Chapter summary:
The writer reminds his readers that every element of the Mosaic Covenant had special significance, for it reflected realities in heaven (9:1-5). But the most significant act of all was performed on the Day of Atonement. Then the high priest entered the inner room of the tabernacle, the most holy place, carrying the blood of an atoning sacrifice (vv. 6-7). The curtain separating this inner room symbolized the fact that under Mosaic Law no one had direct access into God's presence (vv. 8-10).
But our High Priest, Jesus, entered heaven itself, bearing His own blood. By His sacrifice he obtained eternal salvation for us (vv. 11-14). Christ is thus mediator of a New Covenant, activated by His death. This is in fact the significance of Old Testament sacrifices: in cleansing earthly things they symbolize the cleansing Jesus has won for us (vv. 15-22). Animal sacrifices were sufficient for earthly copies, but Christ alone could enter heaven and then with His own blood. When He did He put away our sin once for all, all by the one sufficient and awesome sacrifice of Himself (vv. 23-28).
The believer’s application: Have confidence that what Jesus did is enough!
INSIGHT
“Sacrifice”: The offering of sacrifices was practiced throughout the ancient world, being viewed as food for the gods. In the Old Testament, however, blood sacrifices were not viewed as food. The significance lay in the blood of sacrifice for, as Leviticus 17:11 says, "I have given it [the blood] to you to make atonement for yourselves." In essence sacrifice throughout sacred history has graphically indicated that sin deserves death, but that God will accept the death of a substitute in place of the life of the sinner.
Christ's sacrifice alone was capable of cleansing a lost humanity so that we might have access to heaven itself and stand before a holy God. The teaching of this great section of Hebrews is that Jesus' one sacrifice cleanses our conscience (9:14), does away with sin (v. 26), perfects believers, provides a perfect forgiveness (10:11-18), and makes all other sacrifices irrelevant. The Old Testament Age truly is past. A new and far better age has dawned.
“Approaching God” (9:8):
The O.T. system permitted the Israelites to come close, but not pull aside the last veil and enter God's presence. What a stunning difference in our relationship with God through Jesus. Through Him "we may approach God with freedom and confidence" (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16).
“Cleansed from acts that lead to death” (9:14):
The O.T. sacrifices worked externally. Christ's sacrifice works internally. With a cleansed conscience we are no longer bound by guilt to our past. We are no longer overwhelmed with a sense of our inadequacy. Our past sins are gone, and we are released to serve God.
"Forgiveness" (9:22):
Forgiveness in Scripture is never a cheap, "Oh, forget it," that simply shrugs off sin. Forgiveness is expensive, purchased at the price of blood. The O.T. sacrifices revealed how forgiveness would be obtained. But only the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for us was sufficient to pay sin's penalty. How awesome that Jesus was willing to die that you and I might be forgiven.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 8)
Chapter summary:
Aaronic priests ministered on earth, in a sanctuary which was a copy and shadow of heavenly realities. Our High Priest, Jesus, ministers in heaven itself (8:1-6). The superiority of Christ's ministry is further reflected in the superiority of the covenant which governs it. The old Mosaic Covenant was flawed. The Old Testament itself predicts its replacement by a New Covenant (vv. 7-9). Under the New Covenant that replaces the old, God promises to "put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts." Under the New Covenant believers will truly come to know God, will be forgiven for all their sins, and will be transformed from within (8:10-13).
The believer's application: God has relegated Mosaic Law to history in order to make us righteous through faith.
INSIGHT: (8:1-7). The priests who offered sacrifices under the Mosaic Covenant acted out on earth what Christ would one day do in heaven itself. Services held in the earthly tabernacle and temple were like shadows cast on a sheet: they reflected the reality hidden behind it, but did so imperfectly. Rightly understood, everything in O.T. faith and worship portrays and was intended to prepare Israel for the revelation of heavenly realities in Jesus Christ.
"The first, flawed covenant" (8:7). The writer argues the very prediction in Jer. 31:31-34 of a "New" Covenant to replace the one given through Moses, proves the first was flawed. The writings of Paul have many analyses of the flaws in Mosaic Law. Essentially, what Law could not do was to transform the believer from within, so that righteousness was "written on the heart."
"Contrasting covenants" (8:8-12). The Mosaic Covenant, or Law Covenant, differed from other biblical covenants. The others announced what God intended to do, irrespective of what men might do. The Mosaic Covenant announced what God would do if the Israelites obeyed and what He would do if the Israelites disobeyed. The weakness of that covenant lay not in God's ability to do His part, but in man's inability to live an obedient life.
The New Covenant is not like the Mosaic (v. 9) in that New Covenant promises are unconditional.
The three unconditional promises in Jeremiah Chapter 31 are:
1) God will transform believers from within, planting His Law on our hearts and minds.
2) He will establish an unbreakable relationship which will make Him "our" God and us "His" people.
3) And God will "forgive... and remember their sins no more" (v. 12).
The New Covenant Jeremiah predicted was instituted by the death of Christ. So in Christ all three New Covenant promises are our present possession, guaranteed by God Himself.
"Remember" (8:12). The word means more than recall. It means to "act in accordance with" what is remembered. Not to remember sins means God will not punish them.
Aaronic priests ministered on earth, in a sanctuary which was a copy and shadow of heavenly realities. Our High Priest, Jesus, ministers in heaven itself (8:1-6). The superiority of Christ's ministry is further reflected in the superiority of the covenant which governs it. The old Mosaic Covenant was flawed. The Old Testament itself predicts its replacement by a New Covenant (vv. 7-9). Under the New Covenant that replaces the old, God promises to "put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts." Under the New Covenant believers will truly come to know God, will be forgiven for all their sins, and will be transformed from within (8:10-13).
The believer's application: God has relegated Mosaic Law to history in order to make us righteous through faith.
INSIGHT: (8:1-7). The priests who offered sacrifices under the Mosaic Covenant acted out on earth what Christ would one day do in heaven itself. Services held in the earthly tabernacle and temple were like shadows cast on a sheet: they reflected the reality hidden behind it, but did so imperfectly. Rightly understood, everything in O.T. faith and worship portrays and was intended to prepare Israel for the revelation of heavenly realities in Jesus Christ.
"The first, flawed covenant" (8:7). The writer argues the very prediction in Jer. 31:31-34 of a "New" Covenant to replace the one given through Moses, proves the first was flawed. The writings of Paul have many analyses of the flaws in Mosaic Law. Essentially, what Law could not do was to transform the believer from within, so that righteousness was "written on the heart."
"Contrasting covenants" (8:8-12). The Mosaic Covenant, or Law Covenant, differed from other biblical covenants. The others announced what God intended to do, irrespective of what men might do. The Mosaic Covenant announced what God would do if the Israelites obeyed and what He would do if the Israelites disobeyed. The weakness of that covenant lay not in God's ability to do His part, but in man's inability to live an obedient life.
The New Covenant is not like the Mosaic (v. 9) in that New Covenant promises are unconditional.
The three unconditional promises in Jeremiah Chapter 31 are:
1) God will transform believers from within, planting His Law on our hearts and minds.
2) He will establish an unbreakable relationship which will make Him "our" God and us "His" people.
3) And God will "forgive... and remember their sins no more" (v. 12).
The New Covenant Jeremiah predicted was instituted by the death of Christ. So in Christ all three New Covenant promises are our present possession, guaranteed by God Himself.
"Remember" (8:12). The word means more than recall. It means to "act in accordance with" what is remembered. Not to remember sins means God will not punish them.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Hebrews Chapter 7 (Insight)
Chapter summary:
The writer now emphasizes the fact that Jesus' priesthood does not derive from Aaron but from Melchizedek. Melchizedek appears briefly in sacred history, as king of Salem, later called Jerusalem, and as a priest. He blessed Abraham after the patriarch's victory over invading kings, and Abraham gave him a tithe of the plunder (Genesis 14). From this brief account the writer of Hebrews establishes two things: as the greater blesses the lesser, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. And as Aaron was, in a sense, present in his great-grandfather Abraham, Aaron paid tithes to Melchizedek and thus acknowledged the superiority of his priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-10).
As the psalmist quotes God ordaining someone as a "priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek," it is clear that God always intended to make a change in the Aaronic priesthood. And such a change requires a change in the whole system of Mosaic Law of which that priesthood was a part (vv. 11-19).
How is Jesus' priesthood better?
It is "forever," and thus rests on a better covenant (vv. 20-22). It is permanent, for Jesus lives and thus can save us completely (vv. 23-25). And it meets our every need, for by the one sacrifice of Himself this High Priest settled forever the issue of our sins (vv. 26-28).
The believer’s application: Jesus guarantees our salvation.
INSIGHT
"A priest forever" (7:3).
The writer uses a typical rabbinical argument, based on the fact that neither Melchizedek's birth or death are recorded. Thus in Scripture he is a "timeless" figure, an appropriate type of Jesus, who because of His endless life remains a "Priest forever." Some have taken this verse as evidence that Melchizedek was a theophany—a preincarnate appearance of Christ. It is better to take him, as the text here does, simply as a type of Christ.
"A change of law" (7:12).
The writer's point is that "law" is a linked system. There are commands and obligations, a tabernacle where God can be approached, a priesthood and sacrifices to restore fellowship when men sin, and so on. If we change any part of that system, we affect its other elements as well. Thus the O.T. prediction of a change from an Aaronic to a Melchizedekian priesthood implied from ancient times that God intended to replace the whole Mosaic system. And this implied that that system was flawed: It could not make men perfect, for if it could have, it would not have to be replaced. Christ's ordination as a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" shows that the old Mosaic system has been replaced—by something much better!
"Guarantee" (7:22).
The Greek word "engyos" is found only here in the New Testament. It is a legal term which identifies a bond or collateral. It means that the signer of the guarantee pledged his resources as security for the commitment he made. The writer reminds us that Jesus is the living guarantee that the forgiveness God offers us under the New Covenant will surely be ours.
"Jesus lives forever" (7:24-25).
The high priest represents his people before God. As an ever-living High Priest, Jesus is always available to represent us and thus "He is able to save completely."
The writer now emphasizes the fact that Jesus' priesthood does not derive from Aaron but from Melchizedek. Melchizedek appears briefly in sacred history, as king of Salem, later called Jerusalem, and as a priest. He blessed Abraham after the patriarch's victory over invading kings, and Abraham gave him a tithe of the plunder (Genesis 14). From this brief account the writer of Hebrews establishes two things: as the greater blesses the lesser, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. And as Aaron was, in a sense, present in his great-grandfather Abraham, Aaron paid tithes to Melchizedek and thus acknowledged the superiority of his priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-10).
As the psalmist quotes God ordaining someone as a "priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek," it is clear that God always intended to make a change in the Aaronic priesthood. And such a change requires a change in the whole system of Mosaic Law of which that priesthood was a part (vv. 11-19).
How is Jesus' priesthood better?
It is "forever," and thus rests on a better covenant (vv. 20-22). It is permanent, for Jesus lives and thus can save us completely (vv. 23-25). And it meets our every need, for by the one sacrifice of Himself this High Priest settled forever the issue of our sins (vv. 26-28).
The believer’s application: Jesus guarantees our salvation.
INSIGHT
"A priest forever" (7:3).
The writer uses a typical rabbinical argument, based on the fact that neither Melchizedek's birth or death are recorded. Thus in Scripture he is a "timeless" figure, an appropriate type of Jesus, who because of His endless life remains a "Priest forever." Some have taken this verse as evidence that Melchizedek was a theophany—a preincarnate appearance of Christ. It is better to take him, as the text here does, simply as a type of Christ.
