsake the Levites.
    • Numbers 18:20-21; 35:7
    • Nehemiah 13:10 – The system broke down.
  • Deuteronomy 12:29-31 – Do not worship in all the evil ways the Canaanites did (child sacrifice, etc.).

Deuteronomy 13

• Deuteronomy 13:1-5 – A prophet or a dreamer of dreams.
  • If someone is trying to get you to worship an idol, they are to be put to death.
• Deuteronomy 13:6-11 – Your close family and friends.
  • Compare Matthew 10:34-39 – Don’t let anyone come between you and God.
• Deuteronomy 13:12-18 – Worthless men who seduce a whole city.

Deuteronomy 14

• Reminders of God’s rules for clean and unclean food.

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Introduction

• Philippians 3:7

Paul had changed masters.

• Galatians 1:1
• Acts 9:1-2, 13 – Paul is using the authority of men.
• Acts 9:3-5, 15 – Paul was now going to do Jesus’ bidding.
• This change of authority changed everything for Paul!
• Galatians 1:6-10 – Paul recognized an authority higher than himself.
• Galatians 2:1-5 – Paul was openly preaching to Gentiles now and defending Titus from being circumcised.
• Galatians 2:20 – Have I changed masters?
• Galatians 5:16-24 – It is our choice which of these things we do.

Paul didn’t let his past stop him from teaching the truth now.

• Galatians 1:11-13, 22-24 – Because of his change, people were now glorifying God.
• I Thessalonians 4:3-5
• Are we afraid to speak out against things we used to do?
• I Timothy 4:15-16 – Paul was a great teacher because of his past and how drastic his change was.
• If only perfect people could teach or advise, who would be qualified?

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Excuses in the Bible

• Luke 14:15-24
  • Even when God offers blessings, we can come up with reasons not to accept them.
• Genesis 3:8-13
  • Excuses have been around since the beginning.
• II Kings 5:10-14
  • Naaman made an excuse to not follow Elisha’s instructions.

Excuses today

• I cannot understand the Bible.
• Some day but not right now.
  • Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 12:16-21
• Too much to give up.
  • Matthew 16:26
• I’m good enough now.
  • Romans 3:23
  • Acts 4:12

Conclusion

• Romans 1:21
• Excuses do us more harm than good.
• Philippians 2:12

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Deuteronomy 9

• Deuteronomy 9:1-6 – Not due to Israel’s righteousness
  • Deuteronomy 9:4-5 – They were allowed to take the land because of the evil of the nations that were in the land. God was delivering justice and keeping His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • Titus 3:4
• Deuteronomy 9:7-29 – Remembering Israel’s failures
  • Deuteronomy 9:16-21 – Moses broke the tablets because he was so angry with their sins.
  • Exodus 32:9-10, 30
  • Deuteronomy 9:22 – See Numbers 11, 13-14.

Deuteronomy 10

• Deuteronomy 10:1-11 – Two more tablets.
  • First two tablets
    • God provided tablets – Exodus 24:12
    • God wrote on tablets – Exodus 31:18
  • Second two tablets
    • Moses cut tablets – Exodus 34:1
    • God wrote on tablets – Exodus 34:1, 28; Deuteronomy 10:4
• Deuteronomy 10:12-22 – God’s love for Israel
  • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – Compare Micah 6:8; John 14:15; I John 5:3.

Deuteronomy 11

• Deuteronomy 11:1-9 – This generation needs to obey.
  • See Deuteronomy 6:5; 10:12; 11:1; 13:3; 30:6 – Love God!
• Deuteronomy 11:10-17 – God will bless the land with rain.
  • Deuteronomy 11:10-12 – They had to irrigate their crops in Egypt, but in Canaan they would receive rain.
  • Deuteronomy 11:23-25 – They would defeat stronger nations because God was with them.
  • Deuteronomy 11:26-29 – See Joshua 8:33-35.

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Review of the text

• John 6:9-11
• John 6:22-27
• Figures of speech in John
  • Physical vs. spiritual
    • John 3:3-7
    • John 4:13-14
    • John 4:31-34
    • John 7:37-38
    • John 8:31-36
    • John 8:38-39, 44
    • John 6:31-35 – Physical bread vs. spiritual bread.
• John 6:44-46 – In v45, it is those who have heard and learned from God that came to Jesus. It was not a miraculous intervention.
• John 6:51-58 – Jesus is the living bread from heaven.
  • The phrases about eating His flesh and drinking His blood are about consuming the teaching that Jesus brought to the world.
    • I Corinthians 1:22

Observations

Check your motive.

• John 6:26, 25, 59-63, 66-68

This is not teaching transubstantiation.

• Matthew 26:26-28
• This teaching is not in the text. Jesus was still there when He said to eat His flesh.
• Drinking blood was not permitted under the Law of Moses.
• This is a figure of speech!

You can learn a lot from reading.

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Introduction

• I Timothy 1:18-20

Keep brethren and sisters at arm’s length but get really close with others.

• Acts 2:42-47 – They wanted to be together!
• Acts 4:23 – They met with other Christians to talk about being persecuted.
• Acts 4:32
• Romans 1:12
• Romans 15:22
• Philippians 1:3
• I Thessalonians 3:6
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Philippians 1:27
• Deuteronomy 13:6-10 – God warned the Israelites of bad influence.
• Proverbs 12:26; 13:20; 14:7; 24:1-2

Make schoolwork your primary focus.

• I Kings 4:1-26, 32-34
• I Kings 7:1
• I Kings 10:4-5
• I Kings 11:4 – Solomon’s spiritual situation was a disaster.
• Romans 6:19
• Be careful not to measure your success by secular standards.
• Matthew 22:37

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What about David?

• Still young – mid 20s
• Saul still king
  • David already anointed
  • Goliath killed
  • David on the run from Saul
  • Saul had 85 priests killed
  • David spared Saul’s life at Engedi
  • Samuel dies
• I Samuel 25
• David just back from sparing Saul
• Still hiding out
• Considerate of Nabal and his men
• Sends emissaries to Nabal
  • We’ve been good to your shepherds
  • Let us eat from your leftovers

David itching for a fight

• What kind of people did David hang out with?
  • David himself a fighter
    • Lion
    • Bear
    • Goliath
  • Jonathan
  • David’s mighty men
    • II Samuel 23

Abigail acts

• This is the first she’s heard
  • Nabal had insulted the greatest warfighter in Israel
  • Didn’t bother to tell his wife
  • Now she’s hearing it for the first time
• Time to act
  • No delay
  • No holding back
• David and Abigail meet on the trail
  • David still fuming
  • Totally set for a fight
  • Vows death and destruction
  • Abigail shows humility and contriteness
  • Begs David’s audience

