That You May Know: Recent Episodes
Spencer
That You May Know how...to KEEP HIS COMMANDS. if there's NO LOVE, there's NO LIFE. to we OUGHT TO LIVE & LOVE in Christ. that WHEN HE APPEARS, we shall be like Him. if BETTER you COULD. then BETTER you SHOULD. and ALWAYS be BETTER than GOOD
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
(Eph 2:8)
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15:11)
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1Tim 1:14).
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim 2:1).
As we study more about GRACE, the more we’ll realize that Grace is IN CHRIST. He and His sacrifice is the gift of Grace.
Grace appeared IN CHRIST. How does Grace come through CHRIST?
(FULL ARTICLE HERE)
What is Grace? pt 3
Grace has APPEARED to ALL
What does it mean to us that GRACE has APPEARED?
When Christ came into the world to save us through His sacrifice, GRACE APPEARED making salvation AVAILABLE. “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared” (Titus 3:4).
Without the Sacrifice of Christ, it is impossible for man to be saved, but the shed blood of Christ made it POSSIBLE for man to be saved. “When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19:25-26; cf. Luke 18:27).
False teachers will tell you to “ask Jesus into your heart” to receive His Grace (which is not found anywhere in Scripture). The Bible tells a different story. We are to PUT ON CHRIST in water baptism through faith in His Grace. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Gal 3:26-27).
Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Confession, and Baptism is how we ESCAPE CORRUPTION that is in the world. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2Peter 1:4). Then we are to continue in His Grace (Acts 13:43).
Some also teach that the GRACE of God only APPEARED to a select few individuals predetermined by God. This is the basis of Calvinism. Once again, the Scriptures teach something different. Grace APPEARS to ALL MEN (Titus 2:11).
The APPEARING of Grace provides the means of salvation, but it will not save those that reject it. Christ gave His life for our sins; this is the GRACE of God. When we obey the Gospel, we have the RIGHT to eternal life. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14).
Grace has APPEARED. It was made available, making it possible for man to be saved when they faithfully put on Christ in baptism. By obeying the gospel, we escape the corruption that is in the world and anyone can do the same. When we obey the gospel, He gives us the right to the tree of life.
full bulletin here.
GRACE pt2
Received through following the RULES
Paul wrote this, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2Tim 2:5, NKJV). To be saved one must follow the RULES of Christ. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2John 9).
When Peter preached at the beginning he told the new believers in Christ, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Before anyone can receive the Gift of Salvation, they must believe and REPENT. It is commanded by Christ, It is taught by the Apostles, It is repeated by Paul, and it is a requirement for restoration of those who have obeyed but have sinned (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Rev 2:5).
The person that believes must REPENT AND be BAPTIZED. Believers are immersed in (go UNDER) water to be saved. When Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch, he asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Paul explained that Baptism (going UNDER water by faith) is accessing the working of God through faith for the circumcision of the heart. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col 2:11-12).
Peter wrote that water baptism saves, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 3:21). Ananias told Saul of Tarsus that baptism will “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
Those that have obeyed the Gospel by putting on Christ in Baptism must then LIVE Faithfully. Paul said that it is possible to receive the Grace of God in vain (2Cor 6:1). That is what happens when believers LIVE unfaithfully to Christ. He wrote the Galatians that they could “fall from grace” (Gal 5:4). This happens when we turn from Christ to another gospel (cf. Gal 1:6-10; 2Cor 11:4). Paul wrote Titus telling him that grace is “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11).
When we obey the gospel through faith, we can ENJOY the comfort & hope of God’s Grace. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2Thess 2:16-17). We can have assurance in Eternal life when we do what is commanded for us to do.
The grace of God also gives opportunity to STAND us back up when we fall in SIN, and when we SUFFER trials. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16; cf. 1John 1:9).
Grace is an exceedingly wonderful Gift from Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Grace is the opportunity, obeying the Truth is receiving His grace. (1Peter 1:22)
Transcript of the bulletin can be found here.
Grace is a Gift of God
“…it is the GIFT of God.”
A gift has 2 parties, a Giver and a receiver. Grace is a Gift Given by God & Christ to the world (Titus 2:11). It is also given without merit on the part of the receiver. There is nothing redeeming about man that generated the gift, it was out of the love of God. “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him” (Heb 2:6; cf. Job 7:17; Ps 8:4; 144:3)?
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:11).
This Gift of Grace is pertaining to Salvation for mankind. “For by Grace you are saved through faith…” Another way of saying this is that the opportunity to be saved, the method, the plan, has been given as a Gift to undeserving people (Rom 5:8-10). As we shall see in the following points, NOT EVERYONE WILL PARTICIPATE IN, NOR ACCEPT THE GIFT OF GRACE.
The Gift of Grace needs to be received (accepted), and it is possible to receive it IN VAIN (which is to try and apply grace on your own terms, without repentance).
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain” (2Cor 6:1).
Many are confused and deceived because it is taught that the Gift of Grace is given and applied universally. (Universalism is an error that teaches everyone will go to heaven even if it’s against their will, if they’re in unrepentant sins, or even an atheist). While Grace is a Gift for the whole world, not everyone will receive it, or worse, they receive it IN VAIN. To receive it IN VAIN is to make it of none effect.
It must also be noted that the GIFT of Grace may be received, but later one can FALL FROM GRACE.
“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal 5:4). And you can make it void; “I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought” (Gal 2:21; ASV)
So you see, while GRACE is a GIFT for all, not everyone will receive (accept) it, nor will everyone remain in it.
Finally, it is THROUGH HIS GRACE & THROUGH OUR FAITH that saves.
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:11).
Critics will claim that if there is something a person must do to be saved, even a command from God, then it is no longer a GIFT. What they fail to realize is that God’s Gift of Grace is working THROUGH our faith (trusting belief) in God’s plan, and His Son. To obey God is not earning salvation, it's trusting in His working THROUGH His Grace.
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col 2:11-12) [emph mine seb].
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger, Texas.
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.”
(2Timothy 3:2)
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he warns of imposters in the last and perilous days. He lists a series of qualities that describe these traitors (cf 2Tim 3:2-8).
Among this descriptive list is the quality of being “UNTHANKFUL.”
We usually know when someone ELSE is being an ingrate, but seldom do we recognize it in ourselves. There are only two ways I know to see it in ourselves. One is through constant self-evaluation (cf. 2Cor 13:5), the other is learning by example (both positive & negative).
Let’s combine these strategies with a self-evaluation test using biblical examples.
Life on earth is seldom easy. The way we respond to the struggles of life will determine how much HOPE we display. A positive response gives the best chance to reach the lost through our godly example (cf. 1Peter 3:1-6).
Transcript here.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
(1Thess 5:18)
In a previous article I listed some things for which I am grateful. (v8 #45 Nov 6, 2022). Today I’d like to make a list of the People to which I am grateful.
Many people claim that they are self-made and in need of help from no one. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The scripture says, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” Everything we have in life will come through or because of others.
We need people. We’re not going to be able to grow all our own food, refine our own gas, nor sow our own clothing. Our needs in life lie at the root of all economies.