"A change of law" (7:12).
The writer's point is that "law" is a linked system. There are commands and obligations, a tabernacle where God can be approached, a priesthood and sacrifices to restore fellowship when men sin, and so on. If we change any part of that system, we affect its other elements as well. Thus the O.T. prediction of a change from an Aaronic to a Melchizedekian priesthood implied from ancient times that God intended to replace the whole Mosaic system. And this implied that that system was flawed: It could not make men perfect, for if it could have, it would not have to be replaced. Christ's ordination as a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" shows that the old Mosaic system has been replaced—by something much better!
"Guarantee" (7:22).
The Greek word "engyos" is found only here in the New Testament. It is a legal term which identifies a bond or collateral. It means that the signer of the guarantee pledged his resources as security for the commitment he made. The writer reminds us that Jesus is the living guarantee that the forgiveness God offers us under the New Covenant will surely be ours.
"Jesus lives forever" (7:24-25).
The high priest represents his people before God. As an ever-living High Priest, Jesus is always available to represent us and thus "He is able to save completely."
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Keys To A Dynamic Christian Life!
Understanding the attributes of God—His holiness, love, sovereignty, wisdom, grace, and power—is the greatest thing that can ever happen to us, because a dynamic Christian life begins with one's view of God. Everyone is influenced by their view of God. If I believe in the sovereignty of God, I am not upset when things go wrong. If I believe God works in the affairs of nations; if I believe he has a plan for man, then even when adversity, sorrow, and tragedy come, I can handle them, because I know that the God who rules my life will provide for me as he promised.
1) God is trustworthy. But if we don't understand who God is, we can't trust him. The Bible says, "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17, KJV), that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23, KJV), and "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). I can't demonstrate faith if I don't know and understand the object of my faith, which is God, and His Holy Word.
2) Learn to understand God and love His Word. That knowledge cannot be superficial, shallow, and legalistic. In fact, many people who are given a list of dos and don'ts give up and say, "There's no way I can live the Christian life." In order to understand the keys to a dynamic Christian life, one needs to realize that the Christian life is a life of relationship—a supernatural relationship. Man cannot live the Christian life alone.
3) Understand: that the Christ of the Scriptures lives in us. Jesus Christ is God incarnate, perfect God, perfect man, the visible expression of the invisible God, the One in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, the One who said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). And yet he, in his resurrection power, is closer to us than our hands, our feet, our very breath.
4) Everything about the Christian life involves relationship to Jesus, the incomparable, peerless, matchless Son of God; acknowledge Christ's presence within you and His lordship of your life. Ask him to think with your mind, love with your heart, speak with your lips, and to continue seeking and saving the lost through you. That's what Jesus wants to do in each of our lives.
5) Prayer is the lifeblood of a vital relationship with Christ. Through prayer we have been given the power of attorney. "I will do whatever you ask in my name" (John 14:13). One cannot possibly experience the dynamic Christian life apart from the power and privilege and exercise of prayer. Prayer is not just talking to God. It is communion. It's listening. One has to be careful, of course, because many people have said that God told them to do all kinds of weird things. When God speaks to us in our innermost beings, his voice is consistent with Scripture. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13, KJV). God never contradicts through impressions what he has written in his Word.
It is a sad fact that, despite the privilege of prayer, in spite of our knowledge of God and relationship with him, we often fail in our attempt to live the Christian life. The carnal Christian is a believer who has experienced the new birth but is living, as Paul describes it, as a baby Christian, sometimes acting as though he or she doesn't even know Jesus Christ at all.
Why do Christians experience this conflict? Why is there this failure to live what we know? I see three reasons: the world, the flesh, and the devil. As we read in 1 John 2, we're not to love the world or the things that are in the world. I like the Living Bible passage: "Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things you show that you do not really love God; for all these worldly things, these evil desires—the craze for sex, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to you, and the pride that comes from wealth and importance—these are not from God. They are from this evil world itself. And this world is fading away, and these evil, forbidden things will go with it, but whoever keeps doing the will of God will live forever" (1 John 2:15-17).
In Galatians 5:16, 17, we read: "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." As long as we live, warfare with the flesh will go on. Paul speaks of this in Romans 7: "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.... What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:19, 24).
Along with the flesh, Satan is also a very real foe. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world" (TLB). There are demonic powers in the world. We need to recognize that apart from the strength and the enabling of our Lord, living within us through the Holy Spirit, we cannot possibly resist the attacks and the temptations of Satan. He is a formidable enemy. It is not possible to be a victorious Christian, to live the dynamic life, apart from the enabling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (Acts 1:8). The person who tries to serve God in the flesh without the Holy Spirit is doomed to failure.
The only one who can help us to live a Bible-obeying Christian life is Jesus Christ himself, through the enabling of the Holy Spirit. John 16 records what Jesus said to his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion: "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin... he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;... he shall glorify me" (verses 7, 8, 13, 14, KJV).
When we understand that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and draw upon his special power by faith, we can live victorious, dynamic Christian lives.
Through all of our lives, the old flesh (old mindset) wars against the new (mindset) nature. We have to decide whom we are going to serve—whether we are going to allow Satan through the old nature to influence our lives, or if we are going to draw upon God's strength through the new nature to live according to the Word of God. It is an act of the will—a decision that determines our destiny.
1) God is trustworthy. But if we don't understand who God is, we can't trust him. The Bible says, "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17, KJV), that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23, KJV), and "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). I can't demonstrate faith if I don't know and understand the object of my faith, which is God, and His Holy Word.
2) Learn to understand God and love His Word. That knowledge cannot be superficial, shallow, and legalistic. In fact, many people who are given a list of dos and don'ts give up and say, "There's no way I can live the Christian life." In order to understand the keys to a dynamic Christian life, one needs to realize that the Christian life is a life of relationship—a supernatural relationship. Man cannot live the Christian life alone.
3) Understand: that the Christ of the Scriptures lives in us. Jesus Christ is God incarnate, perfect God, perfect man, the visible expression of the invisible God, the One in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, the One who said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). And yet he, in his resurrection power, is closer to us than our hands, our feet, our very breath.
4) Everything about the Christian life involves relationship to Jesus, the incomparable, peerless, matchless Son of God; acknowledge Christ's presence within you and His lordship of your life. Ask him to think with your mind, love with your heart, speak with your lips, and to continue seeking and saving the lost through you. That's what Jesus wants to do in each of our lives.
5) Prayer is the lifeblood of a vital relationship with Christ. Through prayer we have been given the power of attorney. "I will do whatever you ask in my name" (John 14:13). One cannot possibly experience the dynamic Christian life apart from the power and privilege and exercise of prayer. Prayer is not just talking to God. It is communion. It's listening. One has to be careful, of course, because many people have said that God told them to do all kinds of weird things. When God speaks to us in our innermost beings, his voice is consistent with Scripture. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13, KJV). God never contradicts through impressions what he has written in his Word.
It is a sad fact that, despite the privilege of prayer, in spite of our knowledge of God and relationship with him, we often fail in our attempt to live the Christian life. The carnal Christian is a believer who has experienced the new birth but is living, as Paul describes it, as a baby Christian, sometimes acting as though he or she doesn't even know Jesus Christ at all.
Why do Christians experience this conflict? Why is there this failure to live what we know? I see three reasons: the world, the flesh, and the devil. As we read in 1 John 2, we're not to love the world or the things that are in the world. I like the Living Bible passage: "Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things you show that you do not really love God; for all these worldly things, these evil desires—the craze for sex, the ambition to buy everything that appeals to you, and the pride that comes from wealth and importance—these are not from God. They are from this evil world itself. And this world is fading away, and these evil, forbidden things will go with it, but whoever keeps doing the will of God will live forever" (1 John 2:15-17).
In Galatians 5:16, 17, we read: "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." As long as we live, warfare with the flesh will go on. Paul speaks of this in Romans 7: "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.... What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:19, 24).
Along with the flesh, Satan is also a very real foe. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world" (TLB). There are demonic powers in the world. We need to recognize that apart from the strength and the enabling of our Lord, living within us through the Holy Spirit, we cannot possibly resist the attacks and the temptations of Satan. He is a formidable enemy. It is not possible to be a victorious Christian, to live the dynamic life, apart from the enabling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (Acts 1:8). The person who tries to serve God in the flesh without the Holy Spirit is doomed to failure.
The only one who can help us to live a Bible-obeying Christian life is Jesus Christ himself, through the enabling of the Holy Spirit. John 16 records what Jesus said to his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion: "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin... he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;... he shall glorify me" (verses 7, 8, 13, 14, KJV).
When we understand that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and draw upon his special power by faith, we can live victorious, dynamic Christian lives.
Through all of our lives, the old flesh (old mindset) wars against the new (mindset) nature. We have to decide whom we are going to serve—whether we are going to allow Satan through the old nature to influence our lives, or if we are going to draw upon God's strength through the new nature to live according to the Word of God. It is an act of the will—a decision that determines our destiny.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Those That Follow Are Free!
Study Text: John 8:30-36
8:30: As Jesus was saying this, many people believed in him.
Jesus’ words were so powerful and His miracles so compelling that many people were persuaded by His message. They were convinced that Jesus was truly the Son of Man, sent from the Father, the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had opened their eyes to see that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the one promised to Israel. To see the power and authority of Jesus as He spoke to them of things beyond the understanding of mortal men was to accept and embrace Him as their Savior. From God’s perspective, any other conclusion simply did not make sense.
8:31: So Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you live by what I say, you are truly my disciples.
Jesus knew that this response had occurred in the minds and hearts of many of the people. Just as He was able to discern the animosity of those that hated Him, He could also see the hearts of those that had been changed by His teaching. As He spoke to those whose hearts had been changed, He encouraged them to “live” in His word. Because their spiritual eyes had been opened, they understood the full impact of His words. His word was the means by which these new believers would remain steadfast in their faith (2 Timothy 3:14).
The word translated “live” comes from the Greek word μενος (meno), which is one of John’s favorite expressions. It implies that believers are firmly rooted in His Word. This provides a staying power to remain firmly committed to God’s Word, imparted to us through His Son and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.
8:32: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
What is the marvelous result of this discipleship? The result is found in the assurance of knowing the truth. This sentence explicitly answers the question of Pontius Pilate, “What is truth?" This verse is so deeply moving, to grasp the full import of Jesus’ promise we must understand the meaning of the word know. The Greek implies a knowledge gained through the rigors of one’s personal experience. This is not some vain intellectual pursuit or even a disciplined study of some worthwhile subject. Rather, it is the deeply personal knowledge that comes from the intimate experience of knowing Christ. Discipleship results in personal, intimate knowledge of the truth.
So then, what is this truth? Is this some mystical experience that gives some intangible hope to our earthly wanderings? Is it some philosophy that provides a degree of meaning to our otherwise meaningless existence?
Certainly not! The truth is the central core of Jesus’ teaching. In fact, it is His very essence. This is the truth He had been trying to share with the stiff-necked Pharisees for the past months of His ministry. It is the revealed truth that Jesus is exactly who He said He is; He is the bread of life, He is the Messiah, He is the Son of God, He is the Word, the Light of the world, the Lamb of God. This is the truth that every disciple embraces by virtue of his washing by the Holy Spirit, knowing that Jesus is his Savior. It is the same truth that sticks in the throats of those that do not believe and virtually chokes them to death—their eternal death.