Abigail’s plea to David

• Plays down Nabal’s importance
  • He is as his name – foolish folly
  • No need to heed
• Takes blame again
• Calls David’s intent sinful – without calling it sinful
• Calls all of David’s enemies worthless
• Shows that she listens well
• Blesses David
• Appeals to what David knows well

David relents

• Abigail acknowledges David’s kingship
  • Reminds David of the sinful nature of his quest
  • Asks David to remember her when God blesses him
• David thanks God for sending Abigail to him
  • Admits his quest was wrong in God’s eyes
  • Notes the harm he had been determined to do

Aftermath

• David takes the gifts, sends Abigail home
• Finds Nabal
  • Feasting, acting the happy drunk
  • Abigail keeps her silence
  • Waits until morning
• Hangover comes
  • Abigail tells all
  • Nabal catatonic
  • Dies ten days later

Epilogue

• David learns from Abigail
  • Acts quickly at the news of Nabal
  • Acknowledges being blessed by Abigail’s intervention
  • Proclaims that Nabal’s death was at God’s hand
  • Proposes remotely to Abigail
• Abigail’s response
  • Not arrogant at her new position
  • Totally humble
  • Quick to go
  • Begins a life of adventure with David

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Deuteronomy 6

• Deuteronomy 6:1-9 – Love God and teach your kids.
  • There is only one God! Love and worship Him only.
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – This section is called the “shema” and is recited day and night by orthodox Jews still today.
  • Matthew 22:35-38
  • Some say that the Old Covenant was external and the New Covenant is internal, but God has always cared about the heart.
    • Genesis 6:5
  • Kids can smell hypocrisy from a mile away, so you must serve God yourself if you want to teach your kids to do so.
  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Spiritual discussions should happen all the time.
  • Deuteronomy 6:8-9 – Compare Proverbs 3:3. This was figurative language.
• Deuteronomy 6:10-12 – When you get blessed, don’t forget God.
• Deuteronomy 6:13-19 – Fear God and obey.
• Deuteronomy 6:20-25 – “When your son also asks you …”

Deuteronomy 7

• Deuteronomy 7:1-5 – Don’t merge with idolatrous nations.
  • God had likely sent prophet after prophet to these sinful nations.
• Deuteronomy 7:6-11 – God chose you and blessed you, so obey Him!
  • I Peter 2:9-12 – Christians are now God’s chosen people.
• Deuteronomy 7:12-26 – God will bless you, just don’t be ensnared by sin!

Deuteronomy 8

• Deuteronomy 8:1-5 – God tested Israel.
  • Deuteronomy 8:3 – Quoted in Matthew 4 when Jesus is tempted.
• Deuteronomy 8:6-20 – Don’t forget God.

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[Note: In this lesson, David talks about Jesus in the past tense, referring to His human existence on earth. In the spiritual sense, Jesus still exists and has always existed. -MRW]

Introduction* Matthew 16:13-14

He was a real person who lived 2,000 years ago.* Luke 1:1-5; 2:7; 3:23 * Tacitus wrote about Christians in the first century.

He was the Son of God who lived in a human body.* John 1:1-5 * Jesus was not simply a wise teacher. He is God’s son.

He introduced a new covenant into the world.* God had a covenant with Israel, which had been in place for about 1500 years when Jesus arrived. * John 1:17 * The Old Covenant was meant to be temporary. The New Covenant is better in every way and open to everyone. * Hebrews 8:1-13

He came to be our Savior.* I John 4:9-14

He performed miracles to prove His claims.* Luke 5:18-26 * His followers were persecuted and killed.

He was crucified as a sacrifice for our sins.* Mark 15:24-39 * Ephesians 1:7

He rose from the dead.* Mark 16:1-8 * I Corinthians 15:17

He ascended to heaven.* Acts 1:1-11

His apostles spread their eyewitness testimony.* Acts 1:8, 21 * I John 1:1-14

He will judge the world in the end.* Matthew 25:31-46

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Introduction

• II Kings 17:5
• Genesis 12:7 – Promises to Abraham
• II Kings 17 – God’s assessment of what went wrong with Israel.

Quit trying to be like the world.

• II Kings 17:7-13 – Israel started living like the people of the land who God had punished for living that way!
• II Kings 17:19 – Israel was then a bad influence on Judah.
• Acts 2:38-40 – “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
• Philippians 2:14-15
• Judges 2:12
• Israel started to blend in with the sinful world.
• Romans 12:2 – We must become what God wants us to be.
• James 4:4
• I John 2:15

Get back to God’s word.

• II Kings 17:12-13; Exodus 20:4 – God’s instructions on this were clear.
• Jeremiah 7:1-10
• We have a good amount of control over what influences us. It is our choice how much we read our Bible!
• Luke 8:19-21
• Proverbs 30:5
• Psalms 119:101-104

God will definitely punish.

• II Kings 17:18-23
• Deuteronomy 4:25-27
• Joshua 23:14-16 – God promised they would be punished.
• II Peter 3:7-9, 17-18 – God doesn’t want anyone to be punished but He is just.

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What do we know about him?

• No biographical sketch in scripture.
• Mentioned 24 times in scripture in most translations
  • Acts – 6
  • Romans – 1
  • I Corinthians – 2
  • II Corinthians – 2
  • Philippians – 2
  • Colossians – 1
  • I Thessalonians – 3
  • II Thessalonians – 1
  • I Timothy – 3
  • II Timothy – 1
  • Philemon – 1
  • Hebrews – 1
• Sometimes referred to as Timotheus (Roman version of his name)
  • Translations often render this as simply Timothy.

Who was Timothy?

• Lystra – Acts 14
  • Paul there in about AD 48
    • Healed a lame man
    • Stoned and left for dead
  • Returned in about AD 50
    • Encountered Timothy
    • Acts 16:1-2

Timothy – well spoken of

• How did he get to be like that?
  • Had a faithful mother – II Timothy 1:5
  • The faithfulness of his grandmother and mother were instrumental in forming Timothy’s faith.
  • The foundation of his faith was the word of God. II Timothy 3:14-15
• Still young, probably young in the faith
• Had confessed Christ before many witnesses
  • I Timothy 6:12

Timothy’s enlistment

• Acts 16:3-5
• Paul adds Timothy to his team
  • First puts controversy behind them
  • Went about disseminating the Jerusalem decrees
  • Success!

