Grow In Grace: Recent Episodes
Grow In Grace
* Galatians 2:20; 4:18-19 + Christ lives in us; the features of Christ formed in us * Ephesians 3:14-19 + “ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” * Colossians 1:27-29 + Christ in you, the hope of glory; laboring to help Christians mature
* Hebrews 2:9-18 + we see Jesus now crowned with glory; calls us His brethren; + His work as High Priest-propitiation for sins once, and help for temptations/trials daily * Hebrews 6:19-20 + our Forerunner in God’s presence now
* Matthew 9:1-13 + authority to forgive sins; the friend of sinners * Matthew 11:25-30 + revealing the Father; our example for meek and lowly service
Peace Among Yourselves and Before a Watching World: Romans 14:19; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; Romans 12:18; Colossians 3:12-14
The God of Peace: Romans 15:33, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 16:30
The Peace of God: Philippians 4:4-7, John 14:27-28, Isaiah 26:3-4, Colossians 3:15
Br. Paul Meijer
John 3:3,5; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; John 14:17; John 14:16,26; John 16:13-14
Br. A Poots
Romans 5:10; Romans 8:3; Matthew 16:13-16; John 1:14, 18; Mark 1:11; Proverbs 8:30-31
- Romans 1:3-4,16-17
- Romans 3:19-26
- Romans 4:22-25
- Romans 5:1,10,12-21
- Romans 6:1-11
- Romans 7:1-6,14-25
Br. Hilvert Wijnholds
His Holiness for Effective Service
Points to Consider
The life of Simon Peter is a tremendous study, one which has many turning points. One such turning point is found in Luke 5:1-11. This section reveals the words of our Lord (vv. 1-3), the works of our Lord (vv. 4-7), and the ways of our Lord (vv. 8-11). On Peter’s side of the story, we see him going from failure to success; and we have to ask, “What made the difference?”
We might say at first glance it was his obedience to the Master, and this is true. But there is another lesson embedded in this story that Peter never really forgot!
When the Lord Jesus asked him, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch,” Simon responded, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.” The Lord rewarded his obedience, as reluctant as it might have been, for “when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.” They needed help to pull the catch in—but Peter lost interest in the fish! His net was not the only thing breaking. The Scriptures tell us, “When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’”
Suggested focus:
- Looking at Luke 5:1-11, what is the significance of this event in Peter’s life?
- How does it connect to the holiness of God in our service?
- Other Scriptures to consider include 1 Peter 1:13-21; 2:5, 9, 17, 18; 3:1; 4:2-3.
Br. Mark Harris
His Holiness Enabling Me to Be His Mouthpiece
Points to Consider
The book of Isaiah is an amazing book, the first of 17 prophetic books. (The Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel; the Minor Prophets are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The Minor Prophets are also sometimes called The Twelve). The book of Isaiah has been referred as the Gospel of the Old Testament. It can be divided up into two main sections. The first 39 chapters deal mainly with condemnation, which shows man’s need for salvation; and the next 27 chapters deal with consolation, which displays God’s provision for salvation.
Some helpful background to the opening verses of Isaiah 6 is found in 2 Chronicles 26 and 2 Kings 15:1-5. There we read of King Uzziah, who reigned for 52 years. He started out very well, but he did not finish well. There are many lessons that can be learned from this king! He was not satisfied with where the Lord had placed him, and he wanted a place which did not belong to him. He lost sight of the holiness of God and defiled the temple.
This background is extremely important to the lessons Isaiah teaches us because it is in direct contrast to Isaiah’s experiences in chapter 6. As we read through this convicting chapter, we realize that before the prophet could be an effective mouthpiece of God, he had to go through four stages:
- He experienced sight: he saw the Lord (vv. 1-4), which was his confrontation
- He gained insight: he saw himself (vv. 5-7), which led to his confession
- He was given a vision: he saw the need (v. 8), which opened the way to his call
- He saw the blindness of the nation (vv. 9-13), which led to his commission
Suggested focus:
- Have you had an experience in which you were overcome by the holiness of the Lord?
- Consider five things Isaiah draws attention to in verse 5. What can we learn from them?
- What do we learn in verses 6-7 about the cleansing of Isaiah?
- How did this affect Isaiah’s readiness to be a mouthpiece?
Br. John Redekop
His Holiness to Enter into His Blessings
Points to Consider
As Joshua stepped out to survey the Jericho, “Behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand.” Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” Joshua was about to learn an all-important lesson before he could enter into the blessings of all that God had promised and now had provided. The Man Joshua faced answered him saying, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” To this Joshua, fell on his face and worshipped declaring, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” (See Joshua 5:13-15.)
But before he could go any further, there was another important lesson to be learned. The Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” Once again, as with Moses, the ground became holy ground because of the presence of the Lord.
The book of Joshua has often been paralleled with the book of Ephesians, where we find out that our blessings are heavenly in character. We learn in the second chapter of that epistle that the Church is to be a holy habitation of God in the Spirit. If a sense of His holy presence is lacking, this will impact our entering into the blessing that we have been blessed with in Christ.
Suggested focus:
- What are some of these blessings that we are to enter into and enjoy?
- What hinders us from enjoying them today?
- What is the main prerequisite to enjoying “the land”?
Br. Paul Meijer
His Holiness to Experience the Power of His Presence“Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5
Points to Consider
Moses had spent forty years in Egypt learning the ways of the world. Then he spent forty years in the wilderness learning the ways of being dependent upon the Lord. It was at that time the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush. Moses saw the bush burning, but it was not being consumed. Being intrigued, Moses drew near. At that moment the Lord spoke to Moses saying, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moses had to learn (as do we all) that we do not draw near to a holy God out of intrigue. As we come near to Him, we must acknowledge and have a sense of His holy presence! What made the ground holy? It was the presence of a Holy God!
In removing his shoes, Moses was acknowledging that he was of the earth. Human feet are sometimes referred to as “feet of clay,” symbolizing that we are but creatures of the earth and that it is our feet that link us to the earth. If Moses was to lead the people of God, this lesson had to be learned; and we see this confirmed again in chapters 33-34.
As we look at the passage our theme verse comes from, let’s seek to answer several questions:
- What does the word “holy” mean?
- What does holiness look like?
- What can we learn from Exodus 3 and 33? How are the holiness of God and His glory connected?
Br. Tim Hadley
THEME: His Holiness in My Service
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5
INTRODUCTION:
Our theme verse for MIF 2022 is “His Holiness for My Service.” This theme is threaded throughout the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. As it has often been said, “It was God’s holiness that put man out of the Garden of Eden and it was His love that kept them out!”
The actual word “holy” does not appear in our Bibles until Exodus 3, where Moses is being called to serve as the deliverer of the people of God. At the very beginning of his service, Moses had to learn that this holiness is the very character of God. Stephen Charnock, a preacher in the 1700’s, once wrote, “Power is God’s hand or arm, Omniscience is His eyes, Mercy is His bowels (heart), Eternity His duration, but Holiness is His Beauty.” Thomas Watson would add, “Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of His crown.”
Holiness is central to biblical teaching, but we must ask whether it is central in our thinking today. Scripture says that our God is glorious in His holiness (Ex. 15:11). Hannah would declare, “No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God” (1 Sam. 2:2). Isaiah would remind us, “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Is. 57:15).
The primary meaning of the word holy is “separate.” It comes from a word that means “to cut” or “to separate.” This is translated “a cut apart,” or maybe even more accurately, “a cut above.” The holiness of our God is more than simply separateness. His holiness is transcendent, meaning He is far above everything else and everyone else. He stands apart, and He stands above! He is transcendentally separate. In all that our blessed God is, He is Holy. He is holy in His love, holy in His mercy, holy in His justice, and holy in His knowledge. He is wholly holy! The wholeness of our God is His holiness, and the revelation of His holiness is His glory.
A secondary meaning of His holiness flows out of the first. If He is holy in all that He is, then He is also separate from all that is unclean and immoral.
Things to consider together this week:
- What comes to your mind when you think of God’s holiness?
- Have you ever been overcome by the truth of the holiness of God?
- What impact does the holiness of God have on your life?
John 19:25-30 and 20:11-18: The words of the Lord Jesus to His mother from the cross and to Mary of Magdala after His resurrection. * The Lord Jesus shows deep affection to His mother from the cross. * As the risen One, He announces new relationships to those who are now His brethren.
Not recorded due to staffing constraints. Please pray the Lord will raise up more willing technical servants.
John 11:1-6 + 20-44: With Martha and Mary in Bethany, after the death of Lazarus * The Lord Jesus, ‘the resurrection and the life’, shows His sympathy and is shedding tears before manifesting His power in raising Lazarus.
John 8:1-12: The conversation with the adulteress woman * The Lord Jesus, ‘the Light of the World’, manifesting the hearts of men and offering the light of life to those who follow Him.
John 4:5-30: The conversation with the Samaritan woman * The Lord touches the heart and the conscience of the woman, presenting not only living water springing up into eternal life, but also worship of the Father in spirit and truth.
John 2:1-11: The conversation with Mary, His mother, at the wedding in Cana * The Lord does not recognize the natural relationship to Mary regarding His ministry. His ministry manifests His glory and results in blessing.
Matthew 18:15-17
The case study focuses on a trespass or sin committed. Very often conflicts do lead to a trespass by one or both parties. We think, speak, and act towards them in an ungodly way! So this serves as a good model.
Step 1: Communication - v15 - Face to face private meeting to have an open, honest discussion on the matter that gives rise to the conflict. It is not to prove a point or defend a position - but to hear and be heard. Done in humility - the goal is “gaining or winning back a bother/sister”.
Step 2: Mediation - v16 - When communication fails - mediation is the next step. Take two or three more, who can hear and assess the conditions, and guide them to a healthy conclusion. (See 1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
Step 3: Assembly Accountability - v17a - The final step when step 1 and 2 fail - the assembly has the final say on resolving conflict between two believers. Each submits to the assembly's resolution. (See 1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
Step 4: Treat as an unbeliever - v17b - the party that fails to submit to the assembly's conclusion of the matter - is to be treated as an unbeliever with removal of all communal privileges.
The goal of conflict resolution:
- Restoration of relationships - Genesis 13:18
- Witness and Testimony - Philippians 2:14-16
Philippians 2:1-11
- Like mindedness, same love - one accord of one mind - v2
- Nothing done through strife or vainglory - lowliness of mind - v3a
- Esteeming others better that ourselves - v3b
Christ our example - “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” v5
- Self-awareness - No need to “prove” himself to anyone - v6,7 (See Luke 4:3, 9)
- Set to serve - v7
- Humbled himself - obedient to death, the death of the cross - v8-11 (See 1 Peter 5:5-7)
James 3:14-16; 4:1-2b
- Sinful attitudes and habits – James 3:14-16; 4:1-2b
- Misunderstandings from poor communication – Example: Joshua 22:10-34
- Differences in values, goals, priorities, interests, or opinions – Example: Acts 15:39
- Competition over limited resources – Example: Genesis 13:1-2
Not all conflicts are bad - These are a result of the diversity and differences that are divinely ordered - by God’s creation of unique individuals, diverse cultures and perspectives. - Romans 14:2-10
All types of conflicts can turn bad - depending on the attitude of the participants!
Delight in the Word of God 1 Pet. 2:1-4
Godward response in Holy priesthood - 1 Pet. 2:5-8
Manward response in Royal priesthood - 1 Pet. 2:9-11
Born of God, the new nature
- does not sin 1 Jn. 3:9
- loves God -1 Jn. 4:7
- believes Jesus is the Christ -1 Jn. 5:1a
- loves the brethren - 1 Jn. 5:1b
- overcomes the world - 1 Jn. 5:4
- keeps himself - 1 Jn. 5:18
Br. Joe Wilson
THE PROCESS OF NEW BIRTH
Nicodemus the teacher in Israel was puzzled - Jn. 3:4, 9.
He reasoned everything from a natural/carnal view point even though New Birth was already revealed in the word of God (Ez. 36:25-27). He did not receive (believe) what God had said (cf. Jn. 13:7).
The Lord’s answer indicated that:
- humanity has no input in New Birth - Jn.3:6;
- the human mind cannot fathom the New Birth - Jn. 3:8a
- a new nature is imparted -Jn. 3:8b; cf. Jn. 1:13; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25
- the New Birth had been revealed in the word of God -Jn.3:10; cf. Ez. 36:25-27;
- the death of Christ necessary -Jn. 3:11-16. Every individual who receives (believes) the truth of this work of Christ, receives the benefits inherent in New Birth – Heb. 11:6; cf. Jn. 1:12.
Br. Samuel Rice
THE WORK OF NEW BIRTH - (“Born of God)
It is God’s sovereign work: by the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit:
The one who is born of God - Jn. 1:13;
Is made a child of God - Jn. 1:12;
Is made aware of the kingdom of God, and made suitable to enter it by New Birth - Jn. 1:3-5;
Furthermore, New Birth is from the heart and will of God for man - James 1:18;
The Word of God is eternal - 1 Pet. 1:23-24.
Br. John Redekop
THE NEED FOR NEW BIRTH - Rom. 8:7
Man’s condition: sinful, corrupt, estranged from God; his condition shown in his hiding/running from God - Gen. 3:6-8; 4:16; Jonah 1:3.
Man’s condition: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God - 1 Cor. 15:50
Man cannot change his condition - Jer. 13:23;
nor escape from God - Ps. 139:7-9;
nor honour God - Rom. 7:18; 8:8
BUT God loves man - Prov. 8:31. God alone can work to bring helpless man to Himself - Jn. 3:16a;
Therefore, the God brings in New Birth, birth from above to give man access to the holy God who loves unconditionally - Jn. 3:7
Br. Hadley Hall
In recent months, the Holy Spirit has brought and continues to bring the ministry of the apostle John before God’s people in many different localities. This cannot be without importance especially as we are in the last days (1 Jn. 2:18). Therefore, it is important for us to keep in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). God’s people need to consider what the Lord is saying to them at the moment.
What are the characteristics of the ministry of John? John outlived the other apostles. From the divine side, this ministry introduces to us the Person of the Lord Jesus as the Word of God, God’s last message to humanity (Heb. 1:1,2). For this reason, He came in among His creation as a real man (Jn. 1:14). John’s Gospel account ends with the appeal to all to believe its internal evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God in order to have life (Jn. 20:30, 31). Furthermore, this account introduces New Birth as the work of God in those who receive the Lord Jesus making them children of God (Jn. 1:12, 13). Its final chapter points to His coming for them (21:22, 23).
In addition, John’s letters not only assert that the last days (1 Jn. 2:18) but also emphasise the family relationship into which believers are brought by God in view of the coming of the Lord.
The theme of this year’s lecture series is the New Birth, the sovereign work of God in humanity who believe, so that they may benefit fully from God’s goodness and love. The topics are as follows: the need for new Birth (emphasised from moment of sin’s entry into creation); the work of New Birth as God’s exclusive work; the process of New Birth beyond natural man’s comprehension and the characteristics of the New Birth.
- The miracle of incarnation – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…
- Contemplation of His person – “We beheld His glory… A Son with the Father
- Grace and Truth – “Full of Grace and Truth
- Source and spring of life – 1 John 1:2; 1 John 5:11
- Light – reveals; exposes; overcomes darkness
- Light – witnessed to by John
- Receivers – are now the Children of God
- Expression of all God is – Hebrew 1:1-3
- Originator and purpose of all Creation – Colossians 1:15-17; Revelation 4:11
In each manifestation of the glory - there was a response. Some responses were positive, some were not. A closer look at the manifestation - challenges us to examine our own responses to what have been made known.
- The glory of God desired
- Moses - Exodus 33:12-23 The desire and the desire met
- The Psalmist - Psalm 63:1,2
- All Believers - 2 Corinthians 3:18
The desire of this topic is to open scripture concerning the eternal God of glory to move us to a greater appreciation of Him and Jesus Christ Whom He sent.
- The glory of the Lord revealed (manifested)
- Creation - Psalms 19:1; Psalms 33:6-9; Romans 1:19,20
- At Sinai - Exodus 24:16,17; Deuteronomy 5: 4-29
- In the Tabernacle - Exodus 40:34-35
- The Temple - 2 Chronicles 5:14; 7:1-3
- The first advent of Christ - John 1:14
- The appearing of Christ - Matthew 25:31; Mark 13:26
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Zebulon and Naphtali and the ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel were suffering in great darkness (9:1). Yet a great light would rise upon them (verse 2)! What is that light? "Unto us a Child is born." For God's people, it is Christmas every day. The Child has been born, and God's light has come.
Moreover, "a Son is given." He is the Eternal Son. And His government will be distinct from everything we know now. Righteousness normally cannot exist with peace because righteousness demands that I must be dealt with. But Christ will reign in peace! God has done a work through the death and resurrection of Christ in order to deal with everything that righteousness would require.
Note again that it is only "His shoulder" which sustains the government. When, as a Shepherd, He rescues His lost sheep, He places it upon His shoulders (plural), which represents double security. Yet the whole universal rule will only require one shoulder.
Evil that remains unaddressed will only increase. Ecclesiastes 8:11 says, "Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Yet His one shoulder will be enough to halt the activity of wickedness throughout the entire world.
Also, we learn about His name, which is also singular and yet is presented in these several aspects. He does not only have a wonderful name (as in Judges 13:18), but His name is "Wonderful."
In addition, His name is Counselor to bring help and understanding. He is called the Mighty God. He is Father of Eternity, providing blessing. He is the Prince of Peace, the one who is its source and has secured it for us.
The impact of such a government and such a peace will never be interrupted. Violence and corruption will cease. No one will have to say, "Know the Lord," because everyone will know Him (Jeremiah 31:34). This is the one whose coming kingdom we await.
This third session presents God's perfect, righteous government to come. This period has been called the Millennium, the world to come, established at Christ's appearing in glory. If we love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), we will love and revere Him right now. God has always looked for a man to rule over the world-- and He has found Him! It is Christ, His well-beloved Son. The government of the world will rest upon His shoulder-- not "shoulders," plural, but "shoulder," singular. His strength is great.
In context, this section of the prophet Isaiah emphasizes the great threat from the Assyrians. This was a present danger to the people of God. We read, for example, about the siege against Jerusalem in the time of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36-37). This is a literal danger in Isaiah 10; and there is also a prophetic aspect when the Assyrian will be a future threat to Israel during time known as the Great Tribulation.
But that threatening government will be lopped off and chopped down (Isaiah 10:33-34), and then God will say, "I have a Branch. My Ruler will be installed in His rightful place" (11:1). In some translations, chapter 11 begins with the word "And," showing that it is intended as a direct contrast to the closing of chapter 10. Later, chapter 11 is followed by a beautiful song of praise in chapter 12.
There is no one like Christ, the great Ruler in righteousness. He displays perfect wisdom, might, and counsel. Even if these characteristics are totally lacking in government today, He will bring them in.
Isaiah presents "the Son" as the answer to the unrighteousness around us. In chapter 6, King Uzziah had died. He was the king who defiled the temple by imposing his presence among the priesthood. Isaiah goes into the presence of the Lord and sees Jehovah's glory; and then, in chapter 7, God's answer was the Son who would be conceived and brought forth by a virgin (verse 14).
He is even linked with Jesse instead of David (Isaiah 11:1, 10) as if even David must be set aside in comparison to Christ. The Spirit is upon Him-- the "Spirit," singular, who has all these wonderful characteristics.
Isaiah 11:2 presents "the Spirit of the Lord" and then six more features. This verse can be linked with Revelation 5:6 (and three other references in Revelation) where "the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" are mentioned. Of course there is only one Holy Spirit. Indeed, there is only one God; yet He is known in a three-ness or Trinity of His being. The Holy Spirit is seen here like that. It takes all these features to express how He is present during the reign of Christ.
It's beautiful to see that even on the throne Christ will still be that dependent One as He administers the kingdom for God. Although He has received the right to judge, He only judges according to the will of His Father (John 5:22, 30).
The Spirit rested upon Him in His time of humility and will continue to rest upon Him in His reign of power. Also, He obtains victory by the breath of His lips (Isaiah 11:4). This is a reference to the Word of God (see Revelation 19:21). We too have these resources: the Spirit of God and the Word of God.
Notice that Christ will not judge merely by what He sees or what He hears (11:3). How many times have we concluded something based upon what we saw on the Internet or heard through social media or some other means? People say, "I know what I saw; I know what I heard." Well, perhaps; but you don't know what you did not see, and you don't know what else you should have heard. By contrast, Christ will judge in righteousness (verse 4).
If we desire to exercise the same type of righteous judgment, we must interpret the present in light of the future. If we study the Lord, we will discern the difference between truth and falsehood.
He will not rule in extremes but in equity. There will be justice for the poor, who are frequently mistreated because of their powerlessness. The wicked will be removed. There will even be a singular wicked one, the "man of sin" who embodies the antichrist spirit, and he too will be removed (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8-9).
He displaces all governments. We must not try to do that on His behalf. Bad theology about future events and improper beliefs about our role in this world will prevent us from acting correctly. If the Church worships at the seat of power or idolizes the role of government, we will prostitute our heavenly calling by trying to achieve an earthly goal which is Christ's right to establish.