Therefore, it is of great necessity that we are grateful to others. Have you taken the time to thank them personally? Do you recognize who they are? Let’s consider who it is that deserves our gratitude.
show notes
“And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17)
Jesus gave cleansing to 10 lepers who begged Him for mercy. He commands them to “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them noticed that he was cleansed and turned back to glorify God. He fell on his face and gave thanks. The necessary inference from Jesus’ response is that all 10 were cleansed, but only one returned to give thanks. This also means that Jesus is saying that the other 9 were UNGRATEFUL.
While we can’t know what they were thinking, we can know from scriptures about other people who were UNGRATEFUL to God for the good things He has done. Let’s learn from these negative examples about how to be GRATEFUL to God.
10 Reasons why we’re sometimes UNGRATEFUL.
show notes.
8 Reasons to be GRATEFUL
GRACE Titus 2:11; Eph 2:8
REVEALED word. John 20:30-31
ADOPTION into Christ. Gal 3:26; 4:4-6
TRYING times. James 1:2-3
EVERY good gift… James 1:17
FAITHFUL brethren. Phil 1:3-4
UNDERSTANDING. Jas 1:5
LOVE of God for me. 1Joh 4:9-11
Show Notes.
PROTECTING OUR CROWN
First, whenever a command is given, it means we CAN COMPLY. Jesus said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matt 6:20). Paul wrote; “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2Tim 4:8). So, we LAY up a treasure in heaven, and can expect it if we LOVE His appearing.
Second, this treasure is only available after. While there are spiritual blessings here, and other good gifts (Eph 1:3; Jas 1:17), we shall RECEIVE the CROWN after this life. Note these passages (emph mine seb):
o 1Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
o 2Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
o James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
o 1Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
o Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
o Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Third, we ought not to expect anything from the Lord if we’re unfaithful, doubtful and disobedient. Scripture teaches that the OBEDIENT shall receive a crown;
o 1Cor 9:25; 2Tim 2:5
Next, the CROWN is compared to WINNING a PRIZE. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14; 1Cor 9:24). Putting the previous point and this one together, In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (2Tim 2:5).
Lastly, while no man can take away the crown that is laid up in heaven (cf. Matt 6:20), we can certainly lose our crown through NEGLECT, disobedience, or rebellion. Let’s read the rest of James 1:12-16, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. (cf. John 10:28-29; Rom 8:38-39; Heb 2:1-3). Do you see it? In verse 12 is the crown promised, but verses 13-16 is the ability to lose it. Do you see why it’s so important to read an entire passage before drawing a conclusion from one verse?
Another thing. While no man can go to heaven and take your crown, men can deceive us and turn us away from Christ. It’s in this sense that Jesus told John to warn the church. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev 3:11). Note also the warning by Paul, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col 2:8; cf. 2Peter 2).
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1Peter 2:2).
the INNOCENCY of children. When David’s son died in infancy, he desired to “go to him” (1Sam 12:23).
One quality every parent has experienced from children is their capacity to LOVE and our capacity to LOVE them sacrificially. Jesus uses that quality when He looked on with tears over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37). In Solomon’s day, he used this capacity for a mother’s LOVE for her child to determine the true mother of a child (1King 3:24-27)
Little children are especially unique in their ability to be DEVOTED to their parents regardless of their qualities. Consider Hebrews 12:4-11.
Children are used to REPRESENT the NEW BIRTH of becoming a Christian. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Then there’s the EXPECTATION of parents for the growth of the child. The New Testament writers make this comparison in Hebrews 5. “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (5:12-6:2; cr. 1Cor 3:1; 13:11).
Children can teach us so much about how to grow, mature, work, and try to do, while simultaneously knowing their complete NEED for the loving care of their parents for their basic needs. “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him” (Matt 7:9-11)?
Protect your TIME
Protect how you THINK.
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17).
Protect your mind from INTOXICATION.
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18)
Protect your heart by Making MELODY in your heart.
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19);
Protect yourself by EXPRESSING Gratitude.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20).
We are to protect our OWN
OLDER family members 1Tim 5:8-16
husbands protect their WIVES. Eph 5;23-33
fathers are to bring up their children in the NURTURE and Admonition of the Lord. Eph 6:4
things to protect part 3
for our personal MATERIAL needs. (2Cor 9:10-11).
for our OLDER Parents (and by extension our OLDER selves, (1Tim 5:4,8 )
to help NEEDY Saints (and as individuals, our needy NEIGHBORS, (1Cor 16:1-2)
for us to personally ENJOY (1Tim 6:17).
to have a heart that is YEARNING to give. (1Cor 16:1-2; cf. 2Cor 8:1-2)
Can a Christian Protect their lives as they face trouble in this life?
Let's look at the example of the Apostle Paul when he faced Arrest, Scourging and even foiling a plot against his life to escape personal injury.
7 Things to PROTECT overview
Protect our PERSON
Protect our RESOURCES and use them wisely.
Protect our OWN, & our Older folks.
Protect our TIME.
Protect our EYES.
Protect our CHILDREN.
Protect our TREASURE in Heaven.
1) FULLY Convinced in Belief. John 12:42; Heb 11:6
2) ACTIVE OBEDIENCE to the faith. obedience. Num 20:12; John 3:36 & Heb 3; Heb 10:39; Rom 1:5,8; 16:25-26
3) INFORMATION delivered. Jude 3; Gal 1:11,23
4) TRUST / TRUSTWORTHY. (faithful, faithfulness) Us and God. Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
5) HOLY SPIRIT Gift of the 1st century prior to completion of the written word. 1Cor 12:8-9; Matt 17:20; 1Cor 13:2, 8-13
“THEY DID NOT KNOW”
That phrase stands out to me as I evangelize to a world that knows what isn’t so. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and KNOWEST NOT that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17; emph mine seb).
While reading Ezekiel recently I was struck by the frequency of another phrase. “Then SHALL THEY KNOW that I am the LORD their God” (emph seb). Seventy-Six times throughout Ezekiel, God makes this statement at the heals of impending judgment, restoration, or prophetic statements about Christ. It’s spoken to people who have rejected, ignored, or otherwise “DO NOT KNOW,” but ought to have known, God.
The problem remains today. Many do not know, but think they know. What they know aint so. That’s why we preach. Here are just a few things we should KNOW.
We need to Know that Christ is KING and is reigning now. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Tim 6:15; cf Acts 2:34-36).
We need to Know NOT to love the world. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God” (Jas 4:4)?
We need to Know to OBEY His commandments. “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46-49)? "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Thess 1:8).
We need to Know how to WALK as Jesus WALKED. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1John 2:6).
Knowledge is power, but the right knowledge is the Power of God. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16).
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Spencer
First, He says; “Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them” (1Sam 8:9). God wants them to KNOW what they’re asking.
Second, this KING will IMPOSE heavy burdens on them. “This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take…”
· (11) your sons,
· (13) And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
· (14) And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
· (15) And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
· (16) And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
· (17) He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
· (18) And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
By the end of the UNITED KINGDOM period this truth will become the sore spot for the people. “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee” (1Kings 12:4).
After this warning about their request, the people say, “NEVERTHELESS the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles” (1Sam 8:19-20).
Amazing!! Even after hearing the warnings, they REFUSE to obey. Isn’t this still true today? It’s a common response of the disobedient. It was a similar response of the nation of Israel at their first attempt to enter the land of Canaan. “And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt” (Num 14:4).
This next point is important. “And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king” (1Sam 8:7,22). GOD GAVE them a KING, but that is not the complete picture. We need to study the whole counsel of God.