Timothy grows

• Paul’s trust for Timothy increases
  • Sent with another (Acts 19:22) to Macedonia from Ephesus
  • Sent to troubled congregation (I Corinthians 4:17)
  • Left behind to teach at Ephesus
    • Paul greatly attached to Ephesus (Acts 20)
    • I Timothy 1:3-4
  • Paul warns Timothy to oppose the arguments of the Gnostics
    • I Timothy 6:20
    • Paul had predicted such in Acts 20:28-30
• Trusted emissary – I Thessalonians 3:2, 6
  • Paul sends Timothy to Thessalonica
    • Check on them
    • Strengthen and encourage them
  • He returns a good report
• Following sound doctrine – I Timothy 4:6
• Sincere faith – II Timothy 1:5
• Constant encouragement by Paul to continue progress
  • Letters of 1st and 2nd Timothy
  • Required complete involvement
  • I Timothy 4:15-16

Timothy’s journeys and sojourns

• Passed through “the cities” issuing the decree
• Phrygia and Galatia – forbidden to preach in Asia
• Down to Troas – Macedonian call
• Across to Philippi – conversion of Lydia, Paul, and Silas in prison
• On to Thessalonica and more trouble, then to Berea
• Trouble in Berea

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Deuteronomy 4

• Deuteronomy 4:1-14 – You need to obey!
• Deuteronomy 4:15-31 – Idolatry
• Deuteronomy 4:32-40 – God (end of first speech)
• Deuteronomy 4:41-43 – Interlude (eastern cities of refuge)
• Deuteronomy 4:44-49 – Introduction to Moses’ second speech.

Deuteronomy 5

• Deuteronomy 5:1-5 – God made this covenant with us.
• Deuteronomy 5:6-21 – Repeating the 10 commandments
• Deuteronomy 5:22-33 – The people were afraid.

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Introduction

• Revelation 2:1-7

Casually stray to a different authority

Give up hope and optimism

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Introduction

Learn how to think.

Learn how to work, even when it’s hard and unfair.

Learn how to manage your time.

Learn how to encourage the kids in younger grades.

Learn how to avoid pride.

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Introduction

• We’ll be studying some things in the Bible that are not discussed as often.
• We’ll look primarily at the Bible, also pulling in other sources for additional information as necessary.

Naaman

• Text: II Kings 5:1-19

What do we know about Naaman?

• His position? Head gui of Syrian army under the King of Aram (Syria)
  • Not a captain?
  • Translation could mean captain, general, ruler, prince, etc.
  • Context indicates a top military officer.
• King considered him to be a great man
• Highly respected
• God chose to give Aram victory through Naaman (I Kings 22:29-40)
• Valiant warrior
• Leper
• Laws of leprosy (Leviticus 13-14)
  • Lepers were unclean
  • Prophet’s purity?

What can we guess about Naaman?

• Inspiring leader
• He and his wife communicated with each other
• Very good relationship with his king (Hadadezer – generous gifts to take and a letter)
  • Talent of silver: A weight of 75 pounds. Ten talents is work about $654,480 today.
  • Shekel of gold: A weight of about 0.4 ounces. Six thousand shekels would be worth about $5,759,520 today.
• Believed that Israelite prophets were subject to their king in what they did as prophets.
  • John 11:48
• His actions scared the king (Jehoram) into thinking he was trying to start a war.
• Given to ceremony (arrived with chariots and horses, expected ceremony from Elisha)
• Short temper (furious over Elisha’s failure to reciprocate ceremony and command to wash in the Jordan River)
• Willing to listen (took correction from his servants)
• Had loving concern from those who served him (servant girl, other servants)
• Willing to humble himself (obeyed and dipped in the Jordan seven times)

Some things we can learn

• God’s favor doesn’t imply faultlessness on our part.
• Was faith a requirement for Naaman’s healing?
• Kindness to your servants can pay off, even if you don’t deserve it.
  • Servants took a risk correcting the boss
  • Servant girl may just have remembered Proverbs 24:17; 25:21-22
    • Same principle at work between God and Elisha
    • II Kings 6:21-23 – God’s reward to her?
  • Servant girl was likely a faithful Israelite at a time of great unfaithfulness
    • Jehoram was king at the time.
    • He was an evil king who led Israel to sin.
    • Put away pillar of Baal (where his brother was murdered by his parents)
    • Continued all the rest of his parents’ sins

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Introduction* Proverbs 22:24-25

Like it or not, the way I behave is affecting people.I may be having a bad influence.* Matthew 18:4-6 * Romans 14:13 * I Corinthians 5:6-8 – One sinner can have a tremendous effect on the entire congregation. * Even if I think I am hiding my sin, my influence on others is not as good as it should be. * I Corinthians 8:9 * II Timothy 2:14 – Wrangling with words could ruin others.

But there is enormous potential for good influence!* Matthew 5:13-16 * Philippians 4:8-9 – Can I tell other people to copy what they’ve seen me do?

Three areas to think about …Joy* Acts 13:47-49 * Often, we can do our best teaching when we are at the lowest point in our lives.

Humility* I Peter 5:5 * Proverbs 11:2 * Acts 26:1, 9, 15, 19 – Paul humbly admitted his previous mistakes. * I Peter 2:12, 15

Healthy relationships* I Timothy 3:4-5 – How did the man manage his family relationships? * Ephesians 6:1 * Proverbs 17:17; 18:24

“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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Introduction

• The book of Deuteronomy contains speeches that Moses gave to the people of Israel before they crossed over to the promised land.
• The three promises to Abram (Genesis 12)
  • “I will make you a great nation” – Fulfilled in Exodus 1:7
  • “To your descendants I will give this land” – Fulfilled in Joshua 21:43
  • “In you all the nations of the earth will be blessed” – Acts 3:26

Deuteronomy 1

• Deuteronomy 1:1-5 – Opening
  • It was only an eleven day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea yet it took them forty years because of their disobedience.
• Deuteronomy 1:6-8 – Moses begins his first speech
• Deuteronomy 1:9-18 – Moses appointed leaders
  • Deuteronomy 1:10 – Moses needed help because of the enormous size of the group.
• Deuteronomy 1:19-46 – Spies and rebellion
  • Moses retells the history of spying out the land and the rebellion.
  • Deuteronomy 1:32 – They did not trust God.

Deuteronomy 2

• Deuteronomy 2:1-23 – Wandering in the wilderness
  • Israel tried to pass through Edom, but Edom refused.
  • Deuteronomy 2:7 – God provided for them – they didn’t lack anything.
  • Deuteronomy 2:14 – It took them thirty-eight years to cross the Zered River. All the previous generation had died off.
• Deuteronomy 2:24-37 – Victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon
  • See Numbers 21.

Deuteronomy 3

• Deuteronomy 3:1-11 – Victory over Og, King of Bashan
• Deuteronomy 3:12-20 – Two and a half tribes
  • See Numbers 32.
• Deuteronomy 3:21-29 – Moses pleads with God.
  • Deuteronomy 3:22 – God is the one fighting for you! Compare Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:30. They still had to go and fight, even through God was giving them the victory. Similarly, just because salvation is a gift of God doesn’t mean we don’t have to do anything to receive it.
• Deuteronomy 3:23-27 – Moses pleaded with God to go into the land but God said no, and God was just in His decision.