We should absolutely care about righteousness and justice in our personal lives and in the quality of circumstances around us. We are still the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But the conditions of peace will only exist when Christ is installed on His throne. Even the animal kingdom will enjoy that peace! How much more will mankind appreciate that time. Romans 8 describes the groaning of creation as it waits for that day.
It's wonderful to see how God will remove all violence from the earth. Even the predatory instincts of animals will be changed. If you want to have a lion as a pet, you could! At the end of the book of Jonah, God mentions not only the people of Nineveh but also the cattle of the city. He loves all that He has made.
- Isaiah 9:6, 11:1-12, 32:1
Imagine what it will be like for those living in that millennial kingdom when they read about all the wars and death of the book of Revelation. They will be shocked! It will be unbelievable to them because they will only know conditions of peace.
This is what occurs when righteousness reigns. In the very place where Christ was rejected, He will be glorified. He will preserve the meek (Isaiah 11:4), an important characteristic of His people and even of Himself. A child will lead the creatures (verse 6), and all the earth will have the knowledge of the Lord.
What is the impact for us now? May Christ be exalted in our hearts already! As we consider that sure word of prophecy, He will rise like the Day Star in our hearts right now (2 Peter 1:19). When He reigns in our lives, we too will have rest and peace in our hearts.
- Acts 4:17-20, 5:27-29, 40-42
In Acts 4 and 5 we read about Peter and John as they speak with the Sanhedrin, the council of religious leadership. The leaders intended to forbid them from preaching the gospel. What is a Christian's responsibility to God in such a circumstance?
If governments mandate disobedience to God or, on the other hand, prohibit obedience to God, believers would choose God over government. Examples include demanding actual evil, such as murder of babies (Exodus 1); or displacing God's honor with worship of other gods or of man (Daniel 3, 6). Believers under the Nazi regime had similar decisions; and so do we.
We must be able to identify whether a situation represents governmental evil or is simply something that is inconvenient or unpleasant for us. At the same time, let's not use government actions as reasons for ignoring God's principles. For example, there may be realistic precautions and other considerations that affect our meeting together during a health pandemic; but we should not use these things as excuses.
We have considered delegated authority, but there is also "robbed authority." Satan claimed to possess authority over all the kingdoms of the world, but he had robbed that authority from mankind. Ultimately God's Man will claim His rightful authority over those kingdoms.
We also notice that there are unseen powers at work to influence and corrupt the governments of the world. A spirit of lying was permitted to influence the prophets of Israel (1 Kings 22); and demonic powers appear to have influence even over kingdoms, such as the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" who resisted God's angelic messenger (Daniel 10:13). This is important to keep in mind.
The authorities asked Peter and John about the power they claimed (Acts 4:2). They knew the answer! If we are not clear that we are acting because of the power of the name of Jesus, we are on the wrong footing. They had a positive, God-centered answer to support their actions, not simply a complaint against corrupt leaders.
This power was expressed because of the activity of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8). His empowerment will always move us in the correct direction. We recall that the Lord Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them words to say when they stood before government officials (Mark 13:11). In addition, any disobedience must not be done with disrespect. In Acts 23, Paul apologized when he was informed that he had disrespected the high priest.
This type of opposition to wrongfully applied authority will have a cost. Peter and John were beaten. Yet before they were released, they presented the principles for the council's own consideration: "What would be more correct: following you or following God?"
After their release, their prayer shows that they recognized the supreme authority God has. Christ said all authority in heaven and earth is His (Matthew 28:18). The disciples knew that the council's actions contradicted His authority-- yet the way in which they expressed this was significant. Like the Lord, they "threatened not" (1 Peter 2:23). Like the Lord, they posed a question to make their point (compare John 18:33-34).
We might ask how we can tell if national laws overstep their authority. The test is in Acts 4:19, when the disciples asked if it would be "righteous" to ignore God's principles. This is the key: Will our actions be righteous? They said, "We have to speak about Jesus Christ because God has commanded us to do so." That is another test: What has God commanded?
Notice in Acts 4:29 that the believers asked God to look at the threats and-- what? change the current power structure? help them get one of their own members elected to the council? No, they prayed for boldness in the face of those ongoing threats. Some Christians today would rather see a change in government before they are willing to exercise boldness in the face of challenges to our faith.
Even the act of praying is often forgotten. How good to see that these disciples knew the importance of prayer as a resource!
The point about God's commands is also important to emphasize. These believers were not just complaining about their preferences. There are already places in the world where it is illegal for Christians to meet. What if we were told that? Must we demand our right to fellowship with, say, 150 other Christians in a public setting? Or would we be willing to meet with 10 others in a house or a forest or a cave? We sometimes think we must have everything the way it has always been. Such demands are based not on righteousness but on preference.
Further, notice that in challenging times the unity of the believers was enhanced. It was in this context that they cared for one another, provided for one another, and fellowshipped together (Acts 4:32-37). The devil does not care how he interrupts our sense of unity. Often we find believers arguing with each other about how to address challenging times. We must intentionally embrace our God-given unity instead.
It's essential to have the right worldview concerning Christ. Our unity will grow out of that. These believers knew that He was a rejected Stone (Acts 4:11) but also an exalted Prince and Savior (5:31). If we want to honor Christ, there will always be someone next to us. Peter might be the one to speak, but Peter and John were there together.
Can a Christian ever appeal to the laws of the land regarding our treatment? On one hand, we do not demand our rights in this world. We have the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). Yet there are examples when it is appropriate to expect the government to act justly. Paul and Silas refused to leave the custody of the Philippian jailer until their righteous testimony was vindicated by the authorities (Acts 16:37). When there was a threat against Paul's life, he exercised the right to be protected from harm (Acts 23). This is not a lack of faith. It's the expectation that government will do what it is supposed to do-- namely, support what is good and suppress what is evil (Romans 13:3-4).
Sometimes we claim to have genuine concerns but are not really being honest. Jacob pretended to be concerned about the young ones in his family and his flocks. His brother Esau could not say anything about that. It might be a real need. Yet Jacob's behavior afterwards showed it was only a faked reason. In his heart he never really cared about the young ones but only about himself (Genesis 33:12-17). Similarly, when the building of the temple stopped in the days of Haggai, the people made excuses about waiting for the right time to build (Haggai 1:2).
If our behavior is merely tradition, we will easily give it up. A true burden and desire in our hearts is what is needed.
- John 19:11
- Romans 13:1-7
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2
The subject of the Christian's relationship with human government is a challenging one. It's easy to take a position such as "Of course Christians should obey the government" or "Of course Christians should resist the government." But in reality the biblical principles are more complex than either of those extremes. In addition, believers in different places and times may have to apply those principles to their circumstances in ways that others have never even thought about.
These complexities are illustrated in the statement by the Lord Jesus that Pilate, a corrupt, weak politician, nevertheless had received authority from God to use his position.
In this first study we will consider the Christian's responsibility to government. These can be summarized by three principles: Pray, Pay, and Obey. We should be the best citizens of any nation. Leaders need the Lord! Like Daniel, we can be used in the lives of individual government officials to be a testimony to them.
Human government was established by God in Genesis 9. Previously people had been permitted to live by their own consciences, but this led to the depths of violence and corruption which were judged by the Flood in Noah's time. Yet Noah failed in his responsibilities almost immediately; he became drunk, not being able even to govern himself. It is in such a world, with failing governments that yet have authority from God, that Christians find themselves today.
Since the subject of government is complex, we are going to try to focus first on the positive side of submitting to government. We will recognize in the second study that there are qualifications to this position. It is not a blind obedience. Yet submission is always presented as a choice and a privilege for Christians. It is a position that has nothing to do with the quality of leadership (compare 1 Peter 2:18, 3:1). Because the authorities are appointed by God, the Christian reverences God by choosing to submit to them.
We would emphasize that only God has absolute authority. John 19:11 indicates this by saying that God is the one who gives power to others. All other authorities possess a delegated authority. This began with mankind when Adam and Eve were delegated to rule over the earth. Noah received delegated authority in government, and this continued with the kings of Israel (e.g., 1 Kings 10:9) and the rulers of the other nations.
For the Christian, our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). If we try to reign now, we are ahead of ourselves. The Corinthians already experienced the fruit of this attitude (1 Corinthians 4:8). By the time of St. Augustine, who wrote The City of God, there was confusion about the heavenly character of the Church.
We remember that Paul is writing to Christians in Rome who were experiencing some persecution from the government already. This became much worse as years went on. They were to submit, though, because it was a question not of Roman authority but of God's authority.
Government is designed to establish civility and order (even though it does not always do so). Authority has a similar purpose in the family, in the workplace, and in local Christian assemblies. Submission, then, is not optional. We don't have to agree before we can submit. Our primary authority is Christ Himself.
As we think of Christ Jesus, we compare John 19:11 and 1 Timothy 6:13, which says He had a "good confession" in the presence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. He acknowledged that Pilate had been installed in his office by God; yet He also made reference to Pilate's sin. His betrayer had committed the "greater sin," but this implies that Pilate had sinned as well. Still, the Lord's words were without insult.
Believers should not have to be condemned for having a rebellious spirit. Rebellion is never godly. We are not to suffer for doing wrong (1 Peter 4:15), and therefore we should reject every voice of defiance. We will reap what we sow. There will be laws which we disagree with that still are not anti-Christ or anti-God.
Among the Lord's disciples, Matthew was a tax collector and Simon (not Simon Peter) was one of the Zealots. Matthew worked for the government; Simon despised the government. Yet they both left behind those partisan allegiances and followed Christ, thereby uniting with one another as well.
This passage gives three reasons to be submissive. First, we reverence God Himself. Second, we maintain a good relationship with authority. Third, the office of authority should receive what is due to it (Romans 13:7). Notice the word "due" is not the word "deserve." We don't pay taxes, for example, only if we think the government deserves them. In Matthew 17:24-27, the question was asked about paying the temple tax. Clearly the religious leaders of the day were corrupt. The Lord even told Peter that it would be right to claim an exemption from the tax. But then He stated this important principle: We are going to pay it anyway so that we don't stumble the authorities. Everything we do should be considered in light of our testimony for the Lord, even in the presence of a corrupt government.
Notice too that even "honor" is due to government officials. This does not mean we cannot address failures in government. Even moral failings of leaders can be addressed. Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar clearly had a very good relationship in Daniel 4. Daniel wished that a dream of coming judgment would not happen to the emperor. He cared about Nebuchadnezzar! But he also was very blunt: "Break off your sins! You are too proud." This was a stern rebuke, yet it was not done to dishonor the king.
Some governments have been extremely unrighteous, such as the Nazi regime of about 80 years ago. We realize there may be times to speak against government. But we must avoid the habit of simply finding a Bible verse to justify our own opinions. This kind of testimony requires dependence on the Lord in every circumstance. We give to Caesar what is his, but we must also give to God what is His (Matthew 22:21).
We have seen Christians lead revolts. Often they believe they want to improve the world by making their own circumstances better. Is it right to demand that we live in comfort as Christians while praying for the poor and persecuted believers in other lands? What selfishness is on display! Nebuchadnezzar (before his conversion) and the subsequent empire of the Medes and Persians were both bad in their own way. We are not going to find comfort just because we change a regime.
We can be confident that God judges governments. He will not allow corrupt leaders or nations to remain unpunished. Many prophets speak about this (for instance, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Obadiah, and Nahum).
No matter what we think about Christians actually serving in government roles (remember that one brother, Erastus, was called the "chamberlain of the city," Romans 16:23), it should not be our goal to create a Christian government or Christian nation. If our brand of Christianity cannot flourish in a climate of socialism, communism, fascism, capitalism-- if we cannot imagine being a Christian with a Democrat or a Republican in the White House-- then we probably do not have the right idea about the Christian faith.
In addition, notice the context of Romans 13. Just before this passage we read many exhortations in Romans 12 about doing good; and right after this passage we are told that the main thing is to love one another, including our neighbors. This is the work of the Christian! Let us not turn over our privileges of Christian testimony to the government. Doing good, caring for the poor, displaying acts of charity should be active in the Christian community. The government cannot love; that is not what it is for. But we can and should display the love of Christ. This is what will change people around us, no matter the political climate.
We obey and do good not just to stay out of trouble but in order that others will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We might even have an outward display of obedience but have a complete lack of submission in our attitudes. Do we have complaining, rebellious attitudes? Our attitudes are truly the first testimony others will notice.
We should add the subject of praying for the authorities, as 1 Timothy 2:1-2 instructs. When we know the Lordship of Christ ourselves, we will intercede for those over us. This is to be our attitude regardless of the character of the officials. It's an attitude that leads to godliness.
Appreciation for the Access Achieved
As lepers they could not come near. Leviticus 13:45,46; Numbers 5:2.
He fell down on his face at His Feet giving Him thanks. Luke 17:16.
Access was barred into the presence of God, but because of the work of Christ, access has been gained. Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 10:19-25.
Access has been achieved v 19-21
Access appreciated v 22-24
Access appreciated v 25
Ephesians 2:18, 3:10, Romans 5:2
Appreciation for One's Position
Mary who also sat at Jesus feet and heard his words.
She is found sitting at the feet of the Lord Jesus, drinking in His words. The position she took speaks very loud of the one who was in the good of the position in Christ. God’s thought about being in Christ.
Ephesians 1:18,19. We may know the hope of his calling, the richest of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and exceeding greatness of the power to usward.
Ephesians 2:5-7 The manifestation of the heart of divine person on the objects their delight.
Ephesians 3:3-6 The Revelation of the counsels of the heart of God for Christ and the assembly.
Romans 8:1; 2Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:10. (In Christ).
Appreciation for the Work of the Cross
She saw in Christ forgiveness of sins, the Sin Bearer.
Romans 4:2 Who was delivered for our offences.
1 Peter 3:18a For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. Though not welcome into the Pharisee’s house, Jesus was there. The Friend of Sinners. Luke 7:34.
This man received sinners and eateth with them. Luke 15:2; Luke 19:7; Luke 19:10.
Application – She was in the good of the finished work of Christ. John 19:30. Satisfy the justice of God 1 John 4:9; Totally destroyed the power of Satan, Sin, and Death. Hebrews 2:14,15. Romans 8:1.
Romans 1:1-5:11. What God did with our sins. Galatians 6:14; 1 Timothy 1:16.
Restoring it in believers. Songs of Solomon 5:2-5. His suffering love.
When we consider the extent of the richness of God’s blessing to all mankind. It increases the wonder that more people do not render thanksgiving and praise to Him.
The Psalmist says it best. Psalm 92:4-5. Isaiah has been called the Royal Prophet by some, the Evangelical Prophet by others. Both are right. For we speak of the King in His Beauty and of the good tidings for the poor, He is the Evangelical prophet.
In Isaiah 1-39, we have the essential and acquired glories of Christ. From Isaiah 40-66 We have brought before us the moral perfection of Christ, The faithful Servant, the Righteous Servant the Anointed Servant. The one in whose hand the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper. Isaiah 53:10b.
Isaiah 52. The remnant express their joy and is encouraged because of Him. “How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth salvation, that unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.”
We too can rejoice like the shepherds, Simeon and Anna about Him. Luke 2.
His moral perfection comes before us. His walk and ways of which His feet speak of.
A light to lighten the nation and the glory of his people Israel. Luke 2:32.
What He brings:
- Luke 4:17-22 — The glad tiding.
- John 1:14-18 — Grace and Truth and the revelation of the Father.
- Mark 10:45— A Life of Service.
- Acts 10:38 — He went about doing good. A Life of Love
- Titus 2:11,12—The grace of God that bringeth salvation.
- Timidity in Service--1 Corinthians 16:9-11; 2 Timothy 1:5-8
- Fear not, believe only--Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:49-56
- Love casts out fear--1 John 4:17-19
- Fear is a device of the enemy--2 Corinthians 2:11
- Enemy aims to hinder and destroy the work done for God--Nehemiah 4:14; Nehemiah 6:1-16
- Dealing with Adversaries--Philippians 1:12-14; Philippians 1:28-30
- A. People fear what happens to their bodies--Luke 12:4-7; Luke 12:22-23
- Fear of the Lord must be learned and then taught--Deuteronomy 4:9-10; Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 13:4; Deuteronomy 31:12-13
- Fear of the Lord is to hate evil--Proverbs 8:13
John 21:14-25
Jesus said to him... Follow thou Me
- After they had dined
- Christ searching the heart to expose the root that results in failure
- Lovest thou me? - Restored heart
- What about this man? - Singleness of heart
- The path for the servant - Follow Thou Me
- Last words to Peter
John 21:1-14
The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord
- Christ shows himself as the same loving, caring Lord He was before the cross
- Children do you have any meat?
- He ministers to their needs
- Warms them with a fire
- Supplies food for which they had not toiled
- Invites the timid disciples to "come and dine"
- All doubt removed - restored conscience
John 20:11-21
The Disciples were Glad when they saw the Lord
- Christ reveals Himself in Resurrection
- New Relationship
- In the midst of His Own
- The token of love
- Peace in a hostile world
The formation of the Church, One Body of Christ - Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Ephesians 2:11-16
- Isaiah 53:10b,11-12 – His satisfaction
- Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him the name which is above every name:
- John 17:1,4,5 – The son of man glorified
- Colossians 1:18 – Preeminence – “And He is the head of the body, the Church: Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence”.
- Hebrews 2:10-13 – I and the children you have given me
- Hebrew 725 - Great intercessor
- John 5:27 – All authority to execute judgement also, because He is the Son of man.
- 2 Peter 1:16-19 – Rising daystar
- Revelations 21:23 – 27 – The Lamb is the temple and the light
- Prophesied
- Isaiah 53:4-6,10
- ...Stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted...;
- and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.;
- Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
- He has put Him to grief: when you shall make His soul an offering for sin...
- Psalms 22:1,3
- "Forsaken of God"
- Isaiah 53:4-6,10
- Fulfilled
- Matthew 27:45-46, Mark 15:33,34 – Three hours of darkness
- Ephesians 5:1 – Sweet savor to God
- Hebrews 9:26 – Put away sin – by sacrificing himself
- Hebrews 10:10 – His offering was once -
- Prophesied
- Isaiah 53:3,7,8 - Despised and rejected by men; Man of Sorrows; Oppressed and afflicted
- Fulfilled
- Matthew 26:56 – Forsaken and left alone
- Matthew 16:21 - suffered many things of the elders and chief priests, and scribes and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
- Mark 10:33-34 - ...and they shall mock Him, and scourge Him, and shall spit upon Him,
- Luke 17:25 - rejected by his contemporaries
- Purpose- Hebrews 2:10 – To qualify as captain of salvation
- 1 Peter 2:21-23 – As an example for us
- 1 Peter 4:1 – Gain a right mind set about sin
A. Poots * Revelation 3:2; 1 Kings 17:10-15; Mark 5:22, 41,25; John 4:47,50,53; John 12:1-3
J. Pickering * 2 Chronicles 1:1; 2 Chronicles 9:1-8, 22-24,26; Matthew 12:42; Revelation 21:22-24
A. Langham * John 18:1-5; 22-23; John 18:15-18,25-27; John 19:25-27; John 20:11,14,16-17; John 21:4,6; John 20:19,26
E. Nashed * Mark 1:1; Mark 5:22-24,35-37,40-42: Mark 7:32-35; Mark 14:32-36; Mark 15:33-34
P. Meijer * Genesis 41:55; Genesis 22:1-4, 6-10; Genesis 24:1-4,6-7,10,22,50-53,61-67 * Genesis 37:2a,3a,4; 41:37-46
Disciples Making Disciples
Br. Steve Campbell
Points to Consider
Discipleship without reproduction isn’t really discipleship. Disciple-makers put their efforts into someone else so the faith can spread further and faster. If we are to be like Jesus, we must invest our lives in faithful men and women who will likewise reproduce themselves in others.
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and told them that universal authority had been conferred on Him. Therefore, He commissioned them to a worldwide mission: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:18–20).
It was, and still is, Jesus’ plan to spread God’s kingdom throughout the world. Simply put, they were to reproduce themselves by taking their disciples through the same basic teaching and training that Jesus had given them in their apprenticeship with Him. Today, you and I have a part to play! Let’s look at Jesus’ call to make disciples and how we are to do it.
Suggested focus:
- Looking at the mandate of discipleship found in our theme verse, what motives and methods of discipleship are given here?
- Other Scriptures to consider include: Luke 6:13, Mark 3:14, Acts 11:26, 14:21, Colossians 1:28-29, 2 Timothy 2:2
Handout Provided at Conference
How does spiritual growth even happen?
- Mark 4:26-27
It is a definite process, but in some ways it simply cannot be described.
It’s a spiritual program of growth. God, ourselves, and others all have a part.
The verb for “making disciples”
- Matthew 27:57—Joseph of Arimathaea had made himself a disciple
- Matthew 28:18-20—the Lord Jesus told His followers to make disciples
- Acts 14:21-22—Paul and Barnabas made many disciples in Derbe
Two steps in the Lord’s commission for making disciples: baptizing and teaching.
- Baptism
- Baptism should be encouraged!
- Baptism is in the name of the triune God—all that He is and all that He does in His various activities are necessary for the new disciple.