In Hosea, after this and their subsequent apostacy, the prophet said, “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath” (Hosea 13:11). They had rejected God, so He gave them a KING. Later, He will remove the earthly king (cf. Jer 22:29-30).
Religious scholars today make the mistake in claiming that God is intent on setting up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. That contradicts what God has done and what He has said. God has promised to set up a Spiritual Kingdom beginning at Pentecost (cf. Joh 18:36; Dan 2:44). Christ is KING, and reigns now, sitting on His throne in Heaven at the right hand of God.
“For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:34-36).
Let us never make the same mistake as they and ask for a different king. Christ is KING. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Tim 6:15).
2Peter 2:5
Paul includes Prophecy or FORETELLING in his letter to the Romans. “Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith” (Rom 12:6). While there was a miraculous element in the 1st century, we today can FORETELL through the inspired written word. Peter wrote, “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; is any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Peter 4:10-11). The future return of Christ is just one example.
It’s a sacrifice to be an INSTRUCTOR or Teacher of God’s word. “He that teacheth, on teaching” (Rom 12:8; cf. 2Tim 2:2).
It’s certainly a sacrifice to have COMPASSION (Mercy) on our fellow man. “He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:8). We have obtained mercy through the blood of Jesus. Ought we not show mercy on others?
EXHORTING (to urge one to pursue some course of conduct) is another important sacrifice. “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation” (Rom 12:8; 2Tim 4:2). Encouraging brethren to better conduct can be a challenge. For example; “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but EXHORTING one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
Finally, SERVING (ministering) our brethren is a Spiritual Sacrifice to God. “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering” (Rom 12:7). When we serve the brethren, we serve Christ. Jesus listed some things, “For I was an hungred, … I was thirsty, … I was a stranger, … Naked, … I was sick, … I was in prison... Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when … ? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt 25:35-40’ cf. Acts 6:1-7).
These are all matters the individual Christian does through their own lives and homes. Some believe we abdicate these to others. These are OUR SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES. May we all offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES
Firstly, we are to be ACTIVELY doing them, “Offer up…” Being a Christian is not a passive condition, it’s active. Note that we are “LIVELY” stones.
Secondly, our sacrifices must be “ACCEPTABLE to God.” Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2Tim 2:15a; cf. Rom 12:1).
Thirdly, they we are to AIM them “…to God”. Whatever these sacrifices are, they are to be directed toward God.
Fourthly, they are directed toward God through the AVENUE of Jesus; “…by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Himself said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
HERE ARE THE FIRST 5 of 10 Spiritual SACRIFICES.
We are to SHEW Forth Praises of God. 1Peter 2:9
ALL of our BODY, our whole being is a living sacrifice to God. “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1)
a CONTRIBUTION for the helping of needy Saints and for the work of the Church. Heb 13:15-16
and those that RULE are offering up a sacrifice. “He that ruleth, with diligence” (Rom 12:8; cf. 1Tim 3:1-7).
how the Saint INFLUENCES the world. “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Peter 2:12).
Next week; part 2, the Spiritual SACRIFICES we offer up to God through Christ.
Lessons from 1Peter 2:9-12
PILGRIMS. 1Peter 2:11
AFFECTIONS above. Col 3:1-4
STRANGERS. 1Pet 4:4
SANCTIFIED / Set apart. 1Pet 1:15-16
INDEPENDENT from the world. Jas 4:4
NATION within a nation. 2:9
GOING to a CITY. Heb 11:13-16
CALLED Christians. Acts 11:26
‘CHRISTIAN’ used interchangeably with ‘DISCIPLE’ (cf. Matt 28:19-20)
‘CHRISTIAN’ used interchangeably with ‘CHURCH’ (Acts 2:38, 47)
ALMOST Persuaded.Acts 26:24-29
‘CHRISTIAN’ used interchangeably with what Paul taught. (26:18)
‘CHRISTIAN’ used interchangeably with what Paul DID. (26:19)
What did Paul do?
Acts 22:17; 9:1-7, 18-22; 22:10; 9:6, 22:16
NOT ASHAMED to suffer.1Peter 4:16-17
‘CHRISTIAN’ used interchangeably with ‘HOUSE of God’ (cf. 1Tim 3:15)
‘CHRISTIAN’ used in contrast with them that obey not (2Thess 1:8-9)
There was no ‘church of your choice’ in New Testament times. There was only one choice. No denominations to be a part of. Division was condemned. (1Cor 1:10-13)
How you CAN be a Christian Only.Acts 2:38-47
Hear & Believe Mark 16:15-16
Repent Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30
Confess Matt 10:32-33;
Water Baptism, Acts 2:38; 22:16;
CALLED out of darkness
1Peter 2
1) CAST OFF (lay aside) v1.
2) APPETITE for the word v2-3.
3) LIVING Stones v4-8.
4) LIGHT Bearers v9-12.
5) EXAMPLES v13-17.
6) DO GOODERS v18-25.
Serve God as early as you can. 2Tim 1:5
Alcohol free. 1Pet 4:3-4
Marry Well. 2Cor 6:14
Spirit Led (by His word) Col 3:16
Overcome Sin through Repentance & Prayer 1John 1:9.
(if you've already obeyed the Gospel in Baptism)
Never Quit. Rev 2:10
The Right & Wrong of TEMPLE Worship.
The Right & Wrong of AUTHORITY
The Right & Wrong of UNITY
The Right & Wrong of wedding GARMENT
The Right & Wrong of HANDLING the Truth.
The Right & Wrong of TIME of the End.
Joshua is probably best known for the fall of JERICHO, his first battle after becoming the leader of Israel and crossing the Jordan (Josh 5-6:27). “And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him” (Josh 6:3-5).
Joshua was faithful and OBEDIENT. Because of his own obedience to God, he is able to tell the whole nation to do the same in his final speech. “Therefore be ye very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left” (Josh 23:6). Joshua did what was told him, (Ex 17:10).
His faithfulness and obedience made him an excellent SERVANT to Moses, to God & the People. “And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.” His most famous quote being, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Num 11:28; Ex 24:13; 32:17; Josh 1:1; 24:15).
Joshua was HEEDED by all the people during the beginning of his leadership, “And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go” (Josh 1:16), and they served the Lord during the days of the elders that outlived him. “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel” (Judges 2:7).
His whole life is an example of UNWAVERING Faith and Courage. It’s seen early after their exodus from Egypt in the battle with the Amalekites (Ex 17:8-16). It is seen as he serves Moses at Mount Sinai, “And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God,” (Ex 24:13; 32:17).
His UNWAVERING faith and courage are seen when he is chosen to spy out the land and his desire to go at once to take the land with Caleb. “And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not” (Num 14:6-10).
We also see a strong ALLEGIANCE & loyalty to Moses when they went up to Mt. Sinai while the others stayed beneath. “And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.” Moses when go on into the midst of the cloud that surrounded the mountain, (Exo 24:13-18).
He remained close to the mountain for the forty days while the others feared and erred. “And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him” (Exo 32:1-17).
“I am” statements communicate important qualities about ourselves, our identity, our values, our personality, and our nature.
· I am a Christian
· I am a husband
· I am a citizen of the U.S.
It’s no different with Christ. His “I AM” statements tell us much about who He is and helps us to fully appreciate Him and what He has done for us.
From His “I AM” statements we can learn some very wonderful things about…
1) Who is Jesus?