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Introduction

• Galatians 2:20
• What is the difference between saying, “I go to church” and “Christ lives in me”?
• Obeying God involves a complete change of life.
• Matthew 22:37
• Romans 6:4, 6
• I John 1:6-8
• Acts 2:42 – Obeying Christ involves changing habits and routines.
• I Corinthians 15:33
• James 4:4

Physical

• II Corinthians 11:23-28 – What was Paul’s attitude toward his physical body?
• I Timothy 2:9; 4:6
• Our attitude toward our body should change completely.

Mental

• Colossians 3:1
• Luke 23:33 – Jesus had a different mindset! We are trying to be like this.

Emotional

• Philippians 3:20
• I Thessalonians 2:19 – Paul rejoiced because of other Christians
• III John 1:4
• Our joy is pinned on God.

Social

• I Kings 22:8-9, 13-14 – The prophets did not have many friends! If we are speaking truth, we may not have many friends either.
• I Peter 4:11
• I must be willing to give up my social life if that’s what it takes to serve God.

Financial / vocation

• Philippians 3:4-11
• Can we serve God in our line of work?

Death / eternity

• Philippians 1:21 – To die is gain!

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Introduction

• Jeremiah 35:5-10, 16 – God is having Jeremiah set up a lesson. The Rechabites carried out the legacy of their father. They still followed his commands some 300 years later. How can we leave a legacy like this?

Overview

• Objective-based program
  • What should the children have learned by the time they leave the program?
• Two-tiered curriculum structure
  • Up to fifth grade: study through the Bible every three years.
  • Sixth grade and up: focus on New Testament and Old Testament wisdom, with topical studies
• Classes do not change age/grade range

Class overview

• Class 1 (0-2 years)
  • Become comfortable being in Bible class
  • Hear Bible words, stories, and songs
• Class 2 (2-3 years)
  • Learn basic Bible class conduct
  • Learn Bible words, short stories, big ideas
• Class 3 (grades -1 to K)
  • Refine Bible class conduct
  • Learn Bible storie3s and basic lessons
• Class 4 (grades 1-2)
  • Learn Bible story details and basic application
• Class 5 (grades 3-4)
  • Longer term recall
• Class 6 (grade 5-6)
  • Begin self-guiding to answers
• Class 7 (grades 7-8)
  • Become independent Bible students
  • Build independent faith
• Class 8 (high school and up)
  • Prepare for independent lives
  • Prepare for adult responsibilities

Curriculum update notes

• Grades 7-8
  • Two-year cycle
  • Sundays: New Testament narrative
    • Five quarters in the gospels
    • Two quarters in Acts
    • One quarter TBD
  • Wednesdays: Bible study skills, daily living
• High school
  • Four-year cycle
  • Sundays
    • Old Testament poetry and wisdom literature
    • Chapter a week: Acts – Revelation
  • Wednesdays: Four general topic areas, rotating quarters
    • Q1: The church
    • Q2: Daily living
    • Q3: Evidence
    • Q4: Split classes
• Classes through sixth grade
  • Bible a wide, firm foundation of knowledge of the scriptures

What can I do as a teacher?

• Younger grades
  • II Timothy 3:15 – Don’t shy away from memorization and recitation.
• Middle grades
  • Luke 10:25-28 – Engage the students in the learning process.
• Older grades
  • Luke 9:2 – Engage students in the teaching process.
• Make the most of class time.
  • Ephesians 5:16 – Be deliberate
  • I Corinthians 14:26 – Do all things for edification
• Adjust the curriculum as you feel appropriate for the age/group
• Don’t teach the book. Teach THE BOOK.
• Use workbooks as a topical guide.

What can I do as a parent?

• Take responsibility for your child’s spiritual development
  • Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19
  • Have your children prepared for class.
  • Mark 2:27
  • Study and discuss other scriptures and topics instead of the lesson, if that is the need of the moment.
• Give feedback to teachers, class deacon, elders
• Be patient, think long term
  • Student, teachers, and topics change

Reminders and notes

• Teach!
• Only man teachers for boys once boys hit 13 years old.
• Teachers may open the high school class to other students at their discretion.
• Two-quarter special opportunity
  • Last two quarters of 2024/2025, topic is teacher’s choice.

What is a teacher’s goal?

• Interest – Acts 13:15-18, 38-44
• Comprehension – Matthew 13:13, 16
• Application – Matthew 7:24
• Retention – Numbers 15:40
• Encourage – Philippians 1:6-10
• Matthew 10:25

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Introduction

• Matthew 6:9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer
• thelema – translated “will” as in, “will of God”

Exceptions!

• Matthew 21:31
• John 1:12
• I Corinthians 7:37; 16:12
• Ephesians 2:3
• II Timothy 2:26
• I Peter 4:3

Jesus was perfect, sinless …

• Hebrews 7:26
• II Corinthians 3:21
• I John 3:5
• Hebrews 4:15

The will of Jesus

• There is a distinction between the will of God and the will of Jesus, but Jesus never sinned.
• Matthew 26:26-56
• John 5:30; 6:38

By the will of God

• John 1:1-14
• Romans 1:8-10; 15:30-33
• I Corinthians 1:1
• II Corinthians 1:1; 8:5
• Ephesians 1:1
• Colossians 1:1
• II Timothy 1:1

According to the will of God

• Matthew 18:10-14; 26:39, 42
• John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40
• Galatians 1:3-5
• Ephesians 1:3-12
• I Peter 3:14-17
• Revelation 4:11

Being in the will of God

• Matthew 7:21; 12:46-50
• John 7:15-24; 9:30-34
• Romans 2:12-24
• Ephesians 5:15-21; 6:5-6
• Galatians 1:7-14; 4:12
• I Peter 2:13-15
• Hebrews 13:20-21
• I Peter 4:12-19
• I John 2:15-17
• We can be confident of the will of God even though we don’t fully understand it. God’s thoughts are much higher than our thoughts.

There is someone else

• Ephesians 6:13-17
• James 1:13-14
• I Peter 5:6-10
• The devil still has abilities in modern times, although not to the degree that he did in the New Testament times.

Conclusion

• I Thessalonians 4:3-8; 5:12-23
• Hebrews 10:1-39
• Luke 12:35-48
• Romans 12:1-2
• God’s will in heaven needs to be done here on earth.

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II Corinthians 12, continued:

• II Corinthians 12:19 – Compare II Corinthians 5:12.
• II Corinthians 12:20-21 – See Revelation 21:8 and I Corinthians 1. Paul is here saying that he’s afraid these things may be happening.