Furthermore, this experienced knowledge of Jesus, the truth, sets His followers free. Not free from Rome. Not free from responsibilities or even from the temporary consequences of sin. It frees Christ’s own from the eternal consequences of their sin. For this reason, Jesus vigorously castigated the Pharisees for their unbelief because they “would die because of their sins” (John 8:24). They would never see the truth.
In a world so torn by contradictory philosophies, so desperately in search of some minute element of truth, Jesus’ words ring clearly throughout all the centuries of time and on into the halls of eternity. There is truth! There is truth that remains unchanged by the vain imaginations of the individual—the scholar, the intellectual, the religious, and the misguided seekers of the world.
We may conclude with absolute assurance that the truth of which Jesus spoke was not some vague concept. It is the very person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Later Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The message that Jesus faithfully declared during His earthly sojourn could not be clearer. Jesus, in the essence of His eternal being, is the eternal truth. This truth is eternal and unchanging.
In a world that seeks truth, Jesus provides the answer in the absolute, indisputable reality of His person. Here we find an anchor, a foundation that crushes all worldly philosophies that compete for our lives, our hopes, and our dreams. Any other message is doomed to failure and condemnation because it does not exalt the person and work of the living Christ.
8:30: As Jesus was saying this, many people believed in him.
Jesus’ words were so powerful and His miracles so compelling that many people were persuaded by His message. They were convinced that Jesus was truly the Son of Man, sent from the Father, the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had opened their eyes to see that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the one promised to Israel. To see the power and authority of Jesus as He spoke to them of things beyond the understanding of mortal men was to accept and embrace Him as their Savior. From God’s perspective, any other conclusion simply did not make sense.
8:31: So Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you live by what I say, you are truly my disciples.
Jesus knew that this response had occurred in the minds and hearts of many of the people. Just as He was able to discern the animosity of those that hated Him, He could also see the hearts of those that had been changed by His teaching. As He spoke to those whose hearts had been changed, He encouraged them to “live” in His word. Because their spiritual eyes had been opened, they understood the full impact of His words. His word was the means by which these new believers would remain steadfast in their faith (2 Timothy 3:14).
The word translated “live” comes from the Greek word μενος (meno), which is one of John’s favorite expressions. It implies that believers are firmly rooted in His Word. This provides a staying power to remain firmly committed to God’s Word, imparted to us through His Son and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit.
8:32: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
What is the marvelous result of this discipleship? The result is found in the assurance of knowing the truth. This sentence explicitly answers the question of Pontius Pilate, “What is truth?" This verse is so deeply moving, to grasp the full import of Jesus’ promise we must understand the meaning of the word know. The Greek implies a knowledge gained through the rigors of one’s personal experience. This is not some vain intellectual pursuit or even a disciplined study of some worthwhile subject. Rather, it is the deeply personal knowledge that comes from the intimate experience of knowing Christ. Discipleship results in personal, intimate knowledge of the truth.
So then, what is this truth? Is this some mystical experience that gives some intangible hope to our earthly wanderings? Is it some philosophy that provides a degree of meaning to our otherwise meaningless existence?
Certainly not! The truth is the central core of Jesus’ teaching. In fact, it is His very essence. This is the truth He had been trying to share with the stiff-necked Pharisees for the past months of His ministry. It is the revealed truth that Jesus is exactly who He said He is; He is the bread of life, He is the Messiah, He is the Son of God, He is the Word, the Light of the world, the Lamb of God. This is the truth that every disciple embraces by virtue of his washing by the Holy Spirit, knowing that Jesus is his Savior. It is the same truth that sticks in the throats of those that do not believe and virtually chokes them to death—their eternal death.
Furthermore, this experienced knowledge of Jesus, the truth, sets His followers free. Not free from Rome. Not free from responsibilities or even from the temporary consequences of sin. It frees Christ’s own from the eternal consequences of their sin. For this reason, Jesus vigorously castigated the Pharisees for their unbelief because they “would die because of their sins” (John 8:24). They would never see the truth.
In a world so torn by contradictory philosophies, so desperately in search of some minute element of truth, Jesus’ words ring clearly throughout all the centuries of time and on into the halls of eternity. There is truth! There is truth that remains unchanged by the vain imaginations of the individual—the scholar, the intellectual, the religious, and the misguided seekers of the world.
We may conclude with absolute assurance that the truth of which Jesus spoke was not some vague concept. It is the very person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Later Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The message that Jesus faithfully declared during His earthly sojourn could not be clearer. Jesus, in the essence of His eternal being, is the eternal truth. This truth is eternal and unchanging.
In a world that seeks truth, Jesus provides the answer in the absolute, indisputable reality of His person. Here we find an anchor, a foundation that crushes all worldly philosophies that compete for our lives, our hopes, and our dreams. Any other message is doomed to failure and condemnation because it does not exalt the person and work of the living Christ.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
God's Design
For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. {30} And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified {Romans 8:29–30}
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him. {30} After God made that decision of what His children should be like, He followed it up by calling people by name. After He called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with Himself. And then, after getting them established, He stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun. {Romans 8:29-30}
For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. {30} And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.
{Romans 8:29-30}
Our life is a part of God's grand design. God has known about us and had a plan for our life before time began. He knew everything about us before we were even born (Jer. 1:5). God predetermined (prearranged, fixed) that we would become like His Son. Our life, therefore, has a destiny. Christ is the model upon which the Father is developing our life. We are meant to have a relationship with the Father that is as intimate as the relationship between Jesus and the Father(John 17:21). Every event He allows into our life is designed to make us more like Christ.
God's call came when He invited us to join Him in the process! His call was extremely personal, designed specifically for our response. How wonderful to realize that at a particular moment in history, Almighty God spoke personally to us, and invited us to become His child! Because of our sin, we could never live blamelessly. But God forgave our sin and justified us, declaring us righteous. All the spiritual debt we carried with Him was forgiven, and we are freed to enjoy God and to serve Him for the rest of eternity. In Biblical times, the glory of God's people was His presence. We are glorified because the fullness of God now dwells within us , and we will one day be with Him (Col. 1:27; 2:9). He invites us to join Him in working out His will in our life—conforming us to His image (Phil. 2:12).
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him. {30} After God made that decision of what His children should be like, He followed it up by calling people by name. After He called them by name, He set them on a solid basis with Himself. And then, after getting them established, He stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what He had begun. {Romans 8:29-30}
For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. {30} And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.
{Romans 8:29-30}
Our life is a part of God's grand design. God has known about us and had a plan for our life before time began. He knew everything about us before we were even born (Jer. 1:5). God predetermined (prearranged, fixed) that we would become like His Son. Our life, therefore, has a destiny. Christ is the model upon which the Father is developing our life. We are meant to have a relationship with the Father that is as intimate as the relationship between Jesus and the Father(John 17:21). Every event He allows into our life is designed to make us more like Christ.
God's call came when He invited us to join Him in the process! His call was extremely personal, designed specifically for our response. How wonderful to realize that at a particular moment in history, Almighty God spoke personally to us, and invited us to become His child! Because of our sin, we could never live blamelessly. But God forgave our sin and justified us, declaring us righteous. All the spiritual debt we carried with Him was forgiven, and we are freed to enjoy God and to serve Him for the rest of eternity. In Biblical times, the glory of God's people was His presence. We are glorified because the fullness of God now dwells within us , and we will one day be with Him (Col. 1:27; 2:9). He invites us to join Him in working out His will in our life—conforming us to His image (Phil. 2:12).
Living a Discerning Life
Discern: what’s of God, and what’s not of God
1) Be aware [live with our spiritual eyes open]
2) Understand [make sense of it spiritually]
3) Take action [accept the things that are of God, or reject the things that are not of God.
Psalms 19:7-14: The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. {10} They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
{11} They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. {12} How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. {13} Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. {14} May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
1 Corinthians 2:10-16: But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. {11} No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. {12} And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. {13} When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. {14} But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. {15} Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. {16} For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
1 Timothy 2:3-7: This is good and pleases God our Savior, {4} who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. {5} For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. {6} He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. {7} And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
1 John 2:3-4: And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments). {4} Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.
1) Be aware [live with our spiritual eyes open]
2) Understand [make sense of it spiritually]
3) Take action [accept the things that are of God, or reject the things that are not of God.
Psalms 19:7-14: The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. {10} They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
{11} They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. {12} How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. {13} Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. {14} May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
1 Corinthians 2:10-16: But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. {11} No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. {12} And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. {13} When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. {14} But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. {15} Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. {16} For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
1 Timothy 2:3-7: This is good and pleases God our Savior, {4} who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. {5} For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. {6} He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. {7} And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
1 John 2:3-4: And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments). {4} Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.
Tested Faith
Psalms 105:19: until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.
Psalms 105:19: Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true, and the Lord had finished testing him.
Psalms 105:19: Then the time he had spoken of came, and the Lord’s words proved that Joseph was right.
1 Peter 4:12-19: Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. {13} Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. {14} So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. {15} If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. {16} But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! {17} For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? {18} And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” {19} So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
1 Peter 4:12-19: Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. {13} Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. {14} If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. {15} If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. {16} But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! {17} It's judgment time for Christians. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message! {18} If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad? {19} So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
1 Peter 1:7-9: These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return. 8} You love him even though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. {9} And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:5-9: God's power protects you through your faith, and it keeps you safe until your salvation comes. That salvation is ready to be given to you at the end of time. {6} This makes you very happy. But now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. {7} These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold. Gold can be proved to be pure by fire, but gold will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ comes again. {8} You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a joy that cannot be explained. And that joy is full of glory. {9} Your faith has a goal, to save your souls. And you are receiving that goal—your salvation.
Psalms 105:19: Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true, and the Lord had finished testing him.
Psalms 105:19: Then the time he had spoken of came, and the Lord’s words proved that Joseph was right.
1 Peter 4:12-19: Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. {13} Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. {14} So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. {15} If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. {16} But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! {17} For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? {18} And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” {19} So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
1 Peter 4:12-19: Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. {13} Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. {14} If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. {15} If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. {16} But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! {17} It's judgment time for Christians. We're first in line. If it starts with us, think what it's going to be like for those who refuse God's Message! {18} If good people barely make it, What's in store for the bad? {19} So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.
1 Peter 1:7-9: These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return. 8} You love him even though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. {9} And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:5-9: God's power protects you through your faith, and it keeps you safe until your salvation comes. That salvation is ready to be given to you at the end of time. {6} This makes you very happy. But now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. {7} These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold. Gold can be proved to be pure by fire, but gold will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ comes again. {8} You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You cannot see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a joy that cannot be explained. And that joy is full of glory. {9} Your faith has a goal, to save your souls. And you are receiving that goal—your salvation.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
You Can Count On the Promises of God; God Is Faithful!
Summary: God is faithful and true in everything that He says and does. So you can count on the promises of God in the Bible to be absolutely trustworthy.
2 Peter 1:4: He has given us his very great and precious promises.
There are thousands of God's promises in the Bible. Learn to receive them, because God is faithful! There are no broken Bible promises.
Genesis 28:12-15 [15b]:I will not leave you UNTIL I HAVE DONE what I have PROMISED you.
God’s absolute trustworthiness has been consistently demonstrated over a long time. The Scripture record shows unequivocally that God keeps His promises.
• Hebrews 6:12: ...imitate those who through faith & PATIENCE inherit what has been promised.
• God's promises were faithfully fulfilled in Old Testament Israel, in Christ’s time on earth, and today.
Short-term promises or long — you can depend on God's promises.
Numbers 23:19: God is NOT a man, that he should LIE, nor a son of man, that he should CHANGE HIS MIND. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
• Don’t evaluate God’s reliability like a human’s.
• God will never lie, never deceive, never mislead you.
• And God will not change His mind.