2) What can Jesus do for us?
3) Why should we follow Jesus?
Get your bible and read about these “I AM” statements from our Lord.
The first “I AM” statement we’ll consider answers the question about WHO IS JESUS? When Jesus said, “before Abraham was, I AM,” He is making a very startling claim (John 8:51-53). He is claiming that He pre-existed Abraham, the father of the whole nation of Israel. He is also claiming Deity.
God used this same wording for Himself when asked His name by Moses (Exodus 3:13-14). Looking closely at what is being said by God to Moses, we learn that God is the self-existing One (He has always existed). The folks hearing Jesus recognized that what Jesus was claiming was that He is DIVINE and ETERNAL. “Then took they up stones to cast at him” (John 8:59). When Jesus died and rose again on the 3rd day, He proved and confirmed that He is the Son of God.
Other NT passages also state this truth.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col 1:17). This truth also contains the fact that Jesus is the Creator. These truths about this first “I AM” statement means that He has the authority to make demands, give commands, and to save.
Which brings us to the next question…. WHAT CAN JESUS DO FOR US?
Three more of His “I AM” statements teach us about what Jesus can do for us.
ONE: “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:30-35). “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4). “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to everlasting life” (John 6:27). “The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Just as physical bread gives sustenance for the body, Christ is the bread of life that gives us spiritual sustenance.
TWO: “I Am the Light of the World” (John 8:12). “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). Jesus provides guidance and light in a dark world. He lights our way to Him.
THREE: “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1-5; 11-18). “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15). “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal 1:4). “And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd” (Ezek 34:23). Jesus offers protection. Not just from the dangers we face in this life, but protection from the penalty of sin.
This last “I AM” statement answers WHY SHOULD WE FOLLOW JESUS? “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:20-27). “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:1-6; cf. John 10:7-10). Everything about our faith hinges on this one truth. The resurrection is the reason for our…
HOPE; “Blessed be the God and Father of o
“It Ain’t What You Don’t Know That Gets You Into Trouble. It’s What You Know for Sure That Just Ain’t So.”
The origin of the above quote is unknown, being attributed by most to Mark Twain. Regardless of who came up with this quote, God teaches this principle in His divine word, and is being exemplified in peoples lives continually. What does this quote mean?
It means that there are some that are so confident in what they know, but do not know that what they know is false.
In other words, folks act on erroneous information as if it’s accurate. This gets them into trouble. They’re BLIND to the truth, believing a lie. (cf. 2Thess 2:10-12)
Samson is a clear example of this principle of being BLIND. “And she said, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times, and shake myself free. But he knew not that Jehovah was departed from him”
(Judges 16:20) (ASV) [emph mine seb].
What we learn from this passage, and others I’ll show you, is that it’s possible to know for certain a lie is true. Samson KNEW that the Lord was with him, but DID NOT KNOW that the Lord had departed from him.
To say it another way, it’s possible to be separated from God and not know (feel) it. Feelings are no evidence of salvation.
Here are 5 more examples from scripture of those that DID NOT KNOW the Lord was not with them, they’re BLIND.
BALAAM (Num 22:34). As Balaam went with Balak’s men against the will of God, he did not know that the Angel of the Lord stood in the way to slay him. But his donkey did. Upon seeing the Angel of the Lord Balaam said, “I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.” Lesson from Balaam; it’s possible to be headed toward death and not know it.
LAODICEA (Rev 3:17). In the letter to the church of the Laodiceans Jesus says, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Lesson from the Laodiceans; It’s possible to be successful, content, and feel secure and not know that you’re actually not secure at all.
ISRAEL (Num 14:41-44). After God denies them entry into the promised land for their disobedience, they make an attempt to go in. Moments earlier it would have been a good idea, but God had already given a new command. Moses even warns them saying, “Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.” Lesson from the children of Israel; It’s possible to want to do what you think is “good,” be warned against it, ignore the command of God and lose.
NONE of God’s counsel (Prov 1:28-33). “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.” What is the lesson from this Proverb? We fail to be with God, even though we call on His name, when we ignore His instructions. This helps us understand Matthew 7:21-29.
DOOMED for Destruction. (2Thess 1:8-9); “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” People who claim to be agnostic or atheistic will not have “I didn’t know” as an excuse. God has revealed Himself and the gospel of His Son to all, but not all believe and obey (cf. Acts 14:17; 17:23-31). Lesson from this passage; Saying “I didn’t know” will be no excuse.
It's possible to not know the Lord has departed from
a Quick Start Guide for babes in Christ.
The FIRST CHAPTER is a mini course on what it cost for us to become children of God. A good one-line summary could be;
We have a hope in the Promise of the resurrection. Christ Paid the Price for our Protection by the Power of God, through our Precious faith, with His own Precious blood.
Lesson ONE: You’re PRECIOUS; know Who & Who’s you are.
CHAPTER TWO, while using the illustration of a new born babe, Peter encourages us to follow the EXAMPLE of Christ in the way that He ENDURED suffering. This is part of what makes us different. Because we are in Christ, we are a “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (2Pet 2:9).
We are the living stones, being built up into a spiritual house. Therefore, we are to be different. When we ENDURE grief, suffering wrongfully, we are following the EXAMPLE of Christ as He also suffered wrongfully. He did not threaten, but committed himself to him that judges righteously (1Peter 2:23).
Lesson TWO: ENDURE to the end.
CHAPTER THREE teaches us how to live in more specific, perhaps less than ideal situations. Wives toward husbands, husbands toward wives, brethren toward brethren, and Christians who display hope amidst suffering. In the midst of this is this line; “For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it.” (3:11-12 ASV).
Lesson THREE: TURN Away from evil and pursue peace.
In CHAPTER FOUR we learn this; We’ve spent ENOUGH of our past in lusts of the flesh, the END of all things is near, so be sober. ENTRUST your soul to a faithful Creator when you suffer for the name of Christ. “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1Pet 4:7).
Lesson FOUR: The END is near, ENTRUST you soul to God.
Then we come to CHAPTER FIVE. This chapter instructs the members of the local congregation. First to the Elders who shall RECEIVE the crown of glory if they shepherd the flock of God. Then, he instructs the younger to submit to the elders. If not, he warns that God RESISTS the proud.
Continuing the instructions, we are told to RESIST the devil. We are not alone in our suffering among the brotherhood who also suffer and must RESIST.
Then the letter closes out with a promise to those who have endured the suffering. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10).
Lesson FIVE: RESIST the devil, God will remember you.
This letter is a wonderful letter for the New Born in Christ. It’s also a wonderful reminder to the older children of God.
--- spencer
the TONGUE in chapter 3.
1) TEACHERS hear the warning. 3:1
a) Be Correct. 1 Timothy 1:6-7
b) Be Complete. Acts 20:27
c) Be Clear. 2 Corinthians 3:12
d) Be Convincing. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
2) OFFENDING w/ the Tongue. 3:2
a) Mt 15:12 Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
b) 1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
c) Mt 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
3) NATURAL examples. 3:3-8
a) Bit, Rudder, Fire
b) Pr 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
c) Pr 15:18; 29:22
d) Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
4) GREAT Boasting. 3:5, 9-10 (hypocrisy)
a) Jas 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
b) Jas 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go
5) UNRULY evil. 3:6-8
a) Communication is hard under the best circumstances.
i) even the Lord’s words are twisted.
ii) 2Pet 3:16
iii) John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
6) EVIDENCE of our heart. 3:11-12
a) Comes out of the man.
i) Matt 15:11,18-20; Mark 7:15,20,23
JAMES.