II Corinthians 13

• II Corinthians 13:1-2 – See II Corinthians 12:14. Paul did end up making this third trip and stayed in Achaia about three months. This is a quote referenced from Deuteronomy 19:15; Numbers 35:30.
• II Corinthians 13:3-4 – See Matthew 12:38-39. This is similar to the request for proof that Jesus was continually getting.
• II Corinthians 13:5-6 – The idea here is that of testing a metal to see if it is genuine. We fail this test when we forget whose spirit we are part of. Paul wanted them to test themselves against the objective standard of God’s word.
• II Corinthians 13:9-10 – Paul was hopeful for their restoration. He waited until the end to mention authority as that was not his primary tact, but he did have authority from God for his teaching.
• II Corinthians 13:11 – This is translated a number of different ways. “Farewell” vs. “rejoice.” “Be complete” vs. be “restored.”
• II Corinthians 13:12-14 – Paul’s end for the letter echoes his words in II Corinthians 1:2.

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Why written

• I John 1:4; 2:1, 7-8, 12-14, 26; 5:13 – John tells us why he was writing. He was writing to combat Gnosticism.

Subject matter

1. Jesus – The first 14 verses tell you everything you need to known about Jesus and sin.
2. Sin
3. False teaching / teachers
4. What we know.
5. How we know it.
6. Love
7. Action
8. Conditions: if

Jesus

• From the beginning – I John 1:1; 2:13
• Manifested, historical figure – I John 1:2; 4:2
• Destroyed works of devil – I John 3:8
• With the Father – I John 1:2
• Blood cleanses from sin – I John 1:7; 3:6, 16
• Propitiation for sin – I John 2:2; 4:10
• Is righteous – I John 3:7
• Have spiritual life through – I John 4:9; 5:11
• Savior of the world – I John 4:14
• The Son of God – I John 4:15; 5:5
• Begotten of God – I John 5:1
• Came by water and blood – I John 5:6
• Gives us understanding – I John 5:20
• Is the true God and eternal life – I John 5:20

False teachers and teachingThe basics

• I John 4:1, 2, 6 – Don’t be naïve and gullible. Study for yourself!
• Strong language
  • Liars – I John 1:6; 2:4, 22; 4:20
  • Children of the devil – I John 3:10
  • Antichrist – I John 2:18-19, 22; 4:3 – There are many antichrists. Those that deny Christ are antichrists.

Sin

• All are sinners – I John 1:8, 20
• What it is – I John 3:4; 5:17
• Two walks – I John 1:6-7
• How to avoid – I John 3:6, 9; 5:18
• Provisions for – I John 3:5; 1:7; 2:2; 4:10
• Consequences of – I John 3:6, 8, 10
• When we sin – I John 1:9; 2:1

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Introduction

• I John 3:16
• How do we as parents teach our kids spiritual lessons?
• Philippians 2:5
• I Peter 2:21

Examples are powerful – just look at Jesus.

• Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 29; 11:1
• Philippians 4:9
• Titus 2:7
• I Timothy 4:12
• I Peter 5:3

It’s our job to show them WHAT is possible.

• I Thessalonians 1:6
• I Timothy 1:15-16
• II Timothy 3:15
• James 5:10
• Roger Bannister ran a four-minute mile, showing that it could be done. Now, more than a thousand people have done it!

It’s our job to show them HOW to do it.

• John 13:5, 14 – Jesus showed them directly how to do what He was commanding. The apostles probably remembered this for the rest of their lives!
• John 13:34
• Acts 20:17-21, 31-34 – Paul showed them how to behave.
• Acts 17:24-27, 30-31 – It’s possible to honor God as Creator in this world!

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II Corinthians 11, continued

• II Corinthians 11:30-33 – Damascus was Paul’s original destination when he was blinded on the road, leading to his conversion. From the time of his conversion, there were threats on his life. See Galatians 1:17. Paul uses this as an illustration of the threats he was under.

II Corinthians 12

• II Corinthians 12:1-2 – See Galatians 1:12; 2:1. Paul received the gospel via direct revelation. In their way of speaking, the first heaven was the sky, the second heaven was the domain of the sun, moon, and stars, and the third heaven was paradise, the abode of God.
• II Corinthians 12:3-4 – Paul’s vision happened about 42 A.D. This would be about ten years after his conversion.
• II Corinthians 12:5-6 – Paul did not tell more to prevent accusations of boasting from his opponents.
• II Corinthians 12:7-8 – Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to torment him. It was a painful experience to prevent pride.
• II Corinthians 12:9-10 – God’s power is perfected in man’s weakness. We must not view our troubles as impediments but as ways that God is helping perfect us.
• II Corinthians 12:11-13 – Paul is reminding them that they were taught by someone with authority.
• II Corinthians 12:14-15 – Paul was again going to refuse to accept support from them. See I Corinthians 4:15; II Corinthians 6:13. Paul saw himself as their parent. He was coming to give, not to take.
• II Corinthians 12:16-18 – Paul is using sarcasm and irony here to refute the claim that he sent in to take advantage of them.

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Introduction

• Hebrews 1:1
• Prophets were God’s spokesmen. They did more than just tell the future.
• Ezekiel 4
• There are sixteen or seventeen books of prophecy in the Old Testament, depending on precisely which ones you count. There were many more prophets who did not have their own books.

• II Peter 1:20

God loves us!

• Ezekiel 18:23, 27-32
• Jeremiah 26:1-3
• II Peter 3:9
• Jonah 4:1-11 – Jonah had compassion on the plant, but not on the people of the city. God expects us to love souls like He does.

We need His love when times are hard.

• I Kings 18:3-4 – When times were hard, God had hundreds of prophets.
• Jeremiah 6:10
• II Chronicles 24:19
• Hosea 4:6
• When we are in difficult times, we must seek God the most!

With God, there is always something to look forward to.

• Malachi 4:1-6
• Jeremiah 31:31
• We’re looking forward to our salvation with God in heaven.

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Introduction

• Courage: Acting despite our fear.
• Mark 15:43
• Deuteronomy 31:1-7, 23
• Joshua 1:5-9 – God would be with Joshua.
• I Chronicles 28:20

To stand for the truth despite consequences.

• John 9:22, 30-34 – The blind man had courage!
• John 12:42-43 – The rulers were afraid to confess Jesus. They lacked courage to face the potential consequences.
• John 18:17, 25-27 – Peter lacked courage to confess Christ. Peter had legitimate reasons to be afraid.

To be alone.

• I Kings 18:22; 19:10 – Elijah
• Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood alone before Nebuchadnezzar.

To confront our own sins.

• Psalms 32:1-5 – David was willing to confront his own sins.
• Psalms 51:12

To clearly expose error even among brethren.

• Numbers 13:31; 14:1-10 – The ten spies discourage the people. Caleb and Joshua stand up against them.
• II Timothy 4:14-18 – Paul showed great courage.
• Galatians 2:11-12 – Paul had the courage to call out Peter for his sin.