• You can trust God, you can rely on God, to keep His promises in every detail.
If God has made promises in His word the Bible, those Bible promises are TRUE, and God will not change His mind. You can COUNT ON the promises of God.
Joshua 21:43-45: So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn.... [44] The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn.... [45] Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Joshua 23:14: ...not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
• God promised Israel land ... promised them rest.
• EVERY promise of God was FULFILLED.
The Bible is a historical record of the ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY of God’s promises. The Bible's promises have always proven trustworthy, so you can COUNT ON them.
• Over thousands of years, God's Bible promises have been “thoroughly tested” and found to be true.
• Jehovah-Rapha healed Abraham’s wife’s barrenness.
• Five centuries later He still healed (the snakebitten Israelites in wilderness)
• 1,500 years later He still healed (Gospels, Acts...)
• Another 2,000 years later He still heals today!
Over the space of 4,000 years (from Abraham to now), God's promises in the Bible have been THOROUGHLY TESTED and found to be trustworthy.
• “God is faithful” (2 Cor. 1:18). You can rely on God.
• “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). There are no broken promises with God. If He has spoken, He will do it!
• Hebrews 10:23: “...he who promised is faithful.”
You can COUNT ON the promises of God because God the Promiser is FAITHFUL.
Romans 4:13-16: It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.... [16] Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace ...
• “The promise comes by FAITH...by GRACE.”
• God is a God of infinite grace.
• You can’t earn or deserve God's promises. They are ours by grace!
If you can BELIEVE God, you can COUNT ON His promises, because they are FREE gifts of His grace.
Romans 4:19-21: ...[20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
• The promises of God don’t depend on your abilities, but God’s.
• Abraham was 100, Sarah 90 When Isaac was born. They themselves had ZERO ability to bear children.
• The key was Abraham’s confidence that “GOD had power to DO what He had PROMISED.”
If you can focus on GOD’s unlimited power, then you can COUNT ON that power to fulfill God’s promises.
2 Corinthians 1:20: For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
• All the promises of God are “YES in CHRIST”! You can depend on God's promises, because Jesus is their guarantee.
• God says, “I promise” ... Jesus says, “YES!”
• Jesus is the assurance, the surety, of God’s promises.
You can COUNT ON God's Bible promises because Jesus is saying, “YES and AMEN” to them on your behalf.
SUMMARY
• Short-term promise or LONG — you can COUNT ON the promises of God in the Bible.
• If God has promised, the promise is TRUE, and God will not change His mind. You can DEPEND ON the promise.
• The Bible is a historical record of the ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY of God’s promises. The Bible's promises have always proven trustworthy, so you can RELY ON them.
• Over the space of 4,000 years (Abraham to now), God’s promises have been THOROUGHLY TESTED and found TRUE.
• You can COUNT ON the promises of God because God the Promiser is FAITHFUL.
• If you can BELIEVE God, you can COUNT ON His promises, because they are FREE gifts of His grace.
• If you can focus on GOD’s unlimited power, then you can COUNT ON that power to fulfill God’s promises.
• You can COUNT ON the promises of God because Jesus is saying, “YES” and “AMEN” to them on your behalf.
2 Peter 1:4: He has given us his very great and precious promises.
There are thousands of God's promises in the Bible. Learn to receive them, because God is faithful! There are no broken Bible promises.
Genesis 28:12-15 [15b]:I will not leave you UNTIL I HAVE DONE what I have PROMISED you.
God’s absolute trustworthiness has been consistently demonstrated over a long time. The Scripture record shows unequivocally that God keeps His promises.
• Hebrews 6:12: ...imitate those who through faith & PATIENCE inherit what has been promised.
• God's promises were faithfully fulfilled in Old Testament Israel, in Christ’s time on earth, and today.
Short-term promises or long — you can depend on God's promises.
Numbers 23:19: God is NOT a man, that he should LIE, nor a son of man, that he should CHANGE HIS MIND. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
• Don’t evaluate God’s reliability like a human’s.
• God will never lie, never deceive, never mislead you.
• And God will not change His mind.
• You can trust God, you can rely on God, to keep His promises in every detail.
If God has made promises in His word the Bible, those Bible promises are TRUE, and God will not change His mind. You can COUNT ON the promises of God.
Joshua 21:43-45: So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn.... [44] The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn.... [45] Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Joshua 23:14: ...not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
• God promised Israel land ... promised them rest.
• EVERY promise of God was FULFILLED.
The Bible is a historical record of the ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY of God’s promises. The Bible's promises have always proven trustworthy, so you can COUNT ON them.
• Over thousands of years, God's Bible promises have been “thoroughly tested” and found to be true.
• Jehovah-Rapha healed Abraham’s wife’s barrenness.
• Five centuries later He still healed (the snakebitten Israelites in wilderness)
• 1,500 years later He still healed (Gospels, Acts...)
• Another 2,000 years later He still heals today!
Over the space of 4,000 years (from Abraham to now), God's promises in the Bible have been THOROUGHLY TESTED and found to be trustworthy.
• “God is faithful” (2 Cor. 1:18). You can rely on God.
• “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). There are no broken promises with God. If He has spoken, He will do it!
• Hebrews 10:23: “...he who promised is faithful.”
You can COUNT ON the promises of God because God the Promiser is FAITHFUL.
Romans 4:13-16: It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.... [16] Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace ...
• “The promise comes by FAITH...by GRACE.”
• God is a God of infinite grace.
• You can’t earn or deserve God's promises. They are ours by grace!
If you can BELIEVE God, you can COUNT ON His promises, because they are FREE gifts of His grace.
Romans 4:19-21: ...[20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
• The promises of God don’t depend on your abilities, but God’s.
• Abraham was 100, Sarah 90 When Isaac was born. They themselves had ZERO ability to bear children.
• The key was Abraham’s confidence that “GOD had power to DO what He had PROMISED.”
If you can focus on GOD’s unlimited power, then you can COUNT ON that power to fulfill God’s promises.
2 Corinthians 1:20: For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
• All the promises of God are “YES in CHRIST”! You can depend on God's promises, because Jesus is their guarantee.
• God says, “I promise” ... Jesus says, “YES!”
• Jesus is the assurance, the surety, of God’s promises.
You can COUNT ON God's Bible promises because Jesus is saying, “YES and AMEN” to them on your behalf.
SUMMARY
• Short-term promise or LONG — you can COUNT ON the promises of God in the Bible.
• If God has promised, the promise is TRUE, and God will not change His mind. You can DEPEND ON the promise.
• The Bible is a historical record of the ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY of God’s promises. The Bible's promises have always proven trustworthy, so you can RELY ON them.
• Over the space of 4,000 years (Abraham to now), God’s promises have been THOROUGHLY TESTED and found TRUE.
• You can COUNT ON the promises of God because God the Promiser is FAITHFUL.
• If you can BELIEVE God, you can COUNT ON His promises, because they are FREE gifts of His grace.
• If you can focus on GOD’s unlimited power, then you can COUNT ON that power to fulfill God’s promises.
• You can COUNT ON the promises of God because Jesus is saying, “YES” and “AMEN” to them on your behalf.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Understanding Holiness
Holiness: to obey God in everything – perfect obedience
Holiness: having a single focus, an undivided loyalty to God.
The holy life: seeks to fulfill the will of God.
Jesus teaches on the importance of holiness: 1) purity of heart, not the freedom from impure thoughts, is what Jesus notes as most important. The singleness of heart – not divided between the lust of the world and the desires of God. Sin occurs when we give in to evil – ungodly desires and lust. {Matthew 5:8} (Also look at Matthew 6:22-24)
Foundational Texts:
So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy. {Leviticus 20:7}
You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. {Leviticus 20:26}
Purity of life is entreated:
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. {2 Corinthians 7:1}
Unity and desire of the Spirit:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. {Ephesians 4:21-24}
Directives of a holy life:
Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. {Titus 2:2-5}
Persevere in our purpose:
a) For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. {Hebrews 12:10-11}
b) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. {Hebrews 12:14}
The godly preserve themselves through perseverance in faith and holiness of life. {1 John 2:20}
1) We are called to holiness. {Leviticus 20:7, 26}
2) We have the key to holiness: Jesus: {1 Corinthians 1:30}
3) Chosen to be holy: {Ephesians 1:4}
This empowers us to be holy: to reckon ourselves dead to sin – make the inward decision. We have been elected to holiness. {Romans 6:10-11
4) Power for holiness: the Holy Spirit {Ephesians 1:18-23}
God has chosen us to be holy and He has given us His power to make holiness possible. All we have to do is appropriate it!
Holiness: having a single focus, an undivided loyalty to God.
The holy life: seeks to fulfill the will of God.
Jesus teaches on the importance of holiness: 1) purity of heart, not the freedom from impure thoughts, is what Jesus notes as most important. The singleness of heart – not divided between the lust of the world and the desires of God. Sin occurs when we give in to evil – ungodly desires and lust. {Matthew 5:8} (Also look at Matthew 6:22-24)
Foundational Texts:
So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy. {Leviticus 20:7}
You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. {Leviticus 20:26}
Purity of life is entreated:
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. {2 Corinthians 7:1}
Unity and desire of the Spirit:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. {Ephesians 4:21-24}
Directives of a holy life:
Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. {Titus 2:2-5}
Persevere in our purpose:
a) For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. {Hebrews 12:10-11}
b) Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. {Hebrews 12:14}
The godly preserve themselves through perseverance in faith and holiness of life. {1 John 2:20}
1) We are called to holiness. {Leviticus 20:7, 26}
2) We have the key to holiness: Jesus: {1 Corinthians 1:30}
3) Chosen to be holy: {Ephesians 1:4}
This empowers us to be holy: to reckon ourselves dead to sin – make the inward decision. We have been elected to holiness. {Romans 6:10-11
4) Power for holiness: the Holy Spirit {Ephesians 1:18-23}
God has chosen us to be holy and He has given us His power to make holiness possible. All we have to do is appropriate it!
Friday, June 10, 2011
The Significance of Pentecost (Part 1)
Study Text: The Book of Acts (Chapter 2)
On the symbolically significant Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit falls visibly on the gathered disciples, and they begin to speak in "other tongues" (2:1-4). Stunned crowds gather, each hearing the believers praise God in "his own native tongue" (vv. 5-13). Peter then quiets the crowd. He explains the phenomenon by referring to Joel's Old Testament prophecy concerning a day when God will "pour out His Spirit" (vv. 14-21). Peter then proclaims Christ as God's Messiah and Saviour in a sermon that contains the basic elements of apostolic preaching (vv. 22-37). Some 3,000 heed his urgent call to "repent and be baptized," to accept forgiveness of sins through Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv. 38-41). With great enthusiasm the new converts commit themselves to live in the new Christian community (vv. 42-47).
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
"Pentecost" (2:1). The day fell 50 days after Passover and was originally a harvest festival (Lev. 23:15-16). In N.T. times it also commemorated Moses' giving of the Law on Sinai.
Visible signs (2:2-3). Three phenomena occurred together that made the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost an unmistakable and unique event:
(1) the rushing wind.
(2) the visible flames resting on each believer present.
(3) speaking in "other tongues." There is no record of these three being present together at any other time.
Filling with the Spirit (2:4). The image is common in the O.T. where it emphasizes the Holy Spirit's empowering of the individual for service (cf. Judges 6:34; 14:19). In the N.T., the Gk. verbs meaning "to fill" are always in the passive voice when filling with the Spirit is described. We "are filled," we do not fill ourselves.