1) Do we ever FALL into divers temptations?
a) count it all JOY. 1:2
2) Do we ever FAIL to show our faith?
a) ACTIVE faith. 2:14-24
3) Do we ever put our FOOT in our mouth?
a) the MOUTH. 3
4) Do we ever become a FOE of God?
a) friendship with the world is ENMITY with God. 4:4
5) Do we ever FEAR what happens to us?
a) Happy which endure SUFFERING. 5
The Truth shall set us FREE from:
The FEAR of death. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” [1Cor. 15:56,57]. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” [2Tim 1:7]
Being set free from the FEAR of Death is a powerful blessing from obeying Christ. By extension, we are FREE from the FEAR of men. “We ought to obey God rather than men.” [Acts 5:29].
The truth also sets us FREE to pursue RIGHTEOUSNESS. Prior to knowing (& obeying Gal 5:7) the truth we were in bondage to sin and free FROM righteousness. Now we are FREE from sin to pursue RIGHTEOUSNESS. “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” [Rom 6:18-20].
This does not mean that we can’t sin [1John 1:8-10], nor does it give us license to sin. Rather, it is teaching that we can have assurance on how to live faithfully, and avoid sin.
Another thing from which we’ve been set FREE is found in the letter to the Galatians. Paul reminded the saints that Christ set them FREE from the ENTAGLEMENT of the Law of Moses. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” [Gal. 5:1; cr. 2:4; 4:9;]
Returning to the Law of Moses is tantamount to going back into bondage. It’s sad when folks appeal to the OT for NT practices, thereby becoming ENTANGLED in bondage. “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” [Gal 3:10]. “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” [Rom. 7:6].
Going back to Romans we learn one more thing. Having been set FREE from sin, we may now have EVERLASTING LIFE. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” [Rom. 6:22]
None of the above will happen if we are ignorant of the truth. Remember, it is continuing in the TRUTH that sets us FREE. Before we can continue in it, we must first be in it.
WE CAN BE SET FREE IF….
…we become one of His disciples. HOW do I become a disciple of Christ? Remember, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” [John 8:31-32] To become His disciple we must obey the Gospel. Before He ascended into heaven He gave this command, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:” [Matt 28:19 (ASV)]
The Gospel is what calls us [2Thess. 2:14]. By hearing the truth, we can then believe that Jesus is the Christ [John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17].
By hearing and believing the truth, we learn to repent [Luke 13:3], and we learn to confess that Jesus is the Christ [Act 8:37].
By hearing and believing the truth, we learn to be baptized for the remission of sins. [Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16].
Being set FREE occurs AFTER obeying the gospel. The Gospel is the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus [1Cor 15:1-4]. Obeying the Gospel is the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of us through water baptism [Rom 6:3-4].
Obey the Gospel and be set FREE.
--- spencer
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
The GOSPEL literally means, “GOOD NEWS.” This Greek word for the GOSPEL is from the root word for evangelist. But it’s not enough to just be GOOD NEWS. The GOSPEL is GOOD NEWS from GOD. More than that, the GOSPEL is the GOOD NEWS about the GRACE of GOD. “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)
As one looks up every one of the 98 verses where the word is used, they would find that the GOSPEL is something to be OBEYED. If it is to be OBEYED, then there is something we must do. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1Peter 4:17; cf. 2Thess 1:8).
As we look for those things we must do, we learn that a person must do these five things in order…
1) must be involved in HEARING. (Matt 7:24)
2) must BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ. (Joh 8:24)
3) must REPENT of their sins. (Luke 13:3)
4) must CONFESS their belief in Christ. (Matt 10:32)
5) must be BAPTIZED into Christ. (Mark 16:16)
a) for the remission of sin. (Acts 2:38; Matt 26:28)
b) to put on Christ. (Gal 3:27)
c) into the death of Christ. (Rom 6:3-4)
d) to wash away your sins. (Acts 22:16)
e) to call on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)
f) to be saved. (1Peter 3:21)
g) to have the circumcision made without hands. (Col 2:11-12) through faith.
So, the GOSPEL is the Good News of the Grace of God, and is to be Obeyed, but for what reason? A search of the scriptures shows that the GOSPEL is for the SALVATION of mankind. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” (1Cor 15:1-2; cf. 2Tim 1:10; Eph 1:13)
Continuing our research of the scriptures, two more ideas about the GOSPEL come to our attention. The GOSPEL is the “power of God unto salvation;” (Rom. 1:16), and that it is the Good News to be PREACHED by people to people. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) We have no other thing by which we shall reach people. We are limited to the Power of God through Preaching the Gospel.
Another important thing related to the GOSPEL of the GRACE of GOD, is that it is to be preached to EVERY CREATURE (Mark 16:15; cf Mark 13:10; 14:9). The GOOD NEWS of the GRACE of GOD regarding the SALVATION of man is not to be withheld from any person. To do so would be showing partiality and judging unrighteous judgment (cf. Matt 7:1-2).
The last thing one may notice in their study about the GOSPEL is that it is to be preached out of LOVE (Phil 1:15-17), and it is to be LIVED out for the remainder of our lives. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:” (Phil 1:27)
The GOSPEL is the Good News of the Grace of God, it is to be Obeyed so that we may be Saved, this Power message is to be Preached to Every creature out of Love, and it is be Lived out daily in the life of the those that have received its power.
--- spencer
the PARABLES of Christ.
We will notice that parables were part of PROPHECY which contributed to identifying Jesus as the Christ. “I will open my mouth in a parable:” (Psalm 78:2)
We will also notice that parables ASSIST people in understanding the lessons from Christ. We can easily identify the example in the parable to discover His teaching.
If you’ll look at the list of the parables you notice that Christ uses REAL life scenarios to explain His teachings. (ie. a sower)
Parables will ALLOW the seekers to see, but the BLIND not to see. Christ never keeps life saving truth from anyone, but some just don’t want it, hence they’re BLIND.
The meaning of the word parable is; to LAY along side. (cf. W.E. Vines). “And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” (Mark 4:30)
Another way to describe a parable is as an EXTENDED metaphor or simile. It’s not intended to be mysterious, concealing, nor prevent the truth seeker from understanding.
Ultimately, a parable is a SPIRITUAL lesson using an understood physical scenario. Jesus uses a known thing to explain SPIRITUAL things.
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?” (Mark 4:13)
On the following page is a list of all the parables (I think). Luke carries the most parables. While many people categorize them in different ways, I’ve identified seven. Prayer Parables, Kingdom Parables, Forgiveness Parables, Christ Parables, Parables of the Lost, Readiness Parables, and Stewardship Parables.
PRESS Toward the Goal.
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14)
What do you do when you hit bottom? Despite the depth of the losses I’ve felt, I’m sure I haven’t experienced that. But there are some examples in scripture that can give us insight.
Consider the Apostle Paul who said,
“…in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” (2Cor 11:23-27).
Read that again and really focus on each of those experiences. Try to see yourself in his place.
It's difficult for me to imagine. How did he find the strength to endure such hostility and loss? In the letter to the Philippians, we find a clue, “I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” In other words, he had a very large WHY. With a large enough WHY we can endure any HOW. There’s no bigger WHY than being in heaven with Christ.