- We don’t make disciples in our own names or our own likenesses.
- The Pharisees did, Matthew 23:15
- Galatians 4:19, Christ formed in you
- Colossians 1:28, Him we preach… everyone perfected in Christ
- We recognize that God makes every person and every culture into His own image.
- Acts 15:10-11, 19-20, 28-30, the Gentiles and faith
- Historical examples exist with colonial or imperial tones in evangelism
- It’s true that the relationship between faith and culture can be complex
- But this shows the power of Christianity! It’s not uniformity
- Teaching
- The desire is that others will increase in spiritual character and devotedness.
- It might be a formal relationship suggested by disciple-maker or disciple.
- But it is happening informally all the time, and it should be intentional.
- Tone is essential; the servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle when teaching, 2 Timothy 2:24
- There are various areas of spiritual growth as we help other disciples.
- Faith, love, strength, knowledge, endurance, wisdom, giving, fruitfulness
- Collective growth in local congregations and new assemblies (Acts 16:5)
- Important verbs for disciple-making: edify, admonish, love, encourage; and others…
Disciple-makers must be persistent. The results are not about us!
- The Lord’s own results might have been discouraging (Jn. 6:66; Mt.16:11; Jn. 14:9)
- Apostles’ results might have been discouraging (Acts 8:13,20; 2 Th. 2:5; Heb. 5:11)
- Accept that others will be useful too, not just us; sometimes we are “others” (Jn 4:38)
- The Lord used power for signs to unbelievers but used relationship to make disciples
The crown of rejoicing
- Seeing others in the Lord’s presence whom we have helped spiritually, 1 Thessalonians 2:19
- The earnest desire for others to grow, 1 Thessalonians 3:7-10
Br. Danny Sands shares practical lessons learned and advice from his experience handing out thousands of gospel tracts in the United States and Canada.
Download the slides.
Daily Discipline in a Disciple’s Life
Hilvert Wijnholds
Points to Consider
Discipline is a word most of us don’t like! We automatically think negatively about it; but discipline in our lives is not negative, it’s necessary. Those that have done well in their education know the discipline it takes to succeed in school, whether high school, college, or graduate school. Think of the hours of dedication and discipline it takes for men and women to become doctors, lawyers, or successful business people. Likewise, in sports one of the main ingredients of a successful athlete is discipline.
Proverbs 23:12 tells us, “Apply your heart to discipline (instruction), and your ears to words of knowledge (NAS). Paul instructed Timothy to “exercise (train) yourself toward godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). This word exercise or train is the source of our English words gymnastics and gymnasium. The word drips with sweat and feels like burning muscles! Spiritual discipline leads to a godly life and helps develop a Christ-like life. Some have defined spiritual discipline as cultivating godliness in our lives.
Scripture constantly refers indirectly to this spiritual exercise or discipline through instructions like these: “the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2), “being transformed (2 Cor. 3:18), “Christ being formed in you (Gal. 4:19), and “being conformed into the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). Then in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 we read this: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Suggested focus:
What are some essential disciplines in the lives of Christians if they are to be true disciples of Christ? Some points include:
- Prayer
- Scripture
- Worship
- Fasting
- Stewardship
- Service and sacrifice
- Witnessing/evangelism
Handout Provided at Conference
DAILY DISCIPLINE IN A DISCIPLE’S LIFE
As seen in the life and service of Paul We usually speak of Paul as an apostle, but in this keynote address I want to emphasize that he was a disciple in the first place. We remember that he escaped death in Damascus, went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple (Acts 9:23-26). So let's find out together in Scripture some essential disciplines in his life and service that show that Paul was a true disciple of the Lord.
Both brothers and sisters (Acts 9:2,36), both young (Timothy: Acts 16:1) and old (Mnason: Acts 21:16) are disciples of the Lord and should wonder if they are characterized by these disciplines.
-
Prayer In his personal encounter with the Lord, Paul had already recognized the Lordship of Jesus (“Lord, who are you?” and “Lord, what do you want me to do”? Now the Lord Jesus himself mentions Paul's first activity as a disciple, telling Ananias: “Behold, he is praying. Paul was a man of prayer!
- Keyword: interaction.
“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, ………… and saw Him saying to me …” (Acts 22:17). In his prayers, Paul was communicating with the Lord. One day Paul pleaded with the Lord three times that the thorn in the flesh might depart from him. But the Lord said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:8,9). 2. Keyword: intercession.
“… night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10). He prayed for those who had also become followers of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6). “Therefore, we also pray always for you ….” (2 Thess. 1:11) 3. Keyword: restoration.
“Now I pray to God that you do no evil .... and this also we pray, that you may be made complete” (2 Corinthians 13:7,9). Paul prayed for those who had been restored from association with evil, praying for them to Him that he knew as the God of restoration. 4. Keyword: spiritual growth.
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you ….” (Philippians 1:9)
“…. praying always for you” (Colossians 1,3), so for those he had never met. He asked them to pray for him and his fellow-workers as well, that God would open to them a door for the word. 2. Witnessing/evangelism 1. In Damascus and Jerusalem * “Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God” (Acts 9:19b,20; also v. 25). * “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 9:22) * “So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus” (9:28) 2. In Antioch where persecuted disciples had “preached the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:19-24). * Note the expressions in this portion: “The hand of the Lord was with them”, “.. believed and turned to the Lord”, “… with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord”, “ ..a great many people were added to the Lord”. In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. It was with these disciples that for a whole year Paul (Saul) and Barnabas were gathered together in the assembly and taught a large crowd. 3. Worship 1. a) In his personal life:
“… who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus ....” (Philippians 3:3).
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:14) 2. Collectively in local assemblies:
Whenever he had the opportunity, Paul stayed in local assemblies for the breaking of bread: * In Antioch:
“And they stayed no little time with the disciples” (Acts 9:28; see also Acts 21,4) * *In Troas:* “And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. These men, going ahead, *waited for us at Troas*. But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and *in five days joined them at Troas*, where we stayed *seven days*. Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread …” (Acts 20:4-7) Paul and seven travel companions (Acts 19:29) stayed seven days in Troas in order to proclaim the death of the lord in the breaking of bread there.- Stewardship
- Spiritual aspect of the service:
“…according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you ..” (Colossians 1:25): both gospel outreach and teaching (including the truth of the Assembly)
“assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you” (Ephesians 3:2)
“how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house ....” (Acts 20:20-27) 1. repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ / to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 2. among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God 3. for I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. * Material aspect of the service:
“For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward of God, … not greedy for money …”
“Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:29) * 2 Corinthians 8: “… avoiding this, that any one should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us; for we provide for things honest, not only before the Lord, but also before men” (v. 20-21; please read the whole chapter). 5. Service and sacrifice/sufferings Paul had witnessed the stoning of Stephen, consented to this murder (Acts 7:58; 8:1) and was in charge of murdering the disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1).
His encounter with the Lord on the road of Damascus changed his life ànd service forever: the persecutor of Jesus / the saints (Acts 9:5,13), of the Assembly (Galatians 1:13), became a disciple of the Lord.
After Paul’s repentance, the Lord spoke to Ananias and Paul (in Damascus) and Paul himself (in Jerusalem) about:
1. the future **service** of Paul:
* “.. to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15)
* “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open
their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may
receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18)
2. b) The future **sufferings** that would be part of this service:
* “… how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts (9:16)
* “Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will *not receive your testimony concerning Me*”
(Acts 22:18)Did Paul accept this service and these sufferings?
Yes ! He gladly accepted the statement from the Lord that a true disciple of the Lord cannot service HIM without enduring suffering.
The book of Acts shows us time and again that Paul suffered while serving the Lord, giving testimony of his Lord, wherever he could:
* teaching the disciples in Antioch in Syria (see: 2. Witnessing/evangelism)
* making many other disciples in Derbe (Acts 14:21)
* strengthening the souls of the disciples in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 14,22; see also Acts
18,23).
Perseverance in service in spite of (or I would rather state: as a result of) sufferings
In Acts 16, Paul and his fellow-disciples concluded that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel to Macedonia. They were immediately confronted with opposition from the power of darkness. The liberation of the demon-possessed girl, Satan had the mob reacted violently, the magistrates tore off the clothes of Paul and Silas and commanded them to be beaten. After a thorough beating, they were sent to jail, with special instructions to the jailer to keep them securely. He responded by putting them into the inner prison and fastening their feet in the stocks.
BUT: The midnight hour found Paul and Silas praying and singing. Their joy was completely independent of earthly circumstances.
(In the letter to the Philippians, Paul shared how his sufferings resulted in the advance of the gospel. Maybe no letter of Paul's is as joyful as this one. And yet it is also full of so much pain, sorrow, suffering and trouble. The two themes of "joy" and "sorrow" be woven together so much. Paul was so joyful in the midst of all of the sorrow and trouble)
What did Paul and Silas do after they left Philippi?
Even after they had suffered before and were spitefully treated, they were bold in their God to speak to the Thessalonians the gospel of God in much conflict. Paul reminds them in his first letter to them, that even when he was in Thessalonica, he used to tell them that Christians were appointed to afflictions. This prediction was part of the gospel of God, preached to them!**
As a result of this message, an assembly came into being in Thessalonica. Because of persecution, the brethren in Thessalonica decided it would be well for the preachers to leave their town.
I would like you to turn to 1 Thessalonians 1:1 (and 2 Thessalonians 1:2):
“To the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. The Lordship of Jesus is emphasized time and again in these two letters.
Paul and Silas stated that the newly converted in Thessalonica were:
- followers of us and of the Lord: (“us”, because the Thessalonians noticed that those who preached the gospel of God to them, did it in spite of all the beatings they had suffered in Philippi; therefore they too, they were ready to receive the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit)
- examples to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia
Today the Lord says to every disciple: “Take your share in suffering …”
[“You therefore must endure hardship …” (2 Timothy 2 :3)]
Features of a True Disciple of Christ
Albert Blok
Points to Consider
As a verb, the word disciple occurs four times in the New Testament. One of those uses is an imperative command, found in Matthew 28:19-20, the verses we normally refer to as “The Great Commission. The disciples of Jesus were told before his ascension that they were “to make disciples of all nations. This command is only found in Matthew’s gospel.
But as mentioned in the Introduction, the word disciple occurs about 260 other times in the Greek New Testament. As a noun, a disciple is a learner, one who follows his teacher and learns from him. Often a disciple would live with the teacher; following his every move and serving him however he could. The Lord Jesus had many disciples. Yet some were just there as “hangers on, leaving when things got tough, while others were true converts, as seen in John 6:60-69.
In Matthew 10 the Lord Jesus calls His twelve apostles. In this chapter we see instruction for those specific apostles (10:1-15); then He gives instructions for future disciples (10:16-23); and in 10:24-42 He gives instruction for what we would call present-day disciples. These are specific instructions for all who desire to follow Christ today. In this section the Lord sets forth the essence of Christian dedication, the features and cost of being a real disciple of Christ. The passage in Matthew 10:24-42 presents several features of true discipleship.
Suggested focus:
- A disciple of Christ emulates his/her Master (Matthew 10:24-25)
- A disciple of Christ need not fear men (Mathew 10:26-31)
- A disciple has assurance to rest upon (Matthew 10:29- 31)
- A disciple confesses the Lord (Matthew 10:32-33)
- A disciple gives Christ the preeminent place (Matthew10:34-37)
- A disciple offers his own life (Matthew 10:32-36)
- A disciple is a blessing to others (Matthew 10:40-42)
What is a disciple and what are the requirements of being one?
Mark Harris
Points to Consider
A disciple is defined as a learner, a pupil, one who comes to be taught. So where do we start? First, we must determine who the Lord Jesus truly is (Mark 8:27-30). Next, we must make the decision to take the road less traveled, which means that following Christ is about denying ourselves. The word “deny means “to resist, reject, or to refuse; to say no to oneself. It is used this way in Mark 14:72. Third, we are to take up our cross, which speaks of death. Lastly, we are told to lose our lives for Christ’s sake. Luke 14:25-35 lays out the requirements of discipleship.
Suggested focus: How do the following passages impact us?
- Outline Luke 14:25-35, looking at each requirement.
- How do Luke 9:23-26 and Luke 9:57-62 go along with the prerequisites to discipleship?
THEME: The Mandate of Discipleship
Going from being a disciple to making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
Introduction
Our theme verses for MIF: 2019 are from Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.
While every disciple is a believer, not every believer is necessarily living like a disciple. The question that needs to be answered is, “What is a disciple of Jesus Christ and what does one look like? Many may think that the term disciple refers only to the early followers of Christ or to an extra-spiritual Christian, a next-step-up Christian! But God still desires and expects every Christian to be a disciple today.
The word “disciple is used at least 261 times in the Greek New Testament, appearing only in the gospels and Acts. The Christian experience of the first-century church may seem radical to many in the church today, but to those early believers, being a disciple was normal Christianity. They were empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit, and they turned their world upside down for the sake of Christ. They were true disciples of Jesus Christ.
The questions we want to delve into this week are these:
- “What are the requirements of being a disciple?
- “What are the features and the daily disciplines of a true disciple?
- “How does a disciple become a disciple-maker?
Answered prayer: what heaven looks like John 17:9-11
The first request in the Lord’s prayer is for unity
- unity of the disciples who followed Him
- “that they may be one as We are,” He Himself with the Father
How are the Son and the Father one?
- John 14, “if you have seen Me you have seen the Father;” the same character
- in the bosom of the Father always; does what He sees the Father do (1:18; 5:19)
- Hebrews 1, the exact representation of God’s character
- one in substance, and one in operation
We have been made one: “He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are one” (Heb. 2:11)
- seeing Jesus in each other will produce unity
This is by the Holy Spirit, who first formed the believers into this united body at Pentecost
- without the Spirit, we are not Christians, Romans 8; with Him, we are united
- and note that all are still distinct Persons of the Godhead
Unity develops also from the “apostles’ doctrine,” Acts 2:42
- the apostles were indeed unified in word and action, though also had distinctives
- Jude 3, 17, the faith once delivered to the saints; the body of truth through the teaching of the apostles
John 17:20-23
All generations of believers since then, including ours, have come to faith because of the apostles’ word. But again, it’s so “they may be one”
- the result is fellowship together, 1 John 1
- the goal is so the world may believe that the Father sent the Son, John 1:21
- it’s noticed that we have been with Jesus (4:13) and care about
each other (4:32-35)
- …this is not Christian socialism (people still had property rights)
- …but a historical reality of the depth of relationship and unity that now existed
- …this is because of the power of His resurrection, 4:33
- the standard again is “that they may be one as We are”; cp.
Col. 3:4, with Christ in God
- …and notice all the intricacies of that unity: Christ in us, the Father in Christ, etc.
- …and here a special glory is connected with it, John 17:22
- “so the world will know You have sent Me,” 17:21
- and so the world knows that we are loved by the Father, 17:23
- …operating from a position of being loved changes how we talk about each other
- …and the world sees the difference; it doesn’t affect only ourselves
Distinctions of the Godhead are again seen. Notice that Christ is in us but it doesn’t say the Father is in us in that same way. This agrees with other Scriptures (e.g. Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith, Eph. 3:17; Christ in you, the hope of glory, Col. 1:27).
- We don’t lose our individuality as believers. Goals of Eastern religions include a loss of desire and identity as one tries to become one with a universal divine consciousness. Christianity makes us one while encouraging us to express unity as uniquely ourselves.
John 5 describes witnesses that the Father sent the Son
-
including the Lord’s own works, the Father’s testimony, and the Scriptures
-
yet now we are added to those witnesses when we display unity
Romans 15:5-7, Colossians 2:1-4
Not just the Lord Jesus prayed this way; Paul prayed this way too. We should all join in the prayer for unity. Every generation has to recapture these truths and practice them.
Revelation 5:9-10 * --Every tribe, tongue, people, and nation will be represented, and all can still be identified. * --The prayer of the Lord for unity was in a way answered at Pentecost; and in another way, it will finally be fulfilled in heaven. But in the present, we have the opportunity to live out this truth.
2 Corinthians 3:18
We all are transformed as we behold the glory of the Lord.
Romans 6-7
This passage reviews the reality of the sinful nature, which includes the natural tendency for disunity and division. We have to walk in this truth rather than in the flesh.
John 17
The Lord addresses God as Father, then Holy Father (and emphasizes our sanctification), and Righteous Father (and emphasizes that we are in the world but not of it).
- Whenever I allow differences to divide me from brothers or sisters, I deny that name!
Ephesians 4:3, endeavor!
Unity amidst national, ethnic, and cultural diversity
Colossians 3:10-17 sets out both our position and our practice. The standard is being “in Christ”—when Christ is all and is in all.
… held together, bound together in reality and “at heart”
So then, what is the reality for specific situations? One Christian in Colosse was Philemon. Paul wrote a second letter to him, though everyone at Colosse could also read it.
- Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, had been saved through meeting Paul!
- now he is more than a servant; he is a beloved brother
- no distinction in the Lord’s presence (yet still the servant he had been, too)
- “receive him,” Philemon v. 16; restoration, joy, refreshing, vv. 18-19
- overcoming biases of class
Other examples:
Acts 15:36, Paul and Barnabas with John Mark; living from a position of unity * there was a separation but not a division * they still appreciated and respected one another: Paul knew Mark was useful (2 Timothy 4) and appreciated Barnabas (1 Corinthians 9:6); Barnabas had not poisoned Mark against Paul * Peter called Mark his son too; there was no sense of possessiveness (1 Peter 5:13)
James 1-2, overcoming biases of social class and economic status
- James 2:9, no partiality; this was a temptation, 2:1-4, despite unbelieving rich people who defrauded and misused believers, 5:1-6
- James 1:9-10, the lowly and the rich are just the same in God’s presence
Acts 9, Saul needed Barnabas to help him find acceptance in Jerusalem
- his sincerity was questioned because of his history; but now there was reality
- the role of mediator in Barnabas, 9:27
- notice also: Ananias called him “brother Saul” though not wanting to go at first (9:17)
Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, biases of gift and identity
- all contributing to spiritual growth in the body of Christ, Eph. 4:11-16
- Christ is the goal; each one contributes, including the joints
- Eph. 4:3, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit (note: not unity of the body, which is already settled)
- don’t build again the walls that were torn down, 2:14 applied to other divisions
- Eph. 4:1-2, the attitude of lowliness
Acts 6, biases of nationality and heritage
- the Hebrews and Hellenists; Hebrew and Greek speakers of Jewish culture
- all now believers, yet there was inequality and mistrust
- possibly the Hebrews might have simply overlooked the Hellenists (rather than purposely giving less); but an effort in relationship would have prevented that
- and probably the Hellenists were quick complain and judge motives, assuming it was on purpose when it just needed a simple conversation
John 4, biases of ethnicity and history
- Christ “had to go” through Samaria; intentional connections with others
- she said, “you say” (4:20); this is like saying, “you Jews,” “you people;” cultural divides tend to lump people together and then dehumanize them
- Christ was still always Jewish; she was still always from Samaria; yet a new unity came
Ways to change: We have to… 1. Fellowship differently. All of us naturally stick with our own friends and those who are like us. But if there is to be a new display of unity, we should intentionally seek out those with differences. 2. Talk differently. We have to avoid stereotypes of individuals (true, sometimes cultural traits exist, but we can’t type-cast individual believers or prejudge their character; and our own culture takes a back seat to faith). 3. We have to talk differently also by showing respect for cultural differences. Some have insulted or mocked even the cultural naming traditions of families. And let’s stop identifying people by skin color when there is no purpose for doing so. This emphasizes “otherness” instead of unity. 4. Think differently. Acknowledge different histories for different individuals and cultures. We will never really know what it’s like to be that person. Also, assume that there are legitimate reasons for others to do things (instead of assuming bad motives or bad character). 5. Respond differently. If we are endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, then we must always think of Christians as our brethren together. Christ is all and in all! “Christian” is our first identity. When there are challenges to unity, respond as if we are working together to overcome them rather than from a mindset of “opposite” or “other.” This will honor the name of Jesus Christ, who desired us to show unity.
Other important examples:
Ephesians 4:1-7 Biblical unity defined and described* One body – united by the Spirit in a co-dependence of each other (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) * One Spirit – we have be acted upon by a divine person * One hope – shared expectation; and goals * One Lord – we bow to the one who all authority is vested in him * One faith – Common doctrine and response to the doctrine * One baptism – singular identification with Jesus Christ * One God and Father – the single spring, source and supply for unity
Romans 14:2-9
The case of days and diets – Overcoming cultural bias
1 Corinthians 9:18-23
Paul focus on the gospel’s message for all – drives him to desire reaching all by his own desire to “build and cross bridges” to reach people different and similar to himself for the gospel’s sake
What does it mean to be "in Christ"?
Being “in Christ” is like the Ground Zero starting point of the Christian life. It has tremendous ramifications and implications. Do we feel inferior? We are in Christ. Do we elevate others? We are in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:22
-in Christ vs. in Adam
Spiritually, this is the only other “race.” We are all of one race and one blood in Adam; but the gospel takes us out of Adam and puts us in Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are baptized, submerged, into the body of Christ, sealed until the day of redemption (Eph 1:13).