The Spirit dwells in every believer (1 Cor. 6:19), and as we live in fellowship with God He will fill us. When He does we are enabled both to serve and to grow (cf. Gal. 5:19-23).
"Tongues" (2:3). There is great debate over the nature and significance of the "gift of tongues." Here, however, the text gives definite clues. These "tongues" were recognized as the "native languages" of visitors who had come to Jerusalem for the festival (v. 8).
The prophecy (2:15-21). Peter explains what has happened by quoting a prophecy which is being partially fulfilled. The fact that the ultimate fulfillment of O.T. prophecies was often foreshadowed by partial fulfillment was understood by Peter's listeners.
The elements of the prophecy he emphasizes are:
(1) the pouring out of the Spirit, which takes place "before" (no time specified!) the Day of the Lord comes.
(2) during which "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (v. 21).
Apostolic preaching (2:22-41). Peter's sermon here and other sermons recorded in Acts contain critical elements in common.
These are:
a) Jesus is a extraordinary person (2:22).
b) Jesus crucified and risen (2:23-24; 3:13-15).
c) All this was prophesied (2:25-35; 3:18).
d) Jesus is God's Messiah (2:36; 3:20).
e) All who turn and believe will be forgiven and given the Holy Spirit (2:37-38; 3:19, 21-26).
These themes remain basic elements of the proclamation of the Gospel in our day. A promise for all (2:39). The invitation to respond to the Gospel remains unlimited. But acceptance of the Gospel carries with it a very special obligation: to share it with "all."
The Christian community (2:42-47). This paragraph is often taken as a description of the ideal Christian community. It is united around the apostles' teaching:
1) Fellowship,
2) Prayer,
3) Sharing
4) Praise
The "breaking of bread" (2:42). This phrase refers to the Communion service.
On the symbolically significant Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit falls visibly on the gathered disciples, and they begin to speak in "other tongues" (2:1-4). Stunned crowds gather, each hearing the believers praise God in "his own native tongue" (vv. 5-13). Peter then quiets the crowd. He explains the phenomenon by referring to Joel's Old Testament prophecy concerning a day when God will "pour out His Spirit" (vv. 14-21). Peter then proclaims Christ as God's Messiah and Saviour in a sermon that contains the basic elements of apostolic preaching (vv. 22-37). Some 3,000 heed his urgent call to "repent and be baptized," to accept forgiveness of sins through Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (vv. 38-41). With great enthusiasm the new converts commit themselves to live in the new Christian community (vv. 42-47).
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
"Pentecost" (2:1). The day fell 50 days after Passover and was originally a harvest festival (Lev. 23:15-16). In N.T. times it also commemorated Moses' giving of the Law on Sinai.
Visible signs (2:2-3). Three phenomena occurred together that made the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost an unmistakable and unique event:
(1) the rushing wind.
(2) the visible flames resting on each believer present.
(3) speaking in "other tongues." There is no record of these three being present together at any other time.
Filling with the Spirit (2:4). The image is common in the O.T. where it emphasizes the Holy Spirit's empowering of the individual for service (cf. Judges 6:34; 14:19). In the N.T., the Gk. verbs meaning "to fill" are always in the passive voice when filling with the Spirit is described. We "are filled," we do not fill ourselves.
The Spirit dwells in every believer (1 Cor. 6:19), and as we live in fellowship with God He will fill us. When He does we are enabled both to serve and to grow (cf. Gal. 5:19-23).
"Tongues" (2:3). There is great debate over the nature and significance of the "gift of tongues." Here, however, the text gives definite clues. These "tongues" were recognized as the "native languages" of visitors who had come to Jerusalem for the festival (v. 8).
The prophecy (2:15-21). Peter explains what has happened by quoting a prophecy which is being partially fulfilled. The fact that the ultimate fulfillment of O.T. prophecies was often foreshadowed by partial fulfillment was understood by Peter's listeners.
The elements of the prophecy he emphasizes are:
(1) the pouring out of the Spirit, which takes place "before" (no time specified!) the Day of the Lord comes.
(2) during which "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (v. 21).
Apostolic preaching (2:22-41). Peter's sermon here and other sermons recorded in Acts contain critical elements in common.
These are:
a) Jesus is a extraordinary person (2:22).
b) Jesus crucified and risen (2:23-24; 3:13-15).
c) All this was prophesied (2:25-35; 3:18).
d) Jesus is God's Messiah (2:36; 3:20).
e) All who turn and believe will be forgiven and given the Holy Spirit (2:37-38; 3:19, 21-26).
These themes remain basic elements of the proclamation of the Gospel in our day. A promise for all (2:39). The invitation to respond to the Gospel remains unlimited. But acceptance of the Gospel carries with it a very special obligation: to share it with "all."
The Christian community (2:42-47). This paragraph is often taken as a description of the ideal Christian community. It is united around the apostles' teaching:
1) Fellowship,
2) Prayer,
3) Sharing
4) Praise
The "breaking of bread" (2:42). This phrase refers to the Communion service.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The Importance of Christian (godly) Influence
Our Christian influence:
1) should reflect good, not evil
2) is wielded through our example of words and actions
3) can be seen through our associations
4) should be obvious to all
5) will ultimately affect our salvation
Each of us should be able to understand that he or she has an influence and that this influence must be used to further the cause of Christ, not hinder it. Hindering the cause of Christ with one’s influence is a sin in and of itself.
We must reinforce the concept that we must excel at having a godly influence on others.
The study text:Matthew 5:13-16
Points gathered from the study text:
1) From this passage we understand that Christians are to be like salt and like light.
2) Salt is a seasoning that influences other things that we eat. It is an influence that improves flavor and adds to the taste of what we are eating.
3) It is not typical for someone to just pick up a shaker of salt and start eating it to appreciate salt.
4) Light is something that we use to see other things that are around us. It is an influence improves our visibility of other objects.
5) It is not typical for someone to just stare at a light source, such as the Sun, to appreciate light.
6) These things are influences for the purpose of flavoring or illuminating something other than itself.
7) Christians are like salt and light in that they ought to have an influence on those around them.
8) But if our influence is not being used for good, then we are like salt that has “lost its savor.”
What does the word “influence” mean?
a) One definition reads, “The power or capacity of causing an effect (outcome) in indirect or intangible ways.
b) Another definition is as follows, “To affect or alter by indirect or intangible means.
Christian influence would therefore be to positively affect or alter someone or something through the way one lives the Christian life (i.e. through the words that we speak or the actions that we do) so as to indirectly cause another to choose that which is right.
From the perspective of Christianity, a bad influence would be to negatively affect or alter someone or something through the way one lives one’s life so as to indirectly cause another to choose that which is wrong.
Our Christian influence . . .
I. SHOULD REFLECT GOOD, NOT EVIL.
1) We must know difference between good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
2) Influence must reflect that which is holy and pure. Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect?;” 1 Peter 1:15-16 “Be holy.”
3) Our influence must not give place/opportunity to the devil to speak evil of us, Christ, or the church. Ephesians 4:27 “Neither give place to the devil.”
II. IS SHOWN THROUGH OUR EXAMPLE OF WORDS AND ACTIONS.
1) The choices that we make have repercussions in the lives of other people. Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
2) Words and actions must harmonize–hypocrites don’t have a good influence. James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
III. CAN BE SEEN THROUGH OUR ASSOCIATIONS.
1) Must not follow a multitude to do evil. Exodus 23:2
2) Not to associate with unfruitful works of darkness. Ephesians 5:6-13
a) Have no association with evil because it will affect your influence.
b) By not associating with wickedness, we shine the light of truth on that which is wrong.
3) Our fellowship should be with the Father and His children. 1 John 1:3-7
IV. SHOULD BE OBVIOUS TO ALL.
1) We should reflect the “excellencies” of God in our life. 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises/excellencies of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
a) Excellence is obvious.
b) If it is not obvious that something is a good influence, then it is NOT a good influence.
c) If someone does not know you are a Christian, then your influence is not good.
d) It should be obvious to everyone we know whether we are a Christian or not.
Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
V. WILL AFFECT OUR SALVATION.
1) Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
a) Salt that has lost its savor is cast out.
b) If we have lost our influence for good over those around us, then we will be cast out as well.
c) If we do not have a good influence on others, then they will have a bad influence on us.
d) However, those who have influence for good will be rewarded by God for that good influence.
1) should reflect good, not evil
2) is wielded through our example of words and actions
3) can be seen through our associations
4) should be obvious to all
5) will ultimately affect our salvation
Each of us should be able to understand that he or she has an influence and that this influence must be used to further the cause of Christ, not hinder it. Hindering the cause of Christ with one’s influence is a sin in and of itself.
We must reinforce the concept that we must excel at having a godly influence on others.
The study text:Matthew 5:13-16
Points gathered from the study text:
1) From this passage we understand that Christians are to be like salt and like light.
2) Salt is a seasoning that influences other things that we eat. It is an influence that improves flavor and adds to the taste of what we are eating.
3) It is not typical for someone to just pick up a shaker of salt and start eating it to appreciate salt.
4) Light is something that we use to see other things that are around us. It is an influence improves our visibility of other objects.
5) It is not typical for someone to just stare at a light source, such as the Sun, to appreciate light.
6) These things are influences for the purpose of flavoring or illuminating something other than itself.
7) Christians are like salt and light in that they ought to have an influence on those around them.
8) But if our influence is not being used for good, then we are like salt that has “lost its savor.”
What does the word “influence” mean?
a) One definition reads, “The power or capacity of causing an effect (outcome) in indirect or intangible ways.
b) Another definition is as follows, “To affect or alter by indirect or intangible means.
Christian influence would therefore be to positively affect or alter someone or something through the way one lives the Christian life (i.e. through the words that we speak or the actions that we do) so as to indirectly cause another to choose that which is right.
From the perspective of Christianity, a bad influence would be to negatively affect or alter someone or something through the way one lives one’s life so as to indirectly cause another to choose that which is wrong.
Our Christian influence . . .
I. SHOULD REFLECT GOOD, NOT EVIL.
1) We must know difference between good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
2) Influence must reflect that which is holy and pure. Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect?;” 1 Peter 1:15-16 “Be holy.”
3) Our influence must not give place/opportunity to the devil to speak evil of us, Christ, or the church. Ephesians 4:27 “Neither give place to the devil.”
II. IS SHOWN THROUGH OUR EXAMPLE OF WORDS AND ACTIONS.
1) The choices that we make have repercussions in the lives of other people. Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
2) Words and actions must harmonize–hypocrites don’t have a good influence. James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
III. CAN BE SEEN THROUGH OUR ASSOCIATIONS.
1) Must not follow a multitude to do evil. Exodus 23:2
2) Not to associate with unfruitful works of darkness. Ephesians 5:6-13
a) Have no association with evil because it will affect your influence.
b) By not associating with wickedness, we shine the light of truth on that which is wrong.
3) Our fellowship should be with the Father and His children. 1 John 1:3-7
IV. SHOULD BE OBVIOUS TO ALL.
1) We should reflect the “excellencies” of God in our life. 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises/excellencies of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
a) Excellence is obvious.
b) If it is not obvious that something is a good influence, then it is NOT a good influence.
c) If someone does not know you are a Christian, then your influence is not good.
d) It should be obvious to everyone we know whether we are a Christian or not.
Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
V. WILL AFFECT OUR SALVATION.
1) Matthew 5:13 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
a) Salt that has lost its savor is cast out.
b) If we have lost our influence for good over those around us, then we will be cast out as well.
c) If we do not have a good influence on others, then they will have a bad influence on us.
d) However, those who have influence for good will be rewarded by God for that good influence.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Mind
The words used in the Old and New Testaments for mind express a variety of ideas. The Bible has no word for brain; therefore, the concept of mind does not mean the physical organ but the varied functions of intellect, volition, and emotions which are associated with mind in the Scriptures. These ideas include the ability to think or apprehend, to judge, feel, determine; to think critically; the process of comprehending so as to arrive at a result. The mind itself seems to be neutral, its moral quality being determined by the old or new capacity to which it is subject.
The mind of the unsaved person is not described in very flattering terms in the Scriptures. It is evil (Gen. 6:5); it is reprobate or no-good (Rom. 1:28). This is due to the rejection of the light of revelation which God gives to all men in nature (Rom. 1:18-21). In other words, it is self-determined reprobation brought on by man's willful rejection of what he could know of the power of God through the universal revelation of God in the creation. The unsaved man because of the Fall is without a critical faculty (Rom. 3:11) when it comes to understanding the things of God. This is not to say that he is without understanding or intelligence, but it is to say that his mind is darkened and vain (Eph. 4:17-18). Actually, it is at war with God (Rom. 8:6-7). It is defiled (literally, dyed with another color, Titus 1:15) and corrupt (1 Tim. 6:5). All of this is due to the fact that Satan has "blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor. 4:4). This is a very crucial verse to remember in the matter of witnessing, for it reminds us that getting a person saved involves more than convincing him of the truth of the gospel. You may argue, persuade, convince, and bring someone to the point of agreement, but unless there is a removal of that satanic blindness there will be no conversion. And, of course, no human being is powerful enough to remove such blindness—only God the Holy Spirit can do that. Intellectual arguments have their rightful place—and I am certainly not promoting an unintelligent presentation of the gospel—but they must be presented in the power of the Spirit before they can be effective unto salvation.
There is a very close relationship between the new nature and the power of the Holy Spirit, and there is constant conflict between the two capacities.
These biblical characteristics of the unsaved person's mind do not mean that he is incapable of good thinking or right action. In His graciousness to man, God has bestowed some very marvelous minds on mankind which they have used for the common good. These are gifts of His common grace. All of us are indebted to many unsaved people for the advances which their minds have given to our contemporary civilization. And yet with all of the qualities which men's minds may possess, they are still afflicted with the undesirable characteristics described in the Scriptures, although these characteristics may not be so evident in one person as in another. And they are particularly seen when the unsaved person tries to apply his natural mind to the sphere of religion; and that in turn, of course, affects to a certain degree his whole viewpoint on life.
Furthermore, it should be remembered that the Christian may choose to allow these characteristics of the old mind to show themselves in his life. God has judged the old capacity so that we need not be controlled by it, but it is not yet extinct and we can be controlled by it. If allowed to exercise itself, it can manifest itself as the evil, reprobate, carnal, uncritical, darkened, vain, defiled, corrupt, and blinded mind that it is.
With the miracle of regeneration comes the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). What is the mind of Christ? It is above all else the attitude of not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought, and this is the frame of mind which we must cultivate (Phil. 2:5). Here again is an example of the need for balance in spiritual living as it relates to the mind. We have the mind of Christ, and yet we are obliged to think (an active voice imperative in Phil. 2:5 translated passively as "Let" in the kjv) humbly. God has done something, and we are to do something in order to reveal what He has done. Divine and human works are both involved. But what is this which we are to think? In accordance with the perfect example of Christ, we are to think in complete submission to the will of God.
People run on emotions rather than intellect in the christian life, and instead of leading their thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, every billboard and each tv commercial leads them captive to the obedience of lust.
In order to have the mind of Christ, submission to the will of God, we will have to understand what the will of God is, and that requires thinking (Eph. 5:17). If discerning His will happens to involve the area of doubtful things in Christian conduct, we shall have to use the mind in arriving at a conclusion (Rom. 14:5). The Holy Spirit's ministry of teaching our understandings will be necessary (John 16:13; cf. Luke 24:45).
Furthermore, we shall have to gird the mind (1 Peter 1:13) so that we do not have loose, undisciplined thoughts; girding necessitates capturing the mind (2 Cor. 10:5). How important these responsibilities are in these days especially. There is so much loose thinking (if there is any thinking done at all!). People run on emotions rather than intellect in the Christian life, and instead of leading their thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, every billboard and each TV commercial leads them captive to the obedience of lust. Our minds ought to be giving the stimulation of Christianity to the world; instead the stimuli of the world govern our minds.
What is the way to practice the mind of Christ? Is there a "secret" for victory in this area? Yes, there is, and it is no secret! The formula is a continuous renewing of the mind (Rom. 12:2). Notice that this is a complete metamorphosis, not a surface change. And notice too that the verb in this verse is in the present tense, indicating that it is a continuous process. This reminds us again of the fact that spirituality is not an instantaneous achievement but one that requires time for maturity. In Romans 12:2 Paul states the negative of being transformed by the renewing of the mind in the phrase "do not be conformed to this world." That word conformed appears also in 1 Peter 1:14 and might be translated in Romans 12:2 "Do not be fashioned according to this world." The picture is of putting the cheap veneer of the world over the genuine life of a believer. Usually veneer is a more expensive material placed over inexpensive wood, but in this verse the image is reversed. The world is the cheap veneer which too often is placed over the expensive work of regeneration, and Paul says this ought not to be. This means that thoughts, ideas, standards, ambitions, conceptions must all be those which conform to the will of God, and we must be constantly renewing our minds along these lines in order to exhibit the mind of Christ.
There is also another aspect to this formula for victory in relation to the mind, and that is Paul's doctrine of "The Power of Positive Thinking" as found in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable [worthy of reverence or honorable], whatever is right [righteous in God's sight—and how this cuts across the standards of the world today], whatever is pure [separated unto God like the Nazirite was], whatever is lovely [admirable so that you are motivated to do the same yourself], whatever is of good repute [winsome], if there is any excellence and if anything [is] worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." We are responsible for considering these things in a world that is filled with all the opposite and in conflict with an old mind that constantly wars within us. Luther is reported to have said, "You cannot prevent a bird flying over your head but you can prevent his making a nest in your hair." Continual renewing of the basic ideas of the mind (Rom. 12:2), and persistent concentration on right thoughts (Phil. 4:8) are the secrets for effectively manifesting the mind of Christ in the daily life. This is the characteristic of genuine spirituality.
The mind of the unsaved person is not described in very flattering terms in the Scriptures. It is evil (Gen. 6:5); it is reprobate or no-good (Rom. 1:28). This is due to the rejection of the light of revelation which God gives to all men in nature (Rom. 1:18-21). In other words, it is self-determined reprobation brought on by man's willful rejection of what he could know of the power of God through the universal revelation of God in the creation. The unsaved man because of the Fall is without a critical faculty (Rom. 3:11) when it comes to understanding the things of God. This is not to say that he is without understanding or intelligence, but it is to say that his mind is darkened and vain (Eph. 4:17-18). Actually, it is at war with God (Rom. 8:6-7). It is defiled (literally, dyed with another color, Titus 1:15) and corrupt (1 Tim. 6:5). All of this is due to the fact that Satan has "blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Cor. 4:4). This is a very crucial verse to remember in the matter of witnessing, for it reminds us that getting a person saved involves more than convincing him of the truth of the gospel. You may argue, persuade, convince, and bring someone to the point of agreement, but unless there is a removal of that satanic blindness there will be no conversion. And, of course, no human being is powerful enough to remove such blindness—only God the Holy Spirit can do that. Intellectual arguments have their rightful place—and I am certainly not promoting an unintelligent presentation of the gospel—but they must be presented in the power of the Spirit before they can be effective unto salvation.
There is a very close relationship between the new nature and the power of the Holy Spirit, and there is constant conflict between the two capacities.
These biblical characteristics of the unsaved person's mind do not mean that he is incapable of good thinking or right action. In His graciousness to man, God has bestowed some very marvelous minds on mankind which they have used for the common good. These are gifts of His common grace. All of us are indebted to many unsaved people for the advances which their minds have given to our contemporary civilization. And yet with all of the qualities which men's minds may possess, they are still afflicted with the undesirable characteristics described in the Scriptures, although these characteristics may not be so evident in one person as in another. And they are particularly seen when the unsaved person tries to apply his natural mind to the sphere of religion; and that in turn, of course, affects to a certain degree his whole viewpoint on life.
Furthermore, it should be remembered that the Christian may choose to allow these characteristics of the old mind to show themselves in his life. God has judged the old capacity so that we need not be controlled by it, but it is not yet extinct and we can be controlled by it. If allowed to exercise itself, it can manifest itself as the evil, reprobate, carnal, uncritical, darkened, vain, defiled, corrupt, and blinded mind that it is.
With the miracle of regeneration comes the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). What is the mind of Christ? It is above all else the attitude of not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought, and this is the frame of mind which we must cultivate (Phil. 2:5). Here again is an example of the need for balance in spiritual living as it relates to the mind. We have the mind of Christ, and yet we are obliged to think (an active voice imperative in Phil. 2:5 translated passively as "Let" in the kjv) humbly. God has done something, and we are to do something in order to reveal what He has done. Divine and human works are both involved. But what is this which we are to think? In accordance with the perfect example of Christ, we are to think in complete submission to the will of God.
People run on emotions rather than intellect in the christian life, and instead of leading their thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, every billboard and each tv commercial leads them captive to the obedience of lust.
In order to have the mind of Christ, submission to the will of God, we will have to understand what the will of God is, and that requires thinking (Eph. 5:17). If discerning His will happens to involve the area of doubtful things in Christian conduct, we shall have to use the mind in arriving at a conclusion (Rom. 14:5). The Holy Spirit's ministry of teaching our understandings will be necessary (John 16:13; cf. Luke 24:45).
Furthermore, we shall have to gird the mind (1 Peter 1:13) so that we do not have loose, undisciplined thoughts; girding necessitates capturing the mind (2 Cor. 10:5). How important these responsibilities are in these days especially. There is so much loose thinking (if there is any thinking done at all!). People run on emotions rather than intellect in the Christian life, and instead of leading their thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, every billboard and each TV commercial leads them captive to the obedience of lust. Our minds ought to be giving the stimulation of Christianity to the world; instead the stimuli of the world govern our minds.
What is the way to practice the mind of Christ? Is there a "secret" for victory in this area? Yes, there is, and it is no secret! The formula is a continuous renewing of the mind (Rom. 12:2). Notice that this is a complete metamorphosis, not a surface change. And notice too that the verb in this verse is in the present tense, indicating that it is a continuous process. This reminds us again of the fact that spirituality is not an instantaneous achievement but one that requires time for maturity. In Romans 12:2 Paul states the negative of being transformed by the renewing of the mind in the phrase "do not be conformed to this world." That word conformed appears also in 1 Peter 1:14 and might be translated in Romans 12:2 "Do not be fashioned according to this world." The picture is of putting the cheap veneer of the world over the genuine life of a believer. Usually veneer is a more expensive material placed over inexpensive wood, but in this verse the image is reversed. The world is the cheap veneer which too often is placed over the expensive work of regeneration, and Paul says this ought not to be. This means that thoughts, ideas, standards, ambitions, conceptions must all be those which conform to the will of God, and we must be constantly renewing our minds along these lines in order to exhibit the mind of Christ.