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II Corinthians 11

• II Corinthians 11:3-4 – Compare Galatians 1:8-9.
• II Corinthians 11:5-6 – Who are these “super-apostles” (ESV)? Compare Acts 15:24. It’s possible he is defending against the caricature of the original twelve apostles that false teachers were using.
• II Corinthians 11:7-8 – Some false teachers were apparently boasting that because they were taking money for preaching, they were more authoritative that Paul. Paul did not take money for his work from the Corinthians to try to prevent controversy, but it ended up being turned into ammunition for the false teachers.
• II Corinthians 11:11-12 – Paul continued to not accept support so that people could not hold that against him.
• II Corinthians 11:13-15 – Paul identifies his opponents as false apostles. Compare Matthew 7:15.
• II Corinthians 11:16-18 – Paul regarded himself as a fool for even having to talk about this, but felt that it was necessary to counter the false teachers.
• II Corinthians 11:19-21 – Paul speaks with irony here. He was too weak to mistreat them!
• II Corinthians 11:22-23 – Paul is making the case that he is genuinely Jewish.
• II Corinthians 11:24-27 – Paul suffered tremendously to spread the gospel. See Acts 9:15-16.

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Introduction

• I Peter 5:7
• Romans 12:12
• I John 5:14-15

Waiting allows us to build our trust in Him.

• Genesis 12:2, 4; 21:5 – Abraham and Sarah waited a long time for Isaac.
• I Samuel 16:12; II Samuel 5:4 – David waited a long time before becoming king.
• Sometimes God expects us just to wait.

Suffering produces endurances.

• James 1:2
• Job 42:6; 40:1-2; 42:7-8 – Job handled himself very well. God repeatedly calls him, “my servant Job” – a great compliment!
• James 5:10-11

Sometimes God simply says “No,” and we should remember that He knows all, and we don’t.

• II Kings 6:15-17
• II Corinthians 12:7-10 – God said no to keep Paul from exalting himself.
• Ephesians 1:16-19; 6:18-20
• Note: Praying does not relieve us of responsibility. We must pray, then get up and get to work.

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Introduction

• I Timothy 4:13-16

English Bibles are translations.

• Word-for-word versus thought-for-thought translations.
• Examples:
  • John 3:16
  • Matthew 19:9
  • II Thessalonians 3:12

Bibles are published and packaged in lots of different ways.

• Deuteronomy 17:18-20
• Reference Bibles – include cross-references and footnotes
• Study Bibles – include commentary
• Devotional Bibles – include short articles, usually targeted at a specific group.
• Children’s Bibles

Jesus didn’t write any of the books.

• John 4:1-2
• John 14:25
• John 16:13-15
• I Thessalonians 2:13
• Words from Jesus’ inspired messengers carry His authority.
• II Peter 1:19-21

It was divided into chapters and verses a few centuries ago.

• Romans 14:12-13, 22-15:2, 7 – The same thought continues across chapters.
• The chapter and verse divisions are not inspired.

The Bible has been preserved very accurately.

• Isaiah 1:1
• We have tremendous evidence that the Bible has been accurately preserved.
• 1947 – Dead Sea Scrolls discovered. Previously, the oldest Old Testament manuscript we had was the Masoretic Text, dating to about 980 A.D. The Dead Sea Scrolls date from the 100s B.C. Comparison between them showed only a five percent difference, all of which was either spelling changes or obvious slips of the pen. The other 95% was identical between the two.

Since it’s God’s Word, it contains the best wisdom and teaching on earth.

• Psalms 119:97-100
• II Timothy 3:16-17

It’s not just good advice; it’s what we’ll be judged by.

• Hebrews 1:1

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Introduction

• Matthew 25:44-46

If we’re not interested, we’ll never take action.

• Romans 5:8 – God took the initiative to provide a means for our salvation because He loves us.
• Acts 17:15-17 – Paul took the initiative because he cared for them.
• Ezra 9:1-4 – Ezra took the initiative because he cared.
• If I’m not taking the initiative, it might be because I don’t care enough.
• I Samuel 17:3, 10, 16, 26 – David took initiative in fighting Goliath.
• “Indifference … is the epitome of evil.”

Rally others to the cause when possible.

• Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:5, 15-18; 4:4-6, 14-17; 6:15 – Nehemiah rallied the people to rebuild the wall.

But even if we’re alone, take action!

• Luke 10:27-36 – Go and be a good neighbor!
• James 4:17

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Introduction

• Romans 6:1
• We must die to sin, not continue to live with it.

We struggle to put sin away and keep it away.

• Example: King Asa
• II Chronicles 14:2-4, 11-12; 15:1-2, 8-18
• Asa did good but left the high places.
• II Chronicles 16:2, 7-9 – Asa should have repented right here.
• II Chronicles 16:10 – Instead, Asa imprisons the prophet.
• II Chronicles 16:12 – Even in ill health, Asa did not turn to seek God.

This calls for radical repentance.

• Matthew 5:27
• We might need to make some drastic rules for ourselves to stay away from sin.
• I Corinthians 6:18; 10:14 – Flee from sin!
• I Timothy 6:11
• II Timothy 2:22
• We can’t play with sin and let it hang around.
• James 4:7
• Colossians 3:5

Fill the void!

• Colossians 3:10, 12-17
• Remove the sin and add goodness.
• Psalms 119:9-16 – This passage is all about adding good things to your life.

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II Corinthians 10

• This chapter begins the third major section of II Corinthians. The tone here is more assertive and sharper.
• II Corinthians 10:1-2 – Paul is trying to draw a distinction between the behaviors they were tolerating from false teachers and what they were accusing him of.
• II Corinthians 10:7-8 – Compare II Corinthians 5:12. They were looking at outward appearances. Paul is trying to point out that they are both on the same team – they should both recognize each other as being in Christ.
• II Corinthians 10:9-11 – This was a subtle accusation of hypocrisy – that Paul wrote differently than he spoke. Paul is saying he was willing to back up what he was writing. Paul may well have been unimpressive in appearance because of the persecution he had endured.
• II Corinthians 10:12-13 – It was appropriate for him to boast about his work because of his history with them. See Romans 15:23-24.
• II Corinthians 10:14-16 – Paul was hoping to get them to the point that he could move on, as he had been able to do in other places.
• II Corinthians 10:17-18 – God’s commendation is the only one that really matters.

II Corinthians 11

• II Corinthians 11:1-2 – These false apostles that they were tolerating were endangering their purity before Christ.
• II Corinthians 11:3-4 – Paul’s tone was sharp because he was afraid they were being led away from Christ.