2 Corinthians 5:17
We are now a new creation in Christ. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. This includes poor thinking and biases that have their roots in the fallen condition.
Just as with Ephesians 2:4-6, the contrast is between what we were and what we are.
Alive together with Christ—unity established right away. Divisions are broken, Eph. 2:14.
Romans 6, partakers of His death, burial, and resurrection
2 Peter 1:4, partakers of His divine nature
In Christ refers to our position; with Christ refers to our association with Him.
Other references:
Colossians 1:14 redemption, forgiveness; it’s not through ourselves; God sees Christ Ephesians 2:12-13 far off, now near to God; reconciled, “so very near to God” 1 John 5:11, 13 we have eternal life; it resides in Christ, God’s Son Romans 8:1-2 * there is no condemnation; free from law of sin and death * Thus my job is not to accuse others! (cp. Revelation 12, the devil accuses) * We might admonish someone’s behavior, like Paul with Peter (Gal. 2:14) + …but we can never remove the position of someone else + …we might correct those out of step (Gal 2:14) but not condemn + …Satan tried to accuse Job in terms of his position with God + …that was rejected; but his condition did indeed need adjustment * Contrast between position and condition, between position and practice; * some also use the terms our standing and our state.
2 Corinthians 5:21justified, the righteousness of God in Him
1 Corinthians 1:2sanctified, set apart for a purpose
You are made like ______(this)______, so now live like it.
Colossians 2:9-10we are complete in Him; acceptance
1 Cor. 2:16, 6:17one Spirit; we are made one with Him
We all have the mind of Christ.
These verses reveal that I have no right to treat you as anything less. We are all in the same group and stand on the same footing.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27same concerns, suffering, and joy
This collective aspect is true. If we don’t realize it, how can we get there?
It’s true that we might have different stages of appreciation of this truth.
- …remember that unity is not a practice that can be generated naturally
- …remember that if preferences are harmful to others, then the preferences are fleshly
Colossians 3:6-11old facts are replaced by new facts
We are still here to live this out; but Christ is now all and in all
More passages:
Romans 12:4-5 One body … many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
-Diversity is by design for the body of Christ.
Galatians 3:25-28 all by faith in Christ Jesus. … we have put on Christ. …
neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
-Probably one of the most significant scriptures in this subject, placing our identity in Christ and diminishing our distinctions without eliminating them – the other distinctions for which poor or no relationships occur at all.
Galatians 6:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.
-Removes even religious distinctions
Br Burkhard Schmidt
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YouTube Video referenced during the presentation.
The Gospel
We have seen the problem of having unity, with disunity resulting from sin. Today we will see that God has a solution, but His is a different approach from everyone else. It will take a review of the human condition before we can discover His prescription.
This is important to recognize because we don’t want to bring the mindset of disunity or the wrong approach to unity into our relationships as believers.
The scene starts in Acts 2:1-10. On the Day of Pentecost those from many different nations were in Jerusalem. Some from Rome were included, and they brought the gospel message back to their homes. Later, Paul was used to write the book of Romans for them and for us.
Romans 1:8-13 1. We may be established and encouraged together 2. The gospel is God’s power for all who believe, 1:16
Romans 1:17-21; 29-31 * The righteousness and the wrath of God are revealed * Clarity is available (vv. 19-20), but futile thoughts led to darkened hearts; the mind first, then the heart * This is the same tactic used today in messaging and advertising from the world * Then those thoughts lead to actions (vv. 29-31) and affect others
This is one of the wrong prescriptions for unity. The end of Romans 1 pictures everyone being accepted and wrong behavior actually promoted. If unity comes simply by embracing diversity, then man’s inhumanity to man has no limits.
The reality is that thoughts have to be captured and transformed. The “strongholds” of 2 Corinthians 10:3 suggest mindsets that have to be resisted and conquered.
Romans 2:1-16 * This is the moralist: cultured, yet inconsistent. * God judges that person—in fact, judges their secret sins! They are still exposed. This prescription doesn’t work either.
Romans 2:17-3:20 * The Jewish nation received advantages and had privilege; they had direct communication from God in the covenant (the law); yet they dishonored God. * Simply knowing the Word of God is not enough; there is a need to allow its proper impact. * Ultimately there is a statement of unity, but in a terrible way: All are guilty (3:19)!
To review, there are three bad prescriptions:
- 1:32 Let’s embrace everything—but that only accentuates the problem.
- 2:16 Let’s live morally—but our secrets are still sinful and cause division.
- 2:24 Let’s live with God’s privilege—but that just makes people even more guilty.
An example of the outcome of privilege is in Numbers 12, when Moses married a woman of a different nationality, ethnicity, and culture, a woman of Cush (Ethiopia). The prejudice of Miriam and Aaron comes immediately to the fore.
Peter also had to learn this in Acts 10: the power of the gospel breaks down walls
…and he had to learn it again in Galatians 2, when even Barnabas was affected
God’s prescription * …the righteousness of God, by faith in Jesus Christ, to all that believe! Romans 3:22 * All have a need, but all may believe. * Christians are now all of the same family, with the same Father, all transformed into the same image by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
Romans continues: we all may be justified; we all may be reconciled; we all may have joy.
Absalom’s prescription for unity in 2 Samuel 15 was to make everyone think of themselves. They all united in rebellion behind Absalom. But when that rebellion was put down, true unity was restored when the people thought not of themselves but of David (2 Sam. 15:6, 19:9).
Sin leads to sins; we have to deal with the issue of disunity, but we have to do it in God’s way.
Defining the issues
Regions of Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, as well as Western countries like the US, Germany, and the UK all have periods in their history which diminished one group of people beneath another. Systemic discrimination and even violence were directed from one group to the diminished people.
Many words are use to describe this condition, and if we are not careful we can embrace the wrong terms and reflect the wrong ideas expressed by them.
Helpful words:
Nation, National - A collection of human beings that live in a specific location that agree to be governed by a set of laws.
Ethnic - unique characteristics common to a group of human beings. This includes skin color, hair texture and other physical traits.
Culture - language, ideas, customs and social behavior of a particular group of people
Oneness, unity - the sharing of common goals, purposes and the pursuit of those goals and purposes; the forming of a complete harmonious whole.
Not so helpful words:
Race, racism - An inappropriate identification of a group of people which by implication implies an inferior-superior relationship
Discrimination - In a good sense it is distinguishing between alternative choices; in a bad sense, the choice is made on biased, faulty factors, causing harm to others
Prejudice - The prejudgment of a person or matter without the facts.
Origin of nations, peoples, language, and kindred
Genesis 4:17-22 – The origin of cultural distinctive – City living/tent living (v19, 20); Music (v. 21); Craftsmanship (v 22)
Genesis 11:1, 6-8; 10:3, 32 After the flood - the people on earth were of one language - and one purpose. The unity was opposed to God -and the imaginations of man's mind needed to be handled. God confuses the languages - the Lord dispersed people over the face of the earth.
The birth of nations, people, and languages begins here.
Acts 17:26 "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;"(KJV)
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, (ESV)
There is one gene pool that produces all human beings. Intrinsically there is a value and worth of every human being because we are “made in the image and likeness of God.”
Other important passages:
Genesis 3:9-19 – The “blame game” failing to take responsibility for actions.
James 4:1, 2 – The source of conflicts, quarrels – from internal passions, unmet desire, envy.
Brian Baptiste
Revelation 19:7-9 The Marriage of the Lamb.
The consummation of all. The joy is complete on both sides.
After a thousand years. Revelation 21:9-25. She is seen as a city. The bride's beauty remains. Revelation 22:16-17,20-21.
Brian Baptiste
Ephesians 5:27-32 Give us the result in the Presentation of Himself.
- Not only give himself for her.
- But also sanctified and cleansed her. His patient infinite love. All through her pilgrimage here.
That at last- presented glorious, no spot or wrinkle
Fresh and youthful looking.
The product of Christ from the cross to presentation. Example Esther 2:12-15
John Redekop
2 Corinthians 11:1-2
We learn the sanctifying power or effect of that truth. Be faithful to Him, -- What a faithful heart retained about Him. Song of Solomon 5:2.
Hebrews 6:19, 1 John 3:3
John Redekop
Matthew 25: We have the midnight cry.
It awakens all the sleepers.
He is coming --(The Spirit Cry)
The cry is "Behold the Bridegroom!"
It draws not so much attention to the event, but to His Person -- The Bridegroom
Brian Baptiste
Matthew 22:1-14
Called to share in the joy of the King (the Father) in the marriage of His Son. (The invitation is sent)
Let us realize the value of souls, but let us also have that day clearly in view and think of the pleasure of the Son when he shall look at His Bride. Beautiful is his sight.
- Lydia - Acts 16:14-15 - Demonstrated in hospitality
- Aquila and Priscilla - Acts 18:24-28 Mentored Apollos; Romans 16:3 Paul's helpers
- Tychicus - Ephesians 6:21-22, Colossians 4:7-8 - Communicated Paul's affairs and comforted the saints
- Epaphras - Colossians 1:7
Timothy 2:1-13 * Being strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus * Enduring hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ * Striving lawfully for the crown * Laboring as a husbandman to be the partaker of the fruits...
- Paul - Faithful steward of the mysteries of God 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:12-14
- Barnabas - Acts 4:36 - gave of his resources; Acts 9:27 Willingness to reach out to newly converted Paul; Acts 11:22-26 Encouraged the saints and with Paul taught much people in Antioch; Acts 13:1-2 Called by the Lord; Acts 13:42-46 - Gospel to the Gentiles
- Timothy - 1 Corinthians 4:17 - Faithful in the Lord - to remind what Paul had taught; 2 Timothy enjoined to each other faithful men able to teach others
- Revelation 1:4-6
- Revelation 3:14
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Revelation 19:11-13
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2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - Establishes and keeps
- 2 Timothy 2:11-13 - He remains faithful
- Hebrews 2:17 - Merciful and faithful High Priest, in things pertaining to God
- Hebrews 3:2 - Faithful to God - over the house
- Hebrews 10:23 - Promise maker and keeper
- Revelation 1:5 - The faithful witness - communicating special revelation
Key Verse: "Let the peace of God preside in your hearts... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" Col. 3:15-16
Col. 3:9-11 "Since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all."
Col. 3:12-17 "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies... But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Key Verse: "this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col. 1:27
Col. 1:21-22 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight
Col. 1:27-28 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Col. 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Col. 3:1-3 If then you are raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Key Verse: "Stand still and see that salvation of the LORD". Ex 14-13
Ex. 2:23-25 "Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So, God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them."
God heard -- God remembered -- God looked -- God acknowledged them.
Ex. 14:10 "And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord."
Ex. 14:13-14 "And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
Ex. 14:29-31 "But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses."
His Glory
- Moses
- Genesis 49:10 - The scepter in Judah
- Numbers 24:17 - Scepter out of Israel
- The Prophets
- Isaiah 9:7 - Establishes a kingdom
- Isaiah 11:1-5 - Reigns in righteousness and equity
- Daniel 2:42
- The Psalms
- Psalm 2:6,8-13 - Ruling the nations
- Psalm 72:1-17
- Jeremiah 23:5-6
His Sufferings
- Moses
- Genesis 22:7-8 - God provided lamb (John 1:29,36)
- Exodus 12:1-6 - Christ the Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
- The Prophets
- Isaiah 53:4,7,8,10 - Stricken Lamb
- Zechariah 13:7 - Stricken shepherd
- The Psalms
- Psalm 22
- Psalm 69:1-4, 7-9
His Advent - Incarnation
“Great is the mystery of godliness…” 1 Timothy 3:16
- Moses
- Genesis 3:15 - The seed of the woman
- Deuteronomy 18:15, 18 - The prophet (Acts 3:22, 7:37)
- The Prophets
- Isaiah 7:14,15 - Born of a virgin, Emmanuel - God with us (Matthew 1:21-23)
- Isaiah 9:6 - Child born - Son Given
- Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I called my son (Matthew 2:15)
- The Psalms
- Psalm 2:7 - You are my Son; this day have I begotten you (Hebrews 1:5)
- Psalm 22:9-10 - Taken from His mother’s womb…
The Lord Jesus applying the water and the cleansing on the third day and seventh day
John 13:5; 9-10; Luke 24:34; John 21:15-17
A. Langham
- Numbers 28:7
- Psalm 16:4
- Leviticus 23:13,18,37
- Ephesians 1:3
- 1 Chronicles 29:20-21
- 2 Kings 16:5-13,15
- 2 Chronicles 29:35
- Ezra 7:17
J. Brett
- Matthew 3:15
- Matthew 27:46
- Mark 1:14-17
- Luke 2:49
- Luke 23:34,42-43,46
- John 1:38b-39a
- John 19:23-28,30
We all will sorrow. How did resilient believers respond to pain? How can God use it to help us grow?
What are some principles for helping the grieving and depressed? What are pitfalls to avoid?
P. Meijer
Daniel 1:3-4,8,17-20; Daniel 2:13-19,28; Daniel 3:12,16-18,25; Daniel 6:10-12,13,16b,20-23; Daniel 9:1-2
The Trespass Offering - Leviticus 5, Isaiah 53:5,6,8,11
Sin Offering - Leviticus 4, Isaiah 53:10,12
The Meal Offering - Leviticus 2, Isaiah 53:2,3,9b
The Peace Offering - Leviticus 3, Isaiah 53:5
Pressure Proofing your Marriage 1. What are the pressures 2. Their direct impact 3. Their consequences.
Conflict & Conflict Resolution 1. Areas where conflict manifest itself 2. Feelings that conflict produces 3. Five styles in dealing with conflict 4. Effective interventions for resolving conflicts
Communication as a vital ingredient in marriage.1. Components to communication 1. Content 2. Tone 3. Non-verbal 2. Listening and not just hearing 3. Levels of Communication
Restoration - God's desire to bless those who return to Him.
- Amos 9:11-15
- Hebrews 12:5-11
Repentance - God's desire for recovery of His people.
- Amos 4:12-13; Amos 5:4-24
- 2 Cor. 7:10-12; James 5:14-16
Reaping - God's warning of judgement on His own
- Amos 1:1-2, Amos 7:14-15
- Amos 2:4 - 3:8
- Prov. 3:11-12; Gal. 6:7-8; 1 Cor. 11:27-33
Br. John Redekop
Wisdom in practical life:
Presentation: Prov. 27:1,2,12,17; 15:1-4; 21:23; 11:24-27; 23:23
Study: Wisdom that is from above - James 1:2-6; 3:13-18
Br. Hadley Hall
The wisdom of God which the Holy Ghost teaches vs. the wisdom which man teaches.
Presentation & Study: 1 Cor. 1:18-31; 2:1-15
Br. Tim Hadley
Wisdom in building the house.
Presentation & Study: Prov. 24:3-6; 18:22; 19:13,14,18; 22:6,15; 23:13; 14:1
Br. Wagdi Tadros
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Presentation: Prov. 9:10-12, 14:26, 27; 15:33; Ps. 25:14; Isa. 11:1-3
Study: Prov. 8:13-39
Br. Brian Reynolds
In English and Nepali
"Through all of the book of Exodus, and the whole Bible"
Exodus 1
- Genesis 15:13 - Bondage for 400 years
- Malachi to Matthew - Also 400 years. See H.A. Ironside's book "400 Silent Years" - Persian, Greek, and Roman captivities
- This was a period of no prophets, silent period broken by the Lord Jesus in Matthew, and Moses in Exodus
- In both Exodus and Matthew, all male children were killed
- In Matthew, Jesus went down to Egypt for protection, just as Israel did at the end of Genesis
Exodus 2:14
- Who made you ruler and judge?
- His own received Him not; Jn. 1:11
Exodus 3:7-8, 14
- "I am come down"
- "I AM" is from the same root word as "Jehovah" - translated to "the eternal" in French, but "LORD" in English.
Exodus 12:2, 6
- Passover - Behold the Lamb of God
- The journey doesn't begin until the lamb's death. Just like Christ first had to die.
Exodus 14:21-22
- Satan’s power broken -- Egyptians drowned
- We have died in Christ -- Israel passed through the Red Sea
- God doesn't see us, He sees Christ
Exodus 15:1-2
- First mention of Singing in the Bible
- First mention of Salvation in the Bible
- First comes complete deliverance than comes singing
- It's all by grace
Exodus 19-24
- The giving of the Law
- Jewish tradition is that the Law was given on the day of Pentecost (~50 days after the Passover)
- Red Sea -- Redemption
- Mt. Sinai -- Giving of the Holy Ghost.
- Law was given on Mt. Sinai on stone tablets
- Now He writes His law on our hearts 2 Cor. 3:3
Exodus 25-27
- Pattern of the Tabernacle
- He wished to dwell among them Ex. 25:8-9a
- After the Passover
- Red Sea -- Redemption
- Mt. Sinai -- Giving of Holy Ghost
-
The Church doesn't start until after these things
-
Eph. 2:20, 21-22
- The assembly is a living building of all believers by the Spirit of God
Exodus 31:1-3,6
- Bezalel
-
Chosen skilled workman filled with the Spirit of God
-
Parallels to Paul
- Chosen to explain the mystery of the Church; Ac. 9:15
- 1 Cor. 3:10
Exodus 28
- The High Priest: Picture of Christ
- Priest bears stones representing Israel
- On his heart (Ex 28 29-30) - nearness
-
On his shoulders (Ex28:12) - strength
-
We go directly to HIM, not through priest or building or ...
- Hebrews is all about this.
- Hebrews is based on
- Tabernacle
- Psalm 110
- Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement
Exodus 32:1, 4-5, 24
- People jump to "Guess he's gone" regarding Moses
- "Let's build something we can see"
- Picture of Church's fall
- Lost hope of His return
-
Church turns to building cathedrals / incense / music
-
"Master has delayed his coming" - parable
- Gold, feast, party
-
Gold formed with a tool into an image vs. 4-5
-
Calf creation is attributed to miracle, though earlier it's clear it was man's hand
- 2 Thes. 2 - The end apostasy is "already at work"
Exodus 40:33-34
- Building the assembly; going to complete it
- Glory dwells there
- Rev 21:1 - A new dwelling place - with them
- Millennium – Vindication of God’s ways
-
Eternal State - Satisfaction of His nature
-
Rev 21:4
- Death, tears, and pain are gone
- God will be with us
- Abiding presence - Romans 15:33, Philippians 4:9, 2 Corinthians 13:11
- Preparer of what is pleasing in His sight - Hebrews 13:20
- Complete sanctification - 1 Thessalonians 5:23
- Ultimate victory over the enemy - Romans 16:20
- Peace from God - Romans 1:7, 1 Corithians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Glatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 2, 2 John 3
- Cure for anxiety - Philippians 4:4-7
- Ruling principle in life - Colossians 3:12-17
The following topics were covered in the reverse order (this is how it was in the original outline):
- The Gospel of peace - Romans 10:15, Ephesians 6:15
- Peace Preached - Acts 10:36, Ephesians 2:17
- Through the blood - Colossians 1:20
- Outcome of justification - Romans 5:1
- The faithfulness and confession of the prophet. Daniel 9:1-19
- The seventy weeks of Daniel's prophecy. Daniel 9:24-27
Peace
Peace is a key aspect of the Christian life.
- starts with declaration that we have peace with God, Romans 5:1. Imagine the relief and confidence from those who first heard this assurance of such peace!
The peace of God should rule in our hearts, Col. 3:15.
But Thessalonica was a hostile place for Christians, and the assembled saints were of very disparate types of people internally, Acts 17:4. So, they are told…
- 1 Thess. 5:12-13, be at peace among yourselves
- 1 Thess. 5:23, the God of peace will sanctify them
- 2 Thess. 3:17, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means
The God of peace is a foundation to stand upon. See Rom. 15:33, 16:20; Phil. 4:9. In Hebrews 13:20-21 this is also clear; it’s the God of peace who makes us ready to do every good work.
- But we are also instructed to be at peace with one another. This is a command, an intentional purpose for us to live out.
What are the factors that contribute to this life of peace?
- 1 Thess. 5:12-13, submission to those with responsibility among us; this helps us keep peace
- Eph. 2, the hostility between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down; why do we rebuild them by thinking in groups, families, ‘tribes”? Galatians 3:28—don’t emphasize those things.
- When we realize that our struggle is with external forces, we are united internally.
- And when we join together in gospel work, our differences are overcome.
- Romans 12:18, live peaceably as much as it depends on you
- This is the instruction for us even when it involves unbelievers in the world.
- But when it comes to our behavior with each other, we are told to ‘have salt in ourselves and have peace with one another,” Mark 9:50. Peace is expected. Salt in ourselves would preserve us from self-centered living so that we can have that kind of peace.
- We are told to live in peace, 2 Cor. 13:11.
- If there is not peace, we are told to be peacemakers, James 3:18.
- Then we should persist in it so we will be found in peace at Christ’s coming, 2 Peter 3:14.