Paul endured the How because of his WHY. From Strong’s we learn that the word press means; “to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute:--ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.” Did you see it? The word for press is also translated as “PERSECUTE.” (cf. Phil 3:6). Does that give you a better picture as to how Paul could endure? He Pressed, PERSECUTED toward the mark. Think of it as a full court PRESS as in basketball. Paul transferred his prior PERSECUTION of the church into a PERSECUTION to reach heaven.
In his letter to the Corinthians, he makes another illustration. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1Cor 9:24). He compares it to a RUNNER in a RACE for a prize that only one receives. Not that only one person can go to heaven, but that we should have the attitude of the RUNNER where only one may win.
Paul also EXERCISED himself unto godliness. “But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1Tim. 4:7; cf. 1Tim 4:8). This word carries the meaning, ‘to train’ oneself. We are in constant training for godliness.
In another similar illustration Paul says, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1Cor. 9:25). The one that will PRESS toward the mark can be compared to one that STRIVES for mastery. Mastery of what? Mastery of being a faithful Christian. (cf. 2Tim 2:15; 3:16-17)
Along those same lines, he kept his body in SUBJECTION. “But I keep under my body, , and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1Cor 9:27; cf. 7:1-9). His meaning is to practice self-control over the lust of the flesh so as not to be ineligible for heaven.
Our ultimate goal should be in going to heaven where Christ sits. We can do that by keeping our eyes and affections above (Col. 3:1-2). We also PRESS toward the mark. We can either give up or give it all.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
There is a MESSAGE for the world. It’s an important message. Dare I say, it’s a vital message to the survival of the soul? It’s the Gospel.
But who shall take this message to the world? According to the bible, we will, the church. It began with the chosen Apostles, and then was extended to us.
“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2Tim 2:2)
The Creator of the universe has entrusted us with this vital message. Are we up to the task?
Normal is not up to the task. We’re all familiar with the average man and his hesitancy to perform a task. When given such an assignment, will the regular person say, “Here am I; send me?” No, they will rather ask one or more of these questions:
· When should I start?
· Where do I go?
· Who is the world?
· Is that my job?
· Do you mean right now?
“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.” (Prov 10:26)
The Lord wants laborers. “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
We are the laborers, each of us have been ‘hired’ for this important taks. “And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” (Matt 20:1-16; cf Matt 25:24-30)
Now back to the command; “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matt 28:19) Let us GO. The rest of this article we’ll look at the two qualities we need when we GO into all the world.
Firstly, we need ourselves to be changed people. Before we can present the Gospel to anyone, we must first be partakers of that gospel. Without GODLINESS it will be near impossible to convince anyone of the good news. You cannot teach the gospel just through a godly life, but it’s impossible without it.
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1Peter 2:12; 3:16)
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” (Phil 2:15)
Many folks have rejected the gospel, the church, and pure religion, simply on the basis of the hypocrisy of its members. Let us GO in all GODLINESS. “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1Tim 6:11; cf 2Pet 1:1-10)
The second part of this simple command is to be of ONE mind with Christ in all that we do. “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;” (Eph 6:5).
Going into the world to preach does not require a vow of poverty nor for us to quit working (cf. Eph 4:28; 2Thess 3:10; 1Tim 5:8). Living godly lives in our work, our home, and our community gives us opportunity to meet folks and to shine our lights. From there we must have ONE mind with Christ, which is to share the life saving Gospel message. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lo
“Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say, Rejoice.” (Php 4:4)
Considering the state of our world this seems like an impossible task. One thing we forget however, is that those words were penned while Paul was in a Roman prison.
Every generation has to figure out how to complete this command for themselves despite the ‘troubles’ of their times. We’re no different.
Since the fall of man, we have all had to deal with the troubles that come from a broken sin filled world.
Despite this can we still find a way to REJOICE? Yes. If there is a command, then it’s within our ability to obey. But how?
How do we rejoice in the midst of turmoil? Can we rejoice when there is no peace in the world? We forget that there is no true peace if we’re not at peace with God. When we find peace with God, we can also learn how to rejoice.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Col 3:15)
This verse comes in the midst of a list of instructions; it must then be true then, that when we follow these instructions, we might have that peace of God.
Going to the beginning of the chapter we find the first step. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Col 3:1-4). Before we can have peace from God, we need to seek and to set our affections above. From this verse and others, we learn that the child of God is to PURSUE righteousness, the things from above (cf. Jas 3:17; 1Tim 6:11; 2Tim 2:22; 1Pet 3:11).
The child of God is then to, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (Col 3:5-9). EVIL is to be put off of the child of God. How can any of us expect peace when we continue to participate in the earthly, carnal, sensual, evil of this world? “For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:” We used to live this way, but now we are to live differently (cf. 1Cor 6:9-11).
Removing bad habits is not enough, we must replace what we have put off. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;” (Col 3:12). We are to put on, ADORN ourselves with the new man. In obeying the gospel through faithful baptism, we are raised up to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:3-4). Failure to do this is why we often return to our old ways. It’s not enough to
remove evil. We must replace it with good.
But we still have a little further to go. The elect of God is expected to go beyond just outer actions, we must engage our hearts. “And above all these things put on CHARITY [love], which is the bond of perfectness” (Col 3:14). Without love we are nothing (1Cor 13:1-3). Love is very powerful. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1John 4:18).
There is just one more thing in this list. Love is more than an emotion. It’s obedience to God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:” (1John 5:3). We see this instruction in our passage. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:15-17).
We must let the peace of God dwell in our hearts, and this is accomplished when we let the word of Christ dwell there also. The last line in this section explains what this means. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind…” [Phil 3:13]
Paul’s storied past left much to be regretted and to be forgotten.
“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.” (Acts 26:9-11).
It's Paul’s past that gives much more weight to this advice given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What can we learn from Paul about how to forget the past? Here’s the rest of the passage in Philippians 3:13-14; “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
“I press toward the mark for the prize” It's not enough to just forget the past, one must PRESS toward the PRIZE. Each of us has a past that needs forgiving and forgetting (Rom 3:23). Thankfully we have obeyed that form of doctrine whereby we may have the forgiveness of sins and the forgetting of them by our heavenly Father (Rom 6:17; Heb 10:17). Having repented and been baptized, we are to move forward and not to remain in the past.
“Set your affection on things above,” (Col 3:1-3). In the letter to the Colossians, Paul gives more details on this subject. If we’ve been raised with Christ, we are to seek those things above by setting our AFFECTIONS on things above. This word means to ‘intensively interest oneself.’ [Strong’s Greek Concordance]. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom 8:6). Paul makes this point in our Philippians passage verses 15-16.
“For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.” (Heb 11:13-14). This passage in Hebrews helps us learn from those who preceded us in faith. They needed to forget the past because, “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (15-16). The third key to forgetting the past is to SEEK a heavenly home. To seek means; ‘to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave.’ [Strong’s Greek Concordance].
So far, we have learned that to forget the past is to Press toward the prize, to set our Affections above, and to Seek a heavenly home. The last piece comes to us from the Lord…
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62). Just as we learned from the Patriarchs in the point above, we are not to TURN back from pressing forward. Looking back makes us ineligible for the kingdom of God. Please note, this is not about reflection on our past, it’s about longing to return to our past. Consider Lot’s wife. “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Gen 19:26). In retelling his past, Paul didn’t violate the word of God because he wasn’t desiring to go back to what he had left. He told it as a reminder of the importance of pressing forward.