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Introduction

• Can we list a few things that allow a person to be positive and optimistic?
  • Take care of someone who is worse off than you.
  • Be grateful.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Positivity comes from Christ

• I Thessalonians 4:18; II Thessalonians 1:9
• Philippians 1:12-20

Learn from the past, but don’t let it ruin the present

• I Corinthians 10:6-11
• I Timothy 1:15
• Ezra 3:10-13 – The people wept thinking about the glory of the previous temple.
• Haggai 2:3-5
• Ezra 6:16
• Philippians 1:21-26

Focus on what’s good

• Philippians 4:8
• Acts 9:1; I Corinthians 1:4; 11:2; 16:24

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United kingdom

Even godly people can lose their way.

Saul

• I Samuel 10:2 – Saul started humbly enough.
• I Samuel 13:8, 11-14 – Saul didn’t fully obey.
• I Samuel 15:9, 28

David

• II Samuel 11:2-3; 12:9
• Let us never thing it can’t happen to us!

Solomon

• I Kings 3:3, 9-10 – Solomon started humbly and wisely.
• I Kings 11:3-4 – Solomon took a wrong turn.
• No one is immune to temptation.

Divided kingdom

Your faith is your own choice.

• I Kings 2:26-33 – Jeroboam invented idols an led Israel astray.
• All of the following kings in Israel follow his idolatry.
• But people don’t necessarily continue the faith of their parents. Examples:
  • II Kings 16:3 – Ahaz did evil.
  • II Kings 18:1-6 – Hezekiah turned from his father’s ways and did good.
  • II Kings 21:1-3 – Manasseh did evil nearly his whole life.
  • II Kings 21:19-21 – Amon did evil.
  • II Kings 22:1-2; 23:25 – Josiah did right in God’s eyes.
  • II Kings 23:32 – Jehoahaz did evil.
  • II Kings 23:35 – Jehoiakim did evil.

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Introduction

• I Timothy 3:8-13

The word “deacon” (diakonos)

• Often translated “servant” or “minister.”
• Romans 16:1-2 – Same Greek word used here for Phoebe. She doesn’t seem to be a deacon in the special sense of I Timothy 3.
• Romans 15:8; 13:4
• All Christians are servants, but I Timothy 3 is talking about something above and beyond that.

I Timothy 3:8-13

• “first be tested”
  • These qualifications are the test.
• “beyond reproach”
  • A deacon should be blameless.
  • I John 1:8 – We all sin.
  • We can only be blameless through the grace of God.
  • Colossians 1:21
• “dignity”
  • Is a man serious and respectful enough for this work?
• “not double-tongued”
  • Speaks the truth.
• “not addicted to much wine”
  • This does not imply permission for a little win.
  • I Timothy 5:23
  • When the extreme measure is condemned, it does not all the half measure.
• “[not] fond of sordid gain”
• “holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience”
  • Mystery just means it wasn’t yet fully revealed.
  • Colossians 1:25-26
  • A deacon should be a man who is holding to God’s truth.
• “Women”
  • Same word in Greek means both woman and wife. Context must indicate which.
  • This seems to be speaking about wives of deacons.
• “Women must likewise be dignified”
• “not malicious gossips”
• “temperate”
  • Sober and self-controlled.
• “faithful in all things”
• “husbands of only one wife”
  • Bachelors and polygamists are forbidden from serving as deacons.
  • This does not seem to be forbidding those who have been remarried, as long as it was lawful in God’s eyes.
• “good managers of their children and their own households”
• “a high standing”
  • This is a service worthy of respect.
  • What work should deacons do?
  • Acts 6:1-4 – Are these men the first deacons? There are parallels, but the qualifications are not exactly the same.

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II Corinthians 9

• II Corinthians 9:1 – With whatever I have in my life, how can I have a generous attitude?
• II Corinthians 9:2 – See Romans 15:25-27.
• II Corinthians 9:4 – The men in Acts 20:4 may have accompanied Paul. Part of the idea here was not giving the Macedonians a bad feeling by getting the gift together at the last minute.
• II Corinthians 9:6-7 – See Matthew 19:29. Generosity will be rewarded. Consider Proverbs 11:24; 19:17; 22:8-9.
• II Corinthians 9:8-9 – See Psalms 112:1-9.
• II Corinthians 9:10-11 – We are responsible for reflecting God to other people. Paul is trying to expand their idea of what it means to be generous.
• II Corinthians 9:12-15 – “Contribution” here is translated from a word that is also translated “fellowship.” This gift had a broader impact than just the money itself. More people than just those receiving the funds would benefit.

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The Bible stresses the importance of prayer.

• Luke 18:1 – “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
• Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication.”
• Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

These passages show that Christians are a praying people. Jesus’ life is a good commentary on the meanings of these passages. Thus, let us study prayer in the light of Jesus’ life.

Jesus prayed at the beginning of His ministry – at baptism.Luke 3:21:

“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying…”

Man begins his life in Christ at baptism. There is better way to begin one’s life in Christ than in prayer. Thus, for many years my practice has been to lead one in prayer. Can you think of a better way?

Jesus prayed at the beginning of His day.Mark 1:35:

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”

We should also begin our day in prayer. We just cannot afford to start our day without Jesus. We have an adversary (1 Peter 5:8). Our only protection is in going to Him who is more powerful. James 4:7-8 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

Jesus prayed at mealtime.Matthew 15:36:

“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

God created food to be received with thanksgiving. Jesus was not ashamed to thank God for the food though thousands were present. Our prayer at mealtime should not be just a custom; we should be really thankful knowing from whence the food comes. 1 Timothy 4:3 – “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

Jesus prayed at the close of His day.Matthew 14:23:

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”

This had been a busy day for Jesus. He had been told of John’s death. He had fed five thousand. The people had tried to make Him king. After such a busy day, He made time to pray. We live in a rat-race society. Sometimes we get too busy to stop and pray. Like Jesus, we must make opportunity to pray at close of our day. That is an opportune time for family prayer. There is no better way to close the day than for the family to gather around for Bible reading and prayer.

Jesus prayed at decision time.Luke 6:12:

“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”

We must strive to make wise decisions (Ephesians 5:15). If we really believe God knows and cares, we will consider Him in time of decisions.

Jesus prayed at GethsemaneMark 14:32:

“And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed.”

Years ago, Homer Hailey wrote: “No Christian can successfully fight and win his battle against the temptations of the world and the weakness of his own flesh without his Gethsemane; and that place where he fights and wins his battle is on his knees.” Like Jesus told his disciples at Gethsemane, we must watch and pray.

Jesus closed His ministry on earth in prayer.Luke 23:34:

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

He prayed for His enemies. He prayed as He committed Himself unto the Father. We should do likewise.

When my dad was breathing his last breath and in a semiconscious state, he was trying to pray to the Father. He was a man of prayer and as he lived so he died. I had an uncle that took God’s name in vain in almost every sentence. His son told me that when dying he was cussing up a storm. As he lived so he died. We need to learn a lesson from these two men. As we live so will we die.