- Col. 3:15, let the peace of God rule in our hearts, even if we can’t find peace ourselves
- Rom. 14:19, pursue the things that make for peace
- Heb. 12:14, peace and sanctification are connected
- Romans 12:10, devoted to one another; the kingdom of God is not external things… why destroy each other for the sake of them? Romans 14:17-20
- Romans 16:17, avoid divisive people
Relationships and community
- If peace is established, how will relationships and Christian community grow?
- The passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-28 provides many examples of those relationships. Some are these:
- edify one another, v. 11 –we are not going to be complacent but active and attentive
- receive exhortation, v. 12 –but are we willing to accept firm, direct guidance from others?
- prayer, vv. 17, 25 –what does it mean when we know we are prayed for? …a common vision, ‘us”
- a holy kiss, v. 26
- The idea of greeting one another is very prominent in the New Testament.
- For example, Romans 16 is overflowing with greetings to and from many people.
- Do we always greet some people and never greet others? If so, why is that? It may not be a kiss, but let it be a holy handshake or a holy hug. We must affirm the reality of Christian community.
1 Thess. 5:8, be sober and alert; prepare together for the difficulties that will surely come
- We rally together in difficulties. Why not in daily life?
That verse also describes the breastplate of faith and love.
- The aspect of faith will help us withstand external attacks with confidence.
- But the aspect of love is essential for our lives with each other. Our gatherings together will be contagious if this characterizes us.
- If we want to see our assemblies grow, why would the Lord entrust us with visitors if we can’t even get peace and relationships right ourselves?
- Externally, the life of the Christian is difficult and filled with opposition. Our gatherings should feel like an oasis in the desert; we should feel at rest and at peace.
Hebrews 13:1, let brotherly love continue. What God has already created should be nurtured. Contagious Christians individually and collectively will make an impact for Him in this world.
Contributed Notes: * Humility is good, but denying God’s ability to work through you isn’t * 1 Corinthians 1:18 and 25-29, 2 Corinthians 4:7 * 32,000 in Gideon’s army become 300- against innumerable children of the east * You’re a living letter, being read by those around you * ”many are called, but few are chosen.” * Watch and pray. Take up a position of readiness. * God knows His own, and all their needs. Psalm 23:1 * We’re always susceptible * Gideon immediately worshipped * Why barley bread? It was the bread of servants and resurrection. Why a loaf? It signified unity. * In verse 9, the tense of victory changes to the past tense * Who do you have as a Purah? * 2 Timothy 4:16-18, 1 John 2:14 * The vessel won’t be used until it’s been broken
References:
Judges 7, Psalm 23:1, 1 Corinthians 1:18 and 25-29, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:16-18, and 1 John 2:14
Two Words:
Deliverance and faith
Eugene Vedder - Daniel 6
Brian Reynolds - Daniel 12:9, Rev 22:10 Daniel and John Comparison
Contributed Notes: * Summary so far: Judges 6: 13-22 * Gideon wasn’t asked to bring an offering- it was his natural response * Jehovah-Shalom, the God of peace, who calms our fears * Compare Gideon and the widow with two coins * 1 Peter 2:5 and 9, go first in, and then out * Jude 20-23 * Colossians 3:23 and 1 Corinthians 12 * He has to be first. Luke 14:25-33 * Question: is there any significance to the offering of a bull rather than a goat or sheep? answer: yes. It represents Jesus, the second man, who, instead of bringing the curse, removes it. See also: young bull, 7 years old
References:
Judges 6, Luke 14:25-33, 1 Corinthians 12, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 2:5 and 9, and Jude 20-23
Challenges
- When studying the Old Testament, look for types.
- First spend time with Jesus, then serve.
Two Words:
Overcome and overcomer
What is sanctification? The word means separate or set apart. It’s precisely the same as the words holy, holiness, sanctuary, saint.
It’s a grand Bible theme with many references. Here are just a few chapters
- Exodus 19, the people were sanctified;
- Numbers 28, Aaron and his sons;
- Genesis 2, the Sabbath day;
- Exodus 30, the tabernacle;
- 2 Chronicles 7, the temple;
- John 10, Christ sanctified Himself;
- 1 Timothy 4:5, all things sanctified by the word of God and prayer
There is positional sanctification.
- God has done this permanently when He saved and justified us.
- Romans 6, we are buried and risen with Christ, so we reckon that to be true, presenting ourselves to God as holy
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-2, sanctified and called saints (not ‘called to be” saints)
- Hebrews 10:10, 14, those who are sanctified
There is also perfect sanctification when we will be completely like Christ, 1 Jn. 3:2, Phil. 3:21.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, prayer agreeing with God’s plan to do this
But in between positional and perfect sanctification there is practical sanctification.
- It can be called progressive sanctification—not because we will ultimately attain perfection in this life, but because we should be progressing in practice and display of this truth.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13, established blameless in holiness—in view of Christ’s appearing
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7, called not to uncleanness but holiness
Other references:
- 1 Peter 1:13-17; we can only become what we already are
- Psalm 119:11, cleansing by the word of God
- 1 Corinthians 1:30, Christ Jesus is made sanctification for us
- Galatians 3, not by the flesh but by the Spirit; Galatians 5, the power for sanctification
- 1 Corinthians 6:19, the Holy Spirit in us
- 2 Tim. 1:9, a holy calling
John 17:13-19
- verse 11, Holy Father
- then, we are not of this world; the Word of God is the truth that sanctifies us
- our object is the Lord, who sanctified Himself and prayed for our sanctification
- the work of the entire Trinity
Notice that holy is not the same as righteous or perfect. The opposite of holy is ‘common.” In Exodus 3, the ground where Moses stood was holy. Why? Because God was there at that moment—that’s what made it uncommon and holy. Holy is something that is supremely unique, or a cut above the rest. Our holy calling imparts a supremely unique dignity that then impacts our daily behavior.
Observe the specific area of sanctification in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. It tells us how to walk and please God (v. 3), and in particular this is in sexual purity. If sanctification can be illustrated as though we are God’s good china—staying clean, stored and kept in a place of honor, not used for ordinary, common purposes, not used for digging in the dirt.
The emphasis on sexual sanctification is very relevant. We are taught here to possess our own bodies; this is God’s will.
There are consequences of a lack of sanctification. There is discipline for it too.
- But remember that forgiveness is also plentiful.
- Covenant Eyes is a program that assists with accountability for Internet use.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33, bad company will corrupt us
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; the one who calls is us faithful, and He will also do it
- Everybody has their own ulterior motive for behavior. The sanctified Christian is different, and this is contagious Christianity.
Contributed Notes: * Out of the classroom and into the laboratory * Our God is a God of second chances * You can’t control the consequences, but you can control your actions * Be careful of the slow fade * ”Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” * There are two ways to learn: through God’s Word, or through the school of hard knocks * Midia, the child of Abraham and Keturah, father of the Midianites, whose name means ‘strife.”
References:
Judges 2, 6, and Hebrews 12:9-11
Two Words:
Weeping and defeat
The Thessalonians had Paul with them for only about three weeks, Acts 17:1-6. The conditions were not favorable for Christians, as the following verses show.
.In Acts 14 there is similar persistence from Paul, who is chased from city to city and even stoned; but he simply acknowledged that much persecution was to be expected.
1 Thess. 3:1-5, Paul’s interest was to establish them so they would not be shaken.
- Daniel 3, the young men were not shaken
- James 1, not doubting
- 2 Thess 1:1-4, faith and love proved their perseverance
The coming of the Lord is a key foundation that establishes the believer, especially in the face of difficulty.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16, the inward self is renewed even though the outward self weakens
- 1 Corinthians 15:58, death will be overcome with the victory of resurrection; so serve
- Romans 8:18, the coming glory though now we groan
The Rapture is an accurate teaching of Scripture when we consider that the 1st century believers were waiting for Christ’s return day by day; 1 Thess. 1:10, Philippians 3:21. This is the hope of the Christian.
Other aspects of persevering Christians:
- Join hands with those who are suffering, Heb. 13:1, 3
- …and rejoice if we ourselves suffer, 1 Peter 4:12-13
- Realize that other things beside persecution can shake our faith, such as adversity in a fallen world or influences that create doubt. Ishmael persecuted Isaac by laughter, Galatians 4.
- Take advantage of relative freedom by spiritual activity. Behave consistently. Don’t walk disorderly, 2 Thessalonians 3:5-12.
- Realize that grace under pressure encourages others, 1 Thess. 3:6-7
- Titus 2:13, denying ungodliness
- 1 Peter 1:3-9 in trials, look at what God has already done for us
- in verse 12, the face of the Lord is against evil
- in verse 15, we can give a reason for our hope
Overcoming adversity will make us contagious Christians.
Contributed Notes: * The Red Sea: Christ died for me. the Jordan River: I die for Christ * The Israelites had to cross the Jordan before they could enjoy the pleasures of the land. * The God who brought you out of Egypt has the power to bring you into the Promised Land * Joshua was young. He was a good soldier (Exodus 17). He ministered faithfully to Moses (Exodus 24). He did not depart from the tabernacle (Exodus 33) * There is a unique place for you to serve. Listen. * John 10:3-4 * 2000 cubits = 3000 feet = 914 meters. Intimate reverence.
References:
Joshua 3-4, and John 10:3-4
Challenges
Compare the books of Joshua and Ephesians
Two Words:
Baptism and self-judgement
Prophecy of the four kingdoms and the kingdom of the Lord. Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Daniel 2:1-45
Mark 4:26-29 illustrates the growth of the kingdom of God but also shows two points about growth in general. First, it is mysterious. It just happens, and the farmer does not know how. But second, it is obvious. If no growth is seen, then there is no growth! Are we content to simply remain spiritual children?
Growing Christians will be contagious Christians. Two questions can be asked about spiritual growth.
- What are the conditions that promote growth?
- What areas of a Christian’s life will reveal growth?
Conditions for Growth
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, the conditions for spiritual growth
- How did Paul, Silas, and Timothy behave in order to help growth occur?
- honest motivation, not deceit, v. 3
- desire to please God, not men, v. 4
- did not desire to enrich themselves, vv. 5-6
- endured trouble, vv. 1-2 (compare v. 14; also Acts 16, had just come from Philippi)
- -Their message was the gospel, not themselves, vv. 2, 4, 8, 9
- -Their manner and approach were gentle and yet also direct
- as a nursing mother, v. 7; as an exhorting father, v. 11
- real joy when the Thessalonians were indeed growing, vv. 19-20
If we want to grow, respond to spiritual influences of this sort. Don’t isolate ourselves.
If we want to help others grow, keep the right motivation, the right message, and the right manner.
In the parable of the seeds and the soil (Matthew 13, Mark 4), what changes? It’s not the seed but the soil. Various influences choke or hinder the desired results for growth and fruitfulness.
We must always desire the word of God the way a baby desires milk, 1 Pet. 2:1-3. No growth occurs without it. The Thessalonians welcomed it and treated it as the word of God indeed, vv. 13-14
They received it (the ears), welcomed it (the heart), applied it (the will) Two things to pray about every day:
- a love for the word of God
- a love for the people of God
Evidence of Growth
The Thessalonians suffered, v. 14. This proved that growth was real.
James 1:21, receive with meekness the implanted word
- meekness is a characteristic of spiritual growth and maturity
1 Timothy 4:15, profiting appear to all
- we might not know we are growing, but others will
- don’t make growth our personal object; don’t focus on it
Acts 9, Paul’s first act in Damascus was to pray
- prayer is our oxygen; it’s like proof of breathing, as when a baby first cries after being born
There should be changes in desire and priority, as the Thessalonians has displayed (1:10).
Psalm 1, we will not be influenced by scoffers.
2 Peter 1, some traits of growth; these show that we are not unfruitful
- “unfruitful” notes: Mt. 13:22, choked by the cares of the world; Titus 3:14, good works
- 2 Peter 1:8 emphasizes diligence; the Spirit produces fruit (Gal. 5), but we desire it, too
1 Corinthians 3:18, staying focused on Christ produces a change
1 Thessalonians 2:12, the goal was that they would walk worthily of God
- who should enjoy the fruit? Not us; it’s for God. That is our motive.
Contributed Notes: * We must be able to come as we are, because we can’t change on our own * Everytime the people of God need him, He moves with compassion * John 10:10 the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but God gives abundant life. * Romans 15:4 * 1 Corinthians 10:11 * Exodus 1:13-15, 3:7-8, and 6:6-8 * The Greek word for compassion has to do with the protective element of the womb * the Old Testament is our picture book * there are three lambs we need to recognize: a lamb, the Lamb, and my Lamb * when God sees His people, He moves in compassion. Hearing His people, He moves in power. When he knows our sorrow, He moves with sympathy * the Lamb comes to the household, not the household to the lamb
References:
Exodus 1:13-15, 3:7-8, and 6:6-8, 12, 14, Romans 15:4, and 1 Corinthians 10:11
Two Words:
Redemption & Deliverance
- A background of the book. 2 Chronicles 36:5-7, 15-21
- The characteristics of the heathen and the qualities of the remnant. Daniel 1:1-21
The wholesale change of outlook that comes with new birth, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 6-10.
The Thessalonians were well-known in Macedonia and Achaia
- testimony was effective, shown in work of faith, labor of love, steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Understanding the gospel of God—the great salvation—had produced this change.
New Birth – 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 6
- God brings new birth – begets believers by the power of the word of God and the Holy Spirit
- A divine work that God does – using the word of God and the Holy Spirit to awaken
- The Thessalonians received gospel not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit
Reconciliation – 1 Thessalonians 1:9
- Reconciliation means to make a change in order to remove differences. We were enemies (at enmity with God). We are reconciled to God by the death of His Son… Romans 5:11
- Thessalonians turned to God from idols to serve the living God. They were reconciled to God…
Justification – 1 Thessalonians 1:10
- Justification means to be accounted righteous, to be absolved of guilt. God is holy and demands justice. We are all guilty and subject to wrath! Yet we are justified by the blood of Christ, we will be saved by him from wrath (Romans 5:9)
- The Thessalonians responded to the fact that they were delivered from the wrath to come
Election - 1 Thessalonians 1:4
- It’s God’s sovereign act to choose a people for his praise and glory – especially for Jesus Christ… Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2
- This is a family secret – one that humbles and causes a joyous response
The power of the Gospel, the great salvation, transformed the Thessalonians:
- from a group of idol worshipers into servants of the living God;
- a model of group of believers (v 2)
- influenced by the coming of the Lord (v 10)
Other observations that produce contagious believers:
- Loved of/by God – v 4
- Elect (chosen) by God – v 4
- Faith in God – v 8
- Turned to God from idols – v 9
- Served God – v 9
- Waiting for the Son of God – v 10
J. Brett
- John 1:18
- Proverbs 8:30-31
- Psalm 16:3
- Psalm 40:6-8
- Song of Solomon 2:3
- Matthew 3:17 (JND)
Question: What other things we do as priest in the assembly or in our day-to-day life other than offering sacrifices of praise and worship?
| Old Testament patterns | New Testament practice | | --- | --- | | Offered animals as dead sacrifices – Hebrews 10:11 | Offer our bodies as living sacrifices – Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15, 16 | | Priest taught the law of God – 2 Chronicles 15:3; Nehemiah 8:9 | Teaching and admonishing one another – Colossians 3:16 | | To give thanks and praise – 2 Chronicles 31:2 | Prayers, supplications, and thanksgiving – 1 Timothy 2:1-3 |
I think we have to discuss this question at length-to know some other aspects of Christian priesthood/priestly service.
Our collective privilege to exercise priestly service has never ending existence.
- Revelation 5:8-14
- We will be kings (some read a kingdom rather than kings) and priest in heaven.
- Revelation 20:6
- We will be priests of God and Christ during the millennium
Believers are: * A holy priesthood – before God + Holy – separated to God + To offer up a spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2, Hebrews 13:15 * A royal priesthood – before a watching world + Royal - kingly; having regal bearing + To show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 4:18
Character: * Called/ordained - Hebrews 5:5, 6 * Consecrated by an oath – Hebrews 7:20-22, 28 * Continuous /changeless – Hebrews 7:23-24 * Character – Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, Separate from sinners -Hebrews 7:26
The priestly service of the Lord Jesus Christ * Offered one sacrifice and offerings – Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 10:12 * Mediates/Intercedes – Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:14, 15; Hebrews 7:25, Heb 9:24
J. Pickering Malachi 1:14; Acts 1:1-3; Acts 8:12; Acts 19:8; Acts 20:25-27; Acts 28:30-31; Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 4:17-20; Colossians 4:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 8:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5, 10-12
G. Quail Malachi 1:1; John 20:19; Lamentations 1:12; Lamentations 2:11; Lamentations 3:1; Ezekiel 24:15-18; Matthew 23:34-35
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 1. The Servant Marred and Exalted - Isaiah 52:13-15 2. The Man of Sorrows - Isaiah 53:1-3 3. Wounded for our Transgressions - Isaiah 53:4-6 4. The Silent Sufferer - Isaiah 53:7-9 5. The Fruit of His Sufferings - Isaiah 53:10-12
Worship is a grateful and joyful response of the heart to God when it is filled with His greatness.
- a reverent response in His presence
Genesis 24 – worshiped and bowed the head; Revelation 4, 5, 7 – worshiped and fell down
The True Character of Worship John 4:20-24
Worship is “in spirit and in truth.” Truth means “not hidden.”
We cannot worship fervently if something is hidden in our lives.
Psalm 51:6 truth in our inner being; purged and washed; then joy and gladness follow
then “open my lips” in response (v. 15)
When the woman in John 4 spoke truly (v. 18), then the teaching of worship in spirit and truth could be presented.
It’s a matter of authenticity and fidelity (in truth). The hypocrites (Matthew 15:7-9) worshiped only with their lips. We have to know what is true and be faithful to it, too.
Genesis 22 – worship first appears in the Bible here; it flows out from love and flows into obedience
Exodus 20 and Matthew 22 – “love the Lord your God with all you are”
Worship “in spirit” implies that our whole being is responsive to God; we aren’t just following a habit or custom.
Mark 7:7 – Avoidance of empty (vain) worship. “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
We are designed to seek an object of worship. But Nimrod (Genesis 10, 11) was brash before the Lord and led the people to build a tower that would help them make a name for themselves. This led to the worship of Babel, considered the starting point of Babylon.
What do we think of in our quiet moments? Is it ourselves?
We want to cultivate a heart that worships the Lord; the will is involved, but also the heart.
Who worships? It’s the priests.
1 Peter 2:4-10
The holy priests see that He is precious; the heart is involved.
A verbal response in public worship is only a momentary aspect of worship. Worship is continuous, in the Lord’s presence, appreciating His preciousness. A number of people worshiped the Lord Jesus in the gospels, and only occasionally is their worship defined in words. However, they nearly always fell or kneeled in His presence, overwhelmed with His greatness.
- The wise men (fell down, gifts) - Matthew 2
- The leper (kneeled down, Mark 1) - Matthew 8 / Mark 1
- Jairus, saying “you can make her live” (fell at feet, Mark 5) - Matthew 9 / Mark 5
- Disciples worshiped, saying “You are the Son of God” - Matthew 14
- Canaanite woman, saying “Lord, help me” (fell at feet, Mark 7) - Matthew 15 / Mark 7
- Mother of James / John (kneels - though this seems calculated) - Matthew 20
- The women after resurrection (held His feet) - Matthew 28
- The disciples after resurrection - Matthew 28 / Luke 24
- The demoniac (fell down before Him, Luke 8) - Mark 5 / Luke 8
- Soldiers mocked worship (bowing the knee) - Mark 15
- Blind man said “I believe” and worshiped - John 9
Philippians 3: we worship God in the spirit. It’s all the time. Saying “Let us worship” when offering a prayer can be misleading because it implies that worship is going to start at that moment and stop when the prayer is done. It is not a Sunday morning-only activity!
1 Peter 2 also presents the royal priests who proclaim Christ’s praises to others. This is as aspect of worship that serves God.
- Acts 16: Paul and Silas praised God (as holy priests) and witnessed to the jailer (as royal priests)
- Romans 12:1 presenting our bodies as living sacrifices is a spiritual act of worship
“To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”
- William Temple
Our whole being responds to God at every moment:
- Conscience: Hebrews 10:2,22
- Mind: Romans 15:6; 12:2
- Imagination: Ephesians 1:18
- Heart: Ephesians 3:17
- Will: Ephesians 6:6; Hebrews 6:3
“If we are not what we should be as worshipers all week, we won’t be what we should be on Sunday.”
- Grant Steidl, Growing in God’s Word
Isaiah 50:4-9 1. The Instructed Tongue and the Open Ear 2. Obediene in Spite of Opposition 3. Commitment based on Confidence
Stewardship A steward is a person responsible for another person’s business; a manager, an overseer of a house, a distributor. Do we manage well? 1 Corinthians 10:26 – “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”
1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 6-7 * we are stewards, because we have received something * we must be faithful with that and be faithful to the master
1 Timothy 6:20 * protect from misuse what is given (money, possessions, time, abilities)
Genesis 24:56 * the servant says, “do not hinder me” * there is a task to be done for the master, and that guides our agenda
Parable of the unjust steward, Luke 16:1-11 The steward in the parable was commended not because he was unjust (that was already dealt with) but because he had acted shrewdly. In the context of the parable, the master was pleased because at least he had gotten some income from his debts. (Probably the steward offered a discount for immediate payment; or perhaps he deducted his personal commission in order to encourage payment.) The steward is pleased, too, because he has gained friends who will later help him out.