Forgetting the past is about keeping our desires for the future glory of heaven before us that it k
"Love your neighbor as yourself”
While challenging Jesus, a certain lawyer seeking to justify himself, asked, “who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the parable of the good Samaritan to make him and us consider the answer to that question. (Luke 10:25-37)
Who is my neighbor?
What a great question! Seeing that the second great command is to love thy neighbor as thyself, we ought to ask it of ourselves today. (Matt 22:39; cf Lev 19:18)
It reminds me of NAAMAN’S stolen little maid (2King 5:1-14). Who was her neighbor?
It was the one that STOLE HER!!
From the parable and the story of the little maid we learn that EVERYONE we come in contact with is our neighbor, and let’s not forget about our online neighbor.
Do we have the love to INVITE our neighbor to the healing power of Jesus? Another question, would they accept or decline the invitation based on our GOOD works or lack thereof? “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:16). The story of the healing of Naaman hinges on an invitation from the stolen little maid. What does Naaman’s acceptance of her word speak about her good behavior?
Jesus speaks of love for, rather than HATRED of our enemies. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt 5:43-44). It makes me think of the server that had wronged a Christian. After he exacted his pound of flesh through a verbal assault, I wonder if the server would be open to an invitation to a home bible study with that Christian? (Ouch, that hurt.)
What about our BORDER neighbors, the ones with whom we share a fence line? If history is indicative of future possibilities, what would their answer be to our invitation to worship after our current land dispute? Let alone the Proverbs wisdom about being friendly with our property neighbors. “Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” (Prov 27:10; cf. Prov 3:29)
It can be difficult to be at peace with everyone, but we OUGHT to try. “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” (Rom 15:2) “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom 12:18) We OUGHT to pursue peace with our neighbor if for no other reason than it interferes with both of us going to heaven. (cf. Mark 9:50; Rom 14:19; Heb 12:14) “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1Tim 2:3-4).
Lastly, let’s also think of our less fortunate neighbors without showing RESPECT of persons. Jesus said, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.” (Luke 14:12; cf. James 2:1-13). After disregarding our poor neighbors, or those different from us, could we invite them to worship and would they accept?
Who is our neighbor? Great question. The take away for me is to live in such a way as to not make enemies. This doesn’t mean to ignore nor to whitewash the truth of the gospel. Rather it’s about avoiding situations where we might create lifelong enemies that will hinder the spreading of the gospel. “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1Cor 9:22)
---spencer
"IF THERE HAD BEEN MORE LOVE…
…there would not be any division.” You’ve probably heard something like this before. Another way of saying this is, “Let’s unite over the things we have in common and not divide over our differences.”
They contend that love will prevent any division among us. I would agree, but not in the way that they use love.
If love for the truth is what is meant by “more love” then I’m all in. However, it is evident that not everyone will love and accept the truth on some matters of faith.
“…because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2Thess. 2:10)
LOVE for the truth motivates the servants of the Lord to preach it and to exhort all to follow it (cf. 2Tim 4:2). Sadly, there are those who refuse to submit to the will of the Lord, and do not have the doctrine of Christ. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” (2John 1:9a)
When some say that love will prevent division, they are using their definition of love which OVERLOOKS practices that are not found in the doctrine of Christ. These will place the blame of division on those laboring to practice the truth rather on those who will not accept it. Paul wrote, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph 5:11). Love of the truth would have adherents practicing the divine pattern of the truth, rather than advocating an umbrella of love that ignores it.
Certainly, the truth is to be spoken in love. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph 4:15). We have a responsibility to speak the truth in love. Perhaps, those who cry that love would prevent divisions, dwell on the manner of presentation. Every preacher ought to work on the manner of presenting the truth in love (1Cor 13), but what right does anyone have to reject the word of God based on the manner of presentation? Salvation comes through obeying the gospel of Christ, and any failure should be placed on the hearts of the hearers (cf. Luke 8:11-15; 2Thess 1:8).
All the love in the world is not going to result in some people accepting the truth whereby brethren can walk together in truth. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16) “So there was a division among the people because of him” (John 7:43).
VIOLATION of God’s word is to be blamed for division, not a lack of love. Are we prepared to say that a lack of love from Christ resulted in division? May it never be!!
Was there a lack of love on the part of John toward Diotrephes that caused division? No, it’s the following of EVIL that causes the division. It was the lack of love for the truth on the part of Diotrephes that caused the division. “but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not” (2John 9-11). [emph mine seb]
Yes, we need more love “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” (Phil 1:9; cf. 1Thess 3:12). May there be more love of the truth that we may walk together in unity of the Spirit and have fellowship with God through Jesus Christ our Savior. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph 4:4-6)
---spencer
“And the Lord make you to increase and ABOUND in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” (1Thess 3:12).
“NO MAN hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1John 4:12)
“OWE no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Rom 13:8)
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
(Galatians 5:13).
“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are TAUGHT of God to love one another.” (1Thessalonians 4:9).
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure HEART FERVENTLY.” “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1Peter 1:22, 1Peter 4:8).
“For I have given you an EXAMPLE, that ye should do as I have done to you.” “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (John 13:15; 34-35; 15:12; Eph 4:32; 1John 4:11)
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” “And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” (Matt 22:39; 1John 3:11, 23, 4:7, 12, 2John 1:5) To love one another is a Requirement of God.
Balaam wanted MORE.
MORE from the Lord even after His clear command?
does more MONEY change the word of the Lord?
lotto up to $500 mil?
OPPORTUNITY to do good?
Rom 6:1 continue in sin to increase grace?
Social Gospel. Fellowship hall error.
“Let’s just do it and ask God for mercy”
RE-STUDIED the issue.
MDR, Women Preachers etc.
ENJOY life more?
God wants me to be happy.”
God SAYS things in 4 ways…
Acts 15 demonstrate each of these.
1) STATES in Direct Commands & Facts. Acts 15:13-18
2) APPROVED Examples of those following the Stated commands. Acts 15:12
a) What makes for an approved example? When the example follows a command of God.
b) An expedient is when there are a variety of examples to fulfill a generic command.
c) When a specific command is stated, it eliminates all variations.
d) The first day of the week worship is specific. Places for Bible study is generic.
e) Without a command there is no approved example nor necessary inference.
3) YOUR inescapable conclusions based on the written evidence. Implying & Inferring. Acts 15:7-11
4) SILENCE Prohibits. Acts 15:24. If silence is permissive, how would you order a pizza?
If God communicates in a different manner, explain it to me without Telling me, Showing me or Implying anything.
How to determine the meaning of Bible WORDS?
1) WORDS should be defined from their ORIGINAL use at the time of writing. Modern uses of the word are useless. We must understand the word from the viewpoint of the writer and how it was understood by the people living at the time of the writing. This also applies to words of old translations like the KJV. ie “replenish” Gen 1:28.
2) ONE MEANING for each word in a given instance (a word may have multiple meaning or nuances) ie. Faith = Believe, Trust, Revealed truth. Rom 10:17
a) Consider context, & compare other passages with the same original word.