There is also another aspect to this formula for victory in relation to the mind, and that is Paul's doctrine of "The Power of Positive Thinking" as found in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable [worthy of reverence or honorable], whatever is right [righteous in God's sight—and how this cuts across the standards of the world today], whatever is pure [separated unto God like the Nazirite was], whatever is lovely [admirable so that you are motivated to do the same yourself], whatever is of good repute [winsome], if there is any excellence and if anything [is] worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." We are responsible for considering these things in a world that is filled with all the opposite and in conflict with an old mind that constantly wars within us. Luther is reported to have said, "You cannot prevent a bird flying over your head but you can prevent his making a nest in your hair." Continual renewing of the basic ideas of the mind (Rom. 12:2), and persistent concentration on right thoughts (Phil. 4:8) are the secrets for effectively manifesting the mind of Christ in the daily life. This is the characteristic of genuine spirituality.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Spiritual Man and Mind (Part 2)
Study Text: 1 Corinthians 2:15-16:
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
F) that he can kill the sinful deeds of his body only by the Spirit.
"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Romans 8:13).
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
G) that the presence of the Spirit's leadership in the man's life proves that he is a child of God.
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:16-17).
"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6).
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us" (1 John 3:24).
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13).
"This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth" (1 John 5:6).
Three things are said about the spiritual man:
1) The spiritual person (man or woman) judges or discerns all things. The word judges means the very same thing as discern in the former verse. The man who believes in Jesus Christ experiences a most wonderful thing.
2) The Spirit of God enters and dwells within his or her body converting his or her body into a holy temple for God's presence.
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16).
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19).
3) The person (man or woman) actually partakes of the divine nature of God and becomes a new creature, a new man.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephes. 4:24).
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Col. 3:10).
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
F) that he can kill the sinful deeds of his body only by the Spirit.
"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Romans 8:13).
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
G) that the presence of the Spirit's leadership in the man's life proves that he is a child of God.
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:16-17).
"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6).
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us" (1 John 3:24).
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13).
"This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth" (1 John 5:6).
Three things are said about the spiritual man:
1) The spiritual person (man or woman) judges or discerns all things. The word judges means the very same thing as discern in the former verse. The man who believes in Jesus Christ experiences a most wonderful thing.
2) The Spirit of God enters and dwells within his or her body converting his or her body into a holy temple for God's presence.
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16).
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19).
3) The person (man or woman) actually partakes of the divine nature of God and becomes a new creature, a new man.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4).
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephes. 4:24).
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Col. 3:10).
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Spiritual Man and Mind (Part 1)
Study Text:
1 Corinthians (2:15-16) Spiritual Man: there is the spiritual man or what the Greek calls the “pneumatikos” ( pynoo-mat-ik-os’) man. The word "spirit" (pneuma) is the word used for the Holy Spirit which means that the spiritual man is a person in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. A man is spiritual because the Holy Spirit dwells in him. He is not spiritual because he...
• has received some superior, human gift.
• has received some unusual ability.
• has become more intelligent than before.
• has become greater than he was before.
• has become better than he was before.
A man becomes spiritual because he has received the Spirit of God and is living under the influence of the Spirit of God. When man receives Christ Jesus as his Savior, Scripture says...
A) that he is born again by the Spirit of God.
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:5-6; 1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19).
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:23).
B) that he minds the things of God, not the things of the flesh.
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6).
C) that he is in the Spirit and that the Spirit dwells in him.
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Romans 8:9).
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16-17).
D) that the Spirit imparts life to him.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10).
E) that the Spirit quickens his mortal body.
"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18).
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63)
1 Corinthians (2:15-16) Spiritual Man: there is the spiritual man or what the Greek calls the “pneumatikos” ( pynoo-mat-ik-os’) man. The word "spirit" (pneuma) is the word used for the Holy Spirit which means that the spiritual man is a person in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. A man is spiritual because the Holy Spirit dwells in him. He is not spiritual because he...
• has received some superior, human gift.
• has received some unusual ability.
• has become more intelligent than before.
• has become greater than he was before.
• has become better than he was before.
A man becomes spiritual because he has received the Spirit of God and is living under the influence of the Spirit of God. When man receives Christ Jesus as his Savior, Scripture says...
A) that he is born again by the Spirit of God.
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:5-6; 1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19).
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:23).
B) that he minds the things of God, not the things of the flesh.
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6).
C) that he is in the Spirit and that the Spirit dwells in him.
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Romans 8:9).
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16-17).
D) that the Spirit imparts life to him.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10).
E) that the Spirit quickens his mortal body.
"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18).
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Nothing Is Impossible With God
For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
According to the Bible, a miracle is a divine act. Through miracles, God reveals His power to people on the earth. The Greek word for “miracle”—dunamis, literally meaning “power”—indicates that a miracle is an act of God’s power. Miracles often defy, or overpower, natural law—but not always. God can also use nature to perform a miracle, for the furtherance of His benevolent and redemptive purpose.
1) God can make possible the impossible.
2) Impossibilities limit people, but not God.
3) Impossibilities are simply God's opportunities to work.
4) In Christ, God has made possible the impossible.
According to the Bible, a miracle is a divine act. Through miracles, God reveals His power to people on the earth. The Greek word for “miracle”—dunamis, literally meaning “power”—indicates that a miracle is an act of God’s power. Miracles often defy, or overpower, natural law—but not always. God can also use nature to perform a miracle, for the furtherance of His benevolent and redemptive purpose.
1) God can make possible the impossible.
2) Impossibilities limit people, but not God.
3) Impossibilities are simply God's opportunities to work.
4) In Christ, God has made possible the impossible.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Walking In The Spirit
Here is an important question we must ask ourselves, “Am I in Christ?” If the answer is yes, then “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
The individual who is “in Christ Jesus” does not walk after the flesh, but after and in step with the Holy Spirit. He walks according to the guidance of the Spirit. To be “filled with the Spirit” is to be under the control of the Spirit. Every believer has the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to be yielded to Him. He has the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. The result of our justification through faith in Christ is a new creation, no longer under the control of the flesh, but in the spirit, a spiritual person.
No, God does not eradicate the flesh. It is still there striving and warring against the Spirit, and it will be there until the Christian is taken up into heaven to be with God.
That apostle Paul tells us the person who is “in Christ Jesus” commits himself to the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit. He gives us guidance, encouragement, correction, and leads us in the paths of righteousness so that we become more like Christ.
Another important question for the believer is, Am I walking according to the flesh? Or, Am I walking in the Spirit? Our response determines what we produce in our daily lives.
The apostle Paul said, “Do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).
How do you know the difference? “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (v. 5).
Is my life conduct under the control of the Spirit? If so, I will produce the fruit of the Spirit in my life (Galatians 5:22-23). It will be the opposite of the works of the flesh (vv. 19-21).
How is your walk? Your walk is determined by your thinking. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Set your mind on the things of the flesh, let it be dominated by fleshly thoughts, and you will produce the works of the flesh. Let your mind be under the control of the Holy Spirit and you will produce the fruit of the Spirit.
Kenneth Wuest translates Romans 8:5, “For those who are habitually dominated by the sinful nature put their minds on the things of the sinful nature, but those who are habitually dominated by the Spirit put their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
Does the Holy Spirit or the flesh habitually dominate your mind? You will know by what your life is producing. Set your mind on the flesh and you will produce flesh. Let it be under the power and control of the Holy Spirit and you become like Jesus Christ in your behavior.
The only way to not walk in the flesh is to change masters of the mind. “Be transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:2). Edgar Goodspeed translated Romans 8:5b, “People who are controlled by the spiritual think of what is spiritual.” When we set our minds on the Spirit we produce spiritual things that are pleasing to God. Kenneth Taylor paraphrased this verse, “Those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God.”
The Amplified Bible reads, “For those who are according to the flesh and controlled by its unholy desires, set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh. But those who are according to the Spirit and [controlled by the desires] of the Spirit, set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the (Holy) Spirit.”
Where do you choose to let your thoughts dwell? You are what you think. Will you not now choose to bow your mind to the control of Spirit of God? Let Him control your thinking.
Let the desire of your heart be to depend not upon yourself, but on Christ alone. That is the work of the Holy Spirit within you. We have everything we need to live the Christian life in Him and what He chooses to provide. Our inner resource is God Himself—the Hoy Spirit. Let Him control your mind, your heart, and your actions will pleasing to God.
The text of Romans 8:5-8 in different translations:
Romans 8:5-8 (NCV) Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things the Spirit wants them to do. If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. When people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, they are against God, because they refuse to obey God’s law and really are not even able to obey God’s law. Those people who are ruled by their sinful selves cannot please God.
Romans 8:5-8 (HCSB) For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God.
Romans 8:5-8 (MSG) Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.
The individual who is “in Christ Jesus” does not walk after the flesh, but after and in step with the Holy Spirit. He walks according to the guidance of the Spirit. To be “filled with the Spirit” is to be under the control of the Spirit. Every believer has the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to be yielded to Him. He has the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. The result of our justification through faith in Christ is a new creation, no longer under the control of the flesh, but in the spirit, a spiritual person.
No, God does not eradicate the flesh. It is still there striving and warring against the Spirit, and it will be there until the Christian is taken up into heaven to be with God.
That apostle Paul tells us the person who is “in Christ Jesus” commits himself to the guidance and control of the Holy Spirit. He gives us guidance, encouragement, correction, and leads us in the paths of righteousness so that we become more like Christ.
Another important question for the believer is, Am I walking according to the flesh? Or, Am I walking in the Spirit? Our response determines what we produce in our daily lives.
The apostle Paul said, “Do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).
How do you know the difference? “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (v. 5).
Is my life conduct under the control of the Spirit? If so, I will produce the fruit of the Spirit in my life (Galatians 5:22-23). It will be the opposite of the works of the flesh (vv. 19-21).
How is your walk? Your walk is determined by your thinking. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Set your mind on the things of the flesh, let it be dominated by fleshly thoughts, and you will produce the works of the flesh. Let your mind be under the control of the Holy Spirit and you will produce the fruit of the Spirit.
Kenneth Wuest translates Romans 8:5, “For those who are habitually dominated by the sinful nature put their minds on the things of the sinful nature, but those who are habitually dominated by the Spirit put their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
Does the Holy Spirit or the flesh habitually dominate your mind? You will know by what your life is producing. Set your mind on the flesh and you will produce flesh. Let it be under the power and control of the Holy Spirit and you become like Jesus Christ in your behavior.
The only way to not walk in the flesh is to change masters of the mind. “Be transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:2). Edgar Goodspeed translated Romans 8:5b, “People who are controlled by the spiritual think of what is spiritual.” When we set our minds on the Spirit we produce spiritual things that are pleasing to God. Kenneth Taylor paraphrased this verse, “Those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God.”
The Amplified Bible reads, “For those who are according to the flesh and controlled by its unholy desires, set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh. But those who are according to the Spirit and [controlled by the desires] of the Spirit, set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the (Holy) Spirit.”
Where do you choose to let your thoughts dwell? You are what you think. Will you not now choose to bow your mind to the control of Spirit of God? Let Him control your thinking.
Let the desire of your heart be to depend not upon yourself, but on Christ alone. That is the work of the Holy Spirit within you. We have everything we need to live the Christian life in Him and what He chooses to provide. Our inner resource is God Himself—the Hoy Spirit. Let Him control your mind, your heart, and your actions will pleasing to God.
The text of Romans 8:5-8 in different translations:
Romans 8:5-8 (NCV) Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things the Spirit wants them to do. If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. When people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, they are against God, because they refuse to obey God’s law and really are not even able to obey God’s law. Those people who are ruled by their sinful selves cannot please God.
Romans 8:5-8 (HCSB) For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God.