The Lord uses this example to make the following points:
“2. The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”
Why? Because future events are foreseen and prepared for; investing now for future gains. 3. “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”
Use money not for self-gratification but for investing is what will have enduring value. 4. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
There is progressive increase in responsibility – be faithful in what seems like little things. 5. “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who shall entrust to you the true riches?”
There is a direct correlation with the stewardship of money and spiritual treasures. 6. “If you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?”
What we have is not really ours anyway. And it’s not about what we don’t have; it whether we are faithful with what we do have.
Stewardship of time: Paul twice wrote about redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 4:5).
Stewardship of abilities: God asked Moses, “What is in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2).
Service Stewardship of spiritual gifts is essentially our service for the Lord among fellow believers.
1 Peter 4:10 – Everyone has received a spiritual gift; minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. “Identify what I’m good at and then get on with it.”
2 Corinthians 4:5-7 – Live this way even if there is uncertainty about a personal gift; reveal God’s glory through Jesus Christ.
Mindset of service NT “service” has two words
- being an attendant; waiting on others; running errands (same as deacon)
- being a slave, being in servitude to others
We are living in a time where self has taken center. We tend to look at everything from the perspective of “What is in it for me? What do I get out of this?”
The disciple of Jesus Christ has a different approach – How can I help? How can I make your situation better?
Christ the example
Matthew 12:18 “Behold, My Servant!” Matthew 20:38 “I came to serve” Luke 22:27 “I am among you as one who serves” and the example to follow John 6:38 “I came to do the will of the One who sent Me”
Service to the Lord and to others These go together.
- First, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11). Our daily routine is service to Christ (Ephesians 6:5-6, Colossians 3:23-24).
Malachi 3:14-15 Some said, “It is useless to serve God! The wicked seem to be the blessed ones.” Expecting to get something out of our service creates this attitude. God is worthy of our service regardless of the response made towards us.
2 Corinthians 8:5 The Thessalonians “first gave themselves to the Lord” and then served others from that perspective.
Martha focused on her service instead of the one she served, Luke 10.
It’s also a danger to think that service for the Lord is a special task for only a few. * Second, serving the saints.
+ Hebrews 6:10 – look for opportunities
+ Galatians 5:13 – by love serve one another
+ Galatians 6:10 – do good to all (especially the household of faith)
Isaiah 49:1-7 1. Readiness to Serve for the Glory of God 2. Work Rejected by Israel 3. The Rejected Servant becomes a Light to the Nations
Prayer is perhaps the most written about and the least practiced Christian activity.
- it is simply communicating with God
The first record of prayer, Genesis 4
Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, v. 16
The family of Seth (after his son was born) began to call on the name of the Lord, v. 26
- prayer arises in a difficult day, because we can still depend on God
It’s one of the first evidences of the Christian life
- Paul was praying, Acts 9:11 --although he had been religious before
- it is “the autograph of the Holy Spirit upon the believer” (C. Spurgeon)
- intimacy with God
- like an oxygen tank for a diver, we breathe prayer because we are in an unnatural environment
- living without prayer implies we have “need of nothing” (Revelation 3)
- and it implies that we don’t believe God answers prayer
Seven aspects of prayer:
- lifting up your soul to God - Psalm 25:1; 143:9
- pouring out your heart to God - Psalm 62:8
- crying out to God - Psalm 86:3
- sending spiritual incense up to God - Revelation 5:8
- coming before God’s throne of grace - Psalm 84:1-2; Hebrews 4:16
- offering a spiritual sacrifice to God - Hebrews 13:15
- drawing close to God - James 4:8
Prayer is the upreach that gives boldness for outreach because there has been an inreach.
How to pray
The A C T S pattern for prayer (Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication)
There are closet prayers for our personal lives, public prayers on behalf of others, and arrow prayers that are immediate statements of need at the moment.
Luke 11 is a pattern, a model prayer for disciples, who said to the Lord, “Teach us to pray.”
a certain place:an intentional activity, a specific place, a solitary place Father the place of access and nearness, Ephesians 2:18 hallowed nameholy, sanctified; supremely unique; “there is no name like Yours” kingdom comethink of God’s point of view; His desires done on earth as in heaven
These are in the verb tense of “let it be this way for me”—they are truths, but the prayer is that we will be changed by the reality of these truths.
daily breadrepetitive, daily dependence “us”—a collective pronoun The words we use to pray will flavor the way we experience prayer. forgiveness * There is positional forgiveness (we are forgiven through Christ); * but this is relational forgiveness (we must forgive if God will bless us). * Many times assemblies struggle because of grudges and unforgiveness. * It is linked with the marriage relationship, 1 Corinthians 7 * Mark 11:25 an attitude of forgiveness even before repentance comes
deliveranceThere is evil and “the evil one” from whom we need deliverance.
Luke 11 continues with persistence in prayer and the promises of prayer.
Another important passage is 1 Timothy 2.
intentional praying for all supplicationasking for specific responses from God prayersmaintaining the relationship; “evening, morning, noon”; “unceasing” intercessionssolidify friendships by praying for each other giving thanksif I’m complaining, I’m not thankful
All this is under the umbrella of praying with God’s honor in mind. We pray because we want Him to be honored.
Fasting is frequently linked with prayer in the Old and New Testaments. It’s a period of self-denial of some sort (most often food, but it is not exclusively that), and the time previously devoted to something else is used for prayer.
Isaiah 42:1-7 1. Introduction to the Four Songs 2. Jehovah's Delight in His Servant 3. The Servant's Ministry
The Power of Understanding
John 6:60-69
- Many stopped following Christ because they did not understand His words
- But they are life-giving and essential; where else could disciples go?
- They reveal the Christ, the Son of the Living God
The necessity and the power of understanding the Scriptures
- A foundational exercise for the disciple; for example: Jeremiah 26 Jeremiah was threatened; the elders recalled Micah/Hezekiah (100 yrs before) Hezekiah was heeded then, so the people spared Jeremiah now They used the Scriptures to assess the situation and determine how to act 1 Timothy 4:13read purposefully and regularly in order to know the Word of God 2 Timothy 3:4, 16 “continue in what you have learned;” understanding is expected doctrine = what’s right; reproof = indication we have gone wrong; correction = how to get right; instruction in righteousness = how to stay right Acts 8if the Ethiopian didn’t understand the reading, he couldn’t receive the gospel Psalm 119several times the word of God is called “life;” God-breathed, as at creation
The Bible is a divine communiqué directly to us. What do you do with a letter from someone important to you? You read it with intense interest.
Every aspect of service for the Lord requires understanding.
- Evangelists must explain it
- Those with responsibility in leadership should labor in the word and in teaching (1 Timothy 5:17)
- Any servant of the Lord must be capable of teaching (2 Timothy 2:24).
- The “faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude); that is, we seek historically orthodox Christianity; be wary of some new understanding of the Bible
Which translation is best? There are different translation methods.
- “Dynamic equivalence,” thought-for-thought translation; maximize contemporary expression
- “Complete equivalence,” word-for-word approach; maximize literal expression to varying degrees
- Some advantages in complete equivalence approach, but essential point is to read and grow
- Bible translators generally revere God’s Word, and differences usually come from challenging passages, not hidden agendas
- We can trust that the Bible has been preserved; far more manuscripts of the Bible exist than any other writing from antiquity
The Process of Understanding There are six wrong ways to study the Bible, such as the Xanax approach (just read to feel good).
There are reasons we may not be getting the most out of our Bible reading and study. This list (from Jen Wilken in her book Women of the Word) suggests six wrong approaches that may factor into a less than positive experience in Bible understanding.
- Xanax Approach – The Bible exists to make me feel better. This treats the Bible as a book about me, and I only feel I have gotten something out of it when I feel good about what I have read.
Problem: Large portions of the Bible and large categories of instruction will be ignored. 2. Pinball Approach – Just open to any passage and hope to receive something by random selection.
Problem: The Scriptures were not put together that way. There is context, setting, history, and authorship. 3. Magic 8 Ball Approach – Using the Scriptures simply to “get answers” to life’s big questions.
Problem: This ignores the impact of the Bible on the day-to-day details of life. 4. Personal Shopper Approach – I am concerned about a specific topic, so I assemble all the verses that may speak to the problem.
Problem: This only yields partial knowledge overall and may be isolated from the whole revelation of the Scriptures. 5. Telephone Game Approach – After reading a passage, turn immediately to a commentary or Youtube video to find what my favorite commentator or teacher says about the text.
Problem: I am to learn to love the Lord with my mind, not my favorite author’s mind. 6. Jack Spratt Approach – Selective reading at the exclusion of major books/passages. (In an old nursery rhyme, Jack Spratt ate only certain foods and nothing else.)
Problem: There will be a dearth of knowledge of the Scriptures as a whole.
The right way to study: Nehemiah 8:8
read distinctly; give the sense; understand the reading observation; interpretation; application
In observing, seek the context—an extremely important starting point. The key building block of the Scriptures is the paragraph; be careful about taking phrases or verses out of context. Seek also to know who and what is involved; identify the setting and events that surround the passage.
In interpreting, seek the meaning of the passage intended for the people who were going to read it. This includes the style of genre (historical, poetic; literal, figurative; etc.). An English dictionary and other resources can help with the meaning of terms. Remember that any interpretation will fit with the overall message and fabric of the Bible.
2 Peter 1:20-21There is no private interpretation or source of meaning. That is, it is not just personal; it is in keeping with the divine message.
Seek to learn the key doctrines of the Bible, such as:
- Who is God, and what is His character?
- What impact does the problem of sin have on our relationship with God?
- What are the teachings about salvation and its related themes (justification, sanctification, etc.)?
- What are the differences between Israel and the Church?
- What is God’s timeline of past, present, and future events?
In general, the interpretation will be found in the text itself, not in symbols, figures, types, numbers, meanings of names, etc. These supplements can provide helpful or interesting applications, but they are generally not the primary interpretation. Noah’s experience of deliverance was also a figure, 1 Peter 3:20-21.
In making application, seek to know the response which the Scriptures are inviting you to have as you read them. The word “understand” in Nehemiah is related to the idea of “weaving together.” Weave the Scriptures into your own life.
Romans 15:4 encouragement and hope 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11 warning and admonition …expect the Bible to speak to you! It has a message of strength and also of protection.
- Application is sometimes about something to do or not do.
- It is also sometimes just to make us more aware of who God is and put us in awe of Him.
The principle of meditation before media
- Give the Word of God a priority in daily life
Does the Bible seem to be simply some big book? In a vision, Ezekiel was given a scroll to eat, but it became sweet when it was inside of him. Eat the scroll! Read the Bible! Just start doing it, and it will become sweet.
Exodus 21:2-6 1. Introduction to the Hebrew Servant Contrasting Israel and the True Servant 2. A Service of Love 3. A Servant Forever
The Process of Making Disciples Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus coming up spoke to them, saying, All power has been given me in heaven and upon earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them to the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have enjoined you. And behold, I am with you all the days, until the completion of the age.”
The command to make disciples of all nations implies that they would teach, instruct, and guide converts to Christianity, leading them to observe all the things the Lord had urged upon them. The first disciples were called to take what they had learned and impart it to others.
This gave the Lord’s followers their “global mission statement” and established one of their purposes for existence.
- When you don't have a plan, things go haywire.
- Perhaps our Christian experience seems dry and unfocused is because we are dry and unfocused?
- In order to disciple others, we must be disciples ourselves, learning and practicing the disciplines of discipleship.
Two Definitions 1. Disciple …from the Merriam-Webster dictionary one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another; such as:
one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts
a convinced adherent of a school or individual
…from Vine’s Greek dictionary
it denotes “one who follows one's teaching,” as the “disciples” of John, Matt. 9:14; of the Pharisees, Matt. 22:16; of Moses, John 9:28; it is used of the “disciples” of Jesus
(a) in a wide sense, of Jews who became His adherents, John 6:66; Luke 6:17, some being secretly so, John 19:38;
(b) especially of the twelve Apostles, e.g., Matt. 10:1; Luke 22:11;
(c) of all who manifest that they are His “disciples” by abiding in His Word, John 8:31; cp. John 13:35; 15:8;
(d) in the Acts, of those who believed upon Him and confessed Him, John 6:1,2,7; 14:20,22,28; 15:10; 19:1, etc.
So, disciples were not only pupils but adherents; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher; cp. John 8:31; 15:8. 2. Discipline …from the Merriam-Webster dictionary
* training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
* control gained by enforcing obedience or order; an orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
* a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
…from Vine’s Greek dictionary
* an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, or to self-control
* tutorage, education or training; by implication, disciplinary acts of correction, instruction and nurture
Goals for a Disciple Matthew 10:25 “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master,…”
This is a relationship goal. At the same time, there is some rigor to it: being a devotee of a master. However, we often want the relationship without the rigor.
Jesus Christ took his disciples on an educational journey with the intent that they would learn of Him and from Him in preparation for their life’s mission and the great commission.
During these Bible study sessions we want to highlight five disciplines for disciples. Jesus Himself took the original disciples through the first four of these. They are:
- The Scriptures
- Prayer
- Stewardship
- Service
- Worship
This is not an exhaustive list. Others, such as fasting and witnessing, are often considered as well. The common characteristic of all these disciplines is that they help to mold us into imitators of Christ as we follow His teaching and His behavior.
John Ajami
1 Sa 18:5,14-15,30 David; 1 Ch 19:13; Ps 101:2; 1 Cor 13:5; 1 Th 2:10; 2 Th 3:7; 1 Tim 3:15
John Redekop
The Uniqueness of Timothy - scripture gives testimony to Timothy's character with several "unique" to Timothy descriptions: 2 Tim. 5:5; 1 Tim 6:11; Phil 2:20
John Ajami
Acts 16:1-3 to say little about Discipleship, his name, motherhood, good testimony, Not a source of offence
2 Tim. 1:8-14; Phil. 2:13-18; 2 Tim. 4:6-8 * "To be with Christ which is far better" Phil 1:23 * Facing death with confidence * Words of comfort
Gal 1:15-16,23,24; 2 Cor. 11:23-33; 12:1-18 * "For as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" 1 Cor. 15:58 * "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, ... but out of them all the Lord delivered me." 2 Tim. 3:10-11
Acts 9:1-31 * From darkness: "Who art Thou Lord" * To light: "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" * "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" Eph 5:8 * His renunciation of his former life: Phil 3:4-14; Gal 2:20; 6:14-15 (The world, the law or self-righteousness, and the flesh, etc.) * "The life which I now live" * "But what things were gain to me, those I counted but loss for Christ." * The question is: "Have I had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, and is it apparent to family, and friends, and other believers?" * "Are we continually being changed as we meet the Lord daily through His word?"
Acts 7:55-60; 8:1-4; 22:1-5; Supporting Scriptures: Acts 26:1-11; 1 Tim. 1:12-17; Gal. 1:13-14 * "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15 * "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." Titus 3:3
D. Daisley - Numbers 4:1,4-11,15; Numbers 7:1-2,9; Ezra 1:7-11; Ezra 8:24,31-34
A. Poots - Revelation 3:18
S. Attwood - John 13:21-26; John 19:25-27; John 20:1-9; John 21:1-7,18-22
M. Best - John 20:11-31
M. Dietemann - Romans 8:31-32; Philippians 2:9-11; John 17:2; John 2:22-23; Matthew 28:18; John 10:27-28; John 14:27; Matthew 11:28; Proverbs 23:26; 1 John 3:16; Hebrews 13:15-16; Acts 20:35
R. Wall - John 4:1-26
- Matt 25:14-30; 1 Cor 3:11-16
- The Lord shall reckon with His servants, according to their faithfulness in using His gifts
- Matt 21:33-46; Is 28:16; 2 Tim 3:1-5
- Having the form of godliness, and denying the power thereof
- Matt 19:27; 20:1-16; Matt 16:24-27
- Last shall be first and first, last
- The Lord shall reward every one according to his work
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. "Then you will find rest for your souls" 2 Chronicles 20:14-25 The Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation gives direction and encouragement. The battle is not theirs, but God's. The whole congregation assembled with Jehoshaphat at the House of the Lord, to hear the Word the Lord, by the Spirit of the Lord, assuring them of the victory, (vs.17). This moved Jehoshaphat and all the congregation to bow in worship and praise, (vs. 18-19) and prepared them to march on to victory, (vs. 20-22).
Moving forward in dependence and confidence in Jehovah. "And walk in it" 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 Preparation for conflict by prayer and fasting. The whole congregation came to the House of the Lord at Jerusalem where Jehovah had placed His name. They stood before the Lord with their little ones, their wives, and their children, (vs. 13). The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, (2 Cor. 10:4-6).
Bringing the people back to the Lord God of their fathers. "Ask for the old paths where the good way is" 2 Chronicles 19:1-4, 7-9 Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem, the place where Jehovah had placed His Name. He returned to the place from which he had departed. He then removes the groves throughout the land, and begins teaching and judging the people, charging the leaders to judge faithfully in the fear of the Lord and with a perfect heart, (vs.9).
Giving the Lord what is due to Him. Teaching and establishing the people. "Stand in the way" 2 Chronicles 17:1-5, 12 Jehoshaphat delighted in his heart to walk in the ways of David. Therefore God made him to prosper so that he became very powerful.
2 Chronicles 18:1-3, 28-32 When riches and honour increased, Jehoshaphat gradually lost his discernment and thereby denied his relationship with Jehovah.
Br. John Ajami
Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:17-19; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27
Br. Mark Harris
Matthew 23:10; John 1:38; John 13:13; Mark 3:14; Luke 6:40; Luke 14:26-27,33
Br. John Ajami
John 10:11,14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 10:6; John 10:16; 1 Peter 2:25; Psalm 23
Br. Mark Harris
Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; 1 John 4:14; Matthew 18:11; Romans 5:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:15
Lars Kemmann
Ephesians 4:25-27 "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Brian Basset
“And the house that I will build is great…” “…for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God” - 2 Chronicles 2:5; 5:14
Jesus Christ is Still Present in the Local Assembly
Handout and Presentation
Brian Warren
The Manifold Wisdom of God Made Known. Ephesians 1:1-3:21 1. In Review - Ephesians 3:13-21 2. Outline:
Ephesians 4:1-6:24 An exhortation to walk worthy of this remarkable calling with which each one of us has been called: the Church - the dwelling place of God, the body of Christ, and the bride of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-6 Walk worthy in response to the perfect design of God's eternal purposes. Ephesians 4:7-16 Walk worthy in response to Christ, the nurturing and alldirecting head. Ephesians 4:17-6:9 Walk worthy in response to Christ - God's complete revelation of true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 6:10-20 Walk worthy in response to the power and privilege supplied us by virtue of our place in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 6:21-24 Closing Comments
Brian Warren
The Manifold Wisdom of God Made Known. Ephesians 1:1-3:21 1. Introductory Comments 1. Helps for these two lectures: 2. Ephesians - an epistle like no other: 1. Origin & Audience 2. Doctrine 1. Scope & Nature 2. Key Words 3. Outline
Ephesians 1:1-2:10
Salutation & Opening Comments
Ephesians 2:11-3:21
God’s manifold wisdom is now proclaimed by the revelation of a mystery that was hidden from the beginning of the ages.
Brian Baptiste
1 Ki. 13:1‐32: The man of God; sent by God; disobedient to God; Cf. Jonah 1:1, 2
How not to do it
The Word of Jehovah (the Lord) x 10: man’s responsibility to God = OBEDIENCE
Isa. 66:1, 2, 5 (a)
Josh 5:13 – “What saith my Lord to His servant?” –the individual responsibility recognised
1 Sam. 15:15 –The corporate responsibility recognised.
David Rice
Ps. 119:9:
The Standard for all
Ps. 119:11:
The preventive Capacity for the heart (cf. Prov. 4:23)
Ps. 119:50:
Life‐giving capacities
Ps. 119:67:
The Preserver –cf. Ps. 17:4
Ps. 119:105:
20/20 vision; light for the way –cf. conscience (Rom. 2:15; 1 Tim. 4:2)
Ps. 119:140:
enjoyment
Ps. 119:162:
to be prized
Ps. 119:169:
The measure of wisdom
Joe Wilson
Ps. 33:6, 9; Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:6, 7 –Created by His Word
Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3 –Sustained by His Word
Mk. 4:35‐5:43 –The universal greatness of the Word
Threatened disaster prevented: great storm, great calm
Controlling demons expelled: great herd; great things
Dominating disease healed: great pleadings; great suffering, great relief
Death turned to life: great wailing; great astonishment
Rev. 19:13 universal judgement
Gregory Mayhew
- Jn. 1:1‐3, 14 His Essential Being revealed to humanity
- 1 Jn. 1:1 His Essential Being for fellowship with humanity
- Rev. 19:13 “As His name is so is He”
- Gal. 2:20 the Son of God (individual confession)
- Dt. 8:3 People called out unto God to live by His Word
- Mt. 4:4ff.; Lk. 4:4 ff. The example of the Lord Jesus for His people: “It is written”, not dreamed, imagined, or suggested by man or any other source. Cf. Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:2, 3; Gal. 1:7
John Redekop
Its Nature: The composite of qualities; its essence, ‐that which distinguishes it from all other writings
- Living – Heb. 4:12 (a); 1 Pet. 1:23
- Good – Heb. 6:5
- Incorruptible – 1 Pet. 1:23
- Eternal – 1 Pet. 1:23
- Complete – Ps. 119:89; Dt. 4:2; Rev. 22:18
- Pure – Ps. 12:6; Ps. 18:30; 119: 140; Prov. 30:5
- True – Ps. 119:160; Jn. 17:17
The Word of God brooks no amendment
Its Character: the expression of its essence
- Powerful (operative) – Heb. 4:12; Isa. 55:11
- Separator – Heb. 4:12
- Sphere of operations: physical and spiritual realm – Heb. 4:12
- A discerner (critic) of what is not even expressed – Heb. 4:13
- A revealer – Heb. 4:13
- Source and support of life:
- 1st Creation – Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:5, 7
- New Creation – 1 Pet. 1:23; Acts 13:26
- Liberating power – Jn. 8:32; Eph. 1:13
- Sanctifying power – Acts 4:31; 20:32
Cf. Jer. 23:29:
- Characteristic of fire: to cleanse (purify); consume
- Characteristic of a hammer: to break the rock (in judgement)
Hadley Hall
The Word of God is to the creature (creation):
- It reveals Himself for His creation: Jn. 5:39; 1 Jn. 1:5; 4:8
-
About His creation for His creation: Gen. 1:27; Ps. 51:5; Heb. 9:27
-
The Contents: Gal 4:30 “What saith the Scripture?”