3) RECOGNIZE that some words have a specific Biblical meaning ie Baptism = immersion; Saints; Church; Elder / Pastor.
4) DETERMINE which meaning the author intended when a word has multiple meanings or nuances. ie. Faith & Grace.
5) SENTENCES & Paragraphs are words & sentences in a definite arrangement to compose a unit of thought. Follow the rules of grammar & Comparison as with individual words. ie, who are “they” in Acts 2:1. (See 1:36 & 2:14)
ILLUSTRATIVE vs Literal language, Figures of Speech & Idioms.
The majority of the Bible uses LITERAL language, especially seen in the names of people & places, facts, relating events, commands etc. These things should be taken literally and we ought not search out hidden meanings.
FIGURATIVE language,
Metaphors & parables, symbolism is often stated as such and should not be made literal without a reason to do so. Figurative language is used to…
1) Graphically portray truth, making it more vivid and memorable. To understand the terrible nature of sin. Mark 9:41-50
2) To teach a spiritual unseen lesson outside of our physical experience. Mark 4:1-8
3) To give clarity to those that desire to know the truth, and to keep the enemy questioning. Matt 13:14-15; 2Thess 2:11-12
4) 4 Main Types of figurative: Poetry, Proverb, Prophecy, Type & shadows.
When is it Figurative language?
If making literal…
1) Causes an absurdity (Luke 9:60)
2) Causes inconsistencies (John 11:25-26)
3) Creates a moral dilemma (Mark 9:43-47)
4) If stated as figurative (John 2:18-21)
5) When context and common sense makes it clear to be a figure. (John 4:10-15; 6:33-68)
Understanding figurative language.
1) Determine what type it is. (Idiom, figure, metaphor, prophecy, parable etc.)
2) Use the writer’s explanation (Mar 4:13-20)
3) Harmonize it with the literal & with the times of the writer. Mark 4:13-20
4) Do not try to press the meaning too far.
5) Similar figures do not always carry the same meaning. (Matt 13:33 vs 16:6-12)
The UNITY of the Bible is seen in…
1) ULTIMATE Purpose in the redeeming of Mankind from sin. Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
2) NECESSITY of each book to understand all of the books and the whole story. Gal 3:19. Rom 4:15; 5:20; 7:8,13; Ga 3:16;
3) INSTRUCTION in righteousness. Each covenant has its purpose & place in leading people to serve God, to understand sin and how to atone for it. 2Tim 3:15-17
4) THEME. The grand scheme of Redemption through Christ unifies the entire bible. Luke 24:27
5) YEARNING for & looking for the Messiah is the overall story of the whole bible.
a) Mat 2:4-5
9 rules to INTERPRET any text.
1) INTERPRET a passage in context & in harmony with all other passages on same topic. All passages on the same topic must be considered. ie. Rom 10:13 & Act 22:16
2) NOTE the background, authority of the writer. Was he inspired, educated, biased (ie. Balaam; Nu 22:5,7,21,23,28; Jude 1:11; 2Peter 2:15-16) & style of writing (The Holy Spirit uses the style of the writer).
3) THE WRITER’s own explanation within a passage should stand. (Mark 4:13-20)
4) EASY, Simple & most obvious meaning of any passage is usually the correct meaning. ie. 2Peter 3:21
5) RESPECT all passages on a topic without overemphasizing any one passage over another. (John 3:16; Mark 16:16)
6) PHRASES, Idioms, Synecdoche, & Figures of speech within a passage must be considered. (Mark 10:19)
7) REPETITION within a passage is used for emphasis of a point. (Gal 1:6-10)
8) EACH passage has an original meaning to the audience. Prophecies & Principles may be drawn out of a passage without altering the original meaning.
9) TOUGH PASSAGES can be understood with another simpler one. Difficult or obscure passages can be explained by simpler passages on same topic. (2Pet 2:15-18)
Axioms of the TRUTH.
TRANSPARENCY; It is simple and Void of all theological complexities. Written words are available to all. Jude 1:3; Ac 26:26
1) ONE TRUTH. John 14:6
a) Eph 4:4-6 ONE
2) The law of Opposition. Specific truths automatically oppose the specific opposite.
RESEARCHABLE; They say, “God speaks to me.” How can WE know?
1) RESEARCHABLE. Acts 17:11. It must match the revealed word of God.
2) READABLE; Eph 3:3-4. John 20:30-31
3) REVIEWABLE; 2Pet 3:15-16
UNIVERSAL; Applies to all. A correct definition of a word will not change the meaning of the text. The object of communication is to impart thought. The object of communication is to understand the exact thought of the Author.
1) Mar 16:15; Mat 28:18-20
2) Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: cf. Gal 3:28
THINKING Is expansive to anyone’s mental capacity. Written Language is a reliable form of communication.
1) Prov 1:4 To give subtilty to the simple.
2) Prov 1:5 A wise man will hear, Dr’s, Lawyers, Scientists, a President.
3) 2Pet 3:16 some things hard to be understood.
HEAVENLY; Jas 1:17; 3:17; heaven sent.
1) Anything less is worthless. 2Tim 3:16-17
2) 1Thess 2:13 as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you…
a) Not your feelings, that’s belly. Php 3:19
b) 2Pet 1:21 holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
c) Gal 1:12 heard it not from man.
Mark 9:7 HEAR HIM! 1:11; Heb 2:1-3
Bible study TERMS.
1) TRANSLATIONS that seek word for word translation vs thought for thought or paraphrases. Formal equivalence approach tends to emphasize fidelity to the lexical details and grammatical structure of the original language, whereas dynamic equivalence tends to employ a more natural rendering but with less literal accuracy.
a) Formal Equivalent: KJV; NKJV; ASV;
b) Dynamic Equivalence: NIV
c) Paraphrases: The Message, Living Bible
2) EXEGESIS vs Eisegesis.
a) Exegesis: critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible.
b) Eisegesis: an interpretation, especially of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.
3) REFERENCE material.
a) The Bible is its own best commentary.
b) Bible Dictionaries; Hebrew & Greek
i) Strong’s; Vine’s; Interlinear Bibles.
4) MEANINGS of words as originally understood at the time of the writing.
a) “Replenish the Earth” Gen 1:28
SPEECH figures, metaphors & Idioms. (ie. “Breaking bread”)
Although it originated with God, Sir Francis Bacon (1219-1294) introduced a scientific method for the methodical observation of facts as a means of studying and interpreting natural phenomena as well as other areas (logic, math, physics, and moral philosophy).
Remember this phrase.
BEFORE answering a matter, gather ALL the facts; CAREFULLY OBSERVING the details making only NECESSARY inferences and conclusions.
INDUCTIVE: In logic, induction refers specifically to “inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances.” In other words, it means forming a generalization based on what is known or observed. Gathering ALL facts before answering. (cf. Pr 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.) No interpretation of any fact can be true which does not harmonize with all other known facts.
INDUCTIVE Reasoning in Scripture:
Used by Jesus; (Luke 24:25-27)
Used by the Apostles in Acts 15 in answering the matter of circumcision. They didn’t make the doctrine, they reasoned from the facts revealed by God.
7 RUINOUS methods of Bible reading pt 2
NUMEROLOGY 1Tim 1:4
ONLY Clergy can understand. Eph 3:1-5
UNDER the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. 1Cor 13:8-12
SADDUCEE approach. Literal, Heartless approach.