Romans 8:5-8 (MSG) Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Spiritual Maturity (Part 2)
Spiritual maturity should be a priority for us. "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:13-14). As a believer, we are not to be milk-fed. Instead, we are called to chew on the "meat" of God's Word. Discover God's truth by in-depth Bible study and feed ourselves spiritually. Then apply that sustenance to our life as we walk in the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Maturity - Living In Christ
In order to experience spiritual maturity, we must also understand that growth comes by grace and it is God alone who is your resource. (2 Peter 1:3-9) reminds you that God is the source. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."
When one becomes a child of God, we were given all you need "in Christ" to become a spiritually maturing believer. However, we are responsible to make a choice! Will we choose to use and apply God's principles to our life? The wonderful thing about being in submission to God's maturing process is that we will be changed! We don't have to worry about becoming mature. God does the changing! He will conform us to the image of Jesus Christ as we humbly surrender to His Holy Spirit and learn His Word.
Spiritual Maturity - Living In Christ
In order to experience spiritual maturity, we must also understand that growth comes by grace and it is God alone who is your resource. (2 Peter 1:3-9) reminds you that God is the source. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."
When one becomes a child of God, we were given all you need "in Christ" to become a spiritually maturing believer. However, we are responsible to make a choice! Will we choose to use and apply God's principles to our life? The wonderful thing about being in submission to God's maturing process is that we will be changed! We don't have to worry about becoming mature. God does the changing! He will conform us to the image of Jesus Christ as we humbly surrender to His Holy Spirit and learn His Word.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Spiritual Maturity (Part 1)
Spiritual Maturity - A Definition
Spiritual maturity is a process that begins after a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior. He or she is born again of the Holy Spirit and then chooses to live "in Christ." The Apostle Paul said that spiritual growth is an ongoing process. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14). Even the Apostle Paul had not arrived, yet he continually pressed toward the prize.
Therefore, in order for us to mature as Christians, we must make a choice to learn God's Word, allow God to renew our minds by His Word, and then be obedient to what we have learned. (Romans 12:1-2) says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Spiritual Maturity - Accomplishing Growth
What are the marks of spiritual maturity?
Those that are spiritually mature learn how to walk in obedience to God. It is making the choice to live by God's viewpoint rather than our own viewpoint, or the world view. (Galatians 5:16 and 25) give the key, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." The word "walk" in verse 16 is from the Greek word peripateo, which means "to walk with a purpose in view." The word "walk" in verse 25 is translated from another Greek word stoicheo and it means "step by step, one step at a time." It is learning to walk under the instruction of another. That person is the Holy Spirit. Since believers are indwelt by the Spirit, we should also walk under His control.
How can we learn to walk in the Spirit?
By studying God's Word, and not obeying the desires of the flesh.
(2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17) instructs us, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth…All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This is good practical instruction on how you become spiritually mature. It is not done by osmosis, but it is done by choosing to apply God's Word in everyday circumstances. As we walk step-by-step, applying God's Word to our life, we will grow spiritually.
Spiritual maturity is a process that begins after a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior. He or she is born again of the Holy Spirit and then chooses to live "in Christ." The Apostle Paul said that spiritual growth is an ongoing process. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14). Even the Apostle Paul had not arrived, yet he continually pressed toward the prize.
Therefore, in order for us to mature as Christians, we must make a choice to learn God's Word, allow God to renew our minds by His Word, and then be obedient to what we have learned. (Romans 12:1-2) says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Spiritual Maturity - Accomplishing Growth
What are the marks of spiritual maturity?
Those that are spiritually mature learn how to walk in obedience to God. It is making the choice to live by God's viewpoint rather than our own viewpoint, or the world view. (Galatians 5:16 and 25) give the key, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." The word "walk" in verse 16 is from the Greek word peripateo, which means "to walk with a purpose in view." The word "walk" in verse 25 is translated from another Greek word stoicheo and it means "step by step, one step at a time." It is learning to walk under the instruction of another. That person is the Holy Spirit. Since believers are indwelt by the Spirit, we should also walk under His control.
How can we learn to walk in the Spirit?
By studying God's Word, and not obeying the desires of the flesh.
(2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17) instructs us, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth…All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This is good practical instruction on how you become spiritually mature. It is not done by osmosis, but it is done by choosing to apply God's Word in everyday circumstances. As we walk step-by-step, applying God's Word to our life, we will grow spiritually.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 6)
1) There are two kinds of Christian’s mentioned in the Book of Hebrews that are found in every Christian Church:
• those that remain babies in Christ (that only want milk; to feel good)
• those that mature in Christ (that want solid food, the Word that produces growth)
2) We are called to come out of all sluggishness and weakness, pressing on to the perfection that Jesus Christ has come to reveal; maturing in our understanding of God’s Word.
3) We must begin to build on the foundational truths on the Word of God. These are the six foundational truths mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 6:
The new believer receives instruction regarding: (the rudiments of the Word of Christ)
• repentance from dead works
• faith towards God
Then that which references the new believer’s public confession of faith and connection to the Church:
• the teaching of baptism
• the laying on of hands
Finally, that which relates to the future life:
• the resurrection of the dead
• eternal judgment
4) The person that has experienced God will find it difficult to repent and return to God if they walk away from Him; seeing that they crucify Jesus Christ upon the cross again, figuratively.
5) The person that experiences the falling rain of God becomes soaked and produces fruit. However, the person that experiences the same rain and produces nothing but thorns and thistles will be condemned.
6) We show love to God by helping Christians that are in need. God misses nothing, He knows perfectly well the love we show each other; what we do and why we do it.
7) God desires that we keep on loving each other as long as life lasts, believing that which we hope for will come to pass.
8) Those of us that continue to love and hope will never become spiritually dull and indifferent.
9) We are to follow the example of those that inherited the promises of God because of their faith and endurance. (for example: Abraham)
10) Because there is no one greater than God; God Himself backs His promises with His own reputation. Those of us that receive a promise from God never have to worry about Him changing His mind.
11) We must grab a hold of the promised hope, with both hands and never let go.
12) The hope that we have serves as a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
13) We have an unbreakable spiritual lifeline that gives us direct access to God; there are no hindrances. Jesus as our High Priest has secured this for us; He is the eternal High Priest of Righteousness.
• those that remain babies in Christ (that only want milk; to feel good)
• those that mature in Christ (that want solid food, the Word that produces growth)
2) We are called to come out of all sluggishness and weakness, pressing on to the perfection that Jesus Christ has come to reveal; maturing in our understanding of God’s Word.
3) We must begin to build on the foundational truths on the Word of God. These are the six foundational truths mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 6:
The new believer receives instruction regarding: (the rudiments of the Word of Christ)
• repentance from dead works
• faith towards God
Then that which references the new believer’s public confession of faith and connection to the Church:
• the teaching of baptism
• the laying on of hands
Finally, that which relates to the future life:
• the resurrection of the dead
• eternal judgment
4) The person that has experienced God will find it difficult to repent and return to God if they walk away from Him; seeing that they crucify Jesus Christ upon the cross again, figuratively.
5) The person that experiences the falling rain of God becomes soaked and produces fruit. However, the person that experiences the same rain and produces nothing but thorns and thistles will be condemned.
6) We show love to God by helping Christians that are in need. God misses nothing, He knows perfectly well the love we show each other; what we do and why we do it.
7) God desires that we keep on loving each other as long as life lasts, believing that which we hope for will come to pass.
8) Those of us that continue to love and hope will never become spiritually dull and indifferent.
9) We are to follow the example of those that inherited the promises of God because of their faith and endurance. (for example: Abraham)
10) Because there is no one greater than God; God Himself backs His promises with His own reputation. Those of us that receive a promise from God never have to worry about Him changing His mind.
11) We must grab a hold of the promised hope, with both hands and never let go.
12) The hope that we have serves as a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
13) We have an unbreakable spiritual lifeline that gives us direct access to God; there are no hindrances. Jesus as our High Priest has secured this for us; He is the eternal High Priest of Righteousness.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Contact With God: God Gives
1 Corinthians 1:4–6
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.”
2 Corinthians 9:13–15
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Ephesians 1:4–6
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
Ephesians 3:2
“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you…”
Ephesians 4:7
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
In the previous lesson (God Contact: He Sees) we discovered something about contact with God. When we have contact with God, we can count on experiencing at least one, if not all, of these things:
Thing 1: God Sees. He sees your predicament, your despair, your need.
Thing 2: God Gives. He gives you what you need—grace, gifts, forgiveness.
Thing 3: God Calls. He calls you to join Him in His mission.
Whenever God repeats a word or phrase in Scripture, it’s His way of stressing that something important is going on, something He wants you to notice. That’s why it’s a good habit to mark key words (which are often just repeated words) whenever you see them in the Bible.
Now this: You probably noticed the word grace kept showing up alongside the word give. Reread the verses and draw a gift box over the word grace. Then look at your gift boxes and journal everything you learn about the connection between give and grace. Answer questions such as: • How is it given? • Who gives it? • To whom is it given?
The connection between give and grace is a major theme of these verses, and these are just a sliver of the many verses in the Bible that make this connection. So why is this important? Take a minute to ask God that very question. Spend a few minutes praying about these verses, and write down anything God shows you about the connection between give and grace.
Experiencing God’s grace is easier than you may think.
If you want it, you got it. If you feel as if you’re taking advantage of God by accepting His free gift, you are. That’s what God loves.
So, what do you need from God? Grace? Strength? Wisdom? He’s ready to give it to you. This lesson focused on grace, but you can substitute any other of God’s perfect gifts. When God made contact with Moses in Exodus 3, He gave Moses what he needed: assurance of His presence and His staff, to name two. When we have contact with God, He doesn’t let us leave our encounter with Him until we have everything we need.
After you’ve read the verses above, spend some time experiencing something God is desperate to give you: His grace. See also:James 1:17-18; 4:6-10
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.”
2 Corinthians 9:13–15
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Ephesians 1:4–6
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
Ephesians 3:2
“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you…”
Ephesians 4:7
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
In the previous lesson (God Contact: He Sees) we discovered something about contact with God. When we have contact with God, we can count on experiencing at least one, if not all, of these things:
Thing 1: God Sees. He sees your predicament, your despair, your need.
Thing 2: God Gives. He gives you what you need—grace, gifts, forgiveness.
Thing 3: God Calls. He calls you to join Him in His mission.
Whenever God repeats a word or phrase in Scripture, it’s His way of stressing that something important is going on, something He wants you to notice. That’s why it’s a good habit to mark key words (which are often just repeated words) whenever you see them in the Bible.
Now this: You probably noticed the word grace kept showing up alongside the word give. Reread the verses and draw a gift box over the word grace. Then look at your gift boxes and journal everything you learn about the connection between give and grace. Answer questions such as: • How is it given? • Who gives it? • To whom is it given?
The connection between give and grace is a major theme of these verses, and these are just a sliver of the many verses in the Bible that make this connection. So why is this important? Take a minute to ask God that very question. Spend a few minutes praying about these verses, and write down anything God shows you about the connection between give and grace.
Experiencing God’s grace is easier than you may think.
If you want it, you got it. If you feel as if you’re taking advantage of God by accepting His free gift, you are. That’s what God loves.
So, what do you need from God? Grace? Strength? Wisdom? He’s ready to give it to you. This lesson focused on grace, but you can substitute any other of God’s perfect gifts. When God made contact with Moses in Exodus 3, He gave Moses what he needed: assurance of His presence and His staff, to name two. When we have contact with God, He doesn’t let us leave our encounter with Him until we have everything we need.
After you’ve read the verses above, spend some time experiencing something God is desperate to give you: His grace. See also:James 1:17-18; 4:6-10
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