It is what is noted in the Scripture of truth (Dan. 10:21)
2 Tim. 3:14‐16: Salvation for the child; maturity for the man of God
2 Tim. 3:15: All Scripture 2. The Carefulness: Lk. 10:26 (b) “How readest thou?”
Neh. 8:8 ...read in the book distinctly, gave the sense, and caused the people to understand ...
2 Tim. 2:15 ...study to show thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth
1 Tim. 4:13: ...give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to teaching 3. The Comprehension: Acts 8:30 “Understandest thou what thou readest?”
1 Cor. 2: 13 in the words ...which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual
2 Pet. 1:20 No prophecy of Scripture
And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us; lead us not into temptation
Part of the armor of God: Ephesians 6:17, 18 “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”;
Impediments to prayer…
- Failure to ask – James 4:2;
- Ask for wrong reason – James 4:3
- Iniquity in the heart - Psalms 66:8
- Ignoring the word(law) – Proverbs 28:9
- Poor marital relationships – 1 Peter 3:7
Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread.
What do we pray for? Types of prayer
- Your kingdom come
- Your will be done on earth as in heaven
- Give us our daily bread…
- Father may be glorified(John 14:13:14)
- According to his will (1 John 5:14)
Prayer – 1 Tim 2:1,2
- Supplications; Prayers; Intercessions; Thanksgiving
When you pray say “Our Father in heaven Hallowed be your name”
What is prayer? - To whom do we pray?
- Jesus the Man of prayer…His pattern was a model for the disciples(Matt 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:22; Luke 22:32; Luke 22:41-45, Matt 26:39-44; John 12:27,28; John 17; Hebrews 5:7; Matt 15:36; Mark 8:6; Luke 22:19, Mark 14:23,24
- Our Father in heaven (John 20:17, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6)
- Hallowed be your name -
- Paul and Stephen –
- Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ – (John 14:13,14, 2 Cor. 12:28, 1Peter 3:12)
- By the Holy Spirit( Eph 2:18) or In the Holy Spirit (Eph 6:18, Jude 20) – Directs our prayer
Infallible Proof of Resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
The Dreadful Consequences if Christ is Not Risen - 1 Corinthians 15:12-19,29-34
The Blessed Results of Christ's Resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
N Fleet 1 Samuel 1:10,24; Genesis 35:14; Leviticus 1:2; Leviticus 2:1; Leviticus 3:1; Leviticus 9:2-4; 2 Corinthians 3:2-3;
P Meijer John 20:11-16; Matthew14:22-30;
J Ajami Numbers 19:1-2; Psalm 22 (Title only); Luke 13:32,34
S Attwood Exodus 2:1-2; Joshua 2:1-21; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 1 Peter 3:1-4
T Gardner 1 Samuel 1:5, 8-10, 20-28; 1 Samuel 8:1-6; 2 Timothy1:3-5
R Wall Psalm 2:1-12; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Revelation 2:18, 26-29
A Poots Matthew 17:7-8
G Warnes 2 Kings 4:9; Genesis 12:7-20; Genesis 39:1-3; Exodus 2:19; Acts 4:13
J Brett John 14:23; John 16:27; John 17:24,26; John 21:16; Revelation 2:4; Revelation 3:8,10,12
2 Corinthians 10:5-6; Romans 6:17 5. To the obedience of Christ 1. Our beginning - children of disobedience, Ephesians 2:2, but have obeyed from the heart 2. Paul's ultimate aim - obedience to Christ 1. Every thought brought captive / obedience fulfilled
2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 3:18-19 4. That which is lifted up against the knowledge of God v.5 1. Reasonings exalt man, not the Lord Jesus Colossians 1:15-18 1. In ourselves - seeking position/prominence/power/sensual interests 2. In assemblies - setting up human order 2 Timothy 2:15-18; 4:3-4- High things - elevated in the eyes of man / gnostic teaching / philosophy Colossians 2:8
2 Corinthians 10:4, 11:13-15 3. Overthrow of strongholds 1. Strongholds of Satan - false apostles eroding the apostle's work at Corinth 1. The power to overthrow these and many other strongholds Romans 1:16, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Mark 9:25-29 2. The gospel work hindered by such 2 Timothy 4:14-15
2 Corinthians 10:1-6 1. Paul as a model of what the Lord would work in us / Paul as an apostle 1. The meekness and gentleness of Christ (Matthew 11:28), His attitude towards the saints v.1 2. The means by which Paul could express such features v.2,3 1. Crucified with Christ Galatians 2:20 2. Having the sentence of death in ourselves 2 Corinthians 1:9,12 3. Filled with Christ, God's treasure 2 Corinthians 4:7- The weapons (arms) of our warfare v.4; Ephesians 6:10-18 1. No trust in natural abilities for spiritual warfare 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 2. The weapons available to us - are mighty through God 1. The armor of light - enabled to repel darkness Romans 13:12 2. As children of the day - sober and watchful 1 Thessalonians 5:5-9 3. Having on the whole armor of God - enabled to stand against all the wiles of the Devil 4. Spiritual arms - enabled to overthrow strongholds
The article referenced at the beginning of the lecture is available from Brother Alfred Bouter's Library here.
The chart referenced later in this session is here:
(Click for lager)
Having a Christian worldview does not imply merely resisting the current of the world. It is an active approach to life, making a difference.
This starts with Romans 12:1-2, not being conformed to the world (not adopting its schematic framework, its worldview) but being transformed through renewed minds.
- notice that all the doctrines of Romans 1-11 are significant before we come to this point
Other principles:
- 1 Peter 1:14, not conformed to our former desires
- 2 Corinthians 3:18, being transformed by focusing on the glory of Christ
- Exodus 18:11 shows this transformation: “now I know” God’s greatness after learning what He has done
- Nebuchadnezzar was transformed by his experience with God’s power and righteousness
Examples of those who made a difference in their world:
- Ruth was determined to go with Naomi, and she ended up in the lineage of the Messiah
- Gideon started his service by removing his family’s idols
- Rahab gave up her citizenship, so to speak, by harboring the spies and taking God’s side
- Paul changed from a persecutor to a preacher and was used to help many
- Jael changed the course of the military campaign by leveraging what she had to defeat the enemy
- John Mark departed from the work but returned and was useful; cp. Demas who departed for good
Joseph is an excellent example of making a difference. Everywhere he went, the Lord was with him (for example, Genesis 39). Daniel also changed the king’s decree by his faithfulness (Daniel 1).
Two relevant statements:
- “I am not who I was.” The man in John 9 was born blind and now could see; this realization completely changed the style of his conversation, relationships, and purpose of life.
- “I am here for a reason.” In any given set of circumstances, I can do something for the Lord.
- Acts 8, Philip was in Samaria, then in the desert, then Azotus; then later in Caesarea
- Acts 13:15, “do you want to say anything?” and being ready to declare God’s perspective
- Acts 17:1, Paul waited for Timothy and Silas but was not passive; his observations opened his mouth
In contrast, Lot chose for himself the plains toward Sodom; Genesis 13:10, lust of eyes, of flesh, and the pride of life. He gradually drew closer and closer to the city until he was a resident there. We have to be vigilant, because many times it’s not a dramatic change but a “slow fade” into spiritual disobedience and irrelevance.
Matthew 5:13-14, salt and light
- salt is supposed to have an effect on its environment; if it loses its potency, it has no flavor and no power against corruption
- to change the metaphor, we are useless branches if we do not abide in Christ the true vine
- light is useless if it’s under a basket
- Christ’s character is light; we are also lights, Philippians 2:15; light attracts others to God, Matthew 5:16
Ephesians 5, Christian character that makes a difference
- verse 20, being thankful; if you can learn to give thanks for difficult things in life, it’s liberating”
- walking is a key term in Ephesians; walk in love, walk in light, walk in wisdom in this chapter
- not taking part with unrighteousness, verse 7; sometimes you have to leave the room
- not having fellowship and actively exposing darkness, verse 11; condemning wrong done by others
- not using language that supports coarse, ungodly ideas or unholy innuendo, verse 4
- not getting drunk, verse 18; and by application, not giving up our self-control, subject to the Spirit of God
None of this takes a special calling! Every Christian who develops a biblical worldview will live for God effectively and powerfully in daily life.
God gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17)—but He never gives us anything to replace Himself. In this session we find how the biblical worldview affects our view of God and everything else in relation to Him.
What does it mean to be balanced? Read Hebrews 11. Not one person seems balanced; in fact, they seem unstable because of their obedience. We don’t balance our Christian lives with the rest of our lives.
The idea of a balance is usually connected with scales. Job 37:16 portrays the idea of natural equilibrium in the clouds. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, the New Testament word for a “yoke” is also used to mean a balance, as in Revelation 6:5. It is something that “serves to couple two things together.” This reminds us of staying balanced and stable while we are yoked with the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30).
Proverbs 16:11 says we need honest scales (balances), and all the weights in the bag are the Lord’s. He is the standard for measuring everything.
- Proverbs 11:1 dishonest versus righteous
- Leviticus 19:36 using the balance in trade
- Job 31:6 using the balance in integrity, measured by God
- Job 6:2 using a balance in times of trouble
Sometimes we speak of making priorities, listing God first and other things second, third, etc. But really, we need to have God as the only preeminent presence in our lives. Here are some principles:
- Colossians 1:18 preeminent (not just prominent)
- Matthew 6:33 seek first the kingdom of God
- 1 Peter 3:15 honor Christ as Lord
- Matthew 6:19 it’s not about treasure on earth
- Philippians 1:21 to live is Christ
- Philippians 3:8-9 that I may know Him
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 do all to the glory of God
- Romans 15:1-2 please others for edification
- Philippians 2:10-11 all will bow to Christ as Lord
We don’t want to live a segmented life. All things are in balance when He is first. This is not boring or dull. Moses refused the pleasures of sin for a season—but was his life dull or uninteresting?
The claim that other things deserve a higher priority is the devil’s way of trying to cheat us.
- Proverbs 20:23 speaks about using a different set of weights in different situations. We sometimes make different choices depending on what part of life is affected. We need to evaluate all of life consistently.
The passage in Colossians 3:1-4 describes a heavenly mindset, a focus on things above. Luke 14:26 shows that our heavenly position helps us to minimize our other cares (“hate” is used in comparison, not literally).
- It’s significant that earthly things are not in themselves sinful, unless they overtake the Lord in importance (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23). We all use earthly things all the time, even to accomplish spiritual means. An important verse is 1 Corinthians 7:21, in which slaves were encouraged to use their freedom for the Lord if they could. We should use every earthly skill and advantage we can for a heavenly purpose. This keeps us heavenly minded while we are here on earth.
- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 the time is short, so use earthly things without abusing them
- worldly things, in contrast, are the attitudes and desires that oppose or ignore God (1 John 2:15); these are always wrong; yet is our identity found in the program of the world
There is no distinction between the sacred and the secular in the life of the Christian. The writer A. W. Tozer in his book The Pursuit of God said this false distinction is how Satan makes us into useless Christians.
Colossians 3:17, 23--- Am I a different person in one place than in another? Verses 5-11 say, “Practice your position.” Verses 12-16 say, “Put on Christ and have a purpose.” Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus—everything deserves the level of excellence that is suited to His name. Do it with gusto! We are all in the Lord’s work.
- 1 Peter 3:13-17 Prepared to Answer
- 1 Peter 3:18-22 Prepared to be Occupied with Christ
- 1 Peter 4:1-6 Prepared to be Armed with the Mind of Christ
- 1 Peter 4:7-11 Prepared for the Return of Christ
- 1 Peter 4:12-19 Prepared to Suffer for Christ
In college, sometimes professors warn their students, “You won’t be able to pass this class unless you buy the book.” It is essential in matters of human sexuality to use the Book, the Word of God.
The origin and purpose of sexuality include reproduction (Genesis 1:26-28), unity/union (Genesis 2:18-25, affirmed in Mark 10:6-9), and pleasure (Genesis 18:12). It was all God’s idea, and sex is not dirty or bad; we are created as sexual beings.
- sin ruined the origin of sexuality, too: those once unashamed now required a covering (Genesis 2:25, 3:7)
- there would be greater sorrow in childbirth (Genesis 3:16)
- yet the metaphor of being “fruitful” implies a great deal of delight and joy in the fruit (Genesis 1:27), and this was still God’s assessment after all the evil that brought the Flood (Genesis 9:1,7)
- there is still pleasure and enjoyment in the sexuality of marriage, such as Proverbs 5:15-19 and much of the Song of Solomon
A sexual relationship is intended to cement the unity of a couple, and it always does what it is designed to do; even sex with a prostitute creates a certain kind of union emotionally and spiritually, not just physically (1 Corinthians 6:16). Thus it is a very powerful act. You can’t carry fire without being burned (Proverbs 6:27).
- because of this, God has designed that the parameters of marriage are the safe zone for sexual expression
- Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2; Proverbs 5:3-5; Song of Solomon 4 and 5, etc.
- the joyfulness and playfulness of a couple, Song of Solomon 1:15-2:2
Perversions of God’s origin for sexual expression have developed. When we eliminate God’s role as Creator, we are always led to something else as our guide. According to Romans 1:18-29, there was first idolatry, then illicit passions and debased thoughts.
The misuse of sexuality includes homosexual behavior, described in Romans 1. It is not new. It is always condemned in the Scriptures (also Jude 1:7; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 21:8; Genesis 18). But in Ezekiel 16:49-50, we find that Sodom’s sin was not primarily homosexuality; it was pride and greed.
- It is said by some that a “loving, committed relationship” of homosexuality would be accepted by God; others point out that Jesus Himself never mentioned homosexuality. But what did Jesus say? “From the beginning God made them male and female,” reserving sexual union for marriage (Mark 10:6).
Pornography is the exploitation of the body to circumvent the proper boundaries, as if sex is merely for excitement. Other distortions include adultery, transgender issues, or transvestite behavior (“effeminate,” 1 Corinthians 6:9), all of which are declarations of discontentment for what God has established in our relationships and/or identity.
- In our fallen world, it may be that some do have predispositions toward homosexual temptations or struggle with gender identity. Most people face heterosexual temptations, which are the same category of sin! Rather than debating whether people were “born this way,” the question is whether we are willing to accept God’s authority over our sex drives, living a pure life in an impure world. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- The world will continue to worsen in this regard, as the media continue to normalize homosexuality and other distortions of sexual relationships. Sexuality is presented as just another bodily function, but it’s not (1 Corinthians 6:13).
- Those with homosexual tendencies can be redeemed; some of the Corinthian believers had this very experience (1 Corinthians 6:9-11); “but you are washed.”
Sexual sin causes a spiritual downward slide. Solomon wrote many proverbs about purity and composed his masterpiece song about love; yet he fell away from the Lord through his relationships (1 Kings 11:2).
- Sexual sin is almost always mentioned in the Scriptures along with idolatry; it carries the same attitude.
- Sexual sin is different from other categories of sin; it is powerful and affects our own selves, not just our external circumstances (1 Corinthians 6:18); and if we continue to misuse it, resisting the bonds it is intended to create, we alter our own ability to form healthy relationships later.
- Christians may face ongoing struggles with sexual temptations, homosexual feelings, gender issues, pornography, etc. Don’t let Satan beat you up about that. Bring it to the Lord on a daily, even momentary, basis. The desire to sin is not itself a sin, and the desire to overcome temptation is a sign of spiritual life.
When speaking to others about our sexual worldview, we must adhere to the biblical standard ourselves—and yet we might not refer to the Bible in our first statements of discussion, depending on our listener. Paul did not mention the Old Testament when preaching to Gentiles, because they did not give it any authority. He spoke of natural observations and historical truths. We can speak about natural sexual relations and the power of sexuality when we discuss homosexuality, pornography, cohabitation, and other distortions. Some of our hearers will close their ears if we mention the Bible in our first sentence—although we should certainly at some point affirm that God and His Word are the source of our reasoning.
We have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). We often have to flee sexual temptations; we can’t fight against them. We may have to clean up our language so we don’t impact the sacredness of sexuality with jokes about sex or with double entendres and suggestive conversation. We may need support for our Internet usage through filters such as Covenant Eyes (www.covenanteyes.com). Even those who are married must remain watchful to avoid these distortions and to avoid using sexuality as a weapon against the spouse.
But to the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15)! Enjoy the full satisfaction of sexuality in marriage, and treasure the gift God has given by making us sexual beings.
- 1 Peter 2:13-17 Submitted to the Authorities
- 1 Peter 2:18-25 Submitted to Our Masters
- 1 Peter 3:1-7 Sumission in the Home
- 1 Peter 3:8-12 Submission to One Another
Brian Reynolds
Romans 1:16-18
- The Power of God v.16
- The Righteousness of God v.17
- The Wrath of God v.18
Chart shown during the message:
(Click to enlarge. Source: monctongospelhall.com)
- 1 Peter 2:4-8 The Living Stone, The Chosen Stone, The Chief Corner Stone, The Precious Stone
- 1 Peter 2:5,9-12 Living Before Him and Before the World
If we have a biblical worldview, it affects the way we think of ourselves and our relationships. From the beginning God intentionally made both men and women. Biblical manhood and womanhood will grow out of our understanding of God’s intentions.
What do mature men and women look like? To reveal this, consider Herod and Herodias in Mark 6:17-28.
- Herod made decisions based on pride, beauty, selfishness, and lustful desire. He knew John the Baptist was a holy man but did not have moral backbone to do what was right.
- Herodias was stubborn, angry, vengeful, conniving, manipulative. She ran the show.
- Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21) exhibit similar characteristics.
These are our natural characteristics, our default settings. Why?
- sin has affected our attitudes, character, and relationships
- Genesis 3:16
- Eve’s desire would be for her husband—not the desire of attraction but to supplant him, to replace him
- Adam’s response would be to seek to dominate her rather than having a nurturing relationship Whether married or single, we will have these improperly self-centered characteristics
In contrast, consider 1 Timothy chapter 3:1-13 (qualities of mature men) and chapter 5:5-13 (qualities of mature women). We should grow up into Christ so we are not tossed around by every wind of false teaching (Ephesians 4:15-16).
The verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 exhorts us to be examples. Then 2:8 reminds us (especially men) about prayer; without prayer and the Word we will be susceptible to conforming to culture. Here are other principles for godliness in this letter:
- 1 Timothy 2:2 living out the principles
- 1 Timothy 2:9-10 don’t buy into the objectified view of women based on appearance
- 1 Timothy 3:16 Christ’s example, the mystery of godliness; God manifest in Christ’s life
- 1 Timothy 4:7-8 exercise; strong in training for godly living
- 1 Timothy 6:3 teaching that is suited for godliness
- 1 Timothy 6:6 a lifestyle of contentment
- 1 Timothy 6:11 pursue godliness; “pursue” is an actively passionate word
Not only do we use the Scriptures to define personal maturity, but we also use them to evaluate relationships.
- as men and women, we benefit from reading biblical passages about each other because we can identify the qualities we seek in a mature, godly companion
- 1 Timothy 5:2 we are brothers and sisters together, in any relationships
- don’t fall into traps such as seeking to marry and convert an unbeliever or expecting a person with immature character to become mature after marriage
A relationship that grows close enough should lead to marriage, not to moving in and living together. The Lord went back to God’s intention for that relationship: a man and woman joining in marriage (Mark 10:6-9). The norm today is to take an intimate relationship for a “test drive,” but the origin of marriage shows God’s authoritative design for a couple to make the commitment first and then face life together.