So, let us pray at the beginning of our day, at mealtime, at close of day, at time of decision, at time of trial. We may know the moment of our last breath, but if we thus pray like Jesus, it will not be very long between your last prayer and your last breath.

Jesse Jenkins

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Please read Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; and 1 Corinthians 10:16. Every point made in this article will be from one of these passages.

The Lord’s Supper is a communion. (1 Corinthians 10:16) The bread is a communion with the body of Christ and the cup is a communion with the blood of Christ. It is our fellowship with Christ.

The Lord’s Supper is a proclamation. It proclaims His life (Matthew 16:26), His death (1 Corinthians 11:26), His mission (Luke 19:10), and His coming (1 Corinthians 11:26). It proclaims that His kingdom is established (Matthew 26:29). It proclaims that He has not come the second time (1 Corinthians 11:26). It proclaims that we are under the new covenant (Matthew 26:28). It also proclaims our faith and love for Him.

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial. Memory is a great factor. Manmade memorials fade away, but Christ has given us a memorial that will not fade away. Man’s greatest danger is to forget God. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.” (Jeremiah 2:32). The Lord’s Supper is not an emblem or a representative. It is a memorial – “This do in remembrance of me.”

The Lord’s Supper is an anticipation. (1Corinthians 11:26) “Till I come.” Thus, the Supper is a monument to His coming. Therefore, when we partake the Supper, we must be thinking about His death and His promise to come to receive the faithful to Himself. Else, we eat and drink damnation to ourselves. (1 Corinthians 11:27, 29).

In view of all this, we see that we must partake discerningly (1 Corinthians 11:27-29), reverently, and regularly (Acts 20:7).

We often hear one that serves at the table pray for Jesus to bless the bread. He has already done that (Matthew 26:26). Rather, we should be praying that He bless us as we partake.

The prayer of thanks at the table should be just that. We often hear one pray for some good things, but never thank the Lord for the bread or cup. I have made this point in a number of sermons at Benchley. Brethren, when at the table, please remember to thank the Lord for the bread in memorial of this body and the cup in memorial of His blood. And please center your prayer on this. When one prays for other things at the table, he centers his and others’ thoughts on other things. This is a serious matter. When we let our thoughts be on other things, we eat and drink damnation to ourselves. Surely, we do not want our prayer at the table to do that.

Brethren, please sincerely answer these questions.

What about the one who plans a trip on Sunday and misses the Supper?

What about the one who goes hunting and takes along some bread and grape juice and stops long enough to “partake”?

What about ones who go on a trip to the holy land and take along some elements and take ship-side communion?

In short, what about one who deliberately misses the local church Supper and makes some kind – any kind – of arrangements to take some bread and grape juice and call it the Lord’s Supper? Then answer this question: When one does any of these, is he/she putting the Lord first?

Mike Fleming, who used to be an elder here, has planned many trips to the holy land. But he has always planned the trip so that the ones on the trip could be with a local church on Sunday and take the Supper with a local church. When one goes on a holy land trip and does not so plan the trip, he is not putting the Lord first.

Over forty-five years ago, I saw the following from Jerry Ray. I borrow it from him to close this study.

The Lord’s Supper looks:

• Inward – examine self
• Outward – shows faith to Jesus and others.
• Backward – to Jesus’ death
• Upward – to our King and Savior
• Forward – to His coming

Jesse Jenkins

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[Note: We had some technical difficulties with the microphone during this class, so I have edited this audio to remove the dead spots in the recording. -MRW]

Introduction* Acts 24:35

It leads us toward wonderful outcomes.* Titus 2:11-14 – We must deny ourselves. * Luke 9:23 * Jesus had perfect self-control. He is the ultimate example. * I Corinthians 9:23-27 – Paul also showed tremendous self-control. His self-control gave him the opportunity to do much greater things. * II Peter 2:14, 18-19 – The false teachers were denying the need for self-control. * Self-control is more likely than talent to lead to success. Even secular research shows the benefits of self-control. * You never outgrow your need for self-control.

We can exercise and develop it like a muscle.* Peter developed enough self-control to be qualified as an elder. * Galatians 5:22-25 – Self-control is a choice. * II Peter 1:5-8 – These qualities must increase in our lives. * Secular research shows that building self-control in one area of your life helps build self-control in other areas also. * We can help our children exercise self-control by giving them opportunities to do so.

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Introduction

• Matthew 25:31-46

“He will separate them”

• Matthew 25:31-33
• We need to live like we know the judgment is coming!
• Hebrews 9:27
• Matthew 12:26 – This will be an exacting judgment!
• Acts 10:40-43
• Am I ready to meet the judge?

“you did it to Me”

• Matthew 25:37-40
• This is not a comprehensive list of how to serve God. But these are things Jesus cares about!
• These are all relatively easy things to do. We can’t be so afraid that we can’t do something big that we end up doing nothing at all.

“you did not do it to Me”

• Matthew 25:42-45 – These are sins of omission.
• Matthew 25:18, 26-30 – The one talent man did wrong by doing nothing.
• I Timothy 5:16
• Do I assist a needy widow when I should?
• Let us not be guilty of failing to act.

“the eternal fire”

• Matthew 25:33, 41, 46 – This is Jesus saying what’s going to happen.
• Jesus did not shy away from talking about hell:
  • Matthew 5:22, 29, 30
  • Matthew 10:28
  • Matthew 12:37, 41, 42
  • Matthew 13:41-42, 49-50
  • Matthew 18:8, 9
  • Matthew 23:15, 33

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Introduction

• Ephesians 4:14-15

“Contrary to sound teaching” (I Timothy 1:10)

• I Timothy 1:8-10 – Homosexuality is contrary to God’s law.
• Sinful people especially need God’s law to guide them.
• Mark 2:17
• Homosexuality was a common sin in Paul’s day.
• We have all committed sin. We all need God’s grace.
• I Timothy 1:12-14
• We should not look down our noses at other people because we are all guilty of sin.
• Luke 18:9-14
• Just because we all sin doesn’t mean that any sin is okay.
• The reason Christians come out so strongly against this sin is because the world puts such a spotlight on it.
• Matthew 16:24; Colossians 3:5; I Peter 4:3; I Corinthians 7:11; I Timothy 1:10

“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:31)

• I Corinthians 1:25-31 – No one may boast before God.
• Sometimes the attitude about the sin is just as bad as the sin itself.
• I Corinthians 5:1-6
• Romans 1:26-27, 32 – Homosexuality is clearly wrong. Giving approval of homosexuality is also wrong! Compare Acts 8:1.
• Romans 6:23 – Sin causes spiritual death.
• II Timothy 3:1-5
• I John 2:16

“Such were some of you; but you were washed” (I Corinthians 6:11)

• I Corinthians 6:9-11 – The church in Corinth was made up of people who had put away all these sins.
• Whatever sin you are drawn to, God loves you!

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