On one hand, don’t rush marriage. On the other hand, if God has brought a couple together, it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Corinthians 7:9). In all situations, our personal development is “spirit, soul, and body” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)—the spirit comes first.
Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). There are five areas for developing our character.
- Develop morally: Seek accurate moral decisions, discerning good and bad. Be honest; have integrity.
- Develop financially: Learn to manage money. Learn to be generous. Learn to save and spend wisely.
- Develop relationally: Be kind; learn to make conversation; show interest in other people and their needs.
- Develop physically: Take care of your health; eat well; stay in good physical condition; stay active.
- Develop spiritually: Learn the doctrines of the Bible and their relevance to daily life. Obey God’s instructions.
- 1 Peter 1:1-12 Living in Hope
- 1 Peter 1:13-21 Living in Holiness
- 1 Peter 1:22 - 2:3 Living in Harmony
What is a worldview? Essentially, it’s what we believe about reality. Based on whatever our worldviews are, we interpret and assess what everything around us means.
We all have a worldview, even if we don’t realize it. Is it accurate or deficient? Every idea has consequences.
Every worldview addresses at least four subjects: origin, purpose, morality, and destiny. The answers a worldview provides ought to be consistent with each other; and, those answers should also be consistent with the reality of what the world is actually like.
- a biblical worldview assesses reality accurately
- it provides consistent answers for understanding God, ourselves, good and evil, sin and righteousness
- enables us to live for God in a world drifting downstream
- will provide a sound outline of teaching that we can use (2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Peter 3:15-16), based on the historical Christian faith (Jude 1:3)
Origin: * God is the Creator – a central Bible theme with enormous consequences for every other belief we have * Colossians 1:16 – made for Him; Revelation 4:11 – made for His pleasure, for His will * if God made us, this affects our view of others and our relationships with them (Acts 17:26) * Romans 1:18-28 – those who knew God as Creator abandoned that relationship with Him, and this led to a substitution of God * everyone will develop and adhere to some guiding principle or authority based on how we view God
Purpose: * Romans 1:20 – the “things” God made (Romans 1:20) refer to His masterpiece (cp. Ephesians 2:10 in the new creation) * God intended a relationship of fellowship with men and women (Genesis 3:8); sin ruined this. * therefore we experience the search for satisfaction: John 4, woman at the well deeply desired living water; John 6, the crowd deeply desired life-giving bread from heaven * the woman in John 4 knew about her family and cultural history, but her search didn’t go back far enough for an origin! As an answer, Jesus described the desire of God Himself, as a Father, to have worshipers who would again enjoy a true relationship with Him.
Morality: * On what basis can anyone make a moral judgement? The Christian worldview is that God is holy (1 Peter 1:17), and if that is God’s character, this will frame our moral determinations. * The Lord Jesus said that loving God with our entire being and also loving our neighbors as ourselves are the two guiding principles that support the entire Old Testament canon of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:40). * And without God, on what basis is there a moral code? If we simply evolved from lower organisms and have no purpose outside of ourselves, why would it matter so much how we behave?
Destiny: * The logical result of a natural worldview (one that leaves God out) is that when you’re dead, you’re done. * But the Christian worldview is that there is a coming time of assessment (Romans 2:5-11) conducted by God and based on our responses to Truth.
Living with a biblical worldview: 2 Timothy 3:10, 14 -- Paul said, “You know my teaching… so continue in what you have learned” There is a continual renewal of what these biblical principles mean in the contemporary world. * the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19) gives confidence * the inerrancy of Scripture, its accuracy and authority, are essential * God honors His word above His name, Psalm 138:2 * John 17, Christ’s prayer for His disciples was that they would be kept and sanctified by the Word of God; “Your word is truth” (verse 17)
In contrast, Satan is a liar. He said death would not result from disobedience, but it did (Genesis 3:4; cp. Genesis 5). The world, as dominated by his ideas, acts in such a way as to pressure us to accept lies.
Daniel resolved to stay pure because he knew the word of God and also knew God Himself (chapters 1, 2, 6). He was immersed in Babylonian culture in many ways that were not sinful; but in the areas that would defile, he did not compromise.
Abraham had an altar, a relationship with God. Our fellowship is with the Father and the Son, 1 John 1:3. But he strayed from God in Egypt, where he built no altar; Lot, too, had no altar when he lived in Sodom.
- young, maturing believers were strong and overcame the wicked one by the Word of God (1 John 2:14)
- the Scriptures testify of Jesus (John 5:39, Luke 24:27)
Brother McCormick
Leviticus 13:47-58, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 1 Timothy 2:9
he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness - Isaiah 61:10
Brother Harris
Leviticus 13:29-37, 2 Kings 4:19, Ephesians 4:14
And take the helmet of salvation - Ephesians 6:16
Brother Elias
Leviticus 13:1-8, 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 Therefore glorify God in your body - 1 Corinthians 6:20
Colossian 1:12-19 - Preeminent in all things * * Son of Father’s love * Image of the invisible God * Firstborn of every creature * Maker of all things * Reason for which all things were made * Before all things * Holds all things together * Head of the body (the Church) * The beginning * Firstborn from the dead * Preeminent * All fullness dwells in Him
Response: We have been translated into the kingdom of the Son. The preeminent Son is Lord and King… We bow in awe, worship and humbled obedience!
Philippians 2:5-11; Heb 2:17 - Incarnation and Exaltation * In the form of God * No reputation * Form of a servant * Humbled Himself * Likeness of men * Obedient unto death (the Cross) * Exalted Highly * A Name above every Name * Every knee will bow * Every tongue confess * He is Lord
Response: The humiliation and exaltation of Christ Jesus qualifies the Lord Jesus to fulfill a priestly role. (Heb 2:17). He is our example and model – “let this mind be in you”!
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-3 - The glory of His person * Eternal Son * Heir of all things * Maker of the worlds * The brightness of God’s glory * Express image of God’s Person * Upholder of all things (by the word of His power) * Seated on the Majesty on High
Response: The greatness of the Son - is in and through whom God has and is speaking. He is in the prophetic office and we should “give the more earnest heed” to what is said!
Caleb's unwavering faithfulness in GodNumbers 13:6,7,26-33; 14:6-9,24,38 Brother Tony Taitt
Counting on Christ for our follow-throughJoshua 4:15-24; Ephesians 2:20 Brother Gordon Bennett
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. - 1 John 2: 15-17
Food for Thought: 1. What is “the World System? 2. Who leads the world system? 3. How do identify its activity? 4. What is its destiny?
Speaker: Emil Nashed
Jn. 17:4-26The Lord Jesus pleads on behalf His disciples and those who follow
Circumstances: “I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come to Thee” (Jn. 17:11)
Petition for them: * to be kept as one (v. 11) * His joy fulfilled in them (v. 13). * To be kept from evil (v. 15) * To be sanctified by the Truth (v. 17). * As sent out by the Son (v. 18) * For the fruit of their work (v. 20) * Their oneness (vv. 21, 22) * To be brought to be with Him (v. 24) * To behold His glory (v. 24)
Dan. 9:1-19Daniel intercedes on behalf of “his” people.
Conditions of the people: under the chastisement of Jehovah (in captivity)
vv.1, 2Daniel read and meditated on the Word of God (“by books”), “comparing scriptural things with scriptural” (1 Cor. 2:13). See also 1 Ki. 25:1 and Jer. 25:11, 12.
It drove him to his knees. Where does my study (meditation) of the Word of God drive me? Is it to speak? Is it to pray?
v. 3.Prayer: what he said to Jehovah v. 3.v. 3.: how he said it “with an olive branch”; humbly v. 3.Fastings: abstinence from food; cf. Job. 23:12 v. 3.Sackcloth and ashes: external manifestation of an internal condition: humility and humiliation (cf. Abraham: Gen. 18:27). vv. 4-15Confession: He identified himself with the condition of the people * the condition of the people and what brought them there * the righteousness of God in His chastisement of the people
vv. 16-19Petition:He sought for the glory of Jehovah * Hear, forgive, restore His people for His great name’s sake * Hear, forgive, restore His people for the sake of His Place
vv. 20-27Result: “Given skill and understanding” * Approved: “greatly beloved” * Given the secrets of Jehovah*: Ps. 25:14; Prov. 3:32b; Amos 3:7
Ex. 32:7-13Moses beseeches on behalf of the children of Israel.
Circumstances of the people: under Satan’s delusion: 32:1-6; naked: 32:25 Nature and character of his intercession: the daysman -Job 9:33
- Moses speaks with Jehovah: everything for the people; nothing for himself
- Pleads Jehovah’s name; His promise to the patriarchs -32: 12, 13
- Pleads for Jehovah’s presence -33:12-16
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Grace offered to Moses is therefore extended to the people -33:17-23; 34:1, 9, 10
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Moses speaks with the people: everything for Jehovah; nothing for himself
- Idol destroyed; incident investigated -32:20-24
- Known sin not ignored, therefore judgement executed -32:26-30 NB: Only the sons of Levi: not everyone will submit fully to the Word of God (vv. 26, 27).
Result: Grace and mercy (34:1-7, 9-10) to go into the land Reflection of the glory of Jehovah (34:29); cf. 2 Cor. 3:17, 18 Read Romans 8:35-39 NB: “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rom. 11:29). He made it another vessel as seemed good to the potter (Jer. 8:1-6).
Gen. 44:14-34Judah pleads for his brother and his father
Circumstances: the brother was threatened with slavery in Egypt; the father faced with unspeakable grief because of the envy of 10 brothers.
v. 16. Piety of Judah: the envy of the flesh exposed and God is brought in.
v. 18. The suppliant “drew near”: The manner in which he shares his heart; “with an olive branch” * The truth of their home situation (vv. 19-20) * How Benjamin was allowed to be in Egypt (vv. 21-26) * The father’s sorrow and fears (vv. 27-29) * Judah’s assessment: without Benjamin, our father will die (vv. 30, 31)
The Substitute: Great love for his brother and for his father (vv. 32-34)
Cf. Moses who offered himself as an alternate to be excluded (Ex. 32:32) and Paul who could wish himself accursed (Rom. 9:1-3)
Christlikeness: The Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20)
Gen. 18:16-33Abraham intercedes for righteous ones in Sodom.
Condition of cities of Sodom and Gomorrah: Gen. 13:10-13; 18:20; cf. Gen. 19:4-9; Ezek: 16:49. The cities were marked out for destruction. Cf. ch. 18:19 * Did Abraham think that Lot had a positive influence on some in Sodom?
Antagonism of the flesh: 2 Pet. 2:6-8. God the Judge of all the earth (v. 25); Abraham but dust and ashes (v. 27)
Nature of intercession: (Gen. 18:23) approaching God on the part of righteous persons associated with evil
Character of intercession: intense, comprehensive
No giving up after a few pleas: 50, 45, 40, 30, 20 or even 10 persons -vv. 24-32 * Was it weakness that made Abraham stop at 10 persons?
Lot’s family was delivered from Sodom “the Lord being merciful to him” (Gen. 19:16)
Lot and his two daughters were delivered from the judgement (2 Pet. 2:7).
Cf. Mt. 10:29-31; Lk. 12:6, 7: “Ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Intercession
Nature of intercession: Christ on high -Rom. 8:34 Intercession: work of the mediator, the daysman (Job 9:33) -for those who are accepted in the Beloved
- Priestly work (Heb. 2, 4, 7) -for the redeemed ones
- Advocacy (1 Jn. 2:1) -for family members
These two latter functions support the general truth of intercession (Aaron, Hur and Moses: Ex. 17:10-13).
Character of intercession: immediate response to a recognised need: “Go quickly” and “Aaron”… “ran…” (Num. 17:46). “The King’s business required haste” (1 Sam. 21:8). “Drive and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee” (2Ki. 2:24).
Circumstances facing the person(s) in need are
- The attractions/hostility of the world -Gen. 14. The result of the choices we make. Result of the intercession made: the rescue of Lot by Abram and his army.
- The attacks of the flesh -Ex. 17. The result of uncontrolled desires. Result of the intercession: Joshua broke the power of Amalek.
- The attacks of Satan -Lk. 22.The result of pride and self-confidence. Result of the intercession: Simon will be converted and commissioned to “strengthen his brethren”.
Who needs intercession? We the saints of God need intercession of Divine persons -Rom. 8: 26, 34 OF other saints -Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2-4; 1 Thess.5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1, 2; Philemon v. 22; Heb. 13:18; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 5:16
In English and Nepali
- Jake Redekop - Judges 6:37-40
- Burkhard Löwen - Judges 6:37-40
- Simon Attwood - John 13:21-26, 3 John
3 John 9-14; Diotrephese and Demetrius Two more examples - object lesson on truth bearing 1. Diotrephes - Hindering the truth 2. Good works accompanying the truth 3. Demetrius - Truth's Testimony
Day Five: Galatians 5:16: Walking in the Spirit is walking with Christ * Galatians 2:16,19-20 1. Justified by faith in Christ. 2. Christ as my life. 3. Living by faith as the rule for my life. 4. The faith of the Son of God as an object. 5. The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me—as a motive to serve, love, and obey Him. * Galatians 5:17-24 The works of the flesh (vs. 17-21). The fruit of the Spirit (vs.22-24).
Philippians 4: Christ as our Power Christ is presented as our power, lifting us above the cares and anxieties of the pilgrim path. The key word is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).
- Philippians 4:1-7 Exhortation to unity. Standing fast in the Lord, having the same mind in the Lord, and rejoicing in the Lord—in spite of the dangers of the way, both from within and without.
- Philippians 4:8-23 Christ in glory. Owning Him as Lord is the secret of strength for the pathway.
Philippians 3: Christ as our Object in Glory Christ is presented in glory as our object, giving energy to the Christian life. The key word is “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).
- Philippians 3:1-11 Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus. He rejoiced in Christ Jesus and had no confidence in the flesh. His sights were set on Christ in Glory, the Object for faith.
- Philippians 3:12-21 Paul was running a race, pressing toward the mark—Christ in Glory.
Philippians 2: Christ as our Pattern Christ is presented in humiliation as our pattern, giving grace to the Christian life. The key word is “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5).
- Philippians 2:1-11 The self-humbling of Christ, followed by the exaltation of Christ.
- Philippians 2:12-30 The Christian working out the salvation in practical living as seen in Paul.
Philippians 1: Christ as our Life Christ is presented as our life, and consequently everything is viewed in connection with Christ. The key word is “For to me to live is Christ (Phil. 1:21).
- Philippians 1:1-21 Paul is a prisoner in Rome when he writes this epistle. He had visited Philippi on his second missionary journey where Lydia and the Philippian jailer were the first converts to Christianity, and the first assembly in Europe began there. Paul is confident in God who had begun a good work, and in spite the sufferings and trials, his heart is filled with joy.
- Philippians 1:22-30 Fellowship in the gospel (vs.5). Furtherance of the gospel (vs.12). Striving together for the faith of the gospel (vs.27). Christ is the center of the Christian life.
In this third session we will look at the Peace Offering and how it speaks to us of our communion with Christ fully expressed in the Lord's Supper.
Leviticus 3:1-5,16-17, 7:11-18,31-34
In the second session we will look at the Meat Offering and how it speaks to us of the perfect, sinless humanity of the Lord Jesus while he was on earth. Leviticus 2:1-16
In the first session we will look at the Burnt Offering and how it typifies Christ offering Himself to God for a sweet savor in His death.
Leviticus 1:3-17, 6:12-13, Ephesians 5:2
The Alpha and Omega; The Beginning and The End; The First and The Last - Revelation 22:13
"Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it". Rev 21:22b. * Revelation 21:9-22 * 1 Corinthians 15:28
The believer's body and the body of believers(the assembly) - a temple Individually * 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 * John 14:21,23
Collectively * 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 * 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 * 2 Corinthians 6:16 * Eph. 2:19-22
The Lord Jesus Christ - A Temple "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth". John 1:14 * John. 2:19,21 * Colossians 2:9 * Hebrews 1:3
Christ suffered for us leaving us an example that we may follow in His steps.
1 Peter 2:21-25, 4:1-7
Christ the chief Cornerstone; the believers are living stones; Holy priesthood and Royal priesthood.
1 Peter 2:1-10
- Joshua 23:1-3, 14 ~ Reviewing God's faithfulness
- Joshua 24:14-31 ~ Exhorting the people to serve the Lord
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 ~ Finishing the race
- Numbers 27:15-23 ~ Receiving a leadership role
- Deuteronomy 31:1-3, 7-8 ~ Encouraged to remain faithful
- Joshua 5:2-15 ~ Obeying God's commands
- Colossians 1:23 ~ Continuing in the faith
- Exodus 17:8-16 ~ Battling Amalek
- Exodus 24:12-14 ~ Waiting for Moses
- Exodus 32:17-18 ~ Learning discernment
- Exodus 33:3-11 ~ Remaining in the "tent of meeting"
- Numbers 14:6-9 ~ Giving a faithful report
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12 ~ New believers accepting God's Word
The word of the Lord grew mightily
- Acts 18:22-23 ~ Returning from 2nd journey, departing on 3rd
- Acts 19:8-20 ~ More than two years in Ephesus
- Acts 20:17-24 ~ Paul's farewell; "finish my course with joy"
Let us visit our brethren
Acts 15:36, 40-41 ~ Strengthening the churches
* Acts 16:1-15 ~ Traveling with Timothy; reaching Philippi
* Acts 17:1-3, 10-11, 16-17; 18:8-10 ~ Emphasizing the Scriptures*
A door of faith * Acts 13:1-15, 38-48 ~ The call of Paul and Barnabas; preaching and opposition * Acts 14:21-28 ~ Establishing new converts; reporting all God had done
- Acts 1:10,13,14
- Luke 16:13
- Matthew 10:39
- Ecclesiastes 7:3; SoS 3:1-4
- 2 Samuel 15:6b, 13b, 21; 19:24
- Matthew 10:25
Andrew * Luke 6:11-16 * Mark 3:14 * John 15:16 * John 1:35-41 * John 6:8 * John 12:22 * Matthew 10:25
Br. Brian Reynolds
Courage For Service - Peter the Apostle and Faith - Matthew 14:22-36
Br. Mark Harris
Knowing the Holy Spirit - "Even the Spirit of truth; ...but yet know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you." - John 14:17
Br. Brian Reynolds
Consecrated For Service - Daniel the Prophet and Integrity - Daniel 1
Br. Mark Harris
Knowing the Son - "Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest." - Hebrews 8:11b
Br. Brian Reynolds
Called to Service - Moses the Shepherd and Brokenness - Exodus 3:1-14
Br. Mark Harris
Knowing the Father - "I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father." - 1 John 2:13c
John 17:1-17 Holy Father, keep through thine own name, those whom thou has given Me, that they may be one, as we are
The youth of different generations (Good news & Evangelism Jos 6:23, 2 Kings 5:2 & 2 Tim 4:2, 5)
The youth of David (Lordship & Warfare 1 Sam 21:5, 25:5, 8-9, 12, 25, 27, 2 Sam 1:15 & 4:12)
The Flood (Genesis 6-9)
Why did God judge the earth with the Flood?
The impact of the Flood on the Creation
PowerPoint used during the study
The Problem of Evil and The Promised Redeemer (Genesis 3:1-4:15)
The Fall and the Curse
The Promise of Salvation and the Conflict of the Ages
PowerPoint used during the study
Human Origins (Genesis 2:4-17)
Facts of Creation
Fallacies of Evolution
Origin of Home and Family (Genesis 2:18-25)
The First Marrage
The Meaning of Marrage
PowerPoint used during the study
The Facts About Creation -- The Six Days of Creation (Genesis 1:1-2:3)
Events of the Creation Period
God's Evaluation of Creation
PowerPoint used during the study
Implications for us today (con't) a. What are the meetings of the assembly? (Acts 2:42, 1 Cor 14)) i. What is the purpose of each of these meetings? b. Who should break bread? At what age should an individual consider coming into practical fellowship? How does one know when they are ready? c. When an individual comes into practical fellowship what are their responsibilities? (Eph 4:1-16)
II. Implications for us today
a. What is the function of the Holy Spirit today? (John 14:16,26 John 16:12-14) b. What do we mean by being "outside the camp"? (Heb 13:13) c. What does it mean, "to be gathered together unto His Name." (Matt 18:20)
I. Fundamentals about the church a. When was the church formed? (Acts 2: 41-47) b. Who composed the church initially and who composes it today? (Acts 2:1- 40; Ephesians 2: 13-18). c. What is the relationship between the Church and the local assembly? d. What is the role of the church today?
Can you go over what happens after the rapture, who are the believers going to rule over in the thousand year reign, and where will the devil be?
I know that it is not profitable for someone to speak out in a Sunday morning meeting in tongues because that may cause confusion and God is not the author of confusion, but what about in one's own personal prayer life to God?
Feelings don't change the facts, but where do they come in in relation to our practical Christian walk? Does the difference between having head knowledge and knowing with our hearts have anything to do with emotion?
Why is it that in a relationship the ungodly person pulls the godly person down or away when God is on the latter side and it should be the other way around? What would it mean that love is unfailing? IE: to be enough to bring the first person to the